Inquiry & Community Engagement:

Co-Creating Knowledge

On behalf of Loyolas Center for Experiential Learning and the Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Program (LUROP), we welcome you to the Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium Loyolas annu-
al celebration of research, community engagement projects, and scholarly and creative works conducted by Loyola
University Chicago undergraduate students!

As a celebration of students scholarly work, this symposium actively exhibits Loyolas mission to expand
knowledge in service to humanity through learning, justice, and faith. Through undergraduate student research
projects, community-based learning projects (from service-learning courses or academic internship courses), and
learning portfolios, students demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and values forming as a result of a Loyola Uni-
versity Chicago education.

During each summer and academic year, Loyola undergraduate students, from all disciplines across the university,
spend hours in and outside of their classes to lead community-engaged projects and to conduct hands-on, original
research. Such projects not only engage their learning differently, but also advance knowledge in their disciplines
and impact the communities with whom they have worked. In the end, student perspectives are changed through
learning, knowledge co-created, and communities transformed. The breadth of projects and presentations are pre-
sented today in two poster sessions, creative scholarly activity presentations, oral presentations, community en-
gagement projects, and student learning portfolios alongside original research projects. We encourage you to take
advantage of the wide array of student presentations in all sessions of the Undergraduate Research & Engagement
Symposium.

We thank the faculty, staff, and community partners who serve as mentors to our students your work in guiding
student learning is significant, and we appreciate your time, energy, and commitment! We are very grateful to the
faculty, alumni, staff, campus partners, and graduate students who are serving as evaluators this year and ensuring
an enriching experience for our undergraduate students.

For more information about Loyolas Center for Experiential Learning, which facilitates high-impact, engaged
learning opportunities for students across the curriculum, visit us at www.luc.edu/experiential. To learn more about
the undergraduate research program or the funded fellowships through LUROP, please visit www.luc.edu/lurop.

During this celebration of student scholarship, on behalf of the Center for Experiential Learning team, we hope you
enjoy engaging with students, seeing how learning unfolds at this Undergraduate Research & Engagement Sympo-
sium!

In Service,

Patrick M. Green, Ed.D.

Director, Center for Experiential Learning
Clinical Instructor, Experiential Learning

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 SCHEDULE
Poster Presentations: Session 1 ............................................................ 11:00AM-12:30PM
(Mundelein Auditorium)

Public-led Research in Dance Performance ............................. ...11:30AM-12:00PM

All: The Virtual Dance Ensemble and Parkinson's Project
(Newhart Family Theatre, Floor 2)

Oral Presentations.12:50PM - 1:50PM

(Mundelein Classrooms, Floors 2-5)

Poster Presentations: Session ........................................................................... 2:00PM-3:30PM

(Mundelein Auditorium)

Awards Ceremony and Reception..3:45PM - 4:30 PM

(Sullivan Center, Galvin Auditorium/Lobby)

Outstanding Loyola Undergraduate Researcher Award

Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring
Graduate Student Mentor Award
Hayes Award for Advising and Mentoring
Loyola University Libraries Undergraduate Research Paper Award
Community Engagement Award for Social Justice
Community Engagement Award for Innovation in Sustainability
Community Engagement Award for Impact

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (LUROP) ................................ page 3

Research Poster Presentations: Session 1 ......................................................................... page 6

Oral Presentations ........................................................................................................... page 33

Research Poster Presentations: Session 2 ....................................................................... page 42

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium Awards .................................... page 70

Index of Presenters ......................................................................................................... page 72

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 LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
PROGRAM (LUROP)
In addition to hosting the 2017 Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium as part of the Cen-
ter for Experiential Learning (CEL), the Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
(LUROP) offers guides for external research opportunities, travel grants for conference presentations,
workshops on research and presentation skills, and more. You can find these resources at www.luc.edu/
lurop. In addition, LUROP coordinates or supports nineteen undergraduate research fellowships. Many,
though not all, of the students presenting at the Symposium received support from these fellowships.

Biology Research Fellowship Program

The Biology Research Fellows Program funds long-term research projects under the direction of a faculty mentor
in the Department of Biology. Students work for two years on their respective projects during the academic year
and in the intervening summer.

Biology Summer Research Fellowship Program

The Biology Summer Research Fellowship funds summer research projects under the mentorship of a faculty
member from with Department of Biology.

Carbon Undergraduate Research Fellowship

The Carbon Fellowship offers a full two-year, interdisciplinary research opportunity for science and math majors
to work closely with two faculty mentors. This program is designed for students who plan to pursue research in
graduate or professional schools.

Carroll and Adelaide Johnson Scholarship

The Carroll and Adelaide Johnson Scholarship offers rising juniors a two-year scholarship to support a research
project on women, leadership, and social justice under the mentorship of a Loyola faculty member.

Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) Fellowship

The CURL Fellowship facilitates involvement of students in collaborative research projects with community-based
organizations, social service agencies, health care providers, businesses, and government. Fellows are active partic-
ipants in efforts to improve the quality of life of all members of the Chicago metropolitan community.

Community Research Fellowship (Launched in 2017)

The Community Research Fellowship connects undergraduate students with community partners and faculty mem-
bers to participate in research. With the community partner and faculty member serving as guides, this unique fel-
lowship allows students to participate in community-based research with the community.

Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Formerly known as the CUERP Fellowship, the IES Fellowship is for students to conduct interdisciplinary re-
search on issues related to unsustainable natural resource uses in the greater Chicagoland region. The Center en-
courages research projects to combine elements of ecosystem structure and function, impacts on human health,
public policy, behaviors, and other environmental factors.

Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship (Launched in 2017)

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The Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship connects undergraduate students with two faculty members in different
disciplines on a research project that engages multiple disciplinary lenses. In an effort to foster interdisciplinary
collaboration, this fellowship was created to provide a pathway for students to engage directly in interdisciplinary
research. With support from two faculty mentors from different disciplinary perspectives, students are encourage to
engage in research that demonstrates how knowledge creation is enhanced with multi-disciplinary approaches.

The Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage (CCIH) Undergraduate
Research Fellowship
The Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage (CCIH), in support of the Catholic Studies
minor, offers a research fellowship to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in the Catholic Studies
minor program. This fellowship is dedicated to support for CCIH-funded faculty research projects, as well as
CCIH's international research projects.

McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program

The Loyola University Chicago McNair Scholars Program is an independent program that prepares qualified un-
dergraduate students for graduate study at the doctoral level. Students participate in scholarly activities during the
academic year and over the summer. An integral component of the McNair program is the summer research intern-
ship through which students conduct research under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.

Molecular & Computational Biology Summer Research Fellowship

Students in this program study a special class of viruses, called bacteriophages, that preys on bacterial hosts in
Lake Michigan. These students look into the impact that these viruses have on the bacterial levels in the lake. This
effort combines both molecular and computational biology.

Mulcahy Scholars Program

The Mulcahy Scholars Program supports over 70 College of Arts and Sciences majors in the hard sciences who are
working on an individual research project with a faculty mentor, serving as a research assistant, or engaging as a
member of a collaborative research team to support ongoing faculty projects throughout the academic year.

Provost Fellowship for Undergraduate Research

The Provost Fellowship supports over 70 undergraduate students in any academic discipline across the university
conducting research with the support of a faculty mentor.

Research Mentoring Program (RMP)

This program is designed to partner graduate students who are working on their dissertation with undergraduates
who are interested in participating in research. This summer program is designed to support doctoral students in
their dissertation research while providing an opportunity for undergraduates to learn more about graduate studies
and graduate-level research.

Ricci Scholars Program

The Ricci Scholars Program is an innovative research and cultural immersion program organized around the theme
of the meeting of East and West. The program awards selected students with scholarships for travel, research, and
exploration during a junior year of study divided between two of the worlds most important cities: Rome, Italy,
and Beijing, China.

Rudis Fellowship Program

The Anthony and Mary Rudis Fellowship provides scholarships to students whose research focuses on the compar-
ative study of constitutions. Recipients of the scholarship will write a 20-25 page research paper during the aca-
demic year under the guidance of a faculty member in the Department of History or the Department of Political
Science.

Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship

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This fellowship is designed for undergraduate students who are developing a social innovation project or social
entrepreneurship venture.

Social Justice Research Fellowship

The Social Justice Research Fellowship support students conducting faculty-mentored research that explores issues
of social justice or contributes to social justice.

Summer Fellowship in Neuroscience

This summer, the Center for Interdisciplinary Thinking and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor will provide
students with the opportunity to work with a neuroscientist at the Lake Shore Campus. This opportunity allows
students to see how questions are asked, answered, and the results disseminated.

Women in Science Enabling Research (WISER)

The oldest undergraduate research fellowship at Loyola, WISER is designed for undergraduate women seeking to
explore research science, work closely with faculty, learn how laboratory work is conducted, and build a sense of
community.

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 RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 1
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Poster 1

Methylation Analysis of the NBL2 Region on Human Chromosome 21 in Normal and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Krishma Doshi, Mathematics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology

The goal of the project is to characterize the NBL2 region using four templates (WAV17, WBC, placenta and prostate cancer
cells) and compare the methylation patterns of the NBL2 region between the normal and prostate cancer cells.

Poster 2

Effects of the Middle School Environment on Youth Literacy: Examining Teacher and Student Talk
Mallika Iyer, Biology (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Perla Gamez, Psychology

This study will be examining the relationships between middle school aged language minority students and English only stu-
dents. Specifically, it will be looking at the impact that teacher talk has on students language skills. It will take place in the
Chicagoland area, and is from a sample of 380 students. The students language skills will be evaluated at the beginning of the
year using three tests: the Group Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE), and two subtests: a vocabulary
subtest and a reading subtest. The overall goal will be to examine the difference in English interactions between these two
groups of students.

Poster 3

The Impact of Violence Exposure on Gender and Academic Performance

DonTerius Tinsley, Psychology (2016)
Mentored by Noni Gaylord-Harden

The current study explores gender differences in the impact of exposure to community violence on academic performance in
African American adolescents from low-income, urban communities.

Poster 4

Peripheral Functionalization of Trimethyl Triaza Orthocyclophane (N3-CTV)

Yuliya Politanski, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Chemistry

Our research group at Loyola has synthesized a novel heteroatom cyclophane by installed three nitrogen atom at the apices of
CTV, creating a new scaffold molecule, N3- CTV. Furthermore, apical modification of CTV have only rarely been explored,
and offer hope to dramatically enhance the utility of the CTV molecular scaffold in medicine, molecular switches, and in pollu-
tion detection, all through host-guest chemistry. Synthesis of new peripherally-functionalized derivatives will enable fine tuning
both the electronic and steric properties of the system that will affect both the metal complexation as well as free radical chem-
istry of N3-CTV, in addition to modulating the bowl to enhance its host-guest capabilities. Therefore, I will synthesize and
characterize peripherally functionalized derivatives of the molecule. This will demonstrate that the size of N3-CTVs binding
cleft can be tailored to suit various ligands, thereby extending the applications of the N3-CTV scaffold.

Poster 5

Association Between Coping Strategies and Depressive Symptoms Among Latino Children
Alex Leon, Psychology, Anthr opology and Sociology (2018)
Mentored by Dr. Catherine DeCarlo Santiago, Psychology

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In comparison to other ethnic groups, Latino children face numerous stressors that put them at a higher risk for depression
(Taylor & Updegraff, 2007). The way an individual copes with stress greatly influences the severity and duration of depressive
symptoms (Abela, Hankin, Sheshko, Fishman, & Stolow 2012). This study examined the relationship between coping mecha-
nisms (i.e., problem-solving, cognitive restructuring, and distraction) that were reported and depressive symptoms in a sample
of 104 children (60.6% girls; average age= 8.39; 96.2% Latino) and their primary caregivers (97.1% female; average
age=37.13; 99% Latino). Results are discussed with regard to the implications of this research for the promotion of coping skills
with Latino children who are at risk for depression.

Poster 6

Peer Relationships, Ethnic Identity, and Future Orientation in Ukrainian Adolescent Males
Catherine Dudun, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Community Partner: PLAST International Ukrainian Scouting Organization
Mentored by Dr. Noni Gaylord-Harden, Psychology

The current study examines the association among ethnic identity and peer relationships in summer camp participants, as well
as changes in their ethnic identity and peer relationships over time. Participants included 27 male Ukrainian adolescents who
belong to PLAST (an international Ukrainian scouting organization) and attended one of its three week long summer camps.
Across two waves of data collection at the beginning and at the end of camp, participants completed self-report measures on
ethnic identity, peer relationships, and future orientation. Correlational analysis revealed that ethnic identity was not associated
with peer support at pre-test, but was moderately associated at posttest.

Poster 7

The Effects of Visual Design on Consumer Perceptions and Trust of Online Privacy Policies
Kelsey Cheng, Adver tising and Public Relations (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Lauren Labrecque, Marketing

Typography has been studied and used to enhance user trust in e-commerce websites, citing that some typefaces are associated
with traits of trustworthiness, but there is still a large number of users that do not trust online environments. This research ana-
lyzed the evolution of typography and the shift from print to digital sphere to understand the reason for commonly used online
typefaces and how that affects the creation of, and execution of, online privacy policies.

Poster 8

Epigenetic Characterization of Satellite III Subfamilies in Cancer

Adnan Ahmad, Molecular Biology (2017), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396, BIOL 296
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology

Heterochromatic regions of the genome are rich in normally unexpressed, tandemly repetitive satellite sequences. Many fami-
lies of satellite repeats exhibit substantially increased transcription levels in cancer cells compared to normal tissue, and Satel-
lite III (SatIII) repeats show the greatest increase in expression. We determined histone modifications for SatIII subfamilies in a
leukemia cell line. If different histone modifications are found in different SatIII subfamilies, this could lead to the development
of biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis. Our data suggest that all SatIII subfamilies are in an inactive chromatin con-
figuration. We plan to assay histone modifications for another leukemia cell line as well as a normal bone marrow sample to
compare to our current results.

Poster 9

Video Games and Women in STEM

April Skillings, Infor mation Systems, Finance (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Amy Kyhos, Business

There is a large gender gap in STEM fields. Girls are drawn away from topics in STEM starting around middle school. Is how
we market video games influencing how girls interact with technology? With this question I surveyed hundreds of adults and
interviewed women with careers in STEM.

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Poster 10

DNA Methylation Patterns of L1s on the Long & Short Arms of Human Chromosome 21 in Placenta
Sierra Pond, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396, BIOL 296
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology

We are studying DNA methylation in the heterochromatic regions of the short (p) and long (q) arms of human chromosome 21
(HC21). The heterochromatin of HC21 is comprised of tandem repeats separated by islands of low copy number repeats and
interspersed sequence families including transposable elements (L1) that are kept immobile via DNA methylation. The hetero-
chromatic regions in placental DNA have not been extensively studied. This project is analyzing DNA methylation in 6 L1 loci
of HC21p and 4 L1 loci of HC21q from placental tissue to understand how DNA methylation controls L1 expression in hetero-
chromatic regions of the genome.

Poster 11

The Presence of West Nile virus in Cook County, IL

Shilpa Rao, Molecular Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: Northwest Mosquito Abatement
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology

West Nile has been prevalent in Cook County and has caused many to fall ill. This study analyzes the number of mosquitoes
that are vectors as well as nuisance mosquitoes and the correlation to the cases of WNv there has been that year. From 2011 to
2016, the study will postulate if due to lower number of nuisance mosquitoes and higher number of vector mosquitoes, there
were more WNv cases present during that year.

Poster 12

DNA Methylation Levels in the 7 Satellite Region of Human Chromosome 21 in Cancer

Sareena Ali, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship; Ruhi Bari
Course: BIOL 396, BIOL 296
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology

We are studying DNA methylation patterns in the heterochromatic regions of the short arm of human chromosome 21, which
contain clusters of tandem repeats that are classified into satellite sequence families. Our project focuses on a subfamily of the
satellite region, 7. This satellite region is less expressed in tumors than in normal cells; therefore, it would be expected to
have higher methylation in tumors. The goal of our project is to determine if this expectation is accurate and if there are differ-
ences in methylation levels between prostate cancer cells and normal cells that could serve as biomarkers.

Poster 13

Understanding Environmental Attitudes and How They Are Formed

Alaia Gorostiaga, Inter national Business (2017); Amanda Morley; Mitchell Ruley
Course: BHNR 353
Mentored by Dr. Stacy Neier Beran, Marketing

It is becoming increasingly important for all of humanity to adopt pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. Our environment
faces enormous strains as humanity continues to grow exponentially. A larger human population results in increased demand
for natural resources and products/services that harm our environment. Considering the future outlook of our environment, it is
imperative that humanity changes current attitudes and behaviors in order for our environment to sustain for future generations.
The purpose of this study is to identify specific life experiences and values that correlate to having a pro environmental attitude.
We would like to determine how and from where a person derives their environmental attitudes. This research aims to be a
building block for future research on environmental behavior.

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Poster 14

What is the Next Big Innovation of the Retail Industry?

Garrett Larsen, Accounting and Finance (2017)
Course: BHNR 353
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

My research was on the clothing retail industry and what could potentially be the next big innovation of that industry. Specifi-
cally, I looked at virtual reality as a means to boost company sales by increasing customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. I
surveyed people to see if they are normally satisfied by online sales and how virtual reality and augmented reality could im-
prove the online marketplace.

Poster 15

Luxury Branding
Conor Smith, Economics and Mar keting (2017); Tosha Kadakia; Scott Blajszczak; Julie Putis
Course: BHNR 343
Mentored by Dr. Stacy Neier; Carolyn Kmet, Marketing

It is our mission to provide quality, alternative solutions for luxury companies to grow market share, while limiting overexpo-
sure in the global marketplace. Constructed from both quantitative and qualitative data, the insights generated in this report will
inform the branding strategy for global luxury companies. Our report will be built on information gathered from industry jour-
nals and trend databases, as well as a survey that measures a consumers relationship with and attitudes towards a luxury brand.
We believe that the conclusions in this report will allow existing luxury companies to reshape their branding strategies and af-
ford new luxury companies an opportunity to successfully emerge into the marketplace.

Poster 16

Investigating Methylation of the Gmr30 LTR Retrotransoposon in Glycine max

Jacob Borge, Molecular Biology (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Dr. Howard Laten, Biology

My project analyzed the methylation of LTR retrotransposon Gmr30 in the adult and embryonic tissue of soybean. This study
offered a more inclusive data analysis of the methylation levels of LTR by looking at one specific family within the classifica-
tion. It also allowed for a comparative analysis with data from SIRE 1 LTR and L1 LINE retrotransposons. The data that I ob-
tained let us see whether the specific families of retrotransposons are methylated in the same manner that has been proposed for
LTRs. My project found the specific sites of methylation within the Gmr30 though the McrPCR digest protocol.

Poster 17

Regulation of Neuron-Glia Interactions in the Developing Eye

Victoria Hans, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 397H, BIOL 399
Mentored by Jennifer Mierisch, Biology

Glia provide critical support for neuron function. In Drosophila a subpopulation of glia migrate and wrap around photoreceptor
neurons in the developing eye. These glia support proper axon targeting to the brain. In previous studies, we observed that re-
ducing expression of the raw gene in glia results in lethality, leading us to explore a potential role for raw in glia of the develop-
ing eye. We find that when raw levels are reduced in glial cells, fewer glia migrate into the developing eye in mutants relative to
controls. These results suggest a role for Raw in glial migration and function.

Poster 18

Labor of Love: Women, Art, and The Catholic Worker Newspaper

Amanda Malmstrom, Histor y, Ar t Histor y (2018)
Course: HIST 300D
Mentored by Dr. Michelle Nickerson, History

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This research paper and digital project focus on the two most prolific women artists of The Catholic Worker newspaper, Ade
Bethune and Rita Corbin. Started by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, The Catholic Worker newspaper heavily featured
Bethune and Corbins artwork, illuminating the ideas of the larger Catholic Worker Movement. The main themes explored are
the style and messages of Bethune and Corbins artwork, the role of women in the evolving Catholic Church of the twentieth
century, and the social justice nature of modern liturgical art.

Poster 19

Structural and Mechanistic Investigation of Transition Metal Complexes for Diabetes Treatment
Nicolas Marotta, Biochemistr y (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: Chem 300
Mentored by Dr. Dali Liu, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Type 2 Diabetes is a disease, in which the insulin receptors become desensitized. Over time this causes the inefficient use of
insulin in the insulin signaling pathway. When PTP1B becomes hyperactive compared to the activation of the Insulin receptors.
Type 2 Diabetes is typically seen in patients with an unhealthy life style and is a major precursor to heart disease. Vanadium
complexes have been reported to increase the activity insulin by inhibiting PTP1B. In addition to Vanadium, other transition
metals have a similar effect on PTP1B, such as Zinc. The purpose of this experiment is to elucidate a general mechanism of the
inhibition of PTP1B by transition metal complexes with an end goal of possible treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.

Poster 20

An Empirical Method for Determining Nitrogen Uptake Rate as a Mathematical Function of Root Mass and Nitrogen
Availability
Samantha Panock, Envir onmental Science, Envir onmental Policy (2018); Jack McCabe; Angelo Kelvakis; Leah
Vasarhelyi
Mentored by Dr. Ray Dybzinski, Institute for Environmental Sustainability/Ecology

The nitrogen cycle is a crucial element in ecosystems, because nitrogen is among the limiting factors of plant growth. The me-
chanics of forest growth is one of the largest uncertainties in Earth system models designed to predict global climate change.
The mathematical relationship between nitrogen availability, root biomass, and plant nitrogen uptake is unclear but critical for
understanding the future of carbon and nitrogen cycles in ecosystems. This experiment studies the relationships between the
root biomass, nitrogen availability, and nitrogen uptake of several tree species in order to provide better guidance for next-
generation Earth system models.

Poster 21

Identification of a Novel Regulator of Glial Development

Diana Luong, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 397H
Mentored by Dr. Jennifer Miersich, Biology

Glial cells perform numerous functions to support neuron development and function, from regulation of axon pathfinding and
synapse formation to ensheathment of neurons and maintenance of ionic homeostasis. In vertebrates defective glial cells have
been linked to neurological diseases. Our lab is interested in genes that regulate glia-neuron interactions during development.
We have found the raw gene to be required in glia, as reducing raw levels in glial cells by RNAi results in lethality. Due to the
lethality observed when Raw is reduced in glia we examined how glia were being affected in the developing central and periph-
eral nervous system.

Poster 22

The Sustainability Paradox

Alfonso Vaca-Loyola, Economics & Entr epr eneur ship (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship;
Mentored by Anne Reilly, Management

This project features interdisciplinary research on the shortcomings of current environmental sustainability programs, especially
recycling efforts implemented in Loyola University Chicago. The specific purpose of this project is to assess the effectiveness
of recycling activities and analyze plausible causations for low participatory rates among Loyola students and personnel.

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Through the consultation of secondary research in the disciplines of psychology, economics, and design, and through collection
of primary data, this project aims to understand the effects of depleting human willpower on sustainability endeavors.

Poster 23

Social Justice Internship - Misericordia Ministry Intern

Emily Saperstein, Theology, Psychology (2018)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Bob and Madge Erlenbaugh; Andrew Blomquist, Misericordia

I am presenting on my internship at Misericordia. I spent the year as the Ministry Intern, visiting houses on Misericordia's cam-
pus and conducting prayer services. The residents and I prayed, sang, colored, and built friendships with one another. This in-
ternship was an integral part of my own faith journey, while I hope I was just a small aspect of many residents' faith journeys.

Poster 24

Eradication of Food Deserts for Affecting Urban Youth

Troy Davis, Mar keting (2017), Social Innovation and Social Entr epr eneur ship Fellowship
Mentored by Stacy Neier Beran, Marketing

The purpose of this study is to investigate and examine the existing problem of food deserts in the city that impact school-age
children and adolescents; this study will guide the proposal of a social enterprise aimed to remedy the problems discovered
through research, while also creating a set of parameters for implementation of the program. Hypotheses: Food deserts can be
eradicated using innovative business models, if said models are influenced by specific demographics instead of community
structure. Targeting youth populations of foods deserts with said business model will make a lasting impact on urban food scar-
city.

Poster 25

Quantification of Chromium in Various Matrices

Kelsey Niaz, Biology (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by: Jacqueline Arroyo, Chemistry

The focus of my research was to apply an analytical method involving ion exchange chromatography and graphite furnace
atomic spectroscopy in order to quantify chromium in a variety of samples. I analyzed samples of orange, cranberry, and apple
juices: orange juice (no pulp), orange juice (high pulp), orange juice with mango (no pulp), apple juice, apple juice cocktail,
cranberry juice, and cranberry juice. I also analyzed other matrices including: mouthwash, nail polish, eye shadow, lipstick, and
foundation.

Poster 26

Catalan Vandermonde Determinants

Erik Mainellis, Mathematics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: EXPL 391
Mentored by Dr. Aaron Lauve, Mathematics

A presentation of our findings in giving a combinatorial description of the span of certain differential operators acting on the
Vandermonde Determinant (known by other means to have dimension Catalan Number).

Poster 27

My Experience as an Intern at Misericordia Heart of Mercy

Brittany Medina, Human Ser vices (2018)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Mary Ann Zielke, Misericordia Heart of Mercy

This presentation shows my experience as an intern at Misericordia Heart of Mercy. It includes my role as an intern and some
of the highlights from the year.

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Poster 28

Role of Cholinergic Inputs to the Ventral Tegmental Area from the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus and the Pedunculopontine
Tegmental Tucleus in Opiate-Induced Locomotion.
Loren Riedy, Neur oscience, Psychology (2018), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Stephan Steidl, Psychology

Opiates induce rewarding effects by exciting brain dopamine pathways which have their cell bodies in the ventral tegmental
area (VTA). Cholinergic input to the VTA critically contributes to the ability of opiates to excite dopamine signaling,. The pe-
dunoculopontine tegmental (PPTg) and the laterodorsal tegmental (LDTg) nuclei provide the only sources of cholinergic input
to the VTA. Using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) and Cre transgenic mouse tech-
nology, we inhibited PPTg or LDTg cholinergic cells to define the source of cholinergic input to the VTA that critically contrib-
utes to morphine-induced locomotion, a behavioral correlate of brain dopamine activation.

Poster 29

Effects of AiiB Lactonase Treatment on Biofilm and Pyocyanin Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Monica Mazur, Biology, Neur oscience (MS) (2018), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Domenic Castignetti, Biology

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen which secretes virulence factors, molecules that promote pathogenesis and are con-
trolled by quorum sensor molecules. Quorum sensors can be destroyed by the enzyme AiiB. We examined whether AiiB results
in diminishing the virulence factors biofilm and pyocyanin as a therapy that reduces the bacteriums virulence may be clinically
significant.

Poster 30

Comparing Counterfeits: A look at Class, Consumption, and Capitalism

Roohi Singh, Economics & Inter national Studies (2017)
Course: UNIV 340
Mentored by Anthony Cardoza, History; Noah Butler, Anthropology

My Ricci Scholarship research compared counterfeit (knockoff) markets in Rome and Beijing. By focusing on knockoff ap-
parel, my project examines how informal local economies simultaneously (1) challenge dominant formal economic paradigms
that revolve around structured and regulated markets, but also (2) contribute to global economies at a significant yet inestimable
level, in terms of formal finance. In particular, my research sought to examine the cultural and economic motivations that make
young adults in this day and age consciously buy counterfeit goods.

Poster 31

Artifact Spatial Analysis of the Walkup Farmstead

David Hanley, Anthr opology and Classical Civilization (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Amick, Anthropology

This project seeks to document the buried remains of an early 19th century pioneer farmstead on the Loyola University Retreat
and Ecology Campus (LUREC) property. Specifically, it focuses on metallic artifacts (mostly iron nails, tin cans, and farm tools
and hardware), which helps document the locations of old buildings and their probable functions, garbage dumps, and farming
activity areas. A metal detector with a metal pin-pointer was used to create density maps of metal anomaly signals with depths
between 2 and 10 inches across a 3,250 square meter space. 195 points were recorded, 8 points were tested, and 5 of the 8 tested
points yielded metal artifacts while the 8 random points yielded no metal artifacts.

Poster 32

Learning About the Power of Qualitative Research: Using Phenomenology to Explore Collegiate Women of Color's Leadership
Experiences
Hannah Chin, J our nalism, Political Science (2019), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Natasha Turman, Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership

12
Qualitative research allows the researcher to better understand how individuals make meaning of, and construct their realities.
This project captures the journey to learn about critical hermeneutic phenomenology, a qualitative methodology, to uncover the
leadership experiences of collegiate Women of Color (WOC). This study revealed that WOC collegians experiences with lead-
ership are unique; predicated by their multiple and intersecting social identities. The findings highlighted are a part of a larger
doctoral research study. Through this study, I have learned that leadership is as diverse as the people who perform it; WOC are
not an exception to this philosophy.

Poster 33

Project Title: Trash to Table: How Understanding Expiration Dates Can Help Reduce America's Food Waste Phenomenon
Megan Gergets, Mar keting, Management (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

The purpose of this research is to to explore consumer perspectives regarding foods expiration and the potential to reduce un-
necessary disposal by providing consumers with the information they need to discern its true shelf life.

Poster 34

Blessed Are The Peacemakers: Resistance to the Vietnam War at Chicago Catholic Universities
Matthew Petersen, Histor y (2018)
Course: HIST 300D
Mentored by Michelle Nickerson, History; Amelia Serafine, History

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Vietnam War unleashed an escalation in anti-war sentiment on college and university
campuses across the United States. This project explores the turbulent stories of anti-war activism found at three of Chicago's
Catholic institutions of higher learning: Loyola University, Mundelein College, and DePaul University. From Tet to Kent State,
the events that transpired out of the Vietnam War sparked a fervor for justice throughout each university's community, thus
realizing their mission as peacemakers.

Poster 35

Bisfunctionalization of Alkylidenecyclopropanes
Rachel Knapp, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Anand Patel
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Chad Eichman, Chemistry

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles provide a central starting point in the synthesis of new drug molecules. The bisfunctionaliza-
tion of alklidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) is understudied, likely due to the unpredictability and high reactivity of ACPs. Our re-
search program investigates the controlled bisfunctionalization of ACPs for the synthesis of diverse heterocycles. This poster
will discuss our efforts toward a palladium-catalyzed carboamination of ACPs to produce uniquely substituted indolizines. This
new method provides an efficient route to construct essential pharmaceutical building blocks.

Poster 36

The Relationship between Leadership Development and Self-Esteem in Adolescents Residing in Urban Low-Income Areas
Abigail Bigelow, Psychology, English (2017), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dakari Quimby, Psychology

This study examines the correlation between leadership and self-esteem in at-risk youth participating in a cross-age peer men-
toring program on Chicagos South and West sides. Previous research suggests that developing leadership ability in youth may
lead to an increase in self-esteem. Mentoring provides opportunities for youth to practice leadership skills in a safe environ-
ment. Cross-age mentoring serves to positively influence behavior and affect in adolescents, and programs may act as preventa-
tive measures in the future.

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Poster 37

Testing the Evidence for the Zoroteleostei: An Analysis of the Preopercular Shelf in Teleost Fishes
Levi Marshall, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396, BIOL 296
Mentored by Dr. Terry Grande, Biology; Dr. Mark Wilson, Biology

We have been investigating the morphological support for Zoroteleostei for over a year. Zoroteleostei is a proposed classifica-
tion of teleost fishes. Zoroteleostei are characterized by a preopercular bone in which the preopercular-mandibular branch of the
cephalic sensory canal is protected by a bony shelf. Preceding the Zoroteleostei group, the preopercular-mandibular branch of
the cephalic sensory canal was completely enclosed in a bony tube. Establishing clear evidence for Zoroteleostei's legitimacy
will certainly help resolve an otherwise controversial region of the phylogenetic tree of fishes.

Poster 38

Gender Differences and Aggressive Behaviors in Children's Soccer Games

Vanessa Spilotro, Psychology and Inter national Studies (2017); Samantha Kay
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by James Garbarino; Amy Governale, Psychology

Aggression is an act of behavior that causes harm to another person in response to an environmental cue (Warburton & Ander-
son, 2015). Aggression can vary by age, gender, severity, and choice of victim (Loeber & Hay, 1997). One context in which
school-aged children show differences in types and frequency of aggression is sports. We conducted an observational study of
hostile and instrumental aggression in public soccer games of boys (n=63) and girls (n= 53) aged 6-12. Preliminary data analy-
sis finds significantly more instances of instrumental aggression in girls and hostile aggression in boys. Implications for policy
are discussed.

Poster 39

Determination of Illicit Designer Drugs and Their Metabolites in Wastewater

Xiolmara Martinez, For ensic Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Rachel Brustad
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Paul Chiarelli, Chemistry

The consumption of illicit drugs has always been a concern for public health and law enforcement agencies. Millions of Ameri-
cans use illicit drugs every year. Designer drugs are made to have properties similar to known hallucinogenic or narcotic sub-
stances, but have altered chemical structures so they are not illegal. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Ad-
diction estimates that 101 new designer drugs became available to the general population in 2015. We will estimate the dosages
of these drugs consumed in the population served by the Stickney treatment plant using mass spectrometry based-methods to
analyze wastewater samples acquired there.

Poster 40

Methylation levels of L1 Retrotransposons

Alex Paul, Molecular Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology

The Human Genome Project extensively covered the euchromatic regions of the genome, but not the heterochromatic regions,
which comprise of 10-15% of the genome. The short arm of human chromosome 21 (HC21p) is used as a model for studying
heterochromatin because it is the smallest chromosome in the genome. The purpose of my project is to see if DNA methylation
of the L1 regions is altered in tumor cells compared to normal tissue. By studying this information, scientists could grasp a bet-
ter understanding of cancer expression and regulation.

14
Poster 41

The Aquatic Insect Community Structure and With Accompanying Physiochemical Parameters of Powers Creek at Loyola Uni-
versity Retreat and Ecology Campus, McHenry County, Illinois 2016
Lian Lucansky, Envir onmental Science (2018); Erica Becker
Course: ENVS 395
Mentored by Fr. Stephen Mitten, Environmental Science

A biodiversity assessment of the aquatic insect community and physiochemical characteristics of Powers Creek was conducted
at the Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology Campus in McHenry County, Illinois over the summer of 2016. Powers
Creek constitutes approximately 8.7% of the Boone-Dutch Creek Watershed. Ten sites along a 700m transect were examined to
understand the health of the creek and the dynamics of the aquatic insect community. Water temperature fluctuated over 9C,
from 15.5C to 24.5C. The total aquatic insect count was 5,316 individuals represented by 65 families, the most prominent of
which were Chironomidae, Elmidae, Simulidae, and Hydropsychidae. The results revealed a significant difference in aquatic
insect community structure paired with instream rock substrate.

Poster 42

Do Women Leaders Promote Effective Sustainability Strategies? Gender, Leadership, and Sustainability in U.S. Health Care
Organizations
Deanna Cabada, Health Systems Management (2017)
Mentored by Dr. Anne H. Reilly, Management

This study investigates U.S. health care companies to explore whether having more women in corporate governance correlates
with these firms' sustainability engagement. The research examines how Newsweek's 2016 Green Rankings position n=33 firms
within three health care sectors and explores their corporate governance profile using data from the companies' corporate sus-
tainability reports, websites, and other business statistics. We assess whether companies ranked highly by Newsweek are more
likely to have women on boards of directors, board-level sustainability committees, women chairs of those committees, women
as chief and other C-suite executives, and chief sustainability officers, compared to firms ranked lower by Newsweek. Exam-
ples of sustainability leadership are presented, and implications of the results for the health care industry are discussed.

Poster 43

Reconstitution of the Odorant Receptor Map in the Olfactory Bulb of Aged Mice
Shelly Shibu, Biology, Neur oscience, Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Jessica Brann, Biology

This study looks at how age might affect the ability of a stem cell population to reconstruct a neural circuit. A genetically modi-
fied strain of mice (P2-IRES-taulacZ) is used to measure -galactosidase activity in Methimazole and saline treated mice
(Mombaerts, 2004). Induced lesions or injury in the olfactory epithelium allows for the study of repair/regeneration in P2 neu-
rons. Chromogenic staining shows aberrant axonal targeting and increased glomerular innervation in aged mice after injury.
Immunohistochemistry analysis shows that olfactory sensory neurons of post-ablation mice heterogeneously innervate glomeru-
li. Neural degeneration as a consequence of aging has been in the forefront of research in diseases such as Alzheimers; efforts
such as this may aid in the development of treatment options.

Poster 44

Refugee Children Reaching for Opportunity through Education: A look into the realities, accomplishments, and challenges
faced by the Chicago refugee children population
Hans Sandoval, Political Science, Histor y (2017)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Catholic Charities

The presentation will focus on the presenters individual experience as an intern in the K-12 Education program at Catholic
Charities Refugee Resettlement. The issues and challenges of refugees will be discusses with particular emphasis being given to
the refugee children population. The presentation will focus on the mission and work of the K-12 program at Catholic Charities

15
and why it is pivotal to the refugee children population. The specific resources and support given to refugee children by the K-
12 program will be explained and discussed.

Poster 45

The Relative Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Spores by Wind

Claudia Victoroff, Envir onmental Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Connor Tomaka
Course: ENVS 391
Mentored by Dr. Brian Ohsowski, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form belowground symbioses with most plants on Earth providing ecosystem services. By im-
proving soil fertility and contributing to soil stability, AM fungi aid in sustaining ecosystems and facilitate the restoration of
disturbed ecosystems. We are initiating a study to determine the species variation of AM fungal wind distribution. To find the
relative wind dispersal of fungal spores we are collecting airborne dust particles on LUC campus roofs using BSNE dust collec-
tors. These samples are being analyzed monthly for the presence and community composition of AM fungal spores. We are
using a morphological analysis to determine spore species

Poster 46

Women in the Workplace: A Comparative Analysis of Italian and Chinese Women

Hiba Sheikh, Political Science, Economics (2017)
Course: UNIV 340
Mentored by Anthony Cardoza, History

The 2013 Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum indicated that China had a smaller gender gap
than Italy. Most striking, was the fact that 75% of women in China were part of the workforce while only 51% of Italian women
were part of the workforce. As a Ricci Scholar, Hiba Sheikh wanted to investigate this gender disparity. She spent fall semester
at Rome Center and spring semester at the Beijing Center. She conducted comparative research about the historical, cultural,
and societal that prevent women from entering the workplace and succeeding in the workplace.

Poster 47

The Work and Life Balance Survey

Jacob Hawkins, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYH 370H
Mentored by Dr. Patricia Rupert, Psychology

The present study seeks to compare working women engaged in same-sex and opposite-sex romantic partnerships, looking for
similarities and differences in their experience of balancing work and home life. The goals of this research are threefold: a) to
compare working women in same-sex and opposite-sex relationships on their balancing of household and family duties with
their professional duties; b) to compare these groups on levels of satisfaction with the breakdown of labor between partners; and
c) to understand how having children at home may relate to these above issues.

Poster 48
The Experimental Production of Dental Microwear Textures with Implications for Hominin Dietary Strategies
Evan Chwa, Biology (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: ANTH 398
Community Partner: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics; Univer-
sity of Arkansas Fayetteville Department of Anthropology
Mentored by Dr. Kirstin Krueger, Anthropology

Dental microwear texture analysis is the three-dimensional study of microscopic scratches and pits that are produced on enamel
due to food fracture properties and behavioral repertoires. Although numerous studies have examined microwear textures using
a comparative approach, few have looked at the actual formation of them through experimental work. In traditional SEM-based
microwear analysis, the experimental production of features was more common; however, many variables were not taken into
consideration, including bite force, chewing cycle, and the roles that the cheek, tongue, and saliva play in the overall mastica-

16
tion process This study aims not only to fill in these gaps, but also to correlate specific texture patterns with foodstuffs associat-
ed with hominin evolution.

Poster 49

Biochars Potential To Capture Nutrient Pollution From Agricultural Run-Off

Daphne Sugino, Envir onmental Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Brendan Carson; Dr. Brian Ohsowski, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Non-point source pollution originating from agricultural fields across the Midwest has devastating effects on aquatic ecosys-
tems. We are testing the potential to mitigate nutrient pollution using a biochar flow-through filtration system. This system
mimics tile-drain run-off after an irrigation or rainfall event. To determine biochars saturation rate, nitrogen enriched water is
being passed through 2.26796kg of biochar. Water samples were taken periodically and tested for NH4/NO3. Used biochar was
then applied to corn to determine its feasibility as a soil amendment agent. Finally, data was used to evaluate the cost-
effectiveness and functionality of biochar to mitigate nutrient pollution.

Poster 50

Characterization of the Role of Raw in Glial Cells

Asma Patel, Biochemistr y (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL396
Mentored by Jennifer Kemc, Biology

We have identified the gene raw, which functions inglial cells during the development. Knockdown of Raw levels in glia results
in a decreased number of glia in the eye imaginal disc. We hypothesize that the reduced number of glia may be due to cell death
or decreased cell proliferation, and we are currently examining each of these possibilities. Also, knockdown of Raw in glia
affects photoreceptor axon targeting to the brain. We are interested in identifying how Raw may regulate axon targeting to the
brain, and if Raw function is also required in the photoreceptors themselves for proper axon targeting.

Poster 51

Kinetics of Acene-Diels Alder Reactions as Used in Organic Semiconductors

Selma Piranej, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: Chem 300E
Mentored by Jacob Ciszek, Chemistry

Organic semiconductors such as tetracene and pentacene are used in large area displays, solid-state lighting, solar cells, and
radio frequency ID tags. They promise fully flexible, transparent, and bio-applicable devices. Modifying the surface composi-
tion of the organic semiconductors through a Diels-Alder reaction with adsorbates alters the properties of the semiconductor
including device performance. The extent of my research focuses on studying the reaction rates between tetracene/pentacene
and a variety of adsorbates that differ in size and electronic nature.

Poster 52

Ephrin-A/EphA Signaling During Gustatory and Somatosensory Innervation of Fungiform Papillae

Jason Hwang, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: Biol 296, Biol 397H
Mentored by M. William Rochlin, Biology

We are studying axon guidance cues that are necessary for sensory innervation in embryonic development using rodents as the
model organism. The geniculate ganglion (gg) and the trigeminal ganglion (trig) both innervate the tongue and are the primary
sets of neurons that are studied. The gg supplies axons to the taste epithelium in fungiform papillae through the chorda tympani
nerve while the non-taste epithelium is supplied by trig axons through the lingual nerve. We are currently investigating how non
-diffusible cues (Eph and ephrins) influences axon outgrowth of these neurons.

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Poster 53

Immigration and Naturalization Services Intern Experience at Catholic Charities Chicago

Matthew Sanchez, Advocacy and Social Change (2018)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Nancy Gavilanes, Catholic Charities

Come enjoy and indulge in the experience of a social justice intern at Catholic Charities's immigration services department! The
presentation will encompass office responsibilities, client interactions, personal anecdotes, and much more!

Poster 54

Neurogenesis of P2 Neurons in Young and Aged Murine Olfactory System

Anisa Hussain, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 296, BIOL 397
Mentored by Dr. Jessica Brann, Biology

The olfactory system acts as a model for neurogenesis through lifelong regeneration of sensory neurons that must create an
intact circuit. Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) arise from neural stem cells in the olfactory epithelium, extend into the olfac-
tory bulb, and synapse in structures called glomeruli. We are studying how OSN targeting and regenerative capacity varies with
age in a genetically modified mouse, P2-IRES-taulacZ, where P2+OSNs are identified by taulacZexpression. We hypothesize
that while the number of neurons regenerated following chemical ablation will not vary with age, atypical axon targeting will
occur in aged animals.

Poster 55

Machines That Understand Us: Integrating Human Nature into the Development of Modern Training Systems
Majed Aref, Infor mation Systems (2017)
Course: INFS 395
Mentored by Frederick Kaefer, Information Systems & Supply Chain Management

The dependence on technology and systems is rapidly increasing. Thus, conforming our technology and systems to our human
understanding and nature as much as possible is necessary. This research examines how systems have been implemented, and
could be further implemented considering human interactions with the systems. The main goal of this study is to identify human
characteristics that when considered, will lessen the amount of time needed to train and adapt to systems used in businesses
today.

Poster 56

The Impact of Parental Responses to Stress on Childrens Health Outcomes

Madeline Stonis, Biology (2017), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Course: PSYC 399
Mentored by Stephanie Brewer, Psychology

A large body of research has demonstrated that psychological stress takes a physical toll, as chronic stress is linked to obesity
and numerous other health complications (Isasi et al., 2015). Luckily, the way one copes with stress can buffer against its nega-
tive impact on physical and mental health (Santiago et al., 2012). Adaptive coping is especially important in the context of a
family. Research has shown that children are likely to demonstrate similar coping strategies as their parents (Lantzouni et al.,
2015). This research will examine the indirect effect of parental coping on child health outcomes, mediated by child coping.

Poster 57

Carbonic Anhydrase Mimic for Carbon Dioxide Capture

Emily Schnoor, Chemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dr. Wei-Tsung Lee, Chemistry

There is currently the problem of an overwhelming amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere every year.
One solution to this problem is carbon dioxide capture through an aqueous amine solution, such as monoethanolamine (MEA).
However, MEA-based carbon dioxide capture requires too much energy. Thus, in order to improve this solution, MEA has been

18
replaced with carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimics. Inspired by the coordination environment of the CA active site, we chose to
focus on the synthesis of an N-N-N pincer ligand as our CA mimic. Essentially, our research consists of the synthesis and char-
acterization of zinc complexes.

Poster 58

Development of Inhibitors of New Delhi Metallo Beta-Lactamase-1

Iman Darwish, Chemistr y (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Community Partner: The University of Texas at Austin
Mentored by Daniel P. Becker, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Our research focuses on the synthesis and optimization of sulfonyl azide derivatives as potential NDM-1 inhibitors in order to
restore antibiotic efficacy. We now introduce a new organic synthetic route in order to optimize the versatility and potency of
these inhibitors by allowing for the functionalization of the core scaffold from more than one location. Our newly introduced
synthesis utilizes a 3-component copper catalyzed coupling mechanism to derivatize the molecule off of the sulfonyl azide, as
done previously, as well as a substitution mechanism to derivatize the molecule off of the aniline nitrogen. Thus, in the design
of more potent NDM-1 inhibitors, we have the opportunity of developing a new therapeutic agent to be delivered alongside
antibiotics, restoring their efficacy.

Poster 59

The Developmental Defects Associated with Thermal Stress in Anolis sagrei

Judith Kyrkos, Anthr opology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIO 296
Mentored by Thomas J. Sanger, Biology

Global climate change is affecting organisms at rates to which they cannot readily adapt. Terrestrial vertebrate ectotherms are
especially sensitive to rising temperatures. We conducted experiments to address the incidence and nature of structural develop-
mental defects induced by thermal stress in Anolis sagrei. We hypothesized that higher incubation temperatures will lead to
increased rates of developmental abnormalities and decreased rates of survival. The incidence of observed structural defects
increased with incubation temperatures. Developmental defects were concentrated to the head and brain. Embryos exhibited
higher survival and less extreme malformation under a short-term, sub-lethal heat shock compared to long-term incubation. Our
observations suggest rising temperatures may pose a novel challenge for embryological development of reptilian species.

Poster 60

Transition Metal Catalyzed Interelement Bond Activation and Formation

Mada Al-Hamwi, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Hee Yeon Cho, Chemistry & Biochemistry

The goal of this project is to find a novel method to form C-N bonds via a transition-metal catalyst. The C-N bond is abundant
in many different organic molecules, and more knowledge about its formation and transformation can be very insightful. Due to
the stability and unreactive nature of the C-N bond, it has not been extensively studied. The mechanism of this reaction is espe-
cially important to understand the nature of the C-N bond and will help in further exploration in the field of organic chemistry.

Poster 61

Marketing the Loyola Environmental Testing Laboratory

Viviana Gonzalez, Envir onmental Science (2017)
Course: ENVS 350A
Viviana Gonzalez, Natalia Gardocki, Gary Porter, Mariah Sampsel
Mentored by Tania Schusler; Zhenwei Zhu, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Soil and water quality are key concerns in urban environments. Loyolas Institute for Environmental Sustainability has devel-
oped an Environmental Testing Laboratory that leverages existing research facilities to conduct analytical testing for the univer-
sity community and Chicagoland citizens. This laboratory offers analyses of soil and water for inorganic contaminants and im-

19
purities. The laboratory serves as a resource for faculty and student research projects. Local community members also can use
the laboratorys services to monitor the health and safety of their environment. In this project, we created a marketing and com-
munications plan for the laboratory to increase its outreach and impact in the local community.

Poster 62

Lithium Binding Studies of Gi-alpha

Michelle Callegari, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr a; Andrea Wakim, Biology (2017)
Course: CHEM 300, BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Duarte Mota de Freitas, Biochemistry

G-proteins have been evoked as a possible binding site for Li+. For effective treatment of bipolar disorder, Li+ levels must fall
within the range 0.5 mM to 1.2 mM. Comparison between the estimated KI value and the therapeutic range of Li+ concentra-
tions will be used to determine whether G-proteins are likely targets.

Poster 63

Development of Silyl Cation-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkenes and Dienes

Hanna Benelhachemi, Biology, Fr ench (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Chad Eichman; Alex Villani-Gale, Chemistry

Catalytic methods to produce highly valuable molecules make possible reactions such as hydroarylation, which is an addition
reaction in which a hydrogen atom and an aryl group are attached across a double bond. Silicon, titanium, and zinc offer re-
markable catalytic properties for the synthesis of diarylmethines. The use of zinc, titanium or silane offer a beneficial, efficient,
and cost-effective method to build transition metal catalysts. Synthetic uses of silicon-based catalysts is underrepresented; only
a few recent contributions offer a glimpse of their true potential. Their abundance, low cost, and low toxicity make it an ideal
candidate for catalysis. If one can successfully alter silicon catalysts to react similarly to noble metals, these catalysts could
ultimately replace the expensive, environmentally harmful catalysts used today.

Poster 64

Seismology at Loyola University Chicago

Daniel Checca, Physics, Engineer ing (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Nora Bonifas; Ani Krishnan; Stefan Vlad
Community Partner: Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Mentored by John Cunningham S.J., Physics

Upholding a 104-year tradition of seismological research at Loyola University of Chicago, we have collected data from a series
of seismometers in an attempt to present a visual aid for understanding ongoing seismic activity and what it means. With the
data we are receiving, we are creating a live stream interface that shows physics students a graphical representation of Chica-
gos seismic activitybroadcast in the main hall of the physics building. Overall, our research is focused on creating a digesti-
ble and immersive outlet for students to interact with real-world physics data on a daily basis.

Poster 65

Organocatalytic Carbene Insertion Reactions

Jordan Delev, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Hee Yeon Cho, Chemistry and Biochemistry

The general purpose of this research project is to explore the C-C and C-X
(X=heteroatom) bond-forming reactions via a stereoselective organocatalysis. The goal is to
develop efficient synthetic methods for catalytic enantioselective carbene insertion reactions
using organoboron and silylboron.

20
Poster 66

-Alkylation of 1,3-Dicarbonyls Using Olefins and Dienes

Frances Simmons, Chemistr y (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Chad Eichman, Chemistry

The focus of this project is to perform atom efficient transformations of olefins utilizing green chemistry. The products of -
alkylations of 1,3-dicarbonyls using dienes are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of natural products and other bio-
logical active molecules. The reaction is performed via a carbenium intermediate. Utilizing green chemistry we can examine the
scope of the intermediate. In addition, we are working on optimizing the -ketoester alkylation process and exploring the mech-
anism with which it is performed. This will give us the ability to synthesize biologically active molecule(s) that are useful for
the synthesis in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Poster 67

Citizen Science Datasets Reveal Drivers of Spatial and Temporal Variation for Anthropogenic Litter on Great Lakes Beaches
Anna Vincent, Biology (Ecology emphasis) (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Department of Biology

Anthropogenic litter (i.e., trash; AL) is well documented in oceans, but studies on ALs spatial and temporal dynamics in fresh-
waters are rare. We used citizen-science data from the Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach program to quantify AL
density and seasonality on 9 Great Lakes beaches of varying substrate types. AL was categorized by function and density, and
compared among seasons, beaches, and to common beach descriptors. AL density was highest on urban, sandy, unmaintained
beaches in fall, suggesting visitor littering as a primary source. These results will inform new AL prevention and management
policies to maximize AL reduction.

Poster 68

Baghdad College in 1967

Egan James, Philosophy (2017), J oan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Her itage (CCIH) Resear ch Fel-
lowship
Mentored by Hajdarpasic Edin, History

The Jesuits ran a college in Baghdad from 1932 until their expulsion in 1968-69. My project focuses on the year 1967, high-
lighting the key figures and developments of the college at that time. By examining histories, records, and yearbooks from the
college, I show how the college's mission was understood by the educators, students, and by the people of Baghdad.

Poster 69

Antiquities at Loyola: Research on the Artifact Collection of the Classical Studies Department
Meghan Jackson, Classical Civilization (2017)
Course: CLST 380
Mentored by Laura Gawlinski, Classical Studies

In 1972 a collection of artifacts was donated to the Department of Classical Studies. This research project focused on an analy-
sis of provenance documentation and the artifacts themselves to provide a catalogue of objects. In addition, research was also
done on the previous owners and donors of the artifacts, including but not limited to Internet and database research and inter-
views with local museum curators. Using knowledge gained through the project as well as exploration of archaeological ethics,
the research led to improved documentation and plans for the future of the antiquities collection of the Classical Studies Depart-
ment.

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Poster 70

Closing the Gap: The Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Latino Immigrants
Karina Fierro, Anthr opology (2016), Social J ustice Fellowship
Course: ANTH 397
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology

Despite this recent milestone in healthcare reform, the undocumented immigrant population remains uninsured and eligible
individuals may be unaware that they can receive help to get covered (Kaiser Family Foundation 2015). This project presents
results from a year-long Social Justice Research Fellowship that used ethnographic methods to explore healthcare barriers faced
by lawfully resident Latinos in the Chicagoland area. In particular, I focus on the challenges faced by lawful resident Latino
immigrants who are eligible for Medicaid and the Marketplace. The results of this research indicate that healthcare barriers are
shared in mixed status families, immigrant health is greatly affected by several factors including immigration policies and
health care reform.

Poster 71

The Developmental Changes in the Body Form of Esox lucius and Esox masquinongy
Tetyana Sofiychuk, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 296, BIOL 396
Mentored by Terry Grande, Biology

This research presentation portrays a developmental comparison study of the two closely related species - Esox lucius and Esox
masquinongy, commonly referred to as the Northern pike and muskies. These species undergo an ontogenic diet shift in the first
few weeks of life. Using morphometrics, the shape of the specimens from different age groups has been digitized and analyzed
using softwares: ImageJ and MorphoJ. The analysis of the variation in shape helps us better understand how the changing mor-
phology of these species enables them to go from a planktivorous to piscivorous diet.

Poster 72

Age Related Changes in Neural Noise in the Default Mode Network

Nicole Dosamantes, Cognitive/Behavior al Neur oscience (2018), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship; Hannah
Walker; Krista Smith
Course: PSYC 399
Mentored by Dr. Robert G. Morrison, Psychology

In this study we aimed to investigate whether neural noise as measured through defined techniques also underwent age-related
increases during rest in the DMN. Specifically, we recorded resting-state scalp electroencephalography (rsEEG) from 36 young
adults (24 to 52 YO, M=31) and 49 older adults (65 to 92 YO, M=80) and utilized source modeling as implemented in BESA to
estimate EEG from these six regions of the DMN. We then calculated the PSD from artifact-free rsEEG segments and calculat-
ed the slope using RANSAC regression. Younger adults showed more negative PSD slopes throughout the 6 DMN regions,
suggesting that older adults show evidence of more neural noise in areas associated with DMN during rest.

Poster 73

Plastic Microfibers in Chicago Water Systems

Sydney Symons, Envir onmental Science (2018); Charles Espedido; Roma Patel; Marissa Pratscher; Emily Sullivan;
John Zink
Course: ENVS 350A
Community Partner: The Rozalia Project
Mentored by Tania Schusler, Environmental Science; Timothy Hoellein, Biology

Plastic microfibers are entering our waterways at an alarming rate. Washing machines are the biggest culprit because of broken
fibers from clothes entering water from wash cycles. This poster describes our efforts to educate the community on the sources
and environmental impacts of plastic microfiber pollution from everyday items. We achieved this through a combination of
research, experimentation, and personal design in order to reduce the sources of plastic microfiber pollution from our Loyola
community.

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Poster 74

Growing Algae in Biodiesel Wash Water for Wastewater Remediation

Daniela Herrera, Envir onmental Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: ENVS 391
Mentored by Zach Waickman, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

The Searle Biodiesel Lab at Loyolas Institute of Environmental Sustainability produces biodiesel from waste vegetable oil to
reduce the campuss carbon emissions. However, one waste product that results is water contaminated with various nutrients
after having been used to wash the fuel at the end of production. We decided to investigate whether acidophilic strains of algae
would aid in the removal of nutrients in BWW, and if BWW as a growth medium would increase algal biomass.Once algal
cultures were established, samples of each strain were transferred to various gradients of original growth media and BWW to
determine nutrient removal from BWW and algal biomass production.

Poster 75

Sustainable Eating: Reducing Meat Consumption on Campus

Marissa Pratscher, Envir onmental Science (2019); Alyssa Ochwat; Anna Bedo; Avery Cramer; Eileen Castellanos
Course: ENVS 283 01E
Community Partner:
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute for Environmental Sustainability

The purpose of this engaged learning project is to reduce meat consumption within the Loyola community. It is known that the
amount of meat consumption in the United States is unsustainable and is a direct contributor to an array of environmental issues
with the most notable being global warming. This project will work with members of the Loyola community, including the
vegan club and the university faculty to ensure the availability of sustainable food on and near campus.

Poster 76

Sustainability within the Refugee Community of Roger's Park

Brittany Schruefer, English and Inter national Studies (2017); Christina Marroquin; Grace Ogunnubi; Janay Moore;
Teresa Riesgo
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Penny Norbert Children's Museum, LRO, SCN
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Environmental Science

This project will address sustainability issues with the Refugee Community of Roger's Park by looking at obstacles that incom-
ing refugees face on the front of sustainability. These issues include, but are not limited to: food and job security, language
barriers, adjustment and cultural barriers and familial stability. This project hopes to address what issues the community is cur-
rently facing as well as set up research opportunities for future groups to investigate in order to benefit the immediate communi-
ty of Loyola University Chicago in order to create a more just, sustainable and humane world.

Poster 77

Growing Home: Food Deserts and Urban Agriculture on Chicagos Southside

Hannah Puvalowski, Management (2019); Sienna Fitzpatrick; Tracy Pollock; Melissa Haggerty; Kaitlyn Moore; Gianni
Cook
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Growing Home
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Iinstitute for Environmental Sustainability

By creating advertisements in the forms of flyers and a CTA poster, the community will become informed about the opportuni-
ties and benefits of Growing Home. This will allow the community to learn about a resource in their area where they can pur-
chase healthy food options since there are not a lot of other options available to them. In addition, assistance will be provided to
Growing Home with preparing their new Learning Garden for the local youth in an effort to educate them on healthy eating and
urban farming.

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Poster 78

Coffee Shop Talks: An Anthropological Analysis of Social Functions of Coffee Shops through Linguistic Discourse
Olivia Daprile, Anthr opology & Sociology (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

The objective of this study is to understand the social functions of coffee shops in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago.
The methods used to gather data included observation and interviews with a strict focus on linguistic discourse in these spaces.
Three independent coffee shops and cafes were the focus of the study, but other coffee shops and businesses in the neighbor-
hood were also observed in order to properly analyze the context of these coffee shops.

Poster 79

Effect of Paternal Warmth and Maternal Warmth on Parental Monitoring in Reducing Delinquency Among African-American
Youth
Amanda White, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 370H
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology

The present study sought to examine whether effective parental monitoring will mediate the relationship between parental
warmth (e.g., caring and support of the mother and father) and delinquent behavior among youth residing in low-income urban
communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Gender differences were also considered on how parental monitoring and
warmth differed between female and male youth.

Poster 80

Stormwater Management Education

Peter Proctor, Envir onmental Science (2019); Ellie Eccles; Katie Flood
Course: ENVS 350A
Community Partner: Clare Tallon Ruen, Lake Dance Chicago

We addressed the issue of stormwater management in Chicago and Evanston. When not managed well, stormwater results in
flooding and pollution. We created a video and diagram lesson to teach 6th grade students how stormwater affects the environ-
ment and about green infrastructure solutions to manage stormwater. Contact with Evanston public schools informed our design
of the video and diagram lesson, as did extensive research and interviews with faculty and staff at Loyola about technology
advances that address stormwater. Our aim is to convey the relevance and importance of these issues to students early on and to
encourage their future involvement in stormwater management.

Poster 81

Brewing for a Sustainable Future

Daniel Collins, Envir onmental Science/Policy (2018); Joseph Benhoff; Joseph McNulty; Aaron Fisher; Conor Moran
Course: ENVS 350A
Community Partner: Jessica Fujan, Food & Water-Midwest

The Chicagoland brewing industry is one of the fastest growing businesses in the city leading to issues of waste management
and water conservation. The solid waste byproducts of brewing, such as spent grains, yeast, and packing materials, threaten
water quality locally and downstream. We aimed to incentivize brewers to adopt more sustainable practices by providing them
with industry research and alternatives for waste disposal. The end goal of our project was to increase communication between
brewers in order to solve sustainability problems as an industry rather than as an individual companies.

Poster 82

Mindfulness Intervention and Children's Socioemotional Skills: The Potential Role of Parent Practices, Beliefs, and Culture
Zahra Naqi, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 397
Community Partner: Albany Park Community Center; Mary Crane Center
Mentored by Christine Li-Grining, Psychology

24
Our lab previously conducted a study, known as Project CaLM, on developing cost efficient mindfulness strategies for pre-
schools in low-income Chicago neighborhoods. We tested for intervention impacts on child self-regulation and behavior prob-
lems, and we developed a follow-up questionnaire to learn about parent practices, as well as their beliefs on mindfulness, fami-
ly, and culture. With this information, we hope to better modify mindfulness strategies for familys use in homes.

Poster 83

Mother-Child Relationships and Youth Gang Involvement

Taylor Perri, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 370
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology

This study examined the effects of maternal warmth on an adolescents decision to join a gang. The focus was on 220 African
American students, enrolled in six urban Chicago public schools located in high-crime neighborhoods according to Chicago
Police Department (CPD) statistics, and the majority of the students belonged to lower income families and households. Two
measures were utilized: The Parental Monitoring and Relationship Child measure and the Juvenile Delinquency Scale (JDS).
The Parental Monitoring and Relationship Child measure assessed an adolescents perception of maternal warmth and the
Juvenile Delinquency Scale (JDS) assessed an adolescents history with youth gang involvement.

Poster 84

Identification of Circadian Output Genes that Affect Rest:Activity Rhythms in Drosophila

Bajwa Saffia, Biology (2018), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Tanvir Bajwa
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Daniel Cavanaugh, Biology

We recently identified the Drosophila pars intercerebralis (PI) as a major circadian output center that lies downstream of the
core clock cells in a circuit controlling rest activity rhythms, and used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify genes expressed
by PI cells. Here we use cell-specific RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down expression of >30 candidate genes within the
PI. We have identified two genes whose knockdown reliably decreases circadian rhythms strength: slowpoke and sleepless. Our
experiments demonstrate that expression of these genes in the PI is vital in the production of circadian rhythms of flies and
suggest that regulation of output cell activity is a mechanism through which circadian information is transmitted across output
circuits.

Poster 85

The Effects of Smoking on Campus (Litter, Air Pollution/Water Pollution, Health)

Johnathan Folino, Psychology (2018); Kyung Kim, Michelle Vrkljan, Andrew Salazar, Alexa Ristich
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy; Kristen Pratt, Institute for Environmental Sustainability

We intend to meet with policy makers on campus, student government, and reach out to students in the form of an electronic
survey to receive input on this situation. We hope to determine how many people on campus do smoke, and the overall opinion
on whether the campus should become smoke-free. We are hoping that instead of eliminating it completely, we can work to-
gether to separate those who smoke into smoking areas with benches and receptacles to dispose of butts and ashes so that way
the pollution is condensed and the littering is controlled.

Poster 86

Recycling at Loyola University Chicago

Samuel Schultz, Infor mation Systems (2018); Courtney Lanzarotti
Course: ENVS 283
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute for Environmental Sustainability

The purpose of this project was to further improve the recycling programs on campus. Through visual investigation throughout
the campus, we have seen a consistent pattern of paper and plastic water bottles in the classroom trash bins instead of the recy-
cling bins located outside the classrooms. We have undertaken initiatives through our Environmental Sustainability course to
provide more recycling bins and more convenient locations of recycling bins within classrooms on campus.

25
Poster 87

Creating a Greener Felice's

Alex Finch, Finance (2017); Alexa Haynes; Cheng Chen; Paulo Zarvos; Jessica Chervinko
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Mentored by Anu Kris, Institute for Environmental Sustainability

Food waste is one of the major social and economic problems of our generation. It is estimated that 30-40% of the food pro-
duced in the U.S. is wasted. The outcome of such problem affects people who are food insecure and the environment, since
organic residues often get mixed with inorganic trash, hurting the soil, water systems and so on. However, doing preliminary
research, we found that Felices, a Loyola student run business, currently needs help on its organic trash disposal. Our intent is
to formulate a plan to help Felices be a more sustainable and environmentally conscious business. We intend to conduct further
research in order to find a solution for our clients food waste problem and hopefully making Felices a green business as well a
better dining experience for the restaurants customers.

Poster 88

Molecular Dynamics Study of Nucleotide Specificity of Sucrose Synthase

Mohamad Al Kassir, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Sucrose synthase (SUS) uses UDP in Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSUS) but it uses ADP in Thermosynecococcus (TeSUS). By us-
ing the molecular dynamics simulations, we have determine the attraction of each protein for both ADP and UDP. Stimulation
have been run again after mutating the active site residues in silico to change the binding site of the plant enzyme in order to
make it look similar to that of the bacterial one. Variations in the molecular dynamics of UDP versus ADP in the two enzymes
will verify the differences in the nucleotide specificity.

Poster 89

Synthesis and Characterization of Redox Non-Innocent Ligands

Patrick O'Brien, Biochemistr y and Neur oscience (2019), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Wei-Tsung Lee, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Redox active catalysts are often based on an innocent ligand metal complex. All electrons that are transferred according to this
model will be through the metal. In contrast, work in the field of non-innocent ligand metal complexes has concluded that there
are instances where the ligand transfers electrons as well as the metal. With this in mind, general redox active catalysis could
use cheap metals with single electron transfers to replicate the two electron transfer of more expensive noble metals. Our objec-
tive is to synthesize and characterize a redox non-innocent ligand metal complex.
Poster 90

Carpet Bombing Zebrafish: Targeting Gene Expression Using Multiple sgRNA Inserts
Francesco Fiumaraq, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Leah Grcevich
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Fred Bryan Pickett; Paula Martin, Biology

The targeting of specific genes through the use of multiple single synthetic guide ribonucleic acid (sgRNA) inserts is an effec-
tive method of reducing gene expression through mutation in the zebrafish, danio rerio. The linear array of sgRNA encoding
genes allows for many more sequences to reach the target gene allowing for the ultimate goal of mutation. The target for the
sgRNAs is the aldh1a2/raldh2 gene of zebrafish.

Poster 91

Falling through the Cracks: The Gendered Dimensions of the DACA Application Process
Alice Thompson, Political Science, Inter national Studies, Spanish (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Community Partner: Centro Romero
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Muoz, Anthropology

26
While all undocumented immigrants in the United States face a suite of challenges to changing their status, past research has
shown that undocumented women confront specific policy barriers. Using ethnographic research conducted with Latina appli-
cants at a Chicago-area legal clinic, this paper examines how women satisfy the criteria for Deferred Action for Childhood Arri-
vals (DACA) eligibility during the application process. This research advances anthropological understandings of the intersec-
tions of gender and migration, and more specifically, shows how U.S. immigration policy continues to have strongly gendered
dimensions.

Poster 92

An Exploration of the Impacts of Socioeconomic Status and Parental Perceived Social Support on Health Related Quality of
Life in Youth with Spina Bifida
Natalie Lawson, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 369H, PSYC 370H)
Mentored by Dr. Grayson Holmbeck; Jaclyn Papadakis, Psychology

The objective of this project was to examine the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and parental perception of support on the
health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of youth with spina bifida (SB). Participants included 140 youth with SB (M age =
11.43, 53.6% female) and their parents. Parents reported on demographic variables and their perceived social support from fam-
ily, friends, and the community. Youth self-reported their HRQoL. Results revealed that higher SES predicted greater school
and total HRQoL, but not when controlling for youth IQ and gross motor function, and greater parental perceived support from
family predicted greater emotional HRQoL.

Poster 93

" xpression of Heat Shock Protein Genes in Anolis sagrei Embryos Under Thermal Stress
E
Laura Krance, Biology and Bioinfor matics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOI 399
Mentored by Thomas Sanger, Biology

We are studying the potential of increasing global temperatures to induce developmental abnormalities in lizards. Heat shock
proteins may help buffer the impacts of temperature at the molecular level. In order to determine the expression changes of
selected heat shock protein genes under differing thermal stress A. sagrei eggs were incubated for a period of 10, 20, or 30
minutes in a temperature of 39C. Quantitative PCR was run on these samples using novel primer sets created for this project.
Preliminary data suggests that expression of certain heat shock and related genes increases with increasing time under thermal
stress.

Poster 94

Executive Function as a Moderator of the Relationship between Psychache and Suicidal Ideation
Megan Meinke, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Rebecca Silton, Psychology

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and rates continue to increase. Theories of psychache, or extreme psy-
chological pain, suggest that when mental pain is unbearable, suicidal outcomes result. Recent studies have identified psy-
chache to be a distinct predictor of suicidal ideation and attempt. Further, suicidal behavior has been implicated with poor exec-
utive function and impulsivity. Using self-report measures, the present study examined whether psychache and suicidal ideation
are moderated via executive function in a large sample of college students.
Poster 95

Testing the Effects of Optogenetic Inhibition of Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus Inputs to the Ventral Tegmental Area on
Cue-Driven Reward-Seeking Behaviors in Rats
Thomas Ujas, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Stephan Steidl, Psychology

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) release dopamine when a reward is presented. These rewards are often
paired with stimuli that begin to excite the reward-pathway before the reward is even obtained. Pedunculopontine tegmental
nucleus (PPTg) neurons exhibit phasic responses at the start of reward-predictive sensory cues before the DA neurons fire in the

27
VTA, suggesting that the pathway predicting reward moves from the PPTg to the VTA. We believe that optogenetic inhibition
of the PPTg projections in the VTA will result in reducing cue-driven reward-seeking behaviors in rats.

Poster 96

Peter Maurin Farm: The Agronomic University Across Three Decades

Frieda Rule, Histor y (2017)
Course: HIST 300
Mentored by Dr. Michelle Nickerson, History

This is an exploration of how the Catholic Worker Movement's approach to personalism fared from 1950 to 1980 by looking at
the challenges, changes, and consistancies of one of its farming communes.

Poster 97

Timing and Specificity of Taste and Somatosensory Innervation in the Lingual Epithelium
Chelsea Lieu, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296, BIOL 396
Mentored by William Rochlin, Biology, Neuroscience

Neurotrophic factors are one of the diffusible factors that are necessary for proper sensory axon innervation of lingual epitheli-
um, as these factors are capable of promoting axon outgrowth and attraction towards target tissue. My project explored the pos-
sibility that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has a role in axon extension or attraction of rodent lingual sensory axons. Addi-
tionally, because our studies focus on the response of sensory afferents at different stages of development, we also labeled ge-
niculate and trigeminal axons in the rodent tongue in order to characterize the position of the axons in embryonic stages follow-
ing axon penetration.

Poster 98

The Study of Cellular Alignment of HeLa Cells on Polyimide Gel with Nano-Pattern Grooves
Monica Kowalczyk, Biology (2017); Samuel Garrison; Alekya Prathivadi
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Emma Feeney, Biology; Robert Polak, Physics

Cellular alignment is a crucial determinant for tissue engineering according to several studies that focused on tissue viability
and tissue growth. There are several different factors that contribute to the alignment of the cells: shear stress, mechanical
stress, substrate stiffness and topography. In this study, the effect of substrate topography was tested. In order to study such a
concept, HeLa cells were plated on glass coverslips coated with polyimide gel. A non-pattern surface was created on the polyi-
mide coverslips by rubbing it with a velvet fabric in a unidirectional manner. After mounting the cells onto the prepared co-
verslips, how well the HeLa cells aligned according to the microgrooves was measured.

Poster 99

Leu33 and Thr37 are Critical for the Allosteric Signal in the ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase from Escherichia coli
Anisha Sharma, Biochemistr y (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Dr. Miguel Ballicora; Agnes Orlof, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Our results strongly suggest that Leu33 and Thr37 are important for the proper activation of the ADP- glucose pyrophosphory-
lase from E. coli and confirmed the hypothesis of their involvement in allosteric signaling.

Poster 100

Determining the Mechanism of Evolution in Trifolium Repens by Analyzing Retrotransposon Activity

Rahul Shaju, Biology, Bioinfor matics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Howard Laten, Biology

Retrotransposons are present in high number in a species of clover known as Trifolium repens. T. repens formed as a result of
the hybridization of two other clover species, Trifolium occidentale and Trifolium pallescens, and acquired traits that allowed it

28
to survive in various climates around the world through hybridization. Recent studies have shown increased retrotransposon
activity during hybridization events causing the new species to gain new traits that enhance its adaptability. By analyzing re-
trotransposons within T. occidentale, T. pallescens, and T. repens we can determine if there was an increase in activity resulting
in T. repens gaining its advantageous traits.

Poster 101

Isolation and Purification of Pyruvic Oxime Dioxygenase from Cupriavidus pauculus

Lotte van den Goor, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Domenic Castignetti, Biology

Pyruvic oxime dioxygenase is an enzyme that plays an important role in heterotrophic nitrification and is known to oxidize
pyruvic oxime to form nitrite and pyruvic acid. Nitrification involves the oxidation of nitrogenous compounds to nitrite or ni-
trate. Nitrification has the potential to remove excess nitrogen from environments and therefore could play a role in bioremedia-
tion of hazardous nitrogen compounds. We have created a construct of the pyruvic oxime dioxygenase containing a histidine tag
and will use affinity chromatography to isolate the enzyme, then through a nitrite assay we will characterize it enzymatically.

Poster 102

SIFamide is a Sleep-Promoting Molecule in Drosophila melanogaster

Tetyana Osadchuk, Neur oscience (2017)
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Daniel Cavanaugh, Neuroscience, Biology

Sleep is one of the most important functions for animals, and one of the most recognizable circadian rhythms. Drosophila mela-
nogaster has been one of the main organisms used to study sleep and circadian rhythm, as it is easy to study and has the funda-
mental properties of mammalian sleep. Previous studies have suggested that the neuropeptide SIFamide (SIFa) is involved in
the control of sleep. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to create mutants that lack SIFa. Consistent with previous results, these
mutants have substantially reduced sleep compared to controls, demonstrating an important contribution of this peptide to sleep
regulation.

Poster 103

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Scalp Electroencephalograms Recorded during Visual Analogical Reasoning

Hannah Walker, Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Dr. Robert Morrison, Psychology

Analogical reasoning, a task involving the comparison of two or more mental representations based on their structure, is a
uniquely human ability integral to learning and discovery. In this study, we have analyzed scalp electroencephalography (EEG)
recordings made while participants solved visual analogy problems. We hypothesized that spatially filtering the EEG signal and
utilizing time-frequency analysis would display that neural activity in the gamma band (30-80Hz) would be important for solv-
ing analogies, and that linked activity between prefrontal and parietal neural generators in the theta band (4-8 Hz) would also be
important for good analogy performance.

Poster 104

Gay Space and Identity Formation in Chicago

Gunner Peto, Histor y (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Dr. Thea Strand, Anthropology

This study focuses on gay male spaces within Chicago neighborhoods, looking primarily at two Chicago neighborhoods, An-
dersonville and a section of the Lakeview neighborhood known colloquially as Boystown. From these spaces gay men mediate
their understanding of gay identity, fostering a symbiotic relationship between individual gay identity and larger homonorma-
tive identity creations.

29
Poster 105

Tadpoles Facilitate Decomposition of White Oak Leaf Litter

Daniella DeRose, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Joseph Milanovich, Biology

With amphibian populations rapidly declining, studying the impact anurans have on freshwater ecosystem function and biodi-
versity has become a large area of interest. The purpose of our experiment was to determine if anuran communities were direct-
ly contributing to the decomposition of native leaf litter in freshwater ecosystems, thus accelerating the overall decomposition
rate. We hypothesized communities that contained tadpoles would have a higher percent of leaf litter mass lost compared to the
communities without tadpoles.

Poster 106

An Association Between Mental Health Clinic Closures and Violent Crime Rates in Chicago
Aminah Garcia, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 370
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology

In the Spring of 2012, six out of Chicago's twelve mental health clinics were closed due to budget constraints. Using violent
crime data from the City of Chicago Data Portal and GIS software, a study was conducted to look for a connection between the
city's violent crime rates in relation to the locations of the clinic, and time points from which they closed.

Poster 107

Chicago's Chinatown: The Meaning Behind the Language Used in Public Signs
Marina Hevia-Aza Tomillo, Inter national Studies, Fr ench (2020)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

Research on how the use of language in signs, posters and such, affect who they are targeted towards.

Poster 108

Microplastic Composition and Concentration in Lake Michigan Tributaries

Lisa Kim, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein; Rachel McNeish, Biology

Research in freshwater ecosystems has documented high concentrations of microplastic (i.e. particles < 5mm) and has shown
adverse effects on fish through ingestion. The goal of this project was to monitor the movement and abundance of microplastic
in Lake Michigan tributaries (N=8). We collected surface water, sediment, and fish samples, and used peroxide oxidation and
salinity separation to extract microplastic. We then counted, categorized, and compared its abundance and composition among
sites. In our data analysis, we found high concentrations of heavy microplastic composed predominantly of fibers in all sample
types. Results will be used for effective freshwater management strategies.

Poster 109

The Role of Novel Management Strategies for Reduction of Anthropogenic Litter on Chicagos Lake Michigan Beaches
Veronica Lourich, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396
Community Partner: Alliance for the Great Lakes
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Biology

Management of anthropogenic litter (i.e., trash; AL) in ecosystems worldwide is an increasing priority, but reduction strategies
are rarely tested. On an urban beach in Chicago, IL, we measured the effects of interactive ashtrays and community involve-
ment initiatives on beach AL. Data were collected around installed ashtrays and along multiple beach transects at treatment and
control sites for 14 weeks. The strategies had no effect on cigarette AL density (No. m-2) or relative amount of cigarettes (% of
total AL) at either site. Results from this study will be used for the re-design and assessment of future AL management inter-
ventions.

30
Poster 110

Language Minority Learners English Language Use Across the School Year
Lana Elborno, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 370H
Mentored by Dr. Perla Gmez, Psychology

This study compares the growth in peer talk vocabulary with vocabulary scores of standardized tests between English-only
students and their bilingual language learner peers. We worked with middle schools in the south side of Chicago in the cities of
Berwyn and Cicero to record student speech, videotape lessons, and administer standardized tests during their Language Arts
classes. Preliminary findings suggest that though English-only students score higher on standardized testing for vocabulary
compared to bilingual students, their peer talk vocabulary is comparable.

Poster 111

Mental Health in Children: Dramatized or Traumatized

Shaniqua Mitchell, Psychology, Human Ser vices (2017)
Course: PSYC 390
Community Partner: Children's Research Triangle
Mentored by Dr. Maryse Richards, Psychology

Mental health in children are at an all time high, but yet the issues are go unnoticed as children are still developing. Often times,
mental health issues in children of underserved communities are disregarded as being dramatic rather than seeking professional
help when being exposed to trauma. This presentation will give some insight into the importance of children's mental health and
how trauma affects their development. With gained experience working with the Children's Research Triangle, there are ser-
vices available to underserved communities and resources to bring about awareness to families and others. This internship and
networking opportunities have helped me hone in on my career interest of working with children and families.

Poster 112

Communication Matters
Chana Matthews, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 390
Community Partner: Leana Allen, Chicago Youth Programs
Mentored by Dr. Maryse Richards, Psychology

Fostering and strengthening interpersonal relationships within at risk youth populations.

Poster 113

" eeping up with the Americans: Evaluating the Loss of Native Culture and Language in Chicago
K
Sarah Mathew, Anthr opology and Sociology (2017)
Mentored by Dr. Thea Strand, Anthropology

The research presented will show the analysis of the loss of native cultures and languages among the generations of the Chicago
ethnic communities. Using Little India, Chinatown, Greektown and Andersonville, this presentation will demonstrate the varie-
ty of levels of ethnic preservation among the community.

Poster 114

Cajita Project
Andie Cuevas, Undeclar ed; Orlando Berges, Accounting; Milan McElroy, Entr epr eneur ship; Jasmine Cerna, Envir on-
mental Science
Course: ELPS 125
Mentored by Paige Gardner, Department of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs

Students Together Are Reaching Success is a mentorship program that has existed within the Department of Student Diversi-
ty and Multicultural Affairs for 30 years. Each year a small cohort of STARS mentees apply to be a STARS Lead participant

31
that requires them to take a leadership course and engage in a service learning project with Family Matters. For the first time
ever, STARS Lead will be showcasing their experience through a Cajita project which will displays how social identities and
cultural heritage influence leadership inside and outside of the Loyola experience.

Poster 115

Investigating Quorum-Quenching Enzymes - AHL-Lactonases

Patrick Zeniecki, Biochemistr y (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Dali Liu, Chemistry

Bacterial infections are constantly evolving, therefore our methods to combat them must do the same. One creative method
unique to certain bacteria is quorum-sensing, a gene expression regulatory system controlled by cell-population density. Quor-
um-quenching takes advantage of this regulatory system to prevent virulence in certain bacterial systems. This project investi-
gates one of the most common quorum-quenching enzymes and tries to characterize its promiscuity.

Poster 116

The Hospitalist Project

Sausan Loutfi, Psychology (2018)
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: University of Chicago Medical Center
Mentored by Megan Helfgott, Biology

Decreasing discontinuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings could improve measures of the quality of physician-
patient relationships and improve ratings of care and decrease hospital costs.

Poster 117

Analysis of the Faunal Assemblages at the Early-19th Century Walkup Farmstead, Northern Illinois
Olivia Guzzardo, Anthr opology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: ANTH 301
Mentored by Daniel Amick, Anthropology

The purpose of studying the faunal remains at the Walkup site was to discover information on how the family, more specifically
Christopher Walkup, was earning a living. According to the Agricultural Schedule of 1850, Christopher Walkup was raising
animals and selling them at the market. To find archaeological evidence to support this, the bones were analyzed for species,
type of bone, and if there were cut or burn marks. These factors could help indicate whether the faunal remains were being con-
sumed by the Walkups or if they were being butchered to sell at the market.

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 ORAL PRESENTATIONS
12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
MUNDELEIN 203

Diagnosis, Undocumented: Examining Sociocultural Interactions between Healthcare Providers and Undocumented Patients
in Chicago, Illinois
Mia LaRocca, Anthr opology (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship
Course: ANTH 317
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology

Undocumented immigrants seeking healthcare in the United States face profound barriers to accessing care, including prohibi-
tions on the receipt of public assistance for non-emergency treatment. For this reason, treatment of undocumented patients is
inconsistent and long-term, regular care is rare. In spite of the critical role that healthcare providers play in determining the
quality of patient care for undocumented patients, the sociocultural interactions of physicians and undocumented patients are
largely unexplored. This presentation will present results from a year-long ethnography that explores the perspectives of
healthcare providers at a safety-net health clinic in the Chicago area.

Loss of Russian Language Through Stratification of the Chicago Suburbs

Annette Maizenberg, Anthr opology (2018)
Course: ANTH 361 02E
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

Through the many eras of Russian immigration to this country, and more specifically the city of Chicago, there was once a
thriving Russian community that established itself here. As generations of Russians economically stratified through the North
Shore suburbs, the language and culture began to decline. My research will explore why this trend might have happened and
why families chose not to upkeep their ethnic culture and language.

Self-Empowerment in Immigrant Women

Cristina Rodriguez, Anthr opology, Sociology (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology

This research project draws on ethnographic methods to explore how immigrant women decide to seek legal assistance for
immigration matters. In particular, this study explores how immigrant Latinas navigate the US legal system as they apply for U-
Visas, which provide a pathway to lawful permanent US residency. This study consist of semi-structured interviews with 10
women who are recipients of legal assistance at a Chicago-area nonprofit organization. Interviews explore why women decide
to seek legal aid, how women perceive changes in themselves and their lives as a result of this legal process, and how women
perceive changes in the degree of self-empowerment they experience as recipients of legal benefits. More broadly, this research
contributes to existing scholarship on gendered dimensions of immigration processing and immigrant life in the United States.

Mapping Linguistic Categorizations of Beauty in Chicago Neighborhoods

Briana Wojcik, Inter national studies/Fr ench (2018)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

This project examines how different language groups situated in specific neighborhoods in Chicago use and categorize terms
related to beauty. By collecting and analyzing this information, it is possible to see how conceptions of beauty differ from
group to group dependent on factors such as language, ethnicity, place, age, and media exposure, therefore influencing the way
people in these areas talk about beauty.

33
 MUNDELEIN 204

Mechanistic Complexity in the Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Olefins

Mihir Desai, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by James J. Devery III, Chemistry

The hydroarylation of olefins is heavily used in the process of making various industrial products. The combination of a transi-
tion metal Lewis acid and chlorotrimethylsilane produced sufficient yield of para-substituted products. However, the reaction
mechanism and characteristics of the catalytically active species are unknown thus far. Using reaction progress kinetic analysis,
we have gained a better understanding of the changes the catalytically active species undergoes during the reaction. The combi-
nation of Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy (ReactIR) allowed us to
effectively monitor reaction progress and elucidate the important kinetic features of this transformation.

Studies on OTUD6B: A Human Protein with Implications in Cancer

Elana Baltrusaitis, Biochemistr y (2018), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Course: CHEM 300
Community Partner: Loyola Stritch School of Medicine
Mentored by Dali Liu; Miguel Ballicora, Chemistry and Biochemistry

OTUD6B is a deubiquitinase that has been found to be active in lung cancer cells. Ubiquitin is a protein tag that signals the
degradation and recirculation of target proteins. This signaling is a part of healthy cell function. Deubiquitinase takes off these
ubiquitin signals and allows for the net production cellular protein. This is seen as a potential problem in cancer cells, where
proteins that should be degraded are allowed to remain in a cell. If rapid growth proteins are continuously deubiquitinated, this
could create an environment suitable for cancer cells. We will investigate OTUD6B through enzymatic and structural studies.

Microbial Reduction of Iron in Clays

Milomir Suvira, Biochemistr y, Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Community Partner: Minteer Lab at the University of Utah
Mentored by Alanah Fitch, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Bacteria from the Shewanella and Geobacter families are widely known for their electroactive biofilms and capacity to perform
extracellular electron transfer. These bacteria have been harnessed for use in bio-remediation and fuel cell research. Herein, we
investigate iron reduction in NaU-2 clay by Shewanella putrefaciens via evanescent wave spectroscopy and various electro-
chemistry techniques. This methodology will then be used to analyze a newly-discovered electroactive bacteria, Rikenella mi-
crofusus, in order to determine if and under what mechanisms R. microfusus can reduce iron.

Pyridinium-Derived Carbenes in Catalytic Reductive Transformations

Hannah Vonesh, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 395
Mentored by James Devery III, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Hydrogen is the ideal stoichiometric reductant, possessing excellent mass- and atom-economy. Pfaltz explored the use of pyri-
dinium-derived carbenes, which, upon hydrogenation, form dihydropyridines. These structures, like Hantzsch ester, are capable
of serving as reducing agents for organic electrophiles, providing the possibility to couple hydrogen activation with a subse-
quent hydride transfer in a catalytic process. Pfaltz demonstrated the ability to reduce an imine under a high pressure hydrogen
atmosphere and extremely basic conditions, which leaves room for further development of catalytic systems of this type. A
fundamental understanding of the mechanistic behavior of pyridinium salts under these conditions will allow for the general
application of these small molecules as metal-free catalysts for a wide range of hydrogenations.

34
 MUNDELEIN 205

Retirement Saving Habits of the Millennial Generation

Aaron Carlson, Management, Human Resour ce Management (2017); Jack Ulrich
Course: BHNR 353
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

Today, millennial adults are faced with a barrage of financial responsibilities: retirement, life savings, student debt, credit cards,
car/home payments, insurance, and more. Determining where and in what proportions to save/invest income is a complex and
sometimes daunting process. Additionally, there are numerous other economic, societal, educational, and personal factors that
may affect saving decision. The purpose of our research is to gain a better insight into the saving habits of millennial adults.
The goal of the study is to better understand what some of the main factors are in influencing retirement saving habits and what
weight they each hold.

The Dream It Believe It Foundation: Solving Chronic Homelessness

Sarah Stefaniu, Finance, Mar keting (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

Modeled on the concept of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Dream It Believe It Foundation would work to grant dreams for
those experiencing chronic homelessness throughout the Chicagoland community. The proposed study utilizes a holistic, single-
case design that considers each unit of analysis a single phenomenon, revealing the impact of homelessness on the local com-
munity. Case study enables the audience to empathetically and vicariously live the experience of those who face homelessness.
In all, my mentor and I hope to build a public forum for educational, networking, and community engagement purposes focused
exclusively on improving the lives of Chicagos homeless population.

Engaging Loyola Athletics with On-Campus Students

Kelsey Helstrom, Entr epr eneur ship, Mar keting (2018); Kelsey McClear
Course: MARK 311
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

The goal of our research is to analyze the current student engagement as it relates to attendance at Loyola Athletic events. We
plan to investigate what communication channels are most effective for on-campus students, reveal the best market to target
with game information, investigate which sports teams hold the highest potential for high attendance, investigate student satis-
faction at games, and to determine the current perceptions of Loyola Athletics.

Trust in Change: A Study of Gift Giving and Wealth Preservation

Dmitriy Kalin, Accounting/Infor mation Systems (2017)
Course: BHNR 353
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

My interest in wealth preservation vehicles began with my internship in tax consulting during Spring 2016. Working with pri-
vate wealth, I developed an introductory base of insights into trusts and similar funds that specialize in management of capital.
What became immediately attractive to me is the expansive nature of trusts and the various tools and methodologies they bring
to families interested in preserving their wealth and passing it on to the next generation.
Noticing the results and implications of these vehicles for the families involved, I began to seek strategies that could bring
measurable benefit to families of lower income that perhaps do not have access to the same resources and breadth of knowledge
as some of my clients. Thus, the purpose of this study is to reveal practices and patterns within formal gift giving techniques
that may help families of lower income preserve their wealth and effectively pass it on.

35
 MUNDELEIN 303

The Effect of Voter Identification Laws on Voter Turnout and Democratic Party Victories
Scarlett Winters, Political Science (2017)
Mentored by Amanda Bryan, Political Science

States across the country have moved from less restrictive voter identification laws to more restrictive. These laws require citi-
zens to present multiple documents and/or a photographic identification to vote rather than little to no documents or identifica-
tion. Research shows that voter turnout rates are consistently low. Research also shows that restrictive laws tend to disenfran-
chise low-income voters who tend to vote for Democrats. This study investigates the correlation between restrictive voter iden-
tification laws, voter turnout, and Democratic electoral success by analyzing factors such as turnout data and election victories
from 2000 to 2014, statewide demographics, and election race contentiousness.

A Comparative Analysis of Egypt's 2012 and 2014 Constitutions

Janan Badier, English/ histor y (2018), Rudis Fellowship;
Course: PLSC 396
Community Partner:
Mentored by Bryan Endless, Political Science

This project compares the constitutions of Morsi and Sisi and analyzes them while taking into account the revolution in 2011.
This project also studies the sources of power, as delegated by both constitutions, and the implementation of the law. The hu-
man rights record of Morsi and Sisi, as well as public opinion and responses to different laws, will also be analyzed. Ultimately,
the focus of this project is to study how far Egypt has come since Mubarak was president, and if either constitution has a favor-
able stance on human rights.

Presence vs. Power: Office Prestige amongst Women and Women of Color Mayors
Alice Thompson, Political Science, Inter national Studies, Spanish (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Twyla Blackmond-Larnell, Political Science

Women comprise 51% of the American population and women of color account for 13% of the total populace, and yet in 2011
only 18% of American cities with populations larger than 45,000 had women as mayors. Furthermore, women of color account-
ed for just 3% of these leadership positions. Previous research has shown that women mayors generally hold weaker administra-
tive mayoral powers than their male counterparts. The underrepresentation of women in mayors offices in conjunction with a
diminished level of office prestige demonstrates a serious gender gap at the municipal level. This study expands upon previous
research by examining the experiences of women of color mayors as it relates to office prestige. Specifically, it asks whether
women, and specifically women of color, mayors are more likely to hold less prestigious offices by examining government
structure, selection method, operational budget and mayoral salary. This project advances understandings of the intersections of
gender and race in municipal office.

Animal Imagery in Alcman's Partheneion 1"

Kathleen Narayan, Classics (2017)
Course: CLST 380
Mentored by Brian Lavelle, Classics

Many cruces of Alcman's famous "Partheneion 1" hinge upon interpretation of the animal imagery therein. Greek animal sym-
bology and fragments from Alcman and other ancient authors assist in the analysis of the horse imagery in lines 45-59, the Plei-
ades and Sirius in lines 60-63, the owl in line 87, the swan in lines 100-101, and even the dragon jewelry in line 66. An under-
standing of Alcman's use of animals, both metaphorical and concrete, places the disputed aspects of the poem in their context
and allows clearer readings of the most debated portions of "Partheneion 1".

36
 MUNDELEIN 304

Diving Head-First into Social Services: Working for CWAP

Beatriz Reiner, Psychology (2018)
Course: PSYC 390
Community Partner: Chicago Women's AIDS Project
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology

Working for small non-for-profit organizations means diving head-first into the social work community and getting your hands
dirty first week. My internship with CWAP was far from just clerical work. Throughout this amazing experience, I learned a lot
about NGOs and noticed aspects with room for improvement. This presentation aims to report what I learned, give advice on
working for non-for-profits, and suggest a few solutions to the issues these companies face.

Classroom-Based Discussion in Middle School and Bilinguals Language and Literacy Development
Ha Tran, Psychology (2017)
Mentored by Perla B. Gamez, Psychology

Literacy levels during childhood are a key determinant of various aspects of success later in life. Children who grow up speak-
ing only English (EO) have consistently scored better on standardized exams compared to their bilingual counterparts. This
project looked into what key factors of teacher talk are related to students reading comprehension over the course of the sixth
grade school year. Specifically, we code teacher talk in middle school classrooms for the different types of discussion methods
during literacy instruction. 15 sixth grade classrooms (n = 210, mean age = 11.7) and their teachers (n = 15, mean age = 37.42)
participated in this study.

An Internship at the Chicago Police Department's 25th District Station

Julio Pensamiento Jr, Cr iminal J ustice & Cr iminology (2018)
Course: CJC 390
Community Partner: Chicago Police Department

In light of recent events portrayed in the media surrounding the concern of growing hostility between communities and the po-
lice officers assigned to protect and serve them, this presentation explores my personal observations, experiences, and responsi-
bilities as an intern for the Chicago Police Department's 25th District. I will highlight some of my duties as an intern as well as
discuss some of the topics of concerns I have developed over the course of my academic career as a Criminal Justice student
and how some of the officers and personnel approach these issues presented by the media, specifically recent social demonstra-
tions/movements, criticisms of police tactics, and how the 25th District is responding to address these concerns.

The Relations of Place and the Person

Dhionis Tartari, Psychology (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

The places we interact with, work with, and live with can influence not only how we behave but can drastically shape the nu-
ances of our worldview. The environments and realities that we are placed in force us to reflect and interpret the issue not only
of who we are but of who we are as a relation to the space we occupy. Consequently, our attitudes and behaviors will reflect
upon the findings of that reflection and interpretation. The underlying origin, therefore, of the discussion of our attitudes and
behaviors comes from the relations of person and the place he/she occupies.

MUNDELEIN 307

Hominid See Hominid Do: The Religion of Science and the Science of Religion
Amanda Sorensen, Anthr opology, Fr ench (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: ANTH 399, ANTH 398
Community Partner: The Field Museum
Mentored by Catherine Nichols; Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology

37
The American adult population lags behind other developed nations in evolution acceptance rates. This project examines what
factors affect inclination to accept evolutionary theory. Drawing on ethnographic data collected with the general visitor popula-
tion viewing the human evolution section of Evolving Planet at the Field Museum, this study explores the various hindrances to
evolution acceptance including religious community membership, and misunderstandings surrounding the nature of science.
Results show that visitor perceptions of exhibit accuracy are influenced by their degree of agreement with the material present-
ed. This research contributes to anthropological perspectives on science education, religious communities, and community ex-
hibit interaction.

Cross-Cultural Childbirth: Prioritizing the Experiences of Migrant Women in Competent Global Health and Maternity Care
Emma Hall, Anthr opology (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Dana Garbarski, Sociology

In the context of the feminization of increasing global migration, it is impossible to understand maternal and child health in a
given country without considering the experience of female migrants. As the total migrant population increases in the European
Union, migration and its effects on health care provision in receiving countries and the experiences of immigrant populations
must be recognized. Past research exposes an increased risk of complications and maternal mortality in migrant populations, but
little information exists on the tangible programs that could respond to disparity. According to the World Health Organization,
maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

A Study on First-Generation, Students of Color Response to Social and Academic Services

Arissa Koines, Sociology and Social Change & Advocacy (2017)
Course: SOCL 365
Community Partner: McNair Scholars Program
Mentored by Judson Everitt; Marilyn Krogh, Sociology

The key concepts of my research question analyze student response to social and academic services provided by a university.
This was a qualitative research study, conducted through in-depth interviews of this population. This area of research would be
interesting to faculty and staff at institutions of higher education with information regarding methods to help this marginalized
population. By examining social and academic support available for these students, perhaps methods, tools, and programs can
be adopted by universities in order to increase the matriculation and retention of African American and Latino, first-generation
college students. Further, sociologists may be interested in this topic of study because first-generation, students of color stu-
dents face a matrix of oppressions racially and class which effect their retention and graduation rates in higher education.

Refugee Rhetoric: Refugee Identity and Engagement in Nonprofit Advancement

Kathryn Habecker, Inter national Studies, Fr ench (2017)
Course: INTS370
Community Partner: Pan-African Association

Amidst government funding cuts and growing negative rhetoric towards domestic and international refugee relief programs,
nonprofits serving refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers must find innovative ways to communicate the influential mission
and value of their work. Drawing upon my work at Pan-African Association in Rogers Park and further research in my course-
work, I examine how the refugee identity manifests in nonprofit advancement.

MUNDELEIN 403

Investigating the Novel Redox Active Thioredoxin-like Protein (PbTrxL-1) of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium.
Nooreen Khan, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Stefan Kanzok, Biology

Redox systems are an important component of the cellular metabolism. We have characterized a novel thioredoxin-like protein
(TrxL-1) of the malaria parasite Plasmodium and have previously determined that the trxl-1 gene is specifically expressed dur-
ing development of Plasmodium berghei in the mosquito vector. We hypothesize that TrxL-1 plays an important role in regula-
tion of the ookinete which ultimately helps in escaping the harsh environment of its mosquito vector. Here I describe the opti-
mization of recombinant TrxL-1 expression and subsequent purification under denaturing conditions. Using biochemical assays

38
I demonstrate that TrxL-1 is redox active with the Plasmodium thioredoxin system. Recent reports have shown that in Toxo-
plasma gondii, a related species, the homologous TrxL-1 interacts with SPM-1 which plays an important role in the regulation
of microtubules. The Plasmodium homolog of SPM-1 is currently under investigation in our lab as well.

The Health and Wellness Initiative: Aiding Those Underfunded and Overlooked
Kyle Hughes, Biology (2017)
Course: ELPS 265
Community Partner: Kilmer Elementary School
Mentored by Liz Sink, Julia Allison, Nursing, Education

The Health and Wellness Initiative, started by Loyola's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, is dedicated to aiding local schools
in implementing and supporting Chicago Public Schools' unfunded LearnWell policies. As an intern in the HWI, I coordinated
and led teams dedicated to ensuring the health of Kilmer Elementary students through advocacy and adaptability. Whether it be
researching grants, leading fundraisers, or aiding Kilmer's health teachers in whatever way possible, public health and urban
education policy were at the forefront of this struggle for justice for those overlooked and underfunded.

Atomic and Molecular Oxygen Adsorption on Pt(553) and Rh(111) Surfaces

Eleanor Oskorep, Chemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Rachel Farber, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Subsurface oxygen forms in transition metals and is thought to aid their ability to catalyze chemical reactions. It is difficult to
predict the stability and ease of formation of subsurface oxygen in metals along with its effects on metal properties. A stepped
Pt(553) surface was compared to a planar Rh(111) surface to determine if defects from steps affected the formation of subsur-
face oxygen. Experimentally, only surface-bound oxygen formed on Pt(553) while surface oxygen readily absorbed into the
subsurface of Rh(111). These results suggest the formation of stable subsurface oxygen is primarily due to the metal's ability to
absorb oxygen.

Investigating the Cellular Killing Mechanism of a Novel PDT Agent

Husna Khaleeluddin, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by: Stefan Kanzok, Biology

In collaboration with the Loyola University biochemistry department, I will be investigating the mechanisms by which cell
mediates death through a folate-directed PDT compound designed by Rojenia Jones, PhD from Loyola University. So far, the
results of my research have proved that this folate-directed PDT agent produces ROS leading to cell death upon light exposure.
With time interval trials, I was able show that this cell death process is occurring within a matter of seconds. In the near future, I
will be looking for whether the PDT treated tumorous cells are experiencing apoptosis or necrosis and what cell death mediators
are present.

MUNDELEIN 404

The Delegitimizing of the Last York King

Gabrielle Kramer, Histor y (2017)
Course: HIST 390
Mentored by Fr. John McManamon, History

Under the supervision of Fr. John McManamon S.J., I have been studying and researching the negative images created of Rich-
ard III in Medieval and Renaissance histories, literature, and paintings. Using the information ascertained from the University
of Leicester's recent research after finding Richard III's body under a parking lot in 2012, I have endeavored to discover the
truth of the image of the cruel, tyrannical, and hunchbacked king who supposedly murdered his way to the throne of England in
1483.

39
The Camden 28's T
" wo Words A Digital History Project
Michael Malucha, Philosophy (2017), J oan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Her itage (CCIH) Resear ch
Fellowship
Course: HIST 388A
Mentored by Michelle Nickerson, History; Michael Murphy, Hank Center/Catholic Studies

As an Undergraduate Research Fellow at the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, I have had the opportunity to
complete a digital history project for Dr. Michelle Nickerson as she researches the Camden 28, a Catholic Left protest group
during the Vietnam War. In this presentation, I will demonstrate that the Camden 28 discloses an extraordinary moment in the
life of the American Catholic Church. This moment reveals the tension between Church leaders and lay Catholics following the
Second Vatican Council, as both sought to engage a rapidly changing society, especially at the time of the Vietnam War.

Destruction and the Divine: Questions of God, Theodicy, and Providence in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Angelo Jesus Canta, Theology (2017), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Wendy Crosby, Theology

My paper explores theological responses to the disaster of Hurricane Katrina using Michael Eric Dyson's categories of theodicy:
Punitive Theodicy, Attributive Theodicy, and Redistributive Theodicy. From evangelical pastors claiming God sent Katrina to
punish New Orleans for gay pride, to the Catholic archbishop calling for people to look for God in the suffering and healing, to
other voices sitting in the confusion of God's role in destruction, each view presents strengths and weaknesses. The overall con-
clusion is that theologians need to remain close to survivors of trauma to allow room for serious discussions of the question:
How does God guide the world to a good ends?

A Framework for Intentional Political Work Relations: Practicing Conscious Interning from Ignatius Examination of Con-
science
Derek Schlax, Theology, Political Science (2018)
Course: EXPL 390
Mentored by Danielle Forchette

Through Loyola's Experiential Learning seminar course, the appeal and development for both reflection and intentional intern-
ing during my semester as a legal assistant at Mandel Lipton Roseborough and Sharma Ltd., altogether aided my development
for a framework of conscious political behavior in the workplace -- with specific regard for (and use of) Ignatius' Examination
of Conscience. Namely, Ignatius meditative practice(s), specifically that of detachment, in conjunction with the courses teach-
ings - as showcased in the prepared ePortfolio - have prompted the necessary insights for the prescriptive framework of being
conscious of ones truest self (i.e., ones conscience). A deep understanding oneself, and employing practices to empower one-
self, can prompt a new sensibility towards opportunities, and the utilization of such, through previously unconsidered political
circumstances throughout daily workplace relations, university, and/or non-work related affairs.

MUNDELEIN 406

Loyola Dance Theatre Presents Practice-Led Research

Sofia Mazich, Dance and Statistics (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship; Isabelle Taylor; Katarina Ivanovic; Phoebe Coakley;
Skyler Summerson; Gina Wrolstad; Jordan Kunkel; Yariana Baralt Torres; Maria Blanco; Sarah Fluegel; Becky
Muellauer; Abigail Newlon; Nicole Golonka
Course: DANC 398
Community Partner: Mandala Dance Company; American College Dance Association
Mentored by Amy Wilkinson, Dance

The Loyola Dance Theatre will be presenting works from two research trips this academic year. The dancers worked in resi-
dence with the Mandala Dance Company in Rome, Italy this past summer and attended the American College Dance Associa-
tion conference in Wichita, KS, using dance as a primary research methodology. With both faculty choreographed and fully
realized student works, themes of social injustice in our criminal system and personal experiences of loss were explored in our
practice-led research.

40
Should You Vote? Mathematical Analyses of Voting and Abstention
Colin Williams, Mathematics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Peter Tingley, Mathematics

Rising interdisciplinary interest toward voting theory provides valuable and often surprising results about the nature of electoral
systems. Pure game theory indicates abstention is typically, but not universally a poor option when considering going to the
polls. However, this project employs new tools to more accurately represent elections. A voter information model was devel-
oped to determine the conditions required for abstention to be optimal.

Parallel and Distributed Simulation Methods for Granular Fluid Dynamics

Justin Stuck, Mathematics, Theor etical Physics, Applied Mathematics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: PHYS 391
Mentored by Jon Bougie, Physics
When sufficiently shaken, granular media such as sand form patterns similar to Faraday waves in water. In order to understand
the governing dynamics of this phenomenon, we simulate this system using computational methods in fluid dynamics. Howev-
er, these methods are both computationally and memory intensive, leading to long run times. We present methods to distribute
and run a finite-difference granular fluid dynamics simulation in parallel using OpenMP and MPI in order to reduce run times
and scale the simulation.

Grassroots Market
Conor Smith, Economics and Mar keting (2017), Social Innovation and Social Entr epr eneur ship Fellowship
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

I will develop Grassroots Market to provide the public with an opportunity to purchase locally- grown, organic foods, as well as
build a community of farmers and chefs who are eager to pass along their traditions of cooking and eating. I plan to test the
viability of this business, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the needs of consumers in the organic foods market. The
proposed study aims to design a mixed methods approach for Grassroots Market to determine opportunities to address the fol-
lowing three needs: (1) providing communities with access to food that can improve their health, (2) providing communities
with education on how to responsibly prepare and consume food, (3) providing communities with opportunities to engage in
environmentally sustainable practices.

MUNDELEIN 407

Wildwood Elementary Sustainability Workshop: Engaging 8th Grade Students in Inquiry Based Environmental Learning
Micah Zaker, Middle Gr ades Science Education (2018); Micah Zaker; Shifa Ahmed; Rachel Phillips; Gianna Savino-
Scala; Becky Kreidler
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Wildwood Elementary School; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institue for Environmental Sustainability

There is a growing need to expose youth to the realities of environmental sustainability, specifically regarding the instability of
water, energy, and food systems. Through our work at Wildwood Elementary School, our team developed and implemented a
problem based engineering workshop exploring water quality and solutions to water pollution. This presentation will share our
reflections on the process of developing this workshop and will share some of the students experiences and results.

Stressors and Health Utilization among New Filipino Immigrants in the Chicago Area
Darwin Baluran, Health Systems Management (2017)
Course: SOCL 397
Mentored by Helena Dagadu, Sociology

This study explores potential stressors that affect the health services utilization of Filipinos living in the Chicago area. To ad-
dress this aim, the study collected qualitative data through one-on-one interviews with Filipino immigrants. Findings from the
interviews suggest that financial obligations to family members are a major source of stress among newly arrived immigrants in
and around Chicago. The findings also highlight Filipino immigrants prioritizing fulfilling financial obligations over their own

41
health and well-being. The study expands current understanding of barriers to healthcare access and health utilization among
Filipino immigrants in the United States.

Social Justice in Action: My year as a Misericordia Intern

Laura Prieto, Exer cise Science (2017)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Misericordia Heart of Mercy

"Social Justice in Action: My year as a Misericordia Intern" will describe my experience as an intern at Misericordia in both the
Fitness Department and Recreation and Leisure Department working with adults who have either an intellectual or developmen-
tal disability. I will discuss the work I did and how it relates to social justice. In addition, I will discuss what I have learned
throughout this experience and how it relates to my work as an ally and active community member.

Analysis of Chicago Restaurants' Health Inspections

Julia Schweizer, Accounting (2018); Nikole Maculan
Course: BHNR 343 H
Mentored by Carolyn Kmet, Information Systems

The question we are trying to solve is as follows: How does the location of a restaurant influence its health inspection grade,
specifically analyzing the city of Chicago? To answer this, we plan on looking at data that illustrates whether surrounding foot
traffic impacts the restaurants cleanliness or whether the demographics of employees or customers affect the buildings up-
keep.

42
 RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 2
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Poster 1

Living with Antiretroviral Therapy: The Lived Experiences of HIV-Positive Clients in Iganga District, Uganda
Thy Vuong, Nur sing (2017)
Community Partner: Institute of Public Health, Washington University
Mentored by Dr. Shanti Parikh, Sociocultural Anthropology and African and African-American Studies

While increased availability of ART has extended lives in Uganda, this study reveals the challenges many clients face to initiate
and remain in care. Side effects, stigma and lack of involvement in psychosocial support groups appear to be the common barri-
ers to care. Future studies should be extended to the HIV-positive individuals who are not yet enrolled or drop out of care to
better understand the disengagement between individuals and the ART care system.

Poster 2

Reluctance to Obtain Health Insurance and Patient Trust

Dylan Zernich, Finance, Mar keting, Economics (2018); Sezim Zamirbekova, Business Infor mation Systems (2018)
Course: BHNR 353
Mentored by Stacy Neier Beran, Business

Patient trust in healthcare providers (insurance companies, physicians, etc) is one of the most understudied, and yet important
topics in healthcare. Patients trust level affects patient-physician communication, adherence to medical treatment, efficiency
and speed of medical processes, and overall satisfaction. Historically, patients had a higher level of trust in physicians. Physi-
cians were in complete control of decision-making. However, as healthcare industry evolved, most of decision-making shifted
to patients and insurers. We want to assess patient trust in healthcare providers by patient insurance type and demographics and
attempt to determine the underlying reasons for patient distrust.

Poster 3

Expression Pattern of col2a1b in Zebrafish

Mollie Shutter, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Lili Klainer
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Rodney Dale, Biology

Our project focuses on the complete expression pattern of col2a1b and the genomic regulatory elements of col2a1b in zebrafish.
The col2a1b genomic regulatory elements are important because they stimulate the expression of developing cartilage structures
in the perichondrium. Our laboratory has specifically utilized Genomic Walking, in order to sequence and reorganize pub-
lished contigs. Further, we will use an antisense RNA probe to perform in situ hybridization, allowing for the detection of
col2a1b expression throughout the first 5 days of development. Thus, discovering the expression pattern of col2a1b in the peri-
chondrium is the primary goal of this research.

Poster 4

Predicting Gene Regulation in Diverse Global Populations

Alexa Badalamenti, Bioinfor matics (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOI 399, BIOL 296
Mentored by Heather Wheeler, Bioinformatics

Utilizing genetic expression data, we have built and tested predictors of gene expression within and between diverse global
populations. By studying the process of gene regulation, we can observe its affects on complex genetic traits, including disease
status and drug susceptibility. Using elastic net regularization, alongside the computational program PrediXcan, statistical mod-
els are produced and applied to existing genotype datasets, predicting gene expression levels based on variant genotypes. We
aim to see how these predictors vary between these diverse populations, and determine if differences in the expression of the
same genes associate with a particular complex trait between these populations.

43
Poster 5

The Effect of Sleep and Mindfulness Strategies on Self-Regulation Among Preschool Students
Zil Gharia, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 399
Community Partner: Mary Crane Center; Albany Park Community Center
Mentored by Christine Li-Grinning, Psychology

Preschoolers self-regulation ability is predictive of future academic and social success. We hypothesized that the amount and
efficiency of sleep would impact childrens self-regulation. In order to test this relation, we assessed pre-school students sleep
through a sleep monitoring watch while teachers reported on student behavior with a social skills questionnaire. Results indicat-
ed a positive correlation between sleep and childrens behavior, indicating that the quality and quantity of sleep students re-
ceived positively correlated with their behavior within the classroom.

Poster 6

Links from Meditation and Self-Regulation to Academic Achievement and Behavior

Reed Ronan, Psychology, Communication Studies (2017); Elizabeth Bose
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Christine Li-Grinning, Psychology

As early as 24 months children from low-income families have been found to show delays in development compared to their
peers in higher income households. Recent research demonstrates that mindfulness practices have been linked to reduced in-
stances of aggression and academic achievement among children (Campbell et al., 2006). This information prompts investiga-
tion into the impact of such practices as a combatant to developmental delays in children as well as an analysis into the charac-
teristics of children and families that can serve as sources of risk and resilience.

Poster 7

Grocery Store Presence and Type 2 Diabetes Rates in Chicago Neighborhoods

Aaron Carlson, Management and Human Resour ce Management (2017); Cassie Cumberland; Teresa Davies; Lukas
Gilius
Course: BHNR 343
Mentored by Carolyn Kmet, Information Systems

Our project seeks to investigate what relationship, if any, exists between the quantity/type of grocery stores and the accompany-
ing rates of Type 2 Diabetes in each of Chicagos neighborhoods. Utilizing demographic, health, and food supply data provided
by the City of Chicago, we studied each neighborhood to learn what local and broad relationships might be present. We hope to
provide insight into food supply imbalance and health incidence risk due to this imbalance.

Poster 8

Testing the Evidence for the Zoroteleostei: An Analysis of the Preopercular Shelf in Teleost Fishes
Levi Marshall, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396, BIOL 296
Community Partner: The Field Museum of Natural History
Mentored by Dr. Terry Grande; Dr. Mark Wilson, Biology

We have been investigating the morphological support for Zoroteleostei for over a year. Zoroteleostei is a proposed classifica-
tion of teleost fishes. Zoroteleostei are characterized by a preopercular bone in which the preopercular-mandibular branch of the
cephalic sensory canal is protected by a bony shelf. Preceding the Zoroteleostei group, the preopercular-mandibular branch of
the cephalic sensory canal was completely enclosed in a bony tube. Establishing clear evidence for Zoroteleostei's legitimacy
will certainly help resolve an otherwise controversial region of the phylogenetic tree of fishes.

44
Poster 9

KScope: A Fast Machine Learning Composition-Based Genomic Read Classification Tool

Laurynas Kalesinskas, Bioinfor matics, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Bioinformatics

With the onset of contemporary sequencing technologies, we are able to generate massive amounts of sequencing reads in a
very short period. However, assigning classifications to these reads remains computationally expensive. While alignment-based
classifiers, such as those founded on BLAST searches, are the most sensitive and precise, they require substantial CPU time and
necessitate that the organism(s) under investigation are represented within existing databases. Herein, we introduce KScope, a
machine learning k-mer-composition-based read classification tool. KScope is capable of classifying reads based upon underly-
ing k-mer composition, using a modified, hash-based, k-nearest neighbor algorithm and databases to reduce the computational
expense.

Poster 10

Development of a Retinoic Acid Biosynthesis Gene Expression and Disease Model in Zebrafish
Ryan Khalil, Biophysics (2017); Meagan Brockman; Saqib Motlani
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology

Raldh2 has been implicated as a tumor suppressor gene and a target gene in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, thus understanding the
function of this genes promoter may allow us to change its regulation to both suppress dysmorphology and regulate activity
during oncogenesis.

Poster 11

Aquatic Plant & Shoreline Terrestrial Plant Structure Along Powers Creek with Floristic Quality Index
Samantha Panock, Envir onmental Science and Envir onmental Policy (2018)
Course: ENVS 391
Mentored by Father Stephen Mitten, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Aquatic plant species and shoreline terrestrial plant species along the spring-fed Powers Creek at Loyola University Retreat and
Ecology Campus (LUREC) were collected, identified, and analyzed to determine plant diversity using a percent coverage meth-
od. The purpose of this project was to conduct a baseline assessment of the plant species that inhabited the portion of Powers
Creek that runs along to border of the LUREC property. This data contributes to the continuing biodiversity assessment of the
entire property and is used to monitor ecosystem change.

Poster 12

Mother of All Nations: Contemporary Transnational Devotion to the Blessed Virgin in Italy and China
Angelo Jesus Canta, Theology (2017), Ricci Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: UNIV 340
Mentored by Anthony Cardoza, History; Mark McIntosh, Theology; Michael Agliardo SJ, Sociology; Anne Winegenter, Histo-
ry; Ian Johnson, The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies

This study, completed as a part of the Ricci Scholars Program, looks at the contemporary devotional practices centered around
the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Catholics in Italy and China. Through interviews, participant observation, and aca-
demic research, my paper provides a look at how Catholics in both countries imagine and related to Mary. The findings suggest
that there is more in common between each country's practices despite huge cultural and political differences. The data also
suggests that Mary continues to function as an integral part of the faith experience of Catholics in the 21st century.

Poster 13

The Effect of Intracellular Amyloid Beta on Aplysia californica

Kyle Wagner, Biology and Neur oscience (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Stephanie Kaszuba
Course: EXPL 391, BIOL 296, BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Hui Ye, Biology

45
Growing evidence has shown that there are intracellular aggregations of Amyloid beta within Alzheimer's disease patients be-
fore they suffer symptoms associated with late-stage Alzheimer's (massive neuronal death and gradual loss of cognitive func-
tions). Our study seeks to characterize electrophysiological changes within Aplysia californica as individual neurons respond to
intracellular Amyloid beta. We believe our findings will help elucidate what functional deficits are in early stages of Alzhei-
mers disease, and this may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Poster 14

Cultural Competence in Pre-Medical Undergraduate Students

Reeti Goyal, Sociology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: SOCL 397
Mentored by Dana Garbarski, Sociology

As our society grows more diverse, the need for culturally competent medical professionals is becoming more vital. Cultural
competence training, though present in medical school, is not present at the undergraduate level, and it is typically undervalued
by pre-medical students. The purpose of this study is to measure whether undergraduate pre-medical students at a mid-sized
private university in the Midwest are culturally competent and if there is a need for a cultural competence training at the under-
graduate level. We will also seek to identify the students sources of cultural competence.

Poster 15

PEP Ponderings: Exploring Leadership, Social Justice, and Engagement in Adults with Disabilities
Grace Christian, Psychology and Social Wor k (2018)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Misericordia
Mentored by Ally Drake, Misericordia

This presentation explores my position in the Personal Effectiveness Program, or PEP, at Misericordia. The internship required
working with adults with developmental disabilities, the staff that supported them, and balancing various duties and roles. I will
also discuss leadership development and applications of social justice within the internship.

Poster 16

The characterization of an Inducible Gene in the Malaria Parasite

Cecile Swift, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Stefan Kanzok, Biology

It is the Kanzok Labs goal to understand how the malaria parasite survives its passage from its human host to the mosquito
vector. This comes with understanding the parasites survival methods and molecular defense system so that we can design
potential inhibitors that will leave the parasite defenseless. I aim to understand the molecular mechanism by which the parasite
senses and regulates its defenses. One of its defense genes is 1-cysprx. We hypothesize that an antioxidant response element
(ARE) in the promoter region of 1-cysprx is required to activate the antioxidant response of the parasite. My objective is to
characterize the promoter of the malaria gene 1-cysprx and to locate and identify the ARE.

Poster 17

Growing Through My Internship Experience

Ella Dahlin, Human Ser vices (2017)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Catholic Charities Madonna House
Mentored by Sharita Sloan; Soraida Flores, Catholic Charities

As a social justice intern with the center for experiential learning, I worked at Catholic Charities' Madonna House, which is a
long term homeless shelter for women and their children. I worked closely with the children and created my own youth empow-
erment program called GROW (girls realizing their worth). It was an impactful experience that allowed me to work with an
amazing population.

46
Poster 18

PrediXcan Association between Breast and Lung Cancer

Danny Baghdan, Bioinfor matics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Dr. Heather Wheeler, Biology

Genome-wide analyses of the past few years have revealed that a substantial portion of the genetic control of complex traits is
exerted through the regulation of gene expression. Much of the genetic variation associated with complex traits falls outside the
protein coding regions of genes. Mechanistic understanding of how this variation contributes to phenotype is lacking, but gene
regulation is thought to play a major role. Our Mulcahy funded project is applying our PrediXcan method to better understand-
ing the genetics of lung cancer and breast cancer susceptibility.

Poster 19

Savoring Past and Present Positive Events Boosts Positive Affect for Individuals with Pain Symptoms
Faye Domokos, Biology & Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 397
Community Partner: Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem
Mentored by Rebecca Silton, Psychology

Savoring is the ability to upregulate the experience of positive events and emotion. Savoring mediated the relationship between
pain intensity and positive affect. For individuals who frequently experience pain, this is a step toward identifying psychologi-
cal mechanisms that facilitate well-being and positive emotional outcomes.

Poster 20

Language Minority Students Vocabulary Development and their Exposure to their Peers High Quality Vocabulary
Melissa Vazquez, Health Systems Management (2017)
Mentored by Dr. Perla B. Gmez, Developmental Psychology

The objective of the proposed study was to examine the influence of their peers use of high quality vocabulary on the vocabu-
lary development of Latino language minority sixth grade students whose primary home language is not Spanish. The language
minority students vocabulary skills were assessed through a vocabulary subtest administered at two different points of the
school year and peer talk was evaluated based on vocabulary diversity using classroom transcripts. The language minority stu-
dents vocabulary development was positively associated with the quality of peer talk. The results suggest that if there is vocab-
ulary diversity in peer talk, language minority students vocabulary is expected to grow, thus increasing their chance for aca-
demic success.

Poster 21

The Impact of Microloans on Women in Chicago

Taylor Dazzo, Mar keting (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Stacy Neier, Marketing

The purpose of this study, which utilizes a case study design, is to examine the extent to which microloans impact women of
Chicago socially and economically. The extent of where microloans can take women is unknown. It allows them to be their
own bosses, but it can also provide economic empowerment and success, whether that is within their own business or personal
life, or both. Research on the economic empowerment of women from a microenterprise standpoint is necessary in order to
further the opportunities this credit can give to individuals in all places of the world.

Poster 22

Constructing Vector to Overexpress Pyruvic Oxime Dioxygenase from Cupriavidus pauculus

Meghan Davis, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Domenic Castignetti, Biology

47
The enzyme pyruvic oxime dioxygenase (POD) from the bacterium Cupriavidus pauculus converts pyruvic oxime (PO) to ni-
trite and pyruvic acid. Given the low natural abundance of PO, it is likely this POD can process other substrates. In order to
isolate the enzyme for substrate testing, molecular cloning procedures were undertaken. The POD gene from Cupriavidus
pauculus was identified by searching a C. pauculus shotgun assembly with the POD gene from a closely-related organism. The
POD gene was amplified out of the genome and inserted into an E. coli expression vector. The construct was verified by se-
quencing.

Poster 23

Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Cholesterol Traits in Diverse Populations

Angela Andaleon, Molecular Biology (2019)
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Heather Wheeler, Biology, Computer Science

By analyzing data from diverse populations, our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of health-related traits can benefit a
larger number of people in precision medicine. We propose to study the genetics of cholesterol traits in these cohorts. In addi-
tion to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we will perform PrediXcan, which
tests predicted gene expression levels in complex trait association. We hypothesize PrediXcan will increase power over GWAS
to identify genes and mechanisms underlying cholesterol traits. We will also quantify the correlation of SNPs and gene effect
sizes between populations, and compare our results to larger European studies.

Poster 24

Sequencing the Heterochromatic Regions of HC21p

Tooba Ghous, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Doering, Biology

My project aims to create a sequence map for the short arm of human chromosome 21. I am sequencing noncoding, heterochro-
matic regions that were not included in the Human Genome Project, but may play significant epigenetic roles. I am currently
using Clonetech's Genome Walker Kit to sequence the Lynch Pin Region, which lies between two known sequences.

Poster 25

The Effect of Parental Support and Involvement on Sense of Belonging in School in African American Male Adolescents
Catherine Montgomery, Psychology, Sociology (2017)
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Dr. Noni Gaylord-Harden, Psychology

The current study examines the effect of family structure as a moderator of the relationship between parental support and in-
volvement and sense of belonging in school in African American male adolescents. Participants completed measures assessing
school belongingness, parental support and involvement, and demographics. Consistent with predictions, perceived parental
support and involvement and perceived school belongingness were positively correlated. Inconsistent with predictions, family
structure did not moderate the associations between parenting and school belongingness. Findings from this study could lead to
an enhancement or creation of resources to support students and families and produce a greater sense of belonging in school.

Poster 26

Jesuit Values in Action Serving Loyola Community Adults for 25 Years: The Loyola Community Literacy Center
Lucrezia Gaion, English, Classical Civilization, Histor y (2017); Huda Hejaz, Psychology, Spanish Language, Liter atur e
(2017)
Course: ENGL 393
Mentored by Jacqueline Heckman, English

The Loyola Community Literacy Center offers free tutoring in a supportive, welcoming environment for those adults in the
Rogers Park community who are interested in learning English, in developing their English or literacy skills, or in working for
their GED. Many of our learners are recent immigrants or refugees, but we also have native speakers who come to us for assis-
tance. Loyola students serve as managers, staff, and tutors at the Center. Tutors can earn credit hours in English 393 or Honors
290 for their service. In its 25th year, the Literacy Center is a service outreach project of the Department of English and the
College of Arts and Sciences and also supported by The Paul Glassco Endowment. The Center is located in the 2nd floor con-

48
ference room of Loyola Hall, 1110 W. Loyola Avenue, and is open for tutoring Monday -Thursday evenings from 7-9:30 pm
during the fall and spring semesters.

Poster 27

Integrating Restorative Justice Practices in the Context of a Cross-Age Peer Mentoring Program
Martina Sullivan-Konyn, Psychology (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship; Nikeya Huddleston
Course: PSYC 370H
Community Partner: Community Justice for Youth Institute
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology; Cara DiClemente, Psychology

This study investigates the implementation of Restorative Justice (RJ) practices in a cross-age peer mentoring program called
Saving Lives, Inspiring Youth. The youth, enrolled in this program, live in four low-income neighborhoods in Chicago with
high rates of exposure to violence. This project introduced the youth to a 5-week RJ curriculum and community building peace
circles with the aim of increasing the strength of mentor/mentee relationship and improving problem solving skills.

Poster 28

Effects of Counternarcotic Policy in Colombian

Maria Wherry, Inter national studies (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Brian Ohsowski, Environmental Science

Stuck in between the conflict between drug traffickers and the government, Colombian civilians seem to be paying the high
price. My research focuses on the effects of antinarcotic policy on the Colombian people in their everyday lives. In response to
the trafficking of cocaine and other drugs from Colombia into the United States, the U.S government partnered with the Colom-
bian government and has given millions to help eradicate the trafficking and production of narcotics. My research focuses on
the effects of one program in specific called the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI). Through this program, crops were fumi-
gated with glyphosate, a toxic herbicide. In my research, I explore how those affected are copying with the damage the herbi-
cide has caused to their way of life and how the government has responded.

Poster 29

Investigation of the Lysozyme Primary Structure Using Information Vector and Bayesian Analysis
Moomal Khan, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Daniel Graham, Chemistry

The Primary structure of lysozyme is represented by a 130 letter sequence (Fig. 1). This and the formulae for proteins in general
have the attributed of random variables. It is thus difficult for a viewer to render more than superficial responses to the amino
acids sequence absent sophisticated computational tools. This investigation focuses on the primary structure information of
lysozyme and how it is distributed. Our approach involves alternative representations of the structure in high-dimensional vec-
tor spaces. The representations allow order properties to be drawn concerning the four fundamental types of amino acids: acid-
ic, basic, polar, and non-polar. The representations further illuminate correlations, the quantifications of which obtained by
Bayesian analysis.

Poster 30

Assessment of Executive Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Comparing Performance of Participants to
Parental Observations
Natalie Ingravallo, Psychology, Human Ser vices (2018), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Elizabeth Hilvery, Psychology

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often impaired in executive functioning (EF) abilities. However, EF
impairment in ASD children can vary greatly per individual. This study will compare the performance of children with ASD on
several lab-based EF measures to EF skills reported by their parents. Additionally, this study will aid in understanding the rela-
tion between EF skills and several characteristics, such as ASD symptom severity and social cognition. Ultimately, the results
of this study will uncover variation in EF abilities amongst ASD children, as well as any discrepancies in EF performance at
home and in a controlled environment.

49
Poster 31

Low Positive Affect Augments Autobiographical Memory Biases in Depression

Kaitlyn Peters, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Rebecca Silton, Psychology

Low positive affect may be a transdiagnostic dimensional risk factor for depression. The present study evaluated whether nega-
tive memory bias is related to depression symptoms via positive affect. Results showed that positive affect mediates the rela-
tionship between negative memory bias and depression. Negative affect was not a significant mediator.

Poster 32

Invasive Plant Harvesting as a Means of Phytoremediation of Contaminated Sediments in the Grand Calumet River
Leann Ngo, Envir onmental Policy (2017), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Course: ENVS 391
Mentored by Brian Ohsowski; Tham Hoang; Brendan Carson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Great Lakes coastal wetlands play a critical role in maintaining water quality through nutrient retention, providing critical habi-
tat for diverse communities, and providing numerous other ecosystem services. Many of these wetlands are dominated by the
non-native plants Phragmites (common reed) and invasive Typha (cattail). These plants form dense monocultures which nega-
tively impact habitats and alter ecosystem functioning. Many of these wetlands have legacies of industrial pollution including
heavy metal contamination. Restoration-driven harvesting has the potential to remediate heavy metal polluted sediments while
increasing nutrient uptake capacity, increasing habitat value, and providing feedstock for renewable energy production. This
research focuses on determining to what extent heavy metals are taken up by these invasive plants.

Poster 33

The Effect of TBK1 Inhibitors on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Growth and Proliferation
Nikolay Todorov, Biochemistr y (2019), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Joe Cannova, Stritch School of Medicine

I will display my research hypothesis and the methods which I used to reach a conclusion and whether or not my results reject-
ed or supported it. Furthermore, I will elucidate the techniques I used to achieve my results and also provide an explanation of
the implications of my results.

Poster 34

Can Great Lakes Region Invasive Plants be Used to Produce Biochar?

Olivia Helms, Envir onmental Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dr. Brian Ohsowski; Brendan Carson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Mechanical removal of invasive species leads to large amounts of unused biomass. I have been looking for a sustainable solu-
tion to use this biomass by creating biochar. Biochar is produced through pyrolysis, the burning of biomass at high temperatures
with little oxygen. Biochar can improve soils water absorption capacity and nutrient retention. While most biochar is produced
with wood, I used Rhamnus cathartica (buckthorn), Lonicera mackii (honeysuckle), Typha x glauca (hybrid cattails), and
Phragmites australis (phragmites), all of which are invasive to the Great Lakes Region. I then analyzed each feedstock to deter-
mine if it is comparable to wood-based biochar.

Poster 35

Investigating the Synergistic Effect of Biochar and Fertilizer on Corn Growth

Angelo Kelvakis, Envir onmental Science and Envir onmental Policy (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dr. Brian Ohsowski; Brendan Carson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

50
Biochar is a plant-based material that is produced through a process called pyrolysis, heating organic matter without oxygen.
Biochar has the ability to adsorb and retain nutrients, and because of this, it can be used as an agricultural soil amendment to
limit fertilizer runoff. The Nitrogen fertilizer applied to fields doesnt bond well with the soil and therefore leaks into bodies of
water and causes eutrophication. I used a gradient of biochar and Nitrogen fertilizer to determine what low levels of fertilizer, in
combination with biochar, to limit runoff but maintain crop yields.

Poster 36

The Role of Olfactory Marker Protein in Olfactory Neurogenesis

Nicholas Bulthuis, Biology (2018), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Jessica Brann, Biology

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are generated from neural stem cells, is of great interest to those looking to
counteract neuronal degeneration due to injury or disease. The adult mammalian olfactory system regularly undergoes neuro-
genesis, making it an appropriate system in which to study this phenomenon. We used a transgenic mouse model to determine
the role played by a protein called olfactory marker protein (OMP) in the regenerative process. Assessing recovery from injury
in mice of various ages with normal or knocked-out OMP expression revealed the function of OMP in neurogenesis throughout
an animal's lifetime.

Poster 37

Legendre Decomposition of Extremal Black Hole Scalar Fields in Dynamical Chern-Simons Gravity
Alexander Pizzuto, Physics, Mathematica, Theor etical Physics, Applied Math (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Bar-
bara Skrzypek
Course: PHYS 391
Mentored by Robert McNees, Physics

Theories that attempt to reconcile general relativity (GR) with quantum mechanics predict corrections to GR in regions of
spacetime where gravity is particularly strong. New experiments like Advanced LIGO and the Event Horizon Telescope can
place bounds on these corrections by probing phenomena that occur in the strong field regime. But such tests require an under-
standing of rotating black holes in theories of gravity beyond GR. We extend recent results for rotating black holes in dynam-
ical Chern-Simons (dCS) gravity, obtaining closed form expressions for the Legendre modes of the dCS scalar field.

Poster 38

Participation in Medical Research: Reasons Provided in Cognitive Interviews of a Diverse Sample

Silvia Valadez, Biology, Sociology (2017)
Course: SOCL 397
Mentored by Dana Garbarski, Sociology

Racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in medical and health-related survey research, with implications for
generalizability across diverse populations. However, little is known about the respondents reasons for participatingor not
in medical research studies, and how these reasons might vary across race or ethnicity and by the type of data being collected.
We extend previous research by using cognitive interviewing techniques to examine respondents reported likelihood of partici-
pating in five increasingly invasive types of data collection, including research studies that ask participants to answer questions
about themselves or provide samples of saliva, blood, tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid.

Poster 39

Examining the Flexible Influence of Anger on the Scope of Perceptual Attention

Anum Afzal, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Jeffrey Huntsinger, Psychology

51
The present experiment sought to determine whether anger may have a flexible influence on attentional scope. We predicted
anger would act like green light and therefore promote accessible attentional orientations. In the experiment, participants
were first primed with a broad or narrow attentional scope, next induced to feel angry, happy, or sad, and then completed the
Kimchi-Palmer task, which measured attentional scope. Results indicated that angry participants and happy participants adopted
whatever attentional orientation that was primed, whereas sad participants did not. This research reveals that anger, though a
negative emotion, has cognitive effects more similar to happiness than sadness.

Poster 40

Effects of Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus Inactivation or Ventral Tegmental Area Cholinergic or Glutamatergic Recep-
tor Blockade on Food Self-Administration in Rats
Awais Ahmed, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Stephan Steidl, Psychology

One of the challenges in treatment of drug addiction is exposure to drug-predictive stimuli after periods of abstinence. The brain
neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is important for responding to rewards and predictors of reward. DA activation by reward
predictors induces reward-seeking behaviors but how reward-predictive cues activate the DA system is not well understood.
The Steidl lab is testing the role of inputs from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) to the ventral tegmental area
(VTA. Here we propose a series of experiments to show that our pharmacological manipulations, which effectively reduce cue-
driven reward-seeking behaviors, are not inducing non-specific motoric impairments.

Poster 41

Building Supertrees Based on Molecular Phylogeny of the Acanthomorpha and its Relatives
Sarahgin Dumaraog, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 399
Mentored by Terry Grande; Mark Wilson, Biology

Over the years, construction of a phylogeny for the acanthomorphs has been problematic because of its different morphological
characteristics. This project presents a construction of a supertree that will attempt to create a phylogeny for the acanthomorphs.
A supertree is constructed based on trees from literature and includes trees that were constructed using DNA sequences from
Genbank and using various tree construction programs. The supertree presents a phylogeny and consensus analysis to help us
understand the diversity and relationships within acanthomorpha. For future studies, the results can be used to better understand
the molecular and morphological evolution within basal Acanthomorpha.

Poster 42

Building Sustainable Lives for Refugees

Kaitlin Holmbeck, Psychology (2018); Wesam Shahed; Kaitlin Holmbeck; Bridget Randazzo; Brendan Goodwin; Tam-
er Almadani; Aleksandar Vasic
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: Ethiopian Community Association
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute of Environmental Science

The purpose of this project is to aid the Ethiopian Community Association (ECA), an organization that helps refugees from
around the world find homes and start a new life in Chicago, continue to operate as smoothly as possible through the sustaina-
ble practice of selling and redistributing many of their clothing donations that their clients are unable to use.

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Poster 43

Studies of Machine Learning Photometric Classification of Supernovae

Joseph Macaluso, Physics, Math (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: PHYS 391-02E
Community Partner: Argonne National Laboratory
Mentored by John Cunningham, Physics

Type Ia Supernov (SNIa) are standardizable candles, thus making them useful for cosmological research. Core Collapse su-
pernov (SNcc) are currently not standardizable which is why we look to separate the supernov (SNe) into SNIa and SNcc.
SNe studies have used spectral classification to separate the SNe types. However, as samples of SNe have grown larger, spec-
troscopic classification becomes impracticable. On the other hand, photometric classification can efficiently handle large SNe
sets. One method of photometric classification is Random Forest Machine Learning (ML) algorithms.

Poster 44

Structure-Function Relationship of Oncogenic G-Proteins

Saad Kothawala, Biochemistr y, Softwar e Engineer ing (2018), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Biology; Duarte Freitas, Biochemsitry

G-Proteins play an important role in regulating intracellular signaling cascades. Mutations in one G-Protein, Gi, have been
associated with various carcinomas. The assumption is that mutations at specific residues perturb the overall structure of the
Gi possibly leading to tumor development. Using a variety of interdisciplinary approaches such as molecular dynamic simula-
tions, spectroscopic methods, and biochemical reactions we hope to understand how the structure-function relationships of on-
cogenic Gi mutants differs from the wild-type protein. Besides furthering the understanding of the involvement of Gi mutants
in cancer, this study will also address questions in protein folding, signal transduction and molecular dynamics.

Poster 45

Microplastic Deposition Rates in Artificial Streams: Effects of Polymer Type

Sarah Pajek, Biology (2018)
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Biology

By observing the movement and accumulation of microplastic within artificial streams, we can predict how microplastic may
move and accumulate within real streams, which in turn will bring us closer to understanding the ecological impact of plastic as
it breaks down and of microplastic.

Poster 46

Misericordia: Heart of Mercy in Action

Ana Avendano, Political Science (2019)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Misericordia
Mentored by Tina Stendardo

My presentation will outline my work at Misericordia as a Social Justice Intern as well as discuss leadership in social justice
within our community as I have come to understand it.

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Poster 47

Optogenetic Investigation of Neuronal Functions in Mice

Annrose Thuruthikara, Biology (2018)
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: University of Illinois at Chicago
Mentored by Hariklia Dimitropoulos, Biology

The main goal of my collaborative project is to use optogenetics to understand the role pontine V2a neurons in regulating the
sleep-wake behavior in mice. We have found that short term optical stimulation of V2a neurons in SPTg (subpeduncular teg-
mental nucleus) results in cessation of motor activity and simultaneously increases theta oscillations in the mouse cortex. These
results show that SPTg-V2a neurons have dual role in control of ongoing motor and cortical neuron activity.

Poster 48

The Role of Low Positive Affect on Coping

Genevieve Roth, Psychology (2017)
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Rebecca Silton, Psychology

Previous research on affect and coping has largely focused on the relationship of negative affect and coping with stressful life
events. There is limited research assessing the influence of positive affect (PA) on coping. PA has been associated with overall
improved psychological functioning and well-being. Minimal research has considered the role attentional bias may play in me-
diating the relationship between affect and coping. The present study examines the hypothesis that low positive affect is associ-
ated with less effective coping strategies and this relationship is mediated by attentional bias, specifically for individuals with a
history of depression.

Poster 49

Obesity and Cancer

Sadie Winters, Economics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Tim Classen, Economics

The objective of this project is to study the relationship between cancer and obesity using the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) data. With the rise of cancer survival rates, it is becoming increasingly important to decrease
recurrence rates. Current research indicates that social and behavioral factors can affect cancer risk. The purpose of this re-
search is to measure the importance of lifestyle factors when studying cancer and better understand how obesity can affect
health. Such a study may help to increase awareness of the role of diet in the likelihood of cancer and its recurrence.

Poster 50

Using Partisan Moral Appeals to Confront Sexism

Margaret Marx, Social Wor k (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: PSYC 399
Mentored by Dr. Robyn Mallett, Psychology

We tested whether political liberals and conservatives were uniquely persuaded by confrontations of sexism that matched their
moral foundations. Counter to Moral Foundations Theory, liberals were more persuaded than conservatives by a loyalty/
betrayal appeal to be less sexist; care/harm appeals were persuasive to both groups. This experiment also tests whether confron-
tation strategies tailored to a persons political moral foundations may protect confronters from backlash. Conservatives in the
care/harm condition were more likely to say the confronter should be reprimanded than any other group. Thus women who
want to confront sexism may avoid backlash by using loyalty/betrayal appeals.

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Poster 51

Analysis of Diet Induced Epigenetic Modifications

Shyam Shah, Bioinfor matics, Statistics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Course: BIOI 399
Mentored by James Cheverud; Madeline Keleher, Biology

The goal of the project was to investigate the intersection of obesity, epigenetics, and gene expression in a genetically identical
strain of mice due to their diet. We integrated data from RNA-seq, MeDIP-seq, and MRE-seq from two generations of mice as
well as regulatory information from Ensemble, UCSC Genome Browser, and MGI. The comparison of differentially methylated
regions to the differentially expressed genes and cis-regulatory elements allowed us to define regions altered epigenetically by a
high fat diet.

Poster 52

All: The Virtual Dance Ensemble and Parkinson's Project

Laura Prieto, Exer cise Science (2017)
Community Partner: Hubbard Street Parkinson's Project
Mentored by Amy Wilkinson; Sarah Cullen Fuller, Dance

The project addresses the question of sharing and reflecting on personal narratives through movement, as well as contemporary
design principles, and the reading of choreography as text. All is part of the Virtual Dance Ensemble (VDE), a video pro-
ject aimed at transforming the idea of community by bringing individuals from vastly different backgrounds together through
the joy of movement. The ensemble of dancers, some of whom are living with Parkinsons disease (PD), were filmed perform-
ing movement developed throughout a dance class held once a week for the duration of six weeks. The movement created in the
class was supplemented by choreography created by Amy Wilkinson and Sarah Prinz, the filmmaker.

Poster 53

Biodiesel Data Management: Refining The Process

Ainsley McGgrath, Envir onmental Science (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Zach Waickman, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Since operations began in 2007, the Searle Biodiesel Lab has generated over 750 pages of handwritten production notes. By
digitizing these notes, we learned two things: First, there is a wealth of valuable information to be gained from collecting pro-
duction data in the lab. Second, by taking notes in an unstructured format, there is a wealth of valuable information that goes
unrecorded. This project sought to reconcile the historical handwritten notes with the more current digital ones and to create
methods that will prevent failures to record production information in the future.

Poster 54

Investigating the Contribution of Anatomically Distinct Clock Neuron Populations to Circadian Rest:Activity Rhythms
Benjamin Kleeman, English (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Katrina Rose Spontak
Course: BIOL 296
Mentored by Daniel Cavanaugh, Biology

Most physiological processes exhibit daily oscillations under the control of an endogenous circadian clock, which can be subdi-
vided into three parts. Our aim was to elucidate the mechanisms by which circadian information is coordinated across neuronal
populations that make up the circadian clock and translated into coherent behavioral outputs. We have demonstrated that the
dorsal lateral clock neurons play a more significant role in the clock than previously thought, and we hypothesize that they may
be especially important for transmitting circadian information from the clock network to downstream neurons involved in be-
havioral control.

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Poster 55

Binding of Effector and Co-Factor Analogs and the Effects of N-terminal Domain Truncation on the DNA Binding of GabR
Cristian Estrada, Biochemistr y (2017)
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Dali Liu, Chemistry

GabR, a prokaryotic transcription factor found in gram negative bacteria, has been identified as a potential drug target for its
regulation of enzymes involved in GABA metabolism. The role of GabR on DNA binding and the effectiveness of newly de-
signed substrate analogs were investigated via the utilization of DNA binding assays and UV spectroscopy. Results suggest that
the effector binding (EBO) domain plays a minor role in DNA binding and that some of the analogs formed a complex with
GabR. These analogs will be utilized to further assess how GabR can be targeted to lower the virulence of antibiotic resistant
bacteria.

Poster 56

A Greener Theater
Leia Marie Bacuyag, Film and Digital Media Pr oduction (2017); Leia Marie Bacuyag; Melody Billedo; Alyson Crutch-
field; Joomi Lee; Vishva Patel
Course: ENVS 283
Community Partner: The Chicago Nature Museum
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy; Kristen Pratt, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

The New 400 Theater, a local Rogers Park business, currently isnt participating in a thorough sustainability program. However,
upon doing some preliminary research, The Rogers Park Business Consultants (RPBC) have found that there are programs that
can be initiated for the local business to reduce waste and participate in a more sustainable business practice through plan im-
plementation. Their intent is to further explore the areas of sustainability the New 400 theater could improve and how to use
those practices and also promote their business. The RPBC intend to conduct primary and secondary research to investigate and
find one or more solutions for food and waste reduction.

Poster 57

Minimal Generating Sets of the Symmetric Groups

Sadia Ansari, Mathematics (2017)
Course: EXPL 391
Mentored by Dr. Aaron Lauve, Mathematics

The goal of this project is to analyze each minimal generating set X of the symmetric group S_n. Such a goal involves imple-
menting group theory concepts that improve the efficiency of a naive program written in the programming language Sage. A
rooted tree is built for each distinct X. This tree records a shortest expression for each element w in S_n using the elements of X
(i.e. generators). Properties of such trees, coincidences between minimal generating set tree representations, and the minimal
generating sets (for n = 3, 4, 5) that fit into a family for any n are studied.

Poster 58

Oscillation Frequency and Pattern Wavelength in Shaken Granular Media

Sarah Anderson, Physics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Barbara Skrzypek; Justin Stuck
Course: PHYS 391
Mentored by Jon Bougie, Physics

When a layer of grains atop a plate is vertically oscillated at amplitudes exceeding that of gravity, the grains leave the plate and
shocks form in the layer upon re-connection. Previous studies have shown that standing wave patterns form in the layer at oscil-
lation amplitudes exceeding a critical value for the system. We characterize the base state of the system by investigating the

56
shocks just prior to pattern formation in order to find a relationship between shock instability and the patterns formed in these
layers.

Poster 59

Questioning the Correlation Between High CHADVAS2 Scores and Patients with Underlying Atrial Fibrillation.
Sandhya Meesala, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Mentored by Hanna Mendyuk, Research Volunteer Coordinator at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of mortality, stroke, and peripheral embo-
lism. CHA2DS2-VASc is an acronym of variables used to score patients with the risk of forming a blood clot in the left atrium,
potentially inducing further complications. It is assumed patients suffering from atrial fibrillation have increased risk of stroke
and thus, have a higher score. The standard practice has been to then prescribe anti-coagulation medication. However, there is a
possibility patients with a-fib do not necessarily have higher scores and other factors may play a role in the occurrence of
stroke.

Poster 60

Litter-Less Loyola
Ariana Ziogas, Accounting (2019); Ashlet Koerner; Joey Lemaniak
Course: ENVS 283
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute of Environmental Science

Our project is created to decrease litter on college campuses created by cigarette butts. The plan is to educate the Loyola com-
munity on the harmful effects of litter as well as decrease the litter through the use of outdoor ashtrays. With the additional
ashtrays, it will promote proper disposal of the butts and create a more controlled place to dispose the litter. This allows Loyola
to uphold their value to sustain the environment as well as educate their students.

Poster 61

Loyola4Chicago
Tatiana Cortes
Community Partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters; Centro Romero; Chicago HOPES for Kids; Howard Area Community Center;
Jordan Community School Homework Help; Misericordia; Neumann Family Services; Sarahs Circle

Loyola4Chicago is a program of the office for Community Service and Action in which students provide once-weekly volunteer
service in Chicago during the academic year. Students work in service teams at various sites including work with children, im-
migrants, persons with mental disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness, among others. Each team is led by a student
leader who coordinates meeting times and facilitates the group's reflection on their service experience.

Poster 62

Does Grapheme-Color Synesthesia Help in the Identification of Peripherally Presented Targets?

Rachel Cundiff, Psychology, Neur oscience (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship; Ashley Roberts; Lisa Brambert; Katie Howell;
Amanda Demas
Course: PSYC 399
Mentored by Dr. Anne Sutter, Psychology

Grapheme-color synesthetes experience colors when reading black letters/numbers on a white background. Some (projectors)
see the color outside themselves, while others (associators) see it in their minds eye. We investigated potential differences

57
between projectors and associators in the role of attention/automaticity in their synesthetic experiences using a crowding task.
Participants identified a letter/number target presented peripherally and either alone or surrounded by graphemes placed either
near or far from the target. In control participants, near surrounding graphemes reduce identifiability of the target. We expect
projectors to use early automatically activated synesthetic color to perform better than associators and controls.

Poster 63

Is Focused Attention Required to Activate Synesthetic Experiences?

Katherine Howell, Biology (2017); Rachel Cundiff; Ashley Roberts; Lisa Brambert; Amanda Demas
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Anne Sutter, Psychology

Grapheme-color synesthetes experience colors when reading black letters/numbers on a white background. Some (projectors)
see the color outside themselves, while others (associators) see it in their minds eye. We investigated potential differences
between projectors and associators in the role of attention/automaticity in their synesthetic experiences. Participants were re-
quired to identify the color of dots presented at varying distances from a letter/number that synesthetically induced either the
same color as the dots or a different color. Thus, the letter/number was either inside or outside the attentional window. We ex-
pect projectors to suffer more synesthetic interference than associators and controls.

Poster 64

Analyzing the Sphere of Influence of Extreme Political Tweets Using a Lexicon-Based Sentiment Score Approach.
Evelyn Cody, Statistics and Philosophy (2018)
Mentored by Earvin Balderama, Mathematics

The rise of social media throughout the 21st century has created a forum for people across the world to share opinions and
spread information on all topics. This is especially prominent in the American political sphere. Now, voters receive information
not only from news channels or political speeches but also from other citizens across the country. In this project, we analyze the
sentiment of tweets relating to certain partisan political topics using a lexicon-based sentiment scoring approach. We investigate
the relationship between the extreme nature of a tweet and its sphere of influence within Twitter.

Poster 65

Stage Specific Expression Profiles of Four Novel Microtubule-Associated Genes in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium
Alec Lindstrom, Biology, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Dr. Stefan Kanzok, Biology

My project is to investigate the gene expression profiles of four novel microtubule-associated proteins in the malaria parasite
Plasmodium, with a focus on the mosquito stages. It is my hypothesis that these novel genes will be up-regulated during ooki-
nete development in the mosquito midgut. The final results of my project will give us new insights into the adaptation strategies
of the malaria parasite to its insect vector. We are currently optimizing the RT-qPCR conditions to collect final data on the ex-
pression of five genes at multiple ookinete culture time-points.

Poster 66

Changes in Precipitation Patterns in the Midwest amidst Global Climate Change

Paul Campion, Envir onmental Science (2019)
Course: ENVS 391
Mentored by Ping Jing, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Studies have demonstrated that climate change influences the frequency and scale of extreme weather events as well as annual

58
trends. By analyzing 66 years of precipitation data in 34 cities across the Midwest, this study identifies shifts in seasonal precip-
itation trends and seasonal variability. For the cities in the Midwest, precipitation increased on average by 2.5 0.5 mm/yr.
Change of precipitation affects water and food availability and access in the Midwest. Accurate precipitation information and
predictions are crucial for agriculture. This poster is part of ongoing research into the causal fluctuations in precipitation trends
related to climate change variables.

Poster 67

Modelling the Spatial Influence of Parks on Crime Locations in Chicago

Jon Matthew, Bioinfor matics (2019)
Course: BIOI 399
Mentored by Dr. Earvin Balderama, Statistics

Previous research suggests that the presence of greenspaces such as parks and vegetation may help reduce the likelihood of
crime occurrence in surrounding neighborhoods. Using crime and park data downloaded from the City of Chicago Data Portal,
we investigate the spatial relationship between the locations of parks and the occurrences of various types of crime. We de-
scribe the distance distribution between a crime location and the nearest park, using spatial point process models. Model param-
eters are estimated for each park, indicating an attractive or repulsive effect, by which parks are then ranked.

Poster 68

Wrigley Bars and Boystown: Place, Language, and the Performance of Masculinity
Philip Albers, Anthr opology, English (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Dr. Thea Strand, Anthropology

This project is an analysis of the similarities and differences in the performances of masculine identities between the neighbor-
hoods of Wrigleyville and Boystown. Using the tactic of ethnography and its various techniques such as participant observation
and interviews, I explored the way language and locale affect the performances of masculine identities.

Poster 69

ENVS 283 Environmental Sustainability Apollo Alternative Energy

Chi Te Kuo, Entr epr eneur ship (2018); Richard Gevis; James Mann; Murillo Gonalves; Rachael Gabanski; Scott Stiff
Course: ENVS 283
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

As group 3 of ENVS 283 Environmental Sustainability class, we Apollo Alternative Energy will be presenting about general
background knowledge, facts and benefits about alternative energy as well as dive into five specific renewable energies: solar,
wind, thermal, biomass, and hydroelectric. How each type of alternative energies operate, function, and cost.

Poster 70

The Linguistic Culture of Loyola Women's Rugby

Alanna Kilkenny, Histor y and Classical Civilizations (2017)
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

A close look on the vocabulary and culture used in the women's rugby community at Loyola Chicago.

59
Poster 71

" anguage and Diversity within CTA Advertisements

L
Sarah Cash, Anthr opology & Mar keting (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Dr. Thea Strand, Anthropology

This research investigates the variation within advertisements on Chicago's CTA train lines, specifically the Red, Green, and
Yellow. Results of the study show variations in language, content, and frequency between lines that displays diversity and pro-
vides an insight on how businesses target CTA riders.

Poster 72

"Why So Blue?: Stress as a Mediator Between Low Positive Affect and Negative Attentional Biases in Remitted Depression
Sylena Wilson, Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Robert Morrison, Psychology

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Previous re-
search has robustly shown that depression is associated with an attentional bias toward negative stimuli. However, minimal
research has focused on the role of low positive affect as a vulnerability for attentional biases. The present study will evaluate
whether stress mediates the link between low positive affect and negative attentional biases in individuals with remitted depres-
sion. This could have significant clinical implications in regards to how depression is currently understood, how it may be
caused, and ways in which it is commonly treated.

Poster 73

Green Cards and Ham: Struggles of the Immigration Process

Sarah Mathew, Anthr opology and Sociology (2017)
Course: SOCL 365
Mentored by Dr. Marilyn Krogh, Sociology

This research will present the investigation of past, present and international immigration policies and assess the difficulty of
the current green card process. The results will provide suggestions to immigration reform and introduce the real struggles of
legal immigrants.

Poster 74

" he Impact of the Nature and Frequency of Trauma Exposure on Childrens PTSD Symptoms Post-treatment
T
Madeline Stonis, Biology (2017)
Course: PSYC 397
Mentored by Anna Ros, Psychology

The development of evidence-based treatments for children experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is necessary to
their wellbeing, as symptoms often negatively impact functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Implementing
effective treatments is complicated by several factors, including identifying appropriate treatment for various types of trauma
exposure and overcoming barriers to treatment, such as limited finances. Bounce Back, a group intervention adapting a previ-
ously used program for younger children, intends to serve children from many socioeconomic backgrounds (Langley et al.,
2015). This research examines its implementation in Chicago to determine the effect of exposure to ongoing and multiple trau-
mas on treatment outcomes.

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Poster 75

Identification of Circadian Output Genes that Affect Rest:Activity rhythms in Drosophila

Tanvir Bajwa, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Saffia Bajwa
Course: BIOL 396
Mentored by Daniel Cavanaugh, Biology

Most organisms have endogenous circadian clocks that produce behavioral and physiological rhythms. The core clock in Dro-
sophila melanogaster is comprised of neurons that keep time through a cell-autonomous molecular clock. Although much is
known about input pathways and the molecular clock, little is known about output pathways. We recently identified the Dro-
sophila pars intercerebralis (PI) as a major circadian output center that aids in controlling the circadian rhythm. We use cell-
specific RNA interference to knock down expression of >30 candidate genes within the PI. We have identified two genes whose
knockdown decreases circadian rhythm strength: slowpoke (slo) and sleepless (sss).

Poster 76

A Simple Expansion Model of Viral Evolution

James Casey, Biochemistr y (2017)
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Daniel Graham, Chemistry

Strains of Influenza A virus, specifically, H1N1, H3N2, and H2N2, were observed in order to determine viral evolutions affect
on the amino acid sequences. This can be accomplished by producing vectors which represent the proteins which the virus are
composed of. A vector for a protein points in a direction determined by the sequence information. The vector for a different
protein points differently. The angle of these vectors measures an information distance. Large angles reflect proteins that are
markedly disparate in information expression, chemical affinity and function. Small gaps reflect similar expression, affinity,
and functions. A total of 66 angles can be formed per strain of virus. A volume can be created from the product of the angles.
The change of the angles can also be compared over time, as well.

Poster 77

Commodification and Distribution of Language

Vasia Akkiswala, Biology (2018)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

My project is about exploring how an ethnic neighborhood can influence what kind of languages are distributed in it. I will
focus on four bookstores around the Devon area in Chicago and look at which languages, in what quantity, are available.

Poster 78

Less Words, More Birds

Alexandra Mattingly, Envir onmental Science (2017); Melissa Hernandez
Course: ENVS 345
Community Partner: Inkaterra Field Guide Station
Mentored by Father Steven Mitten, S.J., Institute of Environmental Sustainability

ENVS 345 Conservation and Sustainability of Neotropical Ecosystems visited the Madre de Dios region in the Amazon basin,
located in southeastern Peru, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Locations included: Lake Sandoval, Rio
Madre de Dios, Inkaterra Biological Field Station, Monkey Island, and Tambopata Reserve. Using Birds of Peru, 129 different
bird species were identified via visual and/or auditory evidence for the purpose of logging relative location and abundance into
E-Bird.org. This information is used by scientists to promote the conservation of biodiverse ecosystems through the use of bird
densities as indicator species.

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Poster 79

Pleural Chest Tube Anatomical Model

Lilianne Pukhrambam, Engineer ing Science (2020); Matthew Cmiel; Brianna Fenzl; Jacklyn Hoppe
Course: ENGR 101
Mentored by Dr. Kostovich, Nursing; Dr. Baura; Dr. Streeter, Engineering Science

The Loyola nursing students have been struggling with visualizing how to insert a pleural chest tube into a patients pleural
cavity in the lung. They currently do not have a model and rely solely on textbook images and their own knowledge to visualize
inserting the pleural tube. We designed a model of an adult lung and pleural space our first semester engineering design class to
meet the needs of the nursing department.

Poster 80

Got Herps?
Jessica Caruso, Biology (2019); Kelly Deininger; Carter Dell; Amanda Huegelmann; Mikayla Tuszynski
Course: ENVS 345
Community Partner: Inkaterra field guide station
Mentored by Fr. Steven Mitten, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

An in depth look at the amphibians and reptiles of Peru's Amazon Rainforest. At the Inkaterra field guide station in the Madre
de Dios region, herps were documented and recorded to assist in conservation efforts. The findings were documented through
the inaturalist.org database where other scientists can access our findings.

Poster 81

Swedish-American Heritage, Culture, and Language in Chicago

Sofia Ballicora, Anthr opology, Fr ench (2017)
Course: ANTH 361
Mentored by Thea Strand, Anthropology

The Swedish American Heritage project is a study of the Swedish American Museum and surrounding areas in Andersonville,
Chicago, and the people who work in and frequent the museum. The purpose of this project was to research and learn about the
connection between heritage, culture, and language, and their importance, especially among the Swedish-American community
in Chicago.

Poster 82

Interning as a Law Clerk at the Cook County States Attorneys Office

Abigail Villegas, Cr iminal J ustice, Cr iminology, Infor mation Systems (2018)
Course: CJC 390
Community Partner: Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Here's an inside look as to how the court system operates at the Cook County States Attorneys Office through the eyes of a
Law Clerk. For every Assistant States Attorney, each day brings something new as cases get called into court, and added on
throughout the day. The pictures are worth a thousand words, but there is a timely schedule each day as to when things get done
in this assembly line of a system. Interviewing narcs, listening to phone calls made from jail, and translating documents from
Spanish to English were some of the many tasks done throughout the internship.

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Poster 83

From Creepies to Cuties - The Insects and Mammals of Madre de Dios, Peru's Amazonian Rainforest
Thomas Greenwood, Physics (2017); Cody Epperson; Rene Belleville; Tatiana Tchobanova
Course: ENVS 345
Community Partner: Inkaterra Guide Field Station
Mentored by Steven Mitten S.J., Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Over the course of six days at the Inkaterra Guide Field Station, we observed 13 species of mammals and 20 species of insects
in Madre de Dios, Peru and kept track of the time, location, and quantity of the identified species. We also took photographs on
site of as many of the species as possible. Upon our return, we uploaded our collected information and photos to the citizen
scientist website Naturalist.org.

Poster 84

Embracing Culture in 20th Century Hispanic Catholicism

Carolina Luna, Histor y, Communication (2019)
Course: HIST 300D
Mentored by Michelle Nickerson, History

In 1976, Mundelein College created the Hispanic Institute to embrace Hispanic culture in the Catholic Church. The Hispanic
Institute rejected the social expectation that immigrants must assimilate and instead it welcomed cultural diversity. This institute
created opportunities for Hispanics to be a part of the Catholic Church without having to give up their cultural identity.

Poster 85

Central Line System- Solid Works

Briannah Smith, Engineer ing Science (2020); Michael Boldt; Carolyn Judy
Course: ENGR 101
Mentored by Gail Bura; Jason Streeter, Engineering; Carol Kostovich, Nursing

Our freshmen engineering design project was to model a central line system for nursing students here at Loyola. The project
includes a 3D model of an open chest and heart to show the path of catheters in the chest. Our model was first created on solid
works and is currently in the process of being 3D printed.

Poster 86

Deconstructing Mexican Machismo: Colonialism and the Mexican Revolution

Ellie Molise, Spanish, Woman and Gender Studies (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Hctor Garca, Modern Languages and Latin American Studies

The machismo is a blanket term used to describe the perceived hegemonic traits that comprise the stereotypical Latin American
man: hyper-sexuality, violence and bravado. My research seeks to understand the complex creation of Mexican machismo by
examining two historical events; Spanish colonialism and the Mexican Revolution. By analyzing these events and exposing
their cultural significance to masculine gender performance and presentation, we can better understand the complexities and
nuances associated with contemporary Mexican Machismo.

Poster 87

Influence of Arginine with Sodium Fluoride and Sodium Monofluorophosphate on Sucrose Metabolism by Streptococcus mu-
tans
Michael Ross, Biophysics (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Domenic Castignetti, Biology

The influence of arginine on the metabolic consumption of sucrose by Streptococcus mutans was observed during pH drop
experiments. Arginine was coupled with sodium fluoride (NaF) and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) to further investigate

63
the effects each fluoride combination had on acid production. The samples taken from each pH drop experiment were analyzed
for their lactic acid concentrations. Data from the pH drop experiments and the lactic acid analyses were correlated through
theoretical computation.

Poster 88

Transition Metal Catalyzed Cross Coupling Reactions

Wiktoria Koza, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Hee Yeon Cho, Chemistry

Transition metal catalyzed carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions are of great interest to the field of synthetic organic
chemistry. The goal of these projects is to develop efficient methods for the construction of new carbon-heteroatom bonds
through the activation of C-OMe bonds and C-C bonds via a transition metal catalyst. Gaining further insight into these new
reactions will allow us to apply them in medicinal and material chemistry.

Poster 89

The Impact of Buckthorn Debris on Soil Quality and Native Plain Reestablishment
Brittany Rivera, Envir onmental Science (2017)
Mentored by Dr. Brian Ohsowski, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

Rhamnus frangula is an invasive shrub found across the Midwest. To determine the impact of decomposing R. frangula woody
debris on soil properties and native plant reestablishment, a randomized experiment was established in a degraded fen at
LUREC. Treatments include debris removal and native seed application. Soil variables such as organic matter (SOM), moisture,
pH, NO3-, NH4+, extractable P, and plant cover were measured. Statistical analyses indicate SOM was found at significantly
elevated levels in control plots. In plots where debris was removed, soils exhibited significantly greater NO3- levels. Plant
group cover (i.e. sedge, grass, rush) was found at significantly greater levels in plots with debris removal.

Poster 90

The Vlkischer Beobachter: Western Culture & Propaganda in Nazi Germany

Gabrielle Kramer, Histor y (2017)
Course: HIST 398
Mentored by Dr. Kyle Roberts, Hsitory; Dr. David Dennis, History

Dr. David B. Dennis Inhumanities: Nazi Interpretations of W estern Culture uses a relatively unknown and untapped primary
source from Nazi Germany, the V lkischer Beobachter. In order to make this source available to the public, the newspaper
articles have been scanned and made available. With this unseen source, many more will be able to fully understand the manip-
ulation of Western culture and its use in propaganda in Nazi Germany.

Poster 91

Synthesis of a Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy Using Multi-arm PEGs

Vasilios Stefanis, Chemistr y, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 301
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Chemistry

Photosensitizer agents were synthesized using chlorin e6, folate, and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with varying numbers of
arms and sizes. Application of the agents in HeLa cell culture demonstrated that the use of an 8 arm PEG at 10 kD as a linker of
chlorin and folate lead to cell death of greater than 90% with no cytotoxicity. The use of a 4 arm PEG at 10 kD showed less cell
death but no cytotoxicity at the same concentration, and a 4 arm PEG at 2 kD showed no light selectivity.

64
Poster 92

Culture in the Classroom

Mikayla Tuszynski, Anthr opology (2017)
Course: ANTH 397
Mentored by Dr. Thea Strand, Anthropology

A look into the role language and culture play in the classroom at a subconscious level. Anthropology can increase social justice
in the education system, providing greater opportunities for students of every background.

Poster 93

Individual Differences in the Neural Noise of Younger and Older Adults

Jorge Yanar, Physics & Computer Science (2017), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Course: PSYC 399, COMP 391
Mentored by Robert G. Morrison, Psychology

Synchronous oscillations of electrical charge reflective of neuronal firing occur across brain areas while individuals focus atten-
tion, represent complex objects, and learn and remember. Importantly, decreased synchrony in these oscillations has been relat-
ed to decreased cognitive function, something which naturally occurs as we age. The dominant interpretation of this phenome-
non posits that decreased synchrony results from increases in spontaneous neural firing as we age, or neural noise. In this
study, we attempt to understand how changes in neural noise relate to memory function and age through the use of both resting-
state and task-related EEG.

Poster 94

Visualizing the Role of Horizontal Gene Transfer within Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Evan Cudone, Bioinfor matics, Mathematics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Bioinformatics

We recently developed a tool, S-plot2, which creates an interactive, two-dimensional heat map capturing the similarities and
dissimilarities in nucleotide usage between genomic sequences (partial or complete). Exogenous sequences acquired via hori-
zontal gene transfer can thus be easily identified and further examined for their source(s).

Poster 95

Project Plus Sign: A Social Innovation in Mediation

Austin Tolentino, Economics & Mar keting (2017), Social Innovation and Social Entr epr eneur ship Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Stacy Neier Beran, Marketing

The study seeks to describe the relationship between institutional and social forces as it pertains to community engagement and
development by testing the viability of integrating online communication tactics into a traditionally offline intermediary com-
munity platform. Specifically, the study measures the Loyola Student Community Board's mediatory effect on the relationship
between the students and administration. The board consists of students who are both peer advocates and conduct administra-
tors of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. By following St. Ignatius's 'Presupposition', the study reflective-
ly engages members of the university community to create an environment of effective communication and trust.

Poster 96

Interaural Differences in Time and Level

Meenhaj Kabir, Psychology and Economics (2017)
Course: PSYC 370H
Mentored by Raymond Dye, Psychology; Anne Sutter, Neuroscience

65
We ran two separate scenarios that dealt with subjects perceiving where they thought an echo click was in relation to a source
click. It was observed that there is barely a difference between conditions of interaural differences of level (IDL) but a big dif-
ference for interaural differences of time (IDT) at short echo delays. Additionally, that an IDT in the source barely has an effect
over processing of IDL in the echo, while IDLs in the source have a large impact of processing IDTs in the echo at the shorter
echo delays.

Poster 97

The Statistical Aspect of Self-driving Vehicles

Xianghong Luo, Theor etical Physics & Applied Mathematics (2017)
Mentored by Adriano Z. Zambom, Statistis

We used R to simulate the interaction between obstacles of different shapes and beams emitted by a source. Then we assumed
errors concerning the measurement of the position of the obstacles and used statistical formulas to approximate the real position
of them.

Poster 98

Examining Teacher Talk: How Discursive Practices Influence Learning

Leonard Martinez, K-12 Education, Spanish (2017), Provost Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Kristin Davin, Education

The presenter will share a framework that teachers can use to analyze how they talk in the classroom. He will provide examples
from high school foreign language classrooms and illustrate how teachers' discursive practices changed over a semester.

Poster 99

A Single-Molecule Study of the Structural Dynamics Associated with Trinucleotide Repeats

Marisa Mitchell, Biophysics (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Carolina Dunbar
Course: PHYS 391
Mentored by Brian Cannon, Physics

I will use a single-molecule fluorescence microscope to investigate nanometer-scale changes in DNA structure with millisecond
time resolution for individual hairpin molecules. The DNA hairpins will be constructed from synthetic DNA that contains fluo-
rescent dyes. We will directly image the relative intensities of the fluorescent dyes in real time and convert this to intramolecu-
lar distances. Using this methodology, we will measure the formation of hairpins and changes in conformation for different
repeat sizes corresponding to DNA sequences for the pre-diseases states of Fragile X syndrome (CGG) and spinocerebellar
ataxias (CAG).

Poster 100

Intracellular Amyloid- protein Impairs Neuronal Excitability and Postsynaptic Response in CA1 Pyramidal Cells
Jeffrey Ng, Molecular Biology, Bioinfomr atics (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr o-
gram
Mentored by Hui Ye, Biology

One of the main neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimers disease (AD) is the altered proteolytic processing of the amyloid
precursor protein (APP), leading to the production and aggregation of neurotoxic forms of amyloid b-peptide (Ab). We directly
address whether intracellular Ab impairs neuronal sensitivity to the presynaptically released vesicles, and its action potential
firing capability. Ab was incubated and delivered into CA1 pyramidal neurons of mouse hippocampi by the patch pipette during
whole-cell patch clamp recording. We monitored the spontaneous neuronal transmissions recorded from the Ab-challenged
neurons, while the presynaptic neurons remained unaffected.

66
Poster 101

Cudahy Library Project

Stephanie Nash, Engineer ing Science (2020); David Paper, Marina Gonzalez
Course: ENGR 101
Mentored by Gail Baura, Engineering Science; Gajan Sivandran, Engineering Science

Experiment utilizing 2^k factorial design method to analyze the basement system and discover the best environment.

Poster 102

Attitudes of Elderly South Asians Towards Non-Familial Care

Hiba Abbas, Nur sing (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Jorgia Connor, Nursing

This research explores how a sample of South Asian elders feel about being cared for by nonfamily members in a variety of
community settings. The South Asian population is one of the largest Asian subgroups and is expected to have a large subset of
older adults in the future; few studies have focused on their perception about receiving care from a non-family caregiver. This is
a cross-sectional descriptive, qualitative study. In-depth interviews, using a semi-structured guide, were conducted with five
South Asian elders, receiving care from a non-familial caregiver through home health, assisted living, and adult day centers.

Poster 103

Bird Collisions on Campus

Eugenia Kanakaris, Envir onmental Science/Public Health (2018); Briana Bergeron; Julio Esparza; Hailey Dezort
Course: ENVS 283
Mentored by Anuradha Krishnaswamy, Institute of Environmental Sustainability

To birds, just as to humans, glass is mostly transparent, and it is sometimes difficult to see the glass surface. Not all collisions
are lethal, but many are. This issue highlights an area of concern to many, and is proof that there is space for improvement as a
sustainable campus. The group is going to find ways to keep birds from colliding on the windows around campus. The hope is
to educate people on bird collisions and develop a protocol for what one can do if one finds an injured or dead bird outside. By
doing this, the group hopes to connect people to the outside environment, and to reduce bird deaths, and ensure that if they do
die, that information is passed along to scientists for research.

Poster 104

The Dynamic of Mentorship: An Anthropological Perspective

Karishma Bali, Biology, Anthr opology (42856), Social Innovation and Social Entr epr eneur ship Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Ruth Gomberg-Minoz, Anthropology
Mentorship is often described as a relationship between a guiding figure and a person who is advised by this guiding figure.
This project presents the results of a yearlong ethnographic study that seeks to explore the dynamics that go into mentorship
amongst a high school-college mentorship program on financial literacy. Through interviews and surveys, I examined class-
room teaching habits, mannerisms, interaction and usage via the app specific to this mentoring program, as well as the use of
other non-verbal interactions that go into establishing this mentor-mentee relationship. This investigation offers into how peo-
ple, specifically students, develop mentor-mentee relationships and the underlying forces that contribute to creating them. It
also sheds light on the benefits and outcomes of the financial literacy mentoring program.

Poster 105

The Role of Asp141 in ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Regulation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Lyba Zia, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: CHEM 300
Mentored by Miguel Ballicora, Chemistry

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ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is the enzyme involved in the rate-limiting step of the biosynthetic pathway of glycogen and
starch in bacteria and plants, respectively. This enzyme converts glucose 1-phosphate to ADP-glucose, which acts as a building
block for the growing polysaccharide utilized in short-term storage of energy. In A. tumefaciens, the Asp141 residue has
demonstrated regulatory abilities which may be a result of allosteric interaction with activators. Asp141 is also considered to
play a role in interaction with the opposing subunit in the enzyme. This project aims to further study these interactions through
the use of Asp141 mutants.

Poster 106

Arab Spring, Foreign Fighters, and Constitutional Legal Challenges in North Africa
Sana Rizvi, Political Science (2017), Rudis Fellowship
Course: PLSC 396
Mentored by Peter Schrader, Political Science

This research cross examines the constitutions of North African countries in order to determine how said countries will respond
to their citizens joining foreign organizations such as the Islamic State.

Poster 107

Cajita Project
Irene Kim, Adver tisement, Public Relations; Jun Nguyen, Neur oscience; Ana Souffrront
Course: ELPS 125
Mentored by Espy Salgado, Department of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs

Students Together Are Reaching Success is a mentorship program that has existed within the Department of Student Diversi-
ty and Multicultural Affairs for 30 years. Each year a small cohort of STARS mentees apply to be a STARS Lead participant
that requires them to take a leadership course and engage in a service learning project with Family Matters. For the first time
ever, STARS Lead will be showcasing their experience through a Cajita project which will displays how social identities and
cultural heritage influence leadership inside and outside of the Loyola experience.

Poster 108

Refugee Workers: Assessing Hardships and Infrastructure of Job Placement in the Chicago Refugee Community
Kathleen Lantto, Anthr opology (2017)
Course: EXPL 390
Mentored by Andrew Miller, Center for Experiential Learning

Over the 2016-2017 academic year, I completed a 250 hour internship at the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement office
through Loyolas Social Justice Internship program. At the office, I specialized in refugee job development, consisting of as-
sessing clients suitability for job placements, and then assisting them through the entire process of securing a job. The research
I have conducted comes from personal experiences as a social service worker in this line of work, from informal interviews
with clients, and background research in refugee resettlement and worker rights in urban resettlement centers.

Poster 109

Instagram Pics and Objectified Chicks: Exploring Cross-Cultural Representations of Female Bodies on Branded Social Media
Anna Pristach, Mar keting (2018), Car ol and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Jenna Drenten, Marketing

Media have been shown to negatively influence body image ideals (Perloff, 2014).While previous studies explore representa-
tions of womens bodies in traditional mass media (e.g., magazines, television), they do not account for the increasing interest
social media among todays adolescent and young adult women. Therefore, the purpose of this research project is to explore the
how female bodies are represented across social media advertising targeted toward todays young women. Specifically, this
project follows a netnographic examination (Kozinets, 2002) of Instagram nine fast fashion brands across seven countries to
explore body image, dismemberment, and female objectification in social media marketing.

68
Poster 110

Methylation Pattern of the SIRE1 Gene in the Development of Glycine Max

David Lee, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Course: BIOL 395
Mentored by Dr. Howard Laten, Genetics

Using digestion patterns with the McrBC enzyme, I am currently studying the differences in methylation in Glycine Max, com-
monly known as soybeans. By examining their SIRE1 sequences through different stages of their life cycle, I can see how
methylation varies within the same organism.

Poster 111

Hosting the Spread of LoveCommunity Engagement in Non-Profit Development

Sharon (Hsin-Ju) Yu, Psychology, Human Ser vices (2017)
Course: PSYC 390
Community Partner: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Mentored by Colleen Conley, Psychology

Organizational development and fundraising events are crucial for non-profits, experiential learning has provided student op-
portunities to fully immerse themselves into the backstage of running a nonprofit. Sharon interned in Catholic Charities in Fall
2016 as special event intern, and there she did not only develop professional organizational skills but also truly connected the
different phases of community engagement.

Poster 112

Examining the Modern Consumer: Why We Want What We Dont Need

Nicole Karwowski, Economics, Inter national Business (2017)
Course: ECON 395
Mentored by Andrew Johnson, Economics

Consumption, eternal growth and the conquest for more stuff, has played an influential role in shaping every aspect of our lives.
The material obsession within the United States can be explained by delving into how businesses motivate consumer behavior. I
will depict the causes of the consumerist society, mainly revealing how the financial sector and the marketing sector have creat-
ed a deficient, illusory consumerist culture. The harmful effects of consumerism will also be examined using historical data and
primary research. An original survey will show the generational differences of consumerism, and its steady but inexorable in-
cline.

Poster 113

Inpatient Communication Barriers and Effective Physician Behaviors

Sophia Lam, Biology (2019)
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: University of Chicago Hospitalist Project
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology

Ineffective inpatient communication occurs most when there are issues that prevent the exchange of relevant information, which
negatively affect the doctor-patient communication and cause serious medical errors. However, there are possible ways to re-
solve these issues through a variety of positive communication behaviors. Studies have shown that patient satisfaction ratings
are higher when physicians used positive communication behaviors in an inpatient setting, which suggests that these practices
improve overall quality of care. Through the analysis of different types of ineffective communication, effective communication
behaviors can address the medical issues that arise.

Poster 114

Hospitalists vs. PCP: Communication, Trust, and Cost Effectiveness

Nikolaou Haritomane, Biology (2017); Divya Ramachandran; Daniela Giraldo
Course: BIOL 398
Community Partner: University of Chicago Hospitalist Project
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology

69
The Hospitalist Project at the University of Chicago was created in 1997 in order to gain knowledge on how to improve the
quality of care inpatients receive at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Since its creation, the research has extended from clini-
cal studies inside the hospital, to partnerships with other hospitals around the nation as well. Currently, the project evaluates
multiple aspects of quality of care including the trust and communication in a doctor-patient relationship, as well as Cost Effec-
tiveness. Data for the project is collected from medical records, billing, clinical teams, and most importantly from the patients
themselves. Research Assistants (RA) administer surveys to patients during their stay inside the U of C Medical Center, fol-
lowed by a follow-up survey given to patients over the phone, a month after inpatient care. Research Assistants commit to a 6
month term upon starting with the project, and are scheduled to complete an 8 hour shift every week.

Poster 115

Home Ranges of Captive-Reared, Recently-Released Juvenile Blandings Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii)

Andres Munoz, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Community Partner: DuPage County Forest Preserves; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Mentored by Joseph Milanovich, Biology

Blandings Turtles occur in Midwestern prairie-wetlands and endangered in Illinois. We used ground-based radio telemetry to
radio-track 12 recently-released, juvenile Blandings Turtles. We calculated bi-monthly home ranges between May to Novem-
ber 2016 using Minimum Convex Polygons and Kernel Density Estimates. We found a significant difference between bi-
monthly ranges across seasons, with home ranges increasing in size during summer months and decreasing during fall. Our data
suggests these juveniles have a similar ecology to wild-hatched individuals across the Blandings turtles range. These data will
provide wildlife managers with valuable insight to more effectively conserve the species and wetland ecosystems.

Poster 116

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Livded Experience of Women 18-23 Years of Age: A Phenomenological Study
Lauren Kunzer, Nur sing (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Phyllis Ann Solari-Twadell, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

PCOS forced participants to mature and accept their illness. The future threat of infertility is worrisome. Providers identify birth
control first to manage, but lack understanding in each womans physiology.

Poster 117

A Retrospective Comparison of Antipsychotic Medication Use and Outcomes in the Emergency Department
Riddhi Shah, Biology (2017)
Course: BIOL 298
Community Partner: Advocate Christ Medical Center
Mentored by Diane Jokinen, Biology

This study is a retrospective review of medical records obtained from patients admitted to the Emergency Department at Advo-
cate Christ Medical Center. The long-term care and treatment plans for patients that were given different anti-psychotic medica-
tions (including Adasuve, Haldol, and Geodon) was documented in order to determine if a particular medication can effectively
reduce adverse long-term effects. Long-term criteria under consideration include disposition (home, transfer, admit) and overall
time in the hospital and Emergency Department.

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 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND
ENGAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM AWARDS
GALVIN AUDITORIUM, SULLIVAN CENTER
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

OUTSTANDING LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

This award has been established to honor Loyola undergraduates who conduct exceptional research, articulate their
research to others, and enhance Loyolas reputation as a quality research university by integrating research into
their academic learning experience.

LANGERBECK AWARD
FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH MENTORING
The Langerbeck Award recognizes the exceptional work of Loyolas faculty mentors who are contributing signifi-
cant time and effort to the intellectual, ethical, and academic development of undergraduate researchers.

GRADUATE STUDENT MENTOR AWARD

This award is designed to recognize the work that Loyolas graduate students perform in mentoring undergraduate
researchers, fostering their intellectual, ethical, and academic development.

HAYES AWARD FOR ADVISING AND MENTORING

The Hayes Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate a commitment to advising and mentoring students within
and outside the classroom. Excellent faculty mentors are involved in helping students discover their passions, de-
velop a dedication to life-long learning, and guiding students intellectual, personal, social, and spiritual growth.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

PAPER AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding research conducted by undergraduate students at Loyola University Chicago.
The award is not only given based on the paper itself, but also the authors reflection on the research process,
including the role of the librarys resources and services.

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 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Each of the following community engagement awards will be awarded to an undergraduate student or group of
students who participated in a service-learning course or academic internship course at Loyola University Chicago
during the 2014-2015 academic year. The Community Engagement Award for Social Justice, Community
Engagement Award for Innovation in Sustainability, and Community Engagement Award for Impact will be
presented to the student or group of students who represent an active and ongoing pursuit in social justice,
sustainability, or impact in their community.

LOYOLA EXPERIENCE ENGAGEMENT KEY

The Loyola Experience Engagement Key focuses on engaging Chicago and the world. As such, this key focuses on
the integration of a students engaged learning course and co-curricular experiences. Students were asked to con-
sider the values named in the mission statement of Loyola to expand knowledge in the service or humanity
through learning, justice, and faith and demonstrate how they have shown a commitment to one or more of these
values through their engaged learning and co-curricular experiences.

LOYOLA EXPERIENCE CULMINATING EPORTFOLIO

In a few short years at Loyola, students have been completely transformed. They have developed the skills,
knowledge, and values needed to make a real difference in this world. The Loyola Experience is a collection of
integrated academic, spiritual, and social activities distinguished by students own unique talents, gifts, and desires.

72
 INDEX OF PRESENTERS
Poster Session 1: 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Public-led Research in Dance Performance: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Oral Session: 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
Poster Session 2: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Abbas, Hiba: Poster Session 2, Poster 102
Afzal, Anum: Poster Session 2, Poster 39
Ahmad, Adnan: Poster Session 1, Poster 8
Ahmed, Awais: Poster Session 2, Poster 40
Akkiswala, Vasia: Poster Session 2, Poster 77
Al Kassir, Mohamad: Poster Session 1, Poster 88
Albers, Philip: Poster Session 2, Poster 68
Al-Hamwi, Mada: Poster Session 1, Poster 60
Ali, Sareena: Poster Session 1, Poster 12
Andaleon, Angela: Poster Session 2, Poster 23
Anderson, Sarah: Poster Session 2, Poster 58
Ansari, Sadia: Poster Session 2, Poster 57
Aref, Majed: Poster Session 1, Poster 55
Avendano, Ana: Poster Session 2, Poster 46
Bacuyag, Leia Marie: Poster Session 2, Poster 56
Badalamenti, Alexa: Poster Session 2, Poster 4
Badier, Janan: Or al Session, Room 303
Baghdan, Danny: Poster Session 2, Poster 18
Bajwa, Tanvir: Poster Session 2, Poster 75
Bali, Karishma: Poster Session 2, Poster 104
Ballicora, Sofia: Poster Session 2, Poster 81
Baltrusaitis, Elana: Or al Session, Room 204
Baluran, Darwin: Or al Session, Room 407
Benelhachemi, Hanna: Poster Session 1, Poster 63
Berges, Orlando: Poster Session 1, Poster 114
Bigelow, Abigail: Poster Session 1, Poster 36
Borge, Jacob: Poster Session 1, Poster 16
Bulthuis, Nicholas: Poster Session 2, Poster 36
Cabada, Deanna: Poster Session 1, Poster 42
Callegari, Michelle: Poster Session 1, Poster 62
Campion, Paul: Poster Session 2, Poster 66
Canta, Angelo Jesus: Poster Session 2, Poster 12
Canta, Angelo Jesus: Or al Session, Room 404
Carlson, Aaron: Poster Session 2, Poster 7
Carlson, Aaron: Or al Session, Room 205
Caruso, Jessica: Poster Session 2, Poster 80
Casey, James: Poster Session 2, Poster 76
Cash, Sarah: Poster Session 2, Poster 71
Cerna, Jasmine: Poster Session 1, Poster 114
Checca, Daniel: Poster Session 1, Poster 64
Cheng, Kelsey: Poster Session 1, Poster 7
Chin, Hannah: Poster Session 1, Poster 32
Christian, Grace: Poster Session 2, Poster 15
Chwa, Evan: Poster Session 1, Poster 48
Cody, Evelyn: Poster Session 2, Poster 64
Collins, Daniel: Poster Session 1, Poster 81
Cortes, Tatiana: Poster Session 2, Poster 61
Cudone, Evan: Poster Session 2, Poster 94
Cuevas, Andie: Poster Session 1, Poster 114
Cundiff, Rachel: Poster Session 2, Poster 62
Dahlin, Ella: Poster Session 2, Poster 17
Daprile, Olivia: Poster Session 1, Poster 78
Darwish, Iman: Poster Session 1, Poster 58
Davis, Meghan: Poster Session 2, Poster 22
Davis, Troy: Poster Session 1, Poster 24
Dazzo, Taylor: Poster Session 2, Poster 21
Delev, Jordan: Poster Session 1, Poster 65
DeRose, Daniella: Poster Session 1, Poster 105
Desai, Mihir: Or al Session, Room 204
Domokos, Faye: Poster Session 2, Poster 19
Dosamantes, Nicole: Poster Session 1, Poster 72
Doshi, Krishna: Poster Session 1, Poster 1
Dudun, Catherine: Poster Session 1, Poster 6
Dumaraog, Sarahgin: Poster Session 2, Poster 41
Elborno, Lana: Poster Session 1, Poster 110
Egan, James: Poster Session 1, Poster 68
Estrada, Cristian: Poster Session 2, Poster 55
Fierro, Karina: Poster Session 1, Poster 70
Finch, Alex: Poster Session 1, Poster 87
Fiumaraq, Francesco: Poster Session 1, Poster 90
Folino, Johnathan: Poster Session 1, Poster 85
Gaion, Lucrezia: Poster Session 2, Poster 26
Garcia, Aminah: Poster Session 1, Poster 106
Gergets, Megan: Poster Session 1, Poster 33
Gharia, Zil: Poster Session 2, Poster 5
Ghous, Tooba: Poster Session 2, Poster 24
Gonzalez, Viviana: Poster Session 1, Poster 61
Gorostiaga, Alaia: Poster Session 1, Poster 13
Goyal, Reeti: Poster Session 2, Poster 14
Greenwood, Thomas: Poster Session 2, Poster 83
Guzzardo, Olivia: Poster Session 1, Poster 117
Habecker, Kathryn: Or al Session, Room 307
Hall, Emma: Or al Session, Room 307
Hanley, David: Poster Session 1, Poster 31
Hans, Victoria: Poster Session 1, Poster 17
Haritomane, Nikolaou: Poster Session 2, Poster 114
Hawkins, Jacob: Poster Session 1, Poster 47
Hejaz, Huda: Poster Session 2, Poster 26
Helms, Olivia: Poster Session 2, Poster 34
Helstrom, Kelsey: Or al Session, Room 205
Herrera, Daniela: Poster Session 1, Poster 74
Hevia-Aza Tomillo, Marina: Poster Session 1, Poster 107
Holmbeck, Kaitlin: Poster Session 2, Poster 42
Howell, Katherine: Poster Session 2, Poster 63
Hughes, Kyle: Or al Session, Room 403
Hussain, Anisa: Poster Session 1, Poster 54
Hwang, Jason: Poster Session 1, Poster 52
Ingravallo, Natalie: Poster Session 2, Poster 30
Iyer, Mallika: Poster Session 1, Poster 2
Jackson, Meghan: Poster Session 1, Poster 69
73
Kabir, Meenhaj: Poster Session 2, Poster 96
Kalesinskas, Laurynas: Poster Session 2, Poster 9
Kalin, Dmitriy: Or al Session, Room 205
Kanakaris, Eugenia: Poster Session 2, Poster 103
Karwowski, Nicole: Poster Session 2, Poster 112
Kelvakis, Angelo: Poster Session 2, Poster 35
Khaleeluddin, Husna: Or al Session, Room 403
Khalil, Ryan: Poster Session 2, Poster 10
Khan, Moomal: Poster Session 2, Poster 29
Khan, Nooreen: Or al Session, Room 403
Kilkenny, Alanna: Poster Session 2, Poster 70
Kim, Lisa: Poster Session 1, Poster 108
Kim, Irene: Poster Session 2, Poster 107
Kleeman, Benjamin: Poster Session 2, Poster 54
Knapp, Rachel: Poster Session 1, Poster 35
Koines, Arissa: Or al Session, Room 307
Kothawala, Saad: Poster Session 2, Poster 44
Kowalczyk, Monica: Poster Session 1, Poster 98
Koza, Wiktoria: Poster Session 2, Poster 88
Kramer, Gabrielle: Poster Session 2, Poster 90
Kramer, Gabrielle: Or al Session, Room 404
Krance, Laura: Poster Session 1, Poster 93
Kunzer, Lauren: Poster Session 2, Poster 116
Kuo, Chi Te: Poster Session 2, Poster 69
Kyrkos, Judith: Poster Session 1, Poster 59
Lam, Sophia: Poster Session 2, Poster 113
Lantto, Kathleen: Poster Session 2, Poster 108
LaRocca, Mia: Or al Session, Room 203
Larsen, Garrett: Poster Session 1, Poster 14
Lawson, Natalie: Poster Session 1, Poster 92
Lee, David: Poster Session 2, Poster 110
Leon, Alex: Poster Session 1, Poster 5
Lieu, Chelsea: Poster Session 1, Poster 97
Lindstrom, Alec: Poster Session 2, Poster 65
Lourich, Veronica: Poster Session 1, Poster 109
Loutfi, Sausan: Poster Session1, Poster 116
Lucansky, Lian: Poster Session 1, Poster 41
Luna, Carolina: Poster Session 2, Poster 84
Luo, Xianghong: Poster Session 2, Poster 97
Luong, Diana: Poster Session 1, Poster 21
Macaluso, Joseph: Poster Session 2, Poster 43
Mainellis, Erik: Poster Session 1, Poster 26
Maizenberg, Annette: Or al Session, Room 203
Malmstrom, Amanda: Poster Session 1, Poster 18
Malucha, Michael: Or al Session, Room 404
Marotta, Nicolas: Poster Session 1, Poster 19
Marshall, Levi: Poster Session 1, Poster 37
Marshall, Levi: Poster Session 2, Poster 8
Martinez, Xiolmara: Poster Session 1, Poster 39
Martinez, Leonard: Poster Session 2, Poster 98
Marx, Margaret: Poster Session 2, Poster 50
Mathew, Sarah: Poster Session 1, Poster 113
Mathew, Sarah: Poster Session 2, Poster 73
Matthew, Jon: Poster Session 2, Poster 67
Matthews, Chana: Poster Session 1, Poster 112
Mattingly, Alexandra: Poster Session 2, Poster 78
Mazich, Sofia: Or al Session, Room 406
Mazur, Monica: Poster Session 1, Poster 29
McElroy, Milan: Poster Session 1, Poster 114
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McGgrath, Ainsley: Poster Session 2, Poster 53
Medina, Brittany: Poster Session 1, Poster 27
Meesala, Sandhya: Poster Session 2, Poster 59
Meinke, Megan: Poster Session 1, Poster 94
Mitchell, Shaniqua: Poster Session 1, Poster 111
Mitchell, Marisa: Poster Session 2, Poster 99
Molise, Ellie: Poster Session 2, Poster 86
Montgomery, Catherine: Poster Session 2, Poster 25
Munoz, Andres: Poster Session 2, Poster 115
Naqi, Zahra: Poster Session 1, Poster 82
Narayan, Kathleen: Or al Session, Room 303
Nash, Stephanie: Poster Session 2, Poster 101
Ng, Jeffrey: Poster Session 2, Poster 100
Ngo, Leann: Poster Session 2, Poster 32
Ngo, Leann: Poster Session 2, Poster 32
Nguyen, Jun: Poster Session 2, Poster 107
Niaz, Kelsey: Poster Session 1, Poster 25
O'Brien, Patrick: Poster Session 1, Poster 89
Osadchuk, Tetyana: Poster Session 1, Poster 102
Oskorep, Eleanor: Or al Session, Room 403
Pajek, Sarah: Poster Session 2, Poster 45
Panock, Samantha: Poster Session 1, Poster 20
Panock, Samantha: Poster Session 2, Poster 11
Patel, Asma: Poster Session 1, Poster 50
Paul, Alex: Poster Session 1, Poster 40
Pensamiento Jr, Julio: Or al Session, Room 404
Perri, Taylor: Poster Session 1, Poster 83
Peters, Kaitlyn: Poster Session 2, Poster 31
Petersen, Matthew: Poster Session 1, Poster 34
Peto, Gunner: Poster Session 1, Poster 104
Piranej, Selma: Poster Session 1, Poster 51
Pizzuto, Alexander: Poster Session 2, Poster 37
Politanska, Yuliya: Poster Session 1, Poster 4
Pond, Sierra: Poster Session 1, Poster 10
Pratscher, Marissa: Poster Session 1, Poster 75
Prieto, Laura: Poster Session 2, Poster 52
Prieto, Laura: Or al Session, Room 407
Pristach, Anna: Poster Session 2, Poster 109
Proctor, Peter: Poster Session 1, Poster 80
Pukhrambam, Lilianne: Poster Session 2, Poster 79
Puvalowski, Hannah: Poster Session 1, Poster 77
Rao, Shilpa: Poster Session 1, Poster 11
Reiner, Beatriz: Or al Session, Room 304
Riedy, Loren: Poster Session 1, Poster 28
Rivera, Brittany: Poster Session 2, Poster 89
Rizvi, Sana: Poster Session 2, Poster 106
Rodriguez, Cristina: Or al Session, Room 203
Ronan, Reed: Poster Session 2, Poster 6
Ross, Michael: Poster Session 2, Poster 87
Roth, Genevieve: Poster Session 2, Poster 48
Rule, Frieda: Poster Session 1, Poster 96
Saffia, Bajwa: Poster Session 1, Poster 84
Sanchez, Matthew: Poster Session 1, Poster 53
Sandoval, Hans: Poster Session 1, Poster 44
Saperstein, Emily: Poster Session 1, Poster 23
Schlax, Derek: Or al Session, Room 404
Schnoor, Emily: Poster Session 1, Poster 57
Schruefer, Brittany: Poster Session 1, Poster 76
Schultz, Samuel: Poster Session 1, Poster 86
Schweizer, Julia: Or al Session, Room 407 Zamirbekova, Sezim: Poster Session 2, Poster 2
Shah, Riddhi: Poster Session 2, Poster 117 Zeniecki, Patrick: Poster Session 1, Poster 115
Shah, Shyam: Poster Session 2, Poster 51 Zernich, Dylan: Poster Session 2, Poster 2
Shaju, Rahul: Poster Session 1, Poster 100 Zia, Lyba: Poster Session 2, Poster 105
Sharma, Anisha: Poster Session 1, Poster 99 Ziogas, Ariana: Poster Session 2, Poster 60
Sheikh, Hiba: Poster Session 1, Poster 46
Shibu, Shelly: Poster Session 1, Poster 43
Shutter, Mollie: Poster Session 2, Poster 3
Simmons, Frances: Poster Session 1, Poster 66
Singh, Roohi: Poster Session 1, Poster 30
Skillings, April: Poster Session 1, Poster 9
Smith, Conor: Poster Session 1, Poster 15
Smith, Conor: Or al Session, Room 406
Smith, Briannah: Poster Session 2, Poster 85
Sofiychuk, Tetyana: Poster Session 1, Poster 71
Sorensen, Amanda: Or al Session, Room 307
Souffrront, Ana: Poster Session 2, Poster 107
Spilotro, Vanessa: Poster Session 1, Poster 38
Stefanis, Vasilios: Poster Session 2, Poster 91
Stefaniu, Sarah: Or al Session, Room 205
Stonis, Madeline: Poster Session 1, Poster 56
Stonis, Madeline: Poster Session 2, Poster 74
Stuck, Justin: Or al Session, Room 406
Sugino, Daphne: Poster Session 1, Poster 49
Sullivan-Konyn, Martina: Poster Session 2, Poster 27
Suvira, Milomir: Or al Session, Room 204
Swift, Cecile: Poster Session 2, Poster 16
Symons, Sydney: Poster Session 1, Poster 73
Tartari, Dhionis: Or al Session, Room 304
Thompson, Alice: Poster Session 1, Poster 91
Thompson, Alice: Or al Session, Room 303
Thuruthikara, Annrose: Poster Session 2, Poster 47
Tinsley, Don'Terius: Poster Session 1, Poster 3
Todorov, Nikolay: Poster Session 2, Poster 33
Tolentino, Austin: Poster Session 2, Poster 95
Tran, Ha: Or al Session, Room 304
Tuszynski, Mikayla: Poster Session 2, Poster 92
Ujas, Thomas: Poster Session 1, Poster 95
Vaca-Loyola, Alfonso: Poster Session 1, Poster 22
Valadez, Silvia: Poster Session 2, Poster 38
van den Goor, Lotte: Poster Session 1, Poster 101
Vazquez, Melissa: Poster Session 2, Poster 20
Victoroff, Claudia: Poster Session 1, Poster 45
Villegas, Abigail: Poster Session 2, Poster 82
Vincent, Anna: Poster Session 1, Poster 67
Vonesh, Hannah: Or al Session, Room 204
Vuong, Thy (Tiffany): Poster Session 2, Poster 1
Wagner, Kyle: Poster Session 2, Poster 13
Wakim, Andrea: Poster Session 1, Poster 62
Walker, Hannah: Poster Session 1, Poster 103
Wherry, Maria: Poster Session 2, Poster 28
White, Amanda: Poster Session 1, Poster 79
Williams, Colin: Or al Session, Room 406
Wilson, Sylena: Poster Session 2, Poster 72
Winters, Sadie: Poster Session 2, Poster 49
Winters, Scarlett: Or al Session, Room 303
Wojcik, Briana: Or al Session, Room 203
Yanar, Jorge: Poster Session 2, Poster 93
Yu, Sharon (Hsin-Ju): Poster Session 2, Poster 111
Zaker, Micah: Or al Session, Room 407

75
 The Center for Experiential Learning
Patrick Green, Director
Carlos Ballinas, Mar keting and Communications Gr aduate Assistant
Hanna Benelhachemi, Lear ning Por tfolio Peer Mentor
Rebecca DeRose, Lear ning Por tfolio Gr aduate Assistant
Danielle Forchette, Academic Inter nship Progr am Manager
Kathryn Habecker, Academic Inter nship Peer Mentor
Max Halm, Office Coor dinator
Susan Haarman, Associate Director, Ser vice-Learning Program Manager
Larry Kalesinskas, Lear ning Por tfolio Peer Mentor
Kevin Kaufmann, Under gr aduate Research Progr am Manager
Annie Kelly, Lear ning Por tfolio Progr am Manager
Andrew Miller, Community Par tner ships Coor dinator
Aqela Rahman, Ser vice-Learning Peer Mentor
Shayna Vaughn, Community Par tner ships Peer Mentor
Frances Way, Lear ning Por tfolio Peer Mentor
Jori Zepeda, Engaged Lear ning Gr aduate Assistant

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