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.
The Kutztown University
Foundation funds the program, with help from the Kutztown
University's Provost - Carlos Vargas-Aburto.
Committee members
Kurt Friehauf, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (chair,
secretary, and
webmeister)
Thomas Betts, College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Robert Ryan, College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Jeff Werner,
College
of Graduate Studies
Fred Esposto,
College of Business
Tracy Keyes, College of Education
Marie-Aline
Cadieux, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Cover sheet and proposal guidelines
red
squares = scientific conferences
green dots = travel to use analytical
instruments
Note
to faculty research advisors:
- This program is not
meant to
fund faculty research projects. Please visit the website for the Office of Grants
& Sponsored Projects for help finding bigger funding
opportunities for projects.
- This program is not
meant to fund class projects. Those expenses are the
responsibility of individual departments.
- This program is
mean to fund independent research projects that go beyond
the normal curriculum.
Saved
by the Provost!
When the Provost (Carlos Vargas-Aburto) heard that the budget
supporting undergraduate research was exhausted, he promptly worked to find some
funds to keep the project alive! He succeeded!
As a result, we are once again accepting new research proposals.
Thank you, Dr. Vargas!
Proposal deadlines and meeting dates
Next meeting
for student
proposal presentations - Thursday April xx, 2008 at 11:00 (meeting in Boehm 101)
Deadline
for receipt of
proposals for the April
meeting - Thursday April 3, 2008 at 11:00
News
Recent awards
Alison Koser (Physics working with
Dr. Paul Quinn-
February 2008) – The Transition of Two Dimensional Hard Spheres from Liquid
to Solid Regimes Under Gravity Using the Global Equation of State
There are still many mysteries on how
granular particles (such as sand) move. Because our Earth is composed
of such particles, finding answers is necessary to understanding
earthquakes and other natural phenomena. Our goal is to create a
density profile for a bed of vibrating particles. In other words,
create a graph of density versus height for a bed of vibrating
particles (particles are less dense at top because they are not pressed
down by particles above them). Using empirically created equations by
Stephan Luding, I created a computer program to solve the profile. Now,
using computer simulated data, I fit the graph to each of them. In the
near future, I plan to analyze the graphs to find out more about how
many layers are frozen or move very little.
When I first came to Kutztown, my
professor generously offered to do research with me. It didn’t take me
long to find out how much I love doing research and I now plan to go to
graduate school and do research either at a private institution or
university. The donors for this grant have made it possible for me to
go to a Physics Conference and meet other physicists who are actually
doing what I would like to do. Thank you for an unbelievable experience
and further experience in my career goals.
Lauren
Storm (Geology
working with
Dr. Sarah Tindall -
February 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 -
February 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 -
February 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 -
February 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 -
February 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
-
February 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 -
February 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 repellents. 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.
Ethan Daniels (Biochemistry
working with
Dr. Matt
Junker -
December 2007) – Cloning DIAP1 and HAP1 - the effects of protein-protein
dimerization on apoptosis regulating mechanism
The goal of my research is to
investigate the role of protein-protein dimerization in the regulation
of apoptosis. Apoptosis is programmed cell death, or the natural
process by which the body eliminates damaged cells. A
fusion-protein will be created by joining a foreign protein fragment to
a known apoptosis protein. I will gain insight into the
mechanisms responsible for signaling apoptosis in damaged cells by
studying the properties of the new protein. The new protein will
be synthesized using PCR, restriction digests, ligations, and protein
expression in E. coli. This experiment will help the scientific
community better understand the mechanisms responsible for regulating
apoptosis.
I am a pre-professional
biology student with a minor in biochemistry. Upon graduation I
will be attempting to enter graduate studies at Lehigh
University. I plan to obtain a PhD in a biological related field
(Biotechnology, Biophysics, etc.). This research grant will allow
me to finish my project and will hopefully aid in my acceptance into
graduate studies. Thanks again to the URC for funding which will
allow my research to continue.
James Bowalick (Biochemistry
working with
Dr. Matt
Junker -
December 2007) – The biochemical role of protein self-association in the
regulation of apoptosis
I had the opportunity to carry out a
biochemical research project in the laboratory of Dr. Matthew Junker in
the Department of Physical Sciences at Kutztown University. The
project was entitled “An Investigation into the DNA Binding, and
Dimerization Abilities of the Transcription Factor HAP1, for its use in
Experimentally Controlling Apoptosis”. My project involved
developing a new biochemical technique to control protein
self-association (dimerization), using the transcription factor HAP1,
which self-associates on DNA. The ability of proteins to
self-associate is believed to be important in the inhibition of
apoptosis. Specifically, I tested the DNA binding, and
self-association abilities of HAP1. Using gel filtration
chromatography on an Agilent 1100 HPLC system, I demonstrated that
HAP1-DNA binding, and HAP1-HAP1 self-association was not affected by
the attachment of another protein to specific sequences on HAP1.
This demonstrated that HAP1 could be used to control self-association
of other proteins, but in a different manner than what had been
initially proposed and tested in this project.
My name is James Bowalick. I
am originally from Lancaster Pa. I attended Kutztown University
from 2002 to 2007 and received my B. S. degree in Biology with a minor
in Biochemistry. This grant directly helped me receive my degree
by providing funds for my undergraduate research project, which was
required for the degree. My goal is to acquire a B. S. in
nursing, and ultimately get my master’s degree nursing
anesthesia. I must thank the Kutztown Undergraduate Research
Committee, the Kutztown University Foundation, and its donors for their
generous contribution to my project, without the funds to purchase
necessary materials the project would have not been
completed.
Justin Trupp (Psychology
working with
Dr. James
Jackson -
December 2007) – The preview benefit in visual search
The purpose of this study is to
examine the preview
effect in visual search with older adults. A computer program designed
to
display consistent letter-like shapes with a systematic anomaly (the
target
stimulus) in each observation will be used to measure the accuracy and
timeliness of the participant’s responses. In some of the trials, the
letter-like shapes will be presented a fraction of a second early to
create a
preview period. Participants will have to accurately identify the
target
stimulus in every trial as timely as possible in a minimum of 300
brief, as in
seconds, observations. We predict that the results will display that
older
adults will take longer to accurately identify the target stimulus as
compared
to previous research done using younger and middle-aged participants.
I am a 2004 graduate of Daniel
Boone High School and will be receiving my Bachelors degree in
Industrial/Organizational psychology studies with honors in the fall of
2008
from Kutztown University. I plan on going to graduate
school to receive my PhD in Industrial/Organizational psychology
specializing
in personnel selection or executive coaching. This grant is helping me
achieve
my future goals by funding a portion of the research that I will be
conducting
to display my interests in research and to help assure my acceptance
into a
graduate program. I greatly appreciate the undergraduate research
committee’s
generosity in easing a portion of the financial burden involved with
the
research that I will be conducting. Thank you.
John Burnett (Psychology
working with
Dr. James
Jackson -
December 2007) – The effects
of loci on depression in older adults
John Burnett and his team are
currently conducting research looking at depression in older adults
across different environments. They are using three measures, The
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, The Geriatric Depression Scale, and
The Mini-Mental State Exam. John and his team are going to nursing
homes, assisted living homes, and community dwellings, to interview
older adults. John plans on presenting his findings at the Eastern
Psychological Association conference in Boston.
(click
here to read my abstract)
John Burnett is one of the
lead researchers on The Effects of Loci on Depression in Older Adults
research team. He is guided by James Jackson, PhD., Kutztown
University. He is an excellent student, with a Grade Point Average of
3.81. John has been on the Dean's list for all the semesters he
has attended, and is an Honors Student here at Kutztown, as well as a
member of the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi. His resume also includes the
award of Eagle Scout, as well as numerous other awards for his
leadership and scholastic achievements. He is currently an Executive
Board Member, as well as Treasurer, of the Psychology club at Kutztown
University. John works full time, as a manager at Sears. His goal is to
attend graduate school, to attain a PhD. in Psychology, specifically
gerontology. John would like to thank all the donors of the URC
for their support of his research.
Christine Spotts (Biology working with
Dr. Anne Zayaitz -
April 2007) – Effects of Rhizobium on plant growth and nodule formation
This project was designed to examine
the symbiotic relationship between the bacteria Rhizobium and soybean
plants. It is known that Rhizobium aides plant growth by actively
fixing nitrogen for use by the plant. Varying amounts of Rhizobium
cultures were added to soybean plants as they germinated over a four
week period. The plants were analyzed for overall size, root nodule
formation and the presence of bacteria in the roots. It was found that
there was a significant decrease in plant size and acquisition of
bacteria by the roots in those plants the greatest amount of Rhizobium
applied to the plant. Our project suggests that the timing of the
application of Rhizobium may prove more crucial than the amount applied
during germination.
I am a senior Organismal Biology
major at KU. I hope to use the education and experiences I have gained
here at KU to pursue a Master's Degree in Marine Invertebrate Zoology
and eventually participate in field biology work. The travel funds
awarded to us by the Undergraduate Research Committee allowed us to
present our research project at the Annual Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
University Biologists Meeting where we won the top prize at the
conference. Presenting this research afforded us an opportunity to
compare our educational experiences with the experiences of students
from all over the state, helped prepare us for future research
presentations at scientific meetings, and expanded on our experience
here at Kutztown. We are very grateful for this opportunity and wish to
thank the Undergraduate Research Committee and its donors for their
support and the opportunity to present our research.
David Riese (Geology working with
Dr. Edward
Simpson - April
2007) – Sedimentology and taphonomy of Red
Canyon Ranch Dinosaur quarry, Jurassic
Morrison Formation, Big Horn Basin, Wyoming
The purpose of my research is to
determine the paleoenvironment in north Central Wyoming 145 million
years ago in the Jurassic Period. I attempted to answer this
question by collecting sedimentologic and taphonomic data at a sauropod
dinosaur quarry located at Red Canyon Ranch within the Morrison
Formation. Sedimentary and taphonomic data such as rock
identification, grain size, sedimentary structures, quarry assemblage
data, bone orientations, and bone modifications were collected in the
field. Analysis of the dinosaur quarry data showed that the bones
were deposited in a meandering fluvial deposit. Furthermore the
bones were said to belong to a channel-lag taphonomic mode which
suggests bones were located in the lower part of an erosional channel
feature which are in direct association with coarse clastic material.
I am a senior geology student
graduating in May of 2007. In the fall of 2007, I will attend the
University of Kansas to obtain a Master’s Degree in paleontology.
I hope to later receive a Doctorate’s Degree to teach and conduct
research in paleontology at a University. I would like to thank
the Kutztown University Foundation and the Undergraduate Student
Research Committee for affording me this great opportunity to present
my research. Their generosity will allow me to gain experience in
presenting professional research which I will take with me to graduate
school.
Jon
Bernard (Geology
working with Dr. Edward
Simpson and Dr. Sarah
Tindall - April 2007) – Possible debris flows in
the Upper Cretaceous Capping Sandstone,
Wahweap Formation, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah
Jon studied the characteristics of
100 million year old sandstone deposits in southern Utah to determine
the environment in which the sediment deposited. He and his
advisors concluded some of the sediments were deposited quickly and
subsequently deformed as water trapped between grains escaped
rapidly. They also determined that a second body of sandstone
formed as a mudflow.
I am a senior
Geology major at Kutztown
University
graduating in May 2007. My immediate
plans after graduation are to revisit southern Utah and continue research on the
debris
flow deposits. At the conclusion of the
summer months I plan to join the work force, hopefully being offered a
position
in Alaskan mineral exploration with a gold mining operation out of Spokane, Washington. I would like to thank the Kutztown University
Research Committee for their contribution to my research project,
allowing me to
present my findings to my peers at a professional meeting in St. George, Utah
in May 2007.
Jaclyn Cole
(Fine Arts working
with Prof. Leigh Kane
- April 2007) – Analysis of Focal Point and Scale as it
Impacts Clarity and Visual
Experience in Digital Fine-Art Photography
Today's
consumer digital
cameras have reached unprecedented levels of resolution, lens quality,
and
compact size. This opens up a new world
of opportunity to professional photographers.
Large, expensive, or delicate photographic equipment can be a
burden in
some situations, and a compact, reasonably priced digital camera is
tempting as
a potential tool. However, even after
researching the technical specifications of various models the
viability of
these cameras as professional tools can remain ambiguous.
It is extremely difficult to predict what the
printed image will look like when it has been framed and hung for
display. My research will focus on the
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FX9, an ultra-compact 6-megapixel camera sporting the critically
acclaimed
Leica DC lens. I will produce three
prints, at sizes of 11 x 14 inches, 20 x 30 inches, and 40 x 60 inches,
for
study, review, and critique. These will
be prepared as if they were being sent to an exhibition or gallery, and
will
provide me, along with several photography professionals, with an
opportunity
to review quantitatively the output this camera is capable of producing. My results will be published as a submission
to to JPG Magazine, a publication focusing on digital photography and
the tools
used to create it.
I
am a writer, musician,
aspiring world traveler, and, yes, senior fine arts major graduating in
May
2007. After graduation I will be working
with AmeriCorps in Baltimore before diving into academia and beginning
my
graduate degree in Fall 2008. I will
continue to produce my writing and photographic work, submitting it to
magazines for publication and establishing myself as an artist and
intellectual
in the community. This research will be
a springboard for my writing on photography and an ideal first article
to
submit for publication. It will also
provide me with key knowledge of current photographic tools, which will
be very
useful in attaining my goals to serve the Baltimore City community
beyond
AmeriCorps – I plan to propose youth photography projects in city
schools,
allowing students to document their young lives and see their work
displayed in
local art venues. I want to thank the
Undergraduate Research Committee and the University Foundation for
providing me
with this wonderful opportunity, which will be a great capstone to my
work here
at Kutztown University as well as a first step toward success in my
field.
Ms. Cole published her
work in JPG Magazine - click here to read her
article!
Mary
Kate Schneider
(Political
Science working with Dr. Glenn Richardson)
– Allentown vs.
Kolkata: Inverse Futures?
The paper that I presented seeks to
explore the relationship between levels of prosperity in American
cities built on manufacturing and industry, and foreign cities that
have capitalized on technology and information as the driving force
behind their local economies. The basic premise behind this argument is
that as globalization’s influence is magnified, the significance of
individual localities and their influence over their own fates will be
minimized - this gives rise to the greater question of whether the
demise of the American city is an inevitable consequence of
globalization. My paper focuses on the rise and decline of Allentown,
Pennsylvania, and Kolkata, India during the post-WWII era, and
ultimately finds inverse patterns of prosperity between the two cities.
I am a political science and
psychology double major, with a minor in history. My research interests
fall primarily within the realms of international relations and
comparative politics, with an emphasis on developing nations and
emerging democracies. The generous funding award provided by the
Undergraduate Research Committee made it possible for me to present
research conducted as part of my POL380 senior seminar project at a
national conference—the Midwest Political Science Association’s Annual
Meeting, held in Chicago, IL. I look forward to continuing my Kutztown
University education at the graduate level, and will be completing a
Master’s degree in Political Science at Lehigh University while
applying to PhD programs. I would like to thank the Undergraduate
Research Committee as well as the University Foundation for their
support of student-driven research, and am grateful for their
contribution to my academic development.
Nathaniel
Swartz
(Computer Science
- working with Dr.
Oskars Rieksts -
February 2007) Using
the Arduino open-source physical computer platform to illustrate the
prototyping and creation of autonomous robots for low cost robotics
projects
Everyday new robotics related
products and technology are
produced, and introduced the consumer market. While this technology is
becoming
a part of everyday life, learning about this technology can be a
cumbersome
process. This project which has been nicknamed Robotut, short for
robotics
tutorial, was created to help those with a interest in the field learn
more.
Through the use of inexpensive materials, and the Arduino computing
platform
this project will illustrate how to create simple robots. Documentation
will be
created that is easy to understand and can be used to bring someone in
to the
world of robots.
The leader of
this projects group is Nathaniel Swartz, a
senior computer science major in the software development track.
Nathaniel has
been working with computers and electronics since the age of seven and
loves to
work with technology. Which this project he hopes to share with others
his love
of technology and help spread knowledge about both computing and
robotics. The
money earned in this grant will be used to buy the parts for the robots
which
he and his team will build to demonstrate how simple parts can be used
to build
actual robots. His team consists of Seth Kelchner, Mark Aldrich, Frank
Urbanski, and Nate Kindrew all senior computer science students. We
would all
like to thank the donors and the committee member for their support in
this endeavor.
We hope that with this project others will gain a love of the field of
robotics, and knowledge on how to create robots of their own.
Vincent
Hesener
(Computer Science
- working with Dr.
Oskars Rieksts -
February 2007) Human
detection
I
am exploring the possibility for robots to identify humans and
distinguish them
from other objects. Robots can currently
use face recognition to identify human-like facial qualities, but this
technique has many vulnerabilities. I
intend to use odor sensors and heat sensors combined, in order to
positively
identify a human. This is essential for
robots, which have an ultimate purpose:
to serve human beings.
I am a Computer Science
major at Kutztown University. I transferred to Kutztown from
Northampton Community College and do not regret a
minute of it. I will graduate from
Kutztown in December 2007 and hope to obtain a Master’s degree.
One of my instructors told me I will be able
to take this research project on with me to Graduate School,
and he is absolutely correct. Not only
will this help me in my educational career, but I hope to one day hold
patents
for new ideas in the future. This is
bringing me one step closer to actually manifesting a tangible idea of
my
own. I appreciate the fact that the
Kutztown University Foundation is allowing me to create knowledge and
hope that
I can give Kutztown University something to
be proud of. This grant is allowing me
to purchase equipment needed to perform my research, which otherwise
could not
be financially obtained by myself. Thank
you again to the Foundation.
Matthew
Griffiths (Fine Arts
- working with Prof. Leigh
Kane - February 2007) Comparative
analysis of large scale digital printing processes
The purpose
of my research is to compare and contrast three different large-scale
digital
printing processes. I will be comparing
a traditional chromogenic print to a Giclee print, which is a high
quality
inkjet print, as well as to a duratrans print, which uses a
photographic
printing process that is mounted onto a translucent display material
that can
be lit from behind for exhibition. These
three prints will be printed at 24x48in to fully analyze the visual
impact of
large-scale photography. I will be
noting what each process does well as well as what each is
lacking. Once I more fully understand these
procedures, I will be able to use them creatively and effectively to
communicate as a photographic artist.
I am a senior
fine art major concentrating in
photography. After graduation I plan to
continue creating art and be able to establish myself within the art
community. This grant is very helpful to
me in that it allows me to get a hands-on comparison of these
large-scale
prints. Having the ability to do this
research, I will be able to enter my field with a more competitive edge
in a
hugely demanding field. I would like
thank everyone on the Undergraduate Research Committee and the Kutztown
University Foundation for they’re generosity and for giving me this
opportunity.
Danielle
Stabinsky (Environmental
Chemistry
- working with Dr. Venera Jouraeva - October 2006) Remediation of Heavy
Metal Contaminated Soil Using Apatite II
Apatite II is a waste by-product of the
commercial fishing industry and was treated with a Phosphate Induced
Metal
Stabilization (PIMS) technique. Apatite II was tested for remediation
capabilities of heavy metal contaminated soil collected from The
Wildlife
Information Center in Slatington, PA.
The Center is adjacent to the
Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund site which is the site of an abandoned
zinc
smelter. Eight pots of soil were taken and prepared as untreated (U)
soil and
treated (T) with 8% (w/w) Apatite II. After 6 months the soil was
sequestered
and tested for bioavailability, potential bioavailability, and
residual.
Bioavailables are what can be immediately leached from the soil;
potential
bioavailables are what can be leached from the soil given a change in
the
environment; residuals are what is permanently bound to the soil matrix
and
pose no threat to environment or human health. The treated soil has
been proven
to support vegetative growth (trees and grass) in the previously
defoliated and
sterile soils from this region.
I am a senior
at Kutztown University with majors in
Environmental Geology and Environmental Biology. I also have a minor in
Chemistry, hence the environmental chemistry research project. After
graduation
in Spring 2008 I hope to work for several years with an environmental
consulting firm before attending graduate school. This research has
drastically
increased my desire to do environmental research long term. I am
eternally
grateful to the Kutztown University Research Committee for giving me
the
opportunity to present this research at an international conference in
November
2006 thus enhancing my business skills and confidence.
Timothy
Jenesky (Geology
- working with Dr. Sarah
Tindall - October
2006) Physical Analog
Modeling of Basement Fault Segmentation on the East Kaibab Monocline, UT
The
purpose of my research is to investigate
possible basement fault segmentation under a large fold in the Earth’s
crust
that is located in southern Utah.
Enigmatic bends occur on the fold and are the focus of my
research. Physical analog modeling is
being conducted
in the laboratory to test whether the fault under the large fold is
split into
segments and causing the bends on the fold.
A compressible, stiff plastic sheet has been cut into segments
of
differing orientations and fine-grained sand placed above the sheet. A motor-controlled movable block is being
used to compress the plastic sheet and the overlying sand.
Using these materials, I hope to produce a
model of geologic structures seen in the study area.
I
am a senior geology major attending Kutztown
University. After graduation, I plan on
attending graduate school and obtaining a Master’s Degree in structural
geology. My ultimate goal is to work for
a consulting firm or a petroleum company in order to put my geologic
knowledge
to the test every workday. I would like
to thank the Kutztown University Foundation for their overwhelming
support for
my current geologic research. Their
generosity has allowed me to gain laboratory experience that I can take
with me
to graduate school.
Jennifer
Syzonenko (Biology-
working with Dr. Cristen Rosch - October
2006) The Effect of
Cytoplasmic Microtubules on Organelle Placement and Cell Division
Chlamydomonas is a unicellular,
eukaryotic green algae with two flagella and is typically used as a
model system because it is easy to work with and performs the same
cellular processes as high eukaryotic organisms. Microtubules function
as a guide to intracellular transport, an anchor to intracellular
organelles and forms the mitotic spindles during cell division.
The objectives of this research are to determine the affect of unstable
microtubules in short flagella mutants of Chlamydomonas on eyespot
placement, cell division, and the organization after treatment with
anti cancer drug, Taxol. This research will provide further information
about the causes of uncontrolled cell division relevant in tumor growth
and the active pursuit in finding a cure for cancer.
I am a senior at Kutztown University graduating with a degree in
Cell/Micro/Molecular biology with a minor in Biochemistry Spring
2007. After graduation, I look forward to beginning a career in
Medical research. The area I am most interested in is the
Pathophysiology of diseases. My research project is a great way to end
my undergraduate career, and prepare me for my future in medical
research beyond this university. It will require me to use the skills I
have acquired over the years as a student and also learn new
skills. I would like to thank the Kutztown University
Foundation through the Kutztown Undergraduate Research Committee for
giving me this great opportunity.
Lindy Carpenter (Biochemistry
- working with Dr. Matthew
Junker - February 2006) Identifying the
binding region for the Cry1A toxin on the BT-Ri receptor protein
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a
common soil bacterium found
on plant and insect surfaces. The
bacterium is known as an insect pathogen because it produces a crystal
toxin. When ingested by certain insects,
the toxin binds to a receptor in the lining of the digestive track. The
focus
of the current research is to localize the toxin-binding site on the
receptor
molecule.
I am a
biochemistry major with an expected graduation date
of Fall 2006. Once I receive my
Bachelors degree, I plan on attending graduate or professional
school.
I am very grateful to have received my grant
and the opportunity to pursue my interest in biochemistry. The
data that I collect will hopefully be
appropriate for publication in a scientific journal and will contribute
to a
vaster understanding of toxin-binding systems.
Ken
Petersen, Leyna Force, and Travis Danenhower (Chemistry
- working with Dr. Thomas
Betts - February 2006) HPLC analysis of alpha- and
beta-acids in hops
We will use this grant in order to
further our research in creating an undergraduate-level, analytical
laboratory experiment involving the analysis of alpha- and beta-acids
in hops. Hops are one of the most important flavoring components
in the brewing industry. The addition of hops to the brewing process
adds a unique character and bitter taste to the beer. This
research includes the separation and quantification of the alpha- and
beta-acids in hops standards of known amounts and hop samples of
unknown amounts. The method of separation being used is HPLC
(high performance liquid chromatography). We plan to present the
results and publish them in an educational journal.
We would like to take this
opportunity to thank the KU Foundation for supporting the research
project on which we have been working over the past semester. The three
of us are senior B.S. Chemistry majors in our final semester at KU.
Each of us will be seeking gainful employment in some aspect of the
chemical industry. This project involved the analysis of hop samples
using a technique (high pressure liquid chromatography) that is widely
used in many industrial laboratories, especially the pharmaceutical
industry. The experience we gained developing methods with this
technique was far beyond the scope that could be introduced in a
regular course, and will (hopefully) provide us with a crucial
advantage during our upcoming search for employment. We are currently
working on a set of laboratory instructions so future generations of KU
chemistry students can benefit from our experience, and we will be
submitting an article based on this research to a chemistry education
journal. Thank you again for supporting this important component of our
education
Jennifer Longwell (Biology
- working with Dr. Anne
Zayaitz - February 2006) Identification of bacteria
species in Crystal Cave, Kutztown, PA
The purpose of my research project is
to identify bacteria species growing in Crystal Cave using
microbiological techniques. After identification, DNA from the bacteria
will be tested to deduce if the species may play a role in the
construction or destruction of cave mineral deposits. It is known that
some bacteria growing in caves influence mineral formation, but the
processes by which this occurs are not fully understood. Research
concentrating on the affects of bacteria in cave systems is just now
starting to become more prevalent, and is an exciting area of science
for new biological and geological discoveries.
I am a 5th year transfer
student from East Greenville, PA. I will be graduating this May with a
B.S. in biology, and a minor in biochemistry. After graduation, I look
forward to working at a laboratory or research job. In the future, I
want to pursue a career in epidemiology and biostatistics. My research
project is a great way to end my undergraduate studies because it
encompasses skills that I have learned from both major and minor
classes. Thank you to the Kutztown University Foundation for funding my
research project, as well as the research projects of many of my fellow
students, your generosity is much appreciated.
Shannon Erdman-Gansner
(Biology - working
with Dr. Carol Mapes - February 2006) Apatite
and its effects on plant growth and reproduction
Apatite is a phosphorus-based mineral
that has been used in
soil remediation. Apatite II has been
developed within the past few years and is thought to outperform all
other
apatite forms in sequestering heavy metals from the soil. These
contaminants bond to the Apatite II to
form a non-reactive form of the various heavy metals, therefore making
them
unavailable for transport or uptake into the biological systems.
My research is looking at effects Apatite II
may have on plants’ growth and reproduction.
This is a concern because plants need trace minerals, some of which are
the very minerals Apatite sequesters. I
will be measuring plant growth, germination, and looking for signs of
mineral
deficiencies such as paling of the leaves and stunted growth.
I am a senior
in the Environmental Science/biology track at
Kutztown University. After my graduation
this spring, I plan to either work in a government position such as the
Department of Environmental Protection or a private environmental
consulting
firm. My goal is to work with restoring
habitat that has either been degraded by contaminants or changed by
man.
This research will give me the opportunity
work with and study first hand the effects degraded soil can have on
plants and
options for remediation. I would like to
thank the Kutztown University Foundation through the Kutztown
Undergraduate
Research Committee for supporting my research and giving me this great
opportunity.
Daniel Lindao (Biology - working
with Dr. Marilyn Baguinon - February 2006) Isolation of the genes for acyloxyacyl
hydrolase from horse blood using polymerase chain reaction and by
constructing a genomic DNA library
AOAH
is a leukocyte enzyme
that detoxifies bacterial endotoxins. This endotoxin is the
lipopolysaccharide
(LPS) component of the outer cell walls of gram-negative bacteria. When
the
host senses the presence of LPS, an alarm of an infection is given off
by the
body and an immune response takes place in order to eliminate the
invading microbes.
When the body is greatly exposed to LPS, however, uncoordinated
responses may damage
the host. These unwanted reactions that take place can be multiple
organ
failure, trouble with coagulation, septic shock and even
death. In order to better understand
these serious illnesses, and to gain insight in the structure/function
relationship of the enzyme, the gene for AOAH that modulates LPS needs
to be
isolated. For my methodology, the source of genomic DNA will be horse
blood. I
will employ the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and will also create a
genomic
DNA library.
I am
currently a junior here at Kutztown University
majoring in Biology/Pre-professional.
My plan after graduation is either to try to get admitted to medical or
graduate school. This research experience is useful for me because it
will
sharpen my laboratory techniques and will provide me further knowledge
on new
techniques that cannot be obtained in any course. I am really
grateful
for the opportunity that I have been granted. Once again, I would like
to thank
the Kutztown University Foundation through the Kutztown Undergraduate
Research
Committee for granting me the research award.
Laura Klem and Ryan Kehl (Psychology
- working with Dr. Avidan
Milevsky - February 2006) SEA Research Project
- Patterns of Parental Involvement in Adolescent Sibling Conflict:
Gender differences and variations in sibling warmth
Basically the paper focused how
parents dealt with sibling conflict and how that involvement
contributed to the sibling relationship as a whole. Myself and three
members of the SEA research group as well as Dr. Milevsky attended the
SRA conference in San Francisco where we presented a poster with our
findings.
I would like
to thank the Undergraduate Research Committee
for funding me to present at the "Society for Research on
Adolescence" conference in San
Francisco.
This was an important step in my
educational and career goals that was made possible by the
Undergraduate
Research Committee. I am currently a senior graduating in May of 2006.
I am
currently applying to graduate programs in the field of Elementary
School
Counseling. The research I have done as an undergraduate will be an
important
part of my curriculum vita. "Thank You" - Ryan Kehl.
Laura Klem is
a junior at Kutztown University. She is majoring in Clinical Psychology
and minoring in Spanish. After graduation she hopes to attend graduate
school to continue studying in the area of clinical counseling. This is
her fourth semester as a member of SEA project lead by Dr. Milevsky
Zachary Artz (Geology -
working with Dr. Kurt
Friehauf - October 2005)
Comparison
of banded ores in the Main/East, West, and South Orebodies of the giant
Bayan Obo REE District, Inner Mongolia, China
Bayan Obo, Inner
Mongolia, China, is the world’s largest source of rare earth
elements. Rare earth elements are commonly used in the production
of permanent magnets, televisions, auto catalysts, superconductors, and
fine abrasives. The origin of this large deposit is poorly
understood and there are multiple hypotheses attempting to explain how
it formed. We collected samples of a specific type of ore (banded
ore) from recorded locations within the ore bodies. These samples
were studied under a microscope and 5 broad varieties of banded ore
were identified. Different regions host specific varieties of the
banded ore and allow us to determine how ore forming fluids differ
spatially throughout the study area..
Hello! My
name is Zachary Artz and I am from Lehighton, Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. degree in Geology from Kutztown University, I plan on attending
graduate
school to further my education. The
grant I received from the Undergraduate Research Committee enabled me
to attend
a national Geology meeting where I was able to meet numerous
world-famous
experts. I received valuable feedback on
the research I presented and met with several potential graduate school
advisors.
Christine
Dragan (Biology -
working with Dr. Marilyn C. Baguinon - October 2005)
Expression,
purification and enzymatic assay of mutant and native phospholipase D
I will use the grant to conduct an
independent student research on an enzyme called phospholipase D
(PLD). This enzyme is important in signal transduction in most
organisms. The lab strategy involves studying the PLD gene that
has been isolated from the plant Arabidopsis. I will be using
many techniques such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial
transformations, gene expression, spectroscopy and an enzyme assay, to
begin to understand the structure/function relationship of the enzyme.
I am very excited and
thankful to receive this research grant
for the Fall semester of 2005. I am currently a senior here at
Kutztown University majoring in Biology. After I graduate in
December, I plan to receive my masters’ degree in education. This
research project is beneficial for me because I can refine my
laboratory skills and become familiar with some new techniques.
There are also many defects in humans that are caused by improper
functioning of enzymes. Enzymes are important for normal
development and functioning of humans, therefore it is important to
understand their structure and function. I have started my
project and things are going well. I plan to present my results
at the end of the semester to the students and faculty of the Biology
Department, here at Kutztown University.
Cassondra Skinner (Biology -
working with Dr. Nancy
Butler - October 2005)
Effects
of nutrient additions and light limitation on phytoplankton community
structure
This research
project is being conducted in a small farm community
pond. It is important to study phytoplankton communities because
they serve as the first trophic level of the food chain in aquatic
ecosystems and certain genus abundances can lead to toxicity effecting
consumers. Nutrient additions and depth variations will be used
to manipulate the phytoplankton community and then phytoplankton will
be classified and used as a pollution and fertilizer run-off
indicator. I would like to present my results at the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) meeting this spring and at
the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) meeting
summer, 2006.
I am a senior from Weatherly, PA,
studying biology, concentrating in
organismal ecology. This research compliments my research during
the summer on the Sea Education Association (SEA Semester) where I
studied the size and distribution of plankton in the ocean between
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Papeete, Tahiti because the procedure is
similar, but one study was saltwater and the other is freshwater.
I would like to pursue a career in field research, and the grant
awarded me by the Undergraduate Student Research Committee will help me
to gain more experience in the field. Thank you for this
opportunity.
Paige Cicollo (Biology -
working with Dr. Chris
Sacchi - February 2005)
A
comparative study of forest structure as influenced by soils on the
South Mountain and Blue Mountain of Southeastern Pennsylvania
The purpose of
my project is to evaluate the
diversity and
structure of the tree communities on two different mountains and relate
differences or patterns in vegetation to soil composition, nutrients,
pH, and
texture. I will also evaluate the
concentrations of certain metals in the soils, such as iron, manganese,
magnesium, and calcium. I will analyze
any effects that the geology or historic development on each mountain
may have
had on the present tree communities. The
two mountains that I am studying are the Blue mountain (Hawk
mountain)and the South Mountain
(near Reading).
I plan to
attend to graduate school in order to study environmental biology and
advance into a professional position working for forest
preservation. I was fortunate enough to receive funding from the
Undergraduate Research Committee for my project, without which I would
not have been able to conduct my research. I am extremely
thankful to this committee for their assistance in allowing me to
accomplish my goals and pursue my interests.
Jessica Kiscadden (Physics/astronomy -
working with Dr. Andrew
Young - February 2005)
An
analysis of non-thermal solar emissions as a function of sunspot
characteristics
Increased sunspot activity on the solar
surface can generally be linked to increased auroral activity on
Earth. In certain periods of extreme solar activity, the effects
on Earth include interference to communication systems, loss of space
satellites, and disruptions to electric power grids. While
sunspots have been observed with a telescope since the 1600?s, radio
observations have only been available during the past few decades.
RadioJOVE is a simple radio telescope kit that is used to detect radio
waves from the Sun. It consists of a dipole antenna and a radio
receiver. Radio information will be examined in conjunction with
images from SOHO. Located 1.6 million kilometers from the Earth?s
surface, SOHO?s orbit is such that its location is always between the
Earth and the Sun. Appearances of sunspots can be timed precisely
to the existence or non-existence of radio emission. Should a
radio signature exist, the data will be evaluated to determine the
strength of the correlation.
My name is Jessica
Kiscadden and I am a physics major.
After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue my
doctorate in Physics. My goal is to work for NASA. I want
to thank
the donors that made this grant possible. It has given me the
opportunity to have research experience in Physics and Astronomy that
will help me to
be accepted into graduate school.
(Photo from left to
right: Holly Kokstein, Daniel Snyder,
Dr. Paul Quinn,
Justin Smoyer, and David Kashinski)
Justin L. Smoyer (Physics - working
with Dr. Paul Quinn - February 2005)
Increasing
the Size of a Piece of Popcorn
Each
year Americans consume approximately 17 billion quarts of popcorn.
Since the 1940’s, microwaves have been the heating source of choice for
most. In a previous scientific paper, it was shown by Dr. Daniel
C. Hong that using the simple laws of thermodynamics in physics, it may
be possible to increase the size of the popcorn while reducing the
amount of wasted kernels by lowering the surrounding pressure.
This theory was tested and confirmed experimentally by Dr. Quinn using
a stove popping apparatus. However, the results were not
comparable to those achieved by industry, because of the method
used. Industry uses the microwave and air popping mechanisms to
produce their popcorn product. We chose to explore the microwave
method of popping in this research product.
My name is Justin L Smoyer. I grew
up in the town of New Tripoli and
have been at Kutztown University for 5 years perusing a degree in
Physics and a minor in Mathematics. I hope to attend graduate school
next year and earn a PhD in physics, with the hope of one day becoming
a professor. Thanks to your generous donations, I have received a
wonderful education and feel well prepared for the journey ahead. I
have been able to actively pursue research in physics and most recently
have been able to represent Kutztown University at the March meeting of
the American Physical Society in Los Angels California. Without your
contributions my education would be incomplete. I owe a debt of
gratitude to yourselves, Kutztown University and the Kutztown
community. Thank You.
Daniel J. Snyder (Physics - working
with Dr. Paul Quinn - February 2005)
The
Liquid-solid Transition of Two Dimensional Hard Spheres Under Gravity
Using a Global Equation of State
In previous research
Dr. Hong presented an equation to describe the density of an excited
granular system. However, this equation was only valid for lower
densities. From our research, a global equation of state has been
derived which will describe the density of any granular system. This
problem is commonly known as the “Brazil Nut Problem” (named after the
phenomenon of the larger Brazil nuts rising to the top of the can while
the smaller peanuts fall to the bottom.)
My name is
Dan Snyder and I grew up in Pottstown.
I am graduating in December 2005 with a degree in physics and a minor
in
mathematics. I plan on attending graduate school pursuing my PhD in
theoretical
physics. After attaining my degree I hope to work in the private sector
for a
while, and eventually become a professor of graduate studies one day. I
would
like to explicitly thank Kutztown
University and the donors
for helping me to get one step closer to my goal. Thank you.
Holly Kokstein (Physics - working
with Dr. Paul Quinn - February 2005)
The
Fermi Statistics of a Weakly Excited Column of Granular Particles in a
Vibrating Bed
Research in study of granular
materials is geared toward modeling the flows of granular systems such
as sand. These studies have many potential applications in our
knowledge of avalanches, the effects of earthquakes on soils, or the
effects of vibrations on granular like objects such as cement or
pharmaceutical products due to shipping or manufacturing. This
experimental project focused on trying to relate the configuration of
the granular system to the strength of the vibration using a one
dimensional model followed by extensive use of thermodynamics and
statistical mechanics. We modeled the experimental results
mathematically (with the Fermi function). With that we also obtained
the center of mass and the fluctuations of the center of mass as a
function of the configurational temperature. We then related the
density of the system to the vibrational energy by modeling the
fluctuations of the center of mass as a function of the configurational
temperature.
I would like to thank the
Undergraduate Research Committee for the funding of my research. My
name is Holly Kokstein and I was given the opportunity to attend the
American Physical Society’s conference in Los Angeles. With the help of
Kutztown University, I was able to present my research in California
and continue to expand my education. I am now in graduate school at
Lehigh University, earning my Masters degree in Civil Engineering.
David O. Kashinski (Physics - working
with Dr. Paul Quinn - February 2005)
The
Electrostatic Gravimeter: an alternative way of measuring gravitational
acceleration
When you throw up a
ball, it falls back to the ground. This is due to the Earth’s
gravitational field. We can measure the gravitational field by
measuring an object’s gravitational acceleration g at various locations
on the Earth’s surface. The value of gravity is not a constant
value. It varies depending on geological factors such as latitude
and longitude, ground composition, and your elevation above and below
sea level.
In geology, one can use varied
measurements in the value of g to
determine various characteristics of the Earth’s crust, depending on
your location. The equipment used to measure these changes in g
is designed using the principles of basic introductory level
physics. The instrument used to measure the gravitational
acceleration is called a gravimeter. Many methods of measuring
have been developed throughout the years, with a direct correlation
between accuracy and cost. Highly accurate devices are also very
large, and difficult to set up. The most common gravimeter uses
the mass-spring method which works similar to an extremely high-tech
bathroom scale. It is costs about $30,000 or more, but is
extremely accurate. Using electricity and magnetism, a completely
different field of physics, I have designed a new theoretical method
for measuring the strength of the Earth’s gravitational field.
My name is David
Kashinski.
I was born and raised in Scranton PA. I’ve now graduated from Kutztown University
summa cum laude with my B.Sc. in Physics and a Minor in Mathematics. Currently I am attending Lehigh University
working towards a PhD in theoretical and computational physics. Ultimately, I hope to work as a research
scientist and university professor. In
March of 2005 I was granted the great opportunity to attend the
national
physics conference in Los
Angeles California
to present research I
conducted at Kutztown. This opportunity
would not have been possible if not for the “Kutztown University
Undergraduate
Research Committee.” Thank you for
supporting, my research, and my education.
Without the constant support I may not be where I am today!
Candice Bullard (Chemistry -
working with Dr. David Edwards - December 2004)
Iron
oxide / aluminum interactions in natural soils
Soils are composed primarily of minerals, organic macromolecules,
water, trace metals, and air that dynamically interact to determine the
overall properties of the soil system. A particularly ubiquitous
component in soil systems is goethite, an iron oxide. In natural
systems, goethite contains trace metals; the mos common substituting
cation is aluminum because its size is similar to iron. Aluminum
(Al) substitution in goethite results in alteration of crystal size,
texture, domain morphology, surface area, and structural strain.
These properties affect the reactivity and dissolution/absorption
properties of goethite. This research evaluates how aluminum
substitutes in goethite using X-ray absorption spectroscopy to
determine orientation, oxidation state, and local coordination
environment of Al-goethite.
Moshe Machlev (Psychology-
working with Dr. Avidan
Milevsky - December 2004)
Religiosity,
parental support and self esteem, interaction of significant social
agents
The influence of parents and religion
on self-esteem has primarily been explored in the literature using
children, and older adolescences. Religious beliefs have been
found to be associated with positive self-esteem among children and
older adolescences. However, limited research has been dedicated
to examine whether similar processes are common in early adolescent
populations. The current study examines religiosity as a social
agent influencing self-esteem and how religion interacts with other
social agents such as parent relationships.
Lakshmi Nair (Psychology
-
working with Dr. Robert
Ryan
- April 2004)
Surface
similarity impairs judgment of usefulness of structural similarity
I have accompanied Dr. Ryan in this
study since the past two years. The study contained algebra word
problems that forced an individual to recognize the usefulness of a
choice task. The subjects were to determine and identify the deep
principles, goals and the procedure of a given word problem. The
results showed that the participants found a superficially similar
problem to be more useful in solving a target problem, even though all
the characteristics of their choices were different from the target
problem.
I am extremely pleased to be granted for my proposal, Surface Similarity Impairs Judgments of
Usefulness of Deep Structural Similarity. I had the honor to
present it at the 16th Annual APS convention in Chicago. It was a
wonderful experience to be working on the project and finally seeing
the results being published! The financial help I gained from you has
been a great relief for me. I would like to thank the Kutztown
University Foundation for all your help and support.
Amy Ruppe, Melissa Leh, Ann Marie Kolb, Sarah Anne Netter, and Melissa Schlechter (Psychology
-
working with Dr. Avidan
Milevsky - February 2004, December 2004)
SEA
Project - SEA project – Siblings for Emerging Adulthood
Not everyone thinks their sibling is
annoying. Although people usually think of siblings as being a pain,
many students reported that they were very close to their brothers and
sisters and some even considered their siblings as their best
friend. Its good to have a close relationship with your
sibling. Students who were close to their brothers and sisters
felt better in their life in general and were even doing better in
school. Parents can be good coaches in helping with sibling
relationships. Students felt overall closer to their siblings when
during little fights between siblings their parents helped to explain
the side of both siblings
Sandra Hartzell (Chemistry -
working with Dr. Daniel
Blanchard - February 2004)
Investigation
and synthesis of low molecular mass gealators
My research entitled “Investigation
and Synthesis of Low Molecular Mass Gelators” involves the making of
novel gelators and testing the gelation ability. A gelation occurs when
a homogeneous mixture consisting of a gelator and an appropriate
solvent is heated and allowed to cool to room temperature. Low
Molecular Mass gelators are compounds that when added to solvents in
low concentration cause the solution to gel or thicken. This gel action
or thickening is important in the food industry and in applications
were liquid uptake is involved. An example that everyone is familiar
with is diapers. The results were characterized by NMR, IR and
melting point analysis common methods of characterization in a modern
organic research laboratory. Six compounds were synthesized, of the six
two were found to gel when dissolved in hot solvent and allowed to cool
to room temperature and two were found to crystallize out of
solution. The goal of this research project is to determine what
makes a good gelator and what concentration each gelator would gel a
particular solvent.
Emily Klick (Psychology
-
working with Dr. David B. Ross - February 2004)
Errors,
Factors, and Suggestions of Braille Signage in Schools and Public
Facilities
Braille signage errors in schools and
public facilities constitute a serious problem that needs to be
resolved. Persons reading Braille deserve correct signage as do
print readers. This study evaluated Braille errors in schools,
malls, and other public facilities.
Joseph Tomas
(Biology -
working with Dr. Anne
E. Zayaitz -
October 2003)
Transmission
of
Escheriachia
coli
from contaminated organic fertilizer to lettuce plant tissue
My
name is Joe Thomas. I am conducting my
research project entitled "The Transmission of Escherichia coli
From Organic Fertilizer to Lettuce Plant Tissue" because I want to find
out if E. coli in contaminated fertilizer can be transmitted into
living
plant tissue. I also want to figure out
if different concentrations of E. coli in the soil and fertilizer will
contribute to the transmission into plant tissue. This
is important because if crops are grown in E. coli contaminated
soil and fertilizer, then the crop plant tissue could possibly be
infected.
Emily
A. Cook (Geology
- working with Dr. Kurt
Friehauf - October 2003)
Mineralogical
occurrence of gold in the Ertsberg porphyry copper
deposit, West Papua, Indonesia
(Emily working on the electron microprobe at the University of Arizona)
Using
an Electron Microprobe we were able to analyze drill core samples of
copper-gold ore collected by Friehauf and Gibbins in July 2002 from the
Ertsberg Diorite, West Papua, Indonesia.
We were able to determine the mineralogical occurrence and stage
of
mineralization of gold in the porphyry ores.
From this we were then able to determine if the gold differs
between
early and late stages of mineralization and then begin to answer the
question
of how the gold may have deposited from the solutions.
This is important to the economic geology
community because much of the world’s gold production is a byproduct of
copper
mining. Future work will enable us to
increase our sample size, better document mineral assemblages, and
constrain
temperatures and salinities for each vein type.
Elizabeth Ferguson
(Geology - working
with Dr. Kurt Friehauf
and Dr.
Sarah Tindall -
October 2003)
Fingerprinting
groundwater flow through different rock types in karst
aquifers – A case study in the Ordovician carbonates in the Ontelaunee
area, Berks
County, Pennsylvania
(Elizabeth installing water table monitoring devices [pressure
transducers])
My research
entails sampling a number of wells in order to
determine the chemical composition of the rock through which the water
is
passing. By comparing the chemical
analyses of the groundwater, we want to identify which rock beds have
dissolution channels. By knowing where
dissolution channels are now can lead us to be able to predict where
the
channels will form in the future. This
can be helpful to many different people; both in industry and the
general
public.