ORAL PRESENTATIONS: 9-9:50am
Session 1: Geology
Room: Massie 026 (B26)
Moderator: Dr. Jeff Bauer
“Kaskaskia – Absaroka
Unconformity, Northern Kentucky”
Ahmad Ibrahimov, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Jeff Bauer
Epeiric seas deposited a thick mantle of Devonian-Mississippian
sediment, called the Kaskaskia Sequence, across North America. This
presentation will examine the Kaskaskia-Absaroka unconformity that
is exposed in a road cut near the intersection of Route 7 and the AA
Highway in northern Kentucky.
“Ripple Marks in
Mississippian Sandstone”
Reece Brown, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Jeff Bauer
This presentation will examine the ripple marks on Mississippian
Aged Sandstone along the AA Highway approximately two miles west of
KY Route 7 intersection to determine the direction from which the
sediment has been deposited.
“Calculating Ejecta Fields
for Suspected Impact Craters”
Steven Biars, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Timothy S. Hamilton
This presentation provides a new model for calculating the ejecta
fields for a suspected meteorite impact. The conditions required
for formation of impact craters of a given magnitude are explored
numerically in order to determine a termination radius for ejected
strata. Using Google Earth software to examine known impact
craters, the presenter made a serendipitous discovery of a
questionable geological feature in August of 2006.
Session 2: Social Sciences
Room: Massie 203
Moderator: Dr. Scott Douthat
“Media and Dream”
Marcel Collins, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Scott Douthat
The focus of the presentation will be on how the media does more
than any other force to mold the public's ideas, thoughts, and
behaviors. Areas such as how the media can create a story and make
the issue behind the story relevant to the general public, how the
media is the oil in the "American Dream" machine, and how without
the media, the American Dream is just a slogan with no real roots
will be addressed.
“Why we do the things we
do…”
Melissa Arrwood, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Christopher D. Kacir
The philosophical notions of free
will and individual choice have been part of our society since
ancient Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato. This presentation
gives contemporary psychological and biological perspectives on
these issues in an attempt to answer the question: How much control
do we ultimately have over our daily thoughts and behaviors?
“Nestorianism in China 635
CE—845 CE”
James C. Hall, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Lavanya Vemsani
Presenter will discuss the divergence of Nestorianism and
Christianity, and why it appealed to Chinese society. A thesis will
also be presented to explain why Nestorianism in China declined and
ultimately vanished. Emphasis will be placed on the cultural
influence of Nestorianism in China.
Session 3: Revitalization
Room: Massie 206
Moderator: James McPherson
“Revitalization of Main
Street Portsmouth”
Dunia Mershon, Andrea Martin, Sharon S. Messer, and Traci
Montgomery, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Robbie Burke
Students will present the results of their research on attitudes and
opinions of Shawnee State University faculty and staff as well as
Portsmouth area residents about shopping in downtown Portsmouth.
The purpose of the research is to provide information to be used for
the revitalization of the downtown area.
Session 4: A Variety of
Twentieth Century Literary Influences
Room: Massie 210
Moderator: Patricia Spradlin
“Expressionism”
Ashley McCray, Derek Dawson, and Christine Arms, Shawnee
State University
Mentor: Professor Patricia Spradlin
This presentation will examine the history of expressionism and how
it leads into postmodernism. It will explore the art, poetry,
fiction, and film of that time period.
“Magical Realism in
Literature, Film, Music and Art”
Taryn L. Malone and Jessamyn Sudhakaran, Shawnee State
University
Mentor: Professor Patricia Spradlin
This fascinating presentation discusses magical realism and provides
examples of artists who incorporate magical realism into their
work. Some of these artists include the famed painters Salvador
Dali and Rene Magritte; writers Yann Martel and Gabriel Garcia
Marquez; director Tim Burton; and musical artists Coco Rosie.
Selected film clips, songs, and a PowerPoint overview will
supplement the presentation.
“The Theatre of the Absurd
in the Postmodern World of Literature”
Shelly Goddard and Monica Bradbury, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Professor Patricia Spradlin
This presentation will cover the playwrights and postmodern
characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd. It will include a video
sample of Waiting for Godot.
Session 5: Linguistics Seminar
Room: Massie 211
Moderator: Dr. Frank Byrne
“First Language Acquisition”
Jeanetta Sowards, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank Byrne
This presentation will discuss the stages of first language
acquisition - pre-speech, babbling, one-word, and combining words.
“Animal Communication”
Anna Kurmin, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank Byrne
The presentation will be about communication from animal to human
and animal to animal. Focus will be on communication methods of
chimpanzees, dogs, and dolphins.
“Computational Linguistics
and Practical Applications”
Brad McNally, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank Byrne
The presentation will provide an overview of the basics and the
practical applications of advances in the field of computational
linguistics.
“Deaf Languages”
Astra Ng, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank Byrne
This presentation demonstrates the view that even though American
Sign Language isn’t spoken, it is still considered a language.
“Speech Language
Pathology/Therapy”
Kristalyn April Malone, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank Byrne
This presentation examines communication disorders with discussion
on defining, assessing, and treating various disorders.
Session 6: Scholarship Beyond
Campus
Room: Massie 212
Moderator: Michael Barnhart
“Studying Abroad”
Catelyn Jowitt, Travis McCleery, Chris Eatherton, Shawnee
State University
Mentors: Dr. Isabel Graziani and Michael Barnhart
There are things that cannot be taught in a classroom; experiences
can only be lived. This presentation documents an SSU study abroad
course in Britain, capturing experiences on film. We will share
cultural differences through art, architecture, lifestyle, and
interviews.
“The Value of Belonging to a
Professional Organization”
Maggie Howe, Karen Carver, Kyle Martin, and Cory Slack,
Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Kenneth W. Carlson
This presentation will be about a trip to the National Science
Teachers’ Association Convention (2008) in Boston, Massachusetts.
It will include a discussion of benefits gained by joining a
professional organization.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS 12:00-12:50
Session 7: Middle School
Education Action Research
Room: Massie 020
Moderator: Dr. Darren Harris-Fain
“Cooperative Learning
Strategies for Middle School Students”
Angela S. Bentley
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This study was centered on the belief that cooperative learning
strategies can benefit middle schools students at every level. This
was part of an action research project for EDMC 3385.
“Using Differentiated
Instruction in a Fifth Grade Intervention Classroom to Increase
Comprehension and Acquisition of Vocabulary”
Jessica Van Deusen, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This study examined the effect of differentiated instruction on
comprehension and vocabulary retention in a fifth grade intervention
classroom. Students were placed in literature circles and
worked together using context clues and dictionaries
to learn vocabulary selected by the students from their reading for
the day. Students used word sorts, flip books, and
dramatizations to make meaningful connections between new
vocabulary and prior knowledge. Students used summarizing,
tracking the setting, and making predictions to increase
comprehension.
“Differentiated Instruction”
Valerie Meyer, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This study examined the effect of differentiated instruction on
student achievement. Students were placed in small groups and were
required to complete activities using manipulatives, multiple
intelligences, and technology. A pretest and posttest were given to
determine the effect upon student achievement.
Session 8: Natural Sciences
Room: Massie 026 (B26)
Moderator: Dr. Eugene H. Burns
“Abundance, Distribution,
and Feeding Patterns of Juvenile Coho Salmon (Onchrhynchuns kisutch)
in the Juan de Fuca Eddy”
Nancy Lynn Goodman, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Eugene H. Burns
This work was performed at Hatfield Marine Laboratory in the REU
program under Dr. Rick Brodeur. The research examines abundance,
distribution, and feeding patterns of juvenile Coho salmon in the
Juan de Fuca Eddy of Northwestern Washington State and compares the
data to data in a control group outside the eddy. The purpose of
this study was to determine whether or not the eddy provides a more
favorable environment for salmon at a critical and vulnerable stage
of development.
“Acitvation of Matrilysin in
Tissue Cultures by Bordetella”
Matt Watson and Breck Finzer, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Eugene H. Burns
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common respiratory bacterium that
infects the upper airway of many animals. It causes diseases such
as kennel cough by utilizing matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) to
degrade the extracellular matrix of the respiratory tract. This
investigation was conducted to determine whether the matrix
metalloprotease, Matrilysin (MMP&) is activated by B brochiseptica
during such an infection or remains as an inactive protein.
“Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma
magister)”
Adam R. Hoople, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Julia Basham
This presentation will provide details of research about this state
endangered species. Research was conducted in Adams County, Ohio at
the edge of the Appalachian Preserve.
Session 9: The Politics of
Exclusion
Room: Massie 108
Moderator: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
“Ignored Legacies: Afghan
Absence in Anthologies of World Literature”
Barbara Wilson-Battles, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
This paper examines the exclusion of Afghan literature from literary
anthologies.
“Is There Something Rotten
in The State of Denmark? The Exclusion of Danish Texts in World
Literature Anthologies”
Jessamyn Sudhakaran, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
This paper explores possible reasons why Danish texts are excluded
from three major world literature anthologies.
“Why So Blue, Comrade?”
Matt McGuire, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
This paper presents a brief investigation of Russia’s exemption from
many modern literature anthologies.
Session 10: The Literary
Research Paper: Nontraditional Approaches
Room: Massie 110
Moderator: Shannon Lawson
“Desiree’s Baby: A
Reflection of Racial and Social Ambiguities”
Kimberly Crawford, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Professor Shannon Lawson
This presentation provides an examination of the influences of the
historical and cultural context of the late 1800’s upon Kate
Chopin’s short story.
“Folktales of West Africa:
Agents of Culture”
Kimberly Stalder, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Professor Shannon Lawson
This presentation provides a look into the folktales of West Africa
and how folktales preserve culture. The three different types of
folktale genres are explored, with a West African example for each.
Research is presented in a scrapbook in multiple genres with
connections to Ishmael Beah’s novel A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a
Boy Soldier.
“Rambo”
Samuel Ruhl, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Professor Shannon Lawson
This presentation equates child soldiers with fictional Vietnam
veteran John Rambo.
Session 11: Honors Senior
Seminar
Room: Massie 214
Moderator: Dr. Frank Byrne
“Honors Program Senior
Seminar Panel”
Taryn L. Malone, John Ross Campbell, Felicia Wetzig, and
Shannon Leasure, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Frank ByrneStudents will briefly discuss their
individual project topics for the Honors section of Senior Seminar.
Topics span Gender Relations in Public Schools, Native American
History, Linguistics, and Romantic Literature.
Session 12: Sociopolitical
Issues
Room: Kricker 151
Moderator: Dr. Debra Knutson
“Poverty Alleviation Through
the Use of Microfinance”
Karla Brown, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Patric Leedom
This presentation touches upon major aspects of microfinance, gives
examples of microfinance organizations, and how microfinance is
helping rid the world of poverty.
“Invasive Plant Species:
Robbing Ohio of its Natural Biodiversity”
Adam R. Hoople, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Barbara Kunkle
This presentation will inform and persuade the audience that in
order to protect Ohio’s natural biodiversity, the state should
increase public education and pass stiffer state regulations on
known invasive plant species.
“No Child Left Behind:
Leaving Children Behind Since 2002”
Monica Abel
Mentor: Dr. Chip Poirot
This presentation will look at the flaws of the government mandate
in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
ORAL PRESENTATIONS 1-1:50 pm
Session 13: Middle School
Education Action Research
Room: Massie 020
Moderator: Dr. John Whitaker
“The Effect of Extrinsic
Motivation on Middle Level Learners”
Donna Caudill, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This study examined how middle school students respond to extrinsic
rewards used as motivation for underachieving students. This was
part of an action research project for EDMC 3385.
“Action Research, Impact of
Motivation on Student Achievement”
Carrie A. Meenach, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This presentation is about student motivation: what defines it, its
impact on student learning and achievement, and how to implement it
in the classroom.
“The Impact of Intrinsic and
Extrinsic Rewards on the Overall Motivation and Performance of
Middle School Students in a Southern Ohio School District”
Leslie Floyd, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Gay Lynn Shipley
This study examined the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards on
the overall performance and motivation of middle school students.
Achievement Goal Theory was used to design the methodology. Two
classes competed with one another to reach goals.
Session 14: Science and
Engineering
Room: Massie 026 (B26)
Moderator: Dr. Jeff Bauer
“The Impact of Vitamin E
Levels on the Production of Oxidized LDL”
Chris Robinson, Gerad Grey, and Ben Wallace, Shawnee State
University
Mentor: Dr. Scott Oliver
This presentation will compare varying Vitamin E and lipid diets
with their effects on oxidized LDL levels in rats.
“The Effects of
Environmental Stimuli on the Coexistence of Streptococcus mutanus
and Candida albicans in Dental Plaque”
Josh Logan and Amy Montavon, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Scott Oliver
Our study attempts to quantify and determine how different factors
will influence S. mutans and C. albicans in the
composition of homogeneous or heterogeneous biofilms in the oral
cavity of Spraque-Dowley rats. Simulation in the rat oral cavity
may provide greater insight into the possible role of the plaque
biofilm in oral pathology.
“Statistical Analysis for
the Ultimate Strength of Rotational Molded Pig”
Aaron Jones
Mentor: Dr. David E. Finlow
The properties in plastics product formed by means of rotational
molding are dependent upon the parameters used during the part
making process. Looking at one characteristic of the part, ultimate
strength, a two level Taguchi L8 designed experiment was set up to
determine a consistent method of producing the maximum ultimate
strength without resorting to random chance or trial and error. In
the designed experiment, six parameters and one interaction of
parameters were monitored as being responsible for controlling the
ultimate strength.
Session 15: Literature and
Popular Culture
Room: Massie 204
Moderator: Dr. Darren Harris-Fain
“Meet Me in St. Louis:
A Cultural and Thematic Analysis”
Jessamyn Sudhakaran, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Darren Harris-Fain
This presentation will discuss the main themes of Meet Me in St.
Louis and how the film reflects and responds to the cultural
concerns of the World War II era. Brief scenes from the film will
be shown to highlight key points.
“Graphic Novels: From Simple
to Sophisticated”
Tammy Payne-Oliver, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Darren Harris-Fain
Presentation will provide a history of the graphic novel and a few
of the key figures, publishers, and editors. This will include
genres within graphic novels, trends, and how historical events
played a role in the development of the graphic novels.
“The Value of Communication
Skills: Why a More Extensive Background in English and the
Humanities for Those Who Work in the Business World”
Katherine “Kat” Johnson, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Michael Powell
This senior seminar presentation will explain the value of a strong
English and Humanities background for those working in the business
world.
Session 16: Contemporary
Resonances in Classical Texts
Room: Massie 213
Moderator: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
“Flies that Bind”
Andrew McClave, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
This presentation parallels the work of Jean-Paul Sartre to Nazi
Germany.
“Stepping Up to the Plate”
Deborah Bankhead, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
This presentation will discuss how Jean-Paul Sartre uses his play
The Flies to escape Nazi censorship and to help people
understand his message of existentialism.
“Flies in Oresteia”
Mark DeWitt, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Sitaraman
Jean-Paul Sartre’s The Flies features many controversial subjects
such as murder, love, and religion. My presentation will discuss
how Sartre uses Aeschylus’ Oresteia to symbolize the state of
1940 Nazi Germany and show the parallels it has with the present day
USA.
Session 17: Fine Art
Room: Lib 207
Moderator: Dr. Isabel Graziani
“Scioto County”
Charles Haskins, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Isabel Graziani
This presentation will discuss the inspiration of experiences living
in southern Ohio, coupled with the influence of some artists on the
themes and subjects of the artist’s own paintings. The artist uses
expressive strokes and exaggerated gestures in order to establish a
psychological connection with the viewer. Paintings explore the
conflict between the American dream and our struggles for security.
“GRANT WOOD: Artistic
Representations of Early Rural America and History”
Kailai R. Mathews, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Dr. Isabel Graziani
This presentation will outline the American Revolutionary time
period, George Washington, Paul Revere, and the early development of
towns and means of production through agriculture. An array of art
work from American artist Grant Wood, known best for American
Gothic, will be presented to show audience members how he
represented early American scenes and incorporated historic events
to give viewers a sense of national awareness.
Session 18: Myth vs. Reality
Room: Kricker 250
Moderator: Dr. John Lorentz
“International Students: We
are Different, but Civilized”
Asha Abdulkadir, Ahmad Ibrahimov, Alihussein Noordin, and
Belkys Madden, Shawnee State University
Mentors: Dr. John Lorentz and Rita Haider
As international students we have been asked many questions about
our countries, cultures, and our ways of living. We want to dispel
the myths that you may have about our countries.
Session 19: Community and
Organizational Issues
Room: Kricker 151
Moderator: Scott Douthat
“The Risks that Come with
DNA Testing”
Marilyn L. Clay, Shawnee State University
Mentor: Bob Luchi
This presentation will discuss DNA testing with regards to
employment and insurance.
“Faith Trekkors For Life”
Fanester Dickerson, Shawnee State University
Mentors: Sharon Carver, SOMC Health Nurse & Gail Massie, Professor,
Dept of Nursing
Faith Trekkers is a program by which community churches motivate the
north-end community of Portsmouth to become proactive in changing
their lifestyles, while also promoting health and wellness by a
support network.
“Perceptions of Social
Problems in the greater Portsmouth, Ohio Area”
Jerilyn Sheets/Lindsay Hays, Shawnee State University
Mentors: Drs. Scott Douthat and Chris Kacir
Over the past 25 years the grater Portsmouth area has seen a
dramatic decline in population, employment, and commerce while at
the same time experiencing a steady rise in related social problems
such as crime, poverty, and substance abuse. This presentation is
about a community assessment designed to examine the perceptions of
long-term residents, relative newcomers, and community leaders on
the following variables: crime and drugs, municipal appearance,
infrastructure and environment, recreation, economic development,
downtown, access to resources, race relationships, education,
advertising and community image, poverty, and governance.
