Boyd Fund

Student: Caitlyn Arheit
Faculty Mentor: Stephanie Gray Wilson, Psychology
Project Title: Participation in Capital University’s Counseling Services

Summary: The purpose of this research project is to study student participation in the free counseling services that Capital offers at The Center of Health and Wellness and to determine the best ways to improve these services. We aim to look at the number of students using these services and analyze how to increase these numbers. Additionally, we will compare students’ self-reported use to the total number of undergraduate students. Past studies have found interesting relationships between counseling participation and demographic information that point towards underutilization and disparity. We will examine how Capital compares to this and gain a better understanding of the relationship of a student's identity to their counseling usage on Capital’s campus. Overall, this study’s goal is to find ways to increase student use of CHW services and to improve the counseling services offered.  

Student: Nathan Gibbs
Faculty Mentor: John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Detection of Tetracycline Efflux Genes in Gram-Negative Soil Bacteria 

Summary: The goal of this project is to build upon previous work done on 37 soil samples taken from New Mexico, which sought to identify any differences in the levels of tetracycline resistance of Gram-negative soil bacteria between high, medium, and low foot traffic areas of the environment. Those results showed a statistically significant difference in resistance levels, with increased human presence positively correlating with environmental resistance. Now that this relationship has been established, the next step is to use biochemical techniques to attempt to identify which tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) might be present within these soil bacteria that may be contributing to this resistance. This will be accomplished using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. Five tetracycline resistance genes have been selected for study, tet(A), tet(B), tet(D), tet(E), and tet(G). These five have been selected because they all code for tetracycline efflux pumps (Roberts, 2005), they all appear more frequently or exclusively in Gram-negative bacteria (Hedayatianfard et al., 2014), and they all have been well-studied using PCR as a detection method. 

Student: Natalie Melert, Jia Campbell, Katherine Freeland
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Larson, John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Academic Stress of Undergraduate Students Affecting Dental Caries

Summary: This project intends to investigate the potential of stress on the oral microbiome. It is specifically focusing on lactobacillus bacteria presence and its association with tooth decay. The purpose of this research is to understand the effects of stress on the oral microbiome and its impact on oral health.

Student: Nathan Gibbs and Rachael Rice
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Title: Identification and Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) on amphibians in Ohio

Summary: The purpose of this research is to assess the prevalence and characteristics of Bd chytrid fungus among Ohio amphibian populations at two study sites, Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center (Logan, OH) where it was previously detected in a pilot project in 2019, and the Stratford Ecological Center (Delaware, OH). Multiple locations at the 15-acre swamp wetland at Primmer were live-trapped along with the two large vernal pools at Stratford during this past Spring and Summer 2023. Additional hand catching, walking transects, and leaf litter traps in the streams and woodlots were also completed. Ninety-six total swab samples were collected at Primmer and Stratford from amphibian species including spotted, eastern red-back, small-mouth, northern dusky, and southern two-lined salamanders, and northern green, chorus, spring peepers, American bullfrogs, and American toads. Swab samples were dried on site and stored in the lab at -20 deg C. This research will help supplement scientists' understanding of amphibian biodiversity and the presence of Bd in Ohio and help with prevention and conservation of the affected species in the Midwest as a whole.

Student: Emily Weishaar
Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Klainot-Hess, Sociology and Criminology
Project Title: The Perceived Benefits of the Achieving Baby Care Success (ABC) program at The Ohio Reformatory for Women

Summary: The goal of this project is to research the “Achieving Baby Care Success Program (ABC)” located at the Ohio Reformatory for Women to learn about the experiences, challenges, and successes for the mothers involved with the ABC program. My specific research question is: What are the overall benefits for incarcerated mothers and their children? There is research currently available on some of the benefits of nursery prison programs but there has not been extensive research done specifically on the ABC program in Ohio which opened in 2001. The project will use a semi-structured interview. I will recruit initial participants through pre-existing contacts and use snowball sampling to contact additional individuals if necessary. Using self reported data from the mothers I will subjectively assess changes in behavior and mental health and other benefits that may have been a result of being involved in the ABC program.

Student: Kirubel Asfaw
Faculty Mentor: Andy Carlson, History
Project Title: Obstacles of Intra-Africa Trade

Summary: Despite the significant economic potential within the African continent, intra-Africa trade remains relatively low compared to other regions of the world. This research proposes to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, centering particularly on infrastructure-related constraints. By drawing on the successful experiences of other regional trade blocs such as the European Union, ASEAN, and Mercosur, this study aims to provide recommendations for policy and investment strategies that could significantly transform the infrastructural landscape of Africa, promoting trade and economic growth. 

Student: Erin Burns
Faculty Mentor: John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in High Vacation Areas with Proximity to Sea Turtle Nesting Areas 

Summary: The purpose of this research project is to determine whether antibiotic resistant bacteria are present in Panama City Beach, Florida. This experiment is beneficial to the wildlife in that area. Every year, a significant amount of sea turtles lay their eggs in this area. If there are antibiotic resistant bacteria present, baby sea turtles will be exposed and harmed in the process as well as the adults. This will further diminish a species that is already endangered. If antibiotic resistant bacteria are found, action against it can occur. To determine whether antibiotic resistant bacteria are present, samples were taken from the ocean water and sand that were near water runoff to the beach. The samples were incubated, and different strains of bacteria were separated. Differential tests have been run on the bacteria and results suggest multiple strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria are present. However, certainty cannot be obtained until DNA gel electrophoresis is run on the different strains of bacteria and the results can be sent to OSU so matches may be found and the type and danger it proposes can be concluded.  

Student: Megan Lenoy
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Conservation Genetic Assessment of Declining Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in Ohio

Summary: The goal of this study is to estimate genetic variation and inbreeding in distinct populations of gray foxes in Ohio. To date, 32 samples have been extracted and genotyped at ten different microsatellite loci. One of those loci had to be thrown out due to issues with Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium. Further lab work is needed since most published studies typical genotype samples using at least 15 loci and sequence a portion of mtDNA, and also have larger sample sizes so that samples can be divided into genetically distinct populations throughout the state. Currently, collaborator S. Prange is in the process of collecting hair and scat samples in eastern and southern Ohio. 

Student: Dylan Smith
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Telemetry of Eastern Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus) at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center 

Summary: The goal of this study is to (1) conduct live-trapping at two new sites in the wetland using new bait, (2) complete additional surveys to locate possible turtle nesting sites around the wetland, (3) deter raccoon or opossum trap disturbance using a variety of methods including installing drift-fencing near the experimental site (Regional Wildlife Services, 2018), and (4) attach transmitters to five Eastern Musk Turtles for telemetry research to investigate their movements and activity patterns on site. This work contributes to our understanding of Eastern Musk Turtles in wetlands in Ohio. This study will be conducted at three locations at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in Logan, Ohio. This 75-acre field research site has seven ecosystems including a 15-acre Willow Pond Wetland, a secondary-growth deciduous forest, and restored prairie habitats (Capital University, 2023). These locations include along the south portion, the north portion, and at the dock at the 15-acre swamp wetland. Ten Promar funnel live-traps will be set at the locations and left for a maximum of 24 hours at a time. They will be set between 6 and 8 times from mid-March to mid-April. The traps will be baited with fish-flavored commercial dog food. Once turtles are trapped, they will be weighed, measured, and the water temperature will be recorded. Backpack transmitters (A1080) weighing 3.9 grams from ATS advanced telemetry services will be attached to five turtle shells with epoxy and their movements will be able to be monitored for up to a year using a receiver (R410) and three element Yagi antenna (13860). 

Student: Kassi Wolfe
Faculty Mentor: Timberlee Harris, Art
Project Title: Art Therapy’s Impact on Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Summary: I am interested in how art therapy can be beneficial with children and adolescence with neurodevelopmental disorders.  For my project, I will be researching three neurodevelopmental disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  My research will explore specific traits of each disorder and how each disorder presents itself in their lives.  I have come up with five specific areas of development for these neurodevelopmental disorder that art therapy positively impacts.  These include forms of expression, experience with art materials, shapes and themes, verbal and nonverbal communication, and improved learning skills.  I will research each area of development in the previous mentioned categories.  After getting approved by the IRB, surveys will be filled out by people with each of these neurodevelopmental disorders.  I will then create twelve pieces of art to display for my art show that encapsulate what it feels like to have these disorders.  This will allow my viewers to not only learn about art therapy, but the disorders themselves as well. 

Student: Kade Jackson
Faculty Mentor: Chad Loughrige, Conservatory of Music
Project Title: Localization Accuracy Differences between Binaural Recordings and Binaural Environment Recreations

Summary: With the recent advancements in the ability to create custom Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) measurements, binaural audio will see a dramatic increase in immersibility. Custom HRTF filtering allows for a person to receive more accurate audio localization cues, which can help them identify where sound is coming from in a virtual environment, through a simple pair of headphones. My project will utilize custom-made binaural recording hardware, binaural audio editing software, and HRTF filtering to track and compare the effect each has on a person’s ability to localize audio through headphones. This research will have a larger scope than past studies done in this vein and will focus on combining, organizing, and improving previous binaural audio research in tandem with this project own data collection.

Student: ​Karen Kanke​
Faculty Mentor: John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Effects of buffered Chlorine Dioxide on the Oral Microbiome Found in Saliva​ 

Summary: ​Regular removal of bacteria is essential for good oral hygiene.  Mechanical removal and chemical control manage bacterial growth (Featherstone, 2000).  Commensal species should be allowed to repopulate while pathogenic bacteria need to be eliminated regularly (Blaser, 2011).  Bacteria have unique properties that can be exploited with various bactericides.  Buffered chlorine dioxide was shown to destroy P. gingivalis, P. micros, and F. nucleatum, three species associated with disease, while having little to no effect on A. viscosus and S. sanguinis, two species associated with normal oral microbiota (Ratcliff et al., 2015).  The mechanism that distinguishes the selective nature of this bactericide is unclear.  This research project explores and tests the bacteria’s oxygen needs and gram status as possible selection characteristics of chlorine dioxide on bacteria.   

Student: Maxwell Zawatsky
Faculty Mentor: Ramya Ravisankar, Art
Project Title: Art Portfolio Development

Summary: As a contemporary artist, I aim to showcase my work in exhibitions all over the country. Though primarily   artist focused in two-dimensional art, Capital University’s Project Indigo has afforded me the opportunity to create digital art using the iPad and Adobe Creative Cloud applications. I plan on using these digital artworks to apply for exhibitions both regionally and in the broader United States. The Boyd fund would allow me to create archival, professional quality prints of my digital artworks on a larger scale. Professional archival prints are fine art museum and gallery quality, which would allow me to ready my works for consideration for juried and invitational exhibitions. These works would also be used to further my education, specifically through graduate school applications and grants for artists. Alongside my physical paintings and drawings, digital artmaking allows me to investigate new mediums and ways of making. It also allows me to create work that is more difficult to translate using physical materials. The iPad given to me through the university’s Project Indigo has opened up opportunities for me to showcase my work, and the Boyd fund would assist me in being able pursue entry into various visual arts exhibitions.

Student: ​Audrey Cann​
Faculty Mentor: Joshua Borths, Thomas Zugger, Conservatory of Music
Project Title: How Theatre Impacts a Community

Summary: ​​My proposed project is to direct a play, and my additional component is to examine the effects of theatre on a community. For my project, I have chosen to direct “Indecent,” by Paula Vogel. I will be adding a service project in addition to this show, and conducting interviews and surveys to measure the play’s impact. The purpose of the project is to provide community service opportunities for students as well as to connect the community to the show in an experiential way. Audience members will have the opportunity to connect the meaning of the show to their own lives and engage with the material presented, and my project will measure via anecdotal evidence the effects of this piece on the community, to highlight the importance of the arts and theatrical experiences in our lives. I will be producing the show in the Cabaret Theatre at Capital University, for audiences to see, and will be providing other enrichment opportunities such as dance lessons with the cast, or talkbacks from the author, and then conducting interviews with audience members to understand how the show impacted them and if it changed their perception of the world. 

Student: Sydney Dion, Lincoln Chifamba
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Larson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Monitoring Endangered Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Populations in Southern Ohio using environmental DNA 

Summary: Earlier eDNA studies targeted aquatic and semiaquatic ecosystems for detecting fish and amphibian species due to the high success rates with water samples (Lacoursiere-Russel et al., 2016). Recently, studies have shown that water samples are also successful in detecting diverse groups of animals, such as arthropods, mammals, reptiles, and avians (Ushio et al., 2017). A small number of studies have used eDNA to monitor avian species abundance, especially in Ohio. The purpose of this study is to assess populations of the endangered red-headed woodpecker using eDNA from water samples. With the red-headed woodpecker’s recent population declines across the Midwest, monitoring forest habitats is important in determining the current prevalence of the species. This will also help improve monitoring techniques for the red-headed woodpecker by revealing habitats to focus on for red-headed woodpecker conservation.    

Student: Nichole Hayes
Faculty Mentor: John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Microbial Diversity Water Survey at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center  

Summary: I am conducting a microbial survey using water from three locations at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center. The samples will be taken by the end of March from the stream, water around the beaver dam, and off the dock to compare the microbial communities at the three locations. A visual survey using filtration and plating techniques will occur to gather initial data. The samples will be plated on 8 different bacterial agar plates to observe what bacteria are able to grow and if the various bacteria are inhibited by various substances. The biology department is donating most of the agars and plates but there are a few supplies still needed. A portion of the three samples will also be sent Novogene for metagenomic sequencing and analysis for more detailed reporting on the abundance of bacteria and archaea along with their classifications. 

Student: Karen Kanke
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Larson, Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Arabidopsis thaliana growth genes help identify genes in moso bamboo, (Phyllostachys edulis)  

Summary: The goal of this study is to test three hypotheses. 1.)  Ler genes will be different from Lov genes in A. thaliana and sequences will pinpoint areas of interest for growth initiation.  2.) Analysis of bamboo sequence, either by database search or directly from sequenced DNA from bamboo, will determine matches in bamboo with A. thaliana genes.  If no match is found between the two variants, then 3.) Target genes will be determined not to be involved in the height difference in the Arabidopsis variants and alternate genes will be discussed for future studies. To test the hypotheses, Arabidopsis plants are grown then DNA will be extracted and isolated using Quick DNA™ Plant/Seed Miniprep Kit and cleaned with DNA Clean & Concentrator.  Target genes will be PCR amplified by gel electrophoresis and then sequenced at OSU Genomics Resource Facility.  Once genes of interest are confirmed, analysis of bamboo sequences will be compared to Arabidopsis sequences using the BambooGDB genome database. 

Student: Liam James Knoll
Faculty Mentor: Chad Loughrige, Conservatory of Music
Project Title: A Study of Audio Synthesis and Modulation Using Artificial Impulse Responses in the Convolution Processes

Summary: This project proposed for funding through the Boyd Foundation is the research and analysis of Finite Impulse Response(s) (FIR) within audio signal processing and experimentation with using alternative samples to inform the convolution filtering process. This inquiry includes scholarly literature review, a historical dive into its

functions, limitations, and development. Continuing from this context, experiments will be conducted studying the particular aspects of a waveform to understand the effects of adjusting the frequency, amplitude, and length of both the FIR and input wave. From these recorded findings, I will test the ability to manufacture specific outcomes.

Student: ​Kory Roth
Faculty Mentor: Terry Lahm, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: ​The Role of Primmer Wetland in Carbon Sequestration

Summary: ​​The guiding research question throughout this project, “What is Primmer’s Wetland contribution to Global Change?” is divided among three research goals that try to unearth answers to this question. The first and second is to identify the specific soil type and measure the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil. This will be completed through sampling the soil at various depths and locations throughout the wetland area that will be discussed further in the methodology. The soil will then be classified in comparison to organic or mineral soil composition which will inform the amount of the carbon capture abilities. Also, the samples will be sent to the STAR Lab (Service Testing and Research Laboratory) for total carbon analysis. The Star Lab operates out of Wooster, OH and is run by Sunny Park.  The method used will be dry combustion of the soil sample. After the samples are analyzed by the laboratory, it is the hope of this study that the total carbon analysis will show that soil conditions at Primmer are likely to store carbon dioxide over long periods of time. An estimate as to the total stored carbon in the wetland will be determined after thorough analysis of the samples. The third is to investigate methane emissions. In order to investigate methane emissions in wetlands. ​The aim of this project is to discover if Primmer and wetlands in general can be a useful tool in reversing human caused climate change through lowering carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. The project will analyze the sequestration abilities of Primmer’s soils and the likely methane emissions rates of wetlands with similar characteristics to the Primmer Wetland in Logan, OH. As our society moves into the next century, it will likely become imperative that measures be taken to utilize the natural ecosystem services to stabilize the climate and prevent human-induced Global Climate Change and wetlands could be one way that process is performed.​ 

Student: Jordan Willis
Faculty Mentor: Betsy Pike, Media
Project Title: Spaces Between Us: A University (UN)Masked

Summary: The Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be one of America's greatest challenges. Acting as a catalyst for social and governmental change, it has forcibly opened the public's eyes to the plague of police brutality and systemic racism already seen for decades by those currently suffering. At Capital University, students and faculty have been confronted by all of these challenges. Through interviews and research we have collected their stories. The purpose of this project is to document the events of the last year from the turbulent political climate to an ongoing pandemic that continues to affect our way of life.

Student: Nicole Coleman
Faculty Mentor: Nicholas Van Horn, Psychology
Project Title: ​Musical Effects on Individual Time Perception

Summary: ​This malleability of individual time has raised the questions of what mechanisms produce one’s perception of time and what external stimuli impact these processes to the point where time appears to quicken or expand. As time perception is a multivariate issue, research has yet to come to a general consensus regarding how this phenomenon is produced. Perhaps the complex nature of music might hold the key to answering some of these questions, as studies have found musical components such as tempo, arousal level (complexity of the music), and emotion in addition to individual influences like familiarity and preference to music influence one’s perception of time. Unfortunately, research has not found consistent results between these variables. This study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived time and tempo, musical expertise, preference, and song lyrics when being exposed to auditory and visual stimuli. The goal of this study is to provide a possible new approach to investigate music and time perception. The study also will provide further insight into how lyrics influence time perception as few studies have thoroughly investigated this musical component. 

Student: ​Shelby Hogsten
Faculty Mentor: ​John Mersfelder​, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: The Effects of Excess Nutrients on Antibiotic Resistance in Common Bacteria​ 

Summary: ​Glucose is essential for the body to function properly and allows for several important pathways to occur. There have been very few studies on the effect that glucose could potentially have on the ability of bacteria to resist antibiotics. The goal for this experiment is to examine the affect that glucose has, if any, on the bacteria’s antibiotic resistance since it will be an increase of nutrients. The bacteria that will be tested for this experiment are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Based on the results, an experiment will be conducted to determine the effects of nutrient starvation on the bacteria and their antibiotic resistance. Overall the goal of the research is to determine if glucose has an effect on bacterial antibiotic resistance. 

Student: ​Michael Molaskey
Faculty Mentor: Mark Lochstampfor, Conservatory of Music
Project Title: Equalizer: A Study in How Circuitry Effects the Characteristics of Sound 

Summary: ​​Technology has been shaping how we listen to music for centuries. From psychoacoustic principles used in smartphone speakers, to the shrinking of storage size of digital copies of songs we have been using technology to both improve the quality and accessibility of our favorite music. In this study I will analyze how the circuitry used in an audio equalizer impacts the perceived tonal characteristics of the processed audio. The use of equalizers can date back as far as the 1920s and today they are used on almost every song that is broadcast on the radio. By researching what parts of the equalizer’s circuitry, we can begin to engineer an equalizer that will improve the quality of the audio. To test this hypothesis, I will conduct an experiment where I change parts of the test equalizer’s circuit, then process audio through the various iterations of the equipment, then record the result. I will then play back the recorded audio, and the original to a group of test subjects individually. The subjects will then be asked to assign characteristics to each sample that is played and rank them by which sample they most preferred. I will then take the results and use them to design and construct the best possible equalizer based on how the subjects rated each of the samples. The goal of this study is to build the best equalizer circuit based on consumer data. ​ 

Student: ​Maggie Peddicord
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Larson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Investigations of the Potential Downstream Effects of Mutagens Produced by Algae

Summary: Microorganisms are extremely important to the earth’s ecosystem; without bacteria and archaea, life most likely would be terminated.  Bacteria and other microbes produce much of the nitrogen and oxygen of the earth’s atmosphere, and also help to decompose dead organic matter.  I will investigate a specific issue of pollution of waterways, which is to see if there are other downstream effects such as introducing mutations.  I will specifically examine the effects of certain toxins (Microcystin-LR) on a few aquatic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Nitrosomonas europaea) to see how their genetic makeup is impacted. 

Student: ​Maria Sadek, ​Summer Hamad, David Hamad
Faculty Mentor: ​John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: The Effects of Manuka Honey in the Inhibition of most Commonly Found Bacteria in Hospitals

Summary: ​​Manuka honey is a rare type of honey that is found only in Switzerland and is significant for its antibacterial properties (MGO Manuka Honey 2019). The goal for this experiment is to see if manuka honey can act against bactericides that are most commonly found in hospitals. The various types of bacteria that will be tested for this experiment are Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens D1, Enterobacter aerogenes, Neisseria sicca, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Based on the results, distribution of the honey, in theory, will be used to disinfect surfaces and surgical equipment in hospitals. Moreover, effects of manuka honey on gram positive vs. gram negative bacteria will be analyzed to see if there is a difference in how they react to manuka honey at different dilutions. 

Student: Emma Young
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Surveying and Testing for Borrelia burgdorferi in Mice and Ticks at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center

Summary: The goal of this study is to survey and analyze the population dynamics of white-footed mice at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center along with the prevalence and density of different life stages of ticks at Primmer. The second goal is to test the mice and ticks for B. burgdorferi. An agent-based model that simulates the success of the tick-borne pathogen and the potential risk of disease to humans can then be created.

Student: Sydney Dion
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: ​Testing for the Hypervirulent Strain of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center using DNA Sequencing

Summary: Since 1980, amphibian populations across the globe have been experiencing a noticeable decline (Lips, 2018). Many factors contribute to species extinctions, such as habitat loss, but a chytrid fungus, known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has likely played an especially impactful role in diminishing frog biodiversity in the Family Ranidae (Stuart et al., 2004). Bd is known to cause chytridiomycosis infection by invading the porous skin of the amphibians resulting in death 21 days post-infection (Daszak et al., 1999). Chytrid, currently the largest infectious disease threat to biodiversity, has been seen in Ohio on 14 different species, including the American toad, northern leopard frog, green frog, cricket frog, and spotted salamander (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2018). It is still not clear whether chytrid fungus has been recently introduced to particular areas, or has been a long-term endemic pathogen (Kilpatrick et al., 2010). Nonetheless, a landmark study focused on the northeastern region of the U.S. tested for the presence of Bd, and found that not all infected amphibians died as expected (Longcore et al., 2007). Research using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis has been used recently to identify divergent lineages of Bd (Farrer et al., 2011). They discovered a strain named BdGPL, which was identified as a hypervirulent strain of Bd (Farrer et al., 2011). Identifying the hypervirulent strain in amphibian populations is key to analyzing population health risk of infection in Ohio at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center. The main goal of this experiment is to analyze swab and tissue samples for Bd using DNA sequencing. These sequences will be compared to known DNA sequences of Bd in databases such as GenBank to determine whether the hypervirulent strain is present at the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center. We have also established a plan to collaborate with Dr. Steve Spear (Director of Wildlife Ecology) at The Wilds to test swab and tissue samples with their real time PCR equipment, which is the most sensitive test to confirm the presence of chytrid fungus in samples, prior to sequencing those positive samples from the field.

Student: Rachel Ellis
Faculty Mentor: Megan Beard, Health and Sport Sciences
Project Title: ​Reliability of a Hand-Held Dynamometer Measuring Eccentric Hip Extension, Abduction and External Rotation

Summary: ​Most research studies investigating the reliability of the HHD have examined isometric contractions rather than eccentric contractions. Isometric contractions occur when muscle energy is produced but the length of the muscle and the joint angle does not change. Isometric contractions are seldom used during activities of daily living and athletic performance. On the other hand, eccentric contractions occur when muscle energy is produced, and the muscles lengthens causing a joint to move. Eccentric contractions are performed constantly during daily activities such as walking, running and climbing stairs, and consistently during physical activity. Hence, eccentric strength measurements provide a better estimate for functional strength (Ramskov et al., 2014). Both isometric and eccentric strength deficits of 10% when compared bilaterally can increase one’s risk of injury (Thorborg et al., 2011), Currently clinicians measure eccentric muscle strength via manual muscle testing and is rated on a 5-point scale. This measurement is subjective and heavily relies on the providers education and clinical experience (Keep et al., 2016). The HHD provides quantifiable, objective measurements of eccentric muscle strength imbalances (Kellen et al., 2008; Stratfor et al., 1994). Clinicians should strive to use evidence-based practice to drive their clinical practice; for example, using the most reliable tools to accurately evaluate patients. Using the HHD could help clinicians more accurately identify eccentric strength deficits in athletes and help identify athletes that are at a higher risk for an overuse or acute injury. For each hip strength test there are at least two positions that are most commonly used by clinicians. Often multiple clinicians may test the same patient but use different positions. If a strong correlation is found between testing positions, clinicians can be confident that they can use either testing position. Therefore, this study strives to add to the current body of research on the reliability of the HHD but specifically on eccentric strength testing so that clinicians can use the HHD confidently within their practice.  

Student: ​Nicole Guess
Faculty Mentor: Nicholas Van Horn, Psychology
Project Title: ​Effects of Presentation Styles and Personality Traits on Cyberbullying

Summary: ​The goal of this project is to bridge this gap in the research and investigate how presentation styles and personality traits interrelate with one another through the combined actions of bully, victim, and bystander. This project could provide crucial insight into cyberbullying that may assist in the identification of at-risk individuals and aid intervention plans in minimizing cyberbullying. ​This project will consist of two phases. In Phase One, a survey will be administered to estimate presentation styles and personality trait interactions in the target population (young, college-aged adults), as well as demographics information. In Phase Two, results of the survey data will be used to inform an agent-based model of cyberbullying. This model, which will simulate the interactions of individual users in a social network, will be parameterized to behave according to the presentation and personality attributes of the survey sample. Comparisons will be made between this model and variations on this parameterization to better understand the dynamics of cyberbullying as they relate to these factors. For instance, if a particular cross-section of society is at greater risk for cyberbullying or bystander non-intervention, what collection of traits and presentations summarize that demographic? The agent-based model will allow for quick and ethical experiments on non-human agents to test for ways to mitigate negative outcomes in these populations.

Student: Nicky Gutierrez
Faculty Mentor: Sally Stamper, Religion and Philosophy
Project Title: Camino De Santiago: A Haibun Journey

Summary: This project will examine religious pilgrimage, using research, participant observation, and creative writing. It will center on a week-long segment of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), a Roman Catholic pilgrimage that is now made by approximately 200,000 people each year, following a route used since the ninth century. Millions of people have completed this pilgrimage since its inception. It is located in northwestern Spain and is made of several pathways that all lead to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great, located in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. In the Middle Ages, this shrine was considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites, along with Rome and Jerusalem. By doing the pilgrimage, a Catholic can receive indulgence or certification of devotional merit. With its religious history and with the support of the Spanish government, the Camino has once again become a popular pilgrimage among people of different backgrounds. In addition to religious pilgrims, it is used for secular recreation by hikers and cyclists.

Student: ​Emily Simonton
Faculty Mentor: John Mersfelder, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: ​Analysis for antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations from various natural water sources in Ohio

Summary: This study seeks to understand the prevalence of resistance in response to a variety of antibiotics in multiple locations throughout Ohio. These locations would consist of both urban and rural settings, and even water with suburban influence. Five water source locations would be visited, and two samples taken in sterile collecting tubes from each in an attempt to maintain consistency. From then, the water samples would be used to inoculate nutrient agar plates to grow bacteria that are present. Each sample would be plated 9 times, with one group to be used as the control, which gives each location a total of 9 plates to represent it. Of the 45 agar plates, 36 would have a different antibiotic within the agar to influence growth, while the rest would have no antibiotics placed on them. Based on the presence of bacterial colony growth, antibiotic resistance could be determined. From these colonies, PCR would be conducted to identify the taxonomic groups of the bacterial colonies that grow and thus display resistance. It is anticipated that water sources that are within an urban context will exhibit higher levels of overall multi-drug resistance when exposed to the various antibiotics. ​ 

Student: Emma Young
Faculty Mentor: Christine Anderson, Biology and Environmental Science
Project Title: Genetic Variability and Inbreeding in Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Populations in Ohio

Summary: ​The goal of this study is to estimate genetic variation and inbreeding in distinct populations of gray foxes in Ohio. For this study, approximately 20 extracted DNA samples from gray foxes originally from Athens, Guernsey, Jackson, Mahoning, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Vinton, and Washington counties in Ohio were received on 3/13/19 from D. Reding at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. A former biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife (S. Prange – previous collaborator of C. Anderson on bobcat conservation genetics) is currently collecting another 20 samples with over a dozen already collected.  

Spring 2018

Student: Orion Brock (Faculty Mentor, Jennifer Larson), Biological and Environmental Sciences
Project Title: Identifying the Role of Cdc7 in DNA Damage Response Pathways
Summary: Genetic screens have led to many major discoveries in biology including how the cell cycle works and how cells respond to DNA damage. A new genetic screen was recently begun to identify new proteins involved in the DNA damage response (Larson, et al., 2014). Through this screen, we have found that the major cell cycle regulator Cdc7 plays a previously unstudied role in the DNA damage response. Cdc7 has already been identified as an essential gene in many organisms. Cdc7 requires a partner, NIMO in Aspergillus, for its function. Most studies have focused on Cdc7’s role during DNA synthesis but its role during mitosis has not yet been fully characterized. The objectives of our research are to characterize the role of Cdc7 and NIMO in the DNA damage response and further analyze the function of Cdc7 during mitosis. Our aims will be as follows: Aim 1: Determine if the Cdc7 mutant is involved in the same DNA damage response pathway as sonB1; Aim 2: Determine if other Cdc7 alleles suppress the temperature sensitivity of nimA1; Aim 3: Determine if nimO18 (a regulator of Cdc7) suppresses the DEO sensitivity of sonB1. Our study will not only characterize the roles of Cdc7 in the DNA damage response and mitosis but will also provide a solid framework for future studies to explore Cdc7 as a DNA damage response protein.
Dissemination: Student will present his project at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2019. The final results are part of a paper submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Student: Daniel Robey (Faculty Mentor, Jeffrey Gress), Education
Project Title: Ordinary Days and Extraordinary Theater Education (Honors Capstone)
Summary: The purpose of this project is to delve into the rehearsal and production of Adam Gwon’s musical entitled Ordinary Days and its implication on future educational theater pursuits. I am an English Education Major with a Theater Studies Minor; with this background I have found very few opportunities on campus to merge these fields together. I am hoping to get a better grasp on theater education to one day earn a high school theater teacher/director position. Throughout the rehearsal and production phase of the project, literature research will be conducted to gather pedagogical strategies pertaining to theatrical arts. As these strategies are applied, anonymous surveys will be given to actors in the cast to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. The data gleaned from online research will be synthesized with the authentic data collected from the rehearsal process to evaluate effective strategies when teaching theater.
Dissemination: The play was produced and presented on campus fall 2018. The related research project will be presented at the 2019 Capital Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship.

Summer 2018

Student: Allison Kerman (Faculty Mentor, Craig Burgdoff, Religion and Philosophy), Political Science
Project Title: Summer Scholar 2018 project trip “Uncharted History: The Beginning”
Summary: The goal of my project is to start at the very beginning and identify more hidden, important components of the founding of the United States. The focus points will be on little known political contributions of the Haudenosaunee peoples, frequently called the Iroquois Indians, and little-known facts about the Founding Fathers. As examples, the Haudenosaunee had developed the concept of separation of powers long before the United States adopted the concept and many of the Founding Fathers had a love for the arts, including music. I have been invited to the Skä·noñh—Great Law of Peace Center and for a meal on the Onondaga Nation with a professor from Syracuse. This is such an honor and will be a valuable learning experience. I will be able to speak with historians, explore the history from the Haudenosaunee perspective, and experience the culture. After this trip, I plan to continue on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. In order to further my research into the founding of the United States and creation of the Constitution. I will visit sites such as Independence Hall, The Benjamin Franklin Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Archives, and many others. Each of these historical sites will aid in my project by giving me a deeper connection to the material and providing more valuable information. Finally, I will be able to take pictures of historical landmarks and documents that I will include in my finished research product.
Dissemination: The student presented her project at the Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists (OAEPS) Conference in September 2018. She will present her project at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2019

Fall 2018

Student: Bri Smith
Project Title: Examining the Effects of Algae on Human Pathogens
Summary: Antibiotic resistance has increasingly become a major epidemic throughout modern day medicine. Many factors have contributed to this, such as the over prescription of antibiotics, low regulations for agricultural use, and a lack of development for new antibiotics (Duong, 2015). It is time that science looked to new, innovative ways to develop new treatment methods for common illnesses. Algae has been known to carry many health benefits. These include rich vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (Jennings, 2017). Certain species of algae have been known to carry antimicrobial properties that have the potential to inhibit pathogen growth, specifically, D. salina and R. subcapitata. My hypothesis that I will be testing is, if algae extract and secretion from D. salina and R. subcapitata, is added to pathogenic strains of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes, then pathogenic growth will be inhibited. D. salina and R. subcapitata are the algal species that will be used to test this hypothesis. D. salina is a unicellular flagellate marine green microalgae. R. subcapitata is a motionless, freshwater green algae. Because these are two different environmental algae (marine v. freshwater), they carry different chemical properties. D. salina is a marine green algae, so it will display halophilic (high salt affinity) properties. R. subcapitata, on the other hand, is a freshwater algae. The chemical properties for it will be different than that of D. salina. By testing both forms of green algae, we can examine,which algal species produces more effective antibiotics.
Dissemination: Student will present her findings at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship in April 2019.

Spring 2017

Student: Kiley Buchanan (Faculty Mentor, Megan Beard), Health and Sports Sciences
Project Title: Analysis of Eccentric Hip Strength and Functional Performance in Recreational Runners
Summary: Currently a variety of functional and clinical tests are utilized by athletic trainers to determine weaknesses or abnormalities within injured populations. In addition, these tests have been utilized to screen individuals and determine those at a higher risk of sustaining an injury. The populations assessed in these studies are predominantly limited to high school and collegiate athletes, as well as acute injuries such as ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. There are approximately 8.3 million collegiate or high school athletes, whereas there are over 51 million recreational runners in the United States.(NCAA, 2016; USA, 2013) Of these runners, up to 80% will go on to sustain a running-related musculoskeletal injury (RRMI) each year.(van Gent et al., 2007) There is currently sparse research investigating tests that can be used to determine which recreational runners are at risk of developing a RRMI. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to establish performance by healthy recreational runners on functional and clinical tests. Furthermore, the proposed study will identify differences in performance between males and females, and previously injured and non-injured runners. The results of this study will help drive future research utilizing the functional and clinical tests to identify recreational runners at risk of sustaining a RRMI.
Dissemination: Student presented her project at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018. Project also submitted for presentation at the National Athletic Training Association meeting for summer 2018.

Student: Christian Phillips (Faculty Mentor, Eva George), History
Project Title: From ‘The Tennessee Waltz’ to ‘Dancing on My Own’: Why the American Social Dance Floor Moved from Twirling Couples to Individuals Bouncing Off Each Other (Honors Capstone)
Summary: No other time period in history has seen the dramatic changes to social dance as has the sixty-six years from 1950 to 2016, with much of these changes originating in the United States. I propose to investigate and detail this transformation, align it with the various musical genres and trends, and place the ever-evolving American social dance floor into its proper historical context. To this end, I will investigate the plethora of visual media featuring dance, create a questionnaire to be distributed to willing participants who have spent time dancing socially, research articles and books, and interview professional dancers concerning their views on how social dance has changed during their lifetime. I expect to be able to tie specific modifications on the dance floor not only to transformations within popular music but to the broader social revolutions which occurred within the larger American society. To date, I have found no research into the American social dance floor; dance research and critique typically investigates professional performances, specialty forms of dance, or the mechanics of a specific choreographed or historical dance. This project will showcase the link between major societal and musical changes and how Americans have chosen to physically express themselves in their contemporary search for acceptance and companionship, while bringing to light an underappreciated and seldom-represented aspect from the life of the average American.
Dissemination: This project was presented at the 2017 Capital Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. Christian is currently pursuing publication of this paper in an appropriate peer-reviewed publication. 

Summer 2017

Student: Rachel Dumke (Faculty Mentors, John Mersfelder and Andrea Karkowski), Biology
Project Title: The Influence of Gut Microbiota on Physical and Psychological Health (Honors Capstone)
Summary: The human body hosts a diverse ecosystem of microbiota that assist in important functions including immunity and metabolism. In humans, the microbiota is composed of mainly bacteria and most of these bacteria reside in the gastrointestinal tract or gut. These cells outnumber human cells in the body by tenfold and include mostly Bacteriodes and Firmicutes. Microbial stability and diversity are used as a measurement of physical health while dysbiosis is linked with many different types of disease (Bercik, Collins & Vredu, 2012; D’Argenio & Salvatore, 2015; Fond et al., 2015; Luna & Foster, 2015). Factors such as early life events, diet, and stress levels are known to affect microbiome composition and diversity (Anglin, Surette, Moayyedi, & Bercik, 2015; Rhee, Pothoulakis, & Mayer, 2009). Bacteria are so vital to our health, the human microbiome may even be considered an additional organ (Heijtz et al., 2011). Increasing evidence suggests alterations in the microbiome may affect our psychological health through pathways such as the gut-brain axis and HPA axis. The current study will investigate the interactions between gut bacteria, the HPA axis, and psychological well-being.
Dissemination: Rachel presented this project at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), April 2018 and at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018 

Student: Joshua Tomsick
Project Title: Investigation of the Unfolding of Riboflavin Binding Protein Using Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy (Chemistry Summer Research Fellow)
Summary: During summer 2017, Josh and his faculty mentor collected data to determine the melting temperature for riboflavin binding protein (RBP) using a variety of methods and instruments in the chemistry laboratory on the campus of Capital University. The instruments used were a fluorescence spectrometer and a ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis). These instruments provide information about the environment of the riboflavin cofactor and tryptophan residues in RBP as RBP unfolds and refolds as a function of temperature. The researchers would like to collect further information using a circular dichroism spectrometer (CD). This instrument can provide information about the secondary structure of the protein as a function of temperature. All of this information together will provide us with a more complete understanding of how RBP unfolds in response to increased temperature and how the protein refolds when the temperature is decreased. Capital University does not own a CD instrument. To collect this data, Josh traveled with Sherry Hemmingsen to Jasco Inc headquarters in Easton, MD, where this instrument is available. Josh and Dr. Hemmingsen also worked with CD experts at this location on the interpretation of the data. Josh and Dr. Hemmingsen are working together in an internship during fall 2017. Visiting Jasco headquarters gave Josh valuable firsthand experience with JASCO and the sales industry, which he used in his internship projects with JASCO fall 2017.
Dissemination: Josh and Dr. Hemmingsen have published a white paper on the use of the Jasco equipment for investigation of the unfolding of RBP. Josh presented his work at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018

Fall 2017

Student: Mary Avery and Kait Roughton (Faculty Mentor, Stephanie Gray Wilson), Psychology
Project Title: Personality and Habit Formation
Summary: The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the role of personality in habit formation. A secondary goal is to explore the validity of claims made in Gretchen Rubin’s (2015) Better Than Before; that certain personality tendencies determine how habits are made, broken, and maintained.
Dissemination: The researchers presented their project at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), April 2018 and the Midwestern Psychological Association conference, April 2018. The students also presented their project at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018.

Student: Fairleigh Keaka (Faculty Mentor, Christine Anderson), Biological & Environmental Sciences
Project Title: Bioinformatics in Conservation of Lyme disease reservoir species Peromycus leucopus
Summary: Peromycus leucopus, or the white-footed mouse, is widely distributed across the eastern United States. The mice perform a variety of ecosystem services, acting as trophic links but also as a reservoir for Lyme disease. These mice are abundant, and occupy a variety of habitats ranging from forests to agricultural fields, potentially increasing the geographic distribution of the disease. Field work performed during the past five summers at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio has shown that densities fluctuate between moderate to high levels in a secondary growth deciduous woodlot habitats and a agricultural fencerow habitat. Fairleigh’s previous research on population genetics has demonstrated migration between these two mouse populations. As a competent and prevalent reservoir, the white-footed mouse may pose a threat to human health. Furthermore, the habitats that white-footed mice occupy have become increasingly fragmented, increasing human interaction and the chance of transmission. If we are to gain a comprehensive understanding of Lyme disease, then our knowledge regarding modeling the movements of one of its potential reservoirs must increase. This study will utilize bioinformatics and molecular genetic techniques to test landscape – level populations dynamics of wild mice. While previous studies have quantified these interactions at the individual level, the understanding at the population level remains insufficient. This study will employ a diverse array of techniques to further our understanding of population dynamics of the white-footed mouse. Initial analysis will be performed using molecular genetic techniques, and the microsatellite analysis programs Geneclass, MIGRATE, and BayesAss to estimate recent migration and long term gene flow. Additional analyses will include isolation by distance, genetic variation, inbreeding, and population structure. These programs will provide initial data and become the basis for further investigation with the programming language R and geographic information systems (GIS). The utilization of R and GIS will allow for simulations and analysis of sample sizes that would be impossible to perform in the field due to time and monetary constraints. Moreover, R and GIS opens the door to a variety of statistical analyses and visual methodologies that would provide a data set that is comprehensive and conveyable to the public. By developing a greater knowledge of white-footed mouse population we will simultaneously gain an insight into the intricacies of the potential spread of Lyme disease. Future work will involve testing the mice for Lyme disease.
Dissemination: The results of this project were presented at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018; the Beta Beta Beta regional conference; and the Ohio Fish and Wildlife Conference. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal is being pursued.

Student: Kaleigh May (Faculty Mentor, Stephanie Gray Wilson), Psychology and Communication
Project Title: Lying on the Job: The Impact of Lying Games on Organization Members’ Creativity (Honors Capstone)
Summary: This research examines whether dishonest game play stimulates organizational creativity. No known research explores using dishonesty to increase creativity in organizations. Participants will play card games, one of which encourages lying. The Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA) will be used to assess creativity. Data will be collected at undergraduate student organization meetings. At these meetings, one group will play a lying card game, and the other will play a control card game. The two groups’ creativity scores will be compared to determine if there is a difference in creativity scores as a function of the type of game played.
Dissemination: The results of this project were presented at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018. The project was also presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Scholarship (NCUR), April 2018.

Student: Austin Rush (Faculty Mentor, Kimberly Heym), Biological & Environmental Sciences
Project Title: Does the Type of Musical Training Influence Working Memory? The Effects of Instrumental, Vocal or Music Technology Training on Working Memory
Summary: Science professors at Capital University rely heavily on the use of PowerPoint in the classroom. This means students have to process spoken words from the professor, visual text, and images all at the same time to understand the information. Furthermore, because every student on campus is required to take a lab-based science class to graduate, classes like Biology 151 have both science and non-science majors enrolled together in the class. Previous work by Heym, Rush, Klacik and Dumke show that years of music training positively correlates with the ability to hold text and images in working memory but not necessarily spoken words; the longer a student studied music, the better they performed on the working memory test. We would like to better understand what this positive correlation means by recruiting more students and recruiting students by music type. Most music students read music and thus scan the music with their eyes all while watching the conductor and listening to their fellow musicians. This resembles the behavior that students in a typical science class at Capital experience as they observe PowerPoint slides and listen to the professor. Does the type of musical training influence their working memory? Dr. Tom Zugger informed us that some of the students in the conservatory do not read music. Recruitment of students who do not read music may help us understand whether reading music has an effect on working memory or not.
Dissemination: The results of this project will be presented at Capital’s Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship, April 2018. The project was also presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Scholarship (NCUR), April 2018.

Student: Katherine Escobar, Psychology (Mentor, Kathryn Bell)
Project Title: Childhood experiences and their impact on later adult functioning
Summary: The purpose of this study is to examine shame as a possible mechanism for the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and social anxiety symptoms. No known studies have investigated whether or not shame mediates the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and social anxiety symptoms. There is supporting evidence from research literature that indicates social anxiety disorder as a potential consequence of childhood emotional abuse. Identifying shame as a mediator of the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and social anxiety can direct both treatment and prevention options for children exposed to emotional abuse and those suffering from social anxiety. Participants will be recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (M*Turk), a crowdsourcing platform for data collection. M*Turk workers interested in participating will complete a qualification test to determine if they meet certain age and U.S. residency eligibility requirements. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited through M*Turk to participate in the survey. Participants will then be directed to a SurveyMonkey link, where they will read the online consent form and complete the survey. Three hundred anticipated participants who consent to participate will then respond to online questionnaires assessing demographic information, adverse childhood experiences, shame, social anxiety, and emotional experiences. After completing the questionnaires, participants will be provided with debriefing information, including contact information for national mental health resources. At the end of the survey, participants will be given a survey code that they will then enter on M*Turk in order to receive their $2 compensation for participating in the study.
NOTE: Results of this project were presented at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies conference in New York, October, 2016

Student: Matthew Heim, Conservatory of Music (Mentor, Chad Loughrige)
Project Title: Cymatics – Nature’s Hidden Secrets
Summary: Very little is known about the study of cymatics and its unique and mysterious characteristics. After conducting preliminary research, it is apparent that information regarding the uses and applications of cymatics are primitive. I have successfully built my own cymatic viewing device that enables me to view detailed cymatic patterns while utilizing a speaker and amplifier, computer, tin dish, and water. After extensive research and experiments, including speaking with the world’s leading cymatics expert, I have realized that it is not practical nor possible for me to approach cymatics from a scientifically analytical point of view, as I have no ability to control the necessary variables in order to maintain a controlled environment. Factors such as environmental temperature, barometric pressure, water volume, and dish temperature dramatically impact the resulting pattern observed, rendering all hopes of obtaining consistent results void.Given this realization, I’ve concluded that it is possible and practical for my research to be considered an expression of art. Utilizing the technology accessible to me, I intend to compose and perform a musical piece to accompany cymatic images in real time by using the cymatic viewing device I created in conjunction with special software and equipment I own. My faculty advisor and I have concluded that this goal is obtainable given the current state of technology and would also be a worthy and creative accomplishment by introducing cymatics within a live performance setting. In order to accomplish this goal, I will audition musical notes on my cymatic viewing device and determine which notes possess the most intricate and vibrant patterns. I will record high quality video clips of the cymatic patterns on the iPhone 6. Using these distinctly selected notes, I will compose a melody while also composing a backing track for accompaniment. Once the piece is composed, I can then load the video clips of the notes that comprise the melody into special software called Grand Vjay. This software allows
the user to “play” video clips in real time using MIDI control surfaces (such as a keyboard) and project the feed onto a large screen. Since Vjay allows video components to be separate from audio components, I can determine which cymatic image I would like to display in real time along with my backing track, allowing me to “perform” a sequence of cymatic images. The potential application for such a performance would be live concerts in an arena, where MIDI is already used regularly as part of various performance aspects. Such concerts usually exhibit multiple video screens to reinforce music and lighting components. Other applications include solo performances in which one performer controls music, lights, and video all with MIDI control surfaces, bringing a new meaning to “one-man-band.” The goal for my research is to successfully compose a musical piece that showcases cymatic imagery in a live performance setting, that can be performed the same way each time without running into the issues of uncontrollable variables. In addition, a written paper explaining my entire research process and results will be composed with the goal of being published within various audio, academic, and research journals and magazines.
NOTE: Summer Scholar Project. Results were presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Memphis, TN, April 2017

Student: Matt McCroskey, Communication/Theatre – Electronic Media & Film (Mentor, Betsy Pike)
Project Title: Producing Narratives in Virtual Reality
Summary: In 2014, Facebook purchased the small startup Oculus for $2 billion, catalyzing a new wave of fascination for Virtual Reality (VR). This past year, Sundance Film Festival’s 10-year old “New Frontier” category for VR and other new media experiences showcased a record number of submissions, and Tribeca Film Festival opened up a new VR category in its 2016 festival. Beyond this, countless tech companies are rushing to capitalize on this wave. Two weeks ago, Google announced its new Daydream View headset to be compatible with its new Pixel phone line. This week, Sony released its PlayStation VR Headset for the PlayStation 4 console, making it the first home console manufacturer to support VR on their system. It is clear that in recent years, what was often dismissed as a gimmicky medium for storytelling has now found new life and a second chance as a viable method for communicating narratives. For this project, I will be embracing this new resurgence in VR and will be creating a narrative told through the medium of Virtual Reality. I will be combining both live-action 360º camera footage and computer generated graphics created in the 3D game engine Unity to create a 3 to 5-minute VR Music Video to be released primarily for mobile phone-based VR platforms. This project will be not only accessible by mobile VR platforms, but will also be available to view with any sort of device capable of viewing 360-degree videos.
Through this project, I hope not only to create a quality and immersive product but also hope to create a promotional campaign for this experience. I plan on also submitting this to various showcases of new media and virtual reality, and will figure out established ways of distribution to help promote the project.
NOTE: Honors student.

Student: Evan Eggleston, Psychology (Mentor: Dr. Kathryn Bell)
Project Title: How Do ROTC Students Differ From Non-ROTC Students in Their Pre-trauma Vulnerability?
Summary: The purpose of this project, which is also supported through the Summer Scholars program, is to determine pre-trauma vulnerability factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for ROTC and non-ROTC students. There are two specific questions that are to be answered by this study. Will ROTC students show higher levels of pre-trauma vulnerability than non-ROTC students? Will ROTC students demonstrate higher scores on measures of resiliency and social support than non-ROTC students? This project involves completion of an online survey by ROTC and non-ROTC students recruited at Capital University. The students will be recruited to participate via email. Power analyses will be conducted prior to the onset of data collection to determine adequate group sizes. The surveys will be completed anonymously and data will be collected through www.surveymonkey.com. The survey will assess participants’ early trauma exposure, resiliency, social support, and emotion regulation – all factors that have been identified as pre-trauma variables impacting future PTSD risk. Additionally, the survey will collect information about participants’ demographic background. Participants will have an opportunity to enter a raffle to win prizes, such as gift cards to various stores/restaurants, as compensation for their participation.

Student: Tom Greenwood, Music Technology (Mentor: Chad Loughrige)
Project Title: SSL 4000 Bus Compressor Build
Summary: The purpose of this project is to bring together concepts and ideas presented through the four years of classes in Music Technology program. For this project, I would like to build an audio compressor. There are many do it yourself kits available with schematics and blogs guide the builder through each phase of construction. For this project I would like to build a replica of the classic SSL 4000 Bus Compressor. This famous compressor has been used on countless albums and is revered as one of the best compressors ever made.

Student: Tori Hanlin, Biological & Environmental Sciences (Mentor: Dr. Christine Anderson)
Project Title: Abundance and Distribution of White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in Central versus Southeastern Ohio
Summary: This study has three goals: (1) to collect data on population abundance of Peromyscus leucopus in Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Central Ohio, (2) to compare the distribution of white-footed mice between edge and interior forest habitats at the park, and (3) to compare findings to Capital University’s field research site the Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in the southeastern part of the state. The Primmer Outdoor Learning Center is located in Logan, OH, approximately 45 miles southeast of Columbus. The 75-acre site contains seven distinct ecosystems, including grasslands, a secondary growth deciduous forest, a riparian forest, a 15-acre wetland, and groundwater streams. Two grids were set up at Primmer; one along an agricultural field (‘AG line’) and a small secondary growth forest patch (‘Woods grid’) and data was collected in 2012-2014. We are planning to continue the field sampling at Primmer during 2015 concurrently with data collection at Blacklick Woods Metro Park for a direct comparison.
This study will also train undergraduate students in field methods to collect data on the abundance and distribution of small mammals in forest-agricultural landscapes across the state. Students will also gain experience using plot and plotless methods to collect data on ground cover vegetation, density of understory vegetation, canopy tree species diversity, and canopy cover in order to compare sites. This work will also establish a new field site for field work related to small mammal diversity near Capital University in Columbus, OH, and also provide a study site to mentor high school capstone students at the eSTEM Academy at Reynoldsburg Summit High School through our new partnership. Overall, the justification for this project is for students to foster an appreciation for biodiversity by viewing organisms in their natural environments using accepted methods in the field. The plans for dissemination are given below.

Student: Marlee Mccloud, World Languages and Culture (Mentors: Drs. Stephanie Saunders and Alan Stam)
Project Title: Preserving Ties: Bribri Community and Agency in Yorkin, Talamanca, Costa Rica: Transcription and Linguistics
Summary: The purpose of this project is to be immersed in the cultural traditions of a woman-based community organization in the Bribri village of Yorkin, Costa Rica. After an economic decline in the village due to a disease infestation of their main source of income (cacao), a group of women created a craft cooperative called Estibrawpa to improve the village’s economic situation. The cooperative’s goals are to utilize cultural traditions of the community, to take care of the land that they inhabit, and to build a self-sustainable way of life. They attract tourists to the village to teach them about their indigenous culture in an attempt to not only help their economic situation, but to preserve their traditions and the environment. Over the years, the organization has had success by creating a cultural tourism business.
The product of our labor will be a how-to manual and book manuscript that supports both the goals of the Estibrawpa organization and our goals as a University. The Spanish version of the book will correlate with the organization’s goals of maintaining their indigenous culture and traditions. It will also provide a model for other indigenous cultures throughout the world to organize and develop touristic opportunities to preserve their own culture. In addition, the book will allow us to understand the Bribri approach to life in the rainforest. We will take note of the relationship between the Bribri people and their land.

Student: Gretchen Rutz, Conservatory of Music (Mentor: Dr. Tony Zilincik)
Project Title: Recording Traditional Four-Part Hymns for Public Access and Use
Summary: Traditional four-part hymns found in Lutheran, Methodist, and other Christian hymnals are a regular part in traditional Christian services. Keyboard arrangements and solo vocal renditions of hymns are found widely online, but there are no comprehensive collections of the traditional four-part hymns. Consistent vocal recordings of these hymns should be available to any and everyone with access to the internet. I intend to record a four-part a capella rendition of 100 selected hymns in the “Service Music” section of the Lutheran Service Book. This hymnal will provide the text, tune, and harmonies for all recording purposes. I will use YouTube to create a channel solely for these recordings. Concordia Publishing House is the publisher of the Lutheran Service Book hymnal from which I intend to record, and none of the hymns I will be recording are under copyright. The recordings will be edited by a music technician from Capital University and posted to a YouTube channel where they may be listened to by anyone with access to the internet. The resulting videos will have a static image of the music and will not be a video recording of the singers. (Honors project).

Student: Rachel Arnold, Psychology (Mentor: Dr. Andrea M. Karkowski)
Project Title: Effect of Emotional and Personality Variables as a Moderator for Physiological Responses to Gendered Microaggressions
Summary: Gender microaggressions are defined as brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative sexist slights and insults toward women (Nadal, 2010). Recent research has shown a significant negative relationship between experiencing microaggressions and overall mental health, but there is a lack of research focusing on gendered microaggressions and there is little empirical research that shows the biological stress response associated with facing such microaggressions. Research has shown that prolonged stress hormones being present can have extremely negative health effects (Kalman & Grahn, 2004; Hellhammer, Wust & Kudielka, 2009; Nadal, Griffin, Wong, Hamit, & Rasmus, 2012). Connecting experiences of microaggressions to heightened stress hormones levels can demonstrate the importance of stopping or decreasing the occurrence of microaggressions. Much research is qualitative – data gathered from focus groups and open discussions – and self-report, making finding suggestive and theoretical. By using quantitative methods, we can inspect the variance in individual responses to microaggressions without using self-reported measures, which are frequently proven to be inaccurate.
The results from this project will extend the research literature about gendered microaggressions by documenting the physiological responses of microaggressions. Results will be compiled into both a poster and a paper in order to allow for maximum dissemination to journals and conferences. (Honors project).