Text
Centre College
Presents the 15th annual
Symposium
April 21, 2022
The 2022 Symposium is sponsored by the
Dean’s Office and all academic programs
April 21, 2022
Dear RICE participants:
Welcome to the fifteenth annual Centre College RICE Symposium! This event is the culmination
of Undergraduate Research Week, which features a different research-focused event each day.
The RICE (Research, Internships, and Creative Endeavors) Symposium is a forum for showcasing
the outstanding research achievements, creative endeavors, and independent projects
completed by Centre students. An integral part of experiential learning is moving beyond the
consumption of existing knowledge to becoming an active contributor of new knowledge. RICE
represents a unique opportunity for students to share their contributions in a professional,
scholarly setting that is made rich by the active participation of many members of our
community. This event is part of a week-long celebration of research that includes
opportunities for students to talk informally with faculty members about research
opportunities, a convocation delivered by a panel of Centre Alum: Amanda Glueck ‘10, Brian
Klosterboer ‘12 and Colleen Coyle ‘19 who will share their experiences as researchers while at
Centre and their current research projects.
This year, 86 presentations from across the academic disciplines by students and faculty are
featured, including 66 oral presentations and 20 poster presentations. In addition, on Friday,
April 22, students who participated in studio art classes this academic year will host an exhibit
of their work in the AEGON Gallery in the Jones Visual Arts Center. We invite attendees to
attend the various oral and poster presentations, as well as the art exhibition, and see the
diversity of what Centre students have to offer. An option to participate via Zoom is available.
Panels typically take two forms. First, in order to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature and
breath of the scholarly endeavor at Centre College, many presentations are grouped by topic
rather than discipline. Second, when it is important to emphasize the depth of a particular issue
or collaborative research, such as the study that occurred in an advanced seminar class, a panel
may include presentations from only one discipline.
Each oral presentation is scheduled for a total of 15 minutes, including 12 minutes for
presenting and three minutes for discussion. As a courtesy to presenters, please wait until the
end of a presentation to leave a session. Thank you for your consideration and enjoy the
Symposium!
Sincerely,
Karin Gill and Karoline Manny
2022 RICE Symposium Co-chairs
SCHEDULE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
APRIL 21, 2022
Oral Presentations
Session 1, Young Hall
2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Oral Presentations
Session 2, Young Hall
3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Poster Presentations
Lobby, Young Hall
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 22, 2022
Art Exhibition Opening
AEGON Gallery, Jones Visual Arts Center
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Zoom Links
3
Oral Presentations, at a glance
4
Poster Presentations, at a glance
9
Art Exhibition
11
Oral Presentation Abstracts
13
Poster Presentation Abstracts
36
Committee
44
Name Index
45
ZOOM LINKS
ZOOM
The symposium is in-person, however the option to watch via Zoom is strongly encouraged
for those not on campus. Please use the links below to attend the sessions. Once you enter
the Session you will be able to choose which room you would like to attend. Presentation
recordings and posters will be available after the symposium.
If you need any assistance with Zoom please contact Dr. Andrew Patrick at
andrew.patrick@centre.edu
Session 1
https://centre.zoom.us/j/93340789026?pwd=d1JGZjNSSHQ4V2YzL3VJODdxcnp6UT09
Session 2
https://centre.zoom.us/j/94437349257?pwd=bjREOGtGZFBuVm5yTHhVQTJyRjhTdz09
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-a
Young 101
Moderator:
Mykol Hamilton
SESSION 1-b
Young 113
Moderator:
Bruce Johnson
SESSION 1-c
Young 110
Moderator:
Melissa BurnsCusato
SESSION 1-d
Young 111
Moderator:
Jamie Shenton
Oral Presentations
2:00 p.m.
1
2:20 p.m.
2
2:40 p.m.
3
3:00 p.m.
4
2:00 p.m.
5
2:20 p.m.
6
2:40 p.m.
7
3:00 p.m.
8
2:00 p.m.
9
2:20 p.m.
10
2:40 p.m.
11
3:00 p.m.
86
2:00 p.m.
to
3:20 p.m.
12
A Hard Pill to Swallow: Gender Bias in Medical School
Emma Mitmesser & Sloan Reding
Girls Just Wanna Be Represented: An Investigation of Sexism
in Medical Education
Ellie Griffin, Rachel Jennings, and & Josie Thacker
America's Persistent Plague: Racism in Medical School
Hunter Jennings & Luisana Alvarez
Racism in Medical Textbook Imagery: The Hidden Curriculum
Will Ahrens, Grace Stafford & Courtney Warren
Business, Environment, and Innovation: A Central Kentucky
Case Study
Adonis Logan
Determinants of Birth Weight in the United States
Stephen Rout
Determinants of Movie Box Office Revenue
Ezra Sanford
Blue City, Red Suburbs
Beau Weston
Determinants of Wins in Major League Baseball
Trentin Dupper
Evaluation of Pacing Strategies for Long-Distance Running
Races
Audrey Becker
Gender and the Olympic Games
Connor Foster
Hijabisation as Disruption: The Graffiti of Princess Hijab in
Paris
Sabah Rainey
Models for Successful Aging in a Central Kentucky Assisted
Living Facility
Carter Baughman, Presley Chirico, Caroline Dahl, Emmy Greene,
Ellie Griffin, Piper Hensley, Santiago Lebron De la Paz, Kanbe
Mao, Audrey Marshall, John Walker Phelps, Mia Tomillo, &
Lorelei Watson
4
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-e
2:00 p.m.
Young 112
Moderator:
2:20 p.m.
Susmitha Udayan
2:40 p.m.
13
3:00 p.m.
16
2:00 p.m.
17
2:20 p.m.
18
2:40 p.m.
19
3:00 p.m.
20
2:00 p.m.
21
2:20 p.m.
22
2:40
p.m.
23
SESSION 1-f
Young 138
Moderator:
Satty FlahertyEcheverría
SESSION 1-g
Young 139
Moderator:
Nisha Gupta
3:00 p.m.
SESSION 1-h
Young 201
Moderator:
Bruce
Rodenborn
Oral Presentations
14
15
24
2:00 p.m.
28
2:20 p.m.
26
Feminism & Food Sovereignty
Maddy Jenkins
French Identity, Cuisine, and Immigration
Carolyn Calvert-Grimes
Comparative analysis of disability culture in France and the
United States: School and workplace acceptance and
accessibility
Megan Peskoe
Creativity, Mindfulness, and Justice in Study Abroad
Laura Chinchilla
Persepolis: Innocence and the Experience of the Iranian
Revolution
Amber Edwards
Evolving Salome: Strategies of Autonomy for France's New
Women
Nicole Wood
Viajes afro-indígenas: La identidad en la poesia de Alan Pelaez
Lopez
Veronica Valente
Politics, Division, and Maya Obsidian: Exploring Political
Change through Lithics at Nixtun-Ch'ich', Guatemala
Hannah Di Domenico
Mathematically Modeling Tumor Growth
Ranjing Zhang & Huong Tran
Medical Racism Within Black Women's Birth and Pregnancy
Experiences
Lola Duff
Primary Mathematics Pedagogy at the Intersection of
Education Reform, Policy, and Culture: Comparative Insights
from Ghana, Singapore, and the US
Princess Allotey & Sarah Murray
SARS-CoV-2 Computational Drug Development
Sam Biggerstaff
Assessing the swimming efficiency of bacteria using robotic
models
Bruce Rodenborn
Macroscopic, Low Reynolds Number Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
5
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-i
Young 203
Moderator:
Ellen Prusinski
2:40 p.m.
27
3:00 p.m.
25
2:00 p.m.
to
3:20 p.m.
29
Bear Cortisol: Using Hair to Evaluate Physiological Changes in
Zoo Bears
Cameron Coulter
Energy Dissipation in Reflecting Internal Waves
Yichen Guo, Luke Payne, & Michael Allshouse
Examining the Diversification of the U.S. School Curriculum
from Four Angles
Kemmara Bailey, Sarah Hail, Alaina Ratanapool, & Priscilla
Rosing
25 minute break
SESSION 2-a
Young 101
Moderator:
Melissa BurnsCusato
SESSION 2-b
Young 113
Moderator:
Dina Badie
Oral Presentations
Sexism in Sports: The Female Athlete’s Experience
Grace Headly & Frankie Rice
The Mental Game: Mental Health and Burnout in Athletes
Ian Hubbs & Peyton Patel
Transgender Athletes: Fair Play Parts I & II
Bella Estes & Lily Andersen
3:45 p.m.
30
4:05 p.m.
31
4:25 p.m.
to
4:50 p.m.
4:55 p.m.
32
33
Why Everyone Should be a Lesbian: Misperceptions about HIV
Risk
Mykol Hamilton
3:45 p.m.
34
4:05 p.m.
35
4:25 p.m.
36
4:45 p.m.
37
War Crimes vs. the Greater Harm in the Cameroonian
Anglophone Crisis
Megan Peskoe
"Lawfare" in Ukraine: Russia's Use of Cluster Munitions,
Thermobaric Weapons, & Civilian Warnings
Dylan Beers
Jury Selection: Interrogation or Conversation?
Mia Breitenstein
Civilian Ambiguity in the Raid on Osama bin Laden's
Compound
Annalise Weedman
6
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-c
Young 110
Moderator:
Aaron Godlaski
SESSION 2-d
Young 111
Moderator:
Kristen Fulfer
SESSION 2-e
Young 112
Moderator:
Susmitha
Udayan
Oral Presentations
3:45 p.m.
38
4:05 p.m.
39
4:25 p.m.
40
4:45 p.m.
41
3:45 p.m.
42
4:05 p.m.
43
4:25 p.m.
44
4:45 p.m.
45
3:45 p.m.
46
4:05 p.m.
47
4:25 p.m.
48
4:45 p.m.
49
Pulse of ASMR: A study of physiological reaction to
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
Will Leonberger
Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on the stress response in LongEvans rats
Matthew Kowalski & Pranay Mupparaju
Effects of Indoor Live Plant Presence on Physiological and
Psychological Markers of Stress and Mood
Amanda Morgan
Science informed ways to improve your grades. A talk for
students and teachers
KatieAnn Skogsberg
DNA Binding Behavior of Transition Metal Polypyridyl
Complexes
Ella Aponte
Gold Nanoparticles for Selective Anticancer Drug Delivery
Caleb Akers, Micai Benford, Gracie Fitzgerald, Cole Hilt, & Daniel
Low
Effects of Hofmeister Series Salts on Hydrogen Bonding
Sheridan Wagner
Paintings Fade Like Flowers’: Analysis and Digital
Reconstruction of Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two
Figures.
Jeff Fieberg
Comparative study of the Korean film "Parasite," and Henri
George-Clouzot's "Le Salaire de la Peur"
Juheung Kim
Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir?: An Analysis of
Gender in Et Dieu... cra la femme
Matthew Rollo
Jules Verne's Literary Technologies: Precursor to Modernity
Roby Mullins
Chahdortt Djavann's Bas Les Voiles! and the Headscarf
Polemic in France
Caroline Lancaster
7
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-f
Young 138
Moderator:
Chelsea Ebin
SESSION 2-g
Young 139
Moderator:
Michael
Bradshaw
SESSION 2-h
Young 201
Moderator:
Matthew Hallock
Oral Presentations
3:45 p.m.
50
4:05 p.m.
51
4:25 p.m.
52
4:45 p.m.
53
3:45 p.m.
54
4:05 p.m.
55
4:25 p.m.
56
4:45 p.m.
57
3:45 p.m.
58
4:05 p.m.
59
4:25 p.m.
60
4:45 p.m.
61
Gendered Nature of Climate Change Politics
Zee Oddo
Filipino Incels: Diffusion and Translation of Misogynist Incel &
Male Supremacist Ideologies in the Philippines
Joshua Daniel Sto Domingo
Baseline data establishment for the effects of invasive shrubs
on tree canopy
Isaac Flores-Saldana
Shrub Response and Seedling Recruitment Following Invasive
Species Removal
Kate Pilcher
Daybreak - A Symphonic Poem
Sam Biggerstaff
Video Game Research & Development using
Unreal Engine 4
Gus Crow & Josh West
Collaborative Artistic Reflections on Identity Positions in the
US Civil War and Beyond
Liyuan Dai & Olivia Marcum
Collaborative Process and Teaching as Research: Reflections
on the 2021-22 Grissom Artist in Residency
Peter Haffner
What Does Institutionalizing Comprehensive Sex Education
Look Like on Campus?
Anukriti Kunwar & Lorena Bonet Velazquez
Love According to Montaigne
Catherine Hallman
LGBTQ+ Representation
Morgan Wilson
Impact of Support Systems on Gender Diverse Individuals
Emily Doyle & Sarah Glenn Insko
8
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-i
Young 203
Moderator:
Chelsea Cutright
3:45 p.m.
62
4:05 p.m.
63
4:25 p.m.
64
4:45 p.m.
65
Promoting Explicit Awareness for Implicit Bias
Azana Williams
Popular Culture's impact on Development of Masculinities in
Asia
LiAnna Steffen
Reproductive Health & Sexualities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Megan Coomes
Reflections on Fieldwork, Youth NGOs, and Volunteering in
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Chelsea Cutright
30 minute break
Oral Presentations
9
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Atrium of Young Hall
66. Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
67. An Insight into the Binding of Novel Ruthenium Complexes with DNA
Ramsey Amoudi
68. Preserve Management at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Porter Anderson
69. Robotic Models of Swimming Bacteria
Asha Ari
70. Ant Foraging: Collective Decision-Making
William Baughman
71. Ambassador Sloth: Can "good for the species" also be good for the individual?
Mason Boone
72. What do we really see? Measuring real-world visual attention
Kennedy Cline, Cameron Coulter, Christina Jeffers, & Alex Wright
73. Examining the Role of Estrogen (E2) and Cocaine in Conditioned Place Preference in
Japanese Quail
Alexandria Coffin& Emma Ridener
74. Grinding vs Cutting: Which Method Yields a Higher Cortisol Concentration from Polar
Bear Hair
Catherine Cox & Brent White
75. Exploring the Warburg Effect in Transition Metal Complexes
Roma Desai
76. Research Journals in Colonial Spanish La Florida
Joseph Falcon
77. Synthesis of platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands
Max Gordinier
Oral Presentations
10
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Atrium of Young Hall
78. Synthesis and Anti-inflammatory Behavior of Ru(II) NSAID Complexes
Temiloluwa Haastrup & Sean Gilpatrick
79. Sustainable Energy Storage Alternatives
Gavin Holt
80. Colonization Dynamics of Dams and Development
Anna Impellitteri
81. Synthesis and Light Studies of Organic Semiconductors
Hoang Le & Jack Rodes
82. Sexy, Tasty, and Fly: The Effects of Mating on Bitter Taste Detection in Female
Drosophila
Landy Lin
83. Creating a New Model for Estimating Glacial Thickness
Tanner May
84. "Almost, Maine" Scenic Design
Madalyn Mead
85. Environmental Influences on Zoo Elephant Stereotypic Behavior Rates
Kate Pilcher & Caroline Schoenig
Oral Presentations
11
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
Oral Presentations
12
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
1. A Hard Pill to Swallow: Gender Bias in Medical School
Emma Mitmesser & Sloan Reding
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
While medicine has traditionally been a male-dominated field, women have overtaken the
profession and are now the majority of medical students. Despite the rise in female medical
students, gender discrimination and sexual harassment continue to be prevalent in medical
training. This presentation examines gender bias within medical schools and the effects of
gender discrimination and sexual harassment on female medical students, specifically how
these experiences shape residency preferences and career choices. We found that women
are not evaluated as favorably as their male counterparts, and instances of sexual assault
and harassment towards female students increase throughout the duration of their medical
training. Residency and career path choices appear to be influenced by instances of
gendered discrimination and sexual harassment.
2. Girls Just Wanna Be Represented: An Investigation of Sexism in Medical Education
Presenter
Ellie Griffin, Rachel Jennings, & Josie Thacker
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Ideally, medical and scientific materials should be unbiased and neutral to social pressures.
Unfortunately, medical students’ education materials are not free of sexism. Research
shows that men appear significantly more than women in medical educational materials in
both words and images. Furthermore, male physicians are represented as more capable,
responsible, and gifted than female physicians. Research also shows that such genderbiased representations have consequences for the education of future physicians, current
physicians’ perception of their own skills, patients’ attitudes towards medicine, and many
other facets of the medical industry. We took a concentrated look at representation of
women and men in medical texts, training videos, and other materials. We also examined
the implications of, consequences of, and potential solutions for this often-overlooked
issue.
3. America's Persistent Plague: Racism in Medical School
Hunter Jennings & Luisana Alvarez
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
We do not often think of medical school and race together, but research shows that the
teaching of “race-based medicine” (RBM) in medical school can have very negative
consequences. RBM characterizes race as an essential, biological variable, so that race plays
a role in diagnosis, treatment, and medication, too often leading to inadequate care and
reinforcement of the health disparities affecting US minorities. The erroneous application of
race in medicine is not a new phenomenon. A multitude of antiquated ideas have been used
in medical education, some going back centuries and still persisting today. For example,
“Black people have thicker skin than Whites” and “Black people tolerate pain better than
Whites.” It should be the goal of medical institutions to teach the errors of race-based
medicine in favor of race conscious medicine.
Oral Presentations
13
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
4. Racism in Medical Textbook Imagery: The Hidden Curriculum
Will Ahrens, Grace Stafford, & Courtney Warren
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
We discuss the lack of racial and skin tone variation in medical textbooks. While the
underrepresentation of racial minorities in medical literature imagery is well-known,
few realize that there is also underrepresentation based on skin tone alone. Within each
racial group lies a spectrum of skin tones from light to dark, and darker skin tones within
races are underrepresented. Racial and skin tone discrepancies are most commonly
seen in dermatology textbooks, but also appear in other specialties, such as urology.
Skin tone representation is a vital component for treatment and diagnosis. For example,
there are major visual differences, depending on skin color, in the malignant skin lesions
associated with skin cancer. Medical textbooks inadequately equip doctors to diagnose
and treat people with darker skin regardless of their racial identity. Learning to diagnose
exclusively on lighter skin tones can lead to misdiagnosis and unhelpful treatments for
those with darker skin.
5. Business, Environment, and Innovation: A Central Kentucky Case Study
Adonis Logan
Mentor: Anthony Margida, CentreWorks
Through using the Human-Centered Approach (HCA) and guidance from CentreWorks, I
self-designed a project that transferred the theoretical lessons learned in the class into
real-world applications. I interviewed 30+ varied businesses within the central Kentucky
region to identify how environmental questions impact innovation in their respective
business models. By focusing on the social and economical components of the business,
I found that regardless of the industry similar themes of environmental stewardship
were prominent. My research aims to showcase how choosing the environmentally
beneficial decision can have numerous benefits beyond simply saving a tree or installing
a solar panel.
6. Determinants of Birth Weight in the United States
Stephen Rout
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
A growing body of evidence suggests that birthweight may be an important predictor of
many future life outcomes, including income, IQ, and a variety of health conditions. This
paper uses the CDC's vital statistics records, which record every birth in the US in 2018,
to develop a linear regression model for birth weight. While incomplete, the model
provides strong statistical evidence for the impact of several measurable factors on birth
weight. It finds the most impactful determinant to be the plurality of the pregnancy,
with the sex of the child, the gestation time, and the marital status of the mother
following. While all factors in the model are highly statistically significant, the model
suffers from considerable omitted variable bias, and so does not provide a complete
view of the determinants of birth weight.
Oral Presentations
14
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
7. Determinants of Movie Box Office Revenue
Ezra Sanford
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
Using Ordinary Least Squares, I estimated the determinants of movie box office revenue
for a sample of 150 movies released in theaters from 2018-2019, before COVID-19.
Independent variables included budget, number of actors with Oscars, runtime,
production studio, genre, IMDB rating, MPAA rating, number of awards nominations,
whether it was a sequel, and whether it was released around a holiday. Movies released
in holiday seasons and/or have actors with previous Oscars are not factors in revenue.
On the other hand, the budget, studio, runtime, genre, IMDB rating, MPAA rating, if it
was a sequel, and the number of award nominations all had a noticeable significance on
the model. The variable with the largest impact seemed to be IMDB rating.
Action/adventure and drama genres were shown to have a negative correlation with
revenue.
8. Blue City, Red Suburbs
Dr. Beau Weston
Why the "bourgeois bohemian" knowledge class favors the dense, walkable, mixed-use
neighborhoods, while the corporate class likes the subdivision. Based on my book,
Between Bohemia and Suburbia: Boburbia in the USA.
9. Determinants of Wins in Major League Baseball
Trentin Dupper
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
The rise of advanced statistics, commonly called sabermetrics, in Major League Baseball
has allowed front offices to better evaluate player production and output which in turn
leads to more victories for their teams. With the multitude of sabermetrics available, it
is often difficult to properly assess which ones are the most direct determinants of wins.
This paper found that there are, indeed, certain sabermetrics that have a statistically
significant effect on victories for Major League Baseball teams. A production function
was used with wins being the output and pitching, fielding, and hitting sabermetrics as
the inputs. To account for unobservable changes in strategies of managers and players,
a Chow test was performed to test if the production function has changed over the tenyear span. The panel dataset was collected from baseball-reference.com and included
data for every MLB team from 2008-2017.
Oral Presentations
15
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
10. Evaluation of Pacing Strategies for Long-Distance Running Races
Audrey Becker
Mentor: Dr. Jeff Heath, Mathematics
Coaches are constantly seeking new techniques to help their athletes improve, but one
tool remains underused: sports analytics. Each of Centre's varsity sports offers a variety
of data that, when translated correctly, can reveal valuable patterns about how the
most successful athletes perform. This project is an analysis of the ideal pacing
strategies for cross-country races. Python scripts were written to extract NCAA runners'
split times at certain points of their races from results websites. The athletes in each
race were separated into quintiles based on finishing time, and for each quintile, the
athletes' mean pace per kilometer at various intervals of the race was compared to their
overall mean pace per kilometer. The data indicates that faster runners started their
races relatively slower than the runners in the bottom quintiles but sped up more at the
end of the races. This suggests that a more conservative approach to pacing longdistance races would help athletes run faster.
11. Gender and the Olympic Games
Connor Foster
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, Anthropology
This paper addresses gender within the sphere of international sports and how
gendered practices inform international relations. Sports and international politics have
historically been categorized as masculine. Therefore, patterns of masculinity shape
policies that control inclusion in these arenas. This paper is divided into three sections,
the first being an overview of the history of gender inclusion and exclusion in the
Olympics. The second section explores differences in gendered cultural expectations
and how this impacts nations' participation in the Games, including how gendered
policies of participation provide ways to protest and advocate for human rights. The
final section introduces recent developments in policy, specifically regarding
transgender athletes. The goal of this paper is to identify how women and non-binary
people have been excluded due to prevailing narratives of hegemonic masculinity,
providing a deeper understanding for how power is maintained through gender.
12. Models for Successful Aging in a Central Kentucky Assisted Living Facility
Carter Baughman, Presley Chirico, Caroline Dahl, Emmy Greene, Ellie Griffin, Piper
Hensley, Santiago Lebron De la Paz, Kanbe Mao, Audrey Marshall, John Walker Phelps,
Mia Tomillo, & Lorelei Watson
Mentor: Dr. Jamie Shenton, Anthropology
This roundtable will present the ongoing research of students in ANT 301: Qualitative
Field Methods. During the spring, students are partnering with an assisted living facility
in Danville, KY. This research aims to understand various dimensions of successful aging
within the context of this assisted living facility. What are the models for aging our
society has developed, and in what ways do they represent (or not) the lived
Oral Presentations
16
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
experiences of the elderly in this Danville community of seniors? Students are exploring
these questions in a variety of ways: gendered experiences of aging; social versus
medical models for aging; independence and interdependence; activities; among
others.
13. Feminism & Food Sovereignty
Maddy Jenkins
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies & Anthropology
This research explores the development and intersectional nature of food sovereignty
and female-identifying farmers in Central American agricultural systems from the past
several decades up to the present. While food accessibility is a common phrase used in
conversations and literature surrounding food justice, hunger, etc., food sovereignty
critiques this concept by challenging us to consider the value of autonomy over
complacency in an industrialized agricultural system. In the context of female identities,
which are varied and diverse by nature, food sovereignty puts into question the
gendered nature of land ownership, representation in agricultural settings, and hard
work. By using existing literature, government research, and conversations with female
identifying farmers, growers, and producers, I analyze the gendered barriers to food
sovereignty in Central America and potentially beyond, allowing for a better
understanding of how to promote equity in agricultural spaces.
14. French Identity, Cuisine, and Immigration
Carolyn Calvert-Grimes
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
In this presentation, I explain a few of the cultural impacts that immigration has had on
traditional French cuisine and how the French conceptualize their cuisine. The chapter,
“Le Biftek et les Frites,” in the book Mythologies by Roland Barthes explains the idea of
steak as a symbol of true French cuisine to the point of certain foods being a symbol of
French nationalism. The film, Tazzeka, represents the struggles of immigrants in France,
particularly related to conceptualizing and blending their own culinary backgrounds in
traditional French restaurants. By analyzing these two pieces of work, I demonstrate the
slowly changing mindset of the French and how this echoes some of the struggles that
immigrants face in France.
15. Comparative analysis of disability culture in France and the United States: School and
workplace acceptance and accessibility
Megan Peskoe
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Disability is a word steeped in negativity and stigma for able-bodied people. However,
for the disabled community, it is a word that describes part of who they are and comes
with a rich culture. In this presentation, delivered in French, I will explore the different
perceptions of disability in both France and the United States as well as their impacts on
Oral Presentations
17
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
disability cultures in these two countries. Focusing on the stigmas and accommodations
seen in the workplace and schools surrounding disabled people allows one to see the
big picture of disability culture in the United States and France. By looking at articles,
podcasts, government statistics, and policies, I will reveal how the law impacts how
disability is viewed in the workplace and at school, and therefore how those differences
result in differing cultures surrounding disability and within the disabled communities.
16. Creativity, Mindfulness, and Justice in Study Abroad
Laura Chinchilla
In Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World, Anu Taranath explores how
the idea of global citizenship intersects with questions of identity and power: how do we
navigate the language barriers or economic disparities we encounter? How do we stay
present through the difficulties and awkwardness? In this presentation I’ll discuss how
the pedagogical work of comics artist Lynda Barry helped students make sense of the
challenges of studying abroad through a creative practice that embodies what Taranath
calls “mindful travel.”
17. Persépolis: Innocence and the Experience of the Iranian Revolution
Amber Edwards
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Memoirs are used to explore moments of one’s life that were difficult and often
traumatic, to present a new perspective or a more comprehensive view into a period of
an individual’s life. Personal narratives lend themselves to discourse on the region or
historical context of that individual’s life, as access to diverse and inclusive narratives is
the only way to create a complete image of any historical event, particularly of times of
immense cultural transition. Through the medium of « bandes dessinées » or graphic
novel, Persépolis by Marjane Satrapi brings her experiences as a young child during the
Iranian Revolution to life. Intentionally naïve and childlike illustrations and subjects are
laid out in a context of political unrest and looming danger for herself and her family,
allowing a memoir of a complex period to be palatable to a wider audience. Satrapi
utilizes this genre and medium to explore the implications of growing up as a young girl
during the Iranian Revolution and to break Western misconceptions of the revolution
itself. In French, I will present an overview of the context and Satrapi’s style before
focusing on the theme of innocence using specific panels from the first volume of
Persépolis.
18. Evolving Salome: Strategies of Autonomy for France's New Women
Nicole Wood
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
From the Bible to the stage, the character of Salome has captivated the imagination of
artists since her debut into the Western world. For 19th century France, Salome became
a figure through which artists could engage in topics concerning their nation's imperial
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mission and grapple with the rising tide of women's rights and sexual liberation. This
research surveys major fictional depictions of Salome to gain a better understanding of
how her femininity evolves in its representation and function throughout 19th century
France. It also draws from works in postcolonial theory and gender studies to situate the
biblical Salome in an imperial and secular context as a modern composite of France's
New Woman. This research aims to show that, though confined to the male imperial
gaze, representations of Salome and her femininity tend towards a more humanizing
and autonomous picture at the close of the 19th century.
19. Viajes afro-indigenas: La indentidad en la poesia de Alan Pelaez Lopez
Veronica Valente
Mentor: Dr. Satty Flaherty-Echeverría, Spanish
Este artículo examinará cómo el libro de poesía Intergalactic Travels: Tales of a Fugitive
Alien y, por extensión, Alan Pelaez Lopez, su autor, forza a que los lectores dejen la
neutralidad que permite ciclos de violencia transnacionales contra a los grupos
marginalizados y decidan entre complicidad al genocidio o la destrucción del estado
colonial. Por medio de un análisis del libro, este trabajo intenta averiguar por qué Pelaez
Lopez llega a tal conclusión. Se investigan cuatro preguntas: 1. ¿Quién exactamente es
Alan Pelaez Lopez y cuáles son sus motivos para escribir? 2. ¿Cuál es la forma del libro y
cuál es la relación entre tema y forma? 3. ¿Cómo se deconstruye la latinidad y con qué
se la reemplaza? 4. ¿Por qué el autor cree que las personas que actualmente existen a
los márgenes de la sociedad capitalista tienen que luchar por la destrucción de ella?
20. Politics, Division, and Maya Obsidian: Exploring political change through lithics at
Nixtun-Ch'ich', Guatemala
Hannah Di Domenico
Mentor: Dr. Nathan Meissner, Anthropology
Recent excavations in the Peten Lakes region of Guatemala have revealed important
information regarding the rise of Maya factionalism dating to the Early Postclassic
(1000-1250 C.E.) and Late Postclassic periods (1250-1525 C.E.). Although researchers
have worked extensively to understand local Maya ethnopolities including the Kowoj
and Itza, attention has shifted to a lesser-known subgroup known as the Chak’an Itza
who emerged late in the region’s history. This study explores temporal changes
associated with obsidian lithic technology beginning at the late facet of the Early
Postclassic Period to the Late Postclassic at the site of Nixtun-Ch’ich’, Guatemala. Both
artifact morphology and sourcing data from portable x-ray fluorescence are utilized to
reveal significant changes in obsidian use over time, likely reflecting major political and
economic shifts in the region. Through an analysis of obsidian materials in the
subregion, hypotheses regarding Early Postclassic and Late Postclassic cultural change
may be proposed.
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21. Mathematically Modeling Tumor Growth
Ranjing Zhang & Huong Tran
Mentor: Dr. Ellen Swanson, Mathematics
Cancer is a dangerous disease that humans, even in the new modern era, still have to
face and constantly search for treatments. With that concern in mind, we focus on
predicting the growth of tumors by building a mathematical model that is a system of
ordinary differential equations. We fit the model based on pre-existing data and explore
the growth of the tumor through simulation. We examine the effect of the HER2 protein
on cancer growth.
22. Medical Racism Within Black Women's Birth and Pregnancy Experiences
Lola Duff
Mentor: Dr. Kiyona Brewster, Sociology
The YWCA defines Medical Racism as, the systematic and wide-spread racism against
people of color within the medical system. It includes both the racism in our society that
makes Black people less healthy, the disparity in health coverage by race, and the biases
held by healthcare workers against people of color in their career (Bronson 2020). There
are many aspects of society that play a part in medical racism and also there are many
people affected by this discrimination. Because of this I asked the question, how do
medical biases and medical racism affect women of color's birth and pregnancy
experiences? In this study I will look specifically at medical racism and biases as it
pertains to pregnancy, pre and postnatal care, and birth.
23. Primary Mathematics Pedagogy at the Intersection of Education Reform, Policy, and
Culture: Comparative Insights from Ghana, Singapore, and the US
Princess Allotey, Mathematical Sciences PhD Student at Carnegie Mellon University
Sarah Murray, Associate Professor of Education and Mathematics at Centre College
This session outlines a collaborative research project on mathematics pedagogy and
teacher preparation in Ghana, the US, and Singapore including the influence of
education reform, policy and culture. Developing an awareness of common pedagogical
practices in the Ghanaian, Singaporean, and American primary mathematics education
systems will be discussed. It also examines the viability of cross-cultural transfer of best
practices. A justification is provided for the focus on Ghana, Singapore, and the US with
an emphasis on their mathematics performance, language diversity, student
mathematics interests, and teacher preparation methods. Questionnaires were used to
gather data from three elementary and three middle schools in three counties in
Kentucky, and three primary public schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana. In
Singapore, a field research design was adopted where one author traveled to Singapore
and observed in and out-of-classroom instruction in a primary school. Overall findings
from the data collection will be shared.
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24. SARS-CoV-2 Computational Drug Development
Sam Biggerstaff
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Muzyka, Chemistry
Since the end of 2019, the virus SARS-CoV-2, also known as Covid 19, has permeated
throughout the cultural, political, and medical fields of nearly every country. This project
analyses millions of small molecules that could inhibit the viral nonstructural protein 12
(NSP 12). The NSP 12 is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that replicates its RNA in a
cell to infect it. Interrupting this function should inhibit the virus from replicating within
the body and would decrease the severity of the virus's effects in patients. The small
molecules, which are obtained from the ZINC protein data bank, are analyzed using
computer software (Chimera) and docked to the NSP 12 (PyRx). The resulting binding
affinities are recorded, and the molecules with the best binding affinities are analyzed in
Chimera to determine which molecules would act as the best inhibitors of the NSP 12.
25. Energy Dissipation in Reflecting Internal Waves
Yichen Guo, Luke Payne, & Michael Allshouse, Northeastern University
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
Our research is focused on determining the energy flux of an internal wave from the
experimentally measured velocity field and was made possible by the work of Lee et al.
This method is used in our work to measure the amount of energy dissipated as internal
waves reflect from sloping boundaries by comparing the incoming energy flux to the
outgoing energy flux through a surface near to the reflection region. We also use
numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations in the Boussinesq limit where the
energy flux is known from the pressure and velocity fields. There is good agreement
between our experimental and numerical simulation data, and we find that there are
high rates of energy dissipation during reflection process. We also find that there is a
wave reflected back from the boundary towards the generation site.
26. Macroscopic, Low Reynolds Number Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The three link swimmer is a model proposed by E.M. Purcell [1] as the simplest swimmer
that can move in low Reynolds number environments. This swimmer has been of
interest for decades and recent developments in geometric mechanics predict the net
translation and rotation of a three-link swimmer for a given gait. We seek to test the
theoretical model developed by Hatton and Choset in 2013 [2] using a macroscopic
three-link swimmer in a highly viscous fluid so that the Reynolds number is much less
than one.
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27. Bear Cortisol: Using Hair to Evaluate Physiological Changes in Zoo Bears
Cameron Coulter
Mentor: Dr. Brent White, Behavioral Neuroscience
Climate change has resulted in the listing of polar bears as an endangered species. The
sea ice environment that polar bears inhabit has been diminished by global warming
and there is a need to understand the impact of this threat on the bear population. Hair
sampling is used to track nutrients, hormones, and toxins. However, there is little direct
information on how hormones in hair reflect internal physiological changes. Research
with zoo bears can be used to bridge this gap as hair and feces can be regularly sampled.
The Louisville Zoo collects daily fecal samples from their bears to provide a history of
their cortisol secretion. We assay hair samples for cortisol and these concentrations are
correlated with the bear's recent history of fecal cortisol metabolites to evaluate bear
stress levels. Our goal is to understand the relationship between hair cortisol and the
dynamics of internal cortisol changes.
28. Assessing the swimming efficiency of bacteria using robotic models
Bruce Rodenborn, Asha Ari, Alexandra Boardman, Hoa Nguyen†, & Orin Shindell†
Swimming bacteria experience water in a very different way than experienced in our
daily lives, and it is comparable to a human trying to swim in honey! When near a
boundary, the forces and torques exerted by the fluid increase rapidly, which we believe
confers advantage in the evolution of bacterial bodies and flagella because some
geometries are more efficient. Numerical simulations of such swimming bacteria often
use parameters without precise connection to real-world experiments because bacterial
measurements are difficult and include large uncertainties. Thus, we use dynamically
similar, laboratory-scale experiments to optimize our numerical model of a swimming
bacterium by measuring the torque on rotating cylinders and rotating helices at various
distances from a boundary. This technique allows us to extract accurate predictions of
forces and torques from the model and to assess various measures of swimming
efficiency and whether they predict the evolution of bacterial body and flagellum
shapes. (Also see poster by Asha Ari.)
†Trinity University in San Antonio
29. Examining the Diversification of the U.S. School Curriculum from Four Angles
Kemmara Bailey, Sarah Hail, Alaina Ratanapool, & Priscilla Rosing
Mentor: Dr. Ellen Prusinski, Education
Despite its assumed neutrality, school curriculum is often reflective of questions
communities have regarding their values, their priorities, and various controversies. In
recent years, debates regarding diversity, identity, and social justice have impacted
curricular choices and, therefore, students and teachers as well. Moreover, school
populations are affected by what is and is not included in curriculum. With this in mind,
we argue that the U.S. school curriculum should work to create a sense of belonging in
the classroom through the inclusion of accurate representations of diverse
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communities. Literature, in particular, should promote empathy and encourage
inclusion by disrupting harmful stereotypes and biases. Individually, Priscilla explores
the ways in which Christian-based literature can illuminate diverse voices. Sarah argues
the need for LGBTQ resources. Kemmara examines Critical Race Theory in relation to
Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. L. Lastly, Alaina discusses the challenges that Advanced
Placement (AP) courses pose for high school teachers.
30. Sexism in Sports: The Female Athlete’s Experience
Grace Headly & Frankie Rice
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Our presentation concerns the most common manifestations of sexism toward female
athletes. We will explain how these manifestations—assumption of inferiority, sexual
objectification, and restrictive gender roles—have biological, cognitive, emotional, and
behavioral consequences. In particular, we examined how sexual objectification
presents in body commentary and uniform policies. Research indicates that all female
body types are subject to sexist commentary. Additionally, women’s uniforms are
generally tight and revealing, which emphasizes women’s bodies over their skills and
athleticism. Female athletes also have an increased risk for endocrinological,
immunological, and cardiovascular diseases, and athletic performance suffers if an
athlete’s attention is directed toward discrimination instead of the sport. Finally, recent
findings indicate that female athletes experience increased negative body image and
risk for eating disorders.
31. The Mental Game: Mental Health and Burnout in Athletes
Ian Hubbs & Peyton Patel
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Although there is no evidence that athletes are at a higher risk for mental health issues
than non-athletes, athletes do tend to perceive help-seeking for mental illness as more
stigmatized. According to the research, this higher level of perceived stigma is a
significant barrier to help-seeking in athletes, and often puts them in situations where
they cannot or are not willing to get the help they need. Gender has also been shown to
be a factor in help-seeking with men being less likely to seek help than women. Neglect
of mental health issues can lead athletes to experience sport burnout, a condition which
involves physical/emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inadequacy within
their sport. Burnout can be prevented or aggravated by the attitudes of coaches and
teammates, and by the general atmosphere in and around the team. Research shows
that the right combination of these factors (supportive teammates, motivational
coaches, etc.) puts athletes in the best position to succeed and makes them least likely
to experience burnout.
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32. Transgender Athletes: Fair Play Parts I & II
Bella Estes & Lily Andersen
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
The recent rise in transgender athletes’ participation in sports, particularly transgender
female athletes’, has sparked controversy at nearly all levels and divisions, from the
middle school field to the Olympic ranks. Little biological or psychological research has
been done on the complexities involved in transgender athlete participation, which led
us to consider related research on sex-based differences in athletic performance, and
the effects of testosterone on the human body, both important components of
transgender athletes’ role in sports. The exploration of these topics can help inform our
next steps as a society. There is no simple solution, but we can attempt to balance
fairness, inclusion, and safety through policies, rules, and regulations. Decisions on who
is eligible to compete in sports and who is not needs to be made by looking through
several different lenses.
33. Why Everyone Should be a Lesbian: Misperceptions about HIV Risk
Mykol Hamilton
Professor Hamilton will discuss her research, past and present, on people’s
misunderstandings of who is at high risk of sexual transmission of HIV and why. Some of
the confusion is due to a lack of understanding of how HIV is transmitted, and some is
due to good old-fashioned homophobia. The original research by published in 1986.
Students Sklyar Strunk, Kay Young, and Ellie Bailey are working with Dr. Hamilton on
replicating the studies 35 years later, largely because people are still just as baffled and
befuzzled about HIV transmission.
34. War Crimes vs. the Greater Harm in the Cameroonian Anglophone Crisis
Megan Peskoe
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
Through an analysis of texts by Eyal Weizman and Makau Mutua, I will summarize
contemporary theory on the interconnected nature of International Humanitarian Law,
and explore how neo-colonialism, the media, and present-day humanitarian
organizations shape and alter the ongoing conflict in Cameroon. The Anglophone Crisis
began as a post-colonial linguistic debate between the minority population formerly
colonized by Britain and the majority formerly colonized by France. While this conflict
remained minor for most of the country's history since 2016 it has escalated to a war of
secession.
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35. "Lawfare" in Ukraine: Russia's Use of Cluster Munitions, Thermobaric Weapons, and
Civilian Warnings
Dylan Beers
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
Eyal Weizman defines lawfare as the ability of great powers to act on the margins of
what is legal under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and push the boundaries of
legal permissibility. My research shows the ways in which lawfare has been utilized by
Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Specifically, the use of cluster munitions, thermobaric
weapons, and civilian warnings as instances of Russia operating on the margins of
legality, thereby helping to shape the future of IHL. Lawfare helps to contextualize
Russia's actions relative to that of other great powers in past conflicts.
36. Jury Selection: Interrogation or Conversation?
Mia Breitenstein
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Voir dire is an integral part of jury selection but is poorly used, and therefore an
inaccurate gauge of juror bias. Current questioning techniques feel like interrogations
rather than conversations. Additionally, judges rarely allow sufficient time for
questioning, so they cannot make informed strikes for cause, nor can attorneys make
informed “peremptory strikes.” Extended voir dire (EVD) involves more time, improved
question wording, and removal of legal jargon. Research shows that EVD helps judges
and attorneys make better decisions by eliciting candid discussions of juror experiences.
In our study, we survey jury-eligible people around the US, using videotaped questioning
in an online survey. There are two conditions: the standard questioning vs. EVD
questioning. Results could provide evidence that the current voir dire process is in dire
need of reform and that the extra time required is a small price to pay for uncovering
true, predictive biases.
37. Civilian Ambiguity in the Raid on Osama bin Laden's Compound
Annalise Weedman
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
In this paper, I discuss the concepts of civilian ambiguity and social ambiguity and how
these concepts apply to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in 2011. I argue that
when we analyze the Navy SEAL raid through the lens of civilian ambiguity, we are able
to see how complicated civilian status can be in asynchronous warfare. I examine the
treatment of bin Laden's family after he was killed. Bin Laden's wives' civilian status was
ambiguous because though they never held a combatant role, they still were spouses to
bin Laden. Moreover, several of them were directly involved in strategic discussions and
helped to shape bin Laden's public image. However, despite being detained for their
relationship with bin Laden, they were deported because they broke Pakistani
immigration laws, not because of the military activities. This case study yields nuanced
ideas of how civilian ambiguity can manifest itself in multiple ways.
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38. Pulse of ASMR: A study of physiological reaction to Autonomous Sensory Meridian
Response
Will Leonberger
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
While it is a relatively new field when it comes to physiological research, the few studies
dedicated to measuring the phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
(ASMR) show promising results. Research indicates that exposure to ASMR can reduce
heart rate in as little as three minutes of exposure compared to a control. Yet, further
research is needed to help back up prior results. We went a step further and
investigated whether impedance cardiology has any specific reactions to the ASMR
stimuli. While previous research has used both male and female artists in their studies,
none have done cross-gender examination. Therefore, this novel ASMR study looks at
impedance cardiology in reaction to an ASMR audio session and also looks at differences
in the performer's gender when it comes to heart rates as well.
39. Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on the stress response in Long-Evans rats
Matthew Kowalski & Pranay Mupparaju
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Chronic stress is correlated with many negative health outcomes, and it would be
beneficial to alleviate associated ailments. Stress responses are partially dependent on
the state of the gut microbiome and its communication with the brain. It has been
suggested that healthier guts can improve stress responses. Rodents have also been
shown to respond well to probiotics, specifically many strains of Lactobacillus. Subjects
in the study will be given a dose of powder probiotic mixed with a vehicle solution.
Following the dosage schedule, each subject will have their stress response measured
via respiration. Carbon dioxide output will be used to determine the time it takes for a
subject to recover. It is hypothesized that the experimental group will demonstrate a
more effective stress response and carbon dioxide out. Results could guide future
research, which may focus on gut microbiomes in humans.
40. Effects of Indoor Live Plant Presence on Physiological and Psychological Markers of
Stress and Mood
Amanda Morgan
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
A growing body of research has demonstrated the physiological and psychological
benefits of viewing natural landscapes, including reduced physiological stress, increased
parasympathetic nervous system activity, and improved mood states. More specifically,
visual stimulation of foliage plants induces psychological relaxation as indicated by
measures of prefrontal cortex activity and mood state profiles. These findings extend to
the distinction between live and artificial plants, in which the live plants produce more
relaxed and comfortable feelings than the artificial alternative. Additionally, indoor
plant exposure may improve performance on tasks involving attention capacity.
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Explanations for these effects have ranged from an evolutionary preference for natural
environments to the release of organic compounds called phytoncide by plants and
trees. This experiment assesses the effects of indoor live plant exposure on mood,
physical health, self-reported relaxation.
41. Science informed ways to improve your grades. A talk for students and teachers
KatieAnn Skogsberg
Have you ever looked at an exam question and thought “Oh! I just read this!” but you
can’t remember the answer? Have you ever had to do an assignment that was like
something you did in class, but different enough that you just don’t know where or how
to start? Dr. Skogsberg will introduce what cognitive science researchers have learned
about the best ways to learn the material so that you can both recall and use it. This talk
is for students who want to be better students, and for instructors who want to learn
how to help their students be better learners. (Based on material from the book
“Understanding how we Learn” by the Learning Scientists, Yana Weinstein, Megan
Sumeracki, and Oliver Caviglioli).
42. DNA Binding Behavior of Transition Metal Polypyridyl Complexes
Ella Aponte
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
The DNA binding behavior of ruthenium (II) and iron (II) polypyridyl complexes were
studied for their potential to induce DNA damage. A DNA binding constant assay using
UV-Vis spectroscopy was developed and modified to be high-throughput using a plate
reader. Significant troubleshooting took place to determine efficient ratios of metal
complex to DNA to give adequate change in absorbance upon binding. The results for
the metal complexes tested thus far are consistent with the DNA binding constants
reported in the literature. Currently, complexes are being tested for singlet oxygen
production levels. Future studies include analyzing singlet oxygen results alongside the
collected binding constant data and further development of a DNA damage assay using
gel electrophoresis.
43. Gold Nanoparticles for Selective Anticancer Drug Delivery
Caleb Akers, Micai Benford, Gracie Fitzgerald, Cole Hilt, & Daniel Low
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Scott, Chemistry
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have potential as chemotherapy drug delivery systems due
to their dynamic nature. Specifically, they are small, inert to the human body, able to be
modified via a Au-S bond and visualized via MRI or X-ray. To establish the feasibility to
selectively deliver multiple payloads, specific double-stranded DNA was attached to the
surface of the AuNP with a Au-S bond and used to load the anti-cancer drugs
mithramycin (MTM) and doxorubicin (DOX). Both a heating block and near IR (NIR) laser
were used to demonstrate the tunable release of the drugs. The release of both
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fluorophore tagged DNA and the anticancer drugs were monitored by observing the
fluorescence emission before and after exposure to heat or NIR irradiation. The results
of these experiments demonstrate the potential for AuNPs to be used as a tunable
delivery method for chemotherapy drugs as a targeted treatment with less side effects.
44. Effects of Hofmeister Series Salts on Hydrogen Bonding
Sheridan Wagner
Mentor: Dr. Kristen Fulfer, Chemistry
The Hofmeister series is an ordering of ions based on their ability to impact protein
solubility. The mechanism behind this Hofmeister effect is not currently known,
however, it has been proposed that the salts may interfere with the hydrogen bonding
network within aqueous solutions causing protein stabilization or destabilization. We
utilized a methyl acetate probe to simulate the hydrogen bonding that occurs between
the carbonyl of a peptide bond and water. To examine the strength of this hydrogen
bonding, FTIR data for various salt solutions was collected at a range of temperatures
and evaluated using Beer's Law to calculate the associated enthalpy and entropy values.
A Python script was created to efficiently sort through data and create graphs with the
goal of observing potential trends linking the Hofmeister series with changes in
hydrogen bonding.
45. Paintings Fade Like Flowers’: Analysis and Digital Reconstruction of Vincent van
Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two Figures.
Jeff Fieberg
A technical art historical investigation of Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two
Figures (Cincinnati Art Museum) was undertaken in the Conservation Science Laboratory
at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields). Significant changes have occurred
to Undergrowth with Two Figures since Van Gogh first painted it. X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) spectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy were used to investigate these
changes to produce a digital reconstruction of the painting.
46. Comparative study of the Korean film Parasite, and Henri George-Clouzot's Le Salaire
de la Peur
Juheung Kim
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udaya, French
The ingenuity of Henri George Clouzot redefined and catapulted the French thriller
genre into cinema that goes beyond eliciting fear to exploring sociocultural complexity.
His works, "Le Salaire de la Peur," introduced how a film became capable of criticizing
problems in our society and drawing the public's attention to the social fear that people
of a particular period or present generation would have sensed during their lifetime.
Joon-Ho Bong, a South Korean film director, followed the style that Henri George
Clouzot developed a few decades earlier. His film, "Parasite," which earned the Oscars in
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2020, is a prominent example that succeeded in adopting and developing Clouzot's
cinematic style in a different time and context. Joon-Ho Bong uses the analytical lens of
critical pessimism to evoke not merely the fear and anxieties that accompany mundane
social interactions but also points to the socio-economic reasons that undergird such
tensions.
47. Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir?: An Analysis of Gender in et Dieu...créa
la femme
Matthew Rollo
Mentor: Susmitha Udayan, French
Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir? In a 1959 Esquire essay titled "Brigitte
Bardot and the Lolita syndrome," de Beauvoir examines the polarizing popularity of the
French actress, sex-symbol, and icon Brigitte Bardot. Essentially, de Beauvoir argues that
Bardot exists in a state of "emancipation", or liberation from both the eternal feminine
and conventional moral judgment of right-or-wrong. To support her arguments, de
Beauvoir discusses a few of Bardot's films, such as et Dieu...créa la femme. I am
interested in interrogating to what extent my own analysis of this film challenges de
Beauvoir's claim that Bardot is an emancipated woman. Based on my own analysis and a
synthesis of other scholars' opinions on de Beauvoir's essay, I argue that in et Dieu...créa
la femme, the camera focuses on and objectifies Bardot's body. She is not an
emancipated woman, but rather a more-or-less a traditional sex-symbol.
48. Jules Verne's Literary Technologies: Precursor to Modernity
Roby Mullins
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
This presentation, delivered in French, explores the importance of industrial era
literature in the development of new technology and modern society through an
examination of Vingt Mille Lieues sous la Mer, Terre a la lune, and Robur-le-Conquérant
multiple books written by Jules Verne. Through a historical analysis of these texts, I
demonstrate how modern technologies such as the helicopter, submarine, and lunar
module drew their inspiration from inventions proposed by Verne's works. Jules Verne,
often considered the father of science fiction, created fictional adventures that have
remained very popular into the early twenty-first century. The three technologies that
Verne introduced in Vingt Mille Lieues sous la Mer, Terre a la lune, and Robur-leConquérant Jules Verne demonstrate his influence on the development of our modern
world.
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49. Chahdortt Djavann's Bas Les Voiles! and the Headscarf Polemic in France
Caroline Lancaster
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Veiling practices have long been at the center of debates in France. Immigrant women
feel especially targeted by France's notions towards veiling because wearing a veil in
France has completely different meanings than wearing a veil in a primarily Muslim
country. By using Bas Les Voiles! by Chahdortt Djavann I will present the dialogue
between what it means to veil in France and what it means to veil in the novel according
to Djavann. Having lived in Iran for the majority of her childhood, Djavann eventually
immigrated to France. Her already impassioned sentiments towards the violence the
veil imposes grew stronger when she immigrated because she felt as though the veil
was used for violence against women there, too. My research will present the
complexities of the hijab which are outlined in Bas Les Voiles!. This research is designed
to discuss different representations of the veil and to ultimately create space for Muslim
women's voices to be heard and valued.
50. Gendered Nature of Climate Change Politics
Zee Oddo
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, Anthropology
This paper focuses on the gendered nature of international climate change research and
politics. First, it is argued how the consequences of global warming are often portrayed
in a way that presents vulnerable populations through a feminized lens. This in turn
promotes a masculinized response to climate change, strengthening pre-existing
gendered stereotypes surrounding science and technological innovation. The resulting
international political environment surrounding climate change can be characterized as
one dominated by competition between often conflicting trends in changing
masculinities. The most obvious of these trends has been a masculinization of
environmentalism on the highest political stages as hegemonic masculinities evolve in
response to generational priorities. The consequences of gendered notions surrounding
climate change will have a profound impact on who is included and excluded in the
response to global warming, and who will participate in its aftermath.
51. Filipino Incels: Diffusion and Translation of Misogynist Incel & Male Supremacist
Ideologies in the Philippines
Joshua Daniel Sto Domingo
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Ebin, Politics
The continued growth of misogynistic incels online and offline has led to new fields of
study regarding their behavior and survival. However, almost all current research seeks
to understand the anthropological landscape of misogynistic incels. Therefore, this
literature review engages with the popular portrayal of and academic theories about
misogynistic incels to locate a specific lacuna in the scholarship. I conclude that existing
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literature has fallen short in explaining how and why the violent intersection of sexual
resentment and entitlement translates to other sociocultural contexts. Furthermore, at
the end of my literature review, I suggest a research design moving forward with
qualitative discourse analysis as my methodology and the Philippines as the country of
interest to fill the gap in our understanding regarding the transnational diffusion of such
virulent dogma.
52. Baseline data establishment for the effects of invasive shrubs on tree canopy
Isaac Flores-Saldana
Mentor: Dr. Brian Hoven, Biology
This study established baseline data for canopy tree (10 cm Diameter at breast height)
(DBH) cover at five sites in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky following the removal of
invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate).
At each site, within two control and two treatment plots, all canopy trees were
measured and identified to species at the plot level (400 m2), following protocol in
Hoven et al. (2017). (Site classification based on canopy tree basal area (BA) and identity
were assessed following protocol in Hoven et al. (in review). Canopy tree site
characteristics of interest include dominant species, shade tolerance, waterlogging
tolerance, richness, and diversity. Baseline data will inform future research on invasive
shrub removal effects on canopy tree responses.
53. Shrub Response and Seedling Recruitment Following Invasive Species Removal
Kate Pilcher
Mentor: Dr. Brian Hoven, Biology
This study examines shrub response and seedling recruitment at five sites in the
Kentucky Bluegrass Region following the removal of invasive Amur honeysuckle
(Lonicera maackii) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate). Sampling occurred at two
treatment plots (invasives removed) and two control plots at each site. Recruitment of
woody seedlings (20-100 cm) during the 2021 growing season were sampled at four
established micro-plots in each plot. Recruitment sampling of woody seedlings followed
Hoven et al. (2017), including measuring seedling height and identification to genus or
species when possible. Comparisons with a two-tailed unpaired t-test examining shrub
cover and seedling recruitment will occur between control and treatment plots.
Responses include native and invasive seedling recruitment abundance and diversity as
well as shrub native and invasive shrub cover and diversity. Results will inform
management of short-term woody plant community responses to secondary invasions.
54. Daybreak - A Symphonic Poem
Sam Biggerstaff
Mentor: Dr. Larry Bitensky, Music
A symphonic poem is a piece of orchestral music that depicts the content of some
nonmusical medium, landscape, or event. Daybreak is a symphonic poem composed by
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Sam Biggerstaff inspired by the sights and sounds of Charleston, South Carolina.
Throughout this piece, you will hear depictions of birds, sunrises, hurricanes, beaches,
and more.
55. Video Game Research & Development using Unreal Engine 4
Gus Crow & Josh West
Mentor: Dr. Michael Bradshaw, Computer Science
The aim of this research and development was to design and implement a fully
functional demonstration of the game, Arcane Architect, including the game mechanics,
animations, artificial intelligence (AI) object interaction, and graphical user interface.
This research is a continuation of previous research performed in the summer of 2019
and 2021, and as such refactors existing game components while adding new
functionality. We have focused our efforts on polishing the animation system allowing it
to be more extensible and easy to use in the future. Additionally, we have spent time
thoughtfully designing and implementing new elements of the graphical user interface
that create new possibilities for the player to interact with the game. Furthermore, we
expanded and improved the arsenal of placeable objects for AI character interaction.
Finally, this experience allowed for the further exploration of software development and
the relevant team building skills required.
56. Collaborative Artistic Reflections on Identity Positions in the US Civil War and Beyond
Liyuan Dai & Olivia Marcum
Mentor: Dr. Peter Haffner, Art History
Our presentation focuses on our contributions to and perspectives on the collaborative
artwork Civil War 2022, made with Grissom Artist-in-Residence Edouard Duval-Carrié.
“Civil War 2022” was a months-long endeavor involving students, faculty, and staff from
the entire Centre community. Each creative participant reflected on their complicated
and often personal connections to the American Civil War. In our discussion, we address
each of our pieces in terms of the research and inspirations that informed our
photographic collages and/or glass works. The collages that we created examine our
personal connections to the people involved in the Civil War and our reflection upon the
legacies of racism that have persisted long after the war's end. Ultimately, we engage in
larger conversations about the unrecognized role of Asian-American soldiers in the Civil
War, and white women's complicity in the enslavement of Black people.
57. Collaborative Process and Teaching as Research: Reflections on the 2021-22 Grissom
Artist in Residency
Peter Haffner
The collaborative art project created under the direction of Edouard Duval-Carrié,
Centre’s 2021-22 Grissom Artist in Residence, were not only an opportunity for Centre’s
community to work together to explore a common theme, but an opportunity to pose
research questions relevant to my own fields of study. Through my experiences as
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Duval-Carrié’s campus liaison, as well as the CentreTerm course that he and I co-taught,
I was able to extend my own art-historical research that engages with issues of
transcultural visual languages, historical manifestations of systemic racial inequalities,
and how collaborative art making can be an embodied process in which memory is
interrogated and deconstructed.
58. What Does Institutionalizing Comprehensive Sex Education Look Like on Campus?
Anukriti Kunwar & Lorena Bonet Velazquez
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Patrick, History
Our CTIP (Creative Thinking Immersive Program) research from summer 2021, focused
on addressing the gaps that exist within the current sex-ed curriculum in the US, which
is largely focused on reproduction, abstinence and STDs. Students enter college lacking
knowledge about boundaries, consent and pleasure communication. This leads to an
increased risk of sexual violence perpetration or victimization. There is a need for
institutionalized comprehensive, pleasure focused sex-ed that helps students make
better informed decisions about their sexual lives, regardless of whether they choose to
engage in abstinence, partnered sex, or however else they define their sexual wellbeing. Our close to two years of sexual health promotion work focuses on making sexual
health information and resources more accessible. We will be focusing on the
curriculum development and workshop planning skills we have gained from CTIP and
how we are currently using them to institutionalize comprehensive sex-ed at Centre.
59. Love According to Montaigne
Catherine Hallman
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
The Greeks defined love into eight categories ranging from familial love (storge) to
sexual passion (eros) and everything in between. The need to define the undefinable, in
this instance love, is almost as innate as the need to be loved. To investigate this
phenomenon of connection, I turned to the famous French philosopher and essayist,
Montaigne. What did he have to say about love and relationships? I chose to narrow
and examine his meditations to three of the eight Greek categories of love: storge,
philia, and eros. By reading various other sources of research on Montaigne's works to
studying two essays themselves, I plan to uncover how a philosopher of the 16th
century makes sense of unseeable attachments of love and how it is still relevant today.
This presentation will be entirely presented in French.
60. LGBTQ+ Representation
Morgan Wilson
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies & Gender Studies
How can Centre College create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+
undergraduate community within its academic institutions? Through an exploration of
queer representation across different majors, my research focuses on answering the
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following questions: (1) Does the amount of representation of the LGBTQIA+ students
impact their choices of academic major? (2) Is there a disproportionate amount of
LGBTQIA+ students in a certain area of study at Centre College? This information will
contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment through representation,
highlighting existing strengths and weaknesses across different majors at Centre
College.
61. Impact of Support Systems on Gender Diverse Individuals
Emily Doyle & Sarah Glenn Insko
Mentor: Dr. Jan Wertz, Psychology
The transgender/gender diverse (TGD) population is currently at the forefront of our
social climate involving civil rights. The nonacceptance of TGD individuals in our society
sometimes leads to violence, discrimination, mental health challenges, and lack of social
support. This research is investigating social support of individuals in the TGD
community. Specifically, this study examines how TGD individuals have received support
throughout their lives in social, familial, and clinical settings. Past research states that
family acceptance is among the most important factors in TGD individuals leading a
higher quality life, experiencing lower depressive symptoms, and reducing psychological
distress. Our study includes a combination of already existing surveys to examine the
support systems TGD individuals have utilized.
62. Promoting Explicit Awareness for Implicit Bias
Azana Williams
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Goetz, Psychology
The purpose of this research is to make people aware of their implicit biases through
different racial association tasks. Since biases negatively affect groups that are already
marginalized, we wanted to explore/analyze if education and confrontation on implicit
bias limit these biases. In a 2 x 2 between subjects design, participants were given an
implicit association task then received education on implicit bias, followed by a series of
bias and stereotype questionnaires. In addition to education, researchers measured
internal and external motivations as a means to gauge how likely it is participants would
control their biases.
63. Popular Culture's impact on Development of Masculinities in Asia
LiAnna Steffen
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies and Anthropology
Of the many studies that have been done in relation to masculinities and their
development, many have been conducted in the Western context, analyzing Western
ideals and their impacts. This can be most seen in the context of the United States
because of its powerful sphere of influence and its idea of Hegemonic Masculinity
greatly differs compared to other parts of the world. Perhaps the Hegemonic
masculinity in most stark contrast to the United States is the idea of masculinity in East
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Asian cultures. One of the reasons why masculinities in East Asia and the West are so
different is because of the difference in various ideas of popular culture that impact
each region differently. This paper will explore how popular culture, with strong regional
presence as well as globalizing influence, impacts the creation of these hegemonic
masculinities and identities in East Asia in comparison to those in the West.
64. Reproductive Health & Sexualities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Megan Coomes
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies and Anthropology
To explore Sub-Saharan African Reproductive Health, I will begin by analyzing the ways
in which public health, international studies, and gender are related. After setting up
this framework, I will examine specific examples in Sub-Saharan Africa of sexuality and
reproductive health and how they connect to our broader understandings of
international studies and gender.
65. Reflections on Fieldwork, Youth NGOs, and Volunteering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Chelsea Cutright
In 2019, during eight months of ethnographic fieldwork in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I
explored the volunteering practices of local youth through interviews and participant
observation with two of the city’s many youth-led NGOs. This presentation will consist
of some reflections on my fieldwork experience and a summary of my research findings.
Those findings include what it means for an organization in Tanzania to be “youth-led,”
the different motivations for Tanzanian youth to volunteer, and the innovative
organizational work being produced by these youth-led NGOs in Dar es Salaam. This
work highlights the agency and creativity Tanzanian youth are leveraging to improve
their positions in a difficult environment of high unemployment and limited
opportunities.
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66. Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The three link swimmer is a model proposed by E.M. Purcell [1] as the simplest swimmer
that can move in low Reynolds number environments. This swimmer has been of
interest for decades and recent developments in geometric mechanics predict the net
translation and rotation of a three-link swimmer for a given gait. We seek to test the
theoretical model developed by Hatton and Choset in 2013 [2] using a macroscopic
three-link swimmer in a highly viscous fluid so that the Reynolds number is much less
than one.
67. An Insight into the Binding of Novel Ruthenium Complexes with DNA
Ramsey Amoudi
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have been studied extensively based on their
unique biomolecular interactions with DNA and anticancer properties. Different
polypyridyl ligands attached give ruthenium complexes various binding properties with
DNA. Using DNA dyes, the DNA binding modes of Ru(bpy)2phen, Ru(bpy)2dppz, and
Ru(bpy)3 were assessed. Ru(bpy)2phen minor groove binds at low concentrations but
intercalates at high concentrations, whereas Ru(bpy)3 displayed less grove binding and
more electrostatic binding. Ru(bpy)2dppz minor groove binds, however, the dppz ligand
should intercalate. These results demonstrate that the three ruthenium compounds
tested have diverse DNA binding modes. This research opens up a potential therapeutic
direction to design novel ruthenium compounds that specifically target cancer cells.
68. Robotic Models of Swimming Bacteria
Asha Ari
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The swimming of microorganisms is typically studied using biological experiments
and/or numerical simulations. However, numerical simulations of microorganisms are
often not compared to precise measurements because of the difficulty of making
microscopic measurements of forces and torques in biological experiments, which are
typically ~ 10 μm. Instead, our research group uses robotic models that are about 10 cm
in size and match the Reynolds number of swimming microorganisms by using highly
viscous silicone oil that is 100,000 times more viscous than water. We can then measure
the forces and torques more easily and scale the results from our dynamically similar
experiments to biologically relevant sizes. We have used our experiments to calibrate
the method images for regularized Stokeslets and found excellent agreement between
our data for both cylinders and helices. Our results also have confirmed the theory of
Jeffrey and Onishi (1981) for the torque on a cylinder near a plane wall.
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69. Preserve Management at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Porter Anderson
Mentor: Dr. Brett Werner, Environmental Studies
A hands-on internship at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a three-thousand-acre property
filled with bustling diversity and history. This learning experience taught skills involving
invasive species identification and removal, general plant identification, trail
maintenance, trail cam set up, and other preserve/land management skills. It also gave a
behind-the-scenes look into the aspects that go into managing a preserve such as
upkeep costs and seasonal budgeting. Along with learning about the ecosystems on the
property knowledge of the Shakers and the history of the land were also taught.
70. Ant Foraging: Collective Decision-Making
William Baughman
Mentor: Dr. Mark Galatowitsch, Biology
Foraging is a vital activity for ants to provide the food resources necessary to sustain the
colony superorganism. Ants foraging is of particular interest because ants rely on
chemical rather than visual cues. I investigated the rate Lasius ant colonies discover food
sources and exploit them. Colonies were excavated on the Centre Campus to establish
artificial nests. In the lab these nests were connected to bifurcated tubing leading to
two smaller foraging arenas. At three-day intervals workers from each colony were
given a choice between two arenas containing food or water. In another experiment, an
acid threat signal was added to pathways. The number of ants accessing each arena
over a 30-minute period following food discovery was recorded. The majority of
colonies favored arenas containing food, though this preference was not statistically
significant. These results suggest limitations on resource identification exist,
complicating efforts to utilize food sources.
71. Ambassador Sloth: Can "good for the species" also be good for the individual?
Mason Boone
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Burns-Cusato, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Over 75% of zoos globally offer visitors opportunities to interact one-on-one with
Animal Ambassadors, presumably increasing connectedness with the species and
environment. Such human-animal interactions (HAI) also have the potential to be either
distressing or enriching to the animal. Thus, the World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums recommends regular evaluation for any effects of HAIs. In the present study,
we evaluate the effects of HAIs on the Louisville Zoo's Linnaeus's two-toed sloth
(Choloepus didactylus). During a “Sloth Experience’, zoo visitors approach and pet the
back of the sloth being trainer fed. A random sample of sloth encounters and control
feeding sessions were camera-recorded to determine visitors' effect on the latency
and/or duration of feeding and the proportion of time on the associated branch.
Preliminary analysis indicates no effect on branch avoidance or feeding, and
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combination with salvatory cortisol measurements is expected to further reveal any
effects.
72. What do we really see? Measuring real-world visual attention
Kennedy Cline, Cameron Coulter, Christina Jeffers, & Alex Wright
Mentor: Dr. Drew Morris, Psychology
Eye-tracking projects have been explored in the field of psychology; however most
previous research has typically used one stimulus. The purpose of this project is to see
how individual differences, including age, can impact the ways we use our vision. What
makes our research unique from previous projects is we are analyzing data from an
entire art gallery so we can apply our findings to a real-world setting. Eight participants
(four younger adults under the age of 24 and four older adults over the age of 60) were
given fifteen minutes to explore an art gallery consisting of many pieces, they were
given no directions as far as what to look for when exploring the area. We used special
eye-tracking software to analyze the participants' data. We captured frames and
determined Areas of Interest (AOI) for each participant based on their eye-tracking
videos. Data analysis is ongoing.
73. Examining the Role of Estrogen (E2) and Cocaine in Conditioned Place Preference in
Japanese Quail
Alexandria Coffin & Emma Ridener
Mentor: Dr. Karin Gill, Behavioral Neuroscience
The conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm is a reliable and widely accepted
measure of drug reward. From prior studies, cocaine has been shown to cause a
conditioned place preference in female Japanese quail. However, the role that estrogen
(E2) plays in this conditioning process has not been thoroughly explored. The present
study investigated if the administration of tamoxifen, an E2 receptor blocking drug,
would prevent the development of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in
female Japanese quail. Findings from this study could provide further explanation of the
role of estrogen and E2 receptors in cocaine-induced addiction behaviors.
74. Grinding vs Cutting: Which Method Yields a Higher Cortisol Concentration from Polar
Bear Hair
Catherine Cox & Brent White
Mentor: Dr. Brent White, Psychology
Hair sampling is now a common means of evaluating the well-being of wild mammals,
including polar and grizzly bears. Hair can be obtained with minimal disturbance of the
animal, and it provides a record of hormones, nutrients and toxins that covers weeks or
months in the life of the bear. Some researchers prepare the hair by grinding it into a
powder and others cut the hair into short pieces before extracting the compounds of
interest. To determine which method is better, we compared cutting and grinding of
polar bear hair and found that grinding consistently yielded significantly higher cortisol
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concentrations. This is an important evaluation because it improves the ways in which
hormones and toxins can be studied in wild and zoo bears, where blood samples are
difficult to obtain.
75. Exploring the Warburg Effect in Transition Metal Complexes
Roma Desai
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
Ruthenium polypyridyl and other coordination complexes have exhibited light-activated
anticancer activity through binding with DNA, but have shown toxicity in the absence of
light. To reduce off-target side effects, the Warburg Effect was exploited. Transition
metal complexes of ruthenium with the 5-thioglucose-1,10-phenanthroline ligand were
synthesized. The structure and properties of these complexes were examined using UVVis spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To test the
complexes for off-target effects, acetylcholinesterase assays were conducted.
76. Research Journals in Colonial Spanish La Florida
Joseph Falcon
Mentor: Dr. Nate Meissner, Anthropology
Inspired by the book Enduring Conquests, Rethinking the Archaeology of Resistance to
Spanish Colonialism in the Americas, this collection of creative student research
journaling focuses on a journey through La Florida to view the impacts of European
colonialism in the New World. Little attention has been given to Native American
worldviews, thus, this journal seeks to highlight reassessed analyses through
postcolonial theory, material culture, and original visual drawings from visits to several
archaeological sites. This work intends to challenge our idea of research as a rigidly
systematic discipline and should be presented as such, and instead focuses on how
research studies are often creative endeavors themselves. Through means of notetaking and compiling drawn and pasted imagery and artifacts, viewers can visualize and
apply the concepts mentioned, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront.
77. Synthesis of platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands
Max Gordinier
Mentor: Dr. Karin Young, Chemistry
Synthesis of a novel aluminum-platinum complex bound by a linker and ligands could
yield a new, modifiable polymerization catalyst. To synthesize the complex, platinum
must be bound to a phosphine-phosphine oxide linker. Treatment of Pt(bpy)Cl2 with
dppeO yielded platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands. Novel
methods have yielded several products. Experimental data produced methods to
synthesize one desired product. Synthesis of this product is an important step in
building a new, tunable, ethylene polymerization catalyst.
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78. Synthesis and Anti-inflammatory Behavior of Ru(II) NSAID Complexes
Temiloluwa Haastrup & Sean Gilpatrick
Mentor: Dr. Erin Watcher, Chemistry
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective due to their ability to
inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. Ruthenium(II) complexes, due to facile ligand
exchange, have been recent candidates for anticancer metallochemotheraputics. Arene
ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized and a variety of NSAID ligands were attached
to the ruthenium center. Results showed that the benzene derivative was highly
insoluble. In attempts to increase solubility, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes
containing NSAIDs will be synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory abilities.
79. Sustainable Energy Storage Alternatives
Gavin Holt
Mentor: Dr. Kristen Fulfer, Chemistry
Sustainable energy storage alternatives will require more diverse electrolytes and
electrodes. Magnesium and zinc ions have both similar charges and radii making them
both physically and chemically interesting. For these reasons, zinc and magnesium ion
based electrolytes are being researched. Geometry optimizations and coordinate scans
of these electrolytes were computed using the Morgan Computing Cluster on the
supercomputer at the University of Kentucky. We have optimized the geometries of the
electrolyte using magnesium and are analyzing the ion-dipole interaction strength. The
future of our research will be dedicated to adding solvent molecules to the geometries
and optimizing them to simulate a variety of more complex solvation shells for each
metal ion.
80. Colonization Dynamics of Dams and Development
Anna Impellitteri
Mentor: Dr. Brett Werner, Environmental Studies
This poster presentation will be a comprehensive overview of dam and water
development projects as weapons of colonization, using China's development project on
the Mekong River and the Klamath Hydroelectric Project in Oregon as case studies. The
poster will give an overview of colonization and settler colonialism dynamics in the
United States and Southeast Asia before introducing the specific hydropolitics and
socioeconomic ramifications of dams and development on the Klamath and Mekong
Rivers, respectively. It will place specific emphasis on historical power dynamics, cultural
impacts, and the disruption of land relationships caused by hydroelectric projects in
order to distinguish them as tools of colonization and oppression of Indigenous
peoples.
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81. Synthesis and Light Studies of Organic Semiconductors
Hoang Le & Jack Rodes
Mentor: Dr. Vanessa Song, Chemistry
Organic semiconductors play a significant role in modern electronic devices such as solar
panels and smartphone displays. Organic semiconductors are becoming increasingly
popular to commercialize because the synthesis process is affordable, light in weight,
and abundant. Many organic semiconductors consist of compounds with conjugated πbonds that achieve aromaticity. Extended aromatic molecular systems allow electrons
to delocalize within the molecule and its ordered crystalline structure, which gives the
material its semiconducting properties. A common building block for organic
semiconductor synthesis is pentacene. The stacking of pentacene molecules is often
referred to as herringbone packing and adding different substituents in the peripositions allows the molecule to become fully conjugated. The synthesis of organic
semiconductor triisopropylsilyl ethynyl (TIPS) pentacene was conducted. Additionally,
the synthesis of anthradithiophene was conducted.
82. Sexy, Tasty, and Fly: The Effects of Mating on Bitter Taste Detection in Female
Drosophila
Landy Lin
Mentor: Dr. Genevieve Bell, Behavioral Neuroscience
The Drosophila melanogaster's reproductive circuit plays a critical role in their gustatory
processing. Female Drosophila undergo mating-induced appetite changes. Sweet and
salty foods are naturally preferred, but mated female flies seek yeast-rich foods for egglaying. However, the relationship between bitter tastants and this complex post-mating
circuit has been overlooked. The proposed study aims to elucidate this connection by
observing how mating impacts bitter tastant detection in female Drosophila. Herein, we
will compare mated versus virgin female flies in their detection of a bitter tastant
(quinine) using a proboscis extension response (PER) assay. We hypothesize that mated
flies will be more sensitive to the detection of quinine than virgin flies. This study will
expand upon the relationship between sensory systems and reproductive circuits across
insect species.
83. Creating a New Model for Estimating Glacial Thickness
Tanner May
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
How thick are the world's glaciers? Outside of very sparse ground penetrating radar
(GPR) measurements, little is known about most glaciers' thicknesses and underlying
terrain. Now, satellites are increasingly providing accurate maps of surface properties
and how these change over time. Existing methods ingest rates of ice thickness change,
velocity, and surface mass balance into the continuity equation to estimate ice thickness
and bed topography. However, accurate surface mass balance and velocity data are
rarely available in complex heterogeneous glaciers. This perfect plastic approximation-
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based method uses increasingly readily available digital elevation models (DEMs) to
infer ice thickness and bed topography for any glacier so long as there exists two usable
DEMs of it at different points in time. Knowing glacial thickness can help humanity
model, predict, and counteract climate change while providing insight into Earth's everevolving geomorphology and terrestrial ice dynamics.
84. "Almost, Maine" Scenic Design
Madalyn Mead
Mentor: Matthew Hallock, Theater
I will be presenting my scenic design for Centre Theater's spring production of "Almost,
Maine" by John Cariani. This show is set in rural Maine and calls for a rustic, wintery,
and loved scenery, thus I incorporated repurposed materials such as Dean Goldey's
former fence wood. "Almost, Maine" tells the complications, quirks, and laughs that
come from many different forms of love through nine scenes with different characters
in each.
85. Environmental Influences on Zoo Elephant Stereotypic Behavior Rates
Kate Pilcher & Caroline Schoenig
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Cusato, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
The study examined a stereotypic, head-bobbing behavior in a female Asian elephant
(Elephas maximus) at the Louisville Zoo. Stereotypic behavior is common in managed
care and is hypothesized to reflect an anticipatory state or a state of compromised
welfare, which includes lack of stimulation or stress. To understand the influences
behind this behavior, video footage was collected of the subject and her environment
for 8 hours daily over 30 consecutive days. The footage was coded using ObserverXT
software and a Chi-Square test will be used to determine the correlation of various
event sequences, such as nearby elephant behavior and zookeeper actions, with
stereotypic behavior expression. The results will be used to offer insight into elephant
stereotypic behavior and to better understand welfare in managed animal care.
86. Hijabisation as Disrution: The Graffiti of Princess Hijab in Paris
Hijabisation en tant que disruption: Le Graffiti de Princess Hijab en Paris
Sabah Rainey
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
As France's Muslim population has increased over the 21st century, and will likely
continue to grow, tensions concerning the assimilation of Muslims in France have risen.
To this end, the French government has attempted to control how Muslim women can
appear in public through regulating the hijab in the name of laïcité. This presentation
discusses how the work of the Parisian graffiti artist Princess Hijab interrogates how
public space affects social and cultural norms. Princess Hijab draws black niqbas over
advertisements in Parisian subways, a process she refers to as “hijabisation.” Her use of
the veil as a symbol extends beyond protesting the laws against hijabs, but challenges
Oral Presentations
42
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
POSTER PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
social and cultural norms of public visibility and invisibility. She is particularly concerned
with how capitalism affects understandings of how women ought to be. I explore these
intersections through analyzing some of her works. This presentation in entirely in
French.
Oral Presentations
43
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
2022 RICE SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE
Karin Gill
Karoline Manny
Judith Keiser
Genevieve Bell
Satty Flaherty-Echeverría
Kristin Fulfer
Mary Girard
Mei Li Inouye
Alicia Juncos
Nate Meissner
Drew Morris
Andrew Patrick
Gina Robidoux
Bruce Rodenborn
RICE Symposium Co-chair
RICE Symposium Co-chair
AEGON Gallery Coordinator
Visiting Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Digital Scholarship Librarian
Assistant Professor of Chinese
Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish
Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Associate Director of Experiential Learning
Welcome Centre Coordinator
Associate Professor Physics
Chair of Combined Engineering Program
CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Nisha Gupta
Kristi Burch
Lisa Curlis
Andrew Patrick
Todd Sheene
Candace Wentz
Oral Presentations
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Academic Technology Specialist
Office Manager
Associate Director of Experiential Learning
Event and Video Production Coordinator
Assistant Director of CTL
Instructional Technology and Design Coordinator
44
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
INDEX
Ahmed, Zaid - 26, 66
Ahrens, Will - 4
Akers, Caleb - 43
Allotey, Princess - 23
Allshouse, Michael - 25
Alvarez, Luisana - 3
Amoudi, Ramsey - 67
Andersen, Lily - 32
Anderson, Porter - 69
Aponte, Ella - 42
Ari, Asha – 28, 68
Badie, Dina - 34, 35, 37
Bailey, Kemmara - 29
Baughman, Carter - 12
Baughman, William - 70
Becker, Audrey - 10
Beers, Dylan - 35
Bell, Genevieve - 82
Benford, Micai - 43
Biggerstaff, Sam - 24, 54
Bitensky, Larry – 54
Boardman, Alexandra - 28
Bonet Velazquez, Lorena - 58
Boone, Mason - 71
Bradshaw, Michael - 55
Breitenstein, Mia - 36
Brewster, Kiyona - 22
Burns-Cusato, Melissa - 71, 85
Calvert-Grimes, Carolyn – 14
Chinchilla, Laura - 16
Chirico, Presley - 12
Cline, Kennedy - 72
Coffin, Alexandria -73
Coomes, Megan - 64
Coulter, Cameron - 27, 72
Cox, Catherine - 74
Crow, Gus - 55
Cutright, Chelsea – 11, 13, 50, 60, 63, 64, 65
Dahl, Caroline - 12
Dai, Liyuan - 56
Desai, Roma -75
Di Domenico, Hannah - 20
Oral Presentations
Doyle, Emily - 61
Duff, Loa - 22
Dupper, Trentin - 9
Ebin, Chelsea - 51
Edwards, Amber - 17
Ellen, Swanson - 21
Estes, Bella - 32
Falcon, Joseph -76
Fieberg, Jeff - 45
Fitzgerald, Gracie - 43
Flaherty-Echeverria, Satty - 19
Flores-Saldana, Isaac - 52
Foster, Connor - 11
Fulfer, Kristen - 44, 79
Galatowitsch, Mark - 70
Gill, Karin -73
Gilpatrick, Sean -78
Godlaski, Aaron - 38, 39, 40, 70
Goetz, Jennifer - 62
Gordinier, Max - 77
Greene, Emmy - 12
Griffin, Ellie - 2, 12
Guo, Yichen - 25
Haastrup, Temiloluwa - 78
Haffner, Peter - 56, 57
Hail, Sarah - 29
Hallman, Catherine - 59
Hallock, Matthew - 84
Hamilton, Mykol – 1, 2, 3, 4, 30, 31, 32, 33,
36
Headley, Grace - 30
Heath, Jeff - 10
Hensley, Piper - 12
Hilt, Cole - 43
Holt, Gavin - 79
Hoven, Brian - 52, 53
Hubbs, Ian - 31
Impellitteri, Anna - 80
Insko, Sarah Glenn - 61
Jeffers, Christina -72
Jenkins, Maddy - 13
Jennings, Hunter - 3
45
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
INDEX
Jennings, Rachel - 2
Johnson, Bruce - 6, 7, 9
Kim, Juheung - 46
Kowalski, Matthew - 39
Kunwar, Anukriti - 58
Lancaster, Caroline - 49
Le, Hoang - 81
Lebron De la Paz, Santiago - 12
Leonberger, Will - 38
Lin, Landy - 82
Logan, Adonis - 5
Low, Daniel - 43
Mao, Kanbe - 12
Marcum, Olivia - 56
Margida, Anthony - 5
Marshall, Audrey - 12
May, Tanner - 83
Mead, Madalyn - 84
Meissner, Nathan - 20, 76
Mitmesser, Emma - 1
Morgan, Amanda - 40
Morris, Drew - 72
Mullins, Roby - 48
Mupparaju, Pranay - 39
Murray, Sarah - 23
Muzyka, Jennifer - 24
Nguyen, Hoa - 28
Oddo, Zee - 50
Patel, Peyton - 31
Patrick , Andrew - 58
Payne, Luke - 25
Peskoe, Megan – 15, 34
Phelps, John Walker - 12
Pilcher, Kate – 53, 85
Prusinski, Ellen - 29
Rainey, Sabah - 86
Ratanapool, Alaina - 29
Reding, Sloan - 1
Rice, Frankie - 30
Ridener, Emma - 73
Rodenborn, Bruce – 25, 26, 28, 66, 68, 83
Rodes, Jack - 81
Oral Presentations
Rollo, Matthew - 47
Rosing, Priscilla - 29
Rout, Stephen - 6
Sanford, Ezra - 7
Schoenig, Caroline - 85
Scott, Daniel - 43
Shenton, Jamie - 12
Shindell, Orin - 28
Skogsberg, KatieAnn - 41
Smith, RJ - 26, 66
Song, Vanessa -81
Stafford, Grace - 4
Steffen, LiAnna - 63
Sto Domingo , Joshua Daniel – 51
Swanson, Ellen - 21
Thacker, Josie - 2
Tomillo, Mia - 12
Tran, Huong - 21
Udayan, Susmitha -14, 15, 17, 18, 46, 47,
48, 49, 59, 86
Valente, Veronica - 19
Wacther, Erin - 42, 67, 75, 78
Wagner, Sheridan - 44
Warren, Courtney - 4
Watson, Lorelei - 12
Weedman, Annalise - 37
Werner, Brett - 69, 80
Wertz, Jan - 61
West, Josh - 55
Weston, Beau - 8
White, Brent - 27, 74
Williams, Azana - 62
Wilson, Morgan - 60
Wood, Nicole - 18
Wright, Alex -72
Young, Karin - 77
Zhang, Ranji - 21
46
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
600 West Walnut Street Danville, Kentucky 40422
859-238-5200
Presents the 15th annual
Symposium
April 21, 2022
The 2022 Symposium is sponsored by the
Dean’s Office and all academic programs
April 21, 2022
Dear RICE participants:
Welcome to the fifteenth annual Centre College RICE Symposium! This event is the culmination
of Undergraduate Research Week, which features a different research-focused event each day.
The RICE (Research, Internships, and Creative Endeavors) Symposium is a forum for showcasing
the outstanding research achievements, creative endeavors, and independent projects
completed by Centre students. An integral part of experiential learning is moving beyond the
consumption of existing knowledge to becoming an active contributor of new knowledge. RICE
represents a unique opportunity for students to share their contributions in a professional,
scholarly setting that is made rich by the active participation of many members of our
community. This event is part of a week-long celebration of research that includes
opportunities for students to talk informally with faculty members about research
opportunities, a convocation delivered by a panel of Centre Alum: Amanda Glueck ‘10, Brian
Klosterboer ‘12 and Colleen Coyle ‘19 who will share their experiences as researchers while at
Centre and their current research projects.
This year, 86 presentations from across the academic disciplines by students and faculty are
featured, including 66 oral presentations and 20 poster presentations. In addition, on Friday,
April 22, students who participated in studio art classes this academic year will host an exhibit
of their work in the AEGON Gallery in the Jones Visual Arts Center. We invite attendees to
attend the various oral and poster presentations, as well as the art exhibition, and see the
diversity of what Centre students have to offer. An option to participate via Zoom is available.
Panels typically take two forms. First, in order to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature and
breath of the scholarly endeavor at Centre College, many presentations are grouped by topic
rather than discipline. Second, when it is important to emphasize the depth of a particular issue
or collaborative research, such as the study that occurred in an advanced seminar class, a panel
may include presentations from only one discipline.
Each oral presentation is scheduled for a total of 15 minutes, including 12 minutes for
presenting and three minutes for discussion. As a courtesy to presenters, please wait until the
end of a presentation to leave a session. Thank you for your consideration and enjoy the
Symposium!
Sincerely,
Karin Gill and Karoline Manny
2022 RICE Symposium Co-chairs
SCHEDULE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
APRIL 21, 2022
Oral Presentations
Session 1, Young Hall
2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Oral Presentations
Session 2, Young Hall
3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Poster Presentations
Lobby, Young Hall
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 22, 2022
Art Exhibition Opening
AEGON Gallery, Jones Visual Arts Center
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Zoom Links
3
Oral Presentations, at a glance
4
Poster Presentations, at a glance
9
Art Exhibition
11
Oral Presentation Abstracts
13
Poster Presentation Abstracts
36
Committee
44
Name Index
45
ZOOM LINKS
ZOOM
The symposium is in-person, however the option to watch via Zoom is strongly encouraged
for those not on campus. Please use the links below to attend the sessions. Once you enter
the Session you will be able to choose which room you would like to attend. Presentation
recordings and posters will be available after the symposium.
If you need any assistance with Zoom please contact Dr. Andrew Patrick at
andrew.patrick@centre.edu
Session 1
https://centre.zoom.us/j/93340789026?pwd=d1JGZjNSSHQ4V2YzL3VJODdxcnp6UT09
Session 2
https://centre.zoom.us/j/94437349257?pwd=bjREOGtGZFBuVm5yTHhVQTJyRjhTdz09
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-a
Young 101
Moderator:
Mykol Hamilton
SESSION 1-b
Young 113
Moderator:
Bruce Johnson
SESSION 1-c
Young 110
Moderator:
Melissa BurnsCusato
SESSION 1-d
Young 111
Moderator:
Jamie Shenton
Oral Presentations
2:00 p.m.
1
2:20 p.m.
2
2:40 p.m.
3
3:00 p.m.
4
2:00 p.m.
5
2:20 p.m.
6
2:40 p.m.
7
3:00 p.m.
8
2:00 p.m.
9
2:20 p.m.
10
2:40 p.m.
11
3:00 p.m.
86
2:00 p.m.
to
3:20 p.m.
12
A Hard Pill to Swallow: Gender Bias in Medical School
Emma Mitmesser & Sloan Reding
Girls Just Wanna Be Represented: An Investigation of Sexism
in Medical Education
Ellie Griffin, Rachel Jennings, and & Josie Thacker
America's Persistent Plague: Racism in Medical School
Hunter Jennings & Luisana Alvarez
Racism in Medical Textbook Imagery: The Hidden Curriculum
Will Ahrens, Grace Stafford & Courtney Warren
Business, Environment, and Innovation: A Central Kentucky
Case Study
Adonis Logan
Determinants of Birth Weight in the United States
Stephen Rout
Determinants of Movie Box Office Revenue
Ezra Sanford
Blue City, Red Suburbs
Beau Weston
Determinants of Wins in Major League Baseball
Trentin Dupper
Evaluation of Pacing Strategies for Long-Distance Running
Races
Audrey Becker
Gender and the Olympic Games
Connor Foster
Hijabisation as Disruption: The Graffiti of Princess Hijab in
Paris
Sabah Rainey
Models for Successful Aging in a Central Kentucky Assisted
Living Facility
Carter Baughman, Presley Chirico, Caroline Dahl, Emmy Greene,
Ellie Griffin, Piper Hensley, Santiago Lebron De la Paz, Kanbe
Mao, Audrey Marshall, John Walker Phelps, Mia Tomillo, &
Lorelei Watson
4
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-e
2:00 p.m.
Young 112
Moderator:
2:20 p.m.
Susmitha Udayan
2:40 p.m.
13
3:00 p.m.
16
2:00 p.m.
17
2:20 p.m.
18
2:40 p.m.
19
3:00 p.m.
20
2:00 p.m.
21
2:20 p.m.
22
2:40
p.m.
23
SESSION 1-f
Young 138
Moderator:
Satty FlahertyEcheverría
SESSION 1-g
Young 139
Moderator:
Nisha Gupta
3:00 p.m.
SESSION 1-h
Young 201
Moderator:
Bruce
Rodenborn
Oral Presentations
14
15
24
2:00 p.m.
28
2:20 p.m.
26
Feminism & Food Sovereignty
Maddy Jenkins
French Identity, Cuisine, and Immigration
Carolyn Calvert-Grimes
Comparative analysis of disability culture in France and the
United States: School and workplace acceptance and
accessibility
Megan Peskoe
Creativity, Mindfulness, and Justice in Study Abroad
Laura Chinchilla
Persepolis: Innocence and the Experience of the Iranian
Revolution
Amber Edwards
Evolving Salome: Strategies of Autonomy for France's New
Women
Nicole Wood
Viajes afro-indígenas: La identidad en la poesia de Alan Pelaez
Lopez
Veronica Valente
Politics, Division, and Maya Obsidian: Exploring Political
Change through Lithics at Nixtun-Ch'ich', Guatemala
Hannah Di Domenico
Mathematically Modeling Tumor Growth
Ranjing Zhang & Huong Tran
Medical Racism Within Black Women's Birth and Pregnancy
Experiences
Lola Duff
Primary Mathematics Pedagogy at the Intersection of
Education Reform, Policy, and Culture: Comparative Insights
from Ghana, Singapore, and the US
Princess Allotey & Sarah Murray
SARS-CoV-2 Computational Drug Development
Sam Biggerstaff
Assessing the swimming efficiency of bacteria using robotic
models
Bruce Rodenborn
Macroscopic, Low Reynolds Number Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
5
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 1-i
Young 203
Moderator:
Ellen Prusinski
2:40 p.m.
27
3:00 p.m.
25
2:00 p.m.
to
3:20 p.m.
29
Bear Cortisol: Using Hair to Evaluate Physiological Changes in
Zoo Bears
Cameron Coulter
Energy Dissipation in Reflecting Internal Waves
Yichen Guo, Luke Payne, & Michael Allshouse
Examining the Diversification of the U.S. School Curriculum
from Four Angles
Kemmara Bailey, Sarah Hail, Alaina Ratanapool, & Priscilla
Rosing
25 minute break
SESSION 2-a
Young 101
Moderator:
Melissa BurnsCusato
SESSION 2-b
Young 113
Moderator:
Dina Badie
Oral Presentations
Sexism in Sports: The Female Athlete’s Experience
Grace Headly & Frankie Rice
The Mental Game: Mental Health and Burnout in Athletes
Ian Hubbs & Peyton Patel
Transgender Athletes: Fair Play Parts I & II
Bella Estes & Lily Andersen
3:45 p.m.
30
4:05 p.m.
31
4:25 p.m.
to
4:50 p.m.
4:55 p.m.
32
33
Why Everyone Should be a Lesbian: Misperceptions about HIV
Risk
Mykol Hamilton
3:45 p.m.
34
4:05 p.m.
35
4:25 p.m.
36
4:45 p.m.
37
War Crimes vs. the Greater Harm in the Cameroonian
Anglophone Crisis
Megan Peskoe
"Lawfare" in Ukraine: Russia's Use of Cluster Munitions,
Thermobaric Weapons, & Civilian Warnings
Dylan Beers
Jury Selection: Interrogation or Conversation?
Mia Breitenstein
Civilian Ambiguity in the Raid on Osama bin Laden's
Compound
Annalise Weedman
6
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-c
Young 110
Moderator:
Aaron Godlaski
SESSION 2-d
Young 111
Moderator:
Kristen Fulfer
SESSION 2-e
Young 112
Moderator:
Susmitha
Udayan
Oral Presentations
3:45 p.m.
38
4:05 p.m.
39
4:25 p.m.
40
4:45 p.m.
41
3:45 p.m.
42
4:05 p.m.
43
4:25 p.m.
44
4:45 p.m.
45
3:45 p.m.
46
4:05 p.m.
47
4:25 p.m.
48
4:45 p.m.
49
Pulse of ASMR: A study of physiological reaction to
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
Will Leonberger
Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on the stress response in LongEvans rats
Matthew Kowalski & Pranay Mupparaju
Effects of Indoor Live Plant Presence on Physiological and
Psychological Markers of Stress and Mood
Amanda Morgan
Science informed ways to improve your grades. A talk for
students and teachers
KatieAnn Skogsberg
DNA Binding Behavior of Transition Metal Polypyridyl
Complexes
Ella Aponte
Gold Nanoparticles for Selective Anticancer Drug Delivery
Caleb Akers, Micai Benford, Gracie Fitzgerald, Cole Hilt, & Daniel
Low
Effects of Hofmeister Series Salts on Hydrogen Bonding
Sheridan Wagner
Paintings Fade Like Flowers’: Analysis and Digital
Reconstruction of Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two
Figures.
Jeff Fieberg
Comparative study of the Korean film "Parasite," and Henri
George-Clouzot's "Le Salaire de la Peur"
Juheung Kim
Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir?: An Analysis of
Gender in Et Dieu... cra la femme
Matthew Rollo
Jules Verne's Literary Technologies: Precursor to Modernity
Roby Mullins
Chahdortt Djavann's Bas Les Voiles! and the Headscarf
Polemic in France
Caroline Lancaster
7
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-f
Young 138
Moderator:
Chelsea Ebin
SESSION 2-g
Young 139
Moderator:
Michael
Bradshaw
SESSION 2-h
Young 201
Moderator:
Matthew Hallock
Oral Presentations
3:45 p.m.
50
4:05 p.m.
51
4:25 p.m.
52
4:45 p.m.
53
3:45 p.m.
54
4:05 p.m.
55
4:25 p.m.
56
4:45 p.m.
57
3:45 p.m.
58
4:05 p.m.
59
4:25 p.m.
60
4:45 p.m.
61
Gendered Nature of Climate Change Politics
Zee Oddo
Filipino Incels: Diffusion and Translation of Misogynist Incel &
Male Supremacist Ideologies in the Philippines
Joshua Daniel Sto Domingo
Baseline data establishment for the effects of invasive shrubs
on tree canopy
Isaac Flores-Saldana
Shrub Response and Seedling Recruitment Following Invasive
Species Removal
Kate Pilcher
Daybreak - A Symphonic Poem
Sam Biggerstaff
Video Game Research & Development using
Unreal Engine 4
Gus Crow & Josh West
Collaborative Artistic Reflections on Identity Positions in the
US Civil War and Beyond
Liyuan Dai & Olivia Marcum
Collaborative Process and Teaching as Research: Reflections
on the 2021-22 Grissom Artist in Residency
Peter Haffner
What Does Institutionalizing Comprehensive Sex Education
Look Like on Campus?
Anukriti Kunwar & Lorena Bonet Velazquez
Love According to Montaigne
Catherine Hallman
LGBTQ+ Representation
Morgan Wilson
Impact of Support Systems on Gender Diverse Individuals
Emily Doyle & Sarah Glenn Insko
8
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
SESSION 2-i
Young 203
Moderator:
Chelsea Cutright
3:45 p.m.
62
4:05 p.m.
63
4:25 p.m.
64
4:45 p.m.
65
Promoting Explicit Awareness for Implicit Bias
Azana Williams
Popular Culture's impact on Development of Masculinities in
Asia
LiAnna Steffen
Reproductive Health & Sexualities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Megan Coomes
Reflections on Fieldwork, Youth NGOs, and Volunteering in
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Chelsea Cutright
30 minute break
Oral Presentations
9
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Atrium of Young Hall
66. Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
67. An Insight into the Binding of Novel Ruthenium Complexes with DNA
Ramsey Amoudi
68. Preserve Management at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Porter Anderson
69. Robotic Models of Swimming Bacteria
Asha Ari
70. Ant Foraging: Collective Decision-Making
William Baughman
71. Ambassador Sloth: Can "good for the species" also be good for the individual?
Mason Boone
72. What do we really see? Measuring real-world visual attention
Kennedy Cline, Cameron Coulter, Christina Jeffers, & Alex Wright
73. Examining the Role of Estrogen (E2) and Cocaine in Conditioned Place Preference in
Japanese Quail
Alexandria Coffin& Emma Ridener
74. Grinding vs Cutting: Which Method Yields a Higher Cortisol Concentration from Polar
Bear Hair
Catherine Cox & Brent White
75. Exploring the Warburg Effect in Transition Metal Complexes
Roma Desai
76. Research Journals in Colonial Spanish La Florida
Joseph Falcon
77. Synthesis of platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands
Max Gordinier
Oral Presentations
10
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT A GLANCE
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Atrium of Young Hall
78. Synthesis and Anti-inflammatory Behavior of Ru(II) NSAID Complexes
Temiloluwa Haastrup & Sean Gilpatrick
79. Sustainable Energy Storage Alternatives
Gavin Holt
80. Colonization Dynamics of Dams and Development
Anna Impellitteri
81. Synthesis and Light Studies of Organic Semiconductors
Hoang Le & Jack Rodes
82. Sexy, Tasty, and Fly: The Effects of Mating on Bitter Taste Detection in Female
Drosophila
Landy Lin
83. Creating a New Model for Estimating Glacial Thickness
Tanner May
84. "Almost, Maine" Scenic Design
Madalyn Mead
85. Environmental Influences on Zoo Elephant Stereotypic Behavior Rates
Kate Pilcher & Caroline Schoenig
Oral Presentations
11
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
Oral Presentations
12
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
1. A Hard Pill to Swallow: Gender Bias in Medical School
Emma Mitmesser & Sloan Reding
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
While medicine has traditionally been a male-dominated field, women have overtaken the
profession and are now the majority of medical students. Despite the rise in female medical
students, gender discrimination and sexual harassment continue to be prevalent in medical
training. This presentation examines gender bias within medical schools and the effects of
gender discrimination and sexual harassment on female medical students, specifically how
these experiences shape residency preferences and career choices. We found that women
are not evaluated as favorably as their male counterparts, and instances of sexual assault
and harassment towards female students increase throughout the duration of their medical
training. Residency and career path choices appear to be influenced by instances of
gendered discrimination and sexual harassment.
2. Girls Just Wanna Be Represented: An Investigation of Sexism in Medical Education
Presenter
Ellie Griffin, Rachel Jennings, & Josie Thacker
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Ideally, medical and scientific materials should be unbiased and neutral to social pressures.
Unfortunately, medical students’ education materials are not free of sexism. Research
shows that men appear significantly more than women in medical educational materials in
both words and images. Furthermore, male physicians are represented as more capable,
responsible, and gifted than female physicians. Research also shows that such genderbiased representations have consequences for the education of future physicians, current
physicians’ perception of their own skills, patients’ attitudes towards medicine, and many
other facets of the medical industry. We took a concentrated look at representation of
women and men in medical texts, training videos, and other materials. We also examined
the implications of, consequences of, and potential solutions for this often-overlooked
issue.
3. America's Persistent Plague: Racism in Medical School
Hunter Jennings & Luisana Alvarez
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
We do not often think of medical school and race together, but research shows that the
teaching of “race-based medicine” (RBM) in medical school can have very negative
consequences. RBM characterizes race as an essential, biological variable, so that race plays
a role in diagnosis, treatment, and medication, too often leading to inadequate care and
reinforcement of the health disparities affecting US minorities. The erroneous application of
race in medicine is not a new phenomenon. A multitude of antiquated ideas have been used
in medical education, some going back centuries and still persisting today. For example,
“Black people have thicker skin than Whites” and “Black people tolerate pain better than
Whites.” It should be the goal of medical institutions to teach the errors of race-based
medicine in favor of race conscious medicine.
Oral Presentations
13
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
4. Racism in Medical Textbook Imagery: The Hidden Curriculum
Will Ahrens, Grace Stafford, & Courtney Warren
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
We discuss the lack of racial and skin tone variation in medical textbooks. While the
underrepresentation of racial minorities in medical literature imagery is well-known,
few realize that there is also underrepresentation based on skin tone alone. Within each
racial group lies a spectrum of skin tones from light to dark, and darker skin tones within
races are underrepresented. Racial and skin tone discrepancies are most commonly
seen in dermatology textbooks, but also appear in other specialties, such as urology.
Skin tone representation is a vital component for treatment and diagnosis. For example,
there are major visual differences, depending on skin color, in the malignant skin lesions
associated with skin cancer. Medical textbooks inadequately equip doctors to diagnose
and treat people with darker skin regardless of their racial identity. Learning to diagnose
exclusively on lighter skin tones can lead to misdiagnosis and unhelpful treatments for
those with darker skin.
5. Business, Environment, and Innovation: A Central Kentucky Case Study
Adonis Logan
Mentor: Anthony Margida, CentreWorks
Through using the Human-Centered Approach (HCA) and guidance from CentreWorks, I
self-designed a project that transferred the theoretical lessons learned in the class into
real-world applications. I interviewed 30+ varied businesses within the central Kentucky
region to identify how environmental questions impact innovation in their respective
business models. By focusing on the social and economical components of the business,
I found that regardless of the industry similar themes of environmental stewardship
were prominent. My research aims to showcase how choosing the environmentally
beneficial decision can have numerous benefits beyond simply saving a tree or installing
a solar panel.
6. Determinants of Birth Weight in the United States
Stephen Rout
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
A growing body of evidence suggests that birthweight may be an important predictor of
many future life outcomes, including income, IQ, and a variety of health conditions. This
paper uses the CDC's vital statistics records, which record every birth in the US in 2018,
to develop a linear regression model for birth weight. While incomplete, the model
provides strong statistical evidence for the impact of several measurable factors on birth
weight. It finds the most impactful determinant to be the plurality of the pregnancy,
with the sex of the child, the gestation time, and the marital status of the mother
following. While all factors in the model are highly statistically significant, the model
suffers from considerable omitted variable bias, and so does not provide a complete
view of the determinants of birth weight.
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7. Determinants of Movie Box Office Revenue
Ezra Sanford
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
Using Ordinary Least Squares, I estimated the determinants of movie box office revenue
for a sample of 150 movies released in theaters from 2018-2019, before COVID-19.
Independent variables included budget, number of actors with Oscars, runtime,
production studio, genre, IMDB rating, MPAA rating, number of awards nominations,
whether it was a sequel, and whether it was released around a holiday. Movies released
in holiday seasons and/or have actors with previous Oscars are not factors in revenue.
On the other hand, the budget, studio, runtime, genre, IMDB rating, MPAA rating, if it
was a sequel, and the number of award nominations all had a noticeable significance on
the model. The variable with the largest impact seemed to be IMDB rating.
Action/adventure and drama genres were shown to have a negative correlation with
revenue.
8. Blue City, Red Suburbs
Dr. Beau Weston
Why the "bourgeois bohemian" knowledge class favors the dense, walkable, mixed-use
neighborhoods, while the corporate class likes the subdivision. Based on my book,
Between Bohemia and Suburbia: Boburbia in the USA.
9. Determinants of Wins in Major League Baseball
Trentin Dupper
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Economics
The rise of advanced statistics, commonly called sabermetrics, in Major League Baseball
has allowed front offices to better evaluate player production and output which in turn
leads to more victories for their teams. With the multitude of sabermetrics available, it
is often difficult to properly assess which ones are the most direct determinants of wins.
This paper found that there are, indeed, certain sabermetrics that have a statistically
significant effect on victories for Major League Baseball teams. A production function
was used with wins being the output and pitching, fielding, and hitting sabermetrics as
the inputs. To account for unobservable changes in strategies of managers and players,
a Chow test was performed to test if the production function has changed over the tenyear span. The panel dataset was collected from baseball-reference.com and included
data for every MLB team from 2008-2017.
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10. Evaluation of Pacing Strategies for Long-Distance Running Races
Audrey Becker
Mentor: Dr. Jeff Heath, Mathematics
Coaches are constantly seeking new techniques to help their athletes improve, but one
tool remains underused: sports analytics. Each of Centre's varsity sports offers a variety
of data that, when translated correctly, can reveal valuable patterns about how the
most successful athletes perform. This project is an analysis of the ideal pacing
strategies for cross-country races. Python scripts were written to extract NCAA runners'
split times at certain points of their races from results websites. The athletes in each
race were separated into quintiles based on finishing time, and for each quintile, the
athletes' mean pace per kilometer at various intervals of the race was compared to their
overall mean pace per kilometer. The data indicates that faster runners started their
races relatively slower than the runners in the bottom quintiles but sped up more at the
end of the races. This suggests that a more conservative approach to pacing longdistance races would help athletes run faster.
11. Gender and the Olympic Games
Connor Foster
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, Anthropology
This paper addresses gender within the sphere of international sports and how
gendered practices inform international relations. Sports and international politics have
historically been categorized as masculine. Therefore, patterns of masculinity shape
policies that control inclusion in these arenas. This paper is divided into three sections,
the first being an overview of the history of gender inclusion and exclusion in the
Olympics. The second section explores differences in gendered cultural expectations
and how this impacts nations' participation in the Games, including how gendered
policies of participation provide ways to protest and advocate for human rights. The
final section introduces recent developments in policy, specifically regarding
transgender athletes. The goal of this paper is to identify how women and non-binary
people have been excluded due to prevailing narratives of hegemonic masculinity,
providing a deeper understanding for how power is maintained through gender.
12. Models for Successful Aging in a Central Kentucky Assisted Living Facility
Carter Baughman, Presley Chirico, Caroline Dahl, Emmy Greene, Ellie Griffin, Piper
Hensley, Santiago Lebron De la Paz, Kanbe Mao, Audrey Marshall, John Walker Phelps,
Mia Tomillo, & Lorelei Watson
Mentor: Dr. Jamie Shenton, Anthropology
This roundtable will present the ongoing research of students in ANT 301: Qualitative
Field Methods. During the spring, students are partnering with an assisted living facility
in Danville, KY. This research aims to understand various dimensions of successful aging
within the context of this assisted living facility. What are the models for aging our
society has developed, and in what ways do they represent (or not) the lived
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experiences of the elderly in this Danville community of seniors? Students are exploring
these questions in a variety of ways: gendered experiences of aging; social versus
medical models for aging; independence and interdependence; activities; among
others.
13. Feminism & Food Sovereignty
Maddy Jenkins
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies & Anthropology
This research explores the development and intersectional nature of food sovereignty
and female-identifying farmers in Central American agricultural systems from the past
several decades up to the present. While food accessibility is a common phrase used in
conversations and literature surrounding food justice, hunger, etc., food sovereignty
critiques this concept by challenging us to consider the value of autonomy over
complacency in an industrialized agricultural system. In the context of female identities,
which are varied and diverse by nature, food sovereignty puts into question the
gendered nature of land ownership, representation in agricultural settings, and hard
work. By using existing literature, government research, and conversations with female
identifying farmers, growers, and producers, I analyze the gendered barriers to food
sovereignty in Central America and potentially beyond, allowing for a better
understanding of how to promote equity in agricultural spaces.
14. French Identity, Cuisine, and Immigration
Carolyn Calvert-Grimes
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
In this presentation, I explain a few of the cultural impacts that immigration has had on
traditional French cuisine and how the French conceptualize their cuisine. The chapter,
“Le Biftek et les Frites,” in the book Mythologies by Roland Barthes explains the idea of
steak as a symbol of true French cuisine to the point of certain foods being a symbol of
French nationalism. The film, Tazzeka, represents the struggles of immigrants in France,
particularly related to conceptualizing and blending their own culinary backgrounds in
traditional French restaurants. By analyzing these two pieces of work, I demonstrate the
slowly changing mindset of the French and how this echoes some of the struggles that
immigrants face in France.
15. Comparative analysis of disability culture in France and the United States: School and
workplace acceptance and accessibility
Megan Peskoe
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Disability is a word steeped in negativity and stigma for able-bodied people. However,
for the disabled community, it is a word that describes part of who they are and comes
with a rich culture. In this presentation, delivered in French, I will explore the different
perceptions of disability in both France and the United States as well as their impacts on
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disability cultures in these two countries. Focusing on the stigmas and accommodations
seen in the workplace and schools surrounding disabled people allows one to see the
big picture of disability culture in the United States and France. By looking at articles,
podcasts, government statistics, and policies, I will reveal how the law impacts how
disability is viewed in the workplace and at school, and therefore how those differences
result in differing cultures surrounding disability and within the disabled communities.
16. Creativity, Mindfulness, and Justice in Study Abroad
Laura Chinchilla
In Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World, Anu Taranath explores how
the idea of global citizenship intersects with questions of identity and power: how do we
navigate the language barriers or economic disparities we encounter? How do we stay
present through the difficulties and awkwardness? In this presentation I’ll discuss how
the pedagogical work of comics artist Lynda Barry helped students make sense of the
challenges of studying abroad through a creative practice that embodies what Taranath
calls “mindful travel.”
17. Persépolis: Innocence and the Experience of the Iranian Revolution
Amber Edwards
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Memoirs are used to explore moments of one’s life that were difficult and often
traumatic, to present a new perspective or a more comprehensive view into a period of
an individual’s life. Personal narratives lend themselves to discourse on the region or
historical context of that individual’s life, as access to diverse and inclusive narratives is
the only way to create a complete image of any historical event, particularly of times of
immense cultural transition. Through the medium of « bandes dessinées » or graphic
novel, Persépolis by Marjane Satrapi brings her experiences as a young child during the
Iranian Revolution to life. Intentionally naïve and childlike illustrations and subjects are
laid out in a context of political unrest and looming danger for herself and her family,
allowing a memoir of a complex period to be palatable to a wider audience. Satrapi
utilizes this genre and medium to explore the implications of growing up as a young girl
during the Iranian Revolution and to break Western misconceptions of the revolution
itself. In French, I will present an overview of the context and Satrapi’s style before
focusing on the theme of innocence using specific panels from the first volume of
Persépolis.
18. Evolving Salome: Strategies of Autonomy for France's New Women
Nicole Wood
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
From the Bible to the stage, the character of Salome has captivated the imagination of
artists since her debut into the Western world. For 19th century France, Salome became
a figure through which artists could engage in topics concerning their nation's imperial
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mission and grapple with the rising tide of women's rights and sexual liberation. This
research surveys major fictional depictions of Salome to gain a better understanding of
how her femininity evolves in its representation and function throughout 19th century
France. It also draws from works in postcolonial theory and gender studies to situate the
biblical Salome in an imperial and secular context as a modern composite of France's
New Woman. This research aims to show that, though confined to the male imperial
gaze, representations of Salome and her femininity tend towards a more humanizing
and autonomous picture at the close of the 19th century.
19. Viajes afro-indigenas: La indentidad en la poesia de Alan Pelaez Lopez
Veronica Valente
Mentor: Dr. Satty Flaherty-Echeverría, Spanish
Este artículo examinará cómo el libro de poesía Intergalactic Travels: Tales of a Fugitive
Alien y, por extensión, Alan Pelaez Lopez, su autor, forza a que los lectores dejen la
neutralidad que permite ciclos de violencia transnacionales contra a los grupos
marginalizados y decidan entre complicidad al genocidio o la destrucción del estado
colonial. Por medio de un análisis del libro, este trabajo intenta averiguar por qué Pelaez
Lopez llega a tal conclusión. Se investigan cuatro preguntas: 1. ¿Quién exactamente es
Alan Pelaez Lopez y cuáles son sus motivos para escribir? 2. ¿Cuál es la forma del libro y
cuál es la relación entre tema y forma? 3. ¿Cómo se deconstruye la latinidad y con qué
se la reemplaza? 4. ¿Por qué el autor cree que las personas que actualmente existen a
los márgenes de la sociedad capitalista tienen que luchar por la destrucción de ella?
20. Politics, Division, and Maya Obsidian: Exploring political change through lithics at
Nixtun-Ch'ich', Guatemala
Hannah Di Domenico
Mentor: Dr. Nathan Meissner, Anthropology
Recent excavations in the Peten Lakes region of Guatemala have revealed important
information regarding the rise of Maya factionalism dating to the Early Postclassic
(1000-1250 C.E.) and Late Postclassic periods (1250-1525 C.E.). Although researchers
have worked extensively to understand local Maya ethnopolities including the Kowoj
and Itza, attention has shifted to a lesser-known subgroup known as the Chak’an Itza
who emerged late in the region’s history. This study explores temporal changes
associated with obsidian lithic technology beginning at the late facet of the Early
Postclassic Period to the Late Postclassic at the site of Nixtun-Ch’ich’, Guatemala. Both
artifact morphology and sourcing data from portable x-ray fluorescence are utilized to
reveal significant changes in obsidian use over time, likely reflecting major political and
economic shifts in the region. Through an analysis of obsidian materials in the
subregion, hypotheses regarding Early Postclassic and Late Postclassic cultural change
may be proposed.
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21. Mathematically Modeling Tumor Growth
Ranjing Zhang & Huong Tran
Mentor: Dr. Ellen Swanson, Mathematics
Cancer is a dangerous disease that humans, even in the new modern era, still have to
face and constantly search for treatments. With that concern in mind, we focus on
predicting the growth of tumors by building a mathematical model that is a system of
ordinary differential equations. We fit the model based on pre-existing data and explore
the growth of the tumor through simulation. We examine the effect of the HER2 protein
on cancer growth.
22. Medical Racism Within Black Women's Birth and Pregnancy Experiences
Lola Duff
Mentor: Dr. Kiyona Brewster, Sociology
The YWCA defines Medical Racism as, the systematic and wide-spread racism against
people of color within the medical system. It includes both the racism in our society that
makes Black people less healthy, the disparity in health coverage by race, and the biases
held by healthcare workers against people of color in their career (Bronson 2020). There
are many aspects of society that play a part in medical racism and also there are many
people affected by this discrimination. Because of this I asked the question, how do
medical biases and medical racism affect women of color's birth and pregnancy
experiences? In this study I will look specifically at medical racism and biases as it
pertains to pregnancy, pre and postnatal care, and birth.
23. Primary Mathematics Pedagogy at the Intersection of Education Reform, Policy, and
Culture: Comparative Insights from Ghana, Singapore, and the US
Princess Allotey, Mathematical Sciences PhD Student at Carnegie Mellon University
Sarah Murray, Associate Professor of Education and Mathematics at Centre College
This session outlines a collaborative research project on mathematics pedagogy and
teacher preparation in Ghana, the US, and Singapore including the influence of
education reform, policy and culture. Developing an awareness of common pedagogical
practices in the Ghanaian, Singaporean, and American primary mathematics education
systems will be discussed. It also examines the viability of cross-cultural transfer of best
practices. A justification is provided for the focus on Ghana, Singapore, and the US with
an emphasis on their mathematics performance, language diversity, student
mathematics interests, and teacher preparation methods. Questionnaires were used to
gather data from three elementary and three middle schools in three counties in
Kentucky, and three primary public schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana. In
Singapore, a field research design was adopted where one author traveled to Singapore
and observed in and out-of-classroom instruction in a primary school. Overall findings
from the data collection will be shared.
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24. SARS-CoV-2 Computational Drug Development
Sam Biggerstaff
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Muzyka, Chemistry
Since the end of 2019, the virus SARS-CoV-2, also known as Covid 19, has permeated
throughout the cultural, political, and medical fields of nearly every country. This project
analyses millions of small molecules that could inhibit the viral nonstructural protein 12
(NSP 12). The NSP 12 is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that replicates its RNA in a
cell to infect it. Interrupting this function should inhibit the virus from replicating within
the body and would decrease the severity of the virus's effects in patients. The small
molecules, which are obtained from the ZINC protein data bank, are analyzed using
computer software (Chimera) and docked to the NSP 12 (PyRx). The resulting binding
affinities are recorded, and the molecules with the best binding affinities are analyzed in
Chimera to determine which molecules would act as the best inhibitors of the NSP 12.
25. Energy Dissipation in Reflecting Internal Waves
Yichen Guo, Luke Payne, & Michael Allshouse, Northeastern University
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
Our research is focused on determining the energy flux of an internal wave from the
experimentally measured velocity field and was made possible by the work of Lee et al.
This method is used in our work to measure the amount of energy dissipated as internal
waves reflect from sloping boundaries by comparing the incoming energy flux to the
outgoing energy flux through a surface near to the reflection region. We also use
numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations in the Boussinesq limit where the
energy flux is known from the pressure and velocity fields. There is good agreement
between our experimental and numerical simulation data, and we find that there are
high rates of energy dissipation during reflection process. We also find that there is a
wave reflected back from the boundary towards the generation site.
26. Macroscopic, Low Reynolds Number Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The three link swimmer is a model proposed by E.M. Purcell [1] as the simplest swimmer
that can move in low Reynolds number environments. This swimmer has been of
interest for decades and recent developments in geometric mechanics predict the net
translation and rotation of a three-link swimmer for a given gait. We seek to test the
theoretical model developed by Hatton and Choset in 2013 [2] using a macroscopic
three-link swimmer in a highly viscous fluid so that the Reynolds number is much less
than one.
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27. Bear Cortisol: Using Hair to Evaluate Physiological Changes in Zoo Bears
Cameron Coulter
Mentor: Dr. Brent White, Behavioral Neuroscience
Climate change has resulted in the listing of polar bears as an endangered species. The
sea ice environment that polar bears inhabit has been diminished by global warming
and there is a need to understand the impact of this threat on the bear population. Hair
sampling is used to track nutrients, hormones, and toxins. However, there is little direct
information on how hormones in hair reflect internal physiological changes. Research
with zoo bears can be used to bridge this gap as hair and feces can be regularly sampled.
The Louisville Zoo collects daily fecal samples from their bears to provide a history of
their cortisol secretion. We assay hair samples for cortisol and these concentrations are
correlated with the bear's recent history of fecal cortisol metabolites to evaluate bear
stress levels. Our goal is to understand the relationship between hair cortisol and the
dynamics of internal cortisol changes.
28. Assessing the swimming efficiency of bacteria using robotic models
Bruce Rodenborn, Asha Ari, Alexandra Boardman, Hoa Nguyen†, & Orin Shindell†
Swimming bacteria experience water in a very different way than experienced in our
daily lives, and it is comparable to a human trying to swim in honey! When near a
boundary, the forces and torques exerted by the fluid increase rapidly, which we believe
confers advantage in the evolution of bacterial bodies and flagella because some
geometries are more efficient. Numerical simulations of such swimming bacteria often
use parameters without precise connection to real-world experiments because bacterial
measurements are difficult and include large uncertainties. Thus, we use dynamically
similar, laboratory-scale experiments to optimize our numerical model of a swimming
bacterium by measuring the torque on rotating cylinders and rotating helices at various
distances from a boundary. This technique allows us to extract accurate predictions of
forces and torques from the model and to assess various measures of swimming
efficiency and whether they predict the evolution of bacterial body and flagellum
shapes. (Also see poster by Asha Ari.)
†Trinity University in San Antonio
29. Examining the Diversification of the U.S. School Curriculum from Four Angles
Kemmara Bailey, Sarah Hail, Alaina Ratanapool, & Priscilla Rosing
Mentor: Dr. Ellen Prusinski, Education
Despite its assumed neutrality, school curriculum is often reflective of questions
communities have regarding their values, their priorities, and various controversies. In
recent years, debates regarding diversity, identity, and social justice have impacted
curricular choices and, therefore, students and teachers as well. Moreover, school
populations are affected by what is and is not included in curriculum. With this in mind,
we argue that the U.S. school curriculum should work to create a sense of belonging in
the classroom through the inclusion of accurate representations of diverse
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communities. Literature, in particular, should promote empathy and encourage
inclusion by disrupting harmful stereotypes and biases. Individually, Priscilla explores
the ways in which Christian-based literature can illuminate diverse voices. Sarah argues
the need for LGBTQ resources. Kemmara examines Critical Race Theory in relation to
Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. L. Lastly, Alaina discusses the challenges that Advanced
Placement (AP) courses pose for high school teachers.
30. Sexism in Sports: The Female Athlete’s Experience
Grace Headly & Frankie Rice
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Our presentation concerns the most common manifestations of sexism toward female
athletes. We will explain how these manifestations—assumption of inferiority, sexual
objectification, and restrictive gender roles—have biological, cognitive, emotional, and
behavioral consequences. In particular, we examined how sexual objectification
presents in body commentary and uniform policies. Research indicates that all female
body types are subject to sexist commentary. Additionally, women’s uniforms are
generally tight and revealing, which emphasizes women’s bodies over their skills and
athleticism. Female athletes also have an increased risk for endocrinological,
immunological, and cardiovascular diseases, and athletic performance suffers if an
athlete’s attention is directed toward discrimination instead of the sport. Finally, recent
findings indicate that female athletes experience increased negative body image and
risk for eating disorders.
31. The Mental Game: Mental Health and Burnout in Athletes
Ian Hubbs & Peyton Patel
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Although there is no evidence that athletes are at a higher risk for mental health issues
than non-athletes, athletes do tend to perceive help-seeking for mental illness as more
stigmatized. According to the research, this higher level of perceived stigma is a
significant barrier to help-seeking in athletes, and often puts them in situations where
they cannot or are not willing to get the help they need. Gender has also been shown to
be a factor in help-seeking with men being less likely to seek help than women. Neglect
of mental health issues can lead athletes to experience sport burnout, a condition which
involves physical/emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inadequacy within
their sport. Burnout can be prevented or aggravated by the attitudes of coaches and
teammates, and by the general atmosphere in and around the team. Research shows
that the right combination of these factors (supportive teammates, motivational
coaches, etc.) puts athletes in the best position to succeed and makes them least likely
to experience burnout.
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32. Transgender Athletes: Fair Play Parts I & II
Bella Estes & Lily Andersen
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
The recent rise in transgender athletes’ participation in sports, particularly transgender
female athletes’, has sparked controversy at nearly all levels and divisions, from the
middle school field to the Olympic ranks. Little biological or psychological research has
been done on the complexities involved in transgender athlete participation, which led
us to consider related research on sex-based differences in athletic performance, and
the effects of testosterone on the human body, both important components of
transgender athletes’ role in sports. The exploration of these topics can help inform our
next steps as a society. There is no simple solution, but we can attempt to balance
fairness, inclusion, and safety through policies, rules, and regulations. Decisions on who
is eligible to compete in sports and who is not needs to be made by looking through
several different lenses.
33. Why Everyone Should be a Lesbian: Misperceptions about HIV Risk
Mykol Hamilton
Professor Hamilton will discuss her research, past and present, on people’s
misunderstandings of who is at high risk of sexual transmission of HIV and why. Some of
the confusion is due to a lack of understanding of how HIV is transmitted, and some is
due to good old-fashioned homophobia. The original research by published in 1986.
Students Sklyar Strunk, Kay Young, and Ellie Bailey are working with Dr. Hamilton on
replicating the studies 35 years later, largely because people are still just as baffled and
befuzzled about HIV transmission.
34. War Crimes vs. the Greater Harm in the Cameroonian Anglophone Crisis
Megan Peskoe
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
Through an analysis of texts by Eyal Weizman and Makau Mutua, I will summarize
contemporary theory on the interconnected nature of International Humanitarian Law,
and explore how neo-colonialism, the media, and present-day humanitarian
organizations shape and alter the ongoing conflict in Cameroon. The Anglophone Crisis
began as a post-colonial linguistic debate between the minority population formerly
colonized by Britain and the majority formerly colonized by France. While this conflict
remained minor for most of the country's history since 2016 it has escalated to a war of
secession.
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35. "Lawfare" in Ukraine: Russia's Use of Cluster Munitions, Thermobaric Weapons, and
Civilian Warnings
Dylan Beers
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
Eyal Weizman defines lawfare as the ability of great powers to act on the margins of
what is legal under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and push the boundaries of
legal permissibility. My research shows the ways in which lawfare has been utilized by
Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Specifically, the use of cluster munitions, thermobaric
weapons, and civilian warnings as instances of Russia operating on the margins of
legality, thereby helping to shape the future of IHL. Lawfare helps to contextualize
Russia's actions relative to that of other great powers in past conflicts.
36. Jury Selection: Interrogation or Conversation?
Mia Breitenstein
Mentor: Dr. Mykol Hamilton, Psychology
Voir dire is an integral part of jury selection but is poorly used, and therefore an
inaccurate gauge of juror bias. Current questioning techniques feel like interrogations
rather than conversations. Additionally, judges rarely allow sufficient time for
questioning, so they cannot make informed strikes for cause, nor can attorneys make
informed “peremptory strikes.” Extended voir dire (EVD) involves more time, improved
question wording, and removal of legal jargon. Research shows that EVD helps judges
and attorneys make better decisions by eliciting candid discussions of juror experiences.
In our study, we survey jury-eligible people around the US, using videotaped questioning
in an online survey. There are two conditions: the standard questioning vs. EVD
questioning. Results could provide evidence that the current voir dire process is in dire
need of reform and that the extra time required is a small price to pay for uncovering
true, predictive biases.
37. Civilian Ambiguity in the Raid on Osama bin Laden's Compound
Annalise Weedman
Mentor: Dr. Dina Badie, International Studies
In this paper, I discuss the concepts of civilian ambiguity and social ambiguity and how
these concepts apply to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in 2011. I argue that
when we analyze the Navy SEAL raid through the lens of civilian ambiguity, we are able
to see how complicated civilian status can be in asynchronous warfare. I examine the
treatment of bin Laden's family after he was killed. Bin Laden's wives' civilian status was
ambiguous because though they never held a combatant role, they still were spouses to
bin Laden. Moreover, several of them were directly involved in strategic discussions and
helped to shape bin Laden's public image. However, despite being detained for their
relationship with bin Laden, they were deported because they broke Pakistani
immigration laws, not because of the military activities. This case study yields nuanced
ideas of how civilian ambiguity can manifest itself in multiple ways.
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38. Pulse of ASMR: A study of physiological reaction to Autonomous Sensory Meridian
Response
Will Leonberger
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
While it is a relatively new field when it comes to physiological research, the few studies
dedicated to measuring the phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
(ASMR) show promising results. Research indicates that exposure to ASMR can reduce
heart rate in as little as three minutes of exposure compared to a control. Yet, further
research is needed to help back up prior results. We went a step further and
investigated whether impedance cardiology has any specific reactions to the ASMR
stimuli. While previous research has used both male and female artists in their studies,
none have done cross-gender examination. Therefore, this novel ASMR study looks at
impedance cardiology in reaction to an ASMR audio session and also looks at differences
in the performer's gender when it comes to heart rates as well.
39. Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on the stress response in Long-Evans rats
Matthew Kowalski & Pranay Mupparaju
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Chronic stress is correlated with many negative health outcomes, and it would be
beneficial to alleviate associated ailments. Stress responses are partially dependent on
the state of the gut microbiome and its communication with the brain. It has been
suggested that healthier guts can improve stress responses. Rodents have also been
shown to respond well to probiotics, specifically many strains of Lactobacillus. Subjects
in the study will be given a dose of powder probiotic mixed with a vehicle solution.
Following the dosage schedule, each subject will have their stress response measured
via respiration. Carbon dioxide output will be used to determine the time it takes for a
subject to recover. It is hypothesized that the experimental group will demonstrate a
more effective stress response and carbon dioxide out. Results could guide future
research, which may focus on gut microbiomes in humans.
40. Effects of Indoor Live Plant Presence on Physiological and Psychological Markers of
Stress and Mood
Amanda Morgan
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Godlaski, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
A growing body of research has demonstrated the physiological and psychological
benefits of viewing natural landscapes, including reduced physiological stress, increased
parasympathetic nervous system activity, and improved mood states. More specifically,
visual stimulation of foliage plants induces psychological relaxation as indicated by
measures of prefrontal cortex activity and mood state profiles. These findings extend to
the distinction between live and artificial plants, in which the live plants produce more
relaxed and comfortable feelings than the artificial alternative. Additionally, indoor
plant exposure may improve performance on tasks involving attention capacity.
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Explanations for these effects have ranged from an evolutionary preference for natural
environments to the release of organic compounds called phytoncide by plants and
trees. This experiment assesses the effects of indoor live plant exposure on mood,
physical health, self-reported relaxation.
41. Science informed ways to improve your grades. A talk for students and teachers
KatieAnn Skogsberg
Have you ever looked at an exam question and thought “Oh! I just read this!” but you
can’t remember the answer? Have you ever had to do an assignment that was like
something you did in class, but different enough that you just don’t know where or how
to start? Dr. Skogsberg will introduce what cognitive science researchers have learned
about the best ways to learn the material so that you can both recall and use it. This talk
is for students who want to be better students, and for instructors who want to learn
how to help their students be better learners. (Based on material from the book
“Understanding how we Learn” by the Learning Scientists, Yana Weinstein, Megan
Sumeracki, and Oliver Caviglioli).
42. DNA Binding Behavior of Transition Metal Polypyridyl Complexes
Ella Aponte
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
The DNA binding behavior of ruthenium (II) and iron (II) polypyridyl complexes were
studied for their potential to induce DNA damage. A DNA binding constant assay using
UV-Vis spectroscopy was developed and modified to be high-throughput using a plate
reader. Significant troubleshooting took place to determine efficient ratios of metal
complex to DNA to give adequate change in absorbance upon binding. The results for
the metal complexes tested thus far are consistent with the DNA binding constants
reported in the literature. Currently, complexes are being tested for singlet oxygen
production levels. Future studies include analyzing singlet oxygen results alongside the
collected binding constant data and further development of a DNA damage assay using
gel electrophoresis.
43. Gold Nanoparticles for Selective Anticancer Drug Delivery
Caleb Akers, Micai Benford, Gracie Fitzgerald, Cole Hilt, & Daniel Low
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Scott, Chemistry
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have potential as chemotherapy drug delivery systems due
to their dynamic nature. Specifically, they are small, inert to the human body, able to be
modified via a Au-S bond and visualized via MRI or X-ray. To establish the feasibility to
selectively deliver multiple payloads, specific double-stranded DNA was attached to the
surface of the AuNP with a Au-S bond and used to load the anti-cancer drugs
mithramycin (MTM) and doxorubicin (DOX). Both a heating block and near IR (NIR) laser
were used to demonstrate the tunable release of the drugs. The release of both
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fluorophore tagged DNA and the anticancer drugs were monitored by observing the
fluorescence emission before and after exposure to heat or NIR irradiation. The results
of these experiments demonstrate the potential for AuNPs to be used as a tunable
delivery method for chemotherapy drugs as a targeted treatment with less side effects.
44. Effects of Hofmeister Series Salts on Hydrogen Bonding
Sheridan Wagner
Mentor: Dr. Kristen Fulfer, Chemistry
The Hofmeister series is an ordering of ions based on their ability to impact protein
solubility. The mechanism behind this Hofmeister effect is not currently known,
however, it has been proposed that the salts may interfere with the hydrogen bonding
network within aqueous solutions causing protein stabilization or destabilization. We
utilized a methyl acetate probe to simulate the hydrogen bonding that occurs between
the carbonyl of a peptide bond and water. To examine the strength of this hydrogen
bonding, FTIR data for various salt solutions was collected at a range of temperatures
and evaluated using Beer's Law to calculate the associated enthalpy and entropy values.
A Python script was created to efficiently sort through data and create graphs with the
goal of observing potential trends linking the Hofmeister series with changes in
hydrogen bonding.
45. Paintings Fade Like Flowers’: Analysis and Digital Reconstruction of Vincent van
Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two Figures.
Jeff Fieberg
A technical art historical investigation of Vincent van Gogh’s Undergrowth with Two
Figures (Cincinnati Art Museum) was undertaken in the Conservation Science Laboratory
at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields). Significant changes have occurred
to Undergrowth with Two Figures since Van Gogh first painted it. X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) spectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy were used to investigate these
changes to produce a digital reconstruction of the painting.
46. Comparative study of the Korean film Parasite, and Henri George-Clouzot's Le Salaire
de la Peur
Juheung Kim
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udaya, French
The ingenuity of Henri George Clouzot redefined and catapulted the French thriller
genre into cinema that goes beyond eliciting fear to exploring sociocultural complexity.
His works, "Le Salaire de la Peur," introduced how a film became capable of criticizing
problems in our society and drawing the public's attention to the social fear that people
of a particular period or present generation would have sensed during their lifetime.
Joon-Ho Bong, a South Korean film director, followed the style that Henri George
Clouzot developed a few decades earlier. His film, "Parasite," which earned the Oscars in
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2020, is a prominent example that succeeded in adopting and developing Clouzot's
cinematic style in a different time and context. Joon-Ho Bong uses the analytical lens of
critical pessimism to evoke not merely the fear and anxieties that accompany mundane
social interactions but also points to the socio-economic reasons that undergird such
tensions.
47. Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir?: An Analysis of Gender in et Dieu...créa
la femme
Matthew Rollo
Mentor: Susmitha Udayan, French
Did Brigitte Bardot break Simone de Beauvoir? In a 1959 Esquire essay titled "Brigitte
Bardot and the Lolita syndrome," de Beauvoir examines the polarizing popularity of the
French actress, sex-symbol, and icon Brigitte Bardot. Essentially, de Beauvoir argues that
Bardot exists in a state of "emancipation", or liberation from both the eternal feminine
and conventional moral judgment of right-or-wrong. To support her arguments, de
Beauvoir discusses a few of Bardot's films, such as et Dieu...créa la femme. I am
interested in interrogating to what extent my own analysis of this film challenges de
Beauvoir's claim that Bardot is an emancipated woman. Based on my own analysis and a
synthesis of other scholars' opinions on de Beauvoir's essay, I argue that in et Dieu...créa
la femme, the camera focuses on and objectifies Bardot's body. She is not an
emancipated woman, but rather a more-or-less a traditional sex-symbol.
48. Jules Verne's Literary Technologies: Precursor to Modernity
Roby Mullins
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
This presentation, delivered in French, explores the importance of industrial era
literature in the development of new technology and modern society through an
examination of Vingt Mille Lieues sous la Mer, Terre a la lune, and Robur-le-Conquérant
multiple books written by Jules Verne. Through a historical analysis of these texts, I
demonstrate how modern technologies such as the helicopter, submarine, and lunar
module drew their inspiration from inventions proposed by Verne's works. Jules Verne,
often considered the father of science fiction, created fictional adventures that have
remained very popular into the early twenty-first century. The three technologies that
Verne introduced in Vingt Mille Lieues sous la Mer, Terre a la lune, and Robur-leConquérant Jules Verne demonstrate his influence on the development of our modern
world.
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49. Chahdortt Djavann's Bas Les Voiles! and the Headscarf Polemic in France
Caroline Lancaster
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
Veiling practices have long been at the center of debates in France. Immigrant women
feel especially targeted by France's notions towards veiling because wearing a veil in
France has completely different meanings than wearing a veil in a primarily Muslim
country. By using Bas Les Voiles! by Chahdortt Djavann I will present the dialogue
between what it means to veil in France and what it means to veil in the novel according
to Djavann. Having lived in Iran for the majority of her childhood, Djavann eventually
immigrated to France. Her already impassioned sentiments towards the violence the
veil imposes grew stronger when she immigrated because she felt as though the veil
was used for violence against women there, too. My research will present the
complexities of the hijab which are outlined in Bas Les Voiles!. This research is designed
to discuss different representations of the veil and to ultimately create space for Muslim
women's voices to be heard and valued.
50. Gendered Nature of Climate Change Politics
Zee Oddo
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, Anthropology
This paper focuses on the gendered nature of international climate change research and
politics. First, it is argued how the consequences of global warming are often portrayed
in a way that presents vulnerable populations through a feminized lens. This in turn
promotes a masculinized response to climate change, strengthening pre-existing
gendered stereotypes surrounding science and technological innovation. The resulting
international political environment surrounding climate change can be characterized as
one dominated by competition between often conflicting trends in changing
masculinities. The most obvious of these trends has been a masculinization of
environmentalism on the highest political stages as hegemonic masculinities evolve in
response to generational priorities. The consequences of gendered notions surrounding
climate change will have a profound impact on who is included and excluded in the
response to global warming, and who will participate in its aftermath.
51. Filipino Incels: Diffusion and Translation of Misogynist Incel & Male Supremacist
Ideologies in the Philippines
Joshua Daniel Sto Domingo
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Ebin, Politics
The continued growth of misogynistic incels online and offline has led to new fields of
study regarding their behavior and survival. However, almost all current research seeks
to understand the anthropological landscape of misogynistic incels. Therefore, this
literature review engages with the popular portrayal of and academic theories about
misogynistic incels to locate a specific lacuna in the scholarship. I conclude that existing
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literature has fallen short in explaining how and why the violent intersection of sexual
resentment and entitlement translates to other sociocultural contexts. Furthermore, at
the end of my literature review, I suggest a research design moving forward with
qualitative discourse analysis as my methodology and the Philippines as the country of
interest to fill the gap in our understanding regarding the transnational diffusion of such
virulent dogma.
52. Baseline data establishment for the effects of invasive shrubs on tree canopy
Isaac Flores-Saldana
Mentor: Dr. Brian Hoven, Biology
This study established baseline data for canopy tree (10 cm Diameter at breast height)
(DBH) cover at five sites in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky following the removal of
invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate).
At each site, within two control and two treatment plots, all canopy trees were
measured and identified to species at the plot level (400 m2), following protocol in
Hoven et al. (2017). (Site classification based on canopy tree basal area (BA) and identity
were assessed following protocol in Hoven et al. (in review). Canopy tree site
characteristics of interest include dominant species, shade tolerance, waterlogging
tolerance, richness, and diversity. Baseline data will inform future research on invasive
shrub removal effects on canopy tree responses.
53. Shrub Response and Seedling Recruitment Following Invasive Species Removal
Kate Pilcher
Mentor: Dr. Brian Hoven, Biology
This study examines shrub response and seedling recruitment at five sites in the
Kentucky Bluegrass Region following the removal of invasive Amur honeysuckle
(Lonicera maackii) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate). Sampling occurred at two
treatment plots (invasives removed) and two control plots at each site. Recruitment of
woody seedlings (20-100 cm) during the 2021 growing season were sampled at four
established micro-plots in each plot. Recruitment sampling of woody seedlings followed
Hoven et al. (2017), including measuring seedling height and identification to genus or
species when possible. Comparisons with a two-tailed unpaired t-test examining shrub
cover and seedling recruitment will occur between control and treatment plots.
Responses include native and invasive seedling recruitment abundance and diversity as
well as shrub native and invasive shrub cover and diversity. Results will inform
management of short-term woody plant community responses to secondary invasions.
54. Daybreak - A Symphonic Poem
Sam Biggerstaff
Mentor: Dr. Larry Bitensky, Music
A symphonic poem is a piece of orchestral music that depicts the content of some
nonmusical medium, landscape, or event. Daybreak is a symphonic poem composed by
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Sam Biggerstaff inspired by the sights and sounds of Charleston, South Carolina.
Throughout this piece, you will hear depictions of birds, sunrises, hurricanes, beaches,
and more.
55. Video Game Research & Development using Unreal Engine 4
Gus Crow & Josh West
Mentor: Dr. Michael Bradshaw, Computer Science
The aim of this research and development was to design and implement a fully
functional demonstration of the game, Arcane Architect, including the game mechanics,
animations, artificial intelligence (AI) object interaction, and graphical user interface.
This research is a continuation of previous research performed in the summer of 2019
and 2021, and as such refactors existing game components while adding new
functionality. We have focused our efforts on polishing the animation system allowing it
to be more extensible and easy to use in the future. Additionally, we have spent time
thoughtfully designing and implementing new elements of the graphical user interface
that create new possibilities for the player to interact with the game. Furthermore, we
expanded and improved the arsenal of placeable objects for AI character interaction.
Finally, this experience allowed for the further exploration of software development and
the relevant team building skills required.
56. Collaborative Artistic Reflections on Identity Positions in the US Civil War and Beyond
Liyuan Dai & Olivia Marcum
Mentor: Dr. Peter Haffner, Art History
Our presentation focuses on our contributions to and perspectives on the collaborative
artwork Civil War 2022, made with Grissom Artist-in-Residence Edouard Duval-Carrié.
“Civil War 2022” was a months-long endeavor involving students, faculty, and staff from
the entire Centre community. Each creative participant reflected on their complicated
and often personal connections to the American Civil War. In our discussion, we address
each of our pieces in terms of the research and inspirations that informed our
photographic collages and/or glass works. The collages that we created examine our
personal connections to the people involved in the Civil War and our reflection upon the
legacies of racism that have persisted long after the war's end. Ultimately, we engage in
larger conversations about the unrecognized role of Asian-American soldiers in the Civil
War, and white women's complicity in the enslavement of Black people.
57. Collaborative Process and Teaching as Research: Reflections on the 2021-22 Grissom
Artist in Residency
Peter Haffner
The collaborative art project created under the direction of Edouard Duval-Carrié,
Centre’s 2021-22 Grissom Artist in Residence, were not only an opportunity for Centre’s
community to work together to explore a common theme, but an opportunity to pose
research questions relevant to my own fields of study. Through my experiences as
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Duval-Carrié’s campus liaison, as well as the CentreTerm course that he and I co-taught,
I was able to extend my own art-historical research that engages with issues of
transcultural visual languages, historical manifestations of systemic racial inequalities,
and how collaborative art making can be an embodied process in which memory is
interrogated and deconstructed.
58. What Does Institutionalizing Comprehensive Sex Education Look Like on Campus?
Anukriti Kunwar & Lorena Bonet Velazquez
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Patrick, History
Our CTIP (Creative Thinking Immersive Program) research from summer 2021, focused
on addressing the gaps that exist within the current sex-ed curriculum in the US, which
is largely focused on reproduction, abstinence and STDs. Students enter college lacking
knowledge about boundaries, consent and pleasure communication. This leads to an
increased risk of sexual violence perpetration or victimization. There is a need for
institutionalized comprehensive, pleasure focused sex-ed that helps students make
better informed decisions about their sexual lives, regardless of whether they choose to
engage in abstinence, partnered sex, or however else they define their sexual wellbeing. Our close to two years of sexual health promotion work focuses on making sexual
health information and resources more accessible. We will be focusing on the
curriculum development and workshop planning skills we have gained from CTIP and
how we are currently using them to institutionalize comprehensive sex-ed at Centre.
59. Love According to Montaigne
Catherine Hallman
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
The Greeks defined love into eight categories ranging from familial love (storge) to
sexual passion (eros) and everything in between. The need to define the undefinable, in
this instance love, is almost as innate as the need to be loved. To investigate this
phenomenon of connection, I turned to the famous French philosopher and essayist,
Montaigne. What did he have to say about love and relationships? I chose to narrow
and examine his meditations to three of the eight Greek categories of love: storge,
philia, and eros. By reading various other sources of research on Montaigne's works to
studying two essays themselves, I plan to uncover how a philosopher of the 16th
century makes sense of unseeable attachments of love and how it is still relevant today.
This presentation will be entirely presented in French.
60. LGBTQ+ Representation
Morgan Wilson
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies & Gender Studies
How can Centre College create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+
undergraduate community within its academic institutions? Through an exploration of
queer representation across different majors, my research focuses on answering the
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following questions: (1) Does the amount of representation of the LGBTQIA+ students
impact their choices of academic major? (2) Is there a disproportionate amount of
LGBTQIA+ students in a certain area of study at Centre College? This information will
contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment through representation,
highlighting existing strengths and weaknesses across different majors at Centre
College.
61. Impact of Support Systems on Gender Diverse Individuals
Emily Doyle & Sarah Glenn Insko
Mentor: Dr. Jan Wertz, Psychology
The transgender/gender diverse (TGD) population is currently at the forefront of our
social climate involving civil rights. The nonacceptance of TGD individuals in our society
sometimes leads to violence, discrimination, mental health challenges, and lack of social
support. This research is investigating social support of individuals in the TGD
community. Specifically, this study examines how TGD individuals have received support
throughout their lives in social, familial, and clinical settings. Past research states that
family acceptance is among the most important factors in TGD individuals leading a
higher quality life, experiencing lower depressive symptoms, and reducing psychological
distress. Our study includes a combination of already existing surveys to examine the
support systems TGD individuals have utilized.
62. Promoting Explicit Awareness for Implicit Bias
Azana Williams
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Goetz, Psychology
The purpose of this research is to make people aware of their implicit biases through
different racial association tasks. Since biases negatively affect groups that are already
marginalized, we wanted to explore/analyze if education and confrontation on implicit
bias limit these biases. In a 2 x 2 between subjects design, participants were given an
implicit association task then received education on implicit bias, followed by a series of
bias and stereotype questionnaires. In addition to education, researchers measured
internal and external motivations as a means to gauge how likely it is participants would
control their biases.
63. Popular Culture's impact on Development of Masculinities in Asia
LiAnna Steffen
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies and Anthropology
Of the many studies that have been done in relation to masculinities and their
development, many have been conducted in the Western context, analyzing Western
ideals and their impacts. This can be most seen in the context of the United States
because of its powerful sphere of influence and its idea of Hegemonic Masculinity
greatly differs compared to other parts of the world. Perhaps the Hegemonic
masculinity in most stark contrast to the United States is the idea of masculinity in East
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Asian cultures. One of the reasons why masculinities in East Asia and the West are so
different is because of the difference in various ideas of popular culture that impact
each region differently. This paper will explore how popular culture, with strong regional
presence as well as globalizing influence, impacts the creation of these hegemonic
masculinities and identities in East Asia in comparison to those in the West.
64. Reproductive Health & Sexualities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Megan Coomes
Mentor: Dr. Chelsea Cutright, International Studies and Anthropology
To explore Sub-Saharan African Reproductive Health, I will begin by analyzing the ways
in which public health, international studies, and gender are related. After setting up
this framework, I will examine specific examples in Sub-Saharan Africa of sexuality and
reproductive health and how they connect to our broader understandings of
international studies and gender.
65. Reflections on Fieldwork, Youth NGOs, and Volunteering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Chelsea Cutright
In 2019, during eight months of ethnographic fieldwork in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I
explored the volunteering practices of local youth through interviews and participant
observation with two of the city’s many youth-led NGOs. This presentation will consist
of some reflections on my fieldwork experience and a summary of my research findings.
Those findings include what it means for an organization in Tanzania to be “youth-led,”
the different motivations for Tanzanian youth to volunteer, and the innovative
organizational work being produced by these youth-led NGOs in Dar es Salaam. This
work highlights the agency and creativity Tanzanian youth are leveraging to improve
their positions in a difficult environment of high unemployment and limited
opportunities.
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66. Three-link Swimmer
Zaid Ahmed & RJ Smith
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The three link swimmer is a model proposed by E.M. Purcell [1] as the simplest swimmer
that can move in low Reynolds number environments. This swimmer has been of
interest for decades and recent developments in geometric mechanics predict the net
translation and rotation of a three-link swimmer for a given gait. We seek to test the
theoretical model developed by Hatton and Choset in 2013 [2] using a macroscopic
three-link swimmer in a highly viscous fluid so that the Reynolds number is much less
than one.
67. An Insight into the Binding of Novel Ruthenium Complexes with DNA
Ramsey Amoudi
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have been studied extensively based on their
unique biomolecular interactions with DNA and anticancer properties. Different
polypyridyl ligands attached give ruthenium complexes various binding properties with
DNA. Using DNA dyes, the DNA binding modes of Ru(bpy)2phen, Ru(bpy)2dppz, and
Ru(bpy)3 were assessed. Ru(bpy)2phen minor groove binds at low concentrations but
intercalates at high concentrations, whereas Ru(bpy)3 displayed less grove binding and
more electrostatic binding. Ru(bpy)2dppz minor groove binds, however, the dppz ligand
should intercalate. These results demonstrate that the three ruthenium compounds
tested have diverse DNA binding modes. This research opens up a potential therapeutic
direction to design novel ruthenium compounds that specifically target cancer cells.
68. Robotic Models of Swimming Bacteria
Asha Ari
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
The swimming of microorganisms is typically studied using biological experiments
and/or numerical simulations. However, numerical simulations of microorganisms are
often not compared to precise measurements because of the difficulty of making
microscopic measurements of forces and torques in biological experiments, which are
typically ~ 10 μm. Instead, our research group uses robotic models that are about 10 cm
in size and match the Reynolds number of swimming microorganisms by using highly
viscous silicone oil that is 100,000 times more viscous than water. We can then measure
the forces and torques more easily and scale the results from our dynamically similar
experiments to biologically relevant sizes. We have used our experiments to calibrate
the method images for regularized Stokeslets and found excellent agreement between
our data for both cylinders and helices. Our results also have confirmed the theory of
Jeffrey and Onishi (1981) for the torque on a cylinder near a plane wall.
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69. Preserve Management at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Porter Anderson
Mentor: Dr. Brett Werner, Environmental Studies
A hands-on internship at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a three-thousand-acre property
filled with bustling diversity and history. This learning experience taught skills involving
invasive species identification and removal, general plant identification, trail
maintenance, trail cam set up, and other preserve/land management skills. It also gave a
behind-the-scenes look into the aspects that go into managing a preserve such as
upkeep costs and seasonal budgeting. Along with learning about the ecosystems on the
property knowledge of the Shakers and the history of the land were also taught.
70. Ant Foraging: Collective Decision-Making
William Baughman
Mentor: Dr. Mark Galatowitsch, Biology
Foraging is a vital activity for ants to provide the food resources necessary to sustain the
colony superorganism. Ants foraging is of particular interest because ants rely on
chemical rather than visual cues. I investigated the rate Lasius ant colonies discover food
sources and exploit them. Colonies were excavated on the Centre Campus to establish
artificial nests. In the lab these nests were connected to bifurcated tubing leading to
two smaller foraging arenas. At three-day intervals workers from each colony were
given a choice between two arenas containing food or water. In another experiment, an
acid threat signal was added to pathways. The number of ants accessing each arena
over a 30-minute period following food discovery was recorded. The majority of
colonies favored arenas containing food, though this preference was not statistically
significant. These results suggest limitations on resource identification exist,
complicating efforts to utilize food sources.
71. Ambassador Sloth: Can "good for the species" also be good for the individual?
Mason Boone
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Burns-Cusato, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Over 75% of zoos globally offer visitors opportunities to interact one-on-one with
Animal Ambassadors, presumably increasing connectedness with the species and
environment. Such human-animal interactions (HAI) also have the potential to be either
distressing or enriching to the animal. Thus, the World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums recommends regular evaluation for any effects of HAIs. In the present study,
we evaluate the effects of HAIs on the Louisville Zoo's Linnaeus's two-toed sloth
(Choloepus didactylus). During a “Sloth Experience’, zoo visitors approach and pet the
back of the sloth being trainer fed. A random sample of sloth encounters and control
feeding sessions were camera-recorded to determine visitors' effect on the latency
and/or duration of feeding and the proportion of time on the associated branch.
Preliminary analysis indicates no effect on branch avoidance or feeding, and
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combination with salvatory cortisol measurements is expected to further reveal any
effects.
72. What do we really see? Measuring real-world visual attention
Kennedy Cline, Cameron Coulter, Christina Jeffers, & Alex Wright
Mentor: Dr. Drew Morris, Psychology
Eye-tracking projects have been explored in the field of psychology; however most
previous research has typically used one stimulus. The purpose of this project is to see
how individual differences, including age, can impact the ways we use our vision. What
makes our research unique from previous projects is we are analyzing data from an
entire art gallery so we can apply our findings to a real-world setting. Eight participants
(four younger adults under the age of 24 and four older adults over the age of 60) were
given fifteen minutes to explore an art gallery consisting of many pieces, they were
given no directions as far as what to look for when exploring the area. We used special
eye-tracking software to analyze the participants' data. We captured frames and
determined Areas of Interest (AOI) for each participant based on their eye-tracking
videos. Data analysis is ongoing.
73. Examining the Role of Estrogen (E2) and Cocaine in Conditioned Place Preference in
Japanese Quail
Alexandria Coffin & Emma Ridener
Mentor: Dr. Karin Gill, Behavioral Neuroscience
The conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm is a reliable and widely accepted
measure of drug reward. From prior studies, cocaine has been shown to cause a
conditioned place preference in female Japanese quail. However, the role that estrogen
(E2) plays in this conditioning process has not been thoroughly explored. The present
study investigated if the administration of tamoxifen, an E2 receptor blocking drug,
would prevent the development of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in
female Japanese quail. Findings from this study could provide further explanation of the
role of estrogen and E2 receptors in cocaine-induced addiction behaviors.
74. Grinding vs Cutting: Which Method Yields a Higher Cortisol Concentration from Polar
Bear Hair
Catherine Cox & Brent White
Mentor: Dr. Brent White, Psychology
Hair sampling is now a common means of evaluating the well-being of wild mammals,
including polar and grizzly bears. Hair can be obtained with minimal disturbance of the
animal, and it provides a record of hormones, nutrients and toxins that covers weeks or
months in the life of the bear. Some researchers prepare the hair by grinding it into a
powder and others cut the hair into short pieces before extracting the compounds of
interest. To determine which method is better, we compared cutting and grinding of
polar bear hair and found that grinding consistently yielded significantly higher cortisol
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concentrations. This is an important evaluation because it improves the ways in which
hormones and toxins can be studied in wild and zoo bears, where blood samples are
difficult to obtain.
75. Exploring the Warburg Effect in Transition Metal Complexes
Roma Desai
Mentor: Dr. Erin Wachter, Chemistry
Ruthenium polypyridyl and other coordination complexes have exhibited light-activated
anticancer activity through binding with DNA, but have shown toxicity in the absence of
light. To reduce off-target side effects, the Warburg Effect was exploited. Transition
metal complexes of ruthenium with the 5-thioglucose-1,10-phenanthroline ligand were
synthesized. The structure and properties of these complexes were examined using UVVis spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To test the
complexes for off-target effects, acetylcholinesterase assays were conducted.
76. Research Journals in Colonial Spanish La Florida
Joseph Falcon
Mentor: Dr. Nate Meissner, Anthropology
Inspired by the book Enduring Conquests, Rethinking the Archaeology of Resistance to
Spanish Colonialism in the Americas, this collection of creative student research
journaling focuses on a journey through La Florida to view the impacts of European
colonialism in the New World. Little attention has been given to Native American
worldviews, thus, this journal seeks to highlight reassessed analyses through
postcolonial theory, material culture, and original visual drawings from visits to several
archaeological sites. This work intends to challenge our idea of research as a rigidly
systematic discipline and should be presented as such, and instead focuses on how
research studies are often creative endeavors themselves. Through means of notetaking and compiling drawn and pasted imagery and artifacts, viewers can visualize and
apply the concepts mentioned, bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront.
77. Synthesis of platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands
Max Gordinier
Mentor: Dr. Karin Young, Chemistry
Synthesis of a novel aluminum-platinum complex bound by a linker and ligands could
yield a new, modifiable polymerization catalyst. To synthesize the complex, platinum
must be bound to a phosphine-phosphine oxide linker. Treatment of Pt(bpy)Cl2 with
dppeO yielded platinum (II) complexes with phosphine-phosphine oxide ligands. Novel
methods have yielded several products. Experimental data produced methods to
synthesize one desired product. Synthesis of this product is an important step in
building a new, tunable, ethylene polymerization catalyst.
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
78. Synthesis and Anti-inflammatory Behavior of Ru(II) NSAID Complexes
Temiloluwa Haastrup & Sean Gilpatrick
Mentor: Dr. Erin Watcher, Chemistry
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective due to their ability to
inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. Ruthenium(II) complexes, due to facile ligand
exchange, have been recent candidates for anticancer metallochemotheraputics. Arene
ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesized and a variety of NSAID ligands were attached
to the ruthenium center. Results showed that the benzene derivative was highly
insoluble. In attempts to increase solubility, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes
containing NSAIDs will be synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory abilities.
79. Sustainable Energy Storage Alternatives
Gavin Holt
Mentor: Dr. Kristen Fulfer, Chemistry
Sustainable energy storage alternatives will require more diverse electrolytes and
electrodes. Magnesium and zinc ions have both similar charges and radii making them
both physically and chemically interesting. For these reasons, zinc and magnesium ion
based electrolytes are being researched. Geometry optimizations and coordinate scans
of these electrolytes were computed using the Morgan Computing Cluster on the
supercomputer at the University of Kentucky. We have optimized the geometries of the
electrolyte using magnesium and are analyzing the ion-dipole interaction strength. The
future of our research will be dedicated to adding solvent molecules to the geometries
and optimizing them to simulate a variety of more complex solvation shells for each
metal ion.
80. Colonization Dynamics of Dams and Development
Anna Impellitteri
Mentor: Dr. Brett Werner, Environmental Studies
This poster presentation will be a comprehensive overview of dam and water
development projects as weapons of colonization, using China's development project on
the Mekong River and the Klamath Hydroelectric Project in Oregon as case studies. The
poster will give an overview of colonization and settler colonialism dynamics in the
United States and Southeast Asia before introducing the specific hydropolitics and
socioeconomic ramifications of dams and development on the Klamath and Mekong
Rivers, respectively. It will place specific emphasis on historical power dynamics, cultural
impacts, and the disruption of land relationships caused by hydroelectric projects in
order to distinguish them as tools of colonization and oppression of Indigenous
peoples.
Oral Presentations
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Poster Presentations
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
81. Synthesis and Light Studies of Organic Semiconductors
Hoang Le & Jack Rodes
Mentor: Dr. Vanessa Song, Chemistry
Organic semiconductors play a significant role in modern electronic devices such as solar
panels and smartphone displays. Organic semiconductors are becoming increasingly
popular to commercialize because the synthesis process is affordable, light in weight,
and abundant. Many organic semiconductors consist of compounds with conjugated πbonds that achieve aromaticity. Extended aromatic molecular systems allow electrons
to delocalize within the molecule and its ordered crystalline structure, which gives the
material its semiconducting properties. A common building block for organic
semiconductor synthesis is pentacene. The stacking of pentacene molecules is often
referred to as herringbone packing and adding different substituents in the peripositions allows the molecule to become fully conjugated. The synthesis of organic
semiconductor triisopropylsilyl ethynyl (TIPS) pentacene was conducted. Additionally,
the synthesis of anthradithiophene was conducted.
82. Sexy, Tasty, and Fly: The Effects of Mating on Bitter Taste Detection in Female
Drosophila
Landy Lin
Mentor: Dr. Genevieve Bell, Behavioral Neuroscience
The Drosophila melanogaster's reproductive circuit plays a critical role in their gustatory
processing. Female Drosophila undergo mating-induced appetite changes. Sweet and
salty foods are naturally preferred, but mated female flies seek yeast-rich foods for egglaying. However, the relationship between bitter tastants and this complex post-mating
circuit has been overlooked. The proposed study aims to elucidate this connection by
observing how mating impacts bitter tastant detection in female Drosophila. Herein, we
will compare mated versus virgin female flies in their detection of a bitter tastant
(quinine) using a proboscis extension response (PER) assay. We hypothesize that mated
flies will be more sensitive to the detection of quinine than virgin flies. This study will
expand upon the relationship between sensory systems and reproductive circuits across
insect species.
83. Creating a New Model for Estimating Glacial Thickness
Tanner May
Mentor: Dr. Bruce Rodenborn, Physics
How thick are the world's glaciers? Outside of very sparse ground penetrating radar
(GPR) measurements, little is known about most glaciers' thicknesses and underlying
terrain. Now, satellites are increasingly providing accurate maps of surface properties
and how these change over time. Existing methods ingest rates of ice thickness change,
velocity, and surface mass balance into the continuity equation to estimate ice thickness
and bed topography. However, accurate surface mass balance and velocity data are
rarely available in complex heterogeneous glaciers. This perfect plastic approximation-
Oral Presentations
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
based method uses increasingly readily available digital elevation models (DEMs) to
infer ice thickness and bed topography for any glacier so long as there exists two usable
DEMs of it at different points in time. Knowing glacial thickness can help humanity
model, predict, and counteract climate change while providing insight into Earth's everevolving geomorphology and terrestrial ice dynamics.
84. "Almost, Maine" Scenic Design
Madalyn Mead
Mentor: Matthew Hallock, Theater
I will be presenting my scenic design for Centre Theater's spring production of "Almost,
Maine" by John Cariani. This show is set in rural Maine and calls for a rustic, wintery,
and loved scenery, thus I incorporated repurposed materials such as Dean Goldey's
former fence wood. "Almost, Maine" tells the complications, quirks, and laughs that
come from many different forms of love through nine scenes with different characters
in each.
85. Environmental Influences on Zoo Elephant Stereotypic Behavior Rates
Kate Pilcher & Caroline Schoenig
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Cusato, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
The study examined a stereotypic, head-bobbing behavior in a female Asian elephant
(Elephas maximus) at the Louisville Zoo. Stereotypic behavior is common in managed
care and is hypothesized to reflect an anticipatory state or a state of compromised
welfare, which includes lack of stimulation or stress. To understand the influences
behind this behavior, video footage was collected of the subject and her environment
for 8 hours daily over 30 consecutive days. The footage was coded using ObserverXT
software and a Chi-Square test will be used to determine the correlation of various
event sequences, such as nearby elephant behavior and zookeeper actions, with
stereotypic behavior expression. The results will be used to offer insight into elephant
stereotypic behavior and to better understand welfare in managed animal care.
86. Hijabisation as Disrution: The Graffiti of Princess Hijab in Paris
Hijabisation en tant que disruption: Le Graffiti de Princess Hijab en Paris
Sabah Rainey
Mentor: Dr. Susmitha Udayan, French
As France's Muslim population has increased over the 21st century, and will likely
continue to grow, tensions concerning the assimilation of Muslims in France have risen.
To this end, the French government has attempted to control how Muslim women can
appear in public through regulating the hijab in the name of laïcité. This presentation
discusses how the work of the Parisian graffiti artist Princess Hijab interrogates how
public space affects social and cultural norms. Princess Hijab draws black niqbas over
advertisements in Parisian subways, a process she refers to as “hijabisation.” Her use of
the veil as a symbol extends beyond protesting the laws against hijabs, but challenges
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS ABSTRACTS
social and cultural norms of public visibility and invisibility. She is particularly concerned
with how capitalism affects understandings of how women ought to be. I explore these
intersections through analyzing some of her works. This presentation in entirely in
French.
Oral Presentations
43
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
2022 RICE SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE
Karin Gill
Karoline Manny
Judith Keiser
Genevieve Bell
Satty Flaherty-Echeverría
Kristin Fulfer
Mary Girard
Mei Li Inouye
Alicia Juncos
Nate Meissner
Drew Morris
Andrew Patrick
Gina Robidoux
Bruce Rodenborn
RICE Symposium Co-chair
RICE Symposium Co-chair
AEGON Gallery Coordinator
Visiting Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Digital Scholarship Librarian
Assistant Professor of Chinese
Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish
Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Associate Director of Experiential Learning
Welcome Centre Coordinator
Associate Professor Physics
Chair of Combined Engineering Program
CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Nisha Gupta
Kristi Burch
Lisa Curlis
Andrew Patrick
Todd Sheene
Candace Wentz
Oral Presentations
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Academic Technology Specialist
Office Manager
Associate Director of Experiential Learning
Event and Video Production Coordinator
Assistant Director of CTL
Instructional Technology and Design Coordinator
44
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
INDEX
Ahmed, Zaid - 26, 66
Ahrens, Will - 4
Akers, Caleb - 43
Allotey, Princess - 23
Allshouse, Michael - 25
Alvarez, Luisana - 3
Amoudi, Ramsey - 67
Andersen, Lily - 32
Anderson, Porter - 69
Aponte, Ella - 42
Ari, Asha – 28, 68
Badie, Dina - 34, 35, 37
Bailey, Kemmara - 29
Baughman, Carter - 12
Baughman, William - 70
Becker, Audrey - 10
Beers, Dylan - 35
Bell, Genevieve - 82
Benford, Micai - 43
Biggerstaff, Sam - 24, 54
Bitensky, Larry – 54
Boardman, Alexandra - 28
Bonet Velazquez, Lorena - 58
Boone, Mason - 71
Bradshaw, Michael - 55
Breitenstein, Mia - 36
Brewster, Kiyona - 22
Burns-Cusato, Melissa - 71, 85
Calvert-Grimes, Carolyn – 14
Chinchilla, Laura - 16
Chirico, Presley - 12
Cline, Kennedy - 72
Coffin, Alexandria -73
Coomes, Megan - 64
Coulter, Cameron - 27, 72
Cox, Catherine - 74
Crow, Gus - 55
Cutright, Chelsea – 11, 13, 50, 60, 63, 64, 65
Dahl, Caroline - 12
Dai, Liyuan - 56
Desai, Roma -75
Di Domenico, Hannah - 20
Oral Presentations
Doyle, Emily - 61
Duff, Loa - 22
Dupper, Trentin - 9
Ebin, Chelsea - 51
Edwards, Amber - 17
Ellen, Swanson - 21
Estes, Bella - 32
Falcon, Joseph -76
Fieberg, Jeff - 45
Fitzgerald, Gracie - 43
Flaherty-Echeverria, Satty - 19
Flores-Saldana, Isaac - 52
Foster, Connor - 11
Fulfer, Kristen - 44, 79
Galatowitsch, Mark - 70
Gill, Karin -73
Gilpatrick, Sean -78
Godlaski, Aaron - 38, 39, 40, 70
Goetz, Jennifer - 62
Gordinier, Max - 77
Greene, Emmy - 12
Griffin, Ellie - 2, 12
Guo, Yichen - 25
Haastrup, Temiloluwa - 78
Haffner, Peter - 56, 57
Hail, Sarah - 29
Hallman, Catherine - 59
Hallock, Matthew - 84
Hamilton, Mykol – 1, 2, 3, 4, 30, 31, 32, 33,
36
Headley, Grace - 30
Heath, Jeff - 10
Hensley, Piper - 12
Hilt, Cole - 43
Holt, Gavin - 79
Hoven, Brian - 52, 53
Hubbs, Ian - 31
Impellitteri, Anna - 80
Insko, Sarah Glenn - 61
Jeffers, Christina -72
Jenkins, Maddy - 13
Jennings, Hunter - 3
45
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
INDEX
Jennings, Rachel - 2
Johnson, Bruce - 6, 7, 9
Kim, Juheung - 46
Kowalski, Matthew - 39
Kunwar, Anukriti - 58
Lancaster, Caroline - 49
Le, Hoang - 81
Lebron De la Paz, Santiago - 12
Leonberger, Will - 38
Lin, Landy - 82
Logan, Adonis - 5
Low, Daniel - 43
Mao, Kanbe - 12
Marcum, Olivia - 56
Margida, Anthony - 5
Marshall, Audrey - 12
May, Tanner - 83
Mead, Madalyn - 84
Meissner, Nathan - 20, 76
Mitmesser, Emma - 1
Morgan, Amanda - 40
Morris, Drew - 72
Mullins, Roby - 48
Mupparaju, Pranay - 39
Murray, Sarah - 23
Muzyka, Jennifer - 24
Nguyen, Hoa - 28
Oddo, Zee - 50
Patel, Peyton - 31
Patrick , Andrew - 58
Payne, Luke - 25
Peskoe, Megan – 15, 34
Phelps, John Walker - 12
Pilcher, Kate – 53, 85
Prusinski, Ellen - 29
Rainey, Sabah - 86
Ratanapool, Alaina - 29
Reding, Sloan - 1
Rice, Frankie - 30
Ridener, Emma - 73
Rodenborn, Bruce – 25, 26, 28, 66, 68, 83
Rodes, Jack - 81
Oral Presentations
Rollo, Matthew - 47
Rosing, Priscilla - 29
Rout, Stephen - 6
Sanford, Ezra - 7
Schoenig, Caroline - 85
Scott, Daniel - 43
Shenton, Jamie - 12
Shindell, Orin - 28
Skogsberg, KatieAnn - 41
Smith, RJ - 26, 66
Song, Vanessa -81
Stafford, Grace - 4
Steffen, LiAnna - 63
Sto Domingo , Joshua Daniel – 51
Swanson, Ellen - 21
Thacker, Josie - 2
Tomillo, Mia - 12
Tran, Huong - 21
Udayan, Susmitha -14, 15, 17, 18, 46, 47,
48, 49, 59, 86
Valente, Veronica - 19
Wacther, Erin - 42, 67, 75, 78
Wagner, Sheridan - 44
Warren, Courtney - 4
Watson, Lorelei - 12
Weedman, Annalise - 37
Werner, Brett - 69, 80
Wertz, Jan - 61
West, Josh - 55
Weston, Beau - 8
White, Brent - 27, 74
Williams, Azana - 62
Wilson, Morgan - 60
Wood, Nicole - 18
Wright, Alex -72
Young, Karin - 77
Zhang, Ranji - 21
46
Poster Presentations
Abstracts
600 West Walnut Street Danville, Kentucky 40422
859-238-5200