2022 Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

In Pennsylvania, salt is used to treat roads during adverse weather conditions. The resulting runoff has the potential to contaminate waterways and substrates that support plant communities. In recent years, the conservation of plant communities in potentially contaminated roadside ditches has received increased attention. This study will observe impacts of roadside runoff on jewelweed, Impatiens capensis. Research on this topic is relevant and timely as many of these roadsides function as wetlands; wetland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to degradation while roadsides are well-known corridors for invasive species. By answering how roadside runoff impacts a common wetland species (jewelweed) in these ditches, we can better assess the health of these ecosystems and their resilience to anthropogenic stressors. We will attempt to answer how roadside runoff impacts jewelweed phenology and physiology across various treatments. Jewelweed seeds will be collected from various populations and grown in a common-garden experiment. Seedlings will be raised and then watered with a solution containing contaminants, including road-salts, in a randomized complete block design. This work will result in a better understanding of human impacts on ubiquitous but understudied roadside habitats and their associated plant communities.

Over the last five years, the Bailey Library staff have collected data on every aspect of their interactions with students, including student evaluations of classes run by the librarians, records on research assistance provided to students, and records on online and in-person chats with students seeking assistance. This study consolidates and analyzes those data to elucidate the impact library services are having on the student body. Information on who uses library services and for what purposes will be provided, along with level of student satisfaction for some of those services.

Recent research indicates that social and digital technologies, such as memes, have profound effects on emotion regulation processes (e.g., Wadley et al., 2020) and further indicates that internet memes have the ability to regulate emotion in clinically depressed populations (Akram et al., 2020). Such research largely suggests that by looking at internet memes, people may modify or change their emotional experiences. Unfortunately, missing from this body of literature is an understanding of whether or not viewing memes can influence emotion regulation processes in the general population, and if these effects apply to emotion variables other than depression. To fill this gap, the current study employs an experimental design to understand if memes regulate emotion.  This presentation discusses the results of a 2 (Emotion Type: anxiety, control) x 3 (Meme Type: anxiety, humor, control) between-group experimental design in which the effects of viewing memes on anxiety were examined. 108 people were recruited from Amazon M-Turk. Results revealed an interaction between emotion condition and meme condition that approached significance (F = 2.11, p = .13); those in the anxiety condition experienced the lowest levels of anxiety when they viewed control memes. Those in the control emotion condition experienced the highest levels of anxiety when they viewed control memes. Results will be discussed in light of mechanisms explaining the processes by which viewing memes impact emotion regulation.  References  Akram, U., Drabble, J., Cau, G., Hershaw, F., Rajenthran, A., Lowe, M., ... & Ellis, J. G. (2020). Exploratory study on the role of emotion regulation in perceived valence, humour, and beneficial use of depressive internet memes in depression. Nature, 10(1), 1-8.Wadley, G., Smith, W., Koval, P., & Gross, J. J. (2020). Digital Emotion Regulation. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(4), 412-418.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer due to its ability to rapidly spread to other organs if not treated in the early stages. Like many other types of cancer, there is only palliative treatment for melanoma but no known cure. Primary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer treatment targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, when the mitochondria release reactive oxidative species that cause damage and changes to the expression of proteins, is a promising approach. MitoNEET is a newly discovered mitochondrial protein that is thought to regulate bioenergetics in cells. Decreasing the expression of mitoNEET subsequently induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in melanoma cells. Fluorescence microscopy is used to evaluate changes in mitoNEET expression when exposed to cancer treatments such as isoliquiritigenin (ISL). Human melanoma, A375 cells, were transiently transfected for 24 hours with a mitoNEET-GFP plasmid at a concentration of 150 ng/¼L. After transfection, cells were exposed to ISL for 24 hours and imaged. The initial results show a decrease in protein expression when exposed to 0.1, 1, 10, 100 ¼M and 0.5, 5, 50, 500 ¼M of ISL. Further studies will investigate mitoNEET regulation in response to other cancer therapeutics.

Recognizing that racism is embedded in our society in both institutional andindividualized ways and noticing an extreme deficiency in anti-racism education, our study aimed to understand the impact of an anti-racist book club on honors students' thoughts, feelings, and commitment to action.Book clubs have a long history of challenging learners to examine power structures and patterns within the status quo (Friere, 1993). With this in mind, our book club sought to push students and faculty to examine racism and power within systems. In our study, 21 honors students read the text, This Book is Anti-Racist (Jewell, 2010). Participants met virtually for one hour each week, for four consecutive weeks, to engage in an interactive book club that focused on topics including identity, privilege, systemic injustice and responding to racism.Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the form of pre- and post- book club surveys (adapted from Polleck, 2010) to measure change in racist views, knowledge, and practices. Analysis using Grounded Theory (Corbin & Strauss, 1990) allowed several key themes to emerge from the qualitative data, including 1) a deeper understanding of self-identity, 2) higher rates of acceptance, 3) inclusion, and 4) celebration of diversity. Honors students also showed a change in belief of what constitutes racism, moving from defining racism as small-scale and interpersonal prejudiced beliefs or actions to believing racism is a complex combination of personal prejudice and systemic oppression. Overall, after gaining insightful knowledge through the book club, honors students showed an increase in empathy and commitment to take action against racism in everyday life. Through book clubs, students can help reverse the deficiency in anti-racism education by taking initiative and creating a real, lasting impact on peers.

User-generated content refers to any messaging voluntarily created by consumers and shared through social media. Marketers value UGC because it is perceived by consumers to possess greater authenticity than paid advertising. This case study examines the relationship between UCG and social media and their use in building brand loyalty. Apple is considered one of the strongest brands in the world due to the cult-like loyalty of users who swear by their technology and see Apple as an extension of their persona. The Shot on iPhone campaign sought to tap into that loyalty by challenging iPhone users to post their best photos and videos on social media. Submissions were reviewed and those selected were featured in Apple brand messages and online. Shot on iPhone did demonstrate its artistic capability, but let consumers showcase their capability through their UCG submissions. The inclusion of UGC established credibility through the authenticity that is associated with this form of social proof. This unique model underscores Apple's consumer centrism while simultaneously expressing the brand's three main tenets - simplicity, creativity, and humanity. The social media metrics of Shot on iPhone speak for themselves, demonstrating the exceptional success Apple achieved in tapping its consumers' brand loyalty. The campaign produced 6 million UGC posts of photos and videos on Instagram alone, generating 6.5 billion media impressions, and 24,000 mentions by global opinion leaders, 95% of which were positive, according to TBWA Media Arts Lab.

Continued anthropogenic activities alter ecosystem composition, connectivity, and function. In western Pennsylvania, regenerating forest ecosystems health and diversity can decline due to this activity. Plant communities within the forest can reflect past and current stressors, particularly the mosses. As a highly specific relatively quick establishing community component, log-fall mosses can be used as a convenient indicator to better understand the impacts of human activities on western Pennsylvania's forests. This is due to log-fall mosses requiring specific habitat requirements, difficulty dispersing horizontally to different forest patches, intense negative reactions to stresses in the environment, and lacking non-native species. These communities can be assessed, correlated to surrounding vascular plants, and genotyped. The results of this study will allow for rapid assessment of the health and diversity of Western Pennsylvanian forests and stressors impacting these systems.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) has identified that the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is currently 9.7%. To help close this gap, programming has been developed post-graduation to support adults with disabilities. One of the answers has been post-secondary college programs.  Post-secondary programs are known to benefit persons with disabilities. These programs can help individuals with disabilities with social skills, academic skills, independent living, and employment, which ultimately leads to an overall better quality of life. There are many different types of post-secondary programs that help to meet the diverse needs of students. The following research and conclusions have been made through a literature review. We have reviewed numerous studies that have collected data on the benefits of these programs, with a focus on the different types of post-secondary education programs used in the US, including the different models universities have utilized. Each of these models have different goals. After review, post-secondary programs can have great benefits for individuals with disabilities.

We study the minimum number of colors with which the intersection points of a set of line segments can be colored so that no segment contains points with the same color. Through a combination of graph theoretical, geometric, and computational approaches, we obtain novel results about the minimum required number of colors for such a coloring for different arrangements of segments. This work has potential applications in various fields, including scheduling, resource allocation, and pattern matching.

The title of the research is Communication and Conducting High School Choirs: During COVID-19 and Beyond. The opportunity to participate was made possible by Slippery Rock University Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity grant, which supplied $500 toward the project. The purpose of the research is to identify the process through which choral conductors determine the gestures that will most effectively communicate with their high school choirs, identify how conductors determine the quality of a performance and why this is important, and highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the ability of choral conductors to communicate with their high school choirs. The research is intended to act as a resource for educators and pre-service educators, like myself, who wish to further analyze the effect conducting has on performance. Because COVID-19 has caused schools to close and us to wear face masks, communication between the conductor and the performers has been impacted. This research originated from my perspective as a performer, wondering about conducting during a time absent of COVID-19, and has allowed for new insight from a conductor's perspective during a pandemic. In order to accomplish this, it was required that the thoughts of real high school conductors were noted. Ten high school choral conductors, all having taught in Region 1 of regions listed by PMEA, volunteered to participate in an interview (the means by which interviewees were obtained were not influenced by independent desire, but rather by inviting any eligible participant on a "first come, first serve" basis). Interviewees were gifted $50 for their participation. Interviews were conducted and recorded over Zoom; Zoom automatic transcriptions were on. Using the recordings, transcriptions were checked and edited for accuracy. Themes were retrieved from the interviews to further interpret the data. The next step in the process is to finalize my findings and discuss them. Throughout the process, numerous themes have appeared, all acting as valuable information for future choral conductors/educators. From acquired data, it seems as though the role that communication plays has proven to be a crucial area of interest among conductors. Emerging themes have dictated interpretation of the data and will be used as a framework for the discussion to come. The paper is intended to be submitted to PMEA News or ACDA Choral Journal to serve music educators and performers in their studies.

Every three years, the SRU Bailey library participates in a national survey regarding different users' customer satisfaction. This study compares the expectations and satisfaction levels of the 2018 respondents and 2021 respondents. Preliminary results suggest decreasing expectations and satisfaction levels. Within specific years discrepancies between expectations of and experiences at the Bailey Library are elucidated. Accessibility to resources and information will also be a focus in this study.

Hinge pattern resistance training exercises prioritize hip flexion and extension, and are often paired with squat pattern exercises to develop the lower body musculature comprehensively. However, few studies have examined biomechanical differences between various exercises that fit within the hinge movement pattern to optimize their selection towards specific goals and considerations. Differences in the kinetic chain of an exercise may alter muscle activation, and therefore exercise-specific applicability. For example, a Romanian deadlift (RDL) is a closed-chain exercise, while a reverse hyperextension (RH) is open-chain. To develop our understanding further, the muscle activation of the RDL and RH was compared in apparently healthy males. To determine load for the study, participants completed repetition-maximum (RM) testing on the RDL and RH. On a follow-up visit, surface electromyography (EMG) of the longissimus, multifidus, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris (lumbar/hip extensors) was measured using standard procedures. After a standardized warm-up protocol, participants completed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) in the five muscles mentioned above. Participants then completed five slow (2s concentric, 2s eccentric) repetitions of the RDL and RH at 50% of estimated 1RM. The testing order was randomized. A repeated-measures ANOVA was then used to compare muscle activation (%MVIC) between the RDL and RH. Changing from a closed- (RDL) to an open-chain (RH) increased muscle activation in the gluteus maximus (+19.5%), biceps femoris (+27.9%), and semitendinosus (+18.2%). Interestingly, the differences in gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus activation in these exercises were found specifically in the eccentric phase of contraction. Simple alterations in the execution of hinge movement may therefore alter the activation of muscles that impact lumbar/hip extension.

The dance community struggles to address dancers' mental and physical wellbeing, causing negative effects that could lead to anxiety, depression, body image and self-esteem issues. Dancers' mental and physical health take a toll when they are taught to place their physical bodies above their mental and emotional health. Dance educators focus on bettering dancers' physical movement yet are not so attentive when it comes to supporting the rigor and intensity that comes with. How can we erase the stigma around dance and mental health by creating a nonjudgmental environment that honors dancers' emotional and physical wellbeing? To complete this research, I used many peer reviewed articles to analyze the positive benefits dance improvisation and Ruth Zaporah's, "Action Theater" has on dancers. Throughout my research I found that improvisation as well as the skills learned in "Action Theater" help dancers increase mindfulness, self-agency, self-awareness and emotional expression, all aspects that improve one's mental and physical health. I found that dance artists such as Ruth Zaporah effectively accomplish this with improvisation, Buddhist practices, and setting mental and physical limits. I argue that the dance community can address and better support mental health through improvisation and mind-body centering techniques. In my presentation, I will examine Ruth Zaporah's Physical Theater method called "Action Theater," and improvisational exercises used to support dancers' mental health as consideration for dance curricular at the collegiate level.

Attending the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive in New York City, I was able to advance my dance education and artistic leadership that I am currently receiving at Slippery Rock University. The cultural diversity offered in the Ailey curriculum is difficult to find elsewhere. The scope and range of classes offered are unparalleled, which allowed me to become a more well-rounded and diverse dancer. After two weeks, I was enamored by the Horton technique, which helped me develop my research for my Senior Capstone I project. The Horton technique is one of the more obscure American modern techniques, and there has been an increase in its demand in schools and academies worldwide in the last 10 years. After extensive research and experience, I have determined the importance of including the Horton technique within university modern dance studies, arguing that a technique that is more inclusive of dance forms from numerous cultures is most likely to benefit dance students in the twenty-first century.

The goal of this project is to determine the potential cytotoxic effects of the pesticide imidacloprid. Imidacloprid is a widely used pesticide in the United States agricultural system despite being banned in Europe due to its damaging effects on non-target species. This compound is a neonicotinoid and has been consistently used for insect control on crops in the United States since the late 1980s. Previous studies indicate possible DNA damage of human cells and significant cellular absorption in the human gastrointestinal tract. This study will use human embryonic kidney cells to determine how imidacloprid may affect the metabolic activity of human cells. Cells will be treated with 0.1-100µM imidacloprid. The effects of imidacloprid will be determined using cellular proliferation and cytotoxicity assays that determine the number of viable cells after treatment. It is expected that results will show dose-dependent toxicity of imidacloprid on HEK 293T cells. This study will provide further insight into the toxicity of imidacloprid and develop a valuable model system to further analyze these effects.

The study of bacteria has been an ongoing process for hundreds of years. While the field itself covers broad areas, one of the cornerstones is accurate and definitive classification of individual isolates. Through a polyphasic approach, including classical physiology and biochemical testing along with 16S rRNA gene analysis and genome sequencing, a vast number of bacteria have been officially identified, however, in spite of our best efforts, less than 1% of all bacteria have actually been properly taxonomically classified. Over the past several decades, the field of microbiology has made significant advances in the area of molecular analysis which have resulted in much more accurate classification methods. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on strain TSed Te1T, isolated from sediment of a stream contaminated with acid mine drainage. Nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence homology related the strain to Gordonia, with 99.52 % and 99.36 % similarity to G. namibiensis and G. rubripertincta, respectively. Computation of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) with the closest phylogenetic neighbor of TSed Te1T revealed genetic differences at the species level, further substantiated by differences in several physiological characteristics. The dominant fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1 w9c,, and 10 methyl C18:0, very characteristics of the genus Gordonia, as was the DNA G + C content of 67.6 mol %. This isolate was also resistant to very high levels of tellurite, selenite, and vanadate, a unique ability possessed by limited bacterial species. On the basis of results obtained, this bacterium was assigned to the genus Gordonia as a new species with the name Gordonia metalliredigo.

Viral infectious diseases have been proved to be a major threat to our public health, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Two pillars of fighting viral infectious diseases are vaccines and antiviral drugs. Despite the immense achievements of our COVID-19 vaccines, yet the pace of antiviral drug development is dreadfully slow. Besides Remdesivir, only two more compounds (currently under development by Pfizer and Merck respectively), are showing significant progress in treating COVID infections. The presented study is the first in the line of pursuing a series of chemically modified compounds, which are designed based on the antiviral drug Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) developed by Merck. It has currently finished the phase II/III clinical trials with a promising positive result and was granted an emergency use authorization by U.S. FDA. The newly designed targets adopted the carbocyclic sugar framework to improve the antiviral activity by increasing the cyto-stability compared to the parent compound. Carbocyclic nucleosides are also known for their prominent board-spectrum antiviral activities with distinct drug action mechanisms. Their antiviral activity stems from inhibiting a host enzyme Adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase, then consequentially stop the capping progress, a major step in forming the mature viral mRNA. The designed compounds combine the features of Molnupiravir (nucleobase) with the carbocyclic rings to pursue a class of dual antiviral mechanism drug candidates. Potential pro-drug structures are also included to test the pharma kinetic properties. The proposed synthesis strategy successfully achieves the key intermediate via a Mitsunobu coupling reaction. Optimization of the reaction conditions for the critical synthesis steps is detailed in the following discussion.

The objective of this study was to determine how active transporters (pumps), located at the plasma membrane of a cell, are regulated. We use two species of yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as model Eukaryotes to study how such pumps are endocytosed. In eukaryotes, endocytosis is initiated once membrane proteins are ubiquitinated. This ubiquitination tag allows the cell to properly select membrane transporters and place them into endocytic vesicles. Ubiquitination is determined by a ubiquitin ligase/adaptor complex; featuring a core ubiquitin ligase enzyme bound to a variety of arrestin family adaptors which determine which pumps are targeted. Previous studies in cerevisiae have suggested that a positively charged basic groove on the arrestin Art1 interacts with a negatively charged acidic patch binding site on the methionine pump Mup1. Charge inversion experiments provide key evidence for this model: adding positive charges to the Mup1 acidic patch completely blocks endocytosis, and compensating negative charges added to the Art1 basic groove restore it. The exact position of the charge inversion pairs is highly specific, suggesting lock and key binding. We set out to test whether this mechanism of binding also occurs in S. pombe for the pump/adaptor pair Cat1/Any1 (which are structurally similar and closely related to Mup1/Art1). Here we test the acidic patch/basic groove binding model by systematically mutating the cytoplasmic surface of the Cat1 pump. Course grain mutation mapping identified a 5 amino acid, negatively charged acidic patch that is indeed critical for endocytosis. We are currently testing the effect of introducing positive charges in this region, and introducing corresponding negative charges into the hypothesized Any1 basic groove.

To determine the quality of community-engaged learning efforts on the SRU campus, the Office for Community-Engaged Learning (OCEL) has developed a set of sixteen civic-learning outcomes for faculty to incorporate into their lesson plans. To support faculty in that effort, the OCEL has developed a set of pre- and post-assessment tools aligned with each of the civic-learning outcomes. The civic-learning and engagement outcomes are also used to assess the Bonner Leader Program. This presentation will discuss the method by which the pre- and post- assessment tools were created and discuss the first set of results from their usage. For every course that used these tools, there was a statistically significant difference in student understanding of civic engagement and responsibility by the end of the course.

Plastic bottles are a major source of the kind of waste and pollution that is destroying our global ecosystem. Most plastic bottles are made out of PET plastic, a material that also works well as filament for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. This project seeks to create a unified device to both collect plastic bottles and process the collected bottles into filament. This device is designed to be placed in locations like food courts and cafeterias where people can easily and conveniently dispose of their plastic bottles. Once a deposited bottle enters the processing chamber, a hollow needle pierces the cap, and heated pressurized air is pumped into the bottle. At the same time, air is pumped out of the processing chamber through pores on the inner walls, vacuum forming the bottle by sucking it to the inner walls of the chamber, which are specially shaped to mold the bottle into a tight helix of filament. The study is still ongoing, but the main hope is for the device to be low cost and low maintenance; simply plug in the device, allow bottles to be collected as people dispose of their drinks, and occasionally return to retrieve the new filament spools. Ultimately, this project has the potential to reduce SRU's carbon footprint and significantly lower the cost of operating the 3D printers on campus.

Tastebuds are small individual structures found in the mouths of animals with backbones. The description and distribution of tastebuds is well documented in mammals, however less so in reptiles more specifically in lizards. The distribution of tastebuds in lizards has been documented in the tongue and lower jaw in several specimens of different lineages. The purpose of this study is to examine the upper jaws of Christinus marmoratus, an Australian gecko. This study utilized preprepared histological slides of the upper jaw of 6 specimens of Christinus marmoratus. Taste buds were found within 3 specimens a total of 7 tastebuds, with 3 having no tastebuds. Previous studies have shown the absence of tastebuds on the tongue of Gekkonid lizards, but not in other lizards. This absence may be due to the fact that geckos utilize their tongue to clean the scale covering found on their eyeballs. Geckos have been found to have many tastebuds on the lining of the lower jaw, and the absence of tastebuds on the top jaw may indicate that their sense of taste is focused in the lining of the lower jaw.

Dance programs across the United States offer an array of dance genres as part of their curriculum. It is common knowledge that Ballet, a highly codified European system of movement and dance, is a genre that is presented to the dance community as a foundation for dance training. Many programs require Ballet because it supposedly assists a dancer's success in the development of other dance techniques and, therefore, is at the forefront of dance curriculums. As a result, the Ballet technique and aesthetics have influenced the course of Jazz dance's natural development, straying it from the elements that could very well further train a dancer towards versatility: juxtaposition, improvisation, ephebism, embrace the conflict, aesthetic of the cool, and according to some scholars, polyrhythm and polycentrism. In a field that hires versatile dancers, I question why a genre that was born and developed in the United States is not considered a foundational technique in its own country? Through this research, I will discuss Jazz dance's history up until the 1950s, what influenced the trajectory of Jazz dance's evolution, how did its trajectory changed Jazz dance's original form and the components of an authentic Jazz aesthetic, and discuss its significance to a dancer's foundational training. As a result of my research, I would like to see dance programs consider Jazz dance as an equal in foundational training while making more authentic choices of this aesthetic.

Stimuli (e.g., beer bottle) related to alcohol have been shown to elicit relapse in persons with substance use disorders. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between these stimuli and their ability to elicit alcohol consumption. Conditioned place preference (CPP) is a behavioral procedure that can be used to gauge the rewarding and aversive components of alcohol using visual cues. In the current experiment quail were administered ethanol (alcohol) (1 g/kg [ethanol=5; water=6]) and confined to a chamber with one colored light and on alternative days quail were paired with another light and administered water. Following conditioning the quail were given free access to both chambers and lights.Orientation to the light was measured manually. A one-way between subject's ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of treatment (ethanol, water) on time spent orientating to the light paired with treatment. There was no significant difference between the subjects that received ethanol versus those that received water, F (1,10) = 1.478, p = 2.55. However, this was not surprising as we had a small sample size. Therefore, we looked at only the 5 subjects that received ethanol. We ran a paired sample t-test with the subjects that received ethanol and found a significant difference between the time they spent orientating to the ethanol paired light from the pre-test (M=3.41, SEM=1.77) and the post-test (M=0.04, SEM 0.01), indicating a possible aversion to ethanol, t (4) = -3.183) = p = 0.03.This is one of the first (pilot) studies to investigate discrete cues (light) in a visual model (avian) of CPP. Because cues in the environment have been shown to increase the probability of relapse, this model may be important for future research in behavioral and pharmacological treatments for cue induced relapse of alcohol treatment seeking users.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects over 5 million Americans. The disease is characterized by the formation of senile plaques of the amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain that can impair the patient's memory and behavior. These symptoms of AD develop slowly and worsen over time. Currently there is no known cause or cure for AD, therefore treatment is restricted to alleviating symptoms. A new approach to AD focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, which is when the mitochondria release reactive oxidative species that cause damage and changes to the expression of tissues, proteins, and genes. MitoNEET is a newly discovered mitochondrial protein that is thought to regulate bioenergetics in cells. The focus of our research is to help resolve the mechanism of AD by evaluating mitoNEET as a potential target for treatment. Fluorescence microscopy is used to evaluate changes in protein expression. This was used to assess changes in mitoNEET-GFP when exposed to current AD therapeutics. One treatment is isoproterenol, which is a bronchodilator that has been shown to upregulate mitoNEET. Our preliminary studies verify that isoproterenol upregulates the expression of mitoNEET in N2a cells after a 24-hour exposure. The results show a two-fold increase in the relative integrated density when exposed to 1, 10, and 100 uM of isoproterenol. We did not detect a significant difference in relative integrated density of mitoNEET-GFP when exposed to donepezil hydrochloride (5, 50, or 500 μM), rivastigmine L-tartrate (0.5, 5, 50, 500 μM), or galantamine hydrobromide (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μM). Further studies will investigate mitoNEET regulation in response to oxidative stress.

In this talk, we consider certain combinatorial and geometric aspects of 3-dimensional manifolds. A 3-dimensional manifold is a space that locally looks like Euclidean space, but globally the object can be much more complicated, and it exists in a higher dimension which cannot be directly visualized. Here we investigate the geometries that can arise, and we begin by explaining the 2-dimensional case of hyperbolic surfaces. In the 3-dimensional case, we explore several classical examples using the method of face pairings for construction. Our approach is to analyze this construction combinatorically, and then visualize the manifold using a computer program. We go on to investigate a new family of 3-manifolds introduced in 2022. Our research provides an amazing world of thought behind how our universe could be designed. The universe takes on the shape of a 3-dimensional manifold and depending on its shape it could be possible to look into the night sky and see another Earth!

The goal of this study is to measure the attitudes towards and training about the health needs of non-heterosexual and non-cisgender individuals among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other medical professionals. This topic is difficult to study because the methods for asking questions regarding the LGBTQIA+ population are still under development, and because negative attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ population are still prevalent in American society. This presentation will discuss parts of the questionnaire design process, along with how the sample was drawn, the importance of the cognitive interviewing process, and further steps in the research process.

In recent years, the use of technology has been on the rise in the dance world as society as a whole increasingly has become digitized. One of these technologies popular among dance artists today is the camera. Dance created specifically for the screen can be better defined as screendance. In the realm of screendance, artists can choreograph a collaboration between camera and dancer that allows for the ability to express narrative in ways unique to film. In this research, I will argue that with the intentional use of framing, location, and editing in screendance, choreographers can tell if a narrative differs in ways from standard live performance. In the first section of this research, the idea of screendance and narrative, as well as dance filmmaking pioneer Maya Deren will be introduced. Next, the importance of framing, location, and editing choices to express an intended narrative to an audience, will be supported through research findings and screendance examples. Lastly, this research uncovers the possibility of screendance without narrative being questioned and explored through the structure of meta-narrative. Through this research process I have learned that the use of framing, location, and editing greatly affects and alters the outcome of narrative in screendance.

For years, strength training has been proven to improve the overall performance of an individual. The idea of implementing such training into a dancer's pedagogy is one that hasn't been investigated as deeply due to the ongoing fear within the dance world of being 'bulky' and body dysmorphia. This fear is centralized around the idea that strength training elicits bodily changes where muscle is gained and one's appearance is categorized as bulky or overweight. A dancer's fear of looking too bulky stems from the idealizing image of a dancer being petite. Through my exploration of the biomechanics of a dancer, in connection with strength training, I was able to determine how beneficial it is for dancers to include this type of discipline into their practices. With my findings, I implemented a 14-week strength training program into my own studies as a dancer, tracking my progress overtime. The idea of being too bulky, was proven to be inaccurate and my overall performance as a dancer had improved substantially.

Through close research, I have investigated Ohad Naharin's choreographic and creative processes for both Israel's Batsheva Dance Company and the Gaga Movement Language. Originated by Naharin in 1990, Gaga remains unparalleled and has challenged other forms of modern and contemporary dance genres in the past few decades. Creative processes, such as Gaga, are significant because they can provide young choreographers with alternative methods of creating and assembling a choreographic piece. I approached my research subject historically through bibliographic sources, interviews, and video analysis. I also engaged in ethnographic research and participant-observer methods to further examine specific choreographic methodologies utilized by the Gaga technique. In my narrative, I weave in the voices of Gaga specialists, such as Deborah Galili, who has spent many years studying the complex and layered aesthetics and creative methodologies that Ohad Naharin has contributed to contemporary dance. In this research, I demonstrate how Ohad Naharin's creative methodologies can generate innovative vocabulary and transformative choreographic narrative.

As a former recipient of gifted education services, I was interested in the laws surrounding gifted programs and the requirements to teach them. The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not have enough requirements in place for gifted program structure, the qualifications necessary to teach gifted classes, and the specific support services needed for gifted children to meet their potential. Dr. Katie Leckenby and I created a survey which was administered to members of the Pennsylvania Association of Gifted Education. The project is ongoing, with 27 responses thus far. I will also be observing middle school gifted programs at some of the participating schools.

Invasive species are a growing issue throughout the United States. Non-native invasives directly compete with native species for resources, such as light, nutrients, and space. Invasives also can be detrimental to the ecosystem, agriculture, and infrastructure. To approach limiting the spread of invasive plants, a thorough examination must be made to examine how they spread from areas of introduction. This study will use herbarium records to identify historical routes of invasion and the abiotic/biotic conditions conducive for invasion; the ultimate goal of this research is to identify high-risk corridors/habitats for future invasions. Additionally, these historical records can be used to determine if different plant growth forms (i.e., woody, herbaceous, or vining) have differing modes of invasion. In the present study we document several invasive plants introduced to Pennsylvania through intentional cultivation, including the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Kudzu (Pueraria montana), Orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), and Periwinkle (Vinca minor). These species will be used as models to map historical invasions and predict high-risk habitat for future invasion. This research is timely and important as cultivation of exotic species still occurs, presenting continued potential for invasion.

A typical cell cycle is characterized by a growth phase followed by DNA replication and then finally cell division, which produces genetically identical cells. Alternatively, in the process known as endoreduplication, cells grow, and DNA replication occurs, but the cell does not divide. In plants, CDC20 and CCS52 proteins control when a cell undergoes either mitosis or endoreduplication, respectively, via activating the anaphase promoting complex (APC). The APC then targets specific proteins called cyclins for degradation. This research project focuses on a potential third type of APC activator in soybean (Glycine max), Glyma.10G117000.1 or GLYMA10. GLYMA10 shares sequence similarities with CDC20 and CCS52 proteins such as a conserved C- box, MAD2-binding motif, IR tail, RVL motif, and WD40 domain, which indicates that the protein is capable of interacting with the APC, but there are also distinct differences between the proteins. To confirm that GLYMA10 is expressed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify GLYMA10 from flower cDNA. The PCR product was cloned into a sequencing vector, which was then transformed into E. coli. The plasmid was sequenced confirming that GLYMA10 is expressed in flowers. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was then used to analyze expression levels of GLYMA10 not only in flowers, but also in apical meristems, trifoliate leaves, unifoliate leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and new and old seed pods. Overall, GLYMA10 was not expressed in trifoliate leaves, unifoliate leaves, roots, or stem tissues and was only very weakly expressed in seeds, flowers and apical meristems. It was, however, very strongly expressed in new and old seed pods, with old seed pods showing the highest expression levels of GLYMA10. In the future, we will continue to study seed pods in an effort to understand the function of this protein.

Blood pressure (BP) is commonly measured to diagnose hypertension and inform safe exercise participation. In clinical settings, BP is generally measured in one arm, disregarding the opposite arm and potential inter-arm differences (IAD) in BP. A commonly cited best practice suggests measuring BP in both arms at rest, and then monitoring the higher measured arm moving forward (e.g., exercising BP). Aerobic exercise (AE), often utilized to reveal underlying cardiovascular risk undetectable at rest or improve health, is known to acutely change BP. Previous data from our lab also suggests that AE alters IAD, and that the higher arm BP may shift during an AE session. In this retrospective analysis, we examined data from a series of four AE studies in our lab that documented bilateral BP responses during 1) progressive, low-intensity AE, 2) steady-state, low-intensity AE, 3) steady-state moderate-intensity AE, and 4) progressive, vigorous-intensity AE. Briefly, the higher arm during each participant's resting bilateral BP measurements was determined, and participants with no IAD were excluded from analysis. Subsequently, the instance of missed higher systolic or diastolic BP measurements in the lower arm were determined during the participant's AE and recovery stages. Interestingly, there were many instances of higher BP measures in the lower arm. For example, during progressive, low-intensity exercise, participants with a higher right arm BP at rest (n=58) had a higher BP in the left arm 14-19% of the time during AE. Surprisingly, participants with a higher left arm BP at rest (n=17) had a higher right arm BP 35-53% of the time during AE. Similar instances will be reported from multiple studies. Based on our findings, true bilateral BP readings may have clinical relevance in the accurate management of AE testing and intervention.

Blood pressure (BP) is a common marker of cardiac health, often used to diagnose hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In a clinical setting, BP is used as a clear measure for monitoring safe exercise participation. Despite 'best practices' currently outlined as measuring BP bilaterally to find the arm with the highest pressure for clinical decision making going forward, many clinicians continue to take a unilateral BP, and risk missing clinically relevant inter-arm differences (IAD; >10mmHg) in BP. Additionally, by only monitoring one arm during exercise, a hypertensive measurement may be missed in the lower resting arm. Recent research demonstrates that isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) training chronically reduces hypertension, and therefore, IHE training is becoming a more common clinical intervention. As IHE acutely alters BP, training sessions should be monitored in order to ensure that safe BP ranges are maintained. Recent bilateral BP data measured in the SRU Exercise Science Research Lab was retrospectively analyzed from two studies that utilized simultaneous, bilateral BP measurement during single-incidence, and repeated sets of IHE. In both studies, there were instances where there were higher BP measurements during IHE and recovery in the arm that was determined lower at rest (and would have been ignored using best practices unilateral measurement). For example, during a single-incidence IHE session in young, healthy individuals, when the resting arm (i.e., non-IHE arm) was determined higher at rest (n=24), a higher systolic BP was missed 39% of the time in the working arm. Likewise, when the working arm (i.e., IHE arm) was determined higher at rest (n=25), a higher systolic BP was missed in the resting arm 36% of the time. Similar instances will be reported from both studies. Upon evaluation of our data, utilizing true bilateral BP monitoring may be a best practices consideration during IHE testing and intervention.

It is a known scientific fact that indoor transmission of COVID-19 is very significant compared to the outdoor setting. Even so, the ease of transmission depends on several factors including the strain of the virus. Until we reach herd immunity, mask-wearing, social distancing, decreased indoor occupancy and vaccination will continue play significant roles in the effort to curb the transmission of COVID-19. Furthermore, with mutation and the presence of new viral strains, break through infection still occurs among the vaccinated. With this in mind, the role of indoor environment in the transmission of COVID-19 becomes imperative as the global effort towards vaccination continues. Social distancing can be challenging overall in the classroom setting, making indoor air quality one of the contributing factors in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is one indicator of probable suboptimal indoor air quality that affects some individuals that spend substantial amount of time in a building including classrooms. In order to assess indoor air quality in the classroom, we will measure two parameters, carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matters (PM 2.5 and 10.0) in the classrooms.Furthermore, a questionnaire will be used to collect data on student and faculty experiences as it concerns COVID-19 precautions, knowledge, behavior, and air quality-related health effects in the classroom environment.In conclusion, we will use data collected from the questionnaire and measured parameters as pointers to the overall air quality and assess the potential roles in COVID-19 transmission in the classroom.

Although Cryogenics is not new, many of its uses have still yet to be found. Despite this, it is used in everyday life without many people knowing. For instance, one of the first breakthrough discoveries was that of the Bell Coleman Steam Driven Air Cycle Refrigerator in 1877. This allowed for meat to be transported frozen across many different regions by boat and resulted in increasing the longevity of healthy meat for customers. As time progressed, the concept continued to evolve, leading to the idea of the refrigerators being installed in homes. Cryogenics is the process of subjecting a material to below freezing temperatures to achieve new or various properties of the materials. Changes in mechanical properties of materials subjected to Cryogenics are significantly important. In project design, various materials are compared to ensure the properties of the materials comply with codes and specifications, such as tensile strength, compression strength, ductility, etc. Concurrently, the cost effectiveness of what is being designed is assessed. In this research, the material behavior in terms of ductility and brittleness has been studied through a literature review. Additionally, the impact of temperature on strength increase or strength reduction has been investigated. However, not all materials exposed to these temperatures act similarly. To understand what happens at these cold temperatures, the materials must be subjected to the effects of a coolant such as liquid nitrogen. Thus, an analysis of the materials under these harsh conditions is needed to see how it affects the materials' properties and behaviors. The results indicated that there are many distinct abilities of materials that are changed, ranging from radial compressive stress increasing by 132% to thermal conductivity decreasing by 30%.

To effectively study the developmental effects of ethanol on honeybee (Apis mellifera) larvae, ethanol must be administered without causing high rates of mortality. As larvae are bathed in the food they ingest, there is a risk that an ethanol-containing diet will cause drying effects, effectively killing the larvae. The aim of this study is to investigate the survival rate of honeybee larvae exposed to an ethanol-containing diet. To accomplish this goal, a rearing protocol and diet achieving a consistent survival rate of greater than 95% were selected from previous literature. This protocol involves the grafting and feeding of larvae over a 6-day period, increasing the amount of food and altering proportions of nutrients administered in accordance with the stage of development. The present study will investigate survivability while incorporating varying concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) of ethanol into the diet and maintaining the previously effective grafting and feeding procedures. Concentrations chosen are known to result in the presence of ethanol in the hemolymph of adult honeybees and impact behavioral outcomes. Concentrations will not exceed 7.5% as previous studies indicate serious impairment above this level. As future studies are intended to investigate the developmental effects of ethanol on chemosensory behavior, the present study will determine a viable diet containing concentrations of ethanol that will affect bee behavior without severe impairment. To determine the viability of our diets, the mortality of the honeybee larvae will be measured each day during grafting. The results of this study will inform future investigation of ethanol administration to honeybee larvae by providing critical information on concentrations that can or cannot be administered effectively without drying out these developing organisms.

HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a national non-profit organization that provides comfort (via highly trained and certified comfort dogs) to people affected by a crisis. This past October, four students from SRU attended an intensive training to become nationally-certified HOPE AACR Team Leaders. Since then, students have been responding to crisis calls in the Eastern US Region, including a hospital to support the staff affected by the stress of caring for Covid patients, a high school in response to two student suicides, and two other schools in response to accidental student deaths. A social worker's primary responsibility is to promote well-being. When disaster strikes, we have an ethical imperative to supply psychological first-aid to the survivors. AACR has been found to be an effective intervention for those needing assistance (Chandler, 2008). HOPE-AACR canine teams never respond to a call alone and the importance of the Certified Team Leaders to manage the logistics and needs of the teams cannot be overstated. The students involved are gaining valuable leadership skills as they use what they have learned in their Social Work and Animal-Assisted Intervention classes in the field. The certification process involved a three-day training which included experiential training in disaster response, crisis intervention, stress management, and AACR. To date, the students have assisted nearly a dozen canine/handler teams as they brought comfort to over 2300 individuals following a crisis. This ongoing endeavor has provided opportunities for students to provide a high-value community service as well as network with other professionals in the field. Most importantly, students are fulfilling their personal and professional objectives of providing assistance in a moment of great need. References Chandler, C.K. (2008, March). Animal assisted therapy with Hurricane Katrina survivors. Based on a program presented at the ACA Annual Conference Exhibition, Honolulu, HI. Retrieved from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas08/Chandler.htm

Children of incarcerated parents face a multitude of issues, and some can have a significant impact on their mental health. While existing research acknowledges that there is a link between parental incarceration and mental health issues, many children who have an incarcerated parent are often left without treatment or other resources that address their needs. One way to mitigate some of the mental health implications for children is consistent and healthy contact with the incarcerated parent. However, visitation procedures and guidelines vary depending on the facility, staff and resources available, and security levels. In order to gain insight into the different visitation procedures, we contacted 15 county facilities in Western Pennsylvania and asked about their visitation protocols in general, for families, and how these have changed due to COVID-19. This presentation also discusses possible solutions that could help mitigate the restrictions placed on family visits and assist children and their incarcerated parents to strengthen their family bond.

COVID-19 has placed an emphasis on social distancing, while also making it more difficult for individuals to keep up with a physical activity regimen. Due to gym closures and restrictions, more people are working out at home but have no equipment or proper guidance. In many cases, this leads to wavering motivation levels, which correlates to a lack of progress. Implementation of a proper strength training program can be accomplished online, and if effective, will provide positive fitness results. An eight-week, three workout per week, strength training program was administered over Zoom to 12 participants, who classify as beginners in strength training (age: 55.33 ± 7.8). Participants performed a traditional strength training program utilizing various dumbbell, resistance band, and bodyweight exercises. All instruction was delivered distantly through Zoom, where investigators delivered fitness instruction through microphone and camera. Various pre-test and post-test exercises were administered to test participant fitness levels before and after the program: timed chair squat, cadenced curl-ups, maximum repetition push-ups, and maximum repetition seated biceps curls (both left and right). Data was collected and recorded for all exercises pre-test and post-test. T-test was used to calculate differences between pre- and post-test scores. Four of the five tests saw significant improvements in repetition: the seated chair squat saw a 3.6 repetition (16.4%) improvement, push-ups improved by 9.2 (116.9%). Biceps curl (left) improved by 9.5 (50.0%), right side by 9.1 (42.2%) (all 0.05). The curl-up test did not show significant differences between pre- and post-test: while participants completed more repetitions, the 7.8 repetition improvement was not statistically significant. The beginner strength program proved to be effective, despite being entirely online. Participants saw improvements in terms of strength, as 80% of test exercises proved to be statistically significant.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health issue that can affect women who have recently given birth. For that reason, a postpartum depression screening is typically given within the first year of postpartum care. For this research, Edinburgh questionnaire scores from Kids Plus Pediatrics sites in Western Pennsylvania, collected between the years 2018 and 2021 inclusively, are used to determine if temporal pattern of PPD rates were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Time series modelling is utilized to understand overall trend and seasonal patterns of PPD. Preliminary results suggest that rates of PPD were adversely affected by the pandemic.

In recent years, the electrification rate of modern machinery and appliances has shown an increasing trend. This trend caused a shift in focus on battery power, especially as a source of storage power. Lithium-ion batteries are used as an excellent source of sustainable power in many complex engineering systems. From high energy density to their lightweight feature, lithium-ion batteries supersede over other battery types. However, these batteries fail in certain aspects of operation which is a major concern in terms of safety and reliability. In this work, we have studied major failure mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries under different operating conditions. Failure mechanisms were then related to physics-based models to understand the degradation process of batteries in actual operations over a period of time. This understanding enriches the health-monitoring-based prognostic analysis of battery management systems.

Globally, many amphibian populations are in decline and some populations face the potential of extinction. Previous research supports that localized amphibian population declines may be attributed to chemical contaminant exposure. However, the connection between contaminant exposure and changes in individual or population success may be more difficult to discern in the absence of overt toxicity or mortality. We examined the sublethal influence of exposure to a common contaminant of surface waters on metabolic changes in adult African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis). Adult male X. laevis were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of the commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, by immersion for 48 days. Following exposure, we determined plasma glucose, glycerol, and triglycerides from samples collected in baseline and handling-stressed conditions. This ongoing research will contribute to our knowledge of the factors influencing amphibian decline by providing insight into sublethal influences of chemical exposure on amphibian metabolism.

Research has clearly shown over time that there are significant social, emotional, and academic benefits to young children who attend quality Pre-Kindergarten programs. The administration at the Grove City Area School District approached our research team to investigate the reasons why less than 50% of children who enter Kindergarten in the district have not attended a PreK program. Our goals for this study were to:Assess PreK options for the Grove City community, Identify the families who have not enrolled their children in PreK and determine the barriers to PreK access, and Collaborate with community partners to propose and enact potential solutions to PreK access. An anonymous survey using Qualtrics was sent to every family in the district with children currently in kindergarten through second grade. Currently, the survey is still active and there have been 74 responses as of February 14, 2022. Results thus far have shown that 80% of the children did attend PreK and 20% did not. As suspected, responses to the survey indicate the biggest barrier to PreK access was that the programs in the community simply didn't have openings. Other identified challenges to access include lack of quality programs in the community, cost, and lack of transportation. Results support an investigation into potential new programs within the Grove City School District or expansion of existing quality programming.

Determining the integrity of two ink strokes in a crossing is an ongoing investigative challenge. While the field has had many technological advancements, current methods of ink dating are highly subjective, primarily dependent upon the experience level of the investigator. The field also lacks a true understanding of how two inks distribute within a crossing. This information, however, may be key evidence for the completion of a civil or criminal investigation. Therefore, this study was completed to objectively observe the actual distribution between inks within the interior of their crossing. Sixteen crossings made from unique combinations of four blue gel pens (Bic Cristal, Uniball Signo, Bic Pro, and Pilot G2) were prepared on white office paper. The perpendicular crossings were cut using a scalpel to expose the depth of the two ink layers. The University of Pittsburgh's Raman Spectrometer equipped with a microscope was used to analyze each sample with a 20X objective and a 473 nm laser. From the sixteen unique ink combinations, multiple drying times between ink layers (horizontal ink and vertical ink) were also analyzed (0, 12, 36, or 48 hours). Experimental conditions were optimized before sample analysis. The Raman microscope mapped the chemical signatures present within each crossing, with a constant approximate value of 300 data points measured. Preliminary data analysis using Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) method revealed chemical images which show the actual distribution of each ink within the crossing. The intention is to create a model with this information that will help investigators objectively identify the legality of the ink crossing in question.

Nijinska, following Stravinsky's libretto, opted for abstraction. She created a generalized image of human emotion within a ritualistic form (Kisselgoff C13). Bronislava Nijinska, the first and only female to choreograph for Ballet Russes created a work titled Les Noces which first debuted at the Théâtre Gaîte-Lyrîqué in 1923. Les Noces, in English the Wedding explored the status of women in Russia. Nijinska wanted this piece to be a political statement addressing traditional values in The Soviet Union. In the piece, Nijinska uses movement, symbolism, costume, and music to bring this work of art to life. This research will deconstruct Bronislava Nijinska's work titled Les Noces addressing different choreographic tools used by the choreographer to portray conflict. This research is significant in that it explores the history of women throughout a considerable period in Russia. It is important that artists, teachers, performers, and choreographers are educated in past works, and choreographers to have and share knowledge with others. As artists there is a power and responsibility to bring light to prominent issues, we are passionate about.

The tap water in Slippery Rock has an objectionable taste and odor. The unfavorable taste and odor cause many residents to look for other options such as filtrated pitchers or bottled water. These methods can become costly and produce a large amount of unnecessary waste. The aim of this research is to determine different factors that are responsible for the drinking water's inadequate qualities and to inform the community about their drinking water. Another goal is to provide alternative solutions for clean drinking water that will not negatively impact the environment. The tap water in Slippery Rock is derived from an underground aquifer in well fields situated around the region. An aquifer is an underground water-bearing rock layer that has characteristics conducive to storing large amounts of water. These characteristics control how water can easily flow through a rock layer. Water treatment by the Slippery Rock Municipal Authority has been able to reduce some of the constituents present but is not able to eliminate all. Gas chlorination is one method used to reduce levels of harmful microbes. However, some chlorine remains in the water after this process contributing to the odor and bad taste. The average taste threshold concentration for free residual chlorine in water ranges from 0.0075-0.450 mg/L and the lowest concentration of chlorine found in Slippery Rock water in the last 5 years was 0.79 mg/L in 2019, and has ranged as high as 1.46 mg/L. The water also contains high levels of sodium, around 144 mg/L. The range for taste thresholds in this compound is 30-140 mg/L, leading the salinity to also be a possible cause of objectionable taste. Sodium is a naturally derived constituent, just like many of the contaminants found in Slippery Rock water. Further assessment of the water quality data and investigations into the source of the groundwater will allow us to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

The term Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) was coined in 1994 at the same time CASEL (Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning) was founded to focus on the relationships a student has and the skills necessary to identify and manage their feelings. Dr. Scott Edgar researches theimperative connection that music has to social and emotional learning. There are many factors that can affect how effective SEL practices are in the classroom. This study focuses on culture as a factor with the potential to impact students' SEL in a music classroom setting. Cultural approaches to emotions and relationships differ, so the impacts those views might have on the effective implementation of SEL should be explored. This study aimed to answer the questions of: How do different cultures view emotions?, How do those views affect SEL teaching strategies?, and How can music educators implement or adapt SEL teaching strategies to best suit all learners in their classrooms? Participants in this study were selected after responding to an advertisement on social media platforms. Six participants were self-identified teachers of a student population that includes at least 50% Asian, African American, Native American, and/or Hispanic students. 2 participants were self-identified teachers who belong to one of those communities. Participants were interviewed over Zoom using predetermined questions. Transcripts of the interviews were reviewed and edited for clarity, sent for content confirmation by the participants, and analyzed for themes. Themes were compiled and used to create suggestions for music educators to effectively implement SEL into their curriculum. Common themes included learning about the culture, recognizing cultural differences and challenges, and managing the classroom environment. Implications included straying from preconceived notions and biases, finding interests of students and applying them to content being taught, and embracing diversity in the classroom.

With an ever-diversifying population, health care providers must understand that culture has a large impact on their patient's prior perceptions of healthcare, including their trust or mistrust of the provider and what their practices. This impact spreads to an individual's health choices, response to therapy and treatment, and how they seek care. Therefore, intercultural communication plays a significant role in providing the best possible healthcare. Despite this, there is little policy in teaching and enforcing cultural competency for many health care providers, especially physicians. This research aimed to explore how the communicative experiences of Spanish-speaking individuals living in the U.S. with their physicians affected their wellbeing. In this project, a phenomenological approach was used to gain a better understanding of the participant's experiences. A preliminary survey and an in-depth interview were used to gather our data. It was revealed that the cultural value of personalismo, the value of personal relationships, is one of the most important values to Spanish-speaking patients when selecting a physician. A lack of personalismo often results in changing or not seeking medical help. The data also revealed that the participants were unaware of navigating the American health system and general health information, thus making them more prone to health care disparities. The results of this study provide much-needed information on the importance of physicians to understand the cultural background of their patients and learn good cultural competency. The results further bring attention to the continuing complexities of delivering health care to people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the U.S.

This project investigates student performance throughout the stages of remote learning before and during COVID. Student performance in 300 level courses is compared from Fall 2019 through Spring 2021 in STEM versus Non-STEM courses. The goal is to determine if student performance was affected during the stages of remote learning through COVID and to determine if these effects were similar for students in 300 level STEM courses compared to students in 300 level Non-STEM courses. Statistical software is used to conduct a data analysis on course grades from Mathematics, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography/Environmental Studies, Physics, Biology, History, and English. The data are analyzed using statistical methods to compare the findings over the four semesters. Preliminary analysis indicates no significant differences. The statistical analysis continues by using various comparative, categorical analysis methods to explore and compare the distributions. More detailed results will be included in the presentation.