Abstracts for Poster and Paper Presentations

CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Posters
Design and Development of a Novel Microfluidic Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Mary Arrastia
CSU: Los Angeles
This project focuses on the potential of simulating the effects of fuel cells on smaller, microfluidic
devices. We use our typical microfluidic chips and assembled them using stainless steel mesh as
our gas diffusion layer and Nafion 212 as our proton exchange membrane. We observed the
outputs of our lab designed microfluidic direct methanol fuel cell in comparison with a fuel cell
containing a purchased membrane. We also observed its potential as a small-scale fuel cell in
future applications.
North Korean Relations with US
Hector Arvizu/Cherish Marie Sarmiento
CSU: San Bernardino
The history of sanctions that the United States has imposed on North Korea and its effects. The
negative consequences that have affected the population has helped to create a disillusionment
with the United States. This negative sentiment could be partly to do with the threats towards the
US from the DPRK today. Poses the question, what could we do differently in the future with other
countries to avoid such hostilities.
The Effects of Classroom Acoustics on Reading Fluency in Primary School Students
Elaine Clemings
CSU: Fresno
Standards were recently developed to address the acoustic properties of classrooms. Though these
standards are not mandatory, students reading fluency can be adversely affected when classrooms
do not comply. Rectifying these poor acoustics is imperative and costly, but expensive equipment is
not always necessary. The present study examines whether simple, low-cost improvements can
bring classrooms into compliance and whether this adjustment has an effect on students reading
fluency.
Paleomagnetic testing of fault-block rotation and doming models
Shelby Fredrickson
CSU: Fresno
Within Walker Lane, Bodie Hills has experienced clockwise, vertical-axis rotation of crustal blocks
due to dextral shear accommodation. Variable strain results in rotations from 10° to ~60°. The
Eureka Valley Tuff and the Tuff of Jack Springs are ideal strain markers, as they are geologically
instantaneous and laterally extensive units. Paleomagnetic analysis of these ignimbrites improves
the resolution of strain domain boundaries and tests for doming in Bodie Hills.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
The problem of recycling being performed incorrectly or not at all on campus.
Cierra Goldstein
CSU: Chico
Why is recycling sometimes performed incorrectly or not at all on CSU, Chico’s campus? This
question is addressed in my honors thesis project, which is currently ongoing. The goal is to
research, gather, and analyze information to answer this question. I will also propose a solution
method or multiple solutions.
Wetland Policy Management
Alex Gwerder
CSU: Sacramento
The wetlands are essential ecosystems for sustainability of all ecosystems. As the kidneys of the
land, wetlands provide the necessary cleaning of water and provide unique habitats for a broad
range of species. My research develops why the current policy management of wetlands is lacking
in biological aspects. The research also contributes to basic scientific hypothesis such as
Intermediate disturbance hypothesis.
Aqueous Phase Photolysis of Succinic Acid and its Effect on Climate Change
Julie Hofstra
CSU: Fullerton
Aerosol particles in the atmosphere can affect the earth’ s climate by interacting with sunlight or
by forming cloud droplets as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Succinic acid (SA), a less effective
CCN, can undergo reactions to form products that can better act as CCN. We studied the aqueous
phase photochemical oxidation of SA and H2O2 to better understand the dynamics determining
product formation. Our results can help improve climate models to better predict atmospheric
processes.
Correlation and analysis of paleochannels in the Sierra Nevada, as displayed by the
Stanislaus Group
Shelby A. Jones
CSU: Fresno
This study involves field research to increase the quantity of primary data, which will be used to
develop a model of the paleodrainage systems of the Sierra Nevada. The field localities, Dorrington,
Pikes Peak, Rancheria Mtn., Sonora Pass, are significant because they may represent the few
remaining outcrops of previously unmapped paleodrainage channels. To test this hypothesis,
geochemical and paleomagnetic data were used to correlate the localities and thereby reconstruct
the paleochannels.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Mucoadhesive Hydrogel Drug-Delivery System
Yulan Ingrid Lin
CSU: Los Angeles
Hydrogels with controlled-release and mucoadheisve properties are of particular interest for
sustained and controlled drug delivery. Fluoroalkyl ended poly(ethylene glycol) (Rf-PEG) based
copolymers have garnered attention due to the surface erosion properties of their gel phases in an
aqueous medium. We will report a novel Rf-PEG based hydrogel material with an additional
mucoadhesive property in addition to the known properties of the Rf-PEG hydrogel.
DNA-Compound Analysis Through Spectroscopy
Harmanpreet Kaur Panesar
CSU: Northridge
I am proposing a poster presentation on the question of whether 1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone is a
strong DNA binder. A compound with a good DNA binding affinity may be used to bind a cancerous
cell DNA. Targeting cancerous cell DNA may help prohibit DNA replication and cancerous cell
proliferation.
Characterization of Hepatic Protein Expression in a Male Fish Exhibiting High Estradiol
Levels
Rickesh Patel
CSU: Long Beach
In Southern CA, males of the flatfish species hornyhead turbot exhibit extraordinarily high
circulating concentrations of the female sex steroid hormone, 17β-estradiol. A proteomic screening
approach has been employed to elucidate estrogen-sensitive proteins in males with high E2 levels.
A variety of hepatic proteins have been found to exhibit significant expression differences
correlated with increasing E2 levels. The results of this work point to potential new protein
biomarkers.
Assessing Relationships between Personality and Conformity
Name: Leigh Perreault
CSU: Fresno
College-aged female participants (N = 50) publically evaluated cartoons in the presence of three
same-sex confederates who exhibited consensus judgments about the cartoons’
humorousness.
Humor judgments in both public compliance and private acceptance were gathered. Participants
then completed the NEO-FFI-3. Analysis is exploratory in nature. The aim was to determine the
type(s) of person(s) likely to publically comply with a group while privately accepting the groups
impressions.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Alzheimer’s disease of fruit flies
Jackie Reyes/ Christopher Wills
CSU: San Bernardino
Beta-amyloid protein aggregates surround neurons and cause oxidative stress, stimulate
inflammation, and if not cleared form AB-Plaque. This is believed to be one of the main causes of
the neurodegenerative disease known as Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers is a form of dementia due to
neuronal death. Beta Amyloid builds around the nerve cells and blocks the cell signaling pathway to
another cell by triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and eventually forming plaque. These free
radicals interact with other molecules within cells and it can cause oxidative damage to proteins.
What can counteract oxidative stress are antioxidants. Blueberry is a kind of antioxidant that
contains Anthocyanins and benefits the neuronal protection.Microglia are considered to act as the
first and main immune defense in the central nervous system. In the early stages of AD, microglia
fulfill a vital role in the clearance (phagocytosis) of beta-Amyloid-the toxic protein aggregates.
Operation Smile
Taylor Schmelz
CSU: Fullerton
My ongoing project is the establishment of an organization on campus named Operation Smile. We
are an affiliate of the international charity that provides life-changing surgery to children with cleft
lip and palate (CLP). Also, we focus on raising awareness, funding, and volunteering.
Investigating the link between ionic manganese and protein expression in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Gurpreet Singh
CSU: Fullerton
This project seeks to gather information on the mechanism through which ionic manganese (i-Mn)
exerts its reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in the model organism, Caenarhabditis
elegans. We used proteomics data to narrow our focus to certain proteins which are upregulated in
the presence of i-Mn in order to further characterize their role in i-Mn mediated response to
oxidative stress. A knockdown strain will be used to collect data for life span and fertility with i-Mn
treatment.
Promoter Swapping analysis of Casein Kinase I paralogs in Candida albicans
Peng-yi Zhu
CSU: Los Angeles
We hypothesize that the two paralogs of YCK2 and YCK3 of CK1 (members of the casein kinase 1
family) phosphorylate the same substrates but YCK2 makes a greater contribution to the overall
activity than YCK3 because YCK2 expression is greater than YCK3 or the YCK3 expression is
temporarily or conditionally limited.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Papers
Discrimination Under Law: Eugenics in America
Leah Avila
CSU: Bakersfield
This paper is an investigation into the manifestations of eugenics in American history. It briefly
examines the origins of eugenics before delving into the destruction it has wreaked upon American
culture, society, and history.
Film Analysis: Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory
Kaitlin Bane
CSU: Sacramento
In Stanley Kubrick’s film Paths of Glory, he displays the unjust trial and execution of three French
soldiers during World War I. Through a comparison to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Kubrick
illustrates the unjust killing of three men as a martyr for the “cowardice” of all the soldiers in the
fight to take a German military camp. BY discussing his use of cinematic technique, I delve into
the films symbolism and overarching message on war.
CSU Sacramento Honors Recruitment
Kaitlin Bane/Joshua Cosico
CSU: Sacramento
Presentation regarding CSU Sacramento Honors first student driven recruitment trips. Our students
visited local high schools to recruit their best students to attend Sac State and apply for the Honors
Program.
Afghan Poetry
Steven Barker
CSU: Bakersfield
This paper briefly chronicles the different poetic influences MIA Afghanistan's military history and
the method in which Afghan poetry developed. I will also focus some attention to the irony that,
while Afghan poets rejected the literary traditions of their conquerors, Afghan poets independently
adopted some of their mannerisms.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Aaron's Law & Personal Liberties in the Modern Age
Andrew Brinker
CSU: San Bernardino
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (1984) has struggled to keep pace with technology, giving
broad powers to corporations to write federal law. In US v. Aaron Swartz an activist was faced with
35 years in prison under the CFAA for downloading too many academic articles. He killed himself.
Now a bill dubbed "Aaron's Law" will amend the CFAA, limit these powers, and protect people's
right to use technology. In this presentation we discuss this bill, the CFAA, and personal liberties in
the modern age.
The Effects of Stress and Caregiver Status on the Adoption of Exercise Behaviors
Katherine Y Cuellar
CSU: Long Beach
Caregivers have been called the "hidden patients", as their chronic stress from caregiving leaves
them subject to negative mental and health outcomes. These outcomes however have been shown
to be mediated by factors such as social support, level of perceived caregiver burden, stress and
self-efficacy. The present study aims to examine how appraisals of stress and caregiver status may
affect the adoption of exercise behaviors, which may be used to improve negative health outcomes
in caregivers.
Winners and Losers under NAFTA
Demetrius Castelazo
CSU: Bakersfield
Through a case study of the Mexican pipeline industry that utilizes the Structure-ConductPerformance and Five Forces models, this project analyzes the industry’s pre and post NAFTA eras
to determine and evaluate potential industry and government strategies needed to gain or sustain
competitive advantage within a free trade environment. In doing so, this approach may be used to
assess the prospects of other industries that are also under free trade restrictions.
Are feminist horror films advancing the feminist cause at all?
Samantha Duchscherer
CSU: Chico
My paper and my presentation start a discussion about feminism in film, and furthermore, how and
if feminism could find a place in our modern world’s media culture without being overshadowed by
the forces of sexuality, and violence that often drive our media.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
David Alfaro Siqueiros' America Tropical
Katherine Elder
CSU: Long Beach
America Tropical by David Alfaro Siqueiros is as prominent today as it was when it was first
unveiled in 1932. This examination stems from the famous Los Angeles Times article written by
Arthur Millier where he has a slip of the pen and refers to the mural as "Tropical Mexico" instead of
"Tropical America," revealing that Siqueiros' mural speaks to more than just the United States.
What it means to believe in the God of Abraham
Cameron Farboud
CSU: Chico
What it means to believe in the God of Abraham entailing beliefs concerning the wisdom of certain
books and doctrines, the divine privilege of certain populations, supernatural causes of human
suffering and flourishing, and the value of evidence-based inquiry is ultimately incompatible with
rational inquiry into the causes of human flourishing and suffering.
The Keystone Pipeline
Ana Gonzalez
CSU: San Bernardino
One has heard of the phrase, “It all starts at home?” at least once in their lifetime; whether it be
domestic violence, a lovely or disciplined raised family, poverty, and so forth with many other
conventional factors that may impact and contribute to the youth (and everyone in general) later
on in the not- so- distant future. However, I take the phrase [ “It all starts at home”] with a
slightly altered implicit meaning.
Contemporary Composing for the Saxophone
Laurena Infante-Aguilar
CSU: Bakersfield
I will be performing a piece titled, Sonata for Alto Saxophone by Bernhard Heiden. Since the
saxophone was developed rather late in history, compared to other instruments, it is important to
acknowledge the music that was composed specifically for the instrument and its abilities.
Benefits of Marketing
Hayley Lampela
CSU: Bakersfield
Whether we notice it or not, marketing is all around us- from billboards and commercials down to
bumper stickers and flyers. As years go by, advances in society and technology help marketing
campaigns use various, and often times unique, methods of advertising to launch their
product/idea out to the mass public. While on most occasions, having the ability to utilize many
different forms of advertising is advantageous to a marketing campaign, sometimes it can do just
the opposite.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Swedish and American Deaf Cultures
Molly Landy
CSU: Northridge
Working directly with the Swedish government to implement policy that caters to the needs of the
Deaf, the Swedish Deaf community has flourished. I will describe the Swedish Deaf Community
and compare it to the American Deaf community, offering solutions that will enhance the lives and
experiences of Deaf Americans.
Gertrude Bell
Elizabeth A. Lewis
CSU: Bakersfield
An examination of the life of Gertrude Bell, British archaeologist, explorer, historian, intelligence
agent, and writer (1868-1926). Bell traveled extensively, mainly in the Middle East. She produced
one of the finest translations into English of the spiritual poet Hafiz. She helped to form the British
controlled kingdom of Iraq, which lasted only thirty-seven years after its creation.
Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Americanism in Philippine Political Theatre
Kevin Lohmann
CSU: Bakersfield
The project is a 21-page paper that traces the themes of Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Americanism
through three plays in the Philippine Political Theatre canon: "Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas" by
Aurelio Tolentino, "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino" by Nick Joaquin, and "Pilipinas Circa 1907" by
Nicanor G. Tiongson. The paper uses the plays to separate Philippine history into three major time
periods and stresses the importance of Philippine playwrights in Political Theatre.
Risk Factors for Sexual Coercion at Fraternity Parties
Christian J. Murillo
CSU: Polytechnic University, Pomona
Independent supervised research on possible risk factors for sexual coercion towards women at
fraternity party settings.
Gender and Pronouns
Omotunde Oguntoyinbo
CSU: Long Beach
An extensive literature review on gender and pronouns. The purpose is to examine the
exclusionary and sexist tendencies that lie within the English language specifically third person
singular pronouns. The literature review also explores how pronoun usage have the power to
socialize ideologies and beliefs.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Creating Healthy Smiles
Archna Patel
CSU: Bakersfield
The effects of poor oral hygiene, how it can affect our overall health, and why our nation needs
programs such as Creating Healthy Smiles, which was spearheaded by our CSU Bakersfield campus.
CHS goes to schools where the majority of students are impoverished and do not understand the
ramifications of not flossing, not brushing, or even sharing a toothbrush. The program also assists
special needs children and their parents by partnering with dentists throughout our California
community.
Chilean University Students in the Destruction of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo's
Authoritarian Regime
Melanie Peinado
CSU: Long Beach
This paper analyzes the nature of student participation in the citywide strike in Santiago that led to
the resignation of authoritarian President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. Marxist ideological influences in
Chilean universities caused students to denounce Ibáñez's regime and its close ties to foreign
capital. With the global economic crisis of the 1930s, students' criticisms of Ibáñez garnered
increasing public support, and culminated in a citywide strike that forced Ibáñez to flee the
country.
The Rise of Athenian Hegemony
Grayson Parker
CSU: Bakersfield
This presentation offers an in-depth view of the rise of the Athenian Empire in the 4th Century BCE,
from the defeat of the Persians at Marathon to their defeat by a joint venture by the Spartans and
the Persians. This piece will also critique the historical perspectives which portray the Athenian rise
to power as folly.
The College Experience: Looking at First Generation Students In Regards to Performance
in Academics
Fatima Ramos
CSU: Bakersfield
Every year, colleges nationwide accept Latino First Generation students into their campuses. This
synthesis paper looks into the experiences of first generation students, especially first generation
students and looks into the prevailing claims that the majority of first generation students tend to
do poorly in academics as well as the opposite claim that first generation students have great
academic performance.
CSU 10th Annual Honors Conference
Active Galactic Nuclei
Bryan Scott
CSU: Poly San Luis Obispo
Active Galactic Nuceli(AGNs), also known as Quasi-Stellar Objects or Quasars, are extremely
luminous objects located in the central regions of galaxies. The mass of the AGN central engine can
be determined for local galaxies from the motion of nearby stars. For galaxies at higher redshifts,
this is not possible, and spectroscopy is used instead. Results are presented of spectroscopic
studies of a sample of 100 AGN.
A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL MINDSET ON STUDY
ABROAD AFFECTIVE OUTCOMES
Han Tran
CSU: Fullerton
This paper describes a framework for understanding the affective and substantive outcomes
associated with individual study abroad experiences, using global mindset as a fundamental
antecedent. Several moderating variables such as core self-evaluation and ethnocentrism/cultural
relativism are also included in the model to illuminate the process. Testable propositions are
developed to guide future research.
"Pathways" to Success: The Future of Accounting Education
Amirali Zabrani
CSU: Bakersfield
This report summarizes two years of collective effort done by over 50 individuals in the field of
accounting education. The impetus for this project came from the US Department of the Treasury's
Advisory Committee. American Accounting Association (AAA) and American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants (AICPA) study the possible future structure of higher education for the
accounting profession.