RSCA Day 2006

RSCA Day 2007

Celebrating Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

May 1 , 2007

Ballroom, University Center

Abstracts

(Click on blue titles to view an image of the poster & presenter)

College of Agriculture, Food, & Environmental Sciences

Profile Monoliths for Soil Science Education

Presenter: Ted L. Cannady

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Donavon H. Taylor, Plant & Earth Science

As the depth of soils increase, different layers or soil horizons become visibly apparent. In this project, we took soil samples from three locations and created soil profile monoliths. These profiles enabled us to visually demonstrate distinct characteristics of each horizon. Soil descriptions, based on field inspection, were prepared and compared to descriptions in detailed county soil surveys. Upon completion, the monoliths and soil descriptions will be donated to Harold S. Vincent High School in Milwaukee and utilized in the science education classes to help students appreciate the development and diversity of soils and their characteristics.

Transition from Conventional to Organic Production Methods

Presenter: Joni Pinter
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stanley Schraufnagel, Agricultural Economics

A case study of four MN dairy farms’ transition from conventional to organic production methods was completed. Information was collected and compared to similar conventional farms. Two farms experienced financial stress during the transition while the other two transitioned relatively smoothly. Results are presented and some reasons for transition differences are considered.

Reconstructing the Late Jurassic Paleoenvironment through Chronostratigraphic Correlation of Morrison Formation Subsurface Well Logs, Outcrops, and Fossil Bearing Layers in the Eastern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming.

Presenter: Crystal Mathisrud

Co-authors: Kat Rocheford, Tim Demko PhD, Garland Upchurch PhD, Texas State University

Sections of Morrison Formation outcrop were measured at Sheep Mountain, Red Gulch, Hyattville, Coyote Basin, and Red Canyon Ranch near Shell, Wyoming. Correlations of the sections with oil well log data of the eastern Bighorn Basin demonstrate a regional fluvial environment with local lacustrine systems characterized by cross-bedded sandstones, rip-up clasts and pockets of silty mudstone.

Precambrian Geology of the Opelt Quarry, Neillsville, Wisconsin

Presenter: Samantha Saxton
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. William Cordua, Department of Plant and Earth Science

Near Neillsville, Wisconsin, a quarry exposes a complex group of igneous and metamorphic rocks, recording a continent-continent collision that occurred about 1850 million years ago. We did field reconnaissance at the quarry followed by thin section, geochemical and structural analyses to study the geologic history of these rocks.

Effects of Temperature and Photoperiod on Flowering and Plant Quality of Potted Ranunculus Asiaticus

Presenter: Nicole Rud
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Terry Ferriss, Plant & Earth Science

Ranunculus asiaticus is an important horticultural crop, both in cut flower and potted plant production; however a thorough production method for potted ranunculus has not yet been fully established. This experiment examined the roles of temperature and photoperiod in producing a quality potted crop.

The Value of Field Work

Presenters: Liz Spande and Amy Nachbor
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ian Williams, Plant & Earth Science

The geology field experience (Geol 373) taken by 20 people over spring break was a unique opportunity for students. We traveled south to Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico studying geologic formations unique to those areas. Two of the main concepts from the trip included oil exploration and mountain building. We tried to compare students’ awareness of these topics before and after the trip, and how the field experience solidified their knowledge. Also important, was the networking and hands-on experience gained.

Responses to Glucose Tolerance Tests in Heifers Fed High Straw and Conventional Prepartum Rations

Presenter: Adam Ward
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Perry Clark, Animal & Food Science

Holstein heifers were fed either a high straw diet or conventional dry cow ration prepartum. After the animals were on a ration for at least 3 weeks a glucose tolerance test was performed. No significant differences were found in glucose or insulin clearance between the two groups.

Significance of ATP Bioluminescence Testing in Food Production Facilities

Presenter: Richard Stith
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence has been used in the food industry for over 10 years to quickly assess and monitor microbial contamination on surfaces. ATP is an excellent means of identifying “hot spots” or areas with organic material that could possibly support and accelerate microbial growth.

Acceptance of Food Products Based on Color Attributes

Presenter: Jessica Trcka
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science

Consumer acceptability of products relies greatly on the appearance attribute. A survey was given to elementary students and adults asking them to differentiate between name and store brand macaroni and cheese. The brand name was deemed more acceptable. Each product’s color was then tested for a, b, and L values.

Acid Development in Yogurt using Different Lactic Starter Cultures

Presenter: Kay Ingli
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science

Yogurt was made with a mixture of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Lactobacillus Helveticus, Lactococcus Cremoris strains, with the control being Streptococcus Thermophilus. L. Helveticus produced the highest acid development followed by Lb. Bulgaricus, then Lactococcus Cremoris. Streptococcus Thermophilus had the least amount of acid production. The Lactococcus Cremoris cultured resembled yogurt characteristics that most compared to the others.

The Use of Air Sampling as Part of an Environmental Control Program in a Dairy Plant

Presenter: Steve Johnson

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science

Contaminants such as Listeria, coliforms, and yeast and mold were tested in the air as part of an environmental study. Results showed a difference in the two air samplers used, and patterns were found in the different work centers.

A Comparison between Two Feeding Programs Specifically For Fox-Hunting Horses with Emphasis on the Benefits of Various Supplements

Presenter: Rachel Mottet
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kristina Hiney, Animal & Food Science

I wrote a paper (Foxhunting: An English and Irish Tradition) that addressed various topics on the subject, including nutrition and feed programs.

Growth and Carcass Parameters of Hogs Finished in a Deep-bedded Hoop Structure vs. a Confinement Structure

Presenter: Jim Magolski
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Gary Onan, Animal & Food Science
The objective of this study was to compare growth and carcass performance of hogs finished in the UWRF Laboratory Farms deep-bedded hoop structure verses the performance of hogs in an older UWRF confinement structure. Hoop-raised hogs compare favorably with confinement-raised hogs during the warm season, but tend to have slightly poorer feed efficiency and lower yielding carcasses during the cold season.

Listeria Monocytogenes and Raw Milk

Presenter: Carrie Resch

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science

Listeria monocytogenes, a known pathogen associated with raw milk, poses severe hazards to children, elderly and especially pregnant women. The purpose of this project is to determine whether yogurts made from raw milk also present this hazard and if so, the hazard can be minimized by using pro-biotic cultures in yogurt manufacturing process.

USDA Summer Research Experience at Longwood Gardens

Presenter: Brigitte Crawford
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Terry Ferriss, Plant & Earth Science

As part of the 2006 USDA Summer Research Experience Program, I had the opportunity to work as a Research Intern at Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens is a 1050 acre indoor and outdoor display garden in Kennett Square, PA. The Research Experience was a ten week program; however, my internship lasted over six months. My poster shows the various areas I was involved with throughout my internship: research trials, plant evaluations, plant propagation and culture, and breeding projects.

Efforts to Analyze Nutrient Management without the Use of Commercial Fertilizer

Presenter: Amy Robak
Alan Stemper and Dan Martens, Faculty Advisers; University of Minnesota Extension; Gerry Maciej, Benton County Minnesota SWCD District Technician;
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program

The purpose of this project is to research how corn will perform without the use of commercial fertilizer. We researched and compared nutrient management recommendations prepared by the University of Minnesota and grew corn on test plots areas to help compare and contrast yield calculations in the fall. Analysis of the resultant data is on-going.

College of Arts & Sciences

Who Is My Black Cat?

Presenter: Brad Brookins

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lissa Schneider-Rebozo, English

My presentation is a video/slide show depicting my visual interpretation and close reading of the poem "Savoir Faire" by Claribel Alegria. It tells it like an action story board to music without lyrics.

Rotational Dynamics of a Magnet in an Oscillating Magnetic Field

Presenters: Joshua Wynveen, and Daniel Musekamp
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

A magnet was allowed to freely rotate in an oscillating magnetic field. We investigated the motion of this magnet for varying amplitudes of the oscillating magnetic field. We found that the magnet exhibited periodic, period doubled, and possibly chaotic motion.

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy to Test Special Relativity

Presenters: Travis Getzie and Tom Johnson
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

Gamma rays are high energy photons produced by nuclear decay. When gamma rays collide with an electron, kinetic energy is transferred to the electron. Comparing the kinetic energy of the scattered electron to both classical and relativistic predictions, we find that the electrons obey relativistic mechanics.

Behavior of an Electro-magnetic Accelerator

Presenter: Matthew Blodgett
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics
An electromagnetic accelerator produces a brief high power pulse of electricity in a coil of wire, creating an intense magnetic field to propel a small ferromagnetic projectile. The efficiency of this device was studied by varying more than half a dozen control parameters.

Measuring the Magnetic Moment of a Muon

Presenters: John O'Brien Schroeder and Michael Tate

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

The magnetic moment of muons created by pion decay in the upper atmosphere was found by observing the decay rate of muons in a magnetic field. The magnetic field causes the muons to precess. The precession frequency changes the observed decay rate, so that the magnetic moment can be measured.

An Act of Teaching

Presenter: Garrett Bergemann

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lynn Jermal, Art Department

This research project examined mural work as an aspect of the liberal arts and its power to inspire the community in a public space. The research involved a study of (a) themes related to the UWRF community, (b) historical and contemporary mural movements, and (c) contemporary mural technique in preparation for designing and fabricating a mural for installation on campus. This research project had a goal of focusing and refreshing the atmosphere of a public space and resulted in the installation of a six panel painted mural in the Wyman Education Building lobby.

Timing Promotional Communications

Presenter: Professor Tracy O'Connell, Marketing Communications

This is an investigation of the issues facing working adults that influence their decision to attend social, family-related, religious, career-focused, community-based, or political events. Initial analysis indicates, except for family-related activities, that lack of time prohibits people from attending those events and activities of interest to them.

Synthesis of Derivatives of N-Hydroxyalkyl-N, N’-Bisbenzylthioureas as Potential Analgesic Agents

Presenter: Lucas J. Stolp
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David B. Rusterholz, Chemistry

The transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) molecule is a ligand-gated calcium ion channel found in the membranes of certain sensory neurons. This receptor can be stimulated by heat, extracellular acidic pH, and by endogenous and exogenous vanilloid-like compounds. When an agonist, such as capsaicin, binds to the TRPV1 receptor, an influx of calcium ion occurs. In turn this elicits a nerve signal that is perceived centrally as a painful burning sensation. This response is commonly experienced when a chili pepper is consumed by an individual.

An Investigation of the Reaction of TCDI (Thiocarbonyldiimidazole) with Amines

Presenter: Mitra Naseri
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David B. Rusterholz, Chemistry
During the course of our efforts to create new thiourea derivatives as possible TRPV1 antagonists, a series of substituted benzyl isothiocyanates was required. Other workers have proposed that the first step in the reaction of TCDI with a primary amine is the formation of an intermediate called a “mixed thiourea”. The purpose of our project was to investigate the reaction of TCDI with amines to see whether the yield of the desired isothiocyanate could be improved and whether the initially-formed mixed thiourea could be used instead of the isothiocyanate in the formation of the desired thiourea products.

The Use OF Chiral Structures to Investigate TRPV1 Antagonist Design; Potential New Analgesic Drugs

Presenter: Ryan E. Williams
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David B. Rusterholz, Chemistry

In the past decade a number of studies have illuminated the characteristics and functional role of the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1) receptor in biological systems. This receptor, which is widespread in many tissues, is principally involved in mediating nociceptive responses to heat, low pH and vanilloid agonists such as capsaicin and resiniferatoxin. The possibility that endogenous vanilloids resulting from tissue injury or inflammation may be acting via stimulation of TRPV1 has led to a significant effort on the part of large drug companies to pursue a variety of chemical structures that possess TRPV1 antagonist properties. Such compounds may have usefulness as analgesic drugs in the treatment of certain types of pain.

Is the City of Eau Claire Experiencing Urban Sprawl?

Presenter: Tom Lieberherr
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Matt Dooley, Geography and Mapping Sciences

The goal of this research is to determine if the city of Eau Claire is experiencing urban sprawl. An analysis of land-use maps from 1992 and 2001 and aerial photographs from 1998 and 2006 were used to determine growth. Although it is clear that growth has taken place, urban planning has helped prevent urban sprawl.

Is Elazar Right?

Presenter: Shaun Priesgen
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Heppen, Geography & Mapping Sciences
According to Daniel Elazar there are three political cultures. These cultures are the Moralistic, Individualistic, and Traditionalistic. This paper tested if Wisconsin, Alabama, and their neighboring states voted Moralistic and Traditionalistic as predicted by Elazar. The results indicated that before 1932 the prediction was true, then there was a transition period (1932-1972), and presently those states have reverted to pre-1932 voting culture.

The Settlement and Expansion of Mexican-Americans in the Saint Paul Area

Presenter: Cassandra Garcia
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Heppen, Geography & Mapping Sciences

This paper examines the spatial distribution of Mexican-Americans in the Saint Paul area from 1990 to 2000. Census records indicate that the Mexican-American population in the area has increased dramatically. Reasons for this change are explored. It is estimated that the population will continue to grow and expand outward in the future.

Why Hmong Settle in Frogtown

Presenter: Richard O’Brien
Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Charles Rader and Dr. John Heppen,
Geography & Mapping Sciences

Why have the Hmong settled in the Frogtown area of St. Paul, Minnesota? It is hypothesized that sponsorship by churches and organizations was a main reason why the Hmong have settled there. Survey analysis of Hmong immigrants discovered that chain migration is a strong factor with educational and economical opportunities being an incentive to settle there.

The Effects of Sunscreens of the Growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Isolated and Purified from Human Skin, when Exposed to Ultraviolet Light (UV-C, 254 nm)

Presenter: Kelly Hurley
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elaine Hardwick, Biology

In an age of increased skin cancer, the use of sunscreens has become more important. This experiment investigated the time- dependent effects of the protection of sunscreens (of SPF’s 15, 30 and 50) on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, which had been grown and purified from human skin. Results showed little difference between the growth of plates with SPF’s 15 and 30, but it was seen that SPF 50 provided the best protection against UV light, as maximum growth was seen on these plates.

Quantitative Verifications of the Which-Way Experiment Using Single Photons

Presenter: Michael Tate
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

In a which-way experiment, the polarization of the photons leaving an interferometer can determine which path the photons followed. By counting photons incident on two photomultiplier tubes, the visibility (V) and knowledge (K) were measured, to quantify the relationship that V varies inversely with K.

Possible Others and the Self

Presenters: Lindsay Rekstad and Ashley Thompson

Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Richard Seefeldt and Dr. Travis Tubré, Psychology

Our research examines the concept of "possible others." "Possible others" is the way people view others in the future and we suspect that these impressions guide their behavior as it relates to their romantic partner. We have collected data from over 200 UWRF students regarding their relationship satisfaction and their partner's current and future characteristics.

Mapping Music: A Look into Spatial Correlations of Music Genre Preferences

Presenter: Angela Hauge
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Charles Rader, Geography and Mapping Sciences

The poster presents research on music preference in relation to spatial location. Locations are categorized by urban, suburban and rural zones. Musical preferences (pop, rap, country & rock) are examined for correlations with residential zones. Preliminary results indicate that music “dislikes” rather than “likes” may have a stronger correlation with location.

Human Population Growth Influencing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Presenter: Ryan Stovern
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Donald Petzold, Geography and Mapping Sciences

Barron County, WI, serves as a case study to determine the relationship between the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and population growth in the county. The poster shows percent growth in each township corresponding to two of the AIS in the county, Eurasian water milfoil and purple loosestrife.

Genetic Variability Using DNA Fragments within a Natural Stand of Wild Rice in Northwestern Wisconsin

Presenter: Diana Downes
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kim Mogen, Biology

Understanding site criteria for the preservation of genetic variability in American wild rice (Zizania Palustris) is necessary if healthy wild populations are to remain viable. Leaf samples were collected on a single day, from a wild-grown stand of approximately 45 acres located in northwestern Wisconsin. Characteristics of each plant and site criteria were recorded at the time of collection. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) was used to assess genetic variation.

Characterization of Erwinia Isolates from Bean and Radish Sprouts

Presenter: Mitra Naseri
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kim Mogen, Biology

Soft-rot, a plant disease caused by Erwinia bacteria, is commonly associated with many vegetables. Soil, bean sprouts, and rinse-water samples from radish and alfalfa sprouts were collected from a local sprout-producing facility. Bacteria were isolated from the samples and possible Erwinia isolates were further characterized using Crystal Violet Pectate media, biochemical tests, and PCR. The results identify the bacterial isolates to be Erwinia Carotovorasubsp. Carotovora.

Investigations of Abrupt Movements of Optically Trapped Water Droplets

Presenter: Shawntel Murphy
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

We have used a focused laser beam to capture water droplets in air and have observed abrupt movement of the droplet in the direction of the laser beam. For non-evaporating saltwater droplets the movements occur for certain ranges of beam power, and not at all for other ranges of power.

Studying a Magnetic Pendulum in a Bi-harmonic Potential

Presenter: Luke Chambers
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics

We studied the random motion of a pendulum in a bi-stable potential well. Our primary concern was to determine if the system modeled was an activated process, meaning that the transition rate of the pendulum from one stable position to the other was exponentially related to the effective temperature.

The Effects of Habitat Loss on Migratory Birds in North and South America

Presenter: Kiah Sagami
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Donald Petzold, Geography and Mapping Sciences

Habitat loss is a leading cause of the decline of migratory bird populations in North and South America. Deforestation is a major factor in South America, and in North America urbanization is also a factor. The growth in population of these two continents is causing stress to migratory birds leading to their decline.

The Impact of Pre-existing Weather Patterns on U.S. Land Falling Hurricanes

Presenter: Ryan Babler
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Donald Petzold, Geography and Mapping Sciences

Five hurricanes ranging from Category 1 through 4 in the years 1989-2005 were studied to determine if pre-existing high and low pressure systems affect their path and point of landfall. The results show that both high pressure and advancing fronts have the greatest impact on hurricane paths.

Solar Spots

Presenters: Kate Ward and Cadie Boyung

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Spizak, Physics

For our project we used a sun scope to try to track sun spots on the sun as the sun rotated. We will also have data on the normal 10 year cycle of sun spots; our plans for the future include tracking spots and seeing if our data fit the 10 year cycle data.

Design of Virtual Learning Objects for Mathematics

Presenters: Carina Lenz, Jacquie McElfresh, and Jayme Peacock
Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Kathryn Ernie & Dr. Erick Hofacker, Mathematics

The UWRF PRAXIS Learning Objects Team analyzed methods used by college students to solve mathematics problems. Problem solving think-aloud interviews completed by students were studied. The analysis of each problem context and methods were used to develop electronic tutorials, virtual manipulative, and teaching tools to promote understanding.

Quadrula Metanevra Glochidia Metamorphose on Select Minnows

Presenter: Andrea Crownhart
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Wheeler, Biology
The monkeyface (Quadrula metanevra) is classified as threatened in Wisconsin. Many life history details are unknown, including the
identities of larval hosts. The suitability of 47 fish species was tested, and metamorphosis was observed on four minnows in the laboratory: spotfin shiner, bluntnose minnow, creek chub, and eastern blacknose dace.

Investigations toward the Synthesis of (-)-Incarvilline and (-)-Incarvillateine

Presenter: Jessica R. Chavey
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Karl P. Peterson, Department of Chemistry
Recent investigations into the therapeutic properties of the plant Incarvillea sinensis have revealed the presence of a novel monoterpene alkaloid that was named (-)-incarvillateine. This compound has been found to have antinociceptive activity comparable to that of morphine, but at slightly lower dosage levels. Additionally, (-)-incarvillateine is reported to operate through the adenosyl receptor mechanism rather than the opiate receptor mechanism. Progress and challenges will be presented and discussed.

Transfer Student Retention

Presenter: Sage Lavant
Sponsor: Cindy Crimmins, Institutional Research

In recent years there has been an increase in the numbers of students who transfer into a four-year college. Emerging research on student retention indicates that students who transfer are likely to transfer again. The purpose of this research is to determine whether students’ performance is a significant factor in transfer student retention.

The Culture of Early Avian Embryonic Lung Samples in 3-D Artificial Tissue (ATs) Cultures

Presenters: Michelle Willette, Travis Cordie, Chris Wenig and Tory Schaff
Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program

In these studies, the growth capacity of embryonic avian lung tissue on natural 3-D scaffolding materials has been examined. Our working hypothesis was that the growth and differentiation of both mesenchymal and ectodermal cellular components of lung rudiments would occur under these culture conditions. The resultant ATs therefore effectively model early avian lung tissue.

The Study of Early Avian Thoracic Neural Crest Cells and Neural Tube Region Tissues in 3-D Artificial Tissue (ATs) Cultures

Presenters: Chris Wenig, Travis Cordie, Michelle Willette and Tory Schaff
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program

In this presentation we report on the development of complex composite ATs from the dorsal mid-thoracic region of early chick embryos. Our specific aim in these studies is to examine the migration and/or differentiation of neural crest cells within the context of ATs cultures. This approach has proven to be an effective in-vitro model of neural crest cell behavior.

Development of Artificial-tissues (ATs) from Early Avian Embryonic Cardiac Tissues Strongly Implies a Contribution from Fetal Stem Cell Populations

Presenters: Travis Cordie, Chris Wenig, Michelle Willette and Tory Schaff
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program

In this project our laboratory has been focused on the application of a unique new natural scaffolding material to generate long-term 3-dimensional cultures of early avian embryonic cardiac tissue. These samples were harvested from 2-3 and 5-7 day stage chicken embryos and then maintained for up to 3 months in continuous culture.

Characterization of Avian Embryonic Artificial-tissues (ATs) and Monolayer Cultures of Mesenchymal Origin Derived from Early Long Bone Rudiments

Presenters: Erik Wood, Travis Cordie, Chris Wenig, Michelle Willette and Tory Schaff
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program

In this project, a unique new natural scaffolding material was employed to test the potential of early avian long bone rudiments for attachment and spread onto a 3-dimensional matrix. Here we detail results obtained with extended scaffold culture of very early cartilaginous molds of embryonic long bones and the resulting monolayer cultures.

Evidence of the “Mitotic Catastrophe” Programmed Cell Death Pathway in Testing of Synthetic Compounds

Presenters: Danielle Tucker, Amanda Miller, Tracy Nelson,
Caroline Martin, Brianna Zemke and Nicole Salwasser
Faculty Sponsors: Dr.Timothy Lyden, Biology Department and Biotechnology Program; Dr. Karl Peterson, Chemistry Department

In collaboration with the UWRF Department of Chemistry, studies have been ongoing to evaluate the potential “apoptosis-inducing” effect of a library of synthetic N-Phenethylpyridinecarboxamides. To date, we have established that these compounds induce significant programmed cell death but that the majority of these effects are not classic apoptosis.

Ethnic Identity and Campus Involvement in a Minority Student College Population

Presenter: Bee Vang
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Bradley J. Caskey, Psychology

In this study the relationship between ethnic identity and campus involvement is assessed. A correlation study involving the completion of a survey was used to measure this relationship. The hypothesis is that the individuals with a higher level of ethnic identity will be more involved on campus in general and will also be more involved in non-diversity/cultural organizations. A second hypothesis is that a person with a higher level of ethnic identity will also have a higher level of self-esteem and sense of self. Results indicated no support for ethnic identity predicting campus involvement or that ethnic identity is related to self-esteem.

College of Business & Economics

The Effect of Monetary Policy Transparency on Equity Prices

Presenters: John Hennessey, Barry Eggert, and Nate Dahms
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics

The Federal Reserve began a policy to make their policy decisions transparent in 1994 to reduce the policy announcement effect on financial markets. We will review the professional literature and estimate a function to identify the instability generated by policy surprises.

The Demand for Money Function

Presenters: Lee Lor, Mike Adams, Jonathan Coonen, and Mat Frost
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics

Understanding the demand for money function is critical to understanding the effectiveness of monetary policy. The actions of the Federal Reserve System will have a predictable effect if the demand for money function is stable. We will review the professional literature and estimate a demand for money function to better understand the effect of monetary policy.

Video Game Design Using New-Age Development Processes, Tools, and Design

Presenters: Kyle D. Thompson, Da Vis Linder
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Anthony Varghese, Computer Science & Information Systems

This project set out to develop a video game using new streamline game development techniques and a modern, featureful game development engine/editor. This explores how video games and other real-time interactive 3D software can be developed rapidly and efficiently. The game developed exhibits advanced physics, destruction, and realism.

The Consumption Function, Theory and Empirical Estimate

Presenters: Monika Malluege, Amy Delamater, and Joe Williams
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics

The consumption function is an important component of all macroeconomic models of the economy. Two economist have won the Nobel Prize in Economics for their work, Franco Modigliani for the Life Cycle Hypothesis and Milton Friedman for the Permanent Income Hypothesis. We will review the professional literature and estimate a function based on the literature.

The Times, They are a Changin’

Presenter: Dr. Jackie Brux, Economics

This poster will summarize the economic events and issues that have changed over the last three years between the publication of the 3rd edition of my textbook, Economic Issues and Policy, and the publication next month of the 4th edition. These changes are evident in the issues, the data, and the headlines.

College of Education and Professional Studies

Teacher as Director: The Diary of Childhood in The Diary of Anne Frank

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Geoffrey Scheurman, Teacher Education

Graduate students in the Initial Certification program and the Department of Teacher Education collaborated with cast and crew of The Diary of Anne Frank and the Department of Speech, Communication and Theatre Arts. Elementary and Secondary education students offered dramaturgical support, facilitated "Talk Backs" after performances, and provided workshops for middle school students prior to matinees. The students also constructed poster displays, creating a mini-museum to help enrich the experience of patrons attending the play.

The posters from this project include:

The Faces of the Diary (video poster)

Presenter: Jessica Monson Secondary Social Studies &

Michael Gingerich, Teacher, Inver Grove Height

The Annex: Before and After

Presenter: Megan Wedan, Elementary Education

Propaganda

Presenters: Kyle Golden, Secondary Social Studies & James Johnson, Secondary Physics

Genocide: When Will It Stop?

Presenters: Elise Gregory, Secondary English & Jennifer Weiss, Secondary Social Studies

Helping Children Deal with Stress

Presenters: Jessica Long, Elementary Education & Brooke Doporcyk, Elementary Education

Kaleidoscope Eyes: How Media and Medium Affect Interpretation

Presenter: Darcy Bakkegard, English Education & Theatre Arts

The Dance of Opposites: Good and Evil in the Person, in the Attic, and in the World

Presenter: Dr. Geoffrey Scheurman, Teacher Education

For more information, contact:

Bill Campbell, Director, Grants & Research
104 North Hall, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
Phone: 715/425-3195
FAX: 715/425-0649
email address: wm.e.campbell@uwrf.edu

Page Author: Bill Campbell
Last update: 10/27/04