saturday, April 18, 2015

Transcription

saturday, April 18, 2015
Sponsored by the Higher Education Council of Berks County:
Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks,
Reading Area Community College. Hosted by Albright College.
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welcome
Welcome to Albright College! We are pleased to host the 16th annual HECBC Undergraduate
Research and Creativity Conference and look forward to all of the presentations. More than 200
students from the HECBC schools and other institutions are on our campus today, and the variety
of projects you have worked on are testament to your hard work and talent, and to the dedication
of your faculty mentors.
As a liberal arts college, Albright recognizes the enormous value of undergraduate research and
creative endeavors and actively fosters their practice. Faculty members from every discipline work
side-by-side with Albright students, sharing in the creation of a unique curriculum that blends
classroom learning, textbook study, close mentorship, and applied experience.
We invest in experiential educational programs because it gives our students not only the skills
their disciplines demand but also the wisdom that comes from making mistakes. This is where
much valuable learning occurs. It is no accident that the Albright Creative Research Experience
is among the most in-demand co-curricular programs on our campus, or that we have sent many
dozens of students to present their work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
I thank Albright’s outgoing provost, Andrea Chapdelaine, who has been an unwavering champion
of experiential learning during her time at the College, and Kim Justeson, our director of experiential
learning, who has been instrumental in putting today together. Please enjoy your time at Albright,
and accept my best wishes on your continued success.
Sincerely,
Lex O. McMillan III
President, Albright College
11th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference 3
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conference schedule
8 A.M.-1:15 P.M.
Registration
Roessner Hall Atrium
8-10 A.M.
Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:30 A.M. Paper Session 1 Roessner Hall 101,102, 104, 105, 201, 203,204, 205
8:30-9:30 A.M. Poster Session 1
9:45-10:45 A.M. Paper Session 2 Performance Session 2
Visual Art Session
Roessner Hall 101,102, 104, 105, 201, 203,204, 205
9:45-10:45 A.M. Poster Session 2 Roessner Hall Atrium
Welcome & Keynote
Klein Lecture Hall
12-1 P.M. Lunch
Dining Hall
1:15-2:15 P.M. Paper Session 3 Performance Session 3
Roessner Hall 101,102, 104, 105, 205
11-11:45 A.M. Sponsored by the Higher Education Council of Berks County: Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University,
Penn State Berks, Reading Area Community College. Hosted by Albright College.
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Keynote Speaker
Robert J. Beall, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Under the leadership of Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation has significantly advanced the search
for a cure for cystic fibrosis and helped dramatically improve
the length and quality of life for people with CF. Beall began
his tenure at the CF Foundation in 1980 as executive vice
president for medical affairs and for the past 21 years has
served as president and chief executive officer. Prior to joining
the CF Foundation, Beall was on the medical school faculty of
Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and worked at
the National Institutes of Health, where he managed a large
portion of NIH’s cystic fibrosis program.
During Beall’s tenure, the CF Foundation has become one
of the most respected voluntary health organizations in the
country. The CF Foundation’s innovative “venture philanthropy”
approach to drug development, in which the CF Foundation
invests in research collaborations with pharmaceutical
companies to help bring new therapies to patients, has been
emulated by other nonprofit health organizations. The creation
in the 1980s of a national network of research centers of
excellence, the Research Development Program, attracted
many leading institutions and first-rate scientists to the CF
research effort. This collaborative network contributed to the
identification of the CF gene in 1989. Since that discovery, the
CF Foundation has focused on translating knowledge about
the gene and the basic defect in CF into the development of
novel CF treatments. In 1998, the CF Foundation launched
its ground-breaking Therapeutics Development Program, a
unique coalition of industry, academics and the CF Foundation
that is directed at speeding the discovery and development of
cutting-edge new CF drugs.
Nearly every CF drug available today was made possible
because of the CF Foundation’s business model, most recently
Kalydeco, the first drug to treat the underlying cause of the
disease in a segment of the CF population. The CF Foundation
maintains a robust pipeline of potential CF therapies that
target the disease from every angle, and the prospects for a
cure for cystic fibrosis have never been higher.
PA P E R P R E S E N TAT I O N S
Paper Session 1-A
Roessner Hall 101, 8:30-9:30 A.M.
Panel Discussion: Race, Identity, and the Narrative Lens
Jessica DeDeo, Reading Area Community College
AN AFRICAN NIGHT
As Natalia moved us from beyond the curtain, we found ourselves the only white
people in the entire nightclub. The dance floor was a moving rainbow of colors.
One guy was wearing a green and brown jungle scene on a silk robe, which nearly
touched the wooden floor. Dark women in dresses of distinct patterns of yellow and
black danced in a line, clapping and moving in a circle of fiery delight. Red lights from
the ceiling colored the moving shadows already encircled in snaking swirls of hookah
smoke. My friends and I stood there waiting for all of the eyes to be directed at us.
In a personal essay titled “An African Night” I describe an experience I had one night
when my friends and I were completely out of our element and welcomed wholly by
people who I thought were much different than I was. It turned out, I couldn’t have
been more wrong.
Rebecca Dunst, Reading Area Community College
SKIN DEEP: UNDERSTANDING NARRATIVES FORMED BY RACISM
“Until then, I was just a fourth grade girl, like all the others. But in that one second,
I was different. Though I hadn’t changed, I was someone else. Someone that looked
different. My skin was in patches, its color faded in only certain places, the contours
scribbled on my face. My skin and its color, or lack thereof, was the reason these girls
chose me as their target. Without the Vitiligo, I probably would have been accepted to
this group that hurt me. The girls saw my skin as a weakness, as some kind of reason to
be hated.” In a personal essay entitled “Skin Deep: Understanding Narratives Formed
by Racism,” I use the lens of my own alienation, a childhood experience generated as
a result of a skin disorder, with the intention of beginning to understand the racism and
subordination experienced by others throughout history. Within this essay, I scrutinize
the idea of a “trump card,” and ultimately come to a realization that the world misses
character when it is focused on appearance as well as exploring the threads between
stories and the one thing the world tends to miss – that we are all human.
Catherine Mahony, Reading Area Community College
“WHITES AND DARKS”
The color white is what the eye sees when it recognizes light containing all the
wavelengths of the spectrum. The only way to visibly see these frequencies as
individual colors is to separate them into a rainbow. The absence of light creates
the color black. Black is associated with things such as evil and negativity. White is
associated with such things as purity and innocence. In a personal essay titled “Whites
and Darks,” I sort through the narratives that reveal the way we separate ourselves
from each other, if only on a subconscious level. In this piece I use metaphor to
dissect the topic of racism which we as a society approach indirectly because of the
uneasiness that still surrounds the issue. We wear the pigmentation of our skin like
clothing passed down to us from previous generations. We also garb the sentiments
we associate with skin color which are deeply woven into the fabric of who we are
as individuals. This essay serves as narrative ablution as I divert from a childhood
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confrontation with racism to the realization that we must not accept the prejudices given
to us by our predecessors. Some cycles only reach completeness by being broken.
Tyler Smith, Reading Area Community College
THE RIGHT WORDS
He broke it to me gently, mustering all of the 4 year old cool-headedness and tact he
possibly could. He said “Now listen Tyler, you’re cool, you’re okay, but WHY is your
hair so weird!?” I rolled my eyes, thinking this kid’s an idiot. I told him dismissively, “I
have the same hair as you,” pointing to the jew-fro on top of his head. He touches it
self-consciously with both hands. I smirk. He looks around the room, eyes wide, as
if seeing everything for the first time turns back to me and said, “Yeah, but your hair
is like carpet, it’s different. And prickly. And weird. My hair is soft and normal.” In this
personal essay on race and identity, I navigate my experience with trying to identity
myself despite responses to my failure to live up to perceptions of my racial identity.
Paper Session 1-B
Tyler Bernadyn, Milca Mendez, Albright College
UNDERSTANDING ETHNOCENTRISM
Ethnocentrism pertains to the judging of other cultural concepts based on your
own socialized standards. Ethnocentrism is normal in moderatation; however it can
have adverse effects when abused. For this reason, it is essential to avoid creating
predominantly ethnocentric societies by encouraging multi-cultural educational
experiences such as this fieldwork assignment. With this in mind, Milca and Tyler
took part in an applied sociological educational experience. Going with the mindset
of overcoming ethnocentrism and developing a broader culturally relativistic
perspective, Milca and Tyler attended a Buddhist temple and conducted participant
observational research and face to face interviews. Buddhism is a religious practice
that encompasses much of the Vietnamese culture, language, and vegetarian
cuisine. As a religious practice, Buddhism is tolerant of all traditions and customs
provided they are not harmful to the welfare of others. Buddhism includes the beliefs
of Nirvana, Karma, and reincarnation. At the temple, Milca and Tyler were able to
engage in this religious practice and dine with the members of the community. This
fieldwork research enriched both Milca and Tyler by placing them outside of their
comfort zones. The knowledge gained throughout this process helped them develop
a better understanding of both Buddhism and understanding ethnocentrism.
Stephanie Buck, Kutztown University
THE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATION IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Evaluation is a necessary and beneficial step within any program development process.
Certain concerns emerge when conducting evaluations which must be considered.
For example, were the intervention goals achieved and were the participants satisfied
with the experience? Program evaluation is the focus to further the development of
the “Love, Sex, and Healthy Relationship” workshop offered at Kutztown University.
As the Social Work Intern, of the Women’s Center on campus, I had the distinct
opportunity to promote and engage in this process. This unique workshop is held
every semester; anticipating about 150 new students and 20 different facilitators.
I used many facets for evaluation to ensure a holistic view of the program. These
facets include; data collection and analysis of three consecutive semesters of student
surveys (308 surveys), creation and analysis of facilitator feedback forms (7 facilitator
feedback forms), and firsthand experience co-facilitating both as a secondary and
primary facilitator. Evaluating each facet separately and collectively aids in the future
planning of the workshop. This specific program development is necessary not only
for the workshop itself and the student’s experience, but to also meet the new federal
requirements under VAWA for college campuses pertaining to sexual violence and
relationship education.
Yandeh Sallah Muhammed, Kutztown University
EAST COAST AMERINDIAN DRUM AND DANCE CULTURE
I am currently studying dance and drum culture in Eastern Amerindians through
interviewing members of the community like the drummers, dancers and oral
historians and see how members feel about drum and dance culture in the modern
age. I want to see what being a part of this subculture means to them and how did
they get into the culture. This project is accompanied by songs, videos of the dances
and a slideshow presentation. It is a project that I am currently working on and will be
finishing up with that will be done by the time of the conference. It is a project I plan
on continuing once I graduate from school.
Corey Summers, Benjamin Fake, Kutztown University
FOR WHICH IT STANDS
The United States flag has been an ever-changing symbol of an equally fluctuating
nation. There have been instances when the flag was a symbol of revolution, and
times when it was a symbol of difference. Currently it acts as a beacon of hope for
its citizens and as a banner to be proud of. We pledge allegiance to the Flag, of the
United States of America, for which it stands. It is the intention of this work to expand
on the common knowledge about what exactly the flag stands, how it came to stand
for such values, and the way it is used in society. The completed work is an anthology
with strong graphic elements. The hybrid theory of a graphic anthology will showcase
two students’ skills in both design and historical research.
Paper Session 1-C
Samera Chebli, Kutztown University
FAMILY CONFLICTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES IN THE
ACCULTURATION EXPERIENCE
Acculturation is the process by which an individual or a group changes after living
in a majority culture, learning the language, values, attitude and lifestyle preferences
of the majority culture (Berry, 1997). Previous studies indicate that an acculturation
gap between immigrant parents and children may create conflicts in their family
and educational experiences (Portes and Rumbaut, 2002). The hypotheses are: 1)
Immigrant children who experience high levels of family conflicts in their childhood
will have low educational aspirations and low educational achievements; 2)Immigrant
children who experience an acculturation gap between their parents and themselves
will show low educational aspirations and low educational achievement. Data was
obtained from a previous study, Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study (Portes
and Rumbant, 2002). Students were eligible to participate if they were U.S. born
and had one foreign born parent, or if they were foreign born and came to the U.S.
at an early age. A Pearson Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship
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between family conflicts and educational aspirations. Participants will acquire a
better understanding of the problems immigrants undergo during acculturation. This
study suggests that struggles of acculturation in a family context can be a risk factor
in defeating educational aspirations.
Hannah Hench, Albright College
BULLYING IN THE AMERICAN SCHOOL SYSTEM
Bullying is a significant issue in our American schooling system, and is a problem that
grows larger day by day. Schools have become a primary setting for such targets, and
are now known as home for those antagonizing peers. Factors of individuals such as
race, gender, status, or sexuality provoke their attackers, and studies prove various
home lives or background of said bullies play a major role on their violent behavior.
Studies show that social differentiation shows causes and possibly effects of how
and why bullying happens, but psychologists and sociologists now provide ways to
deal with the affects on victims, and tools for prevention of this plague among our
school system.
Ezra Kane-Salafia, Kutztown University
PRIMING BIASED RESPONSES: UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF
PRIMING IN SURVEY METHODOLOGY ON POLICY PREFERENCES
The effects of framing and priming in survey methodology are well understood in
the social sciences. Survey authors must be highly vigilant in the development and
deployment of survey questions in order to avoid question wording that may bias
survey participants towards or against certain responses. However, the long term
impacts of biased survey methodology are less understood . Although academic
researchers are usually careful to avoid priming such biases in participants,
researchers applying such methodology in the real world may be less careful.
Particularly in the field of policy preference polling, partisan researchers may even
seek to obtain specific results by using finely tuned question wording. In this paper,
I review the literature from Political Science, Methodology, and Political Psychology
that addresses this topic. I further create a theory to explain how biased survey
development could have a long-term impact on policy preference points. Finally, I
develop an experimental design that could be deployed to study this phenomena.
Fatima Mendez, Reading Area Community College
THE CURVY ROAD TO SUICIDE AND ITS PREVENTION
This document aims to understand the road to suicide, what makes some individuals
more likely to commit suicide, and some of the danger signs that everyone as a
society should be aware of . It is recognized in this document that therapy is not
the only factor that can prevent individuals from committing suicide; a proactive
effort should be done by schools, doctors, parents (culture), peers and everyone
in a community. This paper hopes to raise awareness about the negative impact
of the stigma attached to individuals who seek mental help. Individuals who are
contemplating suicide should be encouraged by society to seek the appropriate help.
An important focus of this research was also in adolescents, who because they are in
a sensitive stage of the lifespan, tend to idealize suicide as a possible exit. This paper
recognizes that in order to stop individuals from committing suicide everyone must be
attentive to the signs of possibly depressed individuals who are more likely to commit
suicide when they reach a state of hopelessness. Therapy and willing clients are not
enough; the support of the community, family members and peers also play a key role
in helping individuals to choose life.
Paper Session 1-D
Michael Andersen, Penn State Berks
MOLECULAR MODELLING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THEORETICAL COVALENT
CROSS-LINKAGES BETWEEN HYDROXYPROLINE STEREOISOMERS AND
GALACTURONIC ACID
Hydroxyproline rich glycoproteins such as extensin exist in covalent and ionic crosslinkages with pectic polysaccharides such as polygalacturonic acid in the cell walls
of many plants. Polygalacturonic acid, polymeric β-(1-4) linked D-galacturonic acid,
contributes to cell wall rigidity and elasticity through interactions with serine, arginine,
and hydroxyproline residues of structural proteins. Pectic polysaccharides and their
derivatives have been known to function effectively as controlled release drug
coatings as well as mucoadhesive agents. In the present study, theoretical covalent
linkages between 4-hydroxyproline and galacturonic acid were modelled and energy
minimized with Spartan molecular modelling suite. The effect of hydroxyproline
stereochemistry on stability of the theoretical complexes was considered. Electrostatic
potential maps were generated and used to determine potential nucleophilic or
electrophilic attacks between galacturonic acid and hydroxyproline. Galacturonic acid
was linked via glycosidic, amide, and ester linkages to (2S, 4S)-4-hydroxyproline and
(2S, 4R)-4-hydroxyproline. Models were energy minimized with density functional
theory EDF2 6-31G* in implicit water. Gibbs free energy of formation for each product,
as well as intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bond formation, was used to
evaluate the structures.
Ryan Cupo, Alvernia University
THE ROLE OF BIOINFORMATICS IN SINGLE CELL GENOMICS
Single cell genomics is a rapidly advancing field that has recently experienced an
influx of new techniques. Proteins and nucleic acids have been at the cutting edge
of biology and genome sequencing has provided a rapidly increasing amount of
information. The field of bioinformatics has evolved to efficiently harness computing
power and time in order to produce complete and biologically relevant information
from the raw sequence data. The growth of the field of single cell genomics has
necessitated the creation of new bioinformatics tools to collect relevant information
from the data. However, there is a need for continued advancement in the field of
bioinformatics for single cell genomics.
Andrew Douventzidis, Kutztown University
A NEW SCALE FOR PEPPER HOTNESS
In the past, the heat or spiciness of pepper products has been reported in Scoville
Heat Units (SHU) which range from 0 to 16 million SHU. This unit is familiar and
useful to pepper connoisseurs but can be cumbersome for the ordinary consumer to
interpret. The biggest inadequacy of the Scoville Scale is that the measure represents
heat based on dilution and minimum detection level using a panel of human subjects.
Fechner’s Law suggests human perception of stimuli is logarithmically proportional
to the stimuli present. The heat of peppers can be better represented by taking the
logarithm of the sum of active chemicals (in ppm, as determined by HPLC analysis)
and multiplying by a constant to represent heat on a 0-10 scale. Not only is the
resulting scale more intuitive, but it coincides with the theory presented by Fechner
regarding human perception of taste. The new rating tool described here is named the
Ferven Scale, (from latin: fervēre meaning hot) and it will provide consumers with an
instinctive tool for anticipating the heat of pepper products.
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Robert Knoll, Penn State Berks
QPCR ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSSION OF LACTATE UTILIZATION GENE
IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS
A previously uncharacterized gene present in the genome of model organism Bacillus
Subtilis was sequenced and found to be integral to the initiation of sporulation by
Losick et al 2008. This gene formerly termed ygf now given the moniker LUT for
Lacatate UTilization was expressed at markedly higher rates following log phase
growth in strain PY79. We endeavored to quantify the expression of this gene in
Bacillus Subtilis strains 168 and 3-13 first when grown in LB media and then in
minimal media. Preliminary findings have supported the assertion of Losick et al that
LUT is a gene integral to early spore formation in Bacillus Subtilis.
Paper Session 1-E
Joseph Arthur, Kutztown University
A HISTORICAL AND PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ELI LILLY’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Eli Lilly discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceutical products
worldwide. It operates in two segments: Human Pharmaceutical and Animal Health
products. The company’s products treat, among other things, diabetes, osteoporosis;
human growth hormone deficiency, pediatric growth conditions, testosterone
deficiency, major depressive disorders, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, anxiety
disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, schizophrenia, attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorders, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, bulimia nervosa,
and panic disorders. The company was founded in 1876 and is headquartered in
Indianapolis, Indiana. My research objective is to determine whether Eli Lilly is a
good company to invest in. I analyzed the company’s short-term liquidity, long-term
solvency, and profitability. My study also included extensive analysis of the company’s
Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows. In conducting this
research, I used various analytical tools including trend analysis, ratio analysis,
and prospective analysis. I also applied certain predictive models to the company’s
financial statements to predict whether it will go bankrupt or be taken over during the
next three years. I will provide the answers to all these research questions during my
presentation at the conference.
Alexandria Nasife, Albright College
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF
THE FIRM: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
This study examines the role of social media in a causal relationship between
corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the firm’s competitive advantage. The author
proposes that firms in various industries have increasingly employed social media to
help spread their CSR practices to a larger group of stakeholders more effectively. At
the same time, social media may also moderate the relationship between CSR and
the firm’s competitive advantage. Good practices of CSR, along with appropriate uses
of social media, will significantly support the firm to achieve a competitive advantage.
On the other hand, scandals will spread out more quickly to a broader scope of
audience through social media, leading to the firm’s competitive disadvantage.
Tracy Nguyen, Penn State Berks
SHOULD THERE BE A RAISE IN MINIMUM WAGE?
There are people in the United States who are pushing legislators for increases in the
minimum wage. Many people feel they deserve a higher pay for his or her hard work.
It seems that increasing the minimum wage would help individuals to pay off their
debt, which would enable them to spend more money and help the economy grow.
Unfortunately, Many people do not realize that raising the minimum wage will have a
negative impact on the economy as a whole. Some economist experts has been study
this field have concluded that increases in the minimum wage would also increase
the unemployment rate in the long term.
Kimberly Radka, Albright College
HUNGER IN BERKS COUNTY
Millions of Americans live below the poverty line, and millions more hover just above
it. Recent studies support, with a poverty rate of 41.3 percent, Reading, Pennsylvania
has been labeled one of the nation’s poorest cities with a population of 65,000 or more.
As the economy slowly recovers, many in the community remain hungry. Hunger in
the county is not only a physical need, but also has emotional and ethical implications.
It affects many lives around us, most importantly handicaps our children and future
generations from trying to maintain a healthy, well balanced life. Economic conditions
in the area also contribute to our hunger conditions. Many times, citizens simply do
not have or earn enough to buy the food that is available. Often, cultural beliefs can
prevent progress as well. People are restricted from helping their communities not
because they are physically or economically restrained, but are instead limited by
the often deeply rooted social problems. Believe it or not, people die directly from
hunger or hunger related diseases every day, in spite of the fact that there is enough
on earth for every single person to have more than enough food per day. Hunger
problems in Berks County can be resolved by educating the people, developing
practices of helping those in need, volunteering, and making positive change in our
school systems.
Paper Session 1-F
Samuel Charowsky, Reading Area Community College
THE LIGHT IN THE DARK AGES
Despite a shift in academic thought to the contrary, the common perception of the
Middle Ages remains one of both literal and cultural decay. These so called “Dark
Ages,” however, were not in fact the period of ignorance and despair that was once
thought. Indeed, upon closer examination one finds that a natural progression exists
between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginnings of the Italian Renaissance.
Thus, the purpose of this presentation is to explore the origins of the “Dark Age” myth,
while also highlighting a few key cultural and political developments that existed as
a necessary link between the aforementioned eras, with the hope that attendees can
come away with a heightened appreciation for this key period in European history.
Elizabeth Crews, Kutztown University
THE CHARACTER AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORIGINAL TELEVISION SHOW
Elizabeth Crews and her friend, Drew Boardman, began working on Homer, a
television show based on The Iliad and The Odyssey, narrated by the eponymous bard.
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Crews is responsible for creating the character and plot development, learning the
most efficient ways to bring both into symbiosis. She has done extensive research,
peppering the two poems with myriad outside mythologies to provide sufficient
background of important events that were not included in either of the poems.
Because the epics are not in chronological order, she had to arrange them in a way
that was believable and moved the plot at an appropriate pace. Furthermore, she is
working towards improving her screenwriting skills, focusing closely on her ability to
write dialogue. By strengthening her research, analytical, and creative writing skills,
she has improved as a writer, which will help her continue to work on Homer and
many more to come.
Prasadi Dangolla, Reading Area Community College
SIE WÜRDEN DIESE TITEL VERSTEHEN, WENN SIE DEUTSCH SPRECHEN
We are surrounded by language during nearly every waking moment in our lives.
Language serves to communicate, to connect, to identify, and to help us understand
the world around us. For many, this rich linguistic environment involves not only one
language, but two or more. Bilingualism/Multilingualism offers the obvious benefits
of advantages in employment, and the ability of being more culturally knowledgeable
and connected to others. Little known benefits include skills in better decision making,
enhancement in cognitive abilities and memory power, improvement in listening
skills, and also possible protection against neural diseases such as Dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. Interviews and a survey were carried out which included
students, faculty and staff members from Reading Area Community College, and they
articulated their experiences and opinions regarding the benefits of being bilingual.
An additional language will assist in being part of the many cultures that make up
our world—a big mixed salad—where distinct flavors retain their color/texture/flavor
but in one bowl.
Eyoel Firew, Albright College
THE EFFECTS OF PORNOGARPHY ON THE DEMAND FOR SEXUAL COMMERCE
The normalization and easy access of pornography has created the demand for sexual
commerce thus increasing sex trafficking. Between 1998 and 2007, the number of
pornographic websites grew by 1,800%. The average age of exposure to pornography
is eleven. The lack of adequate sex and relationship education has lead people to use
porn to fill gaps in their sex education. This leads to the normalization of pornography.
Porn can be addictive because of the level of neuron-chemicals released into the
reward pathway. A tolerance can be built to porn and one ends up needing more of
it in more extreme forms. In a 2012 survey of 1,500 guys, 56% said their tastes in
porn had become increasingly extreme or deviant. A team of researchers looked at
the most popular porn films and found out that 88% of films contain physical violence.
Pron has sexualized violence. Research has also found that watching degrading porn
increases users’ dominating and harassing behavior toward women, and leaves the
user feeling less compassion for rape victims. The purpose of this research paper is to
provide policy recommendation and a greater understanding issues of sex trafficking.
Paper Session 1-G
Blanche Helbling, Albright College
“IF ONLY HE KNEW IT”: SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF VICTORIAN
INDUSTRIALISM
This paper dovetails Victorian historical and literary analysis by investigating how
two prominent multidisciplinary English writers proposed their societies combat
injustice caused by an increasingly globalized marketplace. John Ruskin suspected
the English population was largely unaware of the harsh realistic conditions Britishindustry workers faced; his politically-charged essay The Stones of Venice articulates
the post-Slavery Abolition Act perpetuation of slave-like labor. Using the example
of glass bead production, he demonstrates that the support of industry propagates
cruel working conditions, and using the example of Greco-Roman vs. Medieval
architecture, he contends the requisite of protecting workers’ expressive freedom.
Several years later, William Morris shares and builds upon Ruskin’s principles,
endorsing a resurgence of what he terms “The Lesser Arts” of handicrafts. Like
Ruskin, Morris recognizes and calls attention to the legal ‘slavery’ industrialism
perpetuates. He maintains that Victorians must turn away from industry on ethical
grounds, and instead, individuals should hold autonomy over their own goods via a
socially-supported Arts and Crafts Movement. According to Morris, who designed
many of his own handicrafts, individually-hewn products boast both more beautiful
ornament and superior quality.
Anna’le Hornak, Albright College
PURSING THE FEMALE: COMEDY AND MISOGYNY IN SHAKESPEARE
Through explication of several of William Shakespeare’s festive and problem
comedies, this paper seeks to prove the existence of an institutionalized system of
oppression to women that is reinforced by the traditional comedic plot. Shakespeare
centers the plot structures of most (if not all) of his comedies on the union of men
and women at the cost of the woman’s right to choose and, in many cases, the
happiness of the women in question. The will of the individual is sacrificed for the
preservation of a patriarchal social order and for feelings of ownership implicit in the
formation of heterosexual relationships in the comedies. Thus, the paper argues that
the basis of conflict in Shakespeare’s comedies is centered on the struggle between
men and women as the females pursue what they want for themselves while the
males attempt to suppress the female’s individual wants and remove their agency in
favor of submission to a male presence.
Daniel Johnston, Reading Area Community College
THE PALE KING OF POSTMODERNISM
Through an in depth examination of the social climate responsible for postmodernist
literature, consideration of David Foster Wallace and his resulting influence on the
literary world will be investigated. The resulting information stands to demonstrate
merit in the often overlooked art of stream of consciousness writing, as will be
demonstrated through an analyzation of Wallace’s concluding body of work, The Pale
King. Said examination stands to demonstrate the aforementioned merit inherent to
stream of consciousness writing through use of a variety of literary analytical tools,
ultimately culminating in an appreciation for postmodernist literature. The resulting
effects of which, are discussed below.
4/13/15 11:21 AM
Robyn Philactos, Reading Area Community College
JOURNALISM 2.0: SAVING THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER ON A COMMUNITY
COLLEGE CAMPUS
This presentation focuses on the process of reviving a flagging student newspaper
at Reading Area Community College (Reading, PA) amid student apathy, which is
symptomatic of the general culture’s disinterest in traditional news formats. In this
presentation, the Editor in Chief of the Front Street Journal will explain the recruitment
and coordination of a new staff that transformed the newspaper into a magazine
and online newspaper. In this presentation, the editor will explain the difficulties
of fostering student journalism at a community college, where there is a seemingly
small number of newsworthy events and limited student interest. By transforming
this student publication into a sustainable contemporary format, the staff learned that
though they needed to make allowances for the style of contemporary journalism, they
were able to keep the institution and practice of the Fourth Estate alive on campus.
Paper Session 1-H
Evan Bulcavage, Alvernia University
USING MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND SPORTS OR
ENHANCE ATHLETE PERFORMANCE
Sports are a significant resource the world uses for physical, financial, and
entertainment purposes. While not every individual enjoys athletic activity, any child
who receives an education knows about different kinds of sports due to school
teams and physical education class. Every competitive game has a set of rules that
players or competitors have to abide. At first glance, athletes may think that they fully
understand a particular game. However, there is more to sports than meets the eye.
One can use science and mathematics to understand sports at a deeper level. Not
only that, sports science can be used to enhance an athlete’s performance by properly
educating them about otherwise overlooked elements of the game. Various sports will
be examined in a scientific or mathematical approach to gain further insight about
certain components of the game. Since sports are physical in nature, much of the
discussion will be related to geometry, physics, statistics, and basic arithmetic. Not
every single sport will be mentioned; however, the mindset suggested can be applied
to any sport of one’s choosing.
Robert Kelly, Alvernia University
THE FORMATION OF THE CALENDAR THROUGH MATHEMATICS
Every day people all over the world use time, whether its five minutes left in a
lunch-break, an hour until the big game, or a week until that much needed vacation.
Everybody is enveloped in it so much that rarely anybody stops to wonder, how did
this magnificent marvel we call time come to be? Most people know that it has to
do with the rotation and revolution of the earth, but that’s as far the average person
cares to take it. However, the development of the calendar as we know it as far more
complex and detailed than counting the number of times the sun passes by between
seasons. The seasons, days, months, hours, minutes and seconds of a year are all
brought down to mathematic approximations; approximations that are all dictated by
the orbit of earth around the light-giving source of life that is the sun.
John Wright, Alvernia University
THE EXCITING WORLD OF CARD COUNTING
In this paper, card counting will be discussed. First this paper will talk about the
history of card counting. Then it will talk about two games (Pinochle and Black Jack)
in which card counting can be used and how it can be used. Next this paper will
give in-depth detail about the math behind card counting. Then it will talk about
the legality of card counting and give some famous examples of people getting in
trouble for counting cards illegally. Next it will talk about situations where you can
count cards legally and get an advantage while playing cards. Finally, the paper will
conclude with some possible future research I can do on this topic.
Aaron Yuros, Alvernia University
MATHEMATICAL DEDUCTIVE REASONING APPLIED TO SUDOKU AND LOGIC PUZZLES
Deductive reasoning is the process of taking one or more statements under consideration
to reach a logically certain conclusion. When applied to real world situations, deductive
reasoning is apparent everywhere from noticing a missing battery is needed to power
a remote controller, to the taste of a meal lacking a certain ingredient. In mathematics,
deductive reasoning can be best shown in the form of a puzzle. Sudoku puzzles, which
require a numerical approach, and traditional logic puzzles, which while not appearing
to require numerical mathematics, utilize mathematical logic. Although two separate
puzzles entirely, the process behind solving each does not vary much. Each requires
a necessity for background knowledge in mathematical logic and deductive reasoning
in order to correctly solve the problem.
Paper Session 2-A
Brad Ohlinger, Albright College
AN INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN PREFERENCE BETWEEN KINSHIP AND RECIPROCITY
Altruistic behaviors are actions in which an individual decreases their own fitness to
increase the fitness of another individual. At the surface, altruistic behaviors seem to
be problematic to evolutionary theory. However, inclusive fitness theory and reciprocal
altruism can explain the evolution of altruism. My study attempted to determine
whether human altruists prefer benefits attributed to kinship, or benefits attributed to
reciprocity. In order to do this, Hamilton’s equation was used to compare the relative
benefits of recommending a non-reciprocating kin candidate and a reciprocating
non-kin candidate for a job with increased pay. Participants were asked to report the
likelihood of recommending non-reciprocating kin and non-kin reciprocators for a job
with increased pay. Analyses of variance revealed that benefits due to kinship were
significantly preferred over benefits attributed to reciprocity. This information can be
used to investigate the relative importance that kin selection and reciprocal altruism
may have played in the evolution of human altruism, as well as how they operate in
the modern world today.
Johnathnael Pena, Alvernia University
THE DEATH PENALTY: EFFECTIVE OR NOT?
Our society has always been governed by a system of laws put in place to maintain
order. Throughout the evolution of society, a variety of way to deal with heinous
crimes such as murder have been used. One of these “solutions” has been the use of
the death penalty. Do the positive effects of the death penalty outweigh the negative
4/13/15 11:21 AM
effects? This paper is a secondary analysis of data focusing on the effectiveness/
ineffectiveness of the death penalty.
Rachel Powelson, Penn State Berks
WHAT IS LOVE? A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF ROMANTIC PORTRAYAL IN SKINS
This study investigates the portrayal of teenage love and romance as seen on the hit
teen show Skins. If romance is portrayed as one dimensional and possibly regressive,
teenagers could grow up thinking that this negative connotation is how love works.
A qualitative content analysis was done on the first season of Skins. Specifically
verbal and non verbal communication about teenage romance is analyzed. Themes
of traditional ideas of love, gender representations of couples, the importance of
attractiveness, and complications of love emerge from this study. Complications
of love was the most present theme throughout the season of Skins. These results
suggest that if romance is portrayed as this complicated aspect, teenagers could
grow up thinking that this negative connotation is how love works. Further research
could look into if this has a factor in the increasing divorce rate.
Michael Syrylo, Alvernia University
VICTIMS: A TREK THROUGH JUAREZ AND THE SEA
Using victimology concepts, topics such as Human Trafficking, Honor Based Violence,
and the Women of Juarez will be discussed and analyzed. A brief history of each
subject will be uncovered and connected to today’s issues and incarnations for
each topic. An effort will be made to promote understanding and analyze each issue
and how it pertains to international issues facing women and the Criminal Justice
System on a daily basis. A combination of historical evidence and case studies will
be included in order to provide reasons and theories for each continuing problem and
what can be done to ensure its resolution. Keywords: Victimology; Human Trafficking;
Honor Based Violence; Women of Juarez
Paper Session 2-B
Matthew Qualio, Alvernia University
HOW TO HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO
The management and distribution of resources are circumstances that dictate the
very fabric in which humans interact. A lack of fair division amongst all participants
has the tendency to cause great conflict and result in outcomes that are less than
desirable by all. It is for this very reason that the optimization of these particular
circumstances are studied in both mathematics and Game Theory. It is through the
specific Cake-Cutting Problem that applications of a fair distribution of resources
can be observed. By examining this scenario of resource distribution mathematically,
it can be theorized as to whether a fair division of resources in a given scenario is
possible. If fair division is possible, the value or quality of the resource will never be
eliminated, resulting in equal satisfaction amongst all participants. It is through the
examination of this Cake-Cutting Problem that outcomes and methods can be applied
to areas of business, economics, and any field that follows this particular mode of
distribution.
Jose Rodriguez, Reading Area Community College
THE TRANSITION
This presentation focuses on the influence of social environments on young children
who are searching for identity in their lives, particularly those who are growing up in
the ghetto or barrio characterized by high rates of social problems. These young people
often try to satisfy the expectations of their social contexts and put themselves at risk
for crime and violence. However, if taken out of such socially toxic environments and
placed in a neighborhood that generates positive experiences, they can unlearn these
negative patterns of behavior. The speaker, by sharing his own story, will discuss the
harsh reality of growing up in the ghetto and positive life changing moments.
Tia Thomas, Alvernia University
MUSIC AS A TOOL
The connection between mathematics and music is very prominent. Also in the latest
news America is behind in the math and sciences. Is there something we can do at
this point to help our students? As music and math are strongly connected, there
have been studies that support the fact that music improves cognitive abilities. We
can possibly use the connection between math and music to unlock cognitive blocks
and imbed information. This presentation will analyze how music can be incorporated
into, not only mathematics and the sciences but all the subject areas, and can lead
our students to a better future.
Destini Torres, Albright College
JAMAICAN CUISINE
For my sociology class, I had the opportunity to conduct an ethnographic field work
project. The field work project helped steered some of us away from ethnocentric
ideologies that some Americans have. The qualitative research was on Jamaican
cuisine. The research touches upon history and how it has influenced the present.
It also touches upon how a neighborhood influences the restaurant. The three
restaurants (two of which are located in New York City and one in Reading, PA) will be
compared and contrasted to one another. With the experiences in each restaurant, I
conducted face to face interviews with customers who tasted the spices of Jamaican
food on their taste buds. The interviews uncovered the individuals’ intentions of
immersing themselves in a new culture and some background information of the
individuals to understand who she was. Once I stepped into each restaurant; I was a
nonparticipant observer, using my senses to capture what surrounded me. After five
minutes, I became a full participant, interviewing individuals or having small talk with
workers or other customers. Going to Jamaican restaurants in “major” cities, gave
me the opportunity to learn of new cultures which allowed me to gain the quality of
cultural relativism.
Paper Session 2-C
Samantha Asher, Kutztown University
COMPARISON OF THE EXPRESSION LEVELS OF UDP-N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE
PYROPHOSPHORYLASE-1 GENE IN TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM AND DROSOPHILA
MELANOGASTER
Bioinformatics search of the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum,
has identified two highly homologous genes, TcUAP1 and TcUAP2, that encode for
4/13/15 11:21 AM
enzymes that are closely related to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylases
(UAPs). Previous studies have shown that the UAP is needed for chitin formation
and protein glycosylation in many species, but the specific roles of the enzymes are
not clearly understood in Tribolium. To better understand the functions of the UAP
enzymes, we compared the production of TcUAP1 mRNA in the red flour beetle and
the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, during larval and adult stages of development.
Total RNA was isolated from larval and adult tissues from both insects using the
Qiagen RNeasy Kit. The cDNAs were synthesized using Polymerase Chain Reaction,
TcUAP1-specific primers, reverse transcriptase, and the Thermo Scientific Phusion
RT-PCR kit. cDNAs were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The Kodak Gel
Logic 200 photo-documentation equipment was used to visualize and document
the cDNAs. Our results have shown that in T. castaneum, the TcUAP1 mRNAs were
produced in both larval and adult stages, while only the larval stage produced TcUAP1
mRNA in D. melanogaster.
Drosophila species. The results are still being collected and analyzed but appear to
be coinciding with the proposed hypothesis.
Michael Mfarej, Penn State Berks
EVIDENCE FOR RETINAL PROTEINS IN HALOSIMPLEX CARLSBADENSE
Halophilic archaea (a.k.a. halobacteria) live in hypersaline environments and depend
upon solar energy to drive several physiological processes. Four transmembrane
proteins of the rhodopsin superfamily play an integral role in the photochemical
physiology of halobacteria. More specifically, bacteriorhodopsin, halorhodopsin and
two sensory rhodopsins function in metabolism and the maintenance of membrane
potential. Despite the fact that these four proteins are conserved among most
halobacteria species, the four rhodopsin isomers have yet to be identified in a newly
discovered halobacteria species called Halosimplex carlsbadense. The goal of the
research conducted herein is to investigate the presence of rhodopsins in H. simplex
and determine the relatedness of these rhodopsins to other halobacterium. To do
this, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for all four rhodopsin genes have
been collected from three other halobacteria species, Haloarcula marismortui,
Halobacterium salinarum and Halobacterium walsbyi, and used to amplify putative
rhodopsin genes in H. simplex. The successful PCR products were then transformed
into Escherichia coli, extracted from the transformed cells and sequenced. The results
presented here suggest that indeed H. simplex does possess all four rhodopsin
isomers and the genetic sequence for these rhodopsins are most related to H.
marismortui and H. walsbyi.
Paper Session 2-D
Katlyn Roginsky, Alvernia University
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BY D. MELANOGASTER AS A MODEL FOR STUDYING
ALCOHOLISM IN HUMANS
Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model organism for the study of
ethanol exposure, tolerance, and effects. Drosophila are a useful model organism
due to the similarities in genetic composition between Drosophila and human beings.
Ethanol exposure has been shown to produce similar effects in both Drosophila
and human beings. An experiment conducted to determine the effects of varying
ethanol concentrations on the reproduction and life cycle of wild type Drosophila and
mutant Drosophila lacking the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase was conducted. The
hypothesis was that higher concentrations of ethanol exposures would be detrimental
to the reproduction and life cycle of Drosophila while the lower ethanol concentrations
will show no effects on the reproduction and life cycle of the test subjects in the wild
type group whereas any ethanol environment will negatively impact the Drosophila
mutant test subjects. The experimental ethanol exposures were 5%, 10%, 15%, and
20% ethanol added to the dry medium essential for laboratory experimentation with
Tyler VanBlargan, Albright College
CRACKING THE SAFECRACKER 40
Safecracker 40 is a wooden puzzle made by Creative Crafthouse which involves
arranging three rotating disks so that the column sums are 40. We proved the
manufacturer’s claim that Safecracker 40 has exactly one solution using logic and a
computer program specially designed for the project. We investigated the possibility
of variations of the puzzle having multiple solutions. To gain some perspective,
we analyzed smaller versions. Although not a complete analysis, we provided an
upper bound for the number of possible solutions the Safecracker 40 can have if
manufactured with different numbers.
Julia Becker, Reading Area Community College
MAGICAL REALISM IN TONI MORRISON’S NOVEL “SONG OF SOLOMON”
This spring I will be researching and working on a term paper exploring the literary
theory of Magical Realism for a Composition and Literature class. The work will cover
the use of Magical Realism primarily through Toni Morrison’s 1977 novel “Song of
Solomon,” and I will present this paper through an oral presentation at the conference.
Holly Bream, Kutztown University
THE GROWING HISPANIC POPULATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE BUSINESS
AND PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT
The following report studies the growing Hispanic population in the United States
and how that population is making an impact in the business and professional work
environment. Some key points that are mentioned are what companies should do to
adapt to the changes, where the Hispanic population is growing the most, and why
it is growing at such a rapid rate. It also mentions what the future composition of the
United States workforce will look like, what it currently looks like, and the challenges
that Hispanic entrepreneurs face when trying to start a business. Latina women and
women of color are researched as well as influential Hispanic leaders at local, state,
and national levels.
Jazzmyn Brown, Julia Becker, Hy Lam, Reading Area Community College
CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF “LOVE MEDICINE” BY LOUISE ERDRICH
Louise Erdrich, author of Love Medicine, exposes the reader to a unique perspective
through her characters in the novel, pulling content from her own Native American
heritage. A focus on cultural analysis will be implemented in the paper to determine
how Erdrich illustrates the Native American way of thinking in certain situations, a
perspective unique to the Native American culture and way of life and foreign to many
people living in North America.
Crystal Casiano, Kutztown University
MAGICAL REALISM: REEXAMINING THE PAST
In this paper I seek to explain that Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits, Gabriel
Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Octavia Butler’s Wild Seed and
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Kindred use magical realism to re-examine the past. Magical realism is unique in
that it allows for real life to be displayed with all its callousness, while still including
instances of the fantastical supernatural happenings. In their novels time travel,
spirits, and magical happenings are used to connect generations past and present.
In doing this they point out intergenerational relativity among characters and events
such as the coups and revolutions that take place in the Latin American countries of
Allende and Marquez’s novels. Butler, an African American author, shows the legacy
of slavery over several generations. The magical happenings act as a means of
interpretation of real life. Therefore the juxtaposition of real and magical, and past
and present forces readers to look back from whence they came, while also looking
forward toward where they are going.
Paper Session 2-E
a line between innocence and power. Using it as a weapon to dehumanize a famous
actor who had previously used the media’s way of manipulating its audience to cover
up his past.
Alexis Hawthorne, Albright College
THE CREATION OF A SANCTUARY
“Sanctuary: a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter”
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In “The Creation of a Sanctuary,” I describe—step by
step, emotions included—how I took a basement space and released my creativity
into redecorating my own, first-time-ever, personal sanctuary—my room. In this
essay I explore the correlation between creativity, self-development and actualization
using high-sensory description combined with narrative. By incorporating my own
personal experience, releasing pent-up emotion and stress, I come to realize that the
process underlying interior décor has allowed me to develop as my own individual—
ensuring selfhood—in a highly packed and active household.
Taryn Gehman, Kutztown University
IDEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS LEADING TO GENOCIDE WITHIN POST-COLONIAL
AFRICA
My research focuses on the ideological elements that often necessitate genocide
within African post-colonial nations, especially within Nigeria. The presence of
imperial aggressors and their ideological frameworks within Africa have led to state
structures that are not appropriate for their citizens. Thus, my research considers
the “structuring” of the state structure and its tendency to remove citizens’ agency to
influence or act within the state. In order to do so, I theoretically situate a structure
and its respective agents through Alexander Wendt’s social and political theory of
Constructivism and consider Chimamanda Adichie’s novel Half of a Yellow Sun.
Joshua Grant, Reading Area Community College
GLOBALIZATION THROUGH IMPERIALISTIC MEDIA
The purpose of this research is to explore the effects that media of imperialistic
countries has on the culture and identities of indigenous peoples, theorize whether
or not these events could be intentional, and suggest the objectives behind those
influences. This will be done by studying historic timelines of specific countries or
groups to discern how and when these influences effected them, and by stating how
the disseminator of this media could benefit from those repercussions. Works from
authors such as Arif Dirlik, Rey Chow, and Simon Gikandi will be used as a basis for
the suggestions and correlations made in this study.
Jake Hangen, Reading Area Community College
GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS : A SHORT READING
Lights. Lights everywhere. They danced across the tile floor, the little tables.(...)The
sweat dripped off men’s foreheads in adoration. Hands shook with temptation. A “No
Physical Contact” sign kept them at bay. The music hung in the air, filling dead space
and awkward silence. Not loud enough to hum through the alleys but enough to keep
everything moving and alive.(...)Ariadne laid on the cusp of the stage on her back. Her
hair rolled off the edge like a golden storm, barely grasping the floor. She propped her
fish-netted feet up on the pole and watched a familiar silhouette approach her. “You
look stunning,” The shadow said. She closed her eyes and smiled. She won. She got
him--that guy from that movie with Jack Nicholson. That guy who was on all those
covers of GQ. In this short story, titled “Girls Girls Girls”, the protagonist, Ariadne walks
Paper Session 2-F
Keyana Kern, Kutztown University
PROBLEMS WITH SOLVING INDUCTION
The problem of induction is essentially boiled down to trying to provide justification for
affirming the consequent, which is what induction does, as a valid procedure. We only
wish to do this because this is the method science uses to confirm it’s hypotheses.
There seems to be two roads for people who wish to solve the problem of induction to
go down, either try to justify induction and work out a system for how it would work
or declare that it is a non-problem and give an alternative method to justify scientific
theories. I intend to investigate some of the most popular solutions to the problem
and analyze and criticize them. I am going to discuss Goodman’s New Problem of
Induction, Bayesianism as well as work by Hempel, Carnap, Popper and others.
Erich Lenz, Kutztown University
THE LIGHT SHINES ON: HOW AMERICA PRESERVES IT’S HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES
Lighthouses are an enduring folk symbol all around the world. In addition to serving
as symbols of our relationship with the sea, they represent strength, guidance and
safety. The spiritual and emotional connection with lighthouses is perhaps the
driving factor behind America’s determination to preserve these icons of its maritime
history. The first lighthouses in America were erected along the eastern seaboard
during colonial times. More often than not, these structures were chartered by the
government, although many of America’s finest lights were built and operated by
private interests along the shore. To this day, the United States Coast Guard still
owns and operates most of these remaining properties that have not yet been ceded
to the private sector. The successful preservation of America’s historical lighthouses
relies on a combination of efforts led by the government, the private sector, as
well as close working relationships between the two entities. The lighthouses of
the Mid-Atlantic region are the primary focus in this presentation, including Civil
War hero and Philadelphia native George Gordon Meade’s iconic Barnegat Light
in Ocean County, New Jersey. This paper, originally written for a public history
course, incorporates research on both primary and secondary sources, including
government documents and reports.
4/13/15 11:21 AM
Rachel Roseman, Albright College
HEREISTHEFAMILYMOTHERFATHERDICKANDJANE: AN ANALYSIS OF PARENTING
AND THE DICK AND JANE READERS IN MORRISON’S THE BLUEST EYE
The heart of Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is an indictment of the American education
system and popular culture for perpetuating a dichotomy between white culture and
black experience. Most notably through allusions to the Dick and Jane reader, Morrison
highlights how American education and culture is directed towards white middle class
families. Those who cannot identify with the Dick and Jane reader subsequently
become “the other,” those who are alienated simply by being, such as the Breedloves.
They internalize the values taught by Dick and Jane, reinforcing an unachievable
white standard of beauty and life, thereby emphasizing the caste system of the
master narrative and situating themselves into roles antithetical to white “goodness.”
The Bluest Eye is about dependency on society for identification, self-value and the
subsequent cycle of violence that emerges when one is alienated from developing
self-worth. The Dick and Jane reader symbolizes what is detrimental about the entire
education institution; the Breedloves learn their hatred and physical violence by means
of learning to hate themselves. Morrison suggests that the complexity of the African
American spirit is fraught with white tensions, putting sanity in peril.
Nate Rothermel, Albright College
ACTORS IN LITERATURE: AN EXPLORATION OF ACTING IN THE CATCHER IN THE
RYE, THE BLUEST EYE, AND LOSING MY COOL
Shakespeare is one of the most influential and genius playwrights of all time. Within
many of his works, Shakespeare explores the concept of theatre, uncovering the job
of an actor and the role acting plays in our everyday lives. In fact, Shakespeare is not
alone in his exploration of theatre and, more specifically, the ways in which people use
acting to make sense of their environment. Many authors incorporate Shakespeare’s
theory of acting into their works, elevating character dynamics and adding an intricate
relationship between characters and the worlds in which they live. J.D. Salinger’s The
Catcher in the Rye, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and Thomas Chatterton Williams’s
Losing My Cool reveal that Shakespeare’s theory remains relevant today: How much
of what we are, how we interact with others and the intent of our everyday actions are
simply unconscious elements supporting Shakespeare’s theory? Are the characters we
read in literature simply actors? More importantly, are we simply actors? All of these
ideas are explored in Nate Rothermel’s piece, “Actors in Literature: An exploration of
acting in The Catcher in the Rye, The Bluest Eye, and Losing My Cool.”
Paper Session 2-G
Amanda Briggs, Alvernia University
HAUSTAFELN IN EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS: EVIDENCE OF PAULINE AUTHORSHIP?
Scholars and learned theologians across the centuries have debated the authenticity
of authorship as it applies to Paul’s letters found in the New Testament. It has now
come to be regarded as common knowledge that only half of the letters found within
the New Testament are to be considered genuinely Pauline. This assumption has
historically been based, in part, on stylistic differences and theological ideas that
seem farther advanced than we routinely ascribe to Paul. However, through careful
examination and comparison with genuine Pauline writings, it will effectively be
argued that Ephesians and Colossians contain within their Haustafeln the very same
teachings and beliefs as Paul was so well known for throughout his ministry.
Misha Holt, Albright College
REBIRTH IN THE WOMAN IN THE DUNES
In The Woman in the Dunes by Abe Kobo, a man finds himself trapped among the
dunes. He is left in the care of a woman. This is an abrupt change of environment
for him and he struggles to find a way to keep to his sense of justice while trying to
attempt an escape. In both cases, he is unsuccessful. Instead, he is forced to go
through a process of rebirth, finding order out of the chaos that the dunes threw him
into. When he first comes to the dunes, he refuses to give in to the villagers who he
sees as his captors. However, as time drags on and his attempts at escape fail, he is
forced to give up. In the end, he decides to willingly stay as the result of discovering
capillary action in the sand. The sand represented the state of chaos that the new
environment left him in. The discovery of water and the result of previous events
gave life to a newer self and so he has reborn, just as order was reborn out of chaos.
Brandon Mowery, Kutztown University
BY VISUALIZING THE IMPOSSIBLE, YOU BEGIN TO SEE IT AS POSSIBLE
The philosophical theory about possible worlds has become more of a popular topic
in philosophy today. The 17th century philosopher Leibniz has a theory of possible
worlds, which I shall argue against. He states that this world is the best possible
world that god would create. Even if this world is the best possible world, and if other
possible worlds exist, I believe that other possible worlds could be better than the
actual world we live in. I will use articles from David Lewis to prove how Leibniz’s
theory is wrong. David Lewis says that all possible worlds and their contents are
equally real. He takes worlds to be primitives and insists that his realist interpretation
of possibilia is merely a formalization of our common-sense thinking about a particular
mode in which something exists, experiences, or expresses. I shall consider Modal
Realist philosophers, such as Mondadori and Morton, who object to Lewis’ approach.
They argue that modal notions can be understood independently of any reference to
possible worlds or possible objects. Challenging Leibniz’s theory on possible worlds
using articles by David Lewis might show that other possible worlds are better than
the actual world we live in.
Laura Wimbrow, Albright College
HUMANITY STOLEN BY THE SANDS
My essay entitled “Humanity Stolen by the Sands” discusses dehumanization and
the distinction between human and animal, as evidenced in Kobo Abe’s novel The
Woman in the Dunes. As Abe’s main characters-- Niki Jumpei and a nameless
woman-- become partnered and trapped in a sand dune lodging, such themes as
slavery, loss of individuality, isolation, and animal-like behavior to a nebulous sense of
humanity. Referenced are Marroum’s scholarly article “Sands of Imprisonment” and
Disanyake’s “Self, Place, and Body.”
Paper Session 3-A
Roessner Hall 101, 1:15-2:15 P.M.
Brian Anderson, Albright College
CONCISE AND NUMBERED: WRITING FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT
This project involves two pieces that I wrote for potential publication as a journalist,
and concern health and fitness. Using quotes from presentations by a fitness
professional, Alison Burke, and a nutrition expert, Jill Zelinsky, I boiled down the core
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elements of helpful advice that each had to offer an audience. The results could have
spanned ten or more pages; however, my goal was to make this health and lifestyle
information as easy to digest as possible--so that the readers (reading online, in a
newsletter, or even a phone message)--would get maximum impression to actually
make a lifestyle change for the better.
Matthew Bello, Irving Guzman, Kutztown University
CREATING BILINGUAL BOOKS FOR THE ESL CLASSROOM
Phonemic awareness and literacy skills in a first language help facilitate literacy
development in a second language. This pedagogical principle has been well
exploited in teaching English speakers Spanish, but is less frequently applied in
teaching Spanish speakers English as a second language. We created a bilingual
book to be used as a resource in the ESL classroom by scaffolding students’ literacy
skills in their first language, Spanish. Learners will be able to relate the Spanish to the
English in order to better comprehend the language and develop their English skills.
In the writing process, we faced many challenging decisions and learned quickly that
translation and bilingualism are not one-to-one systems by any means. Among other
things, the author’s first language, as well as the learners’ first language, significantly
impacts the creation of the original as opposed to the translated version of the text.
Denise Castro, Penn State Berks
THE INFLUENCE OF CLASSROOM BLOGGING ON WRITING DEVELOPMENT AND
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL
Blogs have captured the attention of educators as a way to integrate technology into
the classroom. While research exists that explores classroom blogging’s educational
benefits, it is limited almost entirely to its use in secondary and college level classes.
This paper reports on an exploratory case study investigating how classroom blogging
influences second-grade writing development and student engagement in the writing
process. An analysis of the 22 second-grade pre- and post-blogging student-writing
samples, field notes and post-blogging surveys will produce findings exploring their
writing development and engagement. Since literature is limited in this area the
outcomes help illustrate how technology is a prominent part of 21st century classrooms
and informs the ways in which students can engage in authentic writing tasks.
Jordan Thomas, Kutztown University
METHODOLOGY OF BILINGUAL EDUCATION
An important debate in bilingual education is that of whether or not to use the
native language (L1) in the English as a Second Language (L2) classroom. Many
educators believe that L1 belongs at home and not in the ESL classroom, and those
teachers follow a more English only approach. However, studies suggest that those
students may not progress as fast or as effectively as those that learn both languages
simultaneously in a more immersive environment.
My research focuses on the methodology of teaching ESL, specifically to those who
already have Spanish as L1. In this paper, I explore the following three specific
approaches to ESL methodology: 1) Immersion: teaching English language only, with
emphasis on the needs of ESL learners; 2) Mainstream submersion: which involves
teaching content areas such as Social Studies, Math and Science in English, without
the support or scaffolding of ESL instruction; 3) Maintenance/Heritage Language:
teaching English while using Spanish as a “bridge” to improve both L1 and L2 literacy.
Empirical evidence and recent research have shown that L1 literacy predicts
successful L2 literacy acquisition. Furthermore, the maintenance/heritage language
approach raises self-efficacy among learners due to the awareness and support of L1.
Paper Session 3-B
Jared Moser, Penn State Berks
A NATION OF SOLDIERS: RUSSIAN CULTURAL FUNDAMENTALS OBSERVED
THROUGH ITS MILITARY PRACTICES
Throughout Russia’s history, its people have been shaped by social, political, and
physical extremes. The necessity to adapt to these extremes can be seen over the
course of Russian history especially when taking a look at the country’s military from
the birth of the USSR up until present day. Military history provides an almost perfect
window into what fundamentally comprises nations when attempting to understand
their culture, economic prosperity, and what its people regard as priority. When
studying Russia’s military history throughout the communist era of the former Soviet
Union, right up to modern day Russia, one will be able to see clear similarities as well
as distinct differences in Russian values and culture.
Justine Smith, Albright College
A COMPARTIVE LOOK AT FAITH AFTER SURVIVAL IN AUSCHWITZ
I will be reseraching how people of different faiths reacted in a religious context to the
horrors of Auschwitz. Whether or not their faith was strengthened or lost because of
their experiences. I will be reading an autobiography written by a Christian (Corrie Ten
Boom’s “The Hiding Place”), a Jew who lost their faith (Elie Wiesel’s “Night Triology”),
a Jew who kept their faith(Victor Frankel’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”) and an
athiest (Primo Levi “Survival at Auschwitz”). I will also looke at The Faith and Doubt
of Holocaust Survivors by Brenner which is a comparitive study. I will then use my
research to discover how faith played a role in survival of the death camps and if what
impact the death camps had on faith itself.
Hanna Szigeti, Albright College
UNCONVENTIONAL CHARACTERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN LITERARY CANON
What defines an exceptional American character? Does the definition stem from the
way a character appears physically? Does the economic situation determine his or
her inimitability as a character? These are a few of the effectual questions that I
highlight in my examination of atypical American characters.
By exploring the lives of Willa Cather and John Steinbeck, one may begin to understand
the unconventional nature of their characters. The characters in My Antonia, Sapphira
and the Slave Girl, and Of Mice and Men are prime examples of non-normative
characters in 20th century American literature. These characters embody at least
one characteristic that removes them from categorization as “average.” Cultural,
racial, gender, and intellectual distinctions separate them from achieving a status
of normalcy in American literature. Within my analysis of Cather’s work, I focus on
feminism and gender distinctions. Many of Cather’s female characters are like young
men. The protagonist in My Antonia and the protagonist in Sapphira and the Slave
Girl evade rape. My analysis shall examine modern stereotypes surrounding gender
and immigration. Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men contains unconventional characters.
These characters include a woman defined by gender, a man defined by race, and a
man defined by intellect.
Jerri Waradzin, Alvernia University
WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament is a collection of human experiences that have been preserved
for thousands of years. It involves folk stories, laws, myths, crimes and punishments.
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However, the issues themselves are far from ancient, and one group still is struggling
to be heard, women. Our biblical stories let us take advantage of the lack of proximity
between our culture and that of our ancient past. There are violent crimes against
women in our bible that we may prefer to not think about. However, the only reasonable
reaction to injustice is telling the story of the victim. The more gruesome tales in our
bible need to be heard, because these are the stories of real human victims. If these
stories are glossed over, it tells women that the stories of female victims and heroes
are not needed by the Church today. It would be wrong to not learn from Sarah, Jael,
Jephthah, Lot, and Judith, and it would be a greater sin to ignore their victims. Their
victims are our neighbors, daughters, friends, and sisters. Ignoring their stories only
continues the systematic degradation of women.
Jacob Whiteley, Kutztown University
THE SPAINISH RECONQUEST
Spain during the medieval ages was a battlefield between Christianity and Islam.
When the Muslim forces invaded Spain in 711 they brought a far superior civilization
than anything the Spanish people had seen before, while the Arabs were more
superior culturally, the Spanish Christians developed a crusading mentality that would
eventually unify the Christian in their attempts to regain the territory that was lost to
the Muslims. The Reconquest unified the kingdoms of Spain and helped create the
Spanish Identity.
Paper Session 3-D
Paper Session 3-C
Mason Seewagen, Reading Area Community College
BIG DATA ON SELF-REFERENCIAL LITERATURE
Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral” is a character study of a husband whose disengaging
narration purposefully under develops several literary elements, most importantly
plot, to depict his state of mind prior to his realization. The absence of these elements
ultimately supports the narrator’s realization at the end of the story. A self-referential
moment in the story’s climax – whereat the narrator refers to his storytelling process
– reveals the self-awareness of the narrator, which derives from creative acts of
interpersonal communication. The use of dialog, which was previously subdued
throughout the story, surrounds the narrator’s epiphany. A statistical analysis of the
use of these mimetic clusters by the narrator may further support a change in the
narrative pattern, and therefore, proof of the narrator’s realization.
Joshua Steinberg, Kutztown University
IMPLICATE ME, BABY!
In his 1975 article “Logic and Conversation,” Herbert Paul Grice formulates the
formal structure and general criteria of our so-called conversational implicatures. A
conversational implicature is a meaning that is conveyed through natural language
without being neither explicitly expressed nor logically entailed by statements which
are explicitly expressed, but which nevertheless are suggested and understood. Grice
posits four broad maxims of conversation, which once we know, can work out when
a conversational implicature is being used. It seems that Grice is simply right in his
assessment in how we, in fact, use implicatures in conversation in certain cultures
and times. I claim that more general maxims of conversation can be discovered, from
which Grice´s can be derived, which apply to all cultures in all places in all times.
London Stever, Albright College
THEMATIC COMPARISON OF TWO JAPANESE SHORT STORIES
Fish act as vessels of moral instruction in Masuji Ibuse’s “Carp” and Ton Satomi’s
“Blowfish”. Duty and honor are two important traits in Japanese culture, but Ibuse’s
narrator and Satomi’s Jitsukawa Endo lack both. This essay reviews the role fish play
in these two short stories, their symbolism and what transformations they inspire in
the men. The authors punish vanity and negligence in two distinct short stories, united
by the use of fish as a tool.
Mahdi Chaker, Michael Cimerola, Penn State Lehigh Valley
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS: INTUITIVE INTERFACES FOR LIFE STORY WORK
IN ELDER CARE
It is projected that the number of people using nursing facilities, alternative residential
care places, or home care services will increase nearly twofold: from 15 million in
2000 to 27 million in 2050. Life story work, a foundational component of PersonCentered Care, is becoming recognized as increasingly important in resident care
environments. Life story work has the potential to improve individualized care,
facilitate transitions between environments in which dependence on caregivers
increases, and most importantly foster connections between care staff, family
carers and residents. Software featuring an intuitive interface was designed to
replace current collection methods, enhancing the entire life story collection process.
By digitizing the process, the ease of analysis of life story information allows for
identifying significant commonalities that would not present themselves via paper
form, resulting in improvements in care planning and delivery.
Robyn Philactos, Trevor Metterhauser, Wesley Gehman, Lauren Jones, Reading Area
Community College
CRITICAL REFLECTION ON THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
This session focuses on the steps of publishing from submission selection to final text
design and publication. The speakers, who are all staff members of Legacy, RACC’s
annual journal, will discuss the intellectual and practical issues of content creation
and the challenges involved in soliciting submissions, overseeing editing, creating the
look and style of the journal, and working with a printing company.
Erika Sallavanti, Nicole Fetchko, Dakota Hirst, Michael Lineman, Kutztown University
MOTIVATIONS FOR AND CONSTRAINTS OF PLAYING FANTASY SPORTS
Fantasy sports are a multi-billion dollar industry with millions of people partaking in
this phenomenon. Fantasy sports give the participants the opportunity to manage
their players and teams and compete with other fantasy players. Past research has
identified three main motivational factors of playing fantasy sports: social interaction,
competition, and entertainment/escape (Dwyer & Kim, 2011). There has been
little research on constraints of playing fantasy sports. The purpose of this study
is to examine the most prominent motivational factors influencing fantasy sport
consumption, discover the constraints of playing fantasy sports, and the impact of
fantasy sport participation on sport media consumption. We collected data from 97
students attending Kutztown University (Female: 34 and Male: 63, Avg. age: 21.2
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yrs.). Descriptive analysis on the SPSS program was utilized to analyze the data.
The findings of this study indicated that “Competition” and “Entertainment” are the
most prominent participation motivation factors. “Lack of Time,” “Lack of Money,”
“Lack of Knowledge,” and “Social Embarrassment” were identified as constraints of
participating in fantasy sports. Fantasy sport users are more likely to consume sport
media services than non-participants. The findings provide theoretical and practical
implications to academic scholars and practitioners in the sport industry.
Hannah Pell, Lebanon Valley College
EXPLORING MUSICAL SPACE: A GEOMETRIC APPROACH TO ANALYSIS
It is no secret that mathematics and music are deeply interconnected. Both
disciplines are arguably quite abstract, exploit wonderful and natural symmetries,
and generally seek to offer some sort of explanations (or demonstrations) of how
the world really works. Both musicians and mathematicians study various structures
and particular relationships between them. This paper will examine several ways in
which mathematics (particularly ideas in group theory and topology) reinforces our
ability to analyze music from a new geometrical perspective. My hope is to provide
clear and concise explanations and arguments suitable for both mathematicians with
background in such fields but have little to no music training, as well as an audience
of musicians who may not have much knowledge regarding the particular branches
of mathematics I will be addressing.
P O S T E R P R E S E N TAT I O N S
Poster Session 1
Roessner Hall Atrium, 8:30-9:30 A.M.
Therese Adgie, Albright College
THE GROWTH RATES AND NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF BASIL GROWN IN
ORGANIC, CONVENTIONAL, AND AQUAPONIC SYSTEMS
Despite high productivity and efficiency of the modern agricultural industry, agriculture
is still one of the leading producers of greenhouse gases, producing between 25-30%
of annual global emissions. In addition chemical fertilizers and pesticides utilized in
modern agriculture can have long term effects on the ecosystem. Various alternative
farming systems have the potential to mitigate such environmental ramifications,
though are currently being employed on a limited scale. However, the validity of
alternative farming systems in terms of nutritional benefits is under investigated. To
examine the effect of alternative farming systems on the crops that they produce,
basil cultivars were raised in three different systems (conventional, organic, and
aquaponic) to investigate the effect that the farming system has on the growth rates
and nutritional components of the plant. Soil samples from each system were analyzed
to determine potential differences in percent carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and
basil samples were analyzed to determine differences in protein and carbohydrate
concentrations. Caloric content and soil nutrient content were also determined.
Preliminary findings indicate that there are biochemical differences between basil
and soil from each system as well as differences in growth rates between aquaponic
and conventional basil cultivars.
Danielle Avington, Alvernia University
ANIMAL HAIR AND FIBER ANALYSIS USING FTIR
Most animals, majority being mammals, have some form of hair or fur located on
their body. Hair and fur is unique to each species and therefore can be used to
identify the species to which a sample belongs. Four types of hair that are commonly
found on animals would be vibrissa, bristle, special-purpose, and wool. Although
hair can not one hundred percent identify an individual, it is still important part of
evidence if collected at a crime scene. Hair collected can still be used to identify
the species, race, origin of the hair, and drug history. The analysis of animal hair and
fibers using FTIR will be used to determine the different compositions of the samples
in comparison to each other. This research will aid in the better understanding of the
uses of FTIR for comparison of different samples and provide a data base of physical
characteristics of animal hair for academic purposes. This research was created to
compare and contrast the IR spectra of various animal hairs. The results showed that
while many of the hair and fibers showed similarities, they also provided the viewer
with distinct differences.
Sara Baum, Albright College
A PROSOPOGRAPHY OF PEWS
This research project helped to develop insights into the religious, economic, social,
and political affiliations connecting Christ Church members, during the British
Military occupation of Philadelphia (1777-1778). Christ Church was an Anglican, now
Episcopal, church that housed a variety of people. Merchants, politicians, printers,
etc. are found in the pew rental records of Christ Church’s Archives. Using secondary
sources such as scholarly articles and monographs, and the deep and extensive
primary source collections at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania we are able to
trace correspondence among the parishioners, familial connections, political loyalties,
and business partnerships during revolutionary era Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Bengtsson, Albright College
HOW EFFECTIVE IS TOTAL-PHYSICAL RESPONSE STORYTELLING IN AN EFL SETTING?
In 1990 Blaine Ray created the Total Physical Response (TPR), a method designed to
teach students new vocabulary in a new language. Total Physical Response Storytelling
(TPR-S) is based on research conducted by Krashen (2010) and Asher (1990) to
improve literacy and vocabulary acquisition. In this study, we assessed the impact
TPR-S had on vocabulary acquisition for a group of 9 students between the ages of
eight and twelve in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting. This study was
conducted in Nicaragua to better understand how English is taught to EFL students.
Using a pretest and post-test the results show there was a significant increase in
vocabulary acquisition at the end of the 3 weeks spent learning with TPR-S.
Lindsay Bittle, Jamie Dearie, Josephine Heil, Anissa Koperna, Alvernia University
ANXIETY IN UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
BY ACADEMIC GRADE LEVEL
This research study compares anxiety scores in college students by academic
grade level. The researchers will be conducting a quantitative study using the
survey instrument Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7. The survey contains seven
questions that address feelings of anxiety scored on the Likert scale. The researchers
will collect data from students in eight college classes. After the scores are calculated
for each survey response the researchers will use a chi square to compare academic
grade levels from freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Findings from the study
will be collected this semester. The researchers hypothesize that anxiety is positively
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correlated with academic grade level. Other research data shows the prominence of
anxiety in college students and their resistance to seek treatment. The study holds
significance for faculty, staff, and other professionals at the university level, as well as
other helping professionals in the field, such as social workers.
Michelle Boyer, Kelly Leon, Nellie Kabilizya, Penn State Berks
IDENTIFICATION OF GENES ON THE SP10 VIRAL GENOME THAT INDUCES
SPORULATION IN THE BACTERIUM BACILLUS SUBTILIS
The SP10 bacteriophage is a bacterial virus that carries genetic information in the
form of nucleic acid. SP10 infects Bacillus subtilis and induces sporulation in this
bacterium. Mutations in the sporulation gene spo0J of B. subtilis lead to a spore
negative phenotype, unless this mutant is infected with SP10. Understanding how
SP10 causes induction of sporulation in wild type B. subtilis and conversion to a spore
positive phenotype in the spo0J mutant is the focus of our project. We hypothesize that
SP10 contains a spo0J homolog in its genome allowing for functional replacement of
the mutant spo0J in B. subtilis. The isolation of SP10 genomic DNA and subsequent
PCR analysis will determine if the viral DNA contains a form of the spo0J gene.
Gabriel Brill, Ursinus College
ESTROGEN AND BISPHENOL A AND S REGULATE LYSOSOMAL PROTEOLYSIS;
IMPLICATIONS FOR LUPUS
Cathepsins are proteases involved in general protein turnover and in immune function,
specifically antigen presenting cells (APC’S). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is
an autoimmune disease in which small immune complexes deposit themselves into
the blood vessel walls leading to tissue-damaging inflammatory reactions. Patients
with SLE have higher levels of estrogen hormone, whose receptor stimulates a
cascade of events resulting in an enhanced autoimmune response, specifically in
APC’s. This stimulation affects the complement system, and increases activity of
the humoral immune system. Environmental endocrine disruptors with a similar
chemical structures as estrogen, Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS)---found
in household objects made of plastic-bind to estrogen receptors leading to adverse
effects on our bodies. Previous studies in our lab have shown that estrogen and BPA
regulates cathepsin activity in immune cells, which varies between control C57B1/6
mice and lupus-prone NZB WF/1 mice. We now show that cathepsins are differentially
regulated by physiological and environmental estrogens. Additionally, we examined
cathepsin activity in samples pretreated with Fulvestrant, an estrogen receptor
agonist. Our results suggest that the normal and lupus-prone mice react differently to
both physiological and environmental estrogens, that the response is dose dependent
and regulated through the estrogen receptor.
Hannah Burton, Bryan Williams, Penn State Berks
GENEOTYPIC ANALYSIS OF THE VIRULENCE FACTORS OF ANTHRAX TOXIN
Bacillus anthracis is a gram positive, spore forming, bacteria famous for being the
etiological agent of Anthrax; that possesses the gene for an exotoxin known as edema
factor. B. anthracis bears close genotypic and phenotypic resemblance to the nonpathogenic Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis species. Given that the PXO1 and
PXO2 mega plasmids endows B. anthracis with its pathogenicity, this work intended
to confirm the genetic sequence homology of the mega plasmids of B. anthracis to the
mega plasmids of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis using RAST and BLAST genetic tools.
The findings presented herein indicate that the PXO1 mega plasmid of B. anthracis
is genetically homologous to the Pbc10987 mega plasmid of B. cereus. Also, the
PXO2 mega plasmid of B. anthracis is analogous the pBT9727 mega plasmid of B.
thuringiensis except that the latter lacks the ability to activate gene expression of the
pathogenic factor on PXO2. From our data we concluded that the two homologous
plasmids, when transformed in the same cell, will show phenotypic similarity with
Bacillus anthracis but will be unable to activate the toxin genes. Furthermore, this
work also suggests that B.cereus, B.anthracis and potentially B.thuringiensis arose
from a common ancestral bacterium.
Daniel Cobb, Daigo Ndiaye, Penn State Berks
ROBOTIC ARM PROSTHETIC
The purpose of this project is to inform public of the growing need for a inexpensive,
yet reliable robotic arm prosthetic. There is a growing need for robotic arms for such
clients as, military veterans, motor vehicle accident victims, and medical patients,
which can’t in most cases afford a robotic prosthetic, this could possibly be an option
for them. Since most medical insurance companies will only pay for a non-robotic
prosthetic, the client would be limited to basic functions such and raising/lowering
their arm and grabbing basic objects. But, with a robotic arm, the client would have
a wider range of motion. Such motions as hand gestures, writing, holding, grabbing,
among many.
Joshua Davidson, Penn State Berks
FRICTIONLESS JOINT FOR BIOMECHANIC APPLICATIONS
With most mechanical applications, there are frictional forces that oppose motion,
create heat and dissipate energy. Specifically, within bio-mechanic applications, each
joint in a prosthetic arm or leg undergoes some magnitude of dissipative force. With
my research, I intend to develop a joint using the repulsive interactions of magnetism
to reduce friction to bear minimum. With proper allocation of permanent magnets, the
joint will rotate freely due to the elimination of the frictional force. In turn, the idea is to
counter the magnetic repulsion with a fixture of elastic bands that will be flexible and
still provide a degree of stability. My project is at the initial stages of development and
currently there are three designs for bio-mechanic application. Each design rotates
in a plane but the magnets are oriented and positioned differently in each of them.
The design must be small and convenient but sturdy enough to support applied load.
Finding the proper design and placement for the magnets has been trial and error
approach. The goal is to design a joint that can be used cooperatively as finger joints
within a mechanical hand.
Michael Faust, Taylor Hollenbach, Penn State Berks
EVALUATING FE2+ CONTENT USING A COLORIMETRIC ASSAY TO COMPARE
ACCURACY OF A STANDARD CURVE AND STANDARD ADDITION METHODS
This work evaluates a colorimetric assay used to determine the Fe2+ content in
various vitamins. A linear range was established for a standard curve to determine
at what concentration it deviates from linearity. Once the standard curve and an
appropriate wavelength were established, different vitamins were analyzed to
determine their Fe2+ content. The calculated Fe2+ content was then compared to
that obtained using a standard addition. The effect of ionic strength on the assay was
also investigated using a series of salt additions.
Melissa Fiato, Reading Area Community College
FUN WITH GAMES
This paper will examine the relationship between people, who have played the game
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock who have seen Star Trek and people who have
not seen Star Trek that have played the same game. Do people who have seen Star
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Trek choose Spock or Lizard more often? The game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard,
Spock has exploded into problem solving and entertainment. The goal of this paper
is to examine the relationship between people who have seen Star Trek and people
who have not seen Star Trek that have played the game Rock, Scissors, Paper, Lizard,
Spock and choose Spock or Lizard more often if that person has seen Star Trek.
A survey of volunteers from Reading Area Community College which consists of
students and faculty will participate in this study. There will be two questions on
the survey. Have you ever watched Star Trek? Have you ever played the game Rock,
Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock? Also the game Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock
game will be played with the same volunteers from the survey and observed. The data
will be recorded after playing three games of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock.
Kathleen Fitzharris, Alvernia University
THE EMERGENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN SEA OTTERS (ENHYDRA LUTRIS)
AND OTHER MARINE SPECIES ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite comprised of oocysts which inhabit felines as its
definitive host. Highly infectious oocysts in feline feces can be spread to humans
and marine species such as snails, urchins, and sea otters. This is thought to
occur by infected cat feces contaminating the freshwater runoff that flows into the
marine environments where oocysts infect the marine life and habitats. The effects
of Toxoplasma gondii infection can be devastating and even fatal in sea otters.
The cascade effect of a declining sea otter population can be catastrophic to the
marine environment in addition to affecting the human population. By examining the
emergence of Toxoplasma gondii in sea otters along the California coast, it can be
determined how this parasite moves between the marine and terrestrial environments
and why this link is critical to understand to ensure the world’s future conservation.
Elizabeth Fowler, Meghan McKelvey, Alvernia University
RECIDIVISM RATE AND TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS
The purpose of this study is to identify a relationship between recidivism rates and
transitional programs. The researchers used preexisting data from ex-offenders
within the United States and over the age of eighteen. Both genders were included
in the sampling of ex-offenders. The researchers found a relationship between
transitional programs and the likelihood of an ex-offender re-entering incarceration.
When an offender accepts a transitional program after incarceration, they are taught
budgeting, communication, interpersonal, interviewing, and job skills which assist
with re-entering society. Research suggests that transitional programs lower the
likelihood of re-incarceration. The findings of this research have major implications
on policy involving offenders leaving incarceration. From a social work perspective
policy makers who are aware of these findings should provide staffing, as well as
implement and fund programs to assist ex-offenders in transitioning. Practicing
social workers can assist the ex-offenders in building on the skills they learned in
transitional programs to make them more successful.
Natalie Gibbs, Ashley Maggio, Marissa Mussoline, Rosemarie Thress, Alvernia University
#GETCONNECTED: IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
Technological advancements enable social networking sites to be more convenient
and a part of everyday modern lifestyle. Social networking sites have changed
communication patterns among individuals. Through using preexisting data the
researchers anticipate expanding the knowledge base for social workers in regards
to social networking. The researchers will provide a secondary data analysis that
explores and evaluates the usage rates of social networking sites among college
students between the ages of 18-25. Through the secondary data analysis it was
found that the usage rates among college students steadily increases through the
years of 2000-2013. The researchers intend to bring awareness of this topic because
social workers need to be aware of social change. In social work, social networking
sites affect the micro, mezzo, and macro practice. Social networking sites can bring
awareness of services provided by different agencies within communities. Therefore,
the researchers determined as technology continues to advance, the increasing usage
rates of social networking sites will significantly impact daily life and the social work
profession. Keywords: social networking sites, social work, usage rates, society
Christopher Hare, Lucas Hepp, Matthew Craccas, Wesley Walters, Penn State Berks
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR
Thermoelectric generators (TEG) provide an alternative means for powering small
electronic systems in industrial and commercial environments. In these environments,
there are often sources of heat available from industrial processes or facility
infrastructure. The heat source coupled with a TEG unit provides an energy harvesting
system that can supplement or replace battery or grid-derived power. In the work
presented here, a small TEG was used to capture energy from a hot water heat pipe
in a campus classroom. Building on previous work, a fixture was designed using
CAD software to properly match the TEG device to the available hot water pipe. A
custom heat sink was also designed and fabricated. The assembled system was then
installed and tested. The TEG input temperatures and output voltage were monitored
to determine the performance of the installed system.
Scott Harkless, Kutztown University
THE VAULT AT PFAFF’S - DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP AT LEHIGH
The Vault at Pfaff’s is a digital scholarship project from Lehigh University’s Digital
Library. Specifically this is a project surrounding and supporting a rich digitized
collection of both externally and locally hosted materials pertaining to the American
Bohemian movement. Pfaff’s was a Lager Saloon which was one of the centers of
the American Bohemian movement in the 1850’s. The documents and materials
Lehigh is working with includes a vast collection of materials ranging from personal
letters, to digital artifacts, journals, academic articles, print materials, newspapers,
and many others. This project goes a step beyond a simple digitization effort into
a novel use of digital curation, including materials which are not native to Lehigh’s
collections, in order to promote and create original scholarship. This requires a
high degree of cooperation between institutions. During my part of this project I
engaged in everything from metadata work to grant writing in order to expand this
project, including further collaborations. As a result of which, I became aware of the
advantages and challenges presented by such a project. This poster will discuss the
viability of this sort of project as a digital cultural heritage technique.
Connor Koellner, Albright College
GROUP 13 COMPLEXES OF NEUTRAL Α-DIIMINE LIGANDS: SYNTHESIS,
CHARACTERIZATION AND CATALYTIC ACTIVITY
Al-α-diimine complexes with neutral ligands were prepared for α-diimines lacking ortho
substitution. Reaction of either N,N’-diphenyl-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene (LPh) or
N,N’-di[4-methylphenyl]-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene (LTol) gave the fully neutral
ligand compounds ([(diimine)2AlCl2][AlCl4]). The coordination of the LPh ligand to GaCl3
and InCl3 has also been explored, giving [(LPh)2GaCl2][GaCl4] and LPhInCl3(NCCH3),
respectively. The complexes were characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 27Al) NMR
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and DFT. The redox behaviour of the complexes was
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investigated using electrochemistry, with the cyclic voltamograms displaying quasireversible processes attributed to both the L–/L0 and L2–/L– processes. Catalytic
activity of the complexes for the epoxidation of alkenes will be presented.
David McCarrick, Albright College
ALLELOPATHIC INHIBITION OF GERMINATION BY GARLIC MUSTARD (ALLIARIA
PETIOLATA (M. BIEB.) CAVARA & GRANDE) ON INVASIVE JAPANESE STILTGRASS
(MICROSTIGIUM VIMENIUM (TRIN.) A. CAMUS) AND NATIVE INDIAN GRASS
SPECIES (SORGHASTRUM NUTANS (L.) NASH)
The plants garlic mustard (Alliara petiolata (M Bieb) Cavara & Grande) and Japanese
stiltgrass (Microstigium vimenium (Trin.) A. Camus) quickly became invasive in North
America after introduction (Barden 1987) through allelopathic means (i.e. - chemical
warfare) for garlic mustard (Prati and Bossdorf 2004) and biomass production for
the Japanese stiltgrass. The allelopathic effects of garlic mustard include herbivory
inhibition (Haribal et. al 2001) and seed germination inhibition (Prati and Bossdorf
2004). We hypothesized that the Japanese stiltgrass will resist the garlic mustard’s
allelopathy better than native species because of previous interaction in its original
range (USDA Plants) and its ability to grow alongside garlic mustard in the United States
(Metz, personal communication). In this study, a garlic mustard extract was prepared
with an ethanol/water solvent as described in a study isolating alliarinoside (Olsen,
Moller and Motawia 2014). The extract was added to MS agar in varying strengths and
surface sterilized seeds of Japanese Stiltgrass and native Indian Grass (Sorghastrum
nutans (L.) Nash) were tested for germination. The Indian Grass had statistically worse
germination in the full strength solution compared to the control while the Japanese
Stiltgrass exhibit no statistical difference indicating allelopathic resistance.
Caitlyn McGrellis, Alvernia University
FIBER DATABASE FOR COMPARISON WITH TRACE EVIDENCE USING ATR/FTIR
Fibers are very important in the line of law enforcement, as they are often collected
as trace evidence and identified in order to solve a crime or help solve a crime. Often
fibers are transferred from an object to person or from person to person with very
little contact. Fibers can be anything from pieces of clothing to parts of furniture or
objects. Databases are widely used when testing fibers for comparison. If a database
is put together and a fiber is already identified, it will be easier and much quicker
to link the fiber to a suspect and/or help the case move forward. This research
project used the ATR/FTIR to test and create a collection of fibers into a database
for comparison. The database created was then tested using fibers purchased from
Michael’s Arts and Crafts store. The results of this research showed that while many
people may believe samples of the same category have the same IR spectrum, it is
proven that they may not contain the same chemical makeup, resulting in different
spectra. It was also found that some fiber samples in different categories have the
same chemical makeup.
Tyler Moser, Penn State Berks
THE BABY MONITOR
This project seeks to prevent the accidental deaths of infants. Around the developed
world, children are often left in vehicles during warm weather and die from heat
stroke. We seek to prevent this tragedy by developing a device that will be used in
conjunction with a child car seat. It will notify others of the threat to the baby’s life. A
series of sensors are utilized to measure the potential for infant death and, if needed,
help will be sought by an alarm. The device also features early support for notifying
the child’s guardian via their smartphone.
Chastity Paredes-Rodriguez, Sheshkumar Patel, Penn State Berks
COLORIMETRIC ASSAY USING INDICATOR DYE IMMOBILIZED ON
CHROMATOGRAPHIC PAPER
Colorimetric assay is used to determine the pH of various solutions using an
immobilized indicator dyes on chromatographic paper pattered with waxed ink. For
the experiment, we will test the limitation of each indicator with solutions having
different pH and investigate the effects of ionic strength on the indicator response.
Different chromatographic paper will be used with various indicators and observed
pH would be correlated with pH found by conventional pH probe. This experiment will
focus on the use of paper based technology and the making of a cheaper and more
reliable indicator that may be adapted for a variety of applications.
Tyler Parkin, Seth Tyson, Penn State Berks
PENN STATE BERKS 2D MOTION TRACKER
The scope of this project is to design and prototype an apparatus capable of tracking
human motion in a virtual plane. The purpose of the project is to develop a device that
is both affordable and practical for consumers. The design must be user friendly, have
a small footprint, be comfortable, and be able to deliver precise and accurate data.
The device must also be able to accommodate users who are within the 95% range of
user height and weight. Many benchmarks exist for this project, but none can produce
very accurate data. Our goal is to develop a design that delivers data accurately
enough to be used for research purposes while not lowering the safety and practicality
of the device. The final design will incorporate both electrical and mechanical design
principles into a single design. To accomplish this goal we developed a structure that
can keep a user in place while not restricting their range of motion. The user will be
held over a slick surface and made to walk in place while various sensors are used to
quantify the human motion and turn it into usable data.
Tessa Patton, Kutztown University
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE MRNA LEVELS OF THE UDP-NACETYLGLUCOSAMINE PYROPHOSPHORYLASE GENE FROM THE LARVAE OF THE
RED FLOUR BEETLE, TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM
The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a common insect pest of grains, carries
genes encoding proteins that are closely related to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine
pyrophosphorylases (UAPs). UAPs produce UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, the precursor
for chitin biosynthesis, protein glycosylation and modification of other molecules.
Most arthropods carry only a single gene, but Tribolium has two homologous genes,
TcUAP1 and TcUAP2. The specific functions of the UAPs in Tribolium are not clearly
understood. To gain insight into the roles of the UAPs, we investigate the effect of
different incubation temperatures on the TcUAP1 mRNA levels during larval stage
of development. We hypothesize that as the temperature increases (25°C to 37°C),
TcUAP1 mRNA levels from the larvae also increases. Three sets of 1-liter cultures
of red flour beetles were incubated at three temperatures (25°C, 30°C, and 37°C).
After three weeks the larvae were collected. Preliminary observations revealed
that at larval harvest the culture at 37°C produced the most larvae, while the lower
temperatures produced tremendously decreased numbers of larvae. The levels of the
larval mRNA from the different temperatures will be analyzed.
Nicholas Rossetti, Adam Fox, Frank Foose, Gerald Fisher, Michael Cappiello, Penn State Berks
AUTOMATED POWDER DISPENSER
The purpose of this project is to incorporate electrical, mechanical and control
systems to develop an automated powder dispenser. An automated powder dispenser
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is a highly accurate system used to dispense a variety of granular media to a user
determined amount without going over. This project focuses on the consumer version
of this system used in the dispensing of gun powder for the hobbyist interested in
the reloading of ammunition. The system is centered on a PIC microcontroller which
controls all interaction between the input and output devices. Data is entered into
the system via a keypad and pertinent information is displayed on an LCD. The
system monitors a load cell to determine how much media to dispense and varies it’s
dispense rate as it nears the user’s desired set point. Performance of this system is
expected to be within +/- 0.05 grains or approximately +/- 3 milligrams.
or disabled individual. This study also evaluated the extent to which college-aged
individuals are aware of the concept of courtesy stigma, as well as measured the
participants’ beliefs about the availability and adequacy of resources available to help
the family members of individuals with a mental illness or disability. The results of
this research are discussed in the context of which elements of courtesy stigma were
believed to effect overall family dynamic, family structure, and individual members.
Additionally, the effects of courtesy stigma on family members responsible for the
care of the mentally ill or disabled, as well as the perceptions of resource availability
for family members, are discussed.
Jireh Saba, Jessica Hartman, Melissa Bennett, Amber Rogers, Bryann Cave, Penn State Berks
THE CRISIS OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE: RESPONDING WITH A PLAN THAT CONSIDERS
HOME, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACROSS THREE PHASES
The Response to School Vulnerability Plan (RSVP) project is being developed by crossdisciplinary undergraduate teams from Business, Education, Applied Psychology
and IST at The Pennsylvania State University Berks campus to address school
safety. Teams synthesized and summarized research, created a project model and
website, and are currently collaborating with a national multi-disciplinary advisory
board drawing from the areas of clergy, school administration, parenting, police
services, crisis intervention, special education, and psychology to examine the
theoretical underpinnings for the development of a comprehensive 3-phase plan.
Findings suggest a plan that is strategic and comprehensive in scope; yet basic
in terms of interlocking phases (Preparation, Response, Long-Term Recovery) with
each phase articulating critical and practical components that are grounded in the
research literature. Phase I advocates to empower children through the development
of coping, resiliency skills and tolerance for diversity while considering emotional
and psychological preparation for disasters. Phase II considers the logistics and
success of emergency responses, and Phase III ensures long-term recovery after
a crisis through implementation of the components in Phase I. Recommendations
include equipping children with resiliency skills, respect for individual differences,
responsibility, accountability, nurturing acceptance, tolerance for diversity and strong
interconnectedness among community, school and home.
Cristina Santiago, Albright College
AUTO-FLUORESCENCE OF PLANT TISSUES
Fluorescence microscopy can be a useful tool for observing cells or tissues that have
been labeled with fluorescent dyes resulting in an induced fluorescence. Most plant
tissues can exhibit fluorescent character without the addition of fluorescent dyes due
to a natural occurring phenomenon known as intrinsic or auto-fluorescence. The
auto-fluorescent character of plant tissues can be attributed to various secondary
metabolites that may be present and can also be used to identify or localize certain
cell or tissue components. A variety of slides containing pre-made plant tissue
samples were examined under a fluorescence microscope in order to determine
if they exhibited auto-fluorescent character. In addition to the examination of premade plant tissue slides, sectioning of fresh plant tissues was also performed. The
freshly sectioned plant tissues were examined under the fluorescent microscope to
determine if they exhibited auto-fluorescence. The fluorescent character observed in
the tissue samples were compared to a protocol that contained tissue components
with their expected emission colors under a fluorescent filter.
Launick Saint-Fort, Roberto Hernandez, Penn State Berks
THE EFFECT OF BORATE COMPOSITIONS ON ELECTRO-OSMOTIC FLOW
Electro-osmotic flow, also called electroendosmotic flow, flow is the movement of
liquid in a porous material caused by a difference in potential across the material.
Because electro-osmotic flow is significant in micro-scale flow channels, it will be
investigated by incorporating various borate buffer compositions in glass capillaries.
Borate buffer is ideal due to its extensive use in electrophoresis separations, and the
optimization of parameters (i.e., pH, ionic strength) ought to offer useful information
to the different factors affecting the optimization of electro-osmotic flow. Higher
field strengths will be applied to observe the effect of voltage and ionic strength on
electro-osmotic flow.
Zenas M. Savage, Penn State Berks
LEARNING TRANSFERENCE OF THE DOMINANT AND NON-DOMINANT HAND AND
PARAMETRIC GOAL EQUIVALENT MANIFOLDS IN A VIRTUAL SHUFFLEBOARD
GAME
Traditionally biomechanics has used natural everyday movements such as gait to
identify various neurologic and physical pathologies. With easier and more widespread
access to computers, virtual reality has presented itself as a useful controlled
environment in which to conduct motion studies. In this experiment MATLAB is used
as a platform to create a one dimensional shuffleboard game. Particularly of interest
is learning transference between the dominant and non-dominant hand. Using
empirically collected data, we will describe different performance characteristics
when subjects play the shuffleboard game using different arms. A special emphasis
will be on presentation order: it is expected that when the non-dominant hand task is
presented first, it will cause the subject to start the dominant hand task with a more
sensitive and astute sense of the game’s physics. Additionally we will explore the
possibility of more complex tasks, such as a game with a moving shuffleboard target
and develop the necessary mathematical modeling for useful analysis.
Jeannelia Santiago, Penn State Berks
STIGMA AND ITS EFFECT ON FAMILY MEMBERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Numerous studies have demonstrated that there is a stigma surrounding mental
health and mental health care. However, very few studies have examined the effects
that this stigma can have on the family members of individuals who suffer from a
mental illness or disability. The current study evaluated the degree to which the
stigma associated with mental illness extends to family members of a mentally ill
Nick Simmons, Aaron Rizzardi, Penn State Berks
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION BICYCLE
We have installed a continuously variable transmission onto a stationary bicycle testing
platform as a proof of concept. We are trying to prove that the CVT transmission is a
practical replacement to the standard gear and derailleur style bicycle transmissions
because it allows smoother transitions between gear ratios due to the continuity of
the system.
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Jordan Smith, Sheshkumar Patel, Morgan Mull, Penn State Berks
CLONING AND SEQUENCING OF THE GAPC GENE OF PEPEROMIA CAPERATA AND
OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM
We have cloned and sequenced the GAPC gene of two plants, Peperomia caperata
(emerald ripple peperomia) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (holy basil). The GAPC gene
is part of the family of GAPDH genes. Genes from this family code for an enzyme
called glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. This particular enzyme
catalyzes the step of glycolysis in which Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is converted
into 1,3-Bisphosphoglycerate. Genomic DNA of the GAPC gene was extracted from
the plants. The GAPC gene was amplified by nested PCR and ligated into the pJET
1.2 plasmid. This recombinant plasmid was then introduced into Escherichia coli by
transformation. Clones containing the correct insert were identified by restriction
analysis, and the gene was sequenced by automated methods. The sequences we
have obtained will be published to NCBI’s GenBank database.
Jacquelyn Strange, Lisa Flemming, Alvernia University
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN WELL-BEING AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG
DISCHARGED MILITARY PERSONNEL
This research examines the differences in well-being of male and female veterans
from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Well-being consists of
post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, unemployment, homelessness, and
sexual assault. A current problem with the military is the understanding of how male
and female veterans cope differently upon discharge from active duty. Researchers
gathered data from publicly available sources. An analysis and comparison of the
data within each category of well-being determined the differences in male and
female veterans. The researchers concluded that females suffer from higher rates of
sexual assault and unemployment, while males suffered high rates of post-traumatic
stress disorder, homelessness and substance above. However, even though the
comparisons provided these results, a disproportionate number of males serve in the
military, with fewer female service members. Social work research needs to continue
in the area of gender differences and their coping ability within the military lifestyle.
Knowing the information presented, social workers can better serve male and female
veterans with in the military.
Theania Stuart, Samantha Gerhard, Penn State Berks
GERMINATION OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS AS A MODEL FOR BACILLUS ANTHRACIS
The germination of Bacillus subtilis was used as a model for Bacillus anthracis.
Members of the Bacillus genus can exist in two forms: a dormant spore form and
an active vegetative form. In order for B. anthracis to cause diseases the dormant
spore form of the bacteria must convert into the vegetative form. This process is
called germination. The process begins under specific environmental conditions and
involves a series of cellular changes. The cultivation of B. subtilis and B. anthracis
are dependent on specific environmental conditions and specific cell types (bacterial
strains). For example, the environment must be rich in glucose for organic synthesis,
rich in nitrogen for protein production and rich in phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis.
When this happens vegetative cells will grow and spores will germinate. Our project
examines the mechanism by which the cells convert from spore form to vegetative
form in an attempt to compare germination processes in B. subtilis with B. anthracis.
Ashley Tomlinson, Kathleen Fitzharris, Kayla Huey, Olivia Madara, Erik Sandbakken, Alvernia University
EXCURSIONS FROM MUSIC HISTORY
What are some of the interesting events, ideas and people that provide the cultural
context for the development of Western art music? The researchers have investigated
topics suggested by the periods of Music History from the ancient Greeks to the
Nineteenth-Century. They are prepared to present short talks with appropriate audiovisual examples on such topics as: Gregorian Chant, Then and Now; Hildegard von
Bingen, music mystic; Music and Mathematics via Pythagoras; The Black Plague; Plato
on Music and Emotion; Castrati opera stars; Music and medicine in the eighteenthcentury; St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice; Deus ex Machina and other effects of the
Baroque theater; Obsolete musical instruments; The Mozart Effect, fact or fiction?;
Franklin’s glass armonica and Franz Mezmer.
Kirby Turner, Alvernia University
ANTIMICROBIALS AND THEIR EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
A developing problem for healthcare officials is the growing antibiotic resistance
for common pathogenic bacteria. A known cause for this development is the over
and improper use of antibiotic drugs when treating infection. However, another
less developed hypothesis is the effect of the massive use of antimicrobial products
in today’s society. In this study, we develop a model system to test the effect
of antimicrobial substances on subsequent development of antibiotic resistance.
Initially, IC50 doses of both antimicrobial and antibiotic substances are determined
using a common Alamar Blue vital dye assay format. Bacteria are then exposed to
an antimicrobial substance with subsequent exposure to an antibiotic. Resistance
to common antibiotics will be tracked, before and after antimicrobial exposure (at
IC50 doses) in order to determine if the use of common antimicrobial products (i.e.
peroxide, detergent, etc.) can cause a quantitative difference in antibiotic resistance.
This procedure will create a model for antibiotic resistance analysis, in which any
bacteria, antimicrobial, and antibiotic may be inserted for comparison. This model
is designed to provide an inexpensive, convenient method for small laboratory
operations investigating antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Angela Walter, Albright College
IMPROVING HEALTH LITERACY THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TO
MOTIVATE AMERICANS TOWARDS BETTER ORAL HEALTH
The mouth may be one of the most important assets to the entire body and it is
critical that communication, about oral health and dental hygiene, is effective. This
is not only a personal interest but something that affects all Americans across social
spheres, economic levels, and ages. The mouth allows humankind the essential ability
of nourishment and language. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index showed onethird of Americans did not see their dentist in 2013(Bushak, 2014). Effective health
communication should motivate the general public to see a dentist more often and
maintain oral health. There are not so obvious benefits from maintaining a healthy
mouth. Studies show a significant link between oral health and the overall health of
the body. Recognized by the dental community, oral infection affects the course of
pathogenesis of numerous systemic diseases. Oral infection can be a starting point
for cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes mellitus and more. Studies
have linked a patient’s health literacy and comprehension to a variety of significant
health behaviors and outcomes. Therefore, if health literacy increases through effective
communication, it can influence individuals to take action towards improving oral
health. This blog is a glimpse into some of the critical oral health messages that should
be more effectively communicated to motivate Americans towards better oral health.
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Alaina Wolfe, Kutztown University
IMPORTANCE OF READING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
The field of education contains different components that all impact the student. A
major task of all teachers especially in the elementary level is to teach students how
to read and provide a rich experience of text to the students. As a future educator
I want to look into the different causes of why some students are not excelling in
reading. The work being done shows a clearer sense as to why there is a large gap
of students who are struggling with reading in this current generation. Investigation
is done to determine if this is due to past or present experiences. Also I research if
the cause is because the students are not exposed to literature and it is not seen as
something that is important. I will be surveying college students that are education
and non-education majors to see how they feel about reading in general currently
and how they felt about reading as a child and if there is any correlation. The
information from the research is used to better effectively serve the young children in
the development of their reading.
Kevin Yeagle, Albright College
SYNTHESIS AND CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF ALUMINUM AMIDATE COMPLEXES
We have prepared aluminum complexes supported by the amidate ligand N-tert-butylphenyl amide [tBu(NO)Ph]-1 (1). 1 can be systematically coordinated to aluminum
through a protonation reaction between amide (1-H) and AlMe3, affording {[tBu(NO)
Ph]AlMe2}2 ([1-AlMe2]2), [tBu(NO)Ph]2AlMe (12-AlMe), or [tBu(NO)Ph]3Al (13-Al)
dependent upon the equivalents of amide employed. The products were characterized
by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies as well as X-ray diffraction. The Al-amidate
complexes were employed as catalysts for the interconversion of alcohols and their
corresponding carbonyls via an oxidation/reduction system. Several substrate classes
were investigated, including 1o and 2o aromatic and aliphatic systems. The manifold
operates with either complex [1-AlMe2]2 or 12-AlMe as the catalytic species. Yields
of 29-97% (using [1-AlMe2]2) and 71-99% (using 12-AlMe) were obtained for the
optimized reduction reactions using 2-propanol as the hydrogen source and 10 mol%
total Al. The optimized oxidation reactions proceeded in 73-95% (using [1-AlMe2]2)
and 80-88% (using 12-AlMe) using pivaldehyde as the oxidant with 5 mol% total Al.
Poster Session 2
Roessner Hall Atrium, 9:45-10:45 A.M.
Brian Anderson, Albright College
THE FASHION MESSAGE OF AALIYAH “STIXZ” WILSON
My project introduces a stunning, powerful, inspirational young woman named
Aaliyah Wilson and evaluates the battles of adversity and obstacles she had to deal
with to become the creative fashionista and savvy businesswoman she is today. The
presentation exhibits a dynamic visual of where this young woman is—and where
she could have been based on the destructive influences around her as a young
black girl from a poor urban neighborhood in East Baltimore. My project includes
an interview, which reveals that her creative mind is influenced by Basquiat, Keith
Haring, and Delano Brown, a local artist who lived right across the street. The struggle
she went through, and perseverance and motivation she had instilled in her, allowed
her to do things she thought she had no way of accomplishing. Hence “Sacrifice” as
a literary code is a prominent word on her fashion articles.
Nicole Asamoah, Kendall Rouesseau, Penn State Berks
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND
ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Research on social media influence has shown that social media has an effect on
the psychological well-being of individuals as well as on romantic relationships.
The use of media for communicating in close relationships has escalated in recent
years due to the advent of social media, texting, and other technologies that enable
convenient and universal access to others (Fox & Warber, 2014). Additionally, social
media provides its users with multiple services and opportunities that are changing
the nature of relationships and influencing well-being. Participants were asked to
complete a survey that measures the social media usage and its effect on well-being
and romantic relationships. We hypothesized that psychological well-being would be
positively influenced (e.g. increase in self-esteem) by social media, while romantic
relationships would be negatively influenced (e.g. partner surveillance). Results are
discussed in context of current research on how social media usage directly relates
to psychological well-being and romantic relationships.
Toe Aung, Albright College
PERCEPTIONS OF ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIORS DEPENDING UPON RECIPIENT TYPE:
FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND STRANGERS
This study investigated perceptions of different types of altruistic helping behaviors
depending upon the recipient type (altruism directed toward family, friends, or
strangers) and by the participants’ level of empathy. Participants were administered an
online, anonymous survey and viewed six short video clips depicting different helping
behaviors and read descriptions beneath each video to understand the content of
the video. Then participants were asked to rate the helper in each video on the traits
of happiness, friendliness, compassion, generosity and how likely they are to lend
money to the helper using 10-point rating scales. Results indicated that those with
higher empathy perceived certain helpers as being happier, more compassionate, and
were more likely to loan the helper money. In some cases, helpers aiding friends were
perceived as being happier to help than helping family or strangers. These findings
suggest that the perceptions of altruistic behaviors can be influenced by who the
recipient of the help is and by the empathy level of the perceiver.
Yahrelis Ayala, Penn State Berks
THE PERCEPTION OF NONVERBAL CUES AND THE AFFECTS ON SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Yawns are known for its contagious effect. Interestingly, yawns occur unconsciously
and they only happen spontaneously or when observing others perform a yawn;
a person cannot make themselves yawn (Provine, 2005). To date, no systematic
assessment has been conducted on how yawn contagion may transfer to the
behavioral state of individuals in a group. The current study expands on knowledge of
yawn contagion and how nonverbal cues influences social behaviors by evaluating (a)
the behavioral state of participants and (b) self-reported arousal levels. Participants
were asked to watch a video on a projection screen. In the corner of the video an
embedded window displayed one of three looped video clips: Someone yawning,
someone with a neutral face, and someone acting comical. It was hypothesized
that participants viewing a video repetition of yawns would exhibit more yawns and
report increased drowsiness compared to participants exposed to arousing or neutral
stimuli. Unlike previous studies, participants’ response to an arousing stimulus was
able to examine indication of increased wakefulness and focus. Results are discussed
in the context of previous research on yawn contagion.
4/13/15 11:21 AM
Melissa Bennett, Penn State Berks
SELF-PERCEPTION AND PERCEPTION OF OTHERS DUE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Previous research has found that adolescents are overall dissatisfied with their
current body image. Specifically, men are concerned with increasing the overall
size of their body, while women desire to decrease the overall size of their body
(Yu, 2014). Concurrently, women report that social media have highly increased
stress in their lives when it comes to their own body image, as well as what they
perceive as the “ideal” body size. Conversely, men reported that social media has
encouraged them to gain muscle. These findings support the notion that social media
plays a role in the way adolescents perceive their body size, which can potentially
lead to emotional problems (Ata, 2007). Although previous research has been done
looking at the effects of social media on adolescents, surprisingly little research has
focused on identifying the directionality of the relationships between social media
and body image perception and self-esteem. The current study assessed how social
media affects body image perception and self-esteem among college students. The
participants completed an online questionnaire assessing how they perceived their
body image, as well as others. Results are discussed in the context of previous
research on social media and body-image perception.
Nicholas Boltz, Penn State Berks
FALSE MEMORY AND MISINFORMATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA
A number of previous studies have attributed false memory formation with items such
as news headlines and photographs, which are found on media outlets and websites
(Fenn, Griffin, Uitvlugt, & Ravizza, 2014). The current study assessed the possibility
that false memory formation may be influenced by the social media websites (i.e.,
Facebook and Twitter) on which the information was first learned. Thus, the influence
of these popular social media websites was evaluated by focusing on persuasion in
news posts that commonly appear in news feeds of the indicated websites. More
specifically, the use of a false celebrity death as a topical news article served as
a vital piece of misinformation. Participants examined five, recent news stories
on social media simulated backgrounds and then rated the perceived confidence,
trustworthiness of the post, and overall recollection of the material presented. Also,
comparisons between the two social media platforms were investigated to determine
relative influence. Results elaborate on the effects of false memory creation in
relation to social media while affording additional insight into the dissemination and
inaccuracy of contemporary news stories on specific social media platforms.
Stephen Braconnier, Penn State Brandywine
ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS RELATING TO TOBACCO USE AND SMOKING POLICY
ON CAMPUS AT PENN STATE BRANDYWINE
Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess student, staff, and faculty views
about cigarette smoking and smoking policy on the Penn State Brandywine campus
and to inform policy debates. Method: A web-based survey approved by Penn State
University’s IRB was conducted on campus in November 2014. The survey contained
questions covering past and current tobacco use; knowledge of tobacco risks; and
opinions regarding policy. Results: In total, 262 responses were collected including
16% smokers, 84% non-smokers; 39% male and 50% female; 76% students, 10%
staff, and 12% faculty. Smokers indicated either wanting to quit or considered quitting
(76%) and 65% tried to stop smoking in the past. Health related questions found
87% reporting exposure to second-hand smoke and 55% were concerned about
it. Regarding smoking policy, 60% were likely to support a tobacco-free policy on
campus property. When ranking policy options, a tobacco-free campus was the 1st
choice for 40% of those who responded, but, interestingly, it was also the lowest
ranked choice for 40%. Conclusions: Overall, data indicate that the Penn State
Brandywine community is supportive of a smoking policy change. Campus smoking
cessation support and information regarding the harms associated with secondhand
smoke exposure are warranted.
Christa Buckley, Reading Area Community College
AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PERCEPTION OF
‘GEEKINESS’ AND THE ACCOMPANYING PREJUDICES
The proposed research will test the hypothesis that subjects playing Rock, Paper,
Scissors, Lizard, Spock will assume that ‘geeky’ people will choose Spock and
therefore choose paper (which disproves Spock) or lizard (which poisons Spock) at a
higher rate than the control group. For the purpose of this research, the term ‘geeky
people’ is defined as experimenters who have been designated to wear Star Trek or
Star Wars themed shirts for the duration of the game.
Laura Budurlean, Mike Anderson, Penn State Berks
TRACKING CELL SURFACE CHANGES IN HALOSIMPLEX CARLSBADENSE AND
OTHER HALOPHILES TO DETERMINE EVOLUTIONARY RELATEDNESS
Halosimplex carlsbadens, a halophilic archeaon was isolated from a 250 million year
old salt crystal from the Salado formation in New Mexico. Growth studies have shown
that H. carlsbadense is unable to use carbohydrates, amino-acids, fats or nucleic acids
as a source for energy. The inability to use these molecules as nutrients suggests
that H. carlsbadense possesses novel catabolic pathways or lacks membrane
transport proteins necessary to utilize such substrates. Halorhodopsin, together with
bacteriorhodopsin, helps maintain cell osmolality and proliferation while reducing the
consumption of metabolic energy. This current study examines the rhodopsin gene
family using transmittance information from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
(FT-IR) analysis. The cell surface chemistry of Halosimplex carlsbadense, Haloferax
volcanii, Halogeometrium borinquense, Haloarcula marismortui, Natronomonas
pharoanis, and Halobacterium salinarum was compared using FT-IR spectroscopy.
Changes in the transmittance of spectroscopic data suggest a parallel to changes
within components of cellular membrane chemistry. Using primers designed from
evolutionarily related halophilic organisms that encode rhodopsin gene family members
this study attempted to identify potential rhodopsin genes in H. carlsbadense. Results
suggest a correlation with FT-IR data which identifies a link between changes in cell
surface chemistry of the halorhodopsin protein and gene expression.
Kendall Cork, Penn State Berks
THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE YSEX?-S ON HUMAN SEXUAL MOTIVATION
Previous research examining why humans have sex generally rely on comparatively
long questionnaires, such as the YSEX?. However, such assessments are costly in
terms of participant time investment. The current study developed and evaluated a
shorter, more condensed version of the YSEX? questionnaire (Meston & Buss, 2007). A
short form of this questionnaire will take less time to complete making it a more ideal
method of evaluating human sexual motivation. This study aimed to assess the relative
influence and contribution of different sexual motivations beyond prototypical physical
pleasure and reproduction explanations. It also aimed to assess the degree to which
these motivations are stable vs. variable throughout young adulthood. This survey,
composed of only 40 items, aimed to address several methodological hurdles in the
field of study. Participants completed an online version of the YSEX?-S which helped
this study to determine the validity and reliability of this shortened questionnaire.
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In order to establish the reliability and validity of the YSEX?-S it was necessary to
statistically analyze responses from participants and then compare proportionally
to the original responses to the YSEX? using reliability measures. This helped to
determine if the shortened questionnaire was as reliable as the original YSEX?.
Ashley Crawford, Kutztown University
CONTROVERSY IN THE CLASSROOM: A SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER’S GUIDE
Social studies teachers face the inevitable reality of discussing controversial topics
within their classrooms. This project is comprised of annotated bibliographies of
research articles regarding controversial issues within the classroom. Aside from
researching controversial issues in general, there was also a focus on examining
constitutional rights, civil rights, and current political views in regards to contentious
topics within the classroom. From this research, a guide was compiled in order to
offer tips for beginning social studies teachers. The guide acts a resource for social
studies teachers to reference when controversial issues are topics of discussion
within their classrooms. Overall, this project was aimed at assisting beginning social
studies teachers when it comes to examining controversial issues with their students.
Morgan Daubenspeck, Penn State Berks
GENDER STEREOTYPES AND THE MODEL’S EFFECT IN IMITATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Imitation in young children can be influenced by a model’s gender, age, and familiarity
(McGuigan, 2013; Rothbaum, 1979). These factors have been shown to influence
which of several possible models a child will choose to imitate. Similarly, research
has shown that children prefer to play with gender stereotypical toys. To date, very
few studies have examined how these factors interact when presented to children
simultaneously. The current study examines the extent of how the model plays a
factor in imitation while considering the effects gender stereotypes have on children.
Children aged three to seven participated in their daycare settings along with two
adult confederates (one male, one female). To further test the effects of gender and
familiarity, participants were paired with the same sex or opposite sex child during
experiments. Child sex roles were also tested with the use of gender stereotypical
toys. Results lead to a discussion about the tendencies of children to follow
stereotypical gender roles more than what would be expected based on previous
knowledge about imitation in children.
Kathleen de Haan, Albright College
FEELING BUTTERFLIES: ARE AWKWARD REACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INITIAL
ATTRACTION MALADAPTIVE OR ADAPTIVE?
This study aimed to document behaviors and attitudes exhibited during initial
encounters with attractive potential mates, in particular the commonly experienced
nervous response. Participants were administered an anonymous online survey
asking several series of questions regarding their own reactions when interacting
with an attractive potential mate, and their perceptions of interactions with others
who find them attractive. Both males and females reported feeling at least some
nervousness when first interacting with someone whom they find attractive. During
this nervous reaction, participants said they were more likely to experience blushing,
increased heart rate, difficulty thinking, increased giggling/laughing, increased
smiling, feeling greater attentiveness to that person, and both staring and looking
away. Similarly, participants rated blushing, increased giggling/laughing, increased
smiling, greater attentiveness, and staring as the most revealing signs of a person’s
attraction to them. Participants also indicated that seeing this nervousness in the
other individual would increase their own level of attraction to this person if he/she
is attractive, but would not affect their opinion of this person if he/she is unattractive.
These findings lend support to the hypothesized evolutionary origins of the nervous
reaction as an unconscious way of signaling attraction to a potential mate.
Diego Demichelli, Penn State Berks
THE EFFECTS OF INTERNET ADDICTION ON PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY COHESION
With the advancements in technology (e.g., mobile devices) and increase of internet
accessibility (e.g., 4G), internet addiction (IA) has become a serious and rising problem.
Due to the recent rise of IA, there is very little research that has been conducted on
the effects this addition has on family cohesion of the afflicted. Like many addictions,
the consequences and detrimental effects are not limited to the addict, but can have
a negative impact on those around them. The current study evaluates the relationship
between an individual’s level of IA and the self-reported family cohesion. Participants
were asked to take two surveys: a revised adaptation of the Internet Addiction
Scale (IAS) as well as a revised adaptation of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion
Evaluation Scale (FACES). It was hypothesized that individuals with a higher level
of IA will show to having a lower level of family cohesion. Results are discussed in
the context of contemporary research on the level of internet addiction and family
cohesion on college students.
Megan Ebling, Penn State Berks
FACTORS IN PARENTAL HESITANCY TOWARDS SEXUALITY EDUCATION:
RELIGIOSITY AND FEARS OF INCREASING SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Research has shown a positive relationship between sexual education curricula in
public schools and the sexual health of a nation’s youth, and that the US is lacking
in this regard. Currently, there is a dearth of research exploring parental hesitation
towards sexual education programming, particularly beyond curriculum content
itself. The current study sought to identify parental hesitancy factors, such as
parental religiosity and the age of a hypothetical child, and to identify a dominant
parental concern regarding potential consequences of such curricula (i.e., fears
of increasing sexual activity). Eighty-two parent-participants completed an online
questionnaire surveying background beliefs regarding sexual conservatism, religion,
and overall hesitancy towards sexual education curricula and asking parents to rate
particular concerns regarding potential consequences of such curricula. A stepwise
multiple regression model using religiosity and fears of increasing sexual activity
(FISA) accounted for 60% of the overall variance in parental hesitancy. However,
an additional dichotomous factor of sexual conservatism was then identified; the
sample was split and the regressions rerun. After the split, religiosity was shown
not to be a predictor once sexual conservatism was taken into account. FISA was
shown to be the primary predictor of hesitancy, regardless of presence or absence
of sexual conservatism.
Devin Eby, Alexander LaManna, Patrick Murray, Joseph Paccagnini, Dustin Stuck,
Alissa Yenser, Allison Austin, Alvernia University
THE EFFECT OF DYNAMIC VERSUS STATIC STRETCHING WARM-UP ON MUSCLE
PERFORMANCE AS MEASURED BY VERTICAL JUMP IN NCAA DIVISION III
BASKETBALL PLAYERS
The purpose of this research project was to examine the effect of static and dynamic
warm-up on muscle performance measured by vertical jump height. Although both
warm-up methods are widely recognized, there is no consensus about their effect on
performance. In this study, researchers measured the jump height of NCAA Division
III male and female basketball players after completion of each of three different
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warm-up protocols (jogging only; jogging + static stretch; jogging + dynamic stretch).
The following statistically significant (p < 0.05) results were obtained: 1) male jump
heights were greater than female jump heights in each of the three protocols (95%
confidence interval of the difference was typically 6 to 13 inches); 2) in direct
comparison, the dynamic stretching protocol resulted in increased jump heights
relative to the static stretching protocol, although the improvement was less than one
inch. However, when comparing all three protocols simultaneously, ANOVA results
were not significant: none of the protocols could be distinguished from the others (n
= 14). It was also found that jump heights were generally negatively correlated with
the height of the individual, although not significantly.
Katie Eggert, Samantha Lutz, Penn State Berks
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
There is an increasing advocacy for the implementation of technology in the
classroom. In particular, industry representatives continue to emphasize the need
for technological proficiency in college graduates. This has, in turn, placed additional
stresses on institutions of higher-education. However, little attention has been
directed at assessing either the impact or desirability of increased technology in
classroom settings among students or faculty. Research on the use of technology in
the classroom has made it evident that attitudes toward technology are multifaceted.
The current study evaluated student and faculty attitudes about the use of technology
in higher education. Attitudes were measured along several dimensions (e.g.,
intended use, self-efficacy), and proficiency and frequency of use with representative
technologies were assessed. Results indicate that positive aspects of using
technology (self- efficacy, perceived benefits, and likelihood of success) were rated
significantly higher than negative aspects of using technology (concerns about skill,
support, and costs). Faculty reported significantly greater concerns about faculty
skill and knowledge than did students. Additionally, faculty reported significantly
greater expectations to use technology than students. The influence of efficacy and
proficiency in accepting technology are discussed.
Joshua Ehlinger, Albright College
WATCHING VS. DOING: THE EXPERIENCE OF SELF-AGENCY MEDIATES VISUAL TRACKING
We investigated self-agency – the ability to know that you caused an event – using
a computerized task in which a doer controlled an onscreen avatar while another
participant watched. All humans experience self-agency, sometimes during normal
tasks in which they cause effects in the world, and sometimes in an illusory way
when they appear to cause an event but actually do not. We looked at self-agency
as something distinct from visual discrimination, meaning we tried to investigate
the effect of this feeling apart from normal visual tracking. We also investigated
which types of sensorimotor cues, past experiences, and skills affect self-agency.
Specifically, we tested whether video gamers – with a lot of experience identifying
their actions – would do better than a normal population of college students. We
found that video gamers enjoy a distinct advantage, probably due to their extensive
experience, and we paved the way for future research to fully investigate the
psychological and neurological changes that are caused by video games.
Carrie French, Penn State Berks
RELIGIOSITY, MORTALITY SALIENCE, AND AGE: PREDICTORS FOR DEATH ANXIETY
With the rise of Death with Dignity movements across the United States and their
call for the implementation of a “good death,” surprisingly little research has been
conducted to date regarding objective and measurable actions through which this
concept can be achieved. The current study examined age, religiosity, and mortality
salience as predictors for heightened death anxiety. Preliminary analyses on an
international study including approximately 2100 participants point to a complex
model that predicts death anxiety by means of mortality salience and religiosity. In
particular, lower levels of religiosity and a greater awareness of ones’ own death
may not indicate a heightened fear of death or dying. Such knowledge can be used
by both psychological and palliative care professionals as well as laypersons (i.e.,
family members) to identify patients and family members at risk for heightened
death anxiety. Once identified strategies to mediate anxiety can be implemented,
they can help serve as a buffer against anxieties during end-of-life planning. Using
this knowledge to create a meaningful dialogue surrounding this complex issue is of
utmost importance to provide the highest standard of both care and compassion to
those faced with the universal struggle of death.
Margaret Froehlich, Albright College
DISTORTION AND DISTRACTION DURING COGNITIVE CONTROL
The ability to determine that some outcomes are generated by actions completed by
the self is the sense of self-agency. This study tested the effects of distraction such as
texting and distortion effects such as visual impairment on participants’ self-agency.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups, a control group, a text
message group, and a drunk group during a computer task. The drunk group wore
goggles that simulate the effects of .08- .15 BAC. All three groups were asked to
perform the same task; they were presented a screen with four letters and asked
to move the letters using a game controller joy stick. The control condition wore
safety goggles. The control condition was able to correctly guess the letter they were
controlling, as well as the random letter, at a rate above chance that is statistically
significant, and drunk condition participants, although significantly worse than the
control were significantly able to choose the control and random letters. The texting
group is able to choose they letter they were controlling at a rate above chance that is
statistically significant. However, when asked which letter was moving randomly, the
participants in the texting condition did not choose correctly at a rate above chance
that is statistically significant.
Kristen Gerzewski, Albright College
IMPACT OF FEEDBACK COMMENTARY IN VIDEOS ON PERCEPTION AND RECALL:
A TEST OF FALSE MEMORIES
This study investigated whether different types of videos and feedback commentary
had an impact on the generation of false memories, the quality of commentary of
the videos, and the reported confidence levels of the participants’ recall answers.
Participants were administered an online, anonymous survey and viewed three news
report videos. Two groups also viewed three corresponding commentary videos
containing either true or false summaries of the original videos. The third group did
not view commentary videos. Then participants took a multiple choice test to test
their recall of the news report videos and rated how confident they were in their
multiple choice answers. If participants were given a commentary video, they rated
the quality of the undergraduate students’ news report summaries. Results showed
that participants who were given true feedback or no feedback recalled more accurate
information than those given false feedback. Type of feedback had no impact on their
perception of the summary feedback quality or on how confident they were in their
answers. These findings suggest that the presence of false information can produce
more false memories than the presence of no information or true information and that
people are unable to discern true feedback from false feedback.
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Deidgre Green, Kutztown University
SALES AND USE TAX- THE INCREASING TAX GAP: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT
PENNSYLVANIA’S SALES TAX SYSTEM
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue along with other states revenue agencies has
been eagerly trying to combat the increasing number of unreported sales and use tax.
These unreported figures have been the primary cause for the sales tax gap. Looking
at the data collected from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the National
Conference of State Legislation (NCSL), this report evaluates the effectiveness of the
policies implemented by PA Department of Revenue to increase the revenues they
collect from sales and use taxes each fiscal year. Highlighting the emerging issues
such as e-commerce, sales tax suppression and nexus; the paper evaluates best
practices methods other states are using to increase their collection in sales and use
tax. From those observations, recommendations were made to the state; keeping in
mind previous steps that been taken by Pennsylvania’s revenue enforcement agency.
These implementations include, the addition of line 25 on the PA-40, padirectfile; to
help with filing use tax, and the use tax voluntary compliance program.
Nia Henry, Albright College
THE EFFECTS OF RACE AND AREA OF LIVING ON FIRST IMPRESSIONS
After reading many articles on how race and geographic location individually affects
first impressions of other people, I decided to design and conduct a project that
combined the effects of both factors on first encounters. I had participants look at
several pictures of Caucasian and African-American individuals in rural and urban
environments. After viewing each photo, the participants rated those photos on Likert
scales measuring friendliness and approachability, designed for this experiment. My
hypothesis was people would make more positive assumptions about Caucasian
people in both environments and this will be tested using a two-factor within groups
ANOVA. I hypothesize a possible interaction in which the difference between rural
and urban environmental ratings will be higher for the Caucasian individuals than the
African-American individuals in rural and urban environments.
Melissa Komand, Albright College
HOW COLLEGE STUDENTS RELATE TO STRANGERS ON THEIR COLLEGE CAMPUS
This study is being conducted to see how college students react on sight to others
of different schools. The purpose of the study is to determine if the rivalry of
schools is held within the school itself or within the students. The students of the
Albright College psychology department will be the participants. They will take a
survey with thirty pictures and five questions for each picture. They will be asked
to rate each person on Likert-type item scales concerning friendliness, likeability,
and approachableness. The dependent variables will be the attitudes towards the
person and also towards the clothing the person is wearing. The main independent
variable will be the different types of clothing, and the quasi-independent variable will
be the year of the college student. The hypothesis is college students will be more
inclined to like someone who attends the same schools as they do, and that seniors
of the school would be more inclined to have a stronger connection to the school, so
therefore have a stronger first impression of the students from different schools. The
results are still pending and being reviewed.
Dan Kozieja, Daniel Daniel Garcia-Vargas, Laura Masse, Penn State Brandywine
THE EFFECTS OF DIVERSITY EDUCATION ON STUDENTS’ CULTURAL
UNDERSTANDING AND DEVELOPMENT
This project examines whether diversity education increases students’ cognitive
complexity, identity integration, and positive intergroup interactions, as proposed by
the learning objective of the Penn State Psychology program concerning Diversity
and Ethical Considerations. One hundred and eighty Penn State Brandywine students
were surveyed, of which 81 were psychology majors and 99 were non-psychology
majors. The Global Perspective Inventory assesses a global and holistic view of
student learning and development and the importance of the campus environment
in fostering holistic student development. The Inventory measures how a student
thinks, views herself as a person with a cultural heritage, and relates to others
from other cultures, backgrounds and values. The analysis compares two groups of
students: those who have completed less than 6 credits of Psychology coursework
and students who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of Psychology courses
at PSU Brandywine, to assess whether increased exposure to multiculturalism in the
curriculum improves students’ scores on the Global Perspective Inventory. Data from
this project will inform the Psychology Program of opportunities and limitations when
educating our students about cultural diversity.
Samantha Lutz, Katie Eggert, Penn State Berks
AFFECT DRIVEN ATTENTIONAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION IN COMPLEX SCENES
Research on scene memory has shown that people remember more background
information than actually observed. However, evidence also suggests that memory
for negative scenes can lead to boundary restriction. The current study evaluates
possible mechanisms that may reconcile these conflicting findings. We hypothesize
that negative elements in an image may shift the center of focus away from the
center of the image. In such as case, it is possible that boundary extension may still
occur but only in relation to the negative element. That is, the location of information
that participants attend to when viewing emotionally arousing scenes may drive
boundary effects. In two experiments we assess the influence of valence on boundary
extension by systematically varying object location relative to borders. In Experiment
1, participants’ memory for positive, neutral, and negative images was measured
by having them reconstructed the borders of learned images. In Experiment 2,
participants’ memory for images was assessed by having them reconstruct the image
itself within predefined borders. In general results indicated that boundary extension
occurred. However, contrary to hypotheses, in some cases boundary extension was
only observed for negative and neutral images suggesting that boundary extension
may be mediated or moderated by
Fatima Mendez, Reading Area Community College
EARWORM EFFECTS ON STRESS LEVELS
This paper will examine the relationship between singing a song in one’s head and
the effect on stress levels. Music is constantly related to good memories and good
times; this paper examines if individuals find that repeating a song over and over has
a positive effect of their stress levels. Hypothesis: Songs that get stuck in one’s head
have the potential to provide comfort during stressful situations.
Brianna Miller, Albright College
PERCEPTIONS OF LEFT/RIGHT FACIAL SYMMETRY AND HALF/WHOLE FACES
This study examined whether participants perceived women in images with either the
left or right side of their face mirrored over to be perfectly symmetrical and women
shown as a whole face or half face as being more attractive, healthier, friendlier,
and more outgoing. Participants were administered an online, anonymous survey and
were asked to rate the women in the pictures on a seven point scale of how attractive,
healthy, friendly and how outgoing the women seemed in facial images that were
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manipulated to either show the left or right side of their face mirrored over to be
perfectly symmetrical or images that were cropped to show either the left or the right
side of the women’s face. Results showed that participants rated the leftmirrored
symmetrical faces as being more attractive than the right-mirrored faces but not for
measures rating friendliness, healthiness and how outgoing the women appeared.
Participants also rated half faces higher in all of the dependent measures than the
whole faces. These findings suggest that people view the left side of the face more
positively and these findings may speculate that images manipulated to show perfect
symmetry may seem unnatural compared to the half faces where participants could
imagine natural symmetrical faces.
Alexandria Miller, Penn State Berks
CRIMINAL STEREOTYPES AND THE EFFECTS ON EYEWITNESS TESTIMONIES
Stereotypes of criminals include characteristics based on their physical appearance
including race, ethnicity, presence of facial hair, etc. Yarmey (1993) has also found
that individuals are not only judged on their appearances but are also stereotyped
based on the characteristics of their voice. Research has similarly shown that certain
stereotypes have been associated with certain types of crimes. African American
males are associated with more violent and drug related crimes (Van Knippenberg,
Dijksterhuis & Vermeulen 1999). The current study evaluates the role that stereotypes
of criminals, based on race and appearance, have on the recollection of crime details.
Participants were asked to read a vignette of a crime and match a face on the
individual who they believe committed the crime. Importantly, stereotype activation
happened before vs. after exposure to details. It was hypothesized that features,
specifically race and the presence of facial hair, and the order of exposure had an
effect. Research conducted by Van Knippenberg Dijksterhuis and Vermeulen (1999)
showed that judgments of guilt, punishment and memory of an offender were all
affected by stereotypes. Specifically, they provided higher counts of guilt, wanted
more severe punishments, and could recall the information about the criminal activity
more accurately.
Irma Mrkanovic, Albright College
ONE FAMILY’S JOURNEY FROM BOSNIA
After the death of Josip Tito, the implosion of the USSR, and the death spiral of the
state of Yugoslavia, commentators in the West hoped for democratization to bring
open, representative governments, and, in their confusion of decision-making and
market systems, free market oriented economies, and, in a further confusion on
the origins of conflict, peace.The firm control over the nationalities was not widely
understood. The federated state had suppressed national identity via a combination
of complex administrative divisions, reduction of political participation, and political
socialization to membership in a common Yugoslav union. Instead of peace, the
collapse of central authority in Yugoslavia, which had been carefully orchestrated
under Tito, unleashed successive arcs of kaleidoscopic violence across large parts
of the state, concentrated in Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia, which the Mrkanovic
Family, the case study group was caught up in. Hundreds of thousands of people
died in the bombing, shelling and sieges; untold numbers were massacred and laid
in mass graves. More than two million people were displaced, and those who were
able, fled to safety. Among them was the Mrkanovic family, whose story is narrated
by Nahida Mrkanovic, as told to her first child, Albright student, Irma Mrkanovic.
Brij Patel, Penn State Berks
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS AND RISK: COMPLIMENTARY OR CONTRADICTORY GOALS?
It was predicted that risky behavior would be associated with high levels of happiness
in college students. Researchers recruited students between the ages of 18 and 25
from the college library, cafeteria, and classrooms of a university located in the
Northeastern region of the United States. Majority of the participants were female.
Participants were asked to complete an online survey via Qualtrics. Survey questions
were measured using the 5 point Likert scale. The variables that are being researched
include achieving happiness as the most important goal, risk taking, rebelliousness,
adrenaline preference, future orientation, and influences. The study found significant
positive correlations between risky behavior and achieving high levels of happiness.
Data also revealed that motivation to achieve happiness is related to a motivation to
seek excitement.
Isaac Perez, Emmy Velazquez, Reading Area Community College
EARWORMS AND FOCUS LEVELS
This study will look to see if there is any connection between earworms and focus
level. The subjects were volunteers from the Reading Area Community College
demographic. The subjects were gathered through different methods such as word of
mouth, advertisements, emails, and PsiBeta meeting.
Dayana Petrenko, Ellie Herman, Albright College
PERSONALITY EXPRESSIONS IN FACEBOOK STATUS UPDATES
It was predicted that correlations exist between the type of Facebook statuses,
self- expressions online, and personality measures. Topics, as well as the emotions
expressed, may differ as a function of the “real me” and the Big 5. Status updates
were quantitatively coded. Each profile was rated for factors (negative/positive
emotion, happiness, anxiety, personally revealing, etc.) Analyses confirmed high interrater reliability. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software counted types of words
in statuses. This offered further quantitative measures of emotional expression. Data
analyses compared types of status updates and correlated to participants’ Big Five
personality traits and word usage.
Dayana Petrenko, Albright College
THE EFFECT OF CLOTHING COLOR AND GENDER ON PERCEIVED MOOD AND PERSONALITY
An experiment examined the effects of target gender and clothing color on perceptions
of mood and personality. Targets wearing red or blue were seen as having more
positive emotions than those wearing black or white, suggesting that in perceptions
of mood the precise color may be less important than the presence of bright color as
compared to neutral tones. Effects on personality perceptions were minimal. More
effects emerged for male than for female targets.
Elizabeth Place, Albright College
THE EFFECT OF MUSIC TEMPO ON SONG PREFERENCE AND LYRICAL RECALL
This study examined how a song’s tempo and the personality trait of extraversion may
affect short-term memory and one’s preference. Participants listened to songs that
were either fast tempo or slow tempo. Then a two question quiz was administered
regarding the lyrics of songs. The quizzes were to assess how accurately participants
recalled the lyrics from songs they previously heard. The participants then rated how
familiar they were with the songs and how much they enjoyed listening to the songs
on a 10-point scale. Results showed that while tempo of song had little effect on
lyric recall, the speed of the song influenced song preference depending upon one’s
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personality. Extroverts showed a greater preference for the fast tempo songs than did
introverts. However, there was no difference found between personality types for the
slow tempo songs. Overall, the hypothesis that a person’s extraversion and exposure
to a musical tempo can influence their short-term memory recall was not supported.
Ilyssa Schwartz, Penn State Berks
EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE
Violence in our country is turning into a very common trend. Whether it’s at home or
in schools, almost everyone has witnessed some act of violence in their lifetime. The
current study examines the role does people’s mental health play a role in violence.
We developed an assessment that evaluated the issues in the context of home and
school environments, such as anxiety or anger problems, as well as with regards to
personal violent acts. We also took into account history of any mental health problems
and witnessing violent acts as well as being exposed to them. After all the data has
been collected and analyzed, there was found to be a connection between one’s
mental health status, whether that is anxiety and anger at home or at school further
violence exposure.
Tammy Seda, Penn State Berks
EFFECTIVE COPING STRATEGIES: EXPLORING INDIVIDUAL PERCEPTIONS IN THE
FACE OF TERMINAL ILLNESS
With the advances of modern-day medicine, older adults are living longer, leading
to an increased number of individuals suffering with chronic and terminal illness.
Review of existing literature suggests that specific coping strategies (e.g., embracing
and finding meaning in life, believing in a higher power, and retaining independence)
are generally considered most effective when dealing with terminal illness. Family
members and care providers must also develop and employ coping strategies to
deal with their own unique challenges. Thus, there is a compelling need to better
understand the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual changes and challenges patients
face during the dying process. The current study assesses the effectiveness of coping
strategies with patients, care providers, and control participants. We hypothesized
that one’s role in the dying process would moderate the perceived effectiveness of
evaluated coping strategies. The patient’s and his/her caregivers’ physical, mental,
emotional, social, and spiritual challenges, various hospice treatment modalities,
and the concepts of anticipatory grief and death anxiety within the realm of terminal
illness are examined. The effectiveness of additional strategies and therapeutic
approaches are also discussed to further explain why some cope, and even thrive,
better than others at end of life.
Dominic Sprecher, Penn State Berks
CONCUSSION RATES AMONG STUDENT ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN AMERICAN
FOOTBALL AND RUGBY UNION
Contact sports pose both short term and long term cognitive health concerns for
student athletes. Frequency and severity of concussions are at the forefront of
contemporary sports health discussions. A degenerative brain disease, chronic
traumatic encephalopathy may develop in brains having sustained traumatic brain
injuries. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy creates neurofibrillary tangles which
restrict blood flow in the brain. Effects of blood flow restriction induced by traumatic
brain injuries may include depression and dementia. The current study compares
the propensity of occurrence for medically diagnosed concussions between two full
contact sports, American Football and Rugby Union. This study examines reported
anonymous injury data from both American Football and Rugby Union competition.
Comparisons of incidence along with the observed differences of contact initiation
through gameplay between these two sports is investigated. This report clarifies
recorded differences between American Football and Rugby Union concussion tallies.
The information provided will serve to assist future reformations within gameplay,
helping to create a safer experience for student athletes choosing to compete in these
full contact sports.
Laura Van Schaik, Albright College
THE HALO EFFECT OF ATTRACTION IN RAPE, ROBBERY, OR LITTERING
Research into criminal punishment has found that physically attractive people get
lighter sentences than unattractive people, even when they commit similar crimes.
This is known as the halo effect. However, sometimes attractive people are given
higher sentences for certain crimes, a reverse halo effect. For example, a burglar
will be punished more if they are unattractive but a swindler will be punished more
if they are attractive, even if the two stole the same amount of money. The present
study asked participants to read scenarios about rape, robbery, and littering, which
were accompanied by images of attractive or unattractive males or females. They
rated on a scale of one to seven how responsible, justified, or moral they thought
the perpetrator was and how much jail time the perpetrator should receive based on
the image and scenario. It was hypothesized that participants would give attractive
people less jail time, see them as less responsible, and that they would be seen as
more justified than unattractive people. Instances of the reverse halo effect were also
investigated, as well as the effect of gender.
John Vasko, Albright College
THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS ON METACOGNITION AND EXAMS
This study conducted two experiments examining the effect of mindfulness on
metacognition and exams and if a daily brief mindfulness regimen could improve
mindfulness. Participants for both experiments were randomly assigned to either an
experimental or control group. After completion of a two-week regimen, participants
completed a regularly scheduled exam using confidence judgments. ANOVA and
t-test analyses indicated that the mindfulness regimen did not improve mindfulness;
however, the experimental groups for both experiments already possessed above
average mindfulness pre- and post- regimen. Both control groups also possessed
average mindfulness pre- and post- regimen. Goodman-Kruskal gamma correlations
and mixed measures ANOVA analyses determined that all participants in comparison
with actual performance were able to accurately use in-the-moment exam confidence
judgments, but were inconsistent with post-exam judgments. Revision data is also
examined. The results indicated that for individuals with above average or average
mindfulness, a link may exist between mindfulness and metacognition that is inthe-moment. Students may benefit from mindfulness through their ability to assess
how they are performing while completing a task such as an exam. Future studies
involving demographically representative samples and below average mindfulness
samples may help to provide a better understanding of the link between mindfulness
and metacognition.
Emmy Velazquez, Isaac Perez, Reading Area Community College
EARWORMS EFFECT ON DISTRACTIBILITY
The purpose of this research is to study if songs that continuously loop in our heads—
commonly known as earworms are distractible. Nevertheless, hypothesized is that
earworms do affect distractibility. For the study we use a sample of volunteers from
the Reading Area Community College community recruited through advertising by
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flyers, e-mails, PsiBeta announcements, and word of mouth. The method involves
a Likert-type survey to further explore the subject. For the purpose of this research
a Pearson r correlation is used. This research is important to conduct to further
understand the effects of music in regard to earworms in our everyday lives.
Courtney Weibley, Albright College
PERCEPTIONS OF NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE CRITICISM IN ATHLETES AND NON-ATHLETES
Perceptions of negative and positive criticism in athletes were examined by reading
several scenarios. Students at Albright College read the scenarios, and answered
questions that pertained to the scenarios, predicting that athletes will perceive the
negative criticism to be more harsh than non-athletes, and females to perceive the
negative criticism to be more harsh as well. Results are pending.
Ashleigh Weidner, Albright College
THE EFFECT OF THERAPY DOGS ON ATTACHMENT AND THEORY OF MIND IN CHILDREN
The purpose of this experiment was to analyze the effects of therapy dogs on theory
of mind in children. The current study examined whether the presence of a licensed
therapy dog improved, impaired, or kept constant a child’s performance on theory of
mind tasks, also sometimes known as false belief tasks. Success in this task would
mean that the child understands the mental states of others. This study also analyzed
how these children felt about the therapy dog, and whether the children had empathy
for the dog. It was predicted that therapy dogs would improve performance in children
while doing false belief theory of mind tasks. It was also predicted that the dog will
increase executive functioning, in which children would be able to give correct
responses to the task by pointing or through verbal responses. Another prediction is
that adding a dog to the task will eliminate social pressure imposed by having another
adult, so therefore the children will be more comfortable in completing the task and
be able to infer the thoughts of others will more accuracy. Children participated in
both a questionnaire and a simple false belief task.
Natalie Wilson, Albright College
THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL IMPRESSIONS ON JUDGMENTS OF INFIDELITY
First impressions, based on observations of physical characteristics, affect judgments
of infidelity. I examined whether attributions of infidelity in a relationship breakup
scenario would change depending on whether one member of the relationship
had unusual physical features. College student participants read scenarios about a
hypothetical couple’s relationship. They then viewed a picture of either one male or
female with no, one, or two unusual characteristics. Participants read a transcript
that described how the couple separated, while the picture remained onscreen. They
rated how responsible both the male and female in the story were for the breakup,
and who they believed was more dominant. I hypothesized that viewing an individual
with an unusual physical characteristic will lead people to attribute that person to
a relationship breakup to infidelity. Specifically, if the subjects saw a male picture
with more than one unusual characteristic, they would rate the male in the story
as more responsible and more likely to be unfaithful and a male with no unusual
characteristics would be seen as least responsible and least likely to have been
unfaithful. I hypothesized the same for female pictures. Finally, I explored whether
college class year or participant gender affected the results.
Sarah Woodworth, Albright College
THE EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE INFORMATION AND RACE ON JUDGMENTS OF MEN
The extent to which exposure to negative information results in changes in ratings of
attractiveness, approachability and warmness/kindness from the original ratings on
the same scales was explored. Participants viewed a series of sixteen photographs
of men and rated each. Participants then viewed the same photographs, each
accompanied by negative information about the men, and rated each on the same
scales. Half of the images were presented with information that included the race
with which the man identified, the remaining half did not. Participants recorded
the race with which they most closely identify. Results are pending. The researcher
hypothesizes that negative information about men results in more negative ratings
of attractiveness, approachability, and warmness/kindness than the original ratings.
When the negative information indicated the race with which the man identifies,
participants who identify with that race will rate that individual less harshly than the
other conditions. The information from this study will help address the disproportionate
incarceration rates of minorities in this country.
P E R F O R M A N C E P R E S E N TAT I O N S
Performance Session 2-A
Panel Discussion: Glimpses of Reality
Sarah Belles, Reading Area Community College
“CHARLIE”: A GLIMPSE AT A CHILD PSYCHOTIC
No matter the shape or form, writers require inspiration. The short story that is
the subject for this presentation, “Charlie,” was inspired by a state of necessary
deprivation. I cut myself off from light, writing either in closets or on the back porch
of my dorm room at midnight. The only technology I had with me was my MP3 player,
which was set on repeat for a playlist which was only four songs long. Such an
environment seemed suitable for the subject of “Charlie.” Because I was bored
and because many of my friends had multiple books on serial killers, I found myself
reading about them. After having read many profiles, I noticed that the majority of
serial killers usually start young. It made me wonder if there was ever a point when a
killer was just simply a child, or if their thoughts were always irredeemably tainted. It
was questions such as these that led me to write about someone with the potential to
become a monster, but also a person who starts out just like the rest of us, inquisitive,
frightened, unsure of themselves with the compulsion to pretend.
Joshua Colon, Reading Area Community College
“LUCID REALITY”: BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN DREAMS AND REALITY
This presentation will focus on early excerpts from “Lucid Reality,” an original short
story that has traces of horror, psychological manipulation, and ambiguity, and thus
leaves it audience simultaneously asking what the story means and what really
happens to the protagonist at its end. I have always been a fan of stories that blur the
lines between what is a dream and what is reality, and I wanted my protagonist in
“Lucid Reality” to work his way through the conflict of trying to figure out if he’s stuck
in a dream, if the effects of withdrawal are causing him to lose his mind, or if there
actually is a demon that is hell-bent on harming him. Ultimately, my intention was to
write a story that sticks with my readers, causing them to ponder the validity of their
dreams, and to create a new type of awareness in their daily lives.
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“COFFEE SHOP BLUES”: OUR UNIVERSAL STORY
For this presentation, I will read from “Coffee Shop Blues,” a novella comprised of
alternating vignettes focusing on varied relationships throughout multiple generations.
When I first started the journey with the characters in this novella, I thought the people
to be mere figments of my imagination. Gradually, they became real, a living part
of me, their creator. Sometimes, I felt as if I were invading the privacy of these
characters sitting in a coffee shop; other times, I felt that I was sitting in a booth
with them. Although the stories that these vignettes tell are, indeed, different stories,
writing them revealed something to me: Everyone has a story. Every story has a
conflict. And every conflict evolves in a simultaneously unique and ordinary way.
Together, the vignettes that comprise this novella help show the reader—like the
creation of them helped showed their writer—that, although sometimes we are so
absorbed in the loneliness of our own individual conflicts, when we open our ears to
the stories of others, we can connect with people who are more similar to us than
they are different.
Jami Gresh, Reading Area Community College
“THE SEVENTH KEEPER”: SACRIFICE OF THE SELF
This presentation will focus on an excerpt from a full-length supernatural story, “The
Seventh Keeper,” an excerpt that serves as an introduction to the storyteller and the
protagonist, Muriel Dales. Just like most predestined girls, all sarcastic and selfcentered Muriel wants is a normal life. However, being appointed as the Seventh
Keeper and being hunted by Lucifer’s dark army are surefire ways to guarantee that
normalcy will never happen for her. Muriel must learn to accept her destiny for what
it is: a fatal contradiction. Although her life is protected, it is more so the protection of
an object than of a person. Should she fail as the Seventh Keeper, her life and death
would become the least of anyone’s worries, as the only concern of anyone would be
the battle between Heaven and Hell on Earth. This piece is the aftermath of explaining
to a superficial, full-time brat that the world does not revolve around her, but, instead,
depends on her. It involves a lot of melodrama, grand theft auto, and attempted cliff
diving. Eventually, there is no choice Muriel can make that will satisfy her. To live or
die, either way, Muriel must sacrifice who she is.
Performance Session 3-A
Roessner Hall 205, 1:15-2:15pm
Elizabeth Cairnie, Penn State Berks
NARRATIVE PARADIGM APPLIED TO PERSONAL NARRATIVE IN POETRY
In his “Narrative Paradigm” theory, Walter Fisher asserts that humans are essentially
storytellers. It is based on our backgrounds, composed of culture and experiences,
beliefs and biases, that we are able to decipher the narratives we encounter everyday
and assign to them credence and authenticity. Similarly, we become more fully aware
of our human condition and make sense of our experiences through our personal
narratives. In its literary application, the process of creating personal narratives relies
heavily on autoethnographic agents. Here, I interact with this process in composing
several original poems based on evocative self-reflexivity, creating a dynamic space in
which to voice personal position. Their titles and corresponding themes are as follows:
“Nonna” - uprooting, “French Toast” - performing, and “Empowerment” - re-envisioning.
SWING: BETWEEN CHOICE AND GIVING IN
In this piece entitled “Swing: Between Choice and Giving In,” I travel through time
allowing the swing to become an escape from all of my situations that I felt I had no
control over. For my presentation I plan to read from a lyric essay of six sections, in
which I explore the evolution of my identity with the symbol of a swing. Even before
I was born, I swung back and forth between my mother’s world and the world of my
own identity. The notion of myself being independent of her was not possible then.
In fact, I required her. Still, though I was growing, with her help, into the individual
that would enter the world and continue to sway between worlds, dabbling with
independence, with my own strength, trying to become an individual who could stand
on her own. Perhaps children have it right; they kick and push forward only to be
pushed back, forcing to kick again. This story is about strength, growth, and selfdiscovery.
Jordyn Pratt, Albright College
COLORISM: THE PERVASIVE CYCLE OF INTRA-RACIAL PREJUDICE IN BLACK CULTURE
Colorism is a word used to describe the intraracial prejudice one faces within his/her
race. These prejudices are influenced by a range of skin color shades and driven by
factors such as the media. In Black culture, light-skinned and dark-skinned counter
parts experience different emotional and psychological difficulties associated with
their skin tone. Ideas that light skin is perceived as more socially and romantically
acceptable make some darker-skinned Blacks feel compelled to lighten their skin via
detrimental skin lightening products and practices. This study aims to identify the
psychological torment within the Black culture that continues to circulate through
all generations; children, teens, and adults all experience different affects caused
by colorism. Through interviews conducted on children, teens, and adults in Black
culture, and those outside of the Black culture, this study will delve into factors that
have continued to influence the pervasive cycle of colorism through generations as a
means to shed light on a culturally damaging and destructive social practice.
Sara Riccardelli, Reading Area Community College
BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY
In The Andrews Sisters’ song, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” we follow the story of a
talented musician who is drafted and forced to become the Bugle Boy of company B.
For many of the men for whom The Andrews Sisters performed during their WWII USO
tour, the song about a musician turning his musical individualism into a resource for
the military effort was up-beat comfort as they faced the grim realities of war. During
a time where the War depended on troop morale and bond sales, Big Band Jazz and
Swing music boomed and everyone was dancing along to the tunes of The Andrews
Sisters, Glenn Miller, Harry James, and more. Driven by bellowing sounds of brass
and patriotic sass from America’s favorite trio of sisters, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,”
is a treasured favorite for people young and old. I love being able to sing this song
because it takes me back in time, and I feel as if Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne are right
there singing with me.
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V I S U A L A RT P R E S E N TAT I O N S
Visual Art Presentations
Roessner Hall 100, 9:45-10:45am
Blanche Helbling, Albright College
OPTICS
My disjointed triptych “Optics” links the intricate biology of the eye with a
conceptualization of the infinite ways in which people view the world. Both the
form and subject matter pose ambiguity in this sculpture-photography hybrid: the
frames are purposely constructed without mandatory tops or bottoms and can
stand upright and/or lie flat. The pieces’ translucence may tempt viewers—perhaps
unsurprisingly—to hold them against a light source. Guests are encouraged to pick
up the works in order to view them “better,” thereby enabling each individual to
personalize his/her experience. Of course, this also subtly impacts the experiences
of subsequent viewers, who will find the pieces as they have been left instead of
how they “are” by mandate. Folk from Science Hall might be the first to recognize
the framed images as microscopy studies: slide-mounted specimen viewed through
and magnified by lenses of a compound microscope. Like the physical manner in
which one views the triptych, the contextualization of the images is also subjective,
as the peculiar designs and patterns invite aesthetic stimulation independent of their
scientific ‘identities’ as abstract images.
up of two parts. The first being a quilt that represents a number of experiences from
my own life. The second, is a written essay explaining each quilt square and the event
it represents.These events have been analyzed and reflected on in terms of how it
will impact me in my classroom. This project has acted at a opportunity for reflective
learning as well as creative expression, both which are vital in the field of education.
Samantha Shank, Albright College
TO OHIO
In these works, I make an effort to illustrate imaginings of the subconscious and
amplify the feelings behind my poem “To Ohio”. As an artist I believe creative writing
to be as much of an art as photography. Considering my interest in both, I decided
to use both mediums to create something larger than what would be possible by the
works individually. Ideally, the viewer would observe the photos initially. Afterwards,
reading the text and returning to the photo would unveil deeper meaning through each
step. These photographs display my recent experimentation with longer exposure
times, the bulb setting, and unique lighting sources to strengthen the themes of
vision, sound, and memory.
Elizabeth Kane, Kutztown University
ASTERISM
Asterism is a book chronicling the development of conceptual art in the making
since 2013, under the tutelage of an illustration professor and an adjunct professor
experienced in concept work for the animation industry. It contains character designs,
environmental designs, and plot descriptions for a cast of characters and the fantastic
world they live in- a fictional land governed by magic and the movements of prophetic
astral bodies. Concept art such as this can be used to pitch an animation project,
graphic novel, written book, or any predominantly visual media. Along the way the cast
of characters have expanded and evolved- and the world becoming more sprawling
and complex. The final product is a printed piece chronicling the development of
these characters and their world from start to finish. This book entices the viewer and
sparks interest and curiosity of what can blossom from this project still in its nascent
phase. It also demonstrates to fellow artists the versatility and necessity of concept
work as an essential illustration skill.
Constance Kilgore, Kutztown University
GOODNIGHT DESIGNER
Goodnight Designer is a parody book that pokes fun at designers and the quirky things
they are known for doing all while following the style of the popular children’s book,
Goodnight Moon. After researching children’s books, illustration, and what is visually
appealing about a book I chose to make my own. However, the target audience is not
children, it is other designers.
Courtney Laub, Kutztown University
THE MISS COURTNEY QUILT
This project was inspired by the idea that a teacher must know herself before having
the ability to know her students and meet their individual needs. This project is made
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Participants
Students
College
Therese Adgie................................................................................................. Albright College
Michael Andersen........................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Brian Anderson............................................................................................... Albright College
Brian Anderson............................................................................................... Albright College
Joseph Arthur................................................................................................. Kutztown University
Nicole Asamoah, Kendall Rouesseau............................................................... Penn State Berks
Samantha Asher............................................................................................. Kutztown University
Toe Aung........................................................................................................ Albright College
Danielle Avington............................................................................................ Alvernia University
Yahrelis Ayala................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Sara Baum...................................................................................................... Albright College
Julia Becker.................................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Sarah Belles................................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Matthew Bello, Irving Guzman........................................................................ Kutztown University
Elizabeth Bengtsson....................................................................................... Albright College
Melissa Bennett.............................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Tyler Bernadyn, Milca Mendez........................................................................ Albright College
Lindsay Bittle, Jamie Dearie, Josephine Heil, Anissa Koperna.......................... Alvernia University
Nicholas Boltz................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Michelle Boyer, Kelly Leon, Nellie Kabilizya..................................................... Penn State Berks
Stephen Braconnier........................................................................................ Penn State Brandywine
Holly Bream.................................................................................................... Kutztown University
Amanda Briggs............................................................................................... Alvernia University
Gabriel Brill.................................................................................................... Ursinus College
Jazzmyn Brown, Julia Becker, Hy Lam............................................................ Reading Area Community College
Stephanie Buck.............................................................................................. Kutztown University
Christa Buckley............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Laura Budurlean, Mike Anderson.................................................................... Penn State Berks
Evan Bulcavage.............................................................................................. Alvernia University
Hannah Burton, Bryan Williams....................................................................... Penn State Berks
Elizabeth Cairnie............................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Crystal Casiano............................................................................................... Kutztown University
Denise Castro................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Mahdi Chaker, Michael Cimerola..................................................................... Penn State Lehigh Valley
Samuel Charowsky......................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Samera Chebli................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Daniel Cobb, Daigo Ndiaye.............................................................................. Penn State Berks
Joshua Colon.................................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Kendall Cork................................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Ashley Crawford............................................................................................. Kutztown University
Elizabeth Crews.............................................................................................. Kutztown University
Ryan Cupo...................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Prasadi Dangolla............................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Morgan Daubenspeck..................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Joshua Davidson............................................................................................ Penn State Berks
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Students
College
Kathleen de Haan........................................................................................... Albright College
Jessica DeDeo................................................................................................ Reading Area Community College
Diego Demichelli............................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Andrew Douventzidis...................................................................................... Kutztown University
Rebecca Dunst............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Megan Ebling.................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Devin Eby, A. LaManna, P. Murray, J. Paccagnini, D. Stuck, A. Yenser............... Alvernia University
Katie Eggert, Samantha Lutz........................................................................... Penn State Berks
Joshua Ehlinger.............................................................................................. Albright College
Michael Faust, Taylor Hollenbach.................................................................... Penn State Berks
Melissa Fiato.................................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Eyoel Firew..................................................................................................... Albright College
Kathleen Fitzharris.......................................................................................... Alvernia University
Elizabeth Fowler, Meghan McKelvey................................................................ Alvernia University
Carrie French.................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Margaret Froehlich.......................................................................................... Albright College
Taryn Gehman................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Kristen Gerzewski........................................................................................... Albright College
Natalie Gibbs, Ashley Maggio, Marissa Mussoline, Rosemarie Thress.............. Alvernia University
Joshua Grant.................................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Deidgre Green................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Jami Gresh..................................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Jake Hangen.................................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Christopher Hare, Lucas Hepp, Matthew Craccas, Wesley Walters................... Penn State Berks
Scott Harkless................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Alexis Hawthorne............................................................................................ Albright College
Blanche Helbling............................................................................................. Albright College
Blanche Helbling............................................................................................. Albright College
Hannah Hench................................................................................................ Albright College
Nia Henry....................................................................................................... Albright College
Misha Holt...................................................................................................... Albright College
Anna’le Hornak............................................................................................... Albright College
Daniel Johnston.............................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Elizabeth Kane................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Ezra Kane-Salafia........................................................................................... Kutztown University
Robert Kelly.................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Keyana Kern................................................................................................... Kutztown University
Constance Kilgore........................................................................................... Kutztown University
Robert Knoll.................................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Connor Koellner.............................................................................................. Albright College
Melissa Komand............................................................................................. Albright College
Dan Kozieja, Daniel Ðaniel Garcia-Vargas, Laura Masse.................................. Penn State Brandywine
Courtney Laub................................................................................................ Kutztown University
Erich Lenz....................................................................................................... Kutztown University
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Students
College
Samantha Lutz, Katie Eggert........................................................................... Penn State Berks
Catherine Mahony........................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
David McCarrick............................................................................................. Albright College
Caitlyn McGrellis............................................................................................. Alvernia University
Fatima Mendez............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Fatima Mendez............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Michael Mfarej................................................................................................ Penn State Berks
Alexandria Miller............................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Brianna Miller................................................................................................. Albright College
Jared Moser .................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Tyler Moser..................................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Brandon Mowery............................................................................................ Kutztown University
Irma Mrkanovic............................................................................................... Albright College
Alexandria Nasife............................................................................................ Albright College
Tracy Nguyen.................................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Brad Ohlinger................................................................................................. Albright College
Chastity Paredes-Rodriguez, Sheshkumar Patel.............................................. Penn State Berks
Tyler Parkin, Seth Tyson.................................................................................. Penn State Berks
Brij Patel......................................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Tessa Patton................................................................................................... Kutztown University
Hannah Pell.................................................................................................... Lebanon Valley College
Johnathnael Pena........................................................................................... Alvernia University
Isaac Perez, Emmy Velazquez......................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Dayana Petrenko, Ellie Herman ...................................................................... Albright College
Dayana Petrenko............................................................................................ Albright College
Robyn Philactos.............................................................................................. Reading Area Community College
Robyn Philactos, Trevor Metterhauser, Wesley Gehman, Lauren Jones............. Reading Area Community College
Elizabeth Place............................................................................................... Albright College
Rachel Powelson............................................................................................ Penn State Berks
Jordyn Pratt.................................................................................................... Albright College
Matthew Qualio.............................................................................................. Alvernia University
Kimberly Radka.............................................................................................. Albright College
Sara Riccardelli............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Jose Rodriguez............................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Katlyn Roginsky.............................................................................................. Alvernia University
Rachel Roseman............................................................................................. Albright College
Nicholas Rossetti, Adam Fox, Frank Foose, Gerald Fisher, Michael Cappiello.... Penn State Berks
Nate Rothermel............................................................................................... Albright College
Jireh Saba, Jessica Hartman, Melissa Bennett, Amber Rogers, Bryann Cave... Penn State Berks
Launick Saint-Fort, Roberto Hernandez........................................................... Penn State Berks
Yandeh Sallah Muhammed.............................................................................. Kutztown University
Erika Sallavanti, Nicole Fetchko, Dakota Hirst, Michael Lineman ..................... Kutztown University
Cristina Santiago............................................................................................ Albright College
Zenas M. Savage............................................................................................ Penn State Berks
Ilyssa Schwartz............................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Tammy Seda................................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Time
Room
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 101
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 104
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 104
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 102
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 204
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 201
Roessner 201
Roessner 101
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 105
Roessner 101
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 204
Roessner 105
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 101
Roessner 205
Roessner 102
Roessner 201
Roessner 205
Roessner 102
Roessner 104
Roessner 203
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 203
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 102
Roessner 105
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
4/13/15 11:21 AM
Students
College
Mason Seewagen........................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Samantha Shank............................................................................................ Albright College
Nick Simmons, Aaron Rizzardi......................................................................... Penn State Berks
Jordan Smith, Sheshkumar Patel, Morgan Mull............................................... Penn State Berks
Tyler Smith..................................................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Justine Smith ................................................................................................ Albright College
Dominic Sprecher........................................................................................... Penn State Berks
Joshua Steinberg............................................................................................ Kutztown University
London Stever................................................................................................ Albright College
Jacquelyn Strange, Lisa Flemming ................................................................. Alvernia University
Theania Stuart, Samantha Gerhard................................................................. Penn State Berks
Corey Summers, Benjamin Fake..................................................................... Kutztown University
Michael Syrylo................................................................................................ Alvernia University
Hanna Szigeti................................................................................................. Albright College
Jordan Thomas............................................................................................... Kutztown University
Tia Thomas..................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Ashley Tomlinson, Kathleen Fitzharris, Kayla Huey, Olivia Madara, Erik Sandbakken.... Alvernia University
Destini Torres.................................................................................................. Albright College
Kirby Turner.................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Laura Van Schaik............................................................................................ Albright College
Tyler VanBlargan............................................................................................. Albright College
John Vasko..................................................................................................... Albright College
Emmy Velazquez, Isaac Perez......................................................................... Reading Area Community College
Angela Walter................................................................................................. Albright College
Jerri Waradzin................................................................................................. Alvernia University
Courtney Weibley............................................................................................ Albright College
Ashleigh Weidner............................................................................................ Albright College
Jacob Whiteley............................................................................................... Kutztown University
Natalie Wilson................................................................................................. Albright College
Laura Wimbrow.............................................................................................. Albright College
Alaina Wolfe.................................................................................................... Kutztown University
Sarah Woodworth........................................................................................... Albright College
John Wright.................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Kevin Yeagle................................................................................................... Albright College
Aaron Yuros.................................................................................................... Alvernia University
Time
Room
1:15 PM.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
1:15 P.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
1:15 P.M.
9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
Roessner 104
Roessner 100
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 101
Roessner 102
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 104
Roessner 104
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 102
Roessner 101
Roessner 102
Roessner 101
Roessner 102
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 102
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 104
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 102
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 104
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 204
Roessner Atrium
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 205
Roessner Atrium
Roessner 205
4/13/15 11:21 AM
Thank You to Our Faculty Sponsors
Professor M. Ashraf Adeel, Kutztown University
Professor Stephanie Andersen, Reading Area Community College
Professor Richard Androne, Albright College
Professor Allan Bäck, Kutztown University
Professor Marilyn Baguinon, Kutztown University
Professor Carol Bean-Ritter, Reading Area Community College
Professor Jon Bekken, Albright College
Professor Peggy Bowen-Hartung, Alvernia University
Professor David Brant, Reading Area Community College
Professor Bryce Brylawski, Albright College
Professor Rosemarie Chinni, Alvernia University
Professor Colleen Clemens, Kutztown University
Professor Patricia Walsh Coates, Kutztown University
Professor Christopher Costello, Reading Area Community College
Professor Justin Couchman, Albright College
Professor Bahar Diken, Reading Area Community College
Professor James Drummond, Alvernia University
Professor Keith Feigenson, Albright College
Professor Sandy Feinstein, Penn State Berks
Professor Joey Flamm Costello, Reading Area Community College
Professor Johanna Forte, Kutztown University
Professor Michael Gabriel, Kutztown University
Professor Laura Gelsomini, Reading Area Community College
Professor Dawn Gieringer, Reading Area Community College
Professor Teresa Gilliams, Albright College
Professor Christopher Graves, Albright College
Professor Nathan Greenauer, Penn State Berks
Professor Pauline Guerin, Penn State Brandywine
Professor George Hale, Kutztown University
Professor Susan Hughes, Albright College
Professor Teri Jensen-Sellers, Albright College
Professor Karen Jogan, Albright College
Professor Eric Johnson, Kutztown University
Professor Huang Jui-Chi, Penn State Berks
Professor James Karlinsey, Penn State Berks
Professor Ondra Kielbasa, Alvernia University
Professor Yoon Mi Kim, Kutztown University
Professor Jennifer Koosed, Albright College
Professor Eric Landquist, Kutztown University
Professor Irene Langran, Albright College
Professor John Lawlor, Reading Area Community College
Professor Jayne Leh, Penn State Berks
Professor Steve Lem, Kutztown University
Professor John Lichtenwalner, Alvernia University
Professor Eric Lindsey, Penn State Berks
Professor Dale Litwhiler, Penn State Berks
Professor Jeffrey Lovell, Lebanon Valley College
Professor Joseph Mahoney, Penn State Berks
Professor Mostafa Maksy, Kutztown University
Professor Daniela Martin, Penn State Brandywine
Professor Julia Matthews, Albright College
Professor Catherine Mello, Penn State Berks
Professor Vicki Meloney, Kutztown University
Professor Chrystine Mitchell, Penn State Berks
Professor Tami Mysliwiec, Penn State Berks
Professor Rungun Nathan, Penn State Berks
Professor Randall Newnham, Penn State Berks
Professor Christine Coleman Núñez, Kutztown University
Professor Varsha Pandya, Kutztown University
Professor John Pankratz, Albright College
Professor Roseanne Perkins, Kutztown University
Professor Rebecca Roberts, Ursinus College
Professor John Rochowicz, Alvernia University
Professor Elizabeth Rogol, Kutztown University
Professor Andrew Samuelsen, Albright College
Professor Marietta Scanlon, Penn State Lehigh Valley
Professor Carol Schwanger, Alvernia University
Professor Gwendolyn Seidman, Albright College
Professor Jonathan Shaw, Kutztown University
Professor Britanny Shelton, Albright College
Professor Kim Shively, Kutztown University
Professor Donna Singleton, Reading Area Community College
Professor Theresa Smith, Albright College
Professor Terry Speicher, Penn State Berks
Professor Kimberly Stoudt, Alvernia University
Professor Barton Thompson, Albright College
Professor Huy Q. Tran, Albright College
Professor Lorena Tribe, Penn State Berks
Professor Gerald Vigna, Alvernia University
Professor Jeffrey Voccola, Kutztown University
Professor Bryan Wang, Penn State Berks
Professor Thomas Watcke, Albright College
Professor Kesha Morant Williams, Penn State Berks
Professor Victoria Williams, Alvernia University
Professor Marian Wolbers, Albright College
4/13/15 11:21 AM

saturday, April 18, 2015

Transcription

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