Summer Research Projects, Summer 2015

Anthropology and Sociology 

A Theoretical Synthesis of Poverty and Dehumanization
Yuanyuan Liu (Adviser: Scott Melzer)

Art and Art History

The Underdog-A Graphic Novel
Shenoa Butcher (Adviser: Ashley Feagin)

Materializing Virtual Weaponry
Austin Christie (Adviser: Lynne Chytilo)

Beyond Dates: A Photographic Presentation of Albion’s History
Audrey DeGroot (Adviser: Ashley Feagin)

An Exploration of Sculptural Form Based on Personal Vulnerability
Taylor Shell (Adviser: Lynne Chytilo)

Biochemistry

Synthesis and Characterization of Nucleic Acid Aptamers Targeted at Aspergillus Galactomannan Surface Carbohydrate
Jessica Bush (Adviser: Christopher Rohlman)

Synthesis and Characterization of Nucleic Acid Aptamers Targeted at Aspergillus Fungus Cell Surface Carbohydrates
Megan Sheridan (Adviser: Christopher Rohlman)

Biology

Testing the Novel Weapons Hypothesis: Does Spotted Knapweek (Centaurea macula Lam.) have an Allopathic Impact?
Elise Anderson (Adviser: Sheila Lyons-Sobaski)

Role of Micro RNA in Cytokine Production
Zachary Barry (Adviser: Brad Rabquer)

Neural Alpha Synuclein-Proteasome Interaction in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Erik Brink (Adviser: Ken Saville)

Effect of Parental Provisioning on Post-Fledgling Behaviour of House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)
William Davis (Adviser: E. Dale Kennedy)

Micro RNA, miR-9 and mir181c, Regulation of Monocyte Migration and Cytokine Production in Inflammation
Joshua Gaudette (Adviser: Brad Rabquer)

Effect of Noise on Nestling Responses to Food Calls in House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)
Carleigh McMahon (Adviser: E. Dale Kennedy)

Vanadium Complexes Inhibit the Growth of HT-29 and MCF-7 Cell Lines Through Possible Apoptotic Pathways
Brandon Moretti (Adviser: Brad Rabquer)

An Exploration of GMOs as a Means of Learning about Science Writing
Emma Stapley (Adviser: Dan Skean)

Effect of iButton Color on Parental Provisioning and Post-Fledgling Behaviour of House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)
Stephanie Thurner (Adviser: E. Dale Kennedy)

Testing the Novel Weapons Hypothesis: Does Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.) have an Allelopathic Impact?
Angela Walczyk (Adviser: Sheila Lyons-Sobaski)

Chemistry

Optimization of Boronic Acid Homocouplings
Pietro Geisler (Adviser: Cliff Harris)

Assessment and Design of Mobile Apps for Aiding Understanding of Molecular Structure
Courtney Kondor (Adviser: Craig Bieler)

Quantitive Water Testing Using API Kits
Alyssa Obert (Adviser: Vanessa McCaffrey)

Communications

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Relationship Development Using Tinder
Laura Yurgalite (Adviser: Karen Erlandson)

Economics and Management

English

Animal Geography: Contributing to the Map of Early Modern London (MoEML)
Kathleen Casebeer (Adviser: Ian MacInnes)

Mapping Early Modern London: Examining the Impact of Animals upon the Development of London Society
Dana Demchak (Adviser: Ian MacInnes)

Finding the Missing Puzzle Piece: My Life With an Autistic Brother
Melanie Fodera (Adviser: Glen Deutsch)

Ford Institute

Recreation Master Plan for the City of Albion
Alena Farooq (Adviser: Patrick McLean)

The Social and Economic Impact of Recreational Trails on Michigan Communities
Danielle Nelson (Adviser: Patrick McLean)

Geology

Systematics and Evolution of Eocene Dermatemydid Turtles
Emily Ebaugh (Adviser: William Bartels)

A Description and Systematic Analysis of Eocene Basin-Center Crocodylids From the Green River Basin, Wyoming
Daniel Traub (Adviser: William Bartels)

Math and Computer Science

Mathematical Abstraction of Contrapuntal Elements in N-tone Pitch Systems
Jonathan Takeshita (Adviser: Mark Bollman)

Microbiology

Determining the Optimal Metalloid Concentration for Hydrolytic Enzyme Activities of Microbial Communities
Lauren Rasmussen (Adviser: Ola Olapade)

Music

An Intensive Exploration of the Art of Jazz Improvisation
Sarah McDaniel (Adviser: Dan Palmer)

Physics

Evaluation of Entrance Materials
Kevin Claucherty (Adviser: Charles Moreau)

Psychology

Effect of MK-801 on Learning Capabilities of Lumbricus terrestris
Brandon Johnson (Adviser: W. J. Wilson

Family Cohesiveness and Attitudes Toward People Who Seek Psychological Counseling
Jessica McKindles (Adviser: Eric Hill)