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14TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SERIES
honors program
SENIOR PRESENTATIONS
APRIL 10, 2019
5:30 P.M.
SUITES ON MAIN NORTH THEATER
AND STILL HALL
OPENING CEREMONY
program
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Suites on Main North Theater
5:30 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions......................................................................................... Katie Gannon
...........................................................................................................................................Honors Program Student Director
Guest Speaker Introduction................................................................................... Dr. Rod Raehsler
............................................................................................................................................................ Honors Program Director
Remarks....................................................................................................Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
.............................................................................................................................. Clarion University President
Presentation of Seniors and Faculty Advisors................................................ Dr. Rod Raehsler
............................................................................................................................................................ Honors Program Director
Presentation of Honors Stoles...................................................................... Prof. Joseph Croskey
.................................................................................................................................Honors Program Assistant Director
Closing............................................................................................................................. Olivia Wissinger
...........................................................................................Student Student Honors Association President
SENIOR PRESENTATIONS
SPRING 2019
6:15 P.M.–7:45 P.M.
Session 1: 107 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Paul Woodburne
Alumni Moderator Kelly Dungan
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Rod Raehsler
THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS IN CORPORATE CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Jessica Denzer
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF POST-COMMUNIST STATES
AND THE STATUS OF THEIR ECONOMIC TRANSITION 25+ YEARS OUT
Krista Mosi
ARE PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS NECESSARY FOR FIRMS?
THE INFLUENCE OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL REGULARITY ON ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR,
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SUPERVISORS AND SUBORDINATES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
Rebecca Mullen
Session 2: 104 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator
Dr. Mary Pat McCarthy
Alumni Moderator Hope Zimmerman
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Kristina Dworek
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS ON ATTENTIONAL ABILITIES
Katharine Gannon
THE ACCURACY AND UTILITY OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONE APPS
Brittany Fitzgerald
SPEECH SOUND ACQUISITION IN PEDIATRIC PRELINGUALLY DEAFENED COCHLEAR IMPLANT USERS
Lindsey Wohar
2
Session 3: 203 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Natasha Dias
Alumni Moderator Dani Eming
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Helen Hampikian
LINKING ERAD AND THE UPR:
DEVELOPING A GENETIC SCREEN VIA THE EXPRESSION OF ANTITRYPSIN
Michelle Geytenbeek
THE MITOCHONDRIAL STRESS RESPONSE:
DEVELOPING A GENETIC SCREEN UTILIZING 2, 4-DINITROPHENOL
Christian Schill
THE DETECTION OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI
IN TICKS IN CLARION BOROUGH
Autumn Fotta
MANIPULATION OF THE HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL MICROENVIRONMENT
USING A SUBSTRATE OF A MIXED POPULATION OF STROMAL CELLS
Cecelia Harmon
Session 4: 205 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator
Dr. Suzanne Boyden
Alumni Moderator Erich Spessard
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Kurt Regester
ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF CANOPY COVER
ON BENTHIC POND COMMUNITIES
Tony Kumetis
GAME THEORY APPLIED TO A BASEBALL DRAFT
Garrett Moats
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY AND ANXIETY REDUCTION
IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS
Taylor McClay
COORDINATION COMPLEXES OF LANTHANIDES AND TETRAKIS
(4-PRYIDYL-N-OXIDE) CYCLOBUTANE
Robert Hacku
3
Session 5: 106 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Annette Rosati
Alumni Moderator Victoria Reid
Rehearsal Moderator
Prof. Joseph Croskey
TIME AND DIFFICULTY EXPECTATION INTERACTION
Madison Bumbarger
CRYSTAL HEALING:
HISTORY, PRACTICE, AND CREDIBILITY
Leah Fryer
ANOTHER ANOTHER ANOTHER CINDERELLA STORY
Kenzi Mundkowsky
4
MADISON BUMBARGER
Time and Difficulty Expectation Interaction
Looking at how difficulty expectations and time limitations interact
to affect test scores may help improve students’ grades.
Participants will be students sampled from around Clarion
University. They will be randomly assigned to take a standardized
test. It is hypothesized that students who have no expectations of
difficulty level will have higher averages than students who have
difficult expectations, students who are not timed will have higher
scores than those who are timed, and time limitations will affect
students with difficult expectations more than students with no
expectations.
The independent variables are the time limitations and the expectations of the students. Data will be analyzed using a two-way
ANOVA test.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeanne Slattery
Madison Bumbarger is from Curwensville, Pa. She is a psychology major with a paralegal studies
certification. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree and
Advanced Paralegal Studies Certificate. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Madison has been
named to Dean’s List and served as Student Senate vice president. After graduation, Madison plans to
earn an M.S. in Forensic Psychology degree, then attend a doctoral program for clinical psychology.
She wants to become a criminal profiler for the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
5
JESSICA DENZER
The Use of Social Media Campaigns in Corporate Charitable Donations
The paper looks at recent social media campaigns started
by companies who want to make charitable donations. These
companies say that they will give a certain dollar amount to
charity for each like, share, or retweet their company receives.
But, this may not accurately represent their charitable
donations.
The paper focuses on the amount of shares five selected
companies received and compares that to the amount
of money given to the chosen charity. It is hoped to show
the real purpose behind these social media campaigns.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Eicher
Jessica Denzer is from Murrysville, Pa. Jessica has majors in accounting, personal finance, and
corporate finance. Upon graduation, she will receive a BSBA in Accounting & Finance degree. While
pursuing her undergraduate career, Jessica was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. After graduation, Jessica plans to move to the Carolinas and work
in an accounting position for one of the many universities in the area.
6
BRITTANY FITZGERALD
The Accuracy and Utility of Speech and Language Milestone Apps
My research provides information on five different apps that
are available to the public that are geared toward tracking
developmental milestones in order to determine if any of them
provide accurate information regarding speech and language
developmental milestones. This was completed by identifying
key ages in speech and language development and comparing the information provided by the apps for each age to
evidence-based speech and language developmental norms.
This information allowed me to determine which apps to
recommend for parental use to aid in determining if they are
developing accordingly. The information was then used to
make a pamphlet that will be shared with speech language
pathologists and pediatricians so the information can be made
available to the public.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melissa Brydon
Brittany Fitzgerald is from Sharpsville, Pa. She has a major in speech language pathology and
audiology. Upon graduation, Brittany will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Brittany made the Dean’s List every semester, is a NSSLHA
Gold Status Member, and a member of Phi Sigma Eta. After graduating, Brittany plans on continuing
her education here at Clarion University in order to earn her master’s degree in Speech Language
Pathology. After completing her master’s degree, she plans on working with children in the school
setting.
7
AUTUMN FOTTA
The Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ticks in Clarion Borough
Lyme disease in western Pennsylvania is an issue with which
most people in the area are very familiar. The disease is
caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi,
which is vectored within ticks, typically of the Ixodes species.
The bacteria can be spread to humans and pets when female
ticks latch on to the skin of their prey to consume blood.
The objective of this study was to find the relative prevalence
of Lyme disease-carrying ticks in commonly used outdoor
areas in the Clarion region. This was done by collecting female
ticks from within a three-mile radius of Clarion University.
DNA was extracted from the ticks and PCR was performed.
PCR was examined using agarose-gel electrophoresis. The
RNA was examined for the presence of 16sRNA for Borrelia
burgdorferi. This bio-marker is found in ticks carrying Borrelia
burgdorferi.
By identifying the number of female ticks positive for 16sRNA,
the likelihood of a female tick carrying Lyme disease can be
deduced. This can provide important information to people
who spend time outdoors within Clarion Borough.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Helen Hampikian
Autumn Fotta is from Pittsburgh, Pa. She is a biology pre-veterinarian medicine major with a minor in business
administration. Upon graduation, Autumn will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Autumn has been named to the Dean’s List every semester. She has also been recipient of the
Foundation Honor Scholar (2016-present), the E. James & Patricia Kelley Honors Scholarship (2017-present), the Clarion
Academic Scholarship (2016-present) and the Clarion Leadership Award (2016-present). She has also received the
Clarion University Alumni Association Scholarship (2018-present), the John W. Mochnick Honors Scholarship
(2018-present), the William & Elizabeth Hart Scholarship Endowment (2018-present) and the Lesser Scholarship
(2018-present). After graduation, Autumn plans to attend Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine.
8
LEAH FRYER
Crystal Healing:
History, Practice and Credibility
My research project explores different aspects of crystal
healing and its credibility. It outlines the history, its uses and
arguments for and against this healing method.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ralph Leary
Leah Fryer is from Boyertown, Pa. Leah has a major in English with a concentration in writing
and a minor in history. Upon graduation, Leah will receive a Bachelor of Arts in English degree.
While pursuing her undergraduate career, Leah has been named to the Dean’s List. After graduation.
Leah plans to attend the University of Chester, England, to receive a master’s in Creative Writing:
Writing and Publishing Fiction degree.
9
KATHARINE GANNON
An Analysis of the Effects of Music and Musicianship Skills on Attentional Abilities
This study investigated the impact that listening to
and engaging with music might have on an individual’s
subsequent ability to attend to a visual task. More specifically,
the purpose was to determine if having a musical background
with well-developed musicianship skills increases an individual’s attentional skills compared to those with minimal or no
musical background/training.
Often, music programs are the first to be cut when school
districts and universities are struggling with finances.
This is potentially detrimental not only to typically
developing students, but also to students treated by
speech-language pathologists.
Because attentional deficits are a common symptom of
several disorders treated by speech-language pathologists
(e.g., TBI/concussion, autism, visual/auditory processing
deficits), it is hoped that this research not only provides
descriptive information relevant to typical individuals, but also
might shed light on a potential treatment methodology for
working with those who are impaired.
Faculty Advisor: Kenneth Staub
Katharine Gannon is from Saxonburg, Pa. She has a major in speech-language pathology and audiology and
a minor in music. Upon graduation, Katharine will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Katharine was named to the Dean’s List every semester, presented research at the 2018
National Collegiate Honors Conference, and received various scholarships over her four years. She was also
secretary of the National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (2018-2019), the public relations
manager of Love Your Melon Campus Crew (2018-2019) and was chosen as Clarion University’s representative
of the Ali Zaidi Award (2018-2019). After graduation, Katharine plans to earn her master’s degree in speechlanguage pathology. After earning her licensure, she hopes to work with the pediatric population in either a
school or private practice setting.
10
SIRILUK MICHELLE GEYTENBEEK
Linking ERAD and the UPR:
Developing a Genetic Screen via the Expression of Antitrypsin
The accumulation of aberrant and aggregation-prone proteins
within the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) can play a large role in
cellular stress and physical manifestation of genetic disorders,
such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (ATD). While the
disease states of ATD have been extensively studied, the
mechanism of misfolded protein removal within the ER is not
fully understood.
There are two biochemical pathways that exist to manage these
misfolded proteins: Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated
Degradation (ERAD) and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR).
ERAD functions to identify newly synthesized misfolded proteins
and retro-translocates them out of the ER to be degraded by
the 26S proteasome. Under overwhelming stress conditions,
the inducible UPR pathway acts as an intracellular transmembrane signaling cascade to initiate specific gene expression.
Prior studies revealed that the Add66p protein is essential in
the assembly of the 26S proteasome; therefore, deletion of the
ADD66 gene will disrupt proteasome production in the ERAD
pathway. Furthermore, the UPR targets the ADD66 gene during
times of ER stress. The stress-inducing agent of focus is the
expression of A1PiZ, a mutant form of the human gene A1Pi
(Antitrypsin).
Two wild-type yeast strains and a strain lacking ADD66
(add66Δ) were utilized. The goal of this project is to determine if
A1PiZ with add66Δ will result in a defective growth phenotype.
If a reproducible growth defect can be identified and used as a
positive baseline control, this experimental method may be used
to screen and identify new proteins involved in ERAD, UPR or
both.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig Scott
Siriluk Michelle Geytenbeek is from Garnet Valley, Pa. She is a biology (pre-med) major. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate
degree, Michelle has been a member on this project for the last three years. This research was presented at the annual CPUB conference, consisting of Pennsylvania state universities, and won first
place honors in the molecular biology category in 2017 and 2018. After graduation, Michelle plans to
attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a passion for the surgical field and hopes
to find herself as a practicing surgeon in the next 10 years. “As I look back on my time at Clarion, I’d like
to thank my mom and dad for inspiring me and always pushing me to be the best I can be. I’d also like
to thank Dr. Scott and all the amazing faculty who have helped me over the last four years. It has been
a crazy adventure and I’m excited for all that is yet to come.”
11
ROBERT HACKU
Coordination Complexes of Lanthanides and
Tetrakis (4-pryidyl-N-oxide) Cyclobutane
The novel tetrakis (4-pyridyl-N-oxide) cyclobutane was
isolated and assessed for compatibility in a heavy metal
organic framework.
Tetrakis (4-pyridyl) cyclobutane (TPCB) was prepared from a
solid-state [2+2] photocycloaddition of two 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)
ethylene (BPE) molecules templated by resorcinol. TPCB was
isolated from the template crystalline mixture and reacted with
hydrogen peroxide to form tetrakis (4-pyridyl-N-oxide)
cyclobutene (TPNO). TPNO was crystallized by slow
evaporation from aqueous solution after acetone layering.
TPCB, BPE and TPNO were analyzed for boiling point and by
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This work
also improves upon the isolation and quantification of TPCB
from a mixture of TPCB and BPE.
Faulty Advisor: Dr. Jaqueline Knaust
Robert Hacku is from Meriden, Conn. He is a chemistry major with a minor in math. Upon graduation,
he will receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. While pursuing his undergraduate degree,
Robert was a member of the men’s swim team for three years and holds records in the 200- and 400medley relays. He was a scholar-athlete all three years. After graduation, Robert will be attending the
University of Pittsburgh’s Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program.
12
CECELIA HARMON
Manipulation of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Microenvironment
Using a Substrate of a Mixed Population of Stromal Cells
The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is a type of multipotent
cell most abundant in the bone marrow. These cells exhibit the
capacity to self-renew or differentiate to produce the
majority of blood cells found in circulation including
erythrocytes, thrombocytes and leukocytes.
Regulation of hematopoiesis is critical in order to maintain a
healthy pool of progenitor cells, while producing appropriate
numbers of differentiated cell types to compensate for blood
cell turnover. This regulation is conducted through a complex
combination of signaling molecules, cell-cell interactions and
interactions with the extracellular matrix. For this reason,
culture of the HSC in vitro and outside of the native
microenvironment within the bone marrow lend to ready
differentiation and loss of multipotency.
To create an in vitro culture system for HSCs more like the
microenvironment of the bone marrow, we plan on assessing
stromal cells for their ability to support culture of multipotent
hematopoietic cells. Stromal cells used will be identified based
on morphological characteristics viewed microscopically.
Colony-forming unit assays will be performed on bone marrow
aspirates cultured with a stromal cell base which has been
previously extracted from bone marrow to determine
abundance and frequency of HSCs. Further attempts to
recreate microenvironment stimuli in a culture system may
have implications for research and personalized medicine.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Douglas Smith
Cecelia Harmon is from Fairmount City, Pa. Cecelia is a biology major. Upon graduation, she will
receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Cecelia was
named to the Dean’s List for five semesters. She was recipient of the France Allison Honors Scholarship
(2018), the Ruth Bleakney Montgomery Science and Mathematics Award (2017), the Highmark Healthcare
Scholarship (2017) and the Honors Foundation Scholarship (2017-2018). She also received the Kim
Rutherford Memorial Scholarship (2017-2018), the full Board of Governors Scholarship (2016-2019) and
the Minnie D. Croyle Scholarship (2016-2018). After graduation, Cecelia plans on attending The VirginiaMaryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., seeking a doctorate of veterinary medicine,
tracking in mixed animal medicine. After Cecelia receives her licensure, she plans on returning to Clarion
County to work in general practice. Cecelia also has a special interest in providing low-cost spays and
neuters.
13
TONY KUMETIS
Assessing the Influence of Canopy Cover
on Benthic Pond Communities
Leaf litter is a primary source of energy in many aquatic
systems and is a strong influence on the structure and function
of woodland pond ecosystems. Canopy cover, light levels and
leaf litter influence the amount of photosynthetic production
in a pond system, which in turn affects the benthic community
composition.
The objective of this study was to quantify the seasonal
changes in biomass of the benthic invertebrate communities
in closed canopy and open canopy ponds. We would expect a
closed canopy pond with an input of leaf litter detritus to have
more shredding macroinvertebrates and an open canopy pond
with active photosynthesis to have more scraping macroinvertebrates.
Samples were taken in June, August and October 2017 using
benthic drop-can sampling methods at two permanent ponds
located on Pennsylvania State Game Land 63 in Clarion
County. We found a higher total macroinvertebrate biomass in
the closed pond than in the open pond (2.50g/m2 compared
to 0.66g/m2).
Primary consumer biomass and diversity also differed
between pond types throughout the year. October samples
in the open pond had higher biomass than June samples
(2.50g/m2 compared to 0.37g/m2), which may be from
amphibian predators leaving the ponds by the October
collection or from variation in community structures due to
insect emergencies in the spring and early summer. Ponds
with large amounts of leaf litter inputs had declined levels of
biomass and order richness while insignificantly increasing
community.
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Kurt Regester and Dr. Steve Harris
Tony Kumetis is from Reynoldsville, Pa. Tony has a major in environmental biology with a minor in
sustainability. Upon graduation, Tony will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. While pursuing his
undergraduate degree, Tony was 2016 and 2017 recipient of the Dr. Dinsmore Faculty Ecology
Scholarship and received the Iron Furnace Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s Coldwater Scholarship in 2018.
Tony also presented at the 2018 and 2019 Pennsylvania Wildlife Society Conferences and the 2018
Entomological Society of Pennsylvania conference. After graduation, Tony plans on finding a job
working with aquatic ecosystems, possibly with the DEP, Trout Unlimited, a conservation district or
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
14
TAYLOR McCLAY
Animal Assisted Therapy and Anxiety Reduction
in Hospitalized Patients
Hospitals can elicit a number of emotions from those who end up
in them, responses such as fear, anxiety and a general sense of
discomfort. Therapy animals have often been used to decrease
these feelings in people who suffer from anxiety disorders.
Some of the major factors that play a role in promoting health
and healing are decreased feelings of anxiety and fear, and an
increased feeling of comfort. There have been a few studies that
focus on pediatric oncology units, mental health units and nursing
homes but not a lot of research on other floors of the hospital such
as the medical-surgical floors.
This study will look at therapy dog handlers’ observations on
how their therapy dogs affect the patients they have seen during
hospital visits. Gaining more knowledge on whether therapy dogs
help decrease emotions such as anxiety and fear in patients in the
hospital can help determine whether or not it would be beneficial
to try to implement these programs in more hospitals around the
country.
Faculty Advisor: Cheryl Bowersox
Taylor McClay is from Greenville, Pa. Taylor is a nursing major with a minor in psychology. Upon
graduation, Taylor will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Taylor presented research at the NCHC conference in 2016 and 2017, was named
to the Dean’s list every semester and she was inducted into the freshman honor society Phi Eta Sigma.
After graduation, Taylor plans to move to Hawaii to begin her career as a nurse. After she gets some
experience, she hopes to work as an emergency department nurse at Queens Hospital in Honolulu, a
level 1 trauma center.
15
GARRETT MOATS
Game Theory Applied to a Baseball Draft
This project will use game theory to look at a baseball draft to
see if the strategy of caring about what your rival picks either
helps the teams or hurts the teams in the draft.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniel Shifflet
Garrett Moats is from Dallastown, Pa. Garrett has a major in secondary education mathematics and
physics. Upon graduation, Garrett will receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While
pursuing his undergraduate degree, Garrett was a member of Pi Mu Epsilon. After graduation, Garrett
plans to teach at the high school level in math or physics, or both..
16
KRISTA MOSI
An Analytical Study of Post-Communist States
and the Status of Their Economic Transition 25+ Years Out
This project examines the 23 countries in their transition from
command economies to market economies as a result of the
end of the Cold War and the end to communist rule. The
project takes a look, 25-plus years later, at the status of the
transition process. In particular, countries are compared by
method of transition.
The primary methods of transition in the beginning stemmed
from two schools of thought, the Big-Bang approach and
the Gradual Reform approach. These approaches refer to the
speed in which the country chose to privatize and liberalize
its own economy.
As their names infer, the Big-Bang approach was about fast
privatization. Gradual Reform was slower. With years of
economic data and multiple statistical studies performed,
we can examine which countries chose which approaches,
and the extent to which they carried out this approach. From
this we can determine the success of transition through output
measures such as GDP growth and human development
indicators.
The project will statistically interpret the input variables that
affect transition and their impact. By separating the countries
by result and method of transition, the project will ultimately
compare overall performance levels and the well-being of
these groups to make conclusions if their choice of transition
had a long-term effect on their success today.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susan Zumas
Krista Mosi is from South Park, Pa. Krista has a major in international business, economics with an
international concentration and a minor in political science. Upon graduation, Krista will receive
B.S.B.A. International Business, and B.S.B.A. Business Economics degrees. While pursuing her
undergraduate degree, Krista was a recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award (2015-present),
a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (2018-present), and a member of Phi Sigma Alpha (2019 inductee).
After graduation, Krista hopes to find a job in her field of study.
17
REBECCA MULLEN
Are Performance Appraisals Necessary for Firms?
The Influence of Performance Appraisal Regularity on Organizational Citizenship Behavior,
Relationships Between Supervisors and Subordinates and Organizational Commitment
Performance appraisals have long been considered a useful tool
to effectively and efficiently manage organizations. However, both
researchers and practitioners alike challenge the effectiveness and
necessity of performance appraisals.
In the current study, we hypothesize that the regularity of
performance appraisals influence organizational outcomes,
including organizational citizenship behavior relationships between
supervisors and subordinates, and organizational commitment.
Through the collection of data from 65 employees working at a
governmental agency in western Pennsylvania, we found that while
regular performance appraisals can increase individual employee
organizational citizenship behavior and their commitment to the
organization, only irregular performance appraisals can increase
the relationship between supervisors and subordinates. These finding have both theoretical and practical implications.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ning Chen
Rebecca Mullen is from Franklin, Pa. She has majors in human resources and business management
with a minor in psychology. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration degree. While pursuing her undergraduate career, Rebecca was a member of Beta
Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and recipient of the Excellence in Service
to Students Award (2018), and amember of National Society of Leadership and Success.
After graduation, Rebecca plans to seek a career in human resources before pursuing a Ph.D.
in human resources management or organizational behavior.
18
KENZI MUNDKOWSKY
Another Another Another Cinderella Story
The tale of Cinderella exists in almost every culture we know
today. It has been told to the point where the phrase
“Cinderella story” can be found in almost every facet of
human existence. However, more than anyone else, Disney
has undertaken this story time and time again, often with little
time between movies.
With some being just four years apart from each other, one
can’t help but wonder, “Why keep retelling the same story?
What do these new Cinderella plots tell us that the old ones
don’t?”
In this presentation, I will explore the character evolution of
some of Disney’s most well known Cinderellas to see what,
if anything, each girl adds to history and what she can tell us
about her time.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melissa Downes
Kenzi Mundkowsky is from West Springfield, Pa. She is a secondary English education major. Upon
graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Kenzi was a drum major in the Golden Eagle Marching Band (2016-2018) and Kappa
Kappa Psi vice president of membership (2018-2019). After graduation, Kenzi plans to work for a
school back home, get married and change lives in the classroom.
19
CHRISTIAN SCHILL
The Mitochondrial Stress Response:
Developing a Genetic Screen Utilizing 2, 4-Dinitrophenol
Cellular stress responses are an understudied, yet vital part of
cell physiology. Metabolic biochemical pathways have many
implications in human diseases, such as neurodegenerative
diseases, cystic fibrosis and diabetes. These pathways, such as
the Krebs Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation, are subjected
to alterations when they are under cellular stress conditions.
Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, it is our
goal to utilize a yeast mutant knockout library, an isogenic
collection of mutant strains, to assay genes for their
involvement in such stress responses. This library can help
identify which genes are involved the cell’s response to its
exposure to 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a known causative agent
of cellular metabolic stress.
Greater than 50 mutant strains have been studied to date
and differences in yeast growth have been recorded and
statistically analyzed. Furthermore, utilizing Gateway Cloning
techniques, one particular gene, COQ11, has been further
studied by attempting genetic rescue experiments to gather
evidence which further implicates this gene in the biochemical
pathways that respond to mitochondrial stress.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig M. Scott
Christian Schill is from Clarion, Pa. He has a major in molecular biology and biotechnology with a
minor in chemistry and a certificate in Opioid Treatment Specialist. Upon graduation, Christian will
receive a Bachelor in Science degree. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Christian attended
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists Annual Conference and earned awards in
the student presentations in cell and molecular biology research: first place in 2017 and second place
in 2018. After graduation, Christian will begin the medical doctor program at the Lewis Katz School of
Medicine at Temple University, where he will be one of 30 students studying at the St. Luke’s
University Hospital Campus. He plans to practice surgical or medical neurology and pursue clinical
research into neurodegenerative diseases.
20
LINDSEY WOHAR
Speech Sound Acquisition in
Pediatric Prelingually Deafened Cochlear Implant Users
This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the findings of previous
researchers in order to establish and validate norms of phoneme
acquisition in prelingually deafened children after activation of at
least one cochlear implant.
A total of six studies were analyzed in detail, three on vowel
acquisition in this population and three on consonant acquisition
in this population. The author abstracted each article, provided
a summary of the most relevant results, discussed the findings
of each individual study and then came to overall conclusions by
comparing the methods and findings of the different researchers.
The main purpose of this study was to contribute to the
formation of evidence-based practice for this population and,
as such, improve therapy practices by speech-language
pathologists. The primary finding of this study was that,
on average, most children whose cochlear implant is activated
between nine months of age and about eight years of age will
progress in the acquisition of phonemes at relatively the same
rate and order.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kristina Dworek
Lindsey Wohar is from Monongahela, Pa. Lindsey is a speech language pathology and audiology
major. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and
Audiology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate career, Lindsey was named to the Dean’s List
all semesters, was awarded 12 scholarships and was accepted into five doctoral programs. After
graduation, Lindsey will continue her education as a doctoral student pursuing her Au.D. She plans to
become an audiologist and has a special interest in advocacy for the deaf community and reducing
access barriers for this population.
21
CLARION UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
2018-2019
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Dr. Pamela J. Gent, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Steve Harris, Interim Dean, College of Arts, Education and Sciences
Dr. Phillip Frese, Dean, College of Business Administration and Information Sciences
Dr. Jeffery Allen, Dean, College of Health Sciences and Human Services
CLARION UNIVERSITY TRUSTEES
2018-2019
JD Dunbar, Chairperson
State College, Pa.
Milissa S. Bauer, Vice Chairperson
Clarion, Pa.
James L. Kifer, Secretary
Rimersburg, Pa.
Susanne A. Burns
Shippenville, Pa.
The Honorable R. Lee James
Oil City, Pa.
The Honorable Donna Oberlander
Clarion, Pa.
Larry C. Pickett
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Howard H. Shreckengost
New Bethlehem, Pa.
Neil R. Weaver
York, Pa.
Tree Layton Zuzzio
Student Trustee
22
HONORS FACULTY 2018-2019
Dr. Ralph Leary, English & Modern Languages Department
Professor James R. Lyle, Communication Department
Dr. Rod Raehsler, Honors Program Director
Dr. Annette Rosati, English and Modern Languages Department
Dr. Daniel Shifflet, Mathematics Department
Dr. Kevan Yenerall, Social Sciences Department
Dr. Natasha J. Dias, Biology and Geosciences Department
HONORS COUNCIL 2018-2019
Dr. Rod D. Raehsler, Program Director, Honors Program
Professor Joseph Croskey, Assistant Program Director, Honors Program
Ms. Deborah Laughlin, Program Manager, Honors Program
Ms. Katharine Gannon, Student Director, Honors Program
Dr. Pam Gent, Provost, Provost Office
Dr. Jon Beal, Department of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
Dr. Kreag Danvers, Department of Accountancy
Mr. David Dollins, Admissions
Dr. Terry Latour, University Library
Dr. Ralph Leary, Department of English and Modern Languages
Professor James Lyle, Department of Communication
Dr. Susan Prezzano, Department of Social Sciences
Dr. Doug Smith, Department of Biology and Geosciences
Dr. Andrew Turner, Summer Academy Representative
Dr. Paul Woodburne, Department of Economics
Zachary Shoup, Senior Honors Student
Olivia Wissinger, Junior Honors Student
Emma Cussins, Sophomore Honors Student
Patty Brown, Freshman Honors Student
23
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
4
honors program
SENIOR PRESENTATIONS
APRIL 10, 2019
5:30 P.M.
SUITES ON MAIN NORTH THEATER
AND STILL HALL
OPENING CEREMONY
program
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Suites on Main North Theater
5:30 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions......................................................................................... Katie Gannon
...........................................................................................................................................Honors Program Student Director
Guest Speaker Introduction................................................................................... Dr. Rod Raehsler
............................................................................................................................................................ Honors Program Director
Remarks....................................................................................................Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
.............................................................................................................................. Clarion University President
Presentation of Seniors and Faculty Advisors................................................ Dr. Rod Raehsler
............................................................................................................................................................ Honors Program Director
Presentation of Honors Stoles...................................................................... Prof. Joseph Croskey
.................................................................................................................................Honors Program Assistant Director
Closing............................................................................................................................. Olivia Wissinger
...........................................................................................Student Student Honors Association President
SENIOR PRESENTATIONS
SPRING 2019
6:15 P.M.–7:45 P.M.
Session 1: 107 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Paul Woodburne
Alumni Moderator Kelly Dungan
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Rod Raehsler
THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS IN CORPORATE CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Jessica Denzer
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF POST-COMMUNIST STATES
AND THE STATUS OF THEIR ECONOMIC TRANSITION 25+ YEARS OUT
Krista Mosi
ARE PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS NECESSARY FOR FIRMS?
THE INFLUENCE OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL REGULARITY ON ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR,
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SUPERVISORS AND SUBORDINATES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
Rebecca Mullen
Session 2: 104 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator
Dr. Mary Pat McCarthy
Alumni Moderator Hope Zimmerman
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Kristina Dworek
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS ON ATTENTIONAL ABILITIES
Katharine Gannon
THE ACCURACY AND UTILITY OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MILESTONE APPS
Brittany Fitzgerald
SPEECH SOUND ACQUISITION IN PEDIATRIC PRELINGUALLY DEAFENED COCHLEAR IMPLANT USERS
Lindsey Wohar
2
Session 3: 203 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Natasha Dias
Alumni Moderator Dani Eming
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Helen Hampikian
LINKING ERAD AND THE UPR:
DEVELOPING A GENETIC SCREEN VIA THE EXPRESSION OF ANTITRYPSIN
Michelle Geytenbeek
THE MITOCHONDRIAL STRESS RESPONSE:
DEVELOPING A GENETIC SCREEN UTILIZING 2, 4-DINITROPHENOL
Christian Schill
THE DETECTION OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI
IN TICKS IN CLARION BOROUGH
Autumn Fotta
MANIPULATION OF THE HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL MICROENVIRONMENT
USING A SUBSTRATE OF A MIXED POPULATION OF STROMAL CELLS
Cecelia Harmon
Session 4: 205 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator
Dr. Suzanne Boyden
Alumni Moderator Erich Spessard
Rehearsal Moderator
Dr. Kurt Regester
ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF CANOPY COVER
ON BENTHIC POND COMMUNITIES
Tony Kumetis
GAME THEORY APPLIED TO A BASEBALL DRAFT
Garrett Moats
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY AND ANXIETY REDUCTION
IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS
Taylor McClay
COORDINATION COMPLEXES OF LANTHANIDES AND TETRAKIS
(4-PRYIDYL-N-OXIDE) CYCLOBUTANE
Robert Hacku
3
Session 5: 106 Still Hall
Faculty Moderator Dr. Annette Rosati
Alumni Moderator Victoria Reid
Rehearsal Moderator
Prof. Joseph Croskey
TIME AND DIFFICULTY EXPECTATION INTERACTION
Madison Bumbarger
CRYSTAL HEALING:
HISTORY, PRACTICE, AND CREDIBILITY
Leah Fryer
ANOTHER ANOTHER ANOTHER CINDERELLA STORY
Kenzi Mundkowsky
4
MADISON BUMBARGER
Time and Difficulty Expectation Interaction
Looking at how difficulty expectations and time limitations interact
to affect test scores may help improve students’ grades.
Participants will be students sampled from around Clarion
University. They will be randomly assigned to take a standardized
test. It is hypothesized that students who have no expectations of
difficulty level will have higher averages than students who have
difficult expectations, students who are not timed will have higher
scores than those who are timed, and time limitations will affect
students with difficult expectations more than students with no
expectations.
The independent variables are the time limitations and the expectations of the students. Data will be analyzed using a two-way
ANOVA test.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeanne Slattery
Madison Bumbarger is from Curwensville, Pa. She is a psychology major with a paralegal studies
certification. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree and
Advanced Paralegal Studies Certificate. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Madison has been
named to Dean’s List and served as Student Senate vice president. After graduation, Madison plans to
earn an M.S. in Forensic Psychology degree, then attend a doctoral program for clinical psychology.
She wants to become a criminal profiler for the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
5
JESSICA DENZER
The Use of Social Media Campaigns in Corporate Charitable Donations
The paper looks at recent social media campaigns started
by companies who want to make charitable donations. These
companies say that they will give a certain dollar amount to
charity for each like, share, or retweet their company receives.
But, this may not accurately represent their charitable
donations.
The paper focuses on the amount of shares five selected
companies received and compares that to the amount
of money given to the chosen charity. It is hoped to show
the real purpose behind these social media campaigns.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Eicher
Jessica Denzer is from Murrysville, Pa. Jessica has majors in accounting, personal finance, and
corporate finance. Upon graduation, she will receive a BSBA in Accounting & Finance degree. While
pursuing her undergraduate career, Jessica was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. After graduation, Jessica plans to move to the Carolinas and work
in an accounting position for one of the many universities in the area.
6
BRITTANY FITZGERALD
The Accuracy and Utility of Speech and Language Milestone Apps
My research provides information on five different apps that
are available to the public that are geared toward tracking
developmental milestones in order to determine if any of them
provide accurate information regarding speech and language
developmental milestones. This was completed by identifying
key ages in speech and language development and comparing the information provided by the apps for each age to
evidence-based speech and language developmental norms.
This information allowed me to determine which apps to
recommend for parental use to aid in determining if they are
developing accordingly. The information was then used to
make a pamphlet that will be shared with speech language
pathologists and pediatricians so the information can be made
available to the public.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melissa Brydon
Brittany Fitzgerald is from Sharpsville, Pa. She has a major in speech language pathology and
audiology. Upon graduation, Brittany will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Brittany made the Dean’s List every semester, is a NSSLHA
Gold Status Member, and a member of Phi Sigma Eta. After graduating, Brittany plans on continuing
her education here at Clarion University in order to earn her master’s degree in Speech Language
Pathology. After completing her master’s degree, she plans on working with children in the school
setting.
7
AUTUMN FOTTA
The Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ticks in Clarion Borough
Lyme disease in western Pennsylvania is an issue with which
most people in the area are very familiar. The disease is
caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi,
which is vectored within ticks, typically of the Ixodes species.
The bacteria can be spread to humans and pets when female
ticks latch on to the skin of their prey to consume blood.
The objective of this study was to find the relative prevalence
of Lyme disease-carrying ticks in commonly used outdoor
areas in the Clarion region. This was done by collecting female
ticks from within a three-mile radius of Clarion University.
DNA was extracted from the ticks and PCR was performed.
PCR was examined using agarose-gel electrophoresis. The
RNA was examined for the presence of 16sRNA for Borrelia
burgdorferi. This bio-marker is found in ticks carrying Borrelia
burgdorferi.
By identifying the number of female ticks positive for 16sRNA,
the likelihood of a female tick carrying Lyme disease can be
deduced. This can provide important information to people
who spend time outdoors within Clarion Borough.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Helen Hampikian
Autumn Fotta is from Pittsburgh, Pa. She is a biology pre-veterinarian medicine major with a minor in business
administration. Upon graduation, Autumn will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Autumn has been named to the Dean’s List every semester. She has also been recipient of the
Foundation Honor Scholar (2016-present), the E. James & Patricia Kelley Honors Scholarship (2017-present), the Clarion
Academic Scholarship (2016-present) and the Clarion Leadership Award (2016-present). She has also received the
Clarion University Alumni Association Scholarship (2018-present), the John W. Mochnick Honors Scholarship
(2018-present), the William & Elizabeth Hart Scholarship Endowment (2018-present) and the Lesser Scholarship
(2018-present). After graduation, Autumn plans to attend Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine.
8
LEAH FRYER
Crystal Healing:
History, Practice and Credibility
My research project explores different aspects of crystal
healing and its credibility. It outlines the history, its uses and
arguments for and against this healing method.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ralph Leary
Leah Fryer is from Boyertown, Pa. Leah has a major in English with a concentration in writing
and a minor in history. Upon graduation, Leah will receive a Bachelor of Arts in English degree.
While pursuing her undergraduate career, Leah has been named to the Dean’s List. After graduation.
Leah plans to attend the University of Chester, England, to receive a master’s in Creative Writing:
Writing and Publishing Fiction degree.
9
KATHARINE GANNON
An Analysis of the Effects of Music and Musicianship Skills on Attentional Abilities
This study investigated the impact that listening to
and engaging with music might have on an individual’s
subsequent ability to attend to a visual task. More specifically,
the purpose was to determine if having a musical background
with well-developed musicianship skills increases an individual’s attentional skills compared to those with minimal or no
musical background/training.
Often, music programs are the first to be cut when school
districts and universities are struggling with finances.
This is potentially detrimental not only to typically
developing students, but also to students treated by
speech-language pathologists.
Because attentional deficits are a common symptom of
several disorders treated by speech-language pathologists
(e.g., TBI/concussion, autism, visual/auditory processing
deficits), it is hoped that this research not only provides
descriptive information relevant to typical individuals, but also
might shed light on a potential treatment methodology for
working with those who are impaired.
Faculty Advisor: Kenneth Staub
Katharine Gannon is from Saxonburg, Pa. She has a major in speech-language pathology and audiology and
a minor in music. Upon graduation, Katharine will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Katharine was named to the Dean’s List every semester, presented research at the 2018
National Collegiate Honors Conference, and received various scholarships over her four years. She was also
secretary of the National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (2018-2019), the public relations
manager of Love Your Melon Campus Crew (2018-2019) and was chosen as Clarion University’s representative
of the Ali Zaidi Award (2018-2019). After graduation, Katharine plans to earn her master’s degree in speechlanguage pathology. After earning her licensure, she hopes to work with the pediatric population in either a
school or private practice setting.
10
SIRILUK MICHELLE GEYTENBEEK
Linking ERAD and the UPR:
Developing a Genetic Screen via the Expression of Antitrypsin
The accumulation of aberrant and aggregation-prone proteins
within the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) can play a large role in
cellular stress and physical manifestation of genetic disorders,
such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (ATD). While the
disease states of ATD have been extensively studied, the
mechanism of misfolded protein removal within the ER is not
fully understood.
There are two biochemical pathways that exist to manage these
misfolded proteins: Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated
Degradation (ERAD) and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR).
ERAD functions to identify newly synthesized misfolded proteins
and retro-translocates them out of the ER to be degraded by
the 26S proteasome. Under overwhelming stress conditions,
the inducible UPR pathway acts as an intracellular transmembrane signaling cascade to initiate specific gene expression.
Prior studies revealed that the Add66p protein is essential in
the assembly of the 26S proteasome; therefore, deletion of the
ADD66 gene will disrupt proteasome production in the ERAD
pathway. Furthermore, the UPR targets the ADD66 gene during
times of ER stress. The stress-inducing agent of focus is the
expression of A1PiZ, a mutant form of the human gene A1Pi
(Antitrypsin).
Two wild-type yeast strains and a strain lacking ADD66
(add66Δ) were utilized. The goal of this project is to determine if
A1PiZ with add66Δ will result in a defective growth phenotype.
If a reproducible growth defect can be identified and used as a
positive baseline control, this experimental method may be used
to screen and identify new proteins involved in ERAD, UPR or
both.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig Scott
Siriluk Michelle Geytenbeek is from Garnet Valley, Pa. She is a biology (pre-med) major. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate
degree, Michelle has been a member on this project for the last three years. This research was presented at the annual CPUB conference, consisting of Pennsylvania state universities, and won first
place honors in the molecular biology category in 2017 and 2018. After graduation, Michelle plans to
attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a passion for the surgical field and hopes
to find herself as a practicing surgeon in the next 10 years. “As I look back on my time at Clarion, I’d like
to thank my mom and dad for inspiring me and always pushing me to be the best I can be. I’d also like
to thank Dr. Scott and all the amazing faculty who have helped me over the last four years. It has been
a crazy adventure and I’m excited for all that is yet to come.”
11
ROBERT HACKU
Coordination Complexes of Lanthanides and
Tetrakis (4-pryidyl-N-oxide) Cyclobutane
The novel tetrakis (4-pyridyl-N-oxide) cyclobutane was
isolated and assessed for compatibility in a heavy metal
organic framework.
Tetrakis (4-pyridyl) cyclobutane (TPCB) was prepared from a
solid-state [2+2] photocycloaddition of two 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)
ethylene (BPE) molecules templated by resorcinol. TPCB was
isolated from the template crystalline mixture and reacted with
hydrogen peroxide to form tetrakis (4-pyridyl-N-oxide)
cyclobutene (TPNO). TPNO was crystallized by slow
evaporation from aqueous solution after acetone layering.
TPCB, BPE and TPNO were analyzed for boiling point and by
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This work
also improves upon the isolation and quantification of TPCB
from a mixture of TPCB and BPE.
Faulty Advisor: Dr. Jaqueline Knaust
Robert Hacku is from Meriden, Conn. He is a chemistry major with a minor in math. Upon graduation,
he will receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. While pursuing his undergraduate degree,
Robert was a member of the men’s swim team for three years and holds records in the 200- and 400medley relays. He was a scholar-athlete all three years. After graduation, Robert will be attending the
University of Pittsburgh’s Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program.
12
CECELIA HARMON
Manipulation of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Microenvironment
Using a Substrate of a Mixed Population of Stromal Cells
The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is a type of multipotent
cell most abundant in the bone marrow. These cells exhibit the
capacity to self-renew or differentiate to produce the
majority of blood cells found in circulation including
erythrocytes, thrombocytes and leukocytes.
Regulation of hematopoiesis is critical in order to maintain a
healthy pool of progenitor cells, while producing appropriate
numbers of differentiated cell types to compensate for blood
cell turnover. This regulation is conducted through a complex
combination of signaling molecules, cell-cell interactions and
interactions with the extracellular matrix. For this reason,
culture of the HSC in vitro and outside of the native
microenvironment within the bone marrow lend to ready
differentiation and loss of multipotency.
To create an in vitro culture system for HSCs more like the
microenvironment of the bone marrow, we plan on assessing
stromal cells for their ability to support culture of multipotent
hematopoietic cells. Stromal cells used will be identified based
on morphological characteristics viewed microscopically.
Colony-forming unit assays will be performed on bone marrow
aspirates cultured with a stromal cell base which has been
previously extracted from bone marrow to determine
abundance and frequency of HSCs. Further attempts to
recreate microenvironment stimuli in a culture system may
have implications for research and personalized medicine.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Douglas Smith
Cecelia Harmon is from Fairmount City, Pa. Cecelia is a biology major. Upon graduation, she will
receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Cecelia was
named to the Dean’s List for five semesters. She was recipient of the France Allison Honors Scholarship
(2018), the Ruth Bleakney Montgomery Science and Mathematics Award (2017), the Highmark Healthcare
Scholarship (2017) and the Honors Foundation Scholarship (2017-2018). She also received the Kim
Rutherford Memorial Scholarship (2017-2018), the full Board of Governors Scholarship (2016-2019) and
the Minnie D. Croyle Scholarship (2016-2018). After graduation, Cecelia plans on attending The VirginiaMaryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., seeking a doctorate of veterinary medicine,
tracking in mixed animal medicine. After Cecelia receives her licensure, she plans on returning to Clarion
County to work in general practice. Cecelia also has a special interest in providing low-cost spays and
neuters.
13
TONY KUMETIS
Assessing the Influence of Canopy Cover
on Benthic Pond Communities
Leaf litter is a primary source of energy in many aquatic
systems and is a strong influence on the structure and function
of woodland pond ecosystems. Canopy cover, light levels and
leaf litter influence the amount of photosynthetic production
in a pond system, which in turn affects the benthic community
composition.
The objective of this study was to quantify the seasonal
changes in biomass of the benthic invertebrate communities
in closed canopy and open canopy ponds. We would expect a
closed canopy pond with an input of leaf litter detritus to have
more shredding macroinvertebrates and an open canopy pond
with active photosynthesis to have more scraping macroinvertebrates.
Samples were taken in June, August and October 2017 using
benthic drop-can sampling methods at two permanent ponds
located on Pennsylvania State Game Land 63 in Clarion
County. We found a higher total macroinvertebrate biomass in
the closed pond than in the open pond (2.50g/m2 compared
to 0.66g/m2).
Primary consumer biomass and diversity also differed
between pond types throughout the year. October samples
in the open pond had higher biomass than June samples
(2.50g/m2 compared to 0.37g/m2), which may be from
amphibian predators leaving the ponds by the October
collection or from variation in community structures due to
insect emergencies in the spring and early summer. Ponds
with large amounts of leaf litter inputs had declined levels of
biomass and order richness while insignificantly increasing
community.
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Kurt Regester and Dr. Steve Harris
Tony Kumetis is from Reynoldsville, Pa. Tony has a major in environmental biology with a minor in
sustainability. Upon graduation, Tony will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. While pursuing his
undergraduate degree, Tony was 2016 and 2017 recipient of the Dr. Dinsmore Faculty Ecology
Scholarship and received the Iron Furnace Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s Coldwater Scholarship in 2018.
Tony also presented at the 2018 and 2019 Pennsylvania Wildlife Society Conferences and the 2018
Entomological Society of Pennsylvania conference. After graduation, Tony plans on finding a job
working with aquatic ecosystems, possibly with the DEP, Trout Unlimited, a conservation district or
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
14
TAYLOR McCLAY
Animal Assisted Therapy and Anxiety Reduction
in Hospitalized Patients
Hospitals can elicit a number of emotions from those who end up
in them, responses such as fear, anxiety and a general sense of
discomfort. Therapy animals have often been used to decrease
these feelings in people who suffer from anxiety disorders.
Some of the major factors that play a role in promoting health
and healing are decreased feelings of anxiety and fear, and an
increased feeling of comfort. There have been a few studies that
focus on pediatric oncology units, mental health units and nursing
homes but not a lot of research on other floors of the hospital such
as the medical-surgical floors.
This study will look at therapy dog handlers’ observations on
how their therapy dogs affect the patients they have seen during
hospital visits. Gaining more knowledge on whether therapy dogs
help decrease emotions such as anxiety and fear in patients in the
hospital can help determine whether or not it would be beneficial
to try to implement these programs in more hospitals around the
country.
Faculty Advisor: Cheryl Bowersox
Taylor McClay is from Greenville, Pa. Taylor is a nursing major with a minor in psychology. Upon
graduation, Taylor will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While pursuing her
undergraduate career, Taylor presented research at the NCHC conference in 2016 and 2017, was named
to the Dean’s list every semester and she was inducted into the freshman honor society Phi Eta Sigma.
After graduation, Taylor plans to move to Hawaii to begin her career as a nurse. After she gets some
experience, she hopes to work as an emergency department nurse at Queens Hospital in Honolulu, a
level 1 trauma center.
15
GARRETT MOATS
Game Theory Applied to a Baseball Draft
This project will use game theory to look at a baseball draft to
see if the strategy of caring about what your rival picks either
helps the teams or hurts the teams in the draft.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniel Shifflet
Garrett Moats is from Dallastown, Pa. Garrett has a major in secondary education mathematics and
physics. Upon graduation, Garrett will receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While
pursuing his undergraduate degree, Garrett was a member of Pi Mu Epsilon. After graduation, Garrett
plans to teach at the high school level in math or physics, or both..
16
KRISTA MOSI
An Analytical Study of Post-Communist States
and the Status of Their Economic Transition 25+ Years Out
This project examines the 23 countries in their transition from
command economies to market economies as a result of the
end of the Cold War and the end to communist rule. The
project takes a look, 25-plus years later, at the status of the
transition process. In particular, countries are compared by
method of transition.
The primary methods of transition in the beginning stemmed
from two schools of thought, the Big-Bang approach and
the Gradual Reform approach. These approaches refer to the
speed in which the country chose to privatize and liberalize
its own economy.
As their names infer, the Big-Bang approach was about fast
privatization. Gradual Reform was slower. With years of
economic data and multiple statistical studies performed,
we can examine which countries chose which approaches,
and the extent to which they carried out this approach. From
this we can determine the success of transition through output
measures such as GDP growth and human development
indicators.
The project will statistically interpret the input variables that
affect transition and their impact. By separating the countries
by result and method of transition, the project will ultimately
compare overall performance levels and the well-being of
these groups to make conclusions if their choice of transition
had a long-term effect on their success today.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susan Zumas
Krista Mosi is from South Park, Pa. Krista has a major in international business, economics with an
international concentration and a minor in political science. Upon graduation, Krista will receive
B.S.B.A. International Business, and B.S.B.A. Business Economics degrees. While pursuing her
undergraduate degree, Krista was a recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award (2015-present),
a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (2018-present), and a member of Phi Sigma Alpha (2019 inductee).
After graduation, Krista hopes to find a job in her field of study.
17
REBECCA MULLEN
Are Performance Appraisals Necessary for Firms?
The Influence of Performance Appraisal Regularity on Organizational Citizenship Behavior,
Relationships Between Supervisors and Subordinates and Organizational Commitment
Performance appraisals have long been considered a useful tool
to effectively and efficiently manage organizations. However, both
researchers and practitioners alike challenge the effectiveness and
necessity of performance appraisals.
In the current study, we hypothesize that the regularity of
performance appraisals influence organizational outcomes,
including organizational citizenship behavior relationships between
supervisors and subordinates, and organizational commitment.
Through the collection of data from 65 employees working at a
governmental agency in western Pennsylvania, we found that while
regular performance appraisals can increase individual employee
organizational citizenship behavior and their commitment to the
organization, only irregular performance appraisals can increase
the relationship between supervisors and subordinates. These finding have both theoretical and practical implications.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ning Chen
Rebecca Mullen is from Franklin, Pa. She has majors in human resources and business management
with a minor in psychology. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration degree. While pursuing her undergraduate career, Rebecca was a member of Beta
Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and recipient of the Excellence in Service
to Students Award (2018), and amember of National Society of Leadership and Success.
After graduation, Rebecca plans to seek a career in human resources before pursuing a Ph.D.
in human resources management or organizational behavior.
18
KENZI MUNDKOWSKY
Another Another Another Cinderella Story
The tale of Cinderella exists in almost every culture we know
today. It has been told to the point where the phrase
“Cinderella story” can be found in almost every facet of
human existence. However, more than anyone else, Disney
has undertaken this story time and time again, often with little
time between movies.
With some being just four years apart from each other, one
can’t help but wonder, “Why keep retelling the same story?
What do these new Cinderella plots tell us that the old ones
don’t?”
In this presentation, I will explore the character evolution of
some of Disney’s most well known Cinderellas to see what,
if anything, each girl adds to history and what she can tell us
about her time.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melissa Downes
Kenzi Mundkowsky is from West Springfield, Pa. She is a secondary English education major. Upon
graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Kenzi was a drum major in the Golden Eagle Marching Band (2016-2018) and Kappa
Kappa Psi vice president of membership (2018-2019). After graduation, Kenzi plans to work for a
school back home, get married and change lives in the classroom.
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CHRISTIAN SCHILL
The Mitochondrial Stress Response:
Developing a Genetic Screen Utilizing 2, 4-Dinitrophenol
Cellular stress responses are an understudied, yet vital part of
cell physiology. Metabolic biochemical pathways have many
implications in human diseases, such as neurodegenerative
diseases, cystic fibrosis and diabetes. These pathways, such as
the Krebs Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation, are subjected
to alterations when they are under cellular stress conditions.
Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, it is our
goal to utilize a yeast mutant knockout library, an isogenic
collection of mutant strains, to assay genes for their
involvement in such stress responses. This library can help
identify which genes are involved the cell’s response to its
exposure to 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a known causative agent
of cellular metabolic stress.
Greater than 50 mutant strains have been studied to date
and differences in yeast growth have been recorded and
statistically analyzed. Furthermore, utilizing Gateway Cloning
techniques, one particular gene, COQ11, has been further
studied by attempting genetic rescue experiments to gather
evidence which further implicates this gene in the biochemical
pathways that respond to mitochondrial stress.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Craig M. Scott
Christian Schill is from Clarion, Pa. He has a major in molecular biology and biotechnology with a
minor in chemistry and a certificate in Opioid Treatment Specialist. Upon graduation, Christian will
receive a Bachelor in Science degree. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Christian attended
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists Annual Conference and earned awards in
the student presentations in cell and molecular biology research: first place in 2017 and second place
in 2018. After graduation, Christian will begin the medical doctor program at the Lewis Katz School of
Medicine at Temple University, where he will be one of 30 students studying at the St. Luke’s
University Hospital Campus. He plans to practice surgical or medical neurology and pursue clinical
research into neurodegenerative diseases.
20
LINDSEY WOHAR
Speech Sound Acquisition in
Pediatric Prelingually Deafened Cochlear Implant Users
This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the findings of previous
researchers in order to establish and validate norms of phoneme
acquisition in prelingually deafened children after activation of at
least one cochlear implant.
A total of six studies were analyzed in detail, three on vowel
acquisition in this population and three on consonant acquisition
in this population. The author abstracted each article, provided
a summary of the most relevant results, discussed the findings
of each individual study and then came to overall conclusions by
comparing the methods and findings of the different researchers.
The main purpose of this study was to contribute to the
formation of evidence-based practice for this population and,
as such, improve therapy practices by speech-language
pathologists. The primary finding of this study was that,
on average, most children whose cochlear implant is activated
between nine months of age and about eight years of age will
progress in the acquisition of phonemes at relatively the same
rate and order.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kristina Dworek
Lindsey Wohar is from Monongahela, Pa. Lindsey is a speech language pathology and audiology
major. Upon graduation, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and
Audiology degree. While pursuing her undergraduate career, Lindsey was named to the Dean’s List
all semesters, was awarded 12 scholarships and was accepted into five doctoral programs. After
graduation, Lindsey will continue her education as a doctoral student pursuing her Au.D. She plans to
become an audiologist and has a special interest in advocacy for the deaf community and reducing
access barriers for this population.
21
CLARION UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
2018-2019
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Dr. Pamela J. Gent, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Steve Harris, Interim Dean, College of Arts, Education and Sciences
Dr. Phillip Frese, Dean, College of Business Administration and Information Sciences
Dr. Jeffery Allen, Dean, College of Health Sciences and Human Services
CLARION UNIVERSITY TRUSTEES
2018-2019
JD Dunbar, Chairperson
State College, Pa.
Milissa S. Bauer, Vice Chairperson
Clarion, Pa.
James L. Kifer, Secretary
Rimersburg, Pa.
Susanne A. Burns
Shippenville, Pa.
The Honorable R. Lee James
Oil City, Pa.
The Honorable Donna Oberlander
Clarion, Pa.
Larry C. Pickett
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Howard H. Shreckengost
New Bethlehem, Pa.
Neil R. Weaver
York, Pa.
Tree Layton Zuzzio
Student Trustee
22
HONORS FACULTY 2018-2019
Dr. Ralph Leary, English & Modern Languages Department
Professor James R. Lyle, Communication Department
Dr. Rod Raehsler, Honors Program Director
Dr. Annette Rosati, English and Modern Languages Department
Dr. Daniel Shifflet, Mathematics Department
Dr. Kevan Yenerall, Social Sciences Department
Dr. Natasha J. Dias, Biology and Geosciences Department
HONORS COUNCIL 2018-2019
Dr. Rod D. Raehsler, Program Director, Honors Program
Professor Joseph Croskey, Assistant Program Director, Honors Program
Ms. Deborah Laughlin, Program Manager, Honors Program
Ms. Katharine Gannon, Student Director, Honors Program
Dr. Pam Gent, Provost, Provost Office
Dr. Jon Beal, Department of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
Dr. Kreag Danvers, Department of Accountancy
Mr. David Dollins, Admissions
Dr. Terry Latour, University Library
Dr. Ralph Leary, Department of English and Modern Languages
Professor James Lyle, Department of Communication
Dr. Susan Prezzano, Department of Social Sciences
Dr. Doug Smith, Department of Biology and Geosciences
Dr. Andrew Turner, Summer Academy Representative
Dr. Paul Woodburne, Department of Economics
Zachary Shoup, Senior Honors Student
Olivia Wissinger, Junior Honors Student
Emma Cussins, Sophomore Honors Student
Patty Brown, Freshman Honors Student
23
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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