Kutztown Undergraduate Research
Committee
Mission
Research
differs from intellectual
exploration in that the goal of
research is to answer specific questions using a rigorous, logically
designed methodology. This
university-wide program is intended to support undergraduate
research by young people who will go on to solve future problems of the
world. We primarily support laboratory or field research, as
well as research projects in the arts
and
humanities, and computer science applications.
Who makes this possible - the people
we thank
Donors to the
Kutztown University
Foundation
The Kutztown University Foundation provided the original spark for this
program as a way to promote excellence in learning at Kutztown
University. Funded soley by altruistic donors, the Foundation
continues to provide 25% of our annual budget. We sincerely thank those of you who donate
to the KU Foundation to support this program!
Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto (our
provost)
Kutztown University's Provost (Dr. Carlos
Vargas-Aburto) is an ardent supporter of undergraduate
research. Dr. Vargas responded to our growing
need by contributing 75% of our annual budget
from his own discretionary budget.
Thank you, Dr. Vargas!
Kutztown University faculty
Directing
undergraduate research is a labor of love. Kutztown University
faculty who do research with undergraduate students do so on their own
time. These projects are strictly
extracurricular! Faculty receive no pay, nor release time
for their efforts - they devote their time to these projects soley for
the benefit of our bright and motivated students. Time devoted to
research with students means involved faculty have less time for other
things in life. KU faculty who guide undergraduate research
deserve thanks for their time and expertise. We thank those faculty for their dedication
to our students and a greater intellectual atmosphere.
Committee members
Science Subcommittee
Kurt Friehauf,
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (geologist) (chair,
secretary, and
webmeister)
Thomas Betts, College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences (chemist)
Robert Ryan, College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences (psychologist)
Fred Esposto,
College of Business (economist)
Kim Shively, College
of
Liberal Arts and Sciences (anthropologist)
Jeff Werner,
College
of Graduate Studies
Humanities and Arts
Subcommittee
Marie-Aline
Cadieux, College of Visual and Performing Arts (cellist)
Jennifer
Forsyth, College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Shakespearian scholar)
Eric Johnson, College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences (historian)
Christine
Zitrides Atiyeh, College of Visual and Performing Arts (art
historian)
Daniel Haxall,
College of Visual and Performing
Arts (art
historian)
Tracy Keyes,
College of Education (early childhood educator)
Where students have travelled
red
squares = scientific conferences
green dots = travel to use analytical
instruments
To which subcommittee should I apply?
Which department are you in?
Recent awards
Lauren
Storm (Geology
working with
Dr. Sarah Tindall -
Feburary 2008) – Syntectonic sedimentation in the East Kaibab monocline:
evidence for the timing of the onset of Laramide deformation in
south-central Utah
The purpose of my research was to
determine whether sediment post or pre-dated two faults in
South-Central Utah eighty to fifty million years ago. We took
precise strike and dip directions and GPS locations for three
transects; north of the faults, between the faults, and south of the
faults. We constructed a cross section for each transect and
mathematically determined the thickness of each rock layer for that
transect. Our data confirmed that sediment is thicker north of
the faults than it is south of the faults, which signifies that
faulting occurred while sediment was being deposited.
(click
here or here
to read my abstract)
(photo: Lauren Storm at fault contact on the Kaibab Monocline,
Utah)
I am a sophomore Geology major at
Kutztown University. I will be continuing my education at
Kutztown University to receive a Bachelor’s degree, along with a minor
in Geography in May 2010. I will be going to graduate school to
attain my Master’s and hopefully my Doctorate degree in
volcanology. The funding awarded to me by the Undergraduate
Research Committee helped me to present research at the Geological
Society of America conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in March, 2008.
Angela Kessler (Biology
working with
Dr. Marilyn Baguinon -
Feburary 2008) – Molecular studies on the phospholipase D enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana
My research focuses on studying the
structure-function relationship of phospholipase D (PLD), an enzyme
responsible for the breakdown of phospholipids in the cell membrane.
This enzyme is involved in many cell processes such as signal
transduction and intracellular transport. Calcium ions are known to
activate and regulate the enzyme the mechanism, however, is not clearly
understood. The objective of my research is to determine which amino
acids are involved in the binding of calcium ions to the enzyme.
This
will be done by mutating the PLD gene from mouse-ear cress, Arabidopsis
thaliana, and then determining the effect of the mutation on calcium
binding.
I am currently a junior at
Kutztown University pursuing a B.S. in Biology (Cell/Molecular
Biology/Microbiology track). After graduation I plan to attend graduate
school, eventually contributing to the advancement of science and the
study of life at the molecular level. Enzymes are an essential part of
cell functioning, and ultimately, of life. It is for this reason that
it is important to study the structure and function of enzymes.
This project gives me an opportunity to hone my laboratory skills and
familiarize myself with fundamental techniques. I want to thank the
Undergraduate Research Committee for awarding me the grant. It is
because of their generosity that I have received this great
opportunity.
Ian Clark (Biochemistry
working with
Dr. Matthew
Junker -
Feburary 2008) – Pseudopolarographic determination of Cd+2, Pb+2,
and Cu+2 complexes found in sewage treatment plant (STP)
effluent
The goal in my research was to identify
metals and the molecules (ligands) they are bound too in sewage
discharge along the Schuylkill River without acidifying the sample like
previous studies. By examining sewage effluents in a natural state we
can accurate quantify the strength of the ligands, along with metal
concentration. Knowing ligands and their binding strengths are
important because different ligands can actually increase toxicity of
metals in the natural environment. With a more complete understanding
the true environmental effects can be determined rather than simply
knowing metal concentrations.
(click
here to read my abstract)
I am a senior biochemistry major
at Kutztown University. This grant allowed me to travel to New Orleans
for the American Chemical Society national meeting to present the
results of our research. Being selected as one of a handful of students
(graduate and undergraduate) across the country to give an oral
presentation was a daunting task. I am extremely thankful to the
Kutztown Undergraduate Research Committee and their contribution to my
research that will allow me to deliver a high quality seminar. After
graduation my plans include a PhD in chemistry focusing on analytical
and materials research.
Carl Faust (Physics working with
Dr. Paul Quinn -
Feburary 2008) – The Examination of the Angle of Repose in a Vertically
Vibrated Container of Granular Materials
The purpose of my research is to be
able to describe how a system of granular particles, such as sand,
moves when it undergoes vertical vibration. This motion is
described by looking at the system's angle of repose, surface shape,
and its precession around the container. Specifically, the angle
of repose was looked at by varying several parameters including: the
amplitude and frequency of vibration, the container size and shape, and
the amount and size of the granular material. For future work,
quantitative relationships must be made for the surface shape and
precession, and the motion must be described theoretically.
(click
here or here
to read my abstract)
I will be graduating in May
2009 with a degree in physics along with a minor in mathematics, and
chemistry. After my time at Kutztown University, I plan on
continuing my education in graduate school to earn my PhD and become a
professor. Thanks to generous donations, I was able to attend the
American Physical Society conference in New Orleans to present my
research.
Lee Graham (Biology
working with
Dr. Angelika Antoni -
Feburary 2008) – Identification of genetic changes in a derived cell line
that responds abnormally to apoptotic cells
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death,
is the normal process by which dysfunctional cells are systematically
broken down by the body. Necrotic cell death, on the other hand,
occurs when cells die from some sort of trauma, such as an
infection. This necrotic type of cell death acts a warning signal
that something is wrong, triggering a strong immune response.
Previous work by Dr. Antoni and her collaborators has suggested that a
problem with cells being able to properly differentiate between
apoptotic and necrotic cells may underlie autoimmunity. With this
research project, I hope to identify protein receptors or signaling
molecules involved in the recognition of apoptotic cells. I will
be comparing mRNA from CHO cells, which undergo distinct changes when
exposed to apoptotic cells, and a mutant CHO line called LR73, which
has lost this response. By identifying mRNA sequences unique to
either line, proteins will be identified that may be involved in this
response.
I am a Biology major on the
Micro/Molecular/Cell track with plans of obtaining a job in medical,
pharmaceutical, or biotechnological research upon graduation. In
particular, my interests lie in immune responses and autoimmunity, so
this research is directly relevant to the field in which I would like
to work. This project will provide me with valuable skills and
knwledge that will help me obtain a job in these fields. I would
like to thank the Kutztown Foundation and the Undergraduate Research
Committee for offering and funding these grants, which truly offer a
great opportunity and experience for Kutztown students.
Sara Lucas (Biology
working with
Dr. Anne Zayaitz
and Dr. Todd Underwood
-
Feburary 2008) – A comparison of pathogenic microbes found in plastic vs.
wooden birdfeeders
My research was designed with a dual
goal. First, to determine whether birdfeeders do in fact harbor
pathogenic microorganisms, and second, to see whether wooden or plastic
feeders provide a better environment for microbial growth. After
a thirty day period, during which observations about weather and bird
species visiting the feeders, testing will be performed to detect the
presence of four known avian pathogens: Salmonella, Aspergillus, Mycoplasma spp., and Trichomonas gallinae.
Methods will include traditional plate culture, the MycoFluor kit
(Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oregon) with fluorescence microscopy,
and the InPouch method for detecting Trichomonads (BioMed Diagnostics,
Santa Clara, California).
I am a senior Biology student at
Kutztown University. Upon graduation I pursue a position in the
microbiology field. I intend to continue my education, attending
graduate school within the next few years. This research is very
important to my future goals, because it allows me the opportunity to
execute an experiment that I have designed, as well as to work on an
interdisciplinary project in microbiology and ecology. I would
like to thank the Undergraduate Research Committee, as well as the
donors of the Kutztown University Foundation for supporting my research.
Jennifer Nagle (Biology
working with
Dr. Cristen Rosch -
Feburary 2008) – A potential link between fetal exposure to the pesticide
DEET and birth effects
Teratogens
are chemical or environmental agents
that cause birth abnormalities in a developing embryo.
Pesticides are an example of teratogens and
have the capability of altering the health and development of an
exposed
embryo. My research project will assess
the effects of the pesticide, Deet, on developing chick embryos. Deet is a widespread pesticide used in many
tick and insect repellants. The
assessment will be done at the physiological level using birth weight,
length,
and skeletal abnormalities as well as at the molecular level by
detecting the
presence of acetylcholinesterase activity in brain tissue and at
neuromuscular
junctions. Due to the number of
pesticides that have been banned by the Environmental Protection
Agency, there
is a need to reassess commonly used pesticides and determine their
affect on
fetal development.
I
am a junior at Kutztown
University
majoring in biology in the pre-professional track.
After graduation in May 2009, I plan on going
to graduate school to become a Physician Assistant and hope to
specialize in
pediatrics. I had the opportunity to
work as a summer intern in research and development at Crayola, and I
really
enjoyed the research aspect of science.
This experience will allow me to conduct my own research and
present my
findings at a professional meeting. I
would like to thank the Kutztown University Undergraduate Research
Committee
for supporting my research project and giving me the opportunity to
enhance my
laboratory and critical thinking skills that I will be able to utilize
in the
future.