12th ANNUAL

academic excellence SERIES

honors program

SENIOR PRESENTATIONS
APRIL 18, 2017
5:30 P.M.
CARLSON LIBRARY, LOWER LEVEL,
AND FOUNDERS HALL

OPENING CEREMONY

program

Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Center for Academic Excellence
5:30 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions.....................................................................................Joseph Croskey

.............................................................................................................................................Interim Honors Program Director

Remarks................................................................................................................... Rebecca Greenman
................................................................................................................................................ Honors Graduate
Presentation of Seniors and Faculty Advisors......................................... Dr. Todd Pfannestiel
............................................................................Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presentation of Honors Stoles.................................................................................Joseph Croskey
.............................................................................................................................................Interim Honors Program Director

Closing............................................................................................................................Megan Blashford
.................................................................................................................... Honors Program Student Director
Students will be dismissed immediately following the ceremony to prepare their presentations.
Please remain seated until they have been dismissed.
Join us for presentations in Founders Hall immediately following the opening ceremony.

1

2016-2017

SENIOR HONORS

presentors

Shannon Ankney

Therese Holzapfel

Tyler Beichner

Warren Huey

Megan Blashford

Kristina Kiritchenko

Benjamin Blinn

Breanne Kothe

Shane Burns

Dylan McGlone

Loren Dukate

Sarah Minnix

Kelly Dungan

Wade Reichelderfer

Tyler Falk

Kaitlynn Sass

Xavier Garibay

Bethany Shetler

Jon Haycock

Rachel Stoltz

Morgan Herold

Jennifer Stuart

Catherine Hogg

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SENIOR PRESENTATIONS 2016-2017
(Early sessions 6:10 p.m.–7:30 p.m.)
		Session 1 				104 FOUNDERS		
		
		
		

Faculty Moderator: 			
Faculty Moderator (Rehearsal):		
Honors Alumni Judge:			

Dr. Craig Scott
Dr. Helen Hampikian
Danielle Emings ’11

Flying with Microbes: The Effects of Microban Disinfectant Spray and UV Light on Opportunistic Pathogens
and the Benefits with Regards to Emergency Air Transportation Vehicles
SHANNON ANKNEY
Feeding Ecology of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) in Forest Patches Dominated by Fern
DYLAN McGLONE
Application of a qPCR Assay for Monitoring Microbial Pathogens in Amphibians
SARAH MINNIX
		

Session 2

105 FOUNDERS

		Faculty Moderator:			Dr. Adam Roberts
		
Faculty Moderator (Rehearsal):
Prof. Jim Lyle
		Honors Alumni Judge:			Joslyn Dechant
		

Concentric Nano Rings and Rotational Symmetry on Al-Cu-Fe Microspheres
BREANNE KOTHE
Dry Cupping Therapy:
Therapeutic Effects of Gliding Versus Static Methods to Increase Hamstring Flexibility
in Division II Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Athletics
MORGAN HEROLD
How to Make a Bombe
XAVIER GARIBAY
		Session 3 				107 FOUNDERS
		
Faculty Moderator: 			
Dr. Herb Luthin
		
Faculty Moderator (Rehearsal):		
Dr. Ellen Foster
		Honors Alumni Judge:			Marissa Dechant
			

Reading for the Cure: Impacts and Future Implications
KAITLYNN SASS
Auditory Perception of Gestured and Ungestured Singing by Trained and Untrained Listeners
MEGAN BLASHFORD
Comparing the Comfort Level and Knowledge of Undergraduate and Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Students
and Practicing Speech-Language Pathology Professionals with Augmentative and Alternative Communication
RACHEL E. STOLTZ
The Journey of the Hero: From Greek Epic to the 21st Century Novel
THERESE HOLZAPFEL

3

SENIOR PRESENTATIONS 2016-2017
(Late sessions 7:40 p.m.–9 p.m.)
			Session 4

114 FOUNDERS

			Faculty Moderator:			Dr. Dan Clark
			
Faculty Moderator (Rehearsal):
Prof. Joseph Croskey
			Honors Alumni Judge:			Erich Spessard

Synthesis and Structural Determination of the Coordination Complexes
of Lanthanides with 4,4’-Trimethyldipyridine Dioxide
WARREN HUEY
Analysis of the Toxicity of Analgesic A1 on Primary Neuronal Cell Cultures
SHANE BURNS
The Study of Aromatic Compounds in Wax for Wax Burners
BETHANY SHETLER
			Session 5 				104 FOUNDERS
			Faculty Moderator:			Dr. Rod Raehsler
			
Faculty Moderator (Rehearsal):
Dr. Paul Woodburne
			Honors Alumni Judge:			Miranda Mease

Studying the Person-Group Relationship in a High-Wage, Low-Pay Workplace
TYLER BEICHNER
A Study of Content v. Skills Based Knowledge
Using Clarion High School Seniors and College Freshmen as a Representative Example
WADE REICHELDERFER
Perceptions of On-Campus Dining Options at Clarion University
KELLY DUNGAN
Curating & Archiving:
Technology, Techniques, & Challenges
KRISTINA KIRITCHENKO

4

SHANNON ANKNEY
Flying with Microbes:
The Effects of Microban Disinfectant Spray and UV Light on Opportunistic Pathogens
and the Benefits With Regards to Emergency Air Transportation Vehicles
Dr. Helen Hampikian, Faculty Advisor
One in 25 patients that are hospitalized or in long-term
health care facilities will contract a nosocomial infection.
Billions of dollars are spent annually on these infections and
while significant progress has been made to control these
infections in hospitals, little research has been conducted
when it comes to emergency air transport vehicles.
Although staff clean the helicopters between each patient,
products such as alcohols, bleach, peroxide and Quats have
many disadvantages. As a potential new way to disinfect the
helicopters, Microban Disinfectant spray and UV light were
tested against common opportunistic pathogens such as
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium.
The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum
bactericidal concentration were determined for each of these
bacterial types. The maximum height from the pathogen
that the UV light could be placed and still inhibit the growth
of the bacteria was also determined for each species.
These findings demonstrate that Microban and UV light are
effective against these organisms. This method of sanitation
could also be applied to the cleaning of other transport
vehicles such as ambulances, police cars and school buses.

Shannon Ankey is from Rector, Pa., and is a biology major with a pre-veterinary concentration.
Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Shannon has achieved a
spot of the Dean’s List for seven semesters and has plans to attend veterinary school after
graduation.

5

TYLER BEICHNER
Studying the Person-Group Relationship in a High-Wage, Low-Pay Workplace

Dr. Chad Smith, Faculty Advisor
The purpose of this project is to study the relationship
between employee turnover in a high-labor, low-paying work
setting.
The study ties in the work of Amy L. Kristof-Brown, Amy E.
Colbert and Karen J. Jansen, researchers from the University
of Iowa and Penn State University, into a real-life work
setting. Their findings indicate a person’s likelihood of
sticking with a new job to be made up of three variables
(types of fit): person-job, person-group and personorganization.
The anticipated outcome of this case study is to recognize an
increased reliance on the “person-group” relationship when
assessing employee turnover and retention in a high-labor,
low-paying workplace.

Tyler Beichner, from Shippenville, Pa., is an accounting and management major. He will
receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration upon graduation. During his
undergraduate career, Tyler has been a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. After graduation,
he plans to hold an accounting position at Specialty Fabrication and Powder Coating &
Specialty Fitness Systems in Franklin.

6

MEGAN BLASHFORD
Auditory Perception of Gestured and Ungestured Singing by Trained and Untrained Listeners

Mr. Kenneth Staub, Faculty Advisor
Gestures heavily influence human communication
and have been proven to be instrumental in both
communication therapy and vocal pedagogy. Although
there has been extensive research on the comparative
acoustic measures of gestured and ungestured singing,
fewer studies have prioritized the perceptions of these,
especially the comparison of perception in trained and
untrained audiences. This research project investigates
the perceptual effects of singer gestures on trained
listener populations and untrained listener populations.
Trained listeners and untrained listeners (determined by
demographic data based on musical experience) will
listen to audio samples of a singer with gestured and
ungestured iterations of a song and answer survey
questions regarding the vocal quality of the singer.
Survey data will be analyzed using SPSS Software to
determine any correlation between listener type and
perception.
This study aims to emphasize the importance of gestures
in vocal pedagogy, its role in a singer’s vocal quality
perception and aid in the discussion of any significant
differences in the way different listener populations
perceive the singers’ vocal quality.

Megan Blashford in from Pittsburgh, Pa., and is a speech-language pathology/audiology
major. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language
Pathology/Audiology. During her undergraduate career, Megan was a Dean’s List student,
student director of the Honors Program, the historian for National Student Speech Language
and Hearing Association, a proud member of the Clarion University Chamber Singers,
traveled abroad to the United Kingdom where she participated in the 2016 Eistedfodd Choir
Festival and is the semesterly commencement vocalist for Clarion University. After
graduation, Megan will attend graduate school to pursue a Master of Science in SpeechLanguage Pathology in hopes of eventually specializing in voice disorders and singing
science.

7

SHANE BURNS
Analysis of the Toxicity of Analgesic A1 on Primary Neuronal Cell Cultures

Dr. Doug Smith, Faculty Advisor
This project involves testing different doses of the
anesthetic, acetaminophen, on different types of
mammalian cells to see how they react.
The toxicity of the different dosages of acetaminophen
on the cells is quantified using a hemocytometer.
Statistical tests are used to support or refute the
hypothesis.
This research is important in anesthesiology, more
specifically medical procedures, to help increase
analgesia, amnesia and immobilization in patients.

Shane Burns, from Warren, Pa., has a major in molecular biology/biotechnology with a
concentration in pre-dentistry. He will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biotechnology. During his undergraduate career, Shane has made the Dean’s List six of eight
semesters and received the Board of Governors Scholarship every year. In addition, he was
was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society
and Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society. Upon graduation, Shane plans to attend LECOM School
of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Fla. Afterward, he plans to enter the Navy and work as a
dentist for four years and attend a residency for oral and maxillofacial surgery.

8

KELLY DUNGAN
Perceptions of On-Campus Dining Options at Clarion University
Dr. Chad Smith, Faculty Advisor
This study analyzes student, faculty and guest
perceptions of on-campus dining options at Clarion
University, specifically focusing on Eagle Commons
Dining Hall and Gemmell Food Court.
A survey of approximately 750 participants was
conducted in each of three semesters (Spring 2016,
Fall 2016 and Spring 2017) to help understand guest
perceptions on service, food quality, value and other
items of importance to visitors. The study also observes
student meal plan use with the implementation of focus
groups to attain a better understanding of the perception
of value students place on meal plans.
The goal is to improve the experiences of guests at these
facilities through changes in operations, marketing, and
management of the account.

Kelly Dungan is from Warren, Ohio, and is a marketing and management major. Upon
graduation, she will receive both a BSBA in Marketing and a BSBA in Management. During
her undergraduate career, Kelly has been nominated for the Syed Ali-Zaidi Award for
Academic Excellence, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society for Business,
a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and achieved the Dean’s List during all
semesters. After graduation, Kelly will be working as the marketing manager for Chartwells
Higher Education Dining Services at Clarion University. After she gains marketing experience,
Kelly hopes to pursue her MBA and open her own small business.

9

XAVIER GARIBAY
How to Make a Bombe

Dr. Jeffrey Childs, Faculty Advisor
World War II was a time of change. One top of military
strategies and technologies advancing quickly during
those few years, the field of cryptography flipped on its
head.
With the German’s enigma machine producing what
appeared as completely random strings of letters, the
Allies needed to forgo all the old methods of breaking
cyphers. Eventually, with the hard work of men like Alan
Turing and Marian Rejewski, the Allies were able to
create the Bombe, a book-case sized computer that
could break the code of a single message within an hour.
While these machines were destroyed after the war,
the work and logic of their creators live on. Using this
information, my project recreates and tests the
performance of the Bombe on a modern-day computer
with both a sequential and parallel algorithm structure to
both reevaluate an important time in our history and see
how far we have come.

Xavier Garibay, from Brookhaven Pa., is a mathematics and computer science major. Upon
graduation, Xavier will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. Xavier plans to join the workforce after graduation.

10

MORGAN HEROLD
Dry Cupping Therapy:
Therapeutic Effects of Gliding Versus Static Methods to Increase Hamstring Flexibility
in Division II Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Athletics
Michael Chesterfield and Jeffrey Giovannucci,
Faculty Advisors
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of
two types of cupping therapy, static cupping and glide
cupping, on hamstring soreness and flexibility.
The subjects studied are 16 female collegiate volleyball
athletes between the ages of 18 and 21. Participants
were randomly split into two groups with Group A
representing the static cupping group and Group B
representing the glide cupping group.
Each subject underwent four total treatment sessions
over a two-week time period. Soreness was recorded
using a visual analog scale and flexibility was determined
using a goniometer to measure a supine 90/90 test.
These measurements were taken before and after treatment sessions. Treatment sessions consisted of five
minutes of four static cups over the muscle bellies of the
biceps femoris and semitendinosus for Group A and five
minutes of one continuously glided cup over the same
muscle bellies for Group B.
Data was recorded via Excel to show the relationship
between cupping treatment and flexibility, along with a
comparison of the results of the two different forms of
cupping. This study is the first of its kind as glide cupping
is fairly new to the clinical setting.
Morgan Herold is from Carlisle, Pa., and is an athletic training major. Upon graduation, she wil
receive a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in athletic training. During
her undergraduate career, Morgan was a scholar athlete, Varsity Letter, Volleyball Captain,
Deans List student and has completed over 1,000 hours of clinical experience with her
academic program. After graduate, Morgan plans to attend Temple University to study
kinesiology and psychology of movement.

11

THERESE HOLZAPFEL
The Journey of the Hero:
From Greek Epic to the 21st Century Novel
Dr. Ralph Leary, Faculty Advisor
For this project, I am analyzing the literary archetype of
the hero across different cultures and time periods, using
one example each from ancient Greek mythology,
Elizabethan drama and 21st century American young
adult literature.
The three characters I have chosen to focus on for this
investigation are Odysseus from Homer’s The Iliad and
The Odyssey; King Henry V from William Shakespeare’s
Henry IV, Parts One and Two and Henry V; and Katniss
Everdeen from Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games
trilogy.
I am studying these characters in order to better
understand how they challenge or support the traits of
the archetypal hero. Furthermore, in this project I will
investigate how Western societies’ concept of the hero
in literature has evolved over time and across cultures,
as well as how the Western perspective of the hero
reflects on our society.

Therese Holzapfel is from Latrobe, Pa., and is an English major with a concentration in
writing and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Arts in
English degree. During her undergraduate career, Therese has been a member of Phi Kappa
Phi Honor Society, a member of Sigma Tau Delta English International Honor Society and
has received the E. Nelson James Junior Scholarship, the English Alumni Endowed Junior
Scholarship, the EAPSU Outstanding English Major Award and was published in the 2017
edition of Mind Murals, the Sigma Tau Delta Eastern Region literary journal. After graduation,
Therese plans to work in the editing and publication field before pursing further education
in graduate school.

12

WARREN HUEY
Synthesis and Structural Determination of the Coordination Complexes of Lanthanides
With 4,4’-Trimethyldipyridine Dioxide
Dr. Jacqueline Knaust, Faculty Advisor
The crystallization of lanthanides with various ligands
has been done; however, the ligand 4,4’-trimethylebedipyridine dioxide (bppydo) has not been studied.
Complexes of praseodymium, neodymium and
samarium perchlorate and bppydo were synthesized.
The crystalline structure and solvent interactions of the
praseodymium complex were determined by X-ray
crystallography.
In the praseodymium compound, the metal had a
coordination number of eight. It was coordinated to two
water molecules and six bppydo ligands. Five of the
bppydo ligands were bridging to other praseodymium
cations and one was terminal. One of the bridging
ligands was disordered over two positions. There was
also extensive disorder involving the solvent water and
perchlorate anions. The synthesis and coordination
network of the other lanthanides with bppydo will be
studied in the future.

Warren Huey, from Westover, Pa., is a chemistry major. Upon graduation, he will have a
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his undergraduate career, Warren received
numerous awards, including Undergraduate Award for Achievement in Organic Chemistry,
ACS Undergraduate Award for Inorganic Chemistry, Clarion University Chemistry
Scholarship, Phi Kappa Phi, Spring 2016 – Present Phi Eta Sigma, National Honor Society,
Board of Governors Scholarship, Heagy Memorial Scholarship and achieved Dean’s List
status during all semesters. After graduation, Warren plans to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry
with a focus on inorganic chemistry.

13

KRISTINA KIRITCHENKO
Curating & Archiving:
Technology, Techniques, & Challenges
Dr. Kathleen McIntyre, Faculty Advisor
This project seeks to provide deeper insight into the
tasks and challenges of curating, promoting, and
archiving at historical museums in 21st Century America.
My research includes an analysis of museum audiences,
curatorial design, overcoming controversies within public
history and museum promotion from interviews and
museum studies.
In order to apply my research into practice, I seek
to update the Fulmer House Antiques & Collectibles
social media page, work as an artifact researcher,
assist in event planning and study artifact maintenance
and authentication.
By examining the various aspects of museum work,
a clearer understanding of the changing field of museum
work and role within society can be understood. My
project illuminates the pros and cons of the present
technological transition in museums, shifting role of
public history within American society, and how the
next generation of curators can work through these
difficulties.

Kristina Kiritchenko is from Moon Township, Pa., and is a history major with a minor in
German. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Arts in History degree. During her
undergraduate career, Kristina was a Phi Alpha Theta Member, studied aboard at OttoFriedrich Universität Bamberg, completed an additional undergraduate research project
The Mobilization of Clarion: A Case Study of World War I’s Effects on American Civilians,
and was History Club president. After graduation, Kristina plans to earn certifications in ESL
and teach English in South Korea. She then wishes to pursue graduate studies in Germanic,
Eastern European and Museum studies and work for a museum.

14

BREANNE KOTHE
Concentric Nano Rings and Rotational Symmetry on Al-Cu-Fe Microspheres

Dr. Chunfei Li, Dr. Sharon Montgomery, Faculty Advisors
It has been observed that Al65Cu20Fe15, when fractured
by arc melting, produces two types of microstructures,
one of which are microspheres.
These microspheres have been shown to create
concentric rings on the surface, which a side-view
shows to have a step-like structure. Through these
spheres, the possibility of having the rings perpendicular
to the axes of rotational symmetry has been investigated
and have shown the spheres to have two fold and three
fold symmetric axes.

Breanna Kothe is from Harrisburg, Pa., and has a double-major in physics and mathematics.
Upon graduation, Breanne will receive Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Science
in Mathematics degrees. During her undergraduate career, she has been a member of Clarion
University Women’s Swim Team, president of Pi Mu Epsilon National Honorary Mathematics
Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, recipient of Outstanding First Year Physics Award,
recipient of Majorie Tippin Leadership Award, recipient of William and Elizabeth Hart
Scholarship, recipient of Helen and Lawrence Smith Scholarship and Bob Carlson Scholar
Athlete Academic Achievement Award winner. After graduation Breanne plans on attending
medical schools and pursue a career in nuclear medicine.

15

SARAH MINNIX
Application of a qPCR Assay for Monitoring Microbial Pathogens in Amphibians
Dr. Helen Hampikian, Faculty Advisor
Amphibians are experiencing a significant drop in
population which is linked to several causes, including
infection with the fungus Batrochochytrium dendrobatidis
(Bd) and the DNA virus Ranavirus (RV). Disease
surveillance is crucial if we are to understand how these
microbial pathogens are spreading among amphibian
populations, and the factors which underlie this spread.
In collaboration with Dr. Kurt Regester’s lab and the
Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS),
we are working to evaluate the presence of these
pathogens in the adult red spotted newt
(Notophthalmus viridescens) across Pennsylvania.
We have developed conventional polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR assays to detect
genes specific to Bd and RV in DNA extracted from swabs
and tail clips. We are currently applying our assays to
the screening of 200 samples collected from a variety
of different eco regions across the state.
Our study is the first-ever statewide surveillance project
undertaken to assess levels of these significant microbial
pathogens among amphibians. By detecting and
quantifying the presence of these disease-causing
organisms, we will gain important insights into how Bd
and RV are contributing to the amphibian population
crisis in Pennsylvania.
Sarah Minnix is from Pittsburgh, Pa., and a biology major. Upon graduation, she will receive
a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. During her undergraduate career, Sarah was on the
Dean’s List for all semesters, a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, a recipient
of the Board of Governor’s Scholarship and a recipient of the W.E.B. Dubois Award. After
graduation, Sarah plans to attend the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall
to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine.

16

DYLAN McGLONE
Feeding Ecology of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
in Forest Patches Dominated by Fern
Dr. Kurt Regester, Faculty Advisor
In many Pennsylvania forests, the dominance of ferns in
extensive areas is associated with high densities of Whitetailed Deer and changes in forest structure. Although the
Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is an abundant
predator in the leaf litter and plays an important role in the
forest food web, no previous studies have examined effects
of fern on salamander feeding ecology.
We conducted a field experiment to compare salamander
feeding in dense fern patches and in adjacent areas dominated
by leaf litter. We captured adult salamanders (n = 17) at a
different location, held them in the lab to clear gut contents
(48 hrs) and then randomly placed each in a “foraging bucket”
located within dense fern or within adjacent leaf litter for 24
hours. In addition, we opportunistically collected adult salamanders (n = 20) actively foraging in areas dominated by
fern and in adjacent areas of leaf litter. Individual prey items
were removed from the stomachs of all individuals retrieved
from the field, identified to taxonomic order and then photographed and measured for total length using a microscope
and digital image processing software.
Our results will include statistical comparisons of diet
composition and feeding rates, along with quantitative food
webs associated with salamanders foraging in fern or leaf
litter. Findings from our study will be valuable for clarifying
the roles of amphibians in forest food webs and assessing
the various impacts of changes in forest structure.
Dylan McGlone is from Stewartsown, Pa., and is a biology pre-veterinary major with a
chemistry minor. Upon graduation, he will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree.
During his undergraduate career, Dylan was named to the Dean’s List for all semesters,
recognized on the Clarion University website and alumni magazine for his experiences in
South Africa, was member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor society, was a member of Phi Eta Sigma
Honor Society and was selected for the Sigma Phi Epsilon “Balanced Man” Scholarship. After
graduation, Dylan plans on attending Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine.

17

WADE REICHELDERFER
A Study of Content v. Skills Based Knowledge
Using Clarion High School Seniors and College Freshmen as a Representative Example
Dr. Paul Woodburne, Faculty Advisor
The purpose of this study is to test whether college
courses focus on teaching content or skills based
knowledge using Clarion as a representative example.
Mock Principles of Economics exams were given
to Clarion Area High School Students and Clarion
University Students with the stipulation that they may
use any Internet resource available to them in a week’s
time to complete the exam. Exams were then graded
and analyzed, as they would have been were the course
taken as a regular Clarion University of Pennsylvania
course.
Based upon the scores achieved, we hope to shed light
on whether colleges are teaching content based
knowledge, which should be relatively easy to find
on the Internet, or skills based knowledge which is much
more difficult to find online. From this information, we
hope to show there is something special about college
instruction that cannot be imitated by self-taught
Internet learning.

Wade Reichelderfer is from Shippensburg, Pa., and is a management and finance major.
Upon graduation, he will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. During his undergraduate
career, Wade has received the Honor Foundation Scholarship, has received the Outstanding
Management Student award, has been the Who’s Who Among Students Honoree, Beta
Gamma Sigma Inductee and has received the Dr. Leonard and Sally Ann Ackerman
Scholarship in Academics. After graduation, Wade plans to move to Pittsburgh and work
as a tax specialist at PNC Bank.

18

KAITLYNN SASS
Reading for the Cure:
Impacts and Future Implications
Dr. Ellen Foster, Faculty Advisor
For 20 years, Reading for the Cure raised money at Clarion
University for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in
Pittsburgh. This project examines the implementation of this
service project at the university level, including the advantages
and disadvantages of university students participating in
extensive volunteer work.
It also explores the possibilities of Reading for the Cure
continuing off campus, in other venues and through other
organizations. Established foundations, such as the Susan G.
Komen foundation, were looked at to discover the possibility
of an event such as Reading for the Cure continuing under
their organization.
Conclusions are drawn regarding the future of Reading for the
Cure and the impact that it had while being held at Clarion
University.

Kaitlynn Sass is from Grampian, Pa., and is an English major with a concentration in creative writing.
Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Arts in English degree. During her undergraduate
career, Kaitlynn served as Sigma Tau Delta Eastern Region student representative, was published
in Sigma Tau Delta’s The Rectangle, was named the 2016 Outstanding English Major and was
recipient of several scholarships including the Foundation Honors Scholarship, the Gilbert Neiman
Scholarship Recipient, the Sigma Tau Gamma Scholarship, the Class of 1953 Scholarship and the
Sigma Tau Delta Regent Scholarship. After graduation, Kaitlynn plans to pursue a position in public
relations or editing.

19

BETHANY SHETLER
The Study of Aromatic Compounds in Wax for Wax Burners

Dr. Amanda Lockwood, Faculty Advisor
Wax burners can be used to replace the traditional
candle and mimic natural smells, but how natural is the
smell? The purpose of this study was to separate and
determine if alpha- and beta- pinene is present in the
vapor emitted by the scented wax after melting.
A gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector
was used during the research to separate and determine
as well as a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer to
identify the components in the sample.

Bethany Shetler is from Winber, Pa., and is a chemistry major. Upon graduation, she will
receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. During her undergraduate career, Bethany
was the drum major for the 2016 Clarion University Golden Eagle Marching Band, president
of the Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, recipient of the Chemistry Department
Scholarship for two years, recipient of the Department of Service Award for two years
and recipient of the 2016-2017 College Chemistry Award from the Society for Analytical
Chemists of Pittsburgh. After graduation, Bethany plans to attend graduate school at
University of Maine or University of Montana for her doctorate degree in analytical chemistry.

20

RACHEL E. STOLTZ
Comparing the Comfort Level and Knowledge of Undergraduate and Graduate Speech-Language Pathology
Students and Practicing Speech-Language Pathology Professionals with Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Mrs. Bethany Wilson, Faculty Advisor
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is used
by individuals with speech and language difficulties to either
supplement or replace oral speech. Speech-language
pathologists will often find individuals on their caseload who
may need fitted with some form of AAC.
It appears that practicing professionals with years of
experience are more hesitant to implement AAC with
individuals on their caseload either due to a lack of knowledge/
education or limited exposure to those students who may
need AAC. Current students seem to feel more confident with
their knowledge and skills to implement AAC as they prepare
to enter the field.
This study compares the comfort level and knowledge of
speech-language pathology students to practicing speechlanguage pathologists with AAC. Eighty-three Clarion
University speech-language pathology students who recently
completed an AAC course at Clarion University and 50
practicing speech-language pathologists from the Riverview
Intermediate Unit #6 region (comprised of 17 school districts)
were asked to participate in an anonymous, online survey.
Responses were organized through an online survey
generator and trends were analyzed. Results positively
correlated with initial hypothesis.

Rachel Stoltz is from DuBois, Pa., and is a speech-language pathology/audiology major and
business administration minor. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology degree. During her undergraduate career,
Rachel earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester, was initiated into Phi Eta Sigma,
was fundraising chair of National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and was
outreach chair of Club Smile. After graduation, Rachel plans to attend graduate schools to
obtain her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

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CLARION UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
2016-2017
Dr. Karen Whitney, President
Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Bruce Smith, Interim Dean, College of Arts, Education and Sciences
Dr. Phillip Frese, Dean, College of Business Administration and Information Sciences
Dr. Roxanne Gonzales, Executive Dean Venango College

CLARION UNIVERSITY TRUSTEES
2016-2017
James L. Kifer, Chairperson
Rimersburg, Pa.
Joy Dunbar, Vice Chairperson
State College, Pa.
Milissa S. Bauer, Secretary
Clarion, Pa.
Dr. Syed R. Ali-Zaidi
Shippenville, Pa.
Susanne A. Burns
Shippenville, Pa.
The Honorable R. Lee James
Oil City, Pa.
The Honorable Donna Oberlander
Clarion, Pa.
Randy Seitz
Franklin, Pa.
Howard H. Shreckengost, Acting Vice Chairperson
New Bethlehem, Pa.
Edward Green
Student Trustee Nominee

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HONORS FACULTY 2016-2017
Joseph Croskey, Interim Honors Program Director, Advising Services Department
Professor James R. Lyle, Interim Honors Program Assistant Director, Communication Department
Dr. Ralph Leary, English & Modern Languages Department
Dr. Herbert Luthin, English & Modern Languages Department
Dr. Daniel Shifflet, Mathematics Department
Dr. Kevan Yenerall, Political Science/Philosophy Department

HONORS COUNCIL 2016-2017
Joseph Croskey, Interim Honors Program Director/Advising Services Department
Megan L. Laird, Program Manager
Dr. Ralph Leary, English & Modern Languages Department
Dr. Matthew Brigida, Finance Department
Dr. Jon A. Beal, Chemistry. Mathematics & Physics Department
Prof. James R. Lyle, Interim Honors Program Assistant Director, Communication Department
Dr. Andrew M. Turner, Biology & Geosciences Department
Dr. Robert M. Frakes, Social Sciences Department
Dr. Douglas M. Smith, Biology & Geosciences Department
Dr. Pamela J. Gent, Associate Provost
Dean Terry S. Latour, University Libraries
Marrilyn Dunlap, Interim Director of Admissions

STUDENT HONORS ASSOCIATION 2016-2017
President: Eric Zavinski
Vice President: Brandon Nielsen
Secretary: Naaila Ali
Treasurer: Cody Little
Committee Chairs
Programming: Brooke Homan
Community Service: Marissa Parades

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Honors Program is supported by generous contributions from
Honors faculty, alumni, and friends. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions
to our students and their scholarship.

Clarion University Foundation, Inc.
Jane France and Chris Allison
The Mochnick Family
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
The Class of 1961
E. James and Patricia M. Kelley Honors/Athletics Scholarship
Belle Carson Randall Honors Endowment for Education
Pennsylvania General Energy Co., LLC
Robindale Energy Services

Honors Alumni and Board of Directors
Dustin McElhattan ’09, Chair
Jennifer Feicht ’96
Joseph Fiedor ’03, ’08, ’10
Kristin Hallagan ’06
Jarah Heeter ’03
Luke Martin ’09
Katelynn Muth ’09
Victoria Reid ’05
Hannah Turner ’08

Special thanks to those assisting us in this evening’s arrangements:
Student Honors Association, Events & Scheduling Office and PAGES.
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It is the policy of Clarion University of Pennsylvania that there shall be equal opportunity in all of its educational programs, services, and benefits, and there shall be no discrimination with regard to a
student’s or prospective student’s gender, gender identity, race or color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, religion or creed, genetic information, affectional or sexual
orientation, veteran status, or other classifications that are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations. Direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 103 Carrier Administration Building, sfenske@clarion.edu or
phone 814-393-2351, or the Director of Social Equity, 210 Carrier Administration Building 16214-1232; Email asalsgiver@clarion.edu or phone 814-393-2109. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director of
the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.

www.clarion.edu/academicexcellence

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