Developing A Genetic Lab Module For The Soil Nematode C. Elegans For Introductory Biology Teaching Laboratories.

E. Katherine Miller and Jodie Deshler, Biology, Megan A. Theede, Student. Caenorhabditis elegans is a simple free-living organism and is a valuable model system for genetics. Because the entire DNA sequence of the genome has been determined, C. elegans is a valuable tool to use in Introductory Biology Laboratories. This project was to develop a Genetics Lab Module for Introductory Laboratories using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the C. elegans dumpy mutant.

Enigmatic 1.3 – 1.4 G. Y. Mafic Pluton, Koss Pit, Wausau , Marathon County , Wisconsin /William Cordua, Geology/Mineralogy.

An unusual igneous rock called mela-diorite was recently discovered near Wausau , WI . Chemical analyses suggest the rock's origin involved the partial melting of a lithospheric mantle possibly enriched by volatile – rich material sub-ducted during the Penokean orogeny. The K-Ar whole rock age was 1307.2 +/- 41 Ma. If this age has not been reset by uplift, this mela-diorite matches no previously-known igneous activity, thus represents a newly discovered geologic event in central Wisconsin .

Analysis of Financial Measures Comparing 3 Forage Management Styles/Gregg Hadley, Agricultural Economics, Wayne Wencl, Student.

The objective of this research was to determine if management style influenced profitability.  The management options compared included: Management Intensive Rotational Grazing (MIRG), a stored feed group, and a mixed feeding group.  Survey results were used to define management style. Financial ratios were used to measure profitability; there were nineteen different financial ratios used in this research.  Dupont analysis was performed on the financial ratio measures calculated from the Agricultural Financial Advisor (AgFA) database.

Viability of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Commercial Yogurt/ Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science, Janelle Kreitinger, Student.

Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in three commercial brands of yogurt was tested by determining the viable bacterial counts(CFU/g) of L acidophilus during 2 week storage at refrigeration temperature. Though the initial counts of L acidophilus varied slightly, all three brands showed similar levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus after storage at 4 C. Our results indicate that there was no significant difference in the levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus or viability of these strains in commercial brands of yogurt stored under refrigeration conditions for two weeks.

The Effects of Vinegar Acidification on Queso Blanco Cheese/Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science, Sarah Braden, Student.

The main objective of this work to study of vinegar acidification on flavor of queso blanco cheese. Milk from the UW RF dairy farm  was used to make queso blanco cheese using different vinegars.  Five percent salt ( w/w curd weight basis) was added to the curd prior to molding and stored for 18 hr. Cheese was vacuum packed in a plastic bag and stored at refrigerated temperature until testing.

Microbiological Quality of Organic and Conventionally Grown Vegetables/ Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science, Leah Heinzen, Student.

Microbial levels in organic and conventional carrots and broccoli were assessed to determine if organic produce had higher levels of microbial contamination. Appropriate dilutions of samples of carrots and broccoli purchased from local supermarkets were plated on the Standard Plate Count agar plates and incubated aerobically at 35 C and Room Temperature for 48 hours. Microbial contamination was determined by enumerating colonies. All analyses were performed in duplicate. Results showed comparable levels of contamination in both organic and conventional products tested.

3+2 Program for M.PH at University of Minnesota: A Proposed Program/ Purnendu C. Vasavada, Steven Ridley, and Anthony Jilek, Animal & Food Science.

A new program (3 + 2 program) for allowing UWRF students to pursue the M.PH degree in the School of Public Health at University of Minnesota after completing 3 years at UW River Falls is being proposed. After completing their 3 rd year at UW River Falls, qualified students majoring in biological sciences including Animal and Food Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Biology etc. may finish their 4 th year at UW River Falls or they may have enrolled in the M.PH (Environmental Health) program in the school of Public Health and to obtain a M. PH degree in 2 years ( 3 + 2). Students pursuing this option will complete core courses in Public Health by enrolling in the 3 week summer institutes or take the courses on-line. The proposed program thus allows eligible students to receive a B.S. from UWRF and a M.PH. from U of Minnesota and become eligible for careers in Public Health field.

UW-River Falls Food Microbiology Symposium: 24 Years of Food Safety and Microbiology Outreach/ Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science, Dawn Drogemuller, Student.

For the past 24 years, the UW River Falls Food Microbiology Symposium “Current Concepts in Food borne Pathogens and Rapid Methods and Automation in Food Microbiology” has been offered to provide a continuing education opportunity for food industry professionals. One of the two such long standing programs in the world, this international conference attracts participation of about 120 international delegates and speakers from academia, industry and regulatory agencies and provides a venue for discussion of contemporary issues and issues dealing with food safety and microbiology including outbreaks of illness and bio-terrorism preparedness.

The Replication of Chicken Breast Contamination in a Commercial Product/ Bonnie Walters, Animal & Food Science, Joshua Knutson, Student.

A local poultry producer identified a microbial problem that was causing white spots on the boneless skinless chicken breast.  The organisms had been isolated by the producer to be lactic acids and yeast.  The simulation conducted at UW-River Falls involved 3 treatments including lactic acids, yeasts and a mixed culture on the chicken breasts.  Two studies were conducted one using whirl-paks bags and the other with regular tray packs. The results of the experiment are aiding the processor in eliminating the point of introduction of these organisms.

Crohn's Disease and Johne's Disease: Is There a Connection?/ Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science, Christine Torhorst, Student.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection causes Johne's disease in dairy cattle.  The organisms  has been also  thought to be an etiological factor in Crohn's disease.  In this poster presentation, we will explore  culture and polymerase chain reaction identification of organism from intestinal specimens, human seroreactivity, and treatment regimen of antibiotic therapy as well as survival of MAP during pasteurization treatment of milk. .

Design and Synthesis of New Compounds Based on Capsaicin and N-Arachidonoyl Dopamine: Potential Analgesic Agents/David Rusterholz, Chemistry, Sarah A. Barfknecht and Patrick M. Traynor, Students.

Capsaicin, the chemical which is responsible for the pungency of chili peppers, also desensitizes the nerve after the initial hot sensation. This observation has led to the inclusion of capsaicin in some over-the-counter pain-relieving commercial products; however, it still has the disadvantage of initially eliciting a burning pain sensation before it provides any pain relief. The natural receptor activated by capsaicin called VR1 has been cloned and N-arachidonoyl dopamine has been proposed as the natural endogenous ligand.

Characterization of the Behavior of an Object in an Optical Trap/ Lowell McCann, Physics, Patrick Fillmore, Student.

An object with an index of refraction that differs from the medium it is suspended in can be trapped by optical pressure at the focal point of a laser propagating through the medium. By trapping and observing an object over a period of time, we have begun to characterize the potential energy well of the trap, which will lead to better understanding of the behavior of objects caught in trap.

Political Influence on Students Studying Abroad in the Dalkeith House/ Timothy Lyden, Biology, Thomas Hench, Management, UW-La Crosse, Kathryn Clay, Student.

It is believed that Americans' lack of interest in political issues is associated with a decline in sociological imagination in Americans. By sending more students to abroad programs such as Wisconsin in Scotland , it is possible that as students' sociological imaginations grow, so will their interest in political issues.

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Jeremy Tilsen, Student.

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) is a technique to image surfaces that has been around for nearly twenty years, and is widely used in industry and research. Due to recent developments in digital technology these microscopes are becoming cheaper and more powerful. I am utilizing these new technologies to build a Digitally Controlled STM. After the completion of the project, UWRF will have a STM to use in future experiments and demonstrations.

Recent Student Mapping and GIS Projects/Charles Rader and Marguerite Forest , Geography and Mapping Sciences.

This poster presents recent maps made by students undertaking a GIS and Cartography Minor at UW-RF.  These maps were produced for classes, special projects, and internships over the past year and were submitted to the department's annual Map of the Year Contest. Two awards are given in this competition: one for a map made in an introductory course and a second for a map made in an advanced course, special project, or internship. A wide range of activities that take place in the GIS and Cartography curriculum are represented in this display.

Synthesis of a Palladium(II) Catalyst Containing a Chiral Bis(dihydrooxazole) Ligand/Magdalena Pala, Chemistry, Linda Williams, Student.

Chiral bis(dihydrooxazole) ligands have been synthesized from malonodinitrile, and different chiral 2-amino-3-propanol's.  We are attempting to create palladium(II) complexes with one deprotonated bis(dihydrooxazole) ligand, which will then be used as a catalyst.  To optimize the reaction we are exploring different palladium(II) starting materials, and the use of different solvents.

Determination of the Presence of Plasmid-Borne LmPH Genes in Phenol-Degrading Bacteria/ Elaine O. Hardwick, Biology, Greg Walter, Student.

The purpose of this project was to determine if phenol-degrading genes called LmPH (large multi-component phenol hydroxylase) are located on plasmids in freshwater phenol-degrading bacteria. Plasmid DNA was extracted from control and phenol-degrading bacteria. Detection of LmPH genes was accomplished using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and published primers.

Phylogenetic Analysis and Detection of Phenol Hydroxylase Genes in Bacteria Utilizing Phenol as a Sole Carbon and Energy Source/ Elaine O. Hardwick, Biology, Jennifer Ness and Jessica Martin, Students.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to determine if a specific phenol-degrading gene sequence was present in cultured freshwater phenol-degrading bacteria. This gene sequence, the large multi-component phenol hydroxylase (LmPH), was tentatively identified in all tested bacteria.

Identification of a Soil Bacterium/ Elaine O. Hardwick, Biology, Wes Normington and Jeff Parker, Students.

A soil bacterium was grown from Kinnickinnic River soil for a BIOL 100 lab project. The bacterium was analyzed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) so that DNA sequences could be obtained. Using these sequences, the bacterium was tentatively identified as a Pseudomonas species.

Synthesis and Characterization of N-Acyl Phenethylamines: Potential Activators or Inhibitors of Apoptosis/ Karl P. Peterson, Chemistry, Brianna Zemke, Caroline Martin, Students.

Apoptosis is a biological process in which cells “switch-on” a series of pathways that lead to programmed cell death. This process operates to control cell growth and tissue organization throughout the life of an organism. Faulty regulation of apoptosis has been implicated in such common disease states as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cancer. Small molecules that have the ability to induce or inhibit apoptosis are of tremendous interest as potential pharmaceutical agents and as tools to study the molecular biology of apoptosis. The synthesis and characterization of a series of N-acyl phenethylamines that have the potential to induce or inhibit apoptosis will be presented.

Synthesis of Ferrocenyl-thiazole/ Magdalena Pala and Karl Peterson, Chemistry, Nicole Holm, Student.

In the past, our research group has synthesized various oxazoline molecules for use as a ligand on palladium. Such a complex could be used as an asymmetric catalyst for enantioselective reactions.  The purpose of this research is to create a ferrocenyl-thiazole molecule to be used in a similar manner, and compared to previous work.  Much experimentation with the synthesis and purification of benzyl-thiazole led to an analogous scheme for ferrocenyl-thiazole.

Detection Limit of Trinucleotide SSR Markers for Soybean Genotyping/ Brad Mogen, Biology, Rachel Dietsche, Student.

Soybean cultivars are described for patenting by standard morphological traits. Because many commercial soybeans are descended from the same elite lines, they are often indistinguishable based on these methods. A system based on SSR DNA markers has been proposed to provide unique DNA fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining patents for new soybean cultivars. Any DNA-based testing system must be able to pick up genetic contamination within the given sample. It was our goal to determine the level of contamination detectable by the SSR genotyping method. We obtained the SSR genetic fingerprints of 20 soybean lines and then mixed genotypes to determine what level of contamination was observable. Unfortunately, the SSR DNA method does not seem to be effective at detecting genetic contamination.

Application of Immunoassay Techniques to Address the Question of Retroviral Envelope Protein Immuno-Cross-reactivity/ Timothy Lyden, Biology, Emily Genal, Student.

To identify reagents which detect endogenous retroviral proteins in placental trophoblast cells, we are using immunoassays to test the cross-reactivity of several anti-retroviral antibodies. Based at our own and other laboratories observations, a number of available antibodies against exogenous retroviruses also detect proteins in non-infected tissues and placental cells. This is thought to represent antibody cross-reactivity to conserved regions within retroviral proteins and is based on the relatively simple construction and similar function of these proteins in all retroviruses. To experimentally test this concept, we are currently using an ELISA assay to screen a library of anti-HIV-1, MULV and HERV monoclonal antibodies for reactivity to immobilized HIV-1 gp 160.

Microtubule Cytoskeletal Changes Observed During Retroviral Envelope Protein-Mediated Syncytial Cell Formation/ Timothy Lyden, Biology, Michael Salmela, Student.

In this study, HIV-1 envelope gene transfected-CHO cells were employed to evaluate microtubule cytoskeletal reorganization following membrane fusion to target HeLa cells. CHO-WT and HeLa cells co-cultured in chambered slides were washed, fixed, pretreated with 0.1% SDS and immunolabeled for a and b tubulin. Numerous syncytial cells were observed in cultures from 24 to 72 hours with the majority being localized to the edges of the monolayers. These syncytia contained between 2 and 10 identifiable nuclei, based on DAPI staining. Classic microtubule architecture was observed in the mononuclear CHO-WT and HeLa cells and in many of the cultures mitotic figures were also clearly evident.

Observations From Syncytial Cell Formation Provide Evidence in Support of the “tensegrity” Model of Cellular Architecture/ Timothy Lyden, Biology, Michael Salmela and Curtis Thacker, Students.

A central question in human reproductive biology over the past 25 years has centered on the terminal differentiation of placental trophoblast. Normal development of this interface between the maternal circulation and fetal tissues is marked by expression of a number of endogenous retroviral proteins including a fusion-mediating envelope or surface protein. In continuing efforts to understand this developmental process, we have employed an HIV-1 envelop-mediated fusion model system (CHO-WT/HeLa) to study morphological changes and associated reorganization of cellular cytoskeletal components. During the course of these studies, we developed a set of data which can best be understood and interpreted in terms of a recently proposed model of cellular architecture called “tensegrity”.

Using SSR's (simple sequencing repeats) and Phenotypes to Analyze Oregon Wolfe Barleys/ Kim Mogen, Biology, Jerrad Martinson, Student.

The Oregon Wolfe Barleys are a population of doubled haploids with easily scored phenotypes. Genetic analyses of  SSRs (simple sequencing repeats) was done using multiplex PCR on the Oregon Wolfe Barley progeny.  Phenotypic assessment consisted of the progeny being scored  on their susceptibility to powdery mildew and on plant and seed traits.

The Efficacy of Cytokinin to Offset Physical Characteristics of Nitrogen-Deficiency in Lettuce (Lactuc sativa), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Plants/ Kim Mogen, Biology, Brenda Johnson and Kristin Antosh, Students.

Nitrogen is an important nutrient in plants.  Plants receiving inadequate levels of nitrogen show yellowing of leaves and slow, stunted shoot growth.  One function of cytokinin, a plant hormone, is to delay senescence (death). Cytokinin promotes cell division leading to shoot growth.  In this experiment plants were treated with a nitrogen-deficient solution.  Some of the plants were then treated with a cytokinin solution.  The morphological characteristics of leaves and stems were analyzed.

Phenotypic Analysis of EMS-mutagenized C-fern (Ceratopteris richardii) Spores/ Kim Mogen, Biology, Erik Olson and Colin Searls-Anderson, Students.

Scientists can use mutagenesis to study the development of organisms.  In this experiment EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate), a chemical that usually causes single base-pair mutations in the organism's DNA, was used to treat C-fern spores.  The spores were sown on 0.5X Murashige Skoog agar plates and placed under lights.  Data regarding spore survival, germination rate, and phenotypic variation in the mutagenized C-fern plants are presented.

Phylogeography of the Primitive Plant Oxymitra Incrassata in North America / John Wheeler, Biology, Ed L. Murphy and Alex Johnson, Students.

Biological evidence of continental drift usually takes the form of fossils; however, modern populations of the living species Oxymitra incrassata might actually represent passengers that have been riding the continents as they drifted apart!  We are using nucleotide sequences to see if populations are divergent or closely related.  High divergence would suggest that this species consists of ancient populations but if continental populations are closely related it would mean recent dispersal of a younger species.

Small Mammal Diversity in a Rapidly Developing Area of the Saint Croix Watershed/ Clarke Garry, Biology, Jennifer Hermey, Nicole Gieger, Amanda Slaughter, and Sara Conrad.

This experiment was designed to determine the species of small mammals present in a rapidly developing region of Saint Croix County within the Saint Croix River Watershed. The area of study was wooded residential zone quite close to an area of rapid new human development. We performed this study on the small mammals in the area to allow comparison of populations previously determined during a similar time period in 2002. From these population data diversity and species richness calculations were made and an analysis of habitat was inferred.

Adventitious Rooting of Winter-Dormant Willow Twigs in Transparent Modules for Experiments in the Classroom

John Wheeler, Biology, Tara Lefler, Student
We developed a simple technique using transparent plastic tubes (modules) to achieve adventitious rooting of winter-dormant willow twigs (Salix). These modules allow students to observe the rooting process and root growth over time. We examined root emergence, root growth rate, and root diameter in cuttings rooted in 1) potting
soil or sterile sand and 2) in the presence or absence of auxin (2-way ANOVA). Preliminary root competition experiments (willow vs. grass) will be discussed.

Antibiotic Inhibition Activity Within Streptomycetes Isolated From The Rhizosphere of Native Prairie Plants

Kim Mogen, Biology, Chad Genson and Christian Hafele, Students
Streptomycete bacteria are medically important as they are the major source of antibiotics used to improve human health. They are commonly found in soils. Prior studies have shown that the Streptomycete community in agronomic soils is influenced by the cropping history of those sites, suggesting that plants may exert some influence on the Streptomycete community. The ecological role these important bacteria play in their native soil environment, however, is largely unstudied.

Induction of Dendritic Cell Phenotype and Analysis of HIV Co-Receptors in a Cultured White Blood Cell Line/Karen Klyczek, Biology, Sarah M. Schimmel, Student.

Our goal is to determine culture conditions that will increase expression of HIV co-receptors on human leukocytes. Cells are treated with PMA to induce differentiation to a dendritic-like phenotype, and receptor expression is measured by RT-PCR.  These cells will be used to analyze co-receptor distribution by immunogold labeling.

Cloning the Gene for the Capsaicin Receptor/ Karen Klyczek, Biology, Maria Caruso and Cheril Ocasio-Gonzalez, Students.

Our goal is to clone the gene for the vanilloid receptor, VR1.  The hot pepper chemical, capsaicin, bind to this receptor on sensory nerve cells to trigger the burning sensation.  We used RT-PCR to specifically amplify the VR1 gene from human RNA. The amplified gene is then cloned into a vector and transfected into cultured cells.  These cells will be used to test synthetic analogs of capsaicin for binding to the receptor.

Detecting Cosmic Rays at the South Pole/ Glenn Spiczak & James Madsen, Physics, Jonathan Eisch, Student.

A prototype 1000-gallon ice Cherenkov detector was constructed at the South Pole during the 2003-2004 season.  These detectors will form the IceTop surface array, part of IceCube, a one cubic kilometer neutrino detector.  The purpose of IceTop, and the challenges of working in the remote Antarctic environment are described. (IceTop is supported by grants from NSF, WARF, and Sweden , Belgian, and German research offices.)

Content Analysis of the Times and Post Coverage of the 2000 Presidential Debates/ Tracey Gladstone-Sovell, Political Science, Katie Kneissel, Student.

This poster depicts a content analysis of the Washington Post's and the New York Times' coverage of the 2000 presidential debates. The results showed that the coverage (quotations) from the newspapers was disproportionally negative compared to what was spoken by the candidates at the debates.

Demand For Money in the U.S./Brian Schultz, Economics, Aaron Sykora, Dave Sieburg, Chris Patel, and Rusty Gallagher, Students.

We estimate money demand functions for the MZM money supply using monthly data over the period 1975-2004 for price level, GDP, and interest rates within a single equation framework. We compare the accuracy of both linear and nonlinear regression models. We find that the demand for money is a stable function over this period of time.

Foreign Investment and Economic Development/Growth/Brian Schultz, Economics, Jeremiah Reynolds, Kevin Maw, Okez Obi and Nick Schaffhausen, Students.

We are looking at levels of foreign investment and levels of economic growth in developing countries to determine if the level of foreign investment is correlated with or impacts economic growth.  We will be looking at foreign investment, GDP, Per Capita GDP and GDP growth in developing countries.

The Demand for Imported Oil/ Brian Schultz, Economics, Dan Heineman, Kao Seng Lor, Mark Quade, and Sean Sammon, Students.

This research focuses on the determinants of demand for U.S. imported oil, and the variables that affect demand.  Specifically we expect that the continuous changes in price, holding all other variables constant, will not significantly affect the quantity demanded of imported oil.

The Consumption Function/ Brian Schultz, Economics, Larissa Molina, Brad Buschmann, and Kris Getzie, Students.

We are estimating personal consumption in the United States over the time period of 1990-2000.  We hypothesize that consumption is a stable function of money supply, income and interest rates.

The Times They Are a Changin '/ Jackie Brux, Economics, Tabitha Dziak, Student.

Summary: This poster presents the 3rd edition of Brux, "Economic Issues and Policy", and summarizes the changes that have taken place in the last three years since the previous edition. The poster displays through data, policies, and quotations how the U.S. and global economy have shifted from the left to the right of the economic/political spectrum.

HIV / AIDS Prevention/ Jennifer Berna, Health & Human Performance, Jennifer Malmquist and Sarah Forsman, Students.

The University of Wisconsin - River Falls is the only university campus in Wisconsin to be recognized by the Center for Disease Prevention (CDC) for participating in the Task Force on Comprehensive School Health Education (CSHE) and HIV / AIDS Prevention federal initiative. Currently in its third year, the UWRF CSHE – HIV/AIDS prevention task force had as its annual goal to research and prepare a poster and brochure presentation to future teachers on the prevention roles they can assume as a teacher and social health advocate. This display poster was researched and designed to meet that task force goal and was on display at the April 2004 campus health fair.

Self-Talk: Which Type is Most Effective With Women Soccer Players?/Cindy Hovet and Sue Tarr, Health and Human Performance, Amy Soud, Student.

This project will investigate the type of self-talk women on the UWRF soccer team use to enhance performance. Participants will complete a survey to identify the type(s) of self-talk. The investigator will provide 12 sessions (2x/wk, 10-15 min/sessions) to disseminate knowledge and strategies for incorporating effective self-talk into their lives. A post survey will be given to determine changes in self-talk as a result of intervention.

How Do People Ages 30 to 60 Years Old Prioritize Exercise: Does Educational Level Affect Frequency of Exercise?/Debra Allyn, Health and Human Performance, Lucinda Williams, Gena Turnaville, and Dustin Wiste, Students.

Three hundred surveys were distributed in various locations throughout the Midwest . One hundred sixteen were returned for return rate of 39%. The survey consisted of several questions; we analyzed six of them. The more educated the participants were the more likely they were to met the Surgeon's General Recommendations for physical activity.

Planning for a Safe and Successful Winter Camping Trip/Jennifer Berna, Health & Human Performance, Crystal Cunningham, Curt De Rusha and Jason Frase, Students.

One junior and two senior physical education teacher candidates in the COEPS Health and Human Performance (HHP) Department worked together to research winter camping safety principles. The research challenge was to communicate essential safety concepts and camping strategies in a manner that reinforced the primary goal of “Leave No Trace” as a winter camper. A highly visible logo system was devised to alert the audience to the specific concepts such as “minimize campfire impacts” and “travel and camp on durable surfaces”. The technical strength of this research poster is in blending a high volume of safety tips in an attractive visual display that invites “read more about it” connected to the offered Internet websites.

Not Just Junk in your Trunk-Safety Kit for Your Car/Jennifer Berna, Health and Human Performance, Jennifer Olson and Heidi Pickard, Students.

This safety education poster was researched and prepared for display at the UWRF Campus Health Fair (April 14, 2004). Colorful design elements were selected to creatively catch the eye of the passer-by to draw people into the research details. Jennifer and Heidi worked collaboratively to create scenarios of real life situations. These scenarios challenge the reader to apply critical thinking skills and to connect the utilitarian device (such as a shovel, flashlight, safety cone, or candle) with a purposeful and responsive use during a vehicular emergency situation. Within each scenario, the operative word indicating the emergency response item is embedded several times to reinforce long term memory and application.

Home Alone Safety/ Jennifer Berna, Health & Human Performance, Melissa Buege and James Joseph, Students.

Two seniors in the HHP – Option III Health Education major cooperated to research safety education practices with an intended audience of elementary children and middle school youth and their parents, as well. A primary color scheme was selected to highlight several practical aspects (kitchen safety, house rules and first aid for minor home injuries) for keeping safe when “home alone.” Young students are challenged to consider two reality-based situations and how they could respond to an unexpected knock at the door or phone call from a stranger. Internet websites were researched and selected to further inform youth and responsible adults regarding home safety concerns.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls/Tricia Davis, Doug Johnson, Nan Jordahl, Cyndi Kernahan, Marshall Toman, Authors, UWRF Teaching Scholars: Sandy Ellis, David Beard, Bonnie Walters, and Tim Buttles.

The purpose of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is to improve the practice of teaching through scholarly inquiry into student learning.. At UWRF there has been a recent initiative to increase the amount of awareness about SoTL and to encourage faculty to begin doing this work The purpose of this poster is to present more detail about the UWRF SoTL initiative as well as to showcase the recent SoTL work of the first UWRF Teaching Scholars.

Development of an enhanced “Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities” Culture at WU-River Falls Through a Student-based Organization (SURSCA)/ Timothy Lyden, Biology, William Campbell, and Virginia Coombs.

As we enter the 21st century, challenges facing small undergraduate institutions include providing students with opportunities to participate in practical, hands-on experiences which enhance their competitiveness for graduate school and/or the job market.  In recent years, UWRF has been actively encouraging undergraduate Research, scholarly, and creative activity (RSCA) through a variety of discipline, college, and campus-wide programs and activities.  The Society for Undergraduate RSCA (SURSCA) was founded by students to help advance the RSCA culture at UWRF.  Since it's founding in 2002, the organization has sponsored 4 RSCA events and assisted with approximately 80 UWRF student presentations at national and regional meetings.