2022 Undergraduate Exhibition

Title Presenter Abstract Faculty Sponsor Number
Interpreting Young Stellar Object Accretion Signatures from the VIRUS Spectrograph with a Bayesian Approach Lauren Willett

For the first few million years of their lives, young stars accrete surrounding material. This process creates unique features in the stellar spectrum, the strengths of which can be used to estimate the accretion rate; knowing such accretion rates consequently helps astronomers constrain models for planet formation. This project focuses on measuring accretion rates of stars observed with the VIRUS spectrograph aboard the Hobby Eberly Telescope, using a new powerful approach built off Bayesian statistics.

Suvrath Mahadevan 16662
Inventory and modeling of a plant of conservation concern on Penn State forestlands Lisa Grab

Pennsylvania Plants of Conservation Concern (POCC) can only be protected through identification, inventorying, and monitoring. In May 2021, I began conducting fieldwork on Penn State’s 6,775-acre Stone Valley Forest to identify populations of a state listed POCC and located 41 populations containing 430 plants (and found additional POCC’s). I documented populations through herbarium specimens and am now using the associated habitat data I collected to build GIS models for future surveys of remaining PSU forestlands.

Eric Burkhart 16047
Investigating the Effects of Empathy and News Readership on Affective Polarization Steven Zhang

Political scientists have hypothesized that empathy can be a key tool towards reducing affective polarization by encouraging cross-party understanding, but studies have shown that empathy can intensify both positive or negative emotions towards political out-groups. I propose that diversity of news readership nuances the power of empathy to reduce overall affective polarization. However, my regression suggests that the interaction between empathy and news readership actually increases affective polarization.

Peter Hatemi 16806
Investigating the role of a HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, PiUPL1, in regulating the stability of SLF proteins involved in self-incompatibility in Petunia inflata Natalie Babitzke

Petunia inflata utilizes a genetic mechanism, self-incompatibility (SI), to avoid self-fertilization and prevent inbreeding. A family of S-Locus F-box (SLF) proteins control pollen function in SI. Our lab hypothesizes that a HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, PiUPL1, mediates degradation of SLF proteins when they are not needed. To test this hypothesis, I will express GFP-fused SLF proteins in PiUPL1 knockout mutants and use biochemical assays to examine their amounts in pollen.

Teh-hui Kao 16938
Investigation of Bacillus subtilis mutants on germination Kayla Brown-Collie

Bacillus subtilis contains N-acetylated lipoproteins that are involved in sporulation, however, the specific enzymes involved in the acetylation process are unknown. This research aims to identify the impact of genes associated with lipoprotein synthesis on B. subtilis spore germination through the use of germination assays and the determination of sporulation efficiency. 

Timothy Meredith 17000
Is age a factor in the development of motor planning skills among primates? Isabella Parrillo

End state comfort (ESC) is the process in which participants initially assume an uncomfortable position to establish a more comfortable position later in a task. Several experiments have established this concept in various human and non-human primates. The young don’t frequently display ESC as it takes time to develop. We wish to examine this further and investigate development in bonobos, as a close primate relative, to understand why ESC occurs primarily in older individuals.

Daniel Weiss 16663
Isolation and Characterization of Microplastics in the Spring Creek, State College Area via FT-IR Microscopy Emily Thompson and Phoebe Wentzell

Few efficient and reliable methods currently exist to identify and quantify microplastics in complex matrices. In our current study, we developed a method to identify microplastics in water and sediment samples sourced locally from four locations in Spring Creek in State College, PA. After completing digestion/density separation procedures, the particles were filtered according to size fraction and subsequently identified via FT-IR in reflectance or ATR-mode.

Danny Sykes 16721
Judicial Voting Behavior and the Deliberate Indifference Standard Viviane Krug

I am interested in explaining why there is variation in case outcomes of the Deliberate Indifference Standard, which varies across federal judges’ votes. I expect that this variation results from the difference in public mood, presidential ideology, individual justice ideology, and overall court ideology. I would like to shed light constitutionally on the importance of establishing a better standard, as well as analyzing how much power public mood has over federal court decisions.

Christopher Zorn 16037
L2 Listeners’ Comprehension of Accented Speech in Quiet and Noisy Environments Gregory Costanzo

The present study examines how Dutch native language listeners (L1) with English as their second language (L2) comprehend English sentences produced in Dutch-accented English, Southern-American English, Chinese-accented English, and unmarked American English. These sentences were presented in noisy and in quiet conditions, as previous studies suggest that noisy environments can exacerbate one’s difficulty in comprehending unfamiliar accents. So far, 25 Dutch-English bilingual listeners have completed the experiment, and findings will be available shortly and presented.

Janet Van Hell 16898
Landscape Studio in Port Richmond, Philadelphia Alec Spangler, Lauren Sosa and Michael Saltarella

The second-year landscape architecture studio was awarded a 2nd Year Enhancement grant in Fall 2021 to fund a field trip to our studio project site in Port Richmond on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The trip was a success and added depth and rigor to their final design projects. 

Barry Bram 16491
Learning About Benefit Corporations Kayla Gordon

Benefit Corporations are changing the global economy as well as addressing issues that pertain to the planet and communities. The purpose of this research was to learn more about B Corps and how the B Lab certification process for companies looking to become B Corps occurs. A literature review was conducted to analyze different companies that are B Corps, evaluate the certification process, and to perform two key informant interviews. 

Alyssa Gurklis 17082
Life Cycle Analysis of High Rise Timber Construction MADELYN ELIZABETH MARIE KRANTZ

In this study, I will conduct a life cyle analysis of cross laminated timber (CLT) and steel to compare two materials in high rise building use. A life cycle analysis consists of ratings based on the liquid, solid, and gaseous emissions produced by the creation, life, and end of life of the material at question. A streamlined life cycle assessment was used to conduct the analysis and develop an understanding of steel vs. CLT sustainability.

Shirley Clark 17091
Lipoprotein Structure and TLR detection in Bifidobacterium Matthew Masciulli

Lipoproteins are abundant proteins found on the surface of cell membranes. Lipoproteins are very important ligands for detection by the innate immune system. The main goal of this research is to identify how any structural changes to lipoproteins may affect Toll-like Receptor detection. Detergent partitioning is used to extract and analyze lipoprotein structure in Bifidobactrerium angulatum. We are currently optimizing liporptein extraction protocols to improve yields from Bifido species.

Tim Meredith 17071
Living with Nature: An Ethical Model for Place-Sustaining Architecture Katherine McRury

This Erickson Discovery grant-funded project explores the theoretical and practical aspects of a new branch of sustainable architecture that develops equitable coexistence between humans and nature, reintegrating natural forces into architectural design and referring to traditional local building practices. “Living with Nature” demonstrates why we must reconsider the focus on efficiency and consumption that has failed to stop the climate crisis, illustrating ways to truly sustain our species and homes for the future.

Katsuhiko Muramoto 16301
Longitudinal associations between self-efficacy and drinking outcomes among college students Emily Kornack, Nikolette Nolte and Matthew McHugh

College student drinking impacts academic success and planning. Positive self-efficacy has been associated with less negative drinking outcomes. Longitudinal associations were examined between self-efficacy, drinking, and academic consequences among college students during their first two semesters (N=2024; M(SD)age=18.18(.39); 56% female). First semester self-efficacy was associated with significantly less second semester drinking and academic consequences (p < .05). Drinking interventions that emphasize self-efficacy could reduce risky drinking behaviors and increase academic success among college students.

Robert Turrisi 16830
Luminescence production of V. fischeri strains isolated from same E. scolopes animal Rachel Cook

The mutualistic symbiosis between Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid is a characteristic model of host-microbe symbiosis and strain diversity in which V. fischeri produce luminescence for the squid. This symbiosis is unique from others in that there are multiple strains of the same bacteria involved. It is not yet known how the diversity that arises from the presence of multiple strains of V. fischeri within the squid contribute to the symbiosis.

Tim Miyashiro 16925
Manganese and Soil Carbon Dynamics Under Saturated Soil Conditions Chyvonne Jessick

Wetlands play an essential role in regulating the Earth's hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. Amounts of soil carbon and manganese are hypothesized to influence soil carbon oxidation and manganese reduction. Four soils with differing amounts of soil carbon and manganese were saturated and manganese oxidation was assessed following a saturation period. These interactions may be valuable when using manganese oxide as an indicator of wetland reduction potential and biogeochemistry dynamics related to manganese and carbon.

Robert Shannon 16813
Mass Timber Buildings: Impact of Connections on Embodied Carbon Morgan Prichard

The structural system for mid- to high-rise commercial buildings is primarily composed of steel and concrete. Mass timber systems offer a low carbon alternative to these non-renewable materials. To date, many design tools that help to predict the embodied carbon of mass timber buildings neglect structural connections between beams, girders, and columns. To determine their contribution to total embodied carbon, this project sizes and calculates the embodied carbon of the connections for several case studies.

Nathan Brown 17002
Media Exposure and Perceptions of Police Lindsay Fusco et al

Police interactions with the public have gained considerable media attention. Prior research has examined the impact of news media and television drama series consumption on perceptions of police effectiveness. However, there is little empirical research on the relationship between categories of news and perceptions of police. Using self-report survey data collected from a representative sample of more than 1,000 Americans, this study examined the relationship between mass media consumption and perceptions of police.

Nathan Kruis 16482
Microaggressions During Pregnancy on Newborn Outcomes in a Population Sample Alena Wesley

During pregnancy, women of color (WOC) are at a disproportionate risk of adverse health outcomes that ultimately affect themselves and their newborns. There are extensive reasons for these racial health disparities, and current literature suggests that racial microaggressions may play an influential role. We examined racial microaggressions and birth outcomes in 2400 white and WOC mothers using an online survey. Microaggressions within the healthcare system were predictive of poor neonatal outcomes and maternal morbidity. 

Laura Klein 16429
Migrating Along the Pipeline: How political instability shapes mass emigration out of the Northern Triangle Emma Lutz

Over the past two decades, the number of emigrants fleeing the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala) has increased dramatically. These migrants are often categorized as economic migrants, but this thesis argues political instability is a causal factor of emigration out of the Northern Triangle. In order to determine the effect political instability has on emigration, this analysis investigates three aspects of political instability: ungoverned spaces, gang involvement in politics, and corruption.

Andrew Vitek 16025
Migration decision-making of rural households: a qualitative inquiry in Jiangsu, China Yebo Chen

The existing literature on rural-urban migration focuses on economic factors and migrant populations residing in urban areas. While the non-economic determinants and the rural end are paid with limited attention. This qualitative research conducted in Jincheng Village, Jiangsu Province, China aims to fill this literature gap by interviewing "left-behind" rural households who choose not to migrate out. This research reveals the important roles of sociocultural and environmental factors in rural-urban migration decision-making.

Mary Shenk 16884
Mineralogical Characterization of Lithospheric Mantle Xenoliths from Katwe-Kikorongo, Uganda Emma Stolinas and Madeline Murtaugh

Continental rifting is a tectonic process that creates oceans and influences the arrangement of continents on Earth’s surface. By analyzing xenoliths (samples of the lithosphere from ~100 km depth) in lavas from southeastern Uganda, we suggest localized melting of metasomatic lithosphere is sufficient to encourage continental rift formation and propagation. The xenoliths contain evidence for C-rich fluid metasomatism and extensive infiltration by silicate liquids (magmas), suggesting a key link between fluid movement and crustal weakening.

Tanya Furman 16719
Mitigating Climate Change: Determinants of Willingness to Pay Katerina Yankanich

Addressing the consequences of climate change is costly, which makes people reluctant to do so despite the imminent danger it presents. This research, empirically focused on the United Kingdom, analyzes the effect that demographic characteristics, partisan identity, and belief in anthropogenic climate change have on willingness to pay for environmental protection.

Sona Golder 16969
Modified bispecific antibodies blocking both PD-L1 and PD-L2 engagement of PD-1 show higher ADCC potential and in vivo anti-tumor response Ashley Gelin

Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) blockade inhibits the interaction between PD-1 and its receptors PD-L1/L2. PD-L1 blockade fails to address the engagement between PD-L2 and PD-1. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) provide dual ligand specificity, allowing blockade of PDL1/2. I compared the efficacy and specificity of BsAbs with clinical anti-PD-L1 antibodies, and their in vivo efficacy. PD-L1/L2 BsAbs promote ADCC activity against target cells expressing PDL1/2.  BsAbs possess higher in vivo efficacy in a mouse colon cancer model.

Denise Okafor 16833
Motility Heterogeneity of Vibrio fischeri in the multi-strain symbiosis of Euprymna scolopes Gareth Francis

In the squid-vibrio system, bacterium Vibrio fischeri colonized the light organ of Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes, but the process of how and why multiple strains colonize the host is unknown. Bacterial isolates from a single wild caught squid were subject to colonization and motility assays to determine whether motility heterogeneity gives rise to multi-strain symbioses. Isolates are shown to be diverse in motility and able to colonize squid independently.

Tim Miyashiro 17130
New Antibiotics Discovered Targeting Ribosomal Protein Abigail Heilenman

New trans-translation inhibitors alter the conformation of ribosomal protein L27, suggesting a novel mechanism for specific trans-translation inhibition. Deletions were made at the N-terminus of L27 to see how the protein interacts with the inhibitors after these deletions. Findings suggest changes in inhibitory concentrations among inhibitors, indicating different interactions with the L27 protein. 

Ken Keiler 16763
Non-Disappearing, Persistent Droplets: A Study in Active Matter and Colloidal Dispersions Sebastian Fras

The study of active matter encompasses that of droplet formations, which come about through the mixing of an oil and a surfactant, and placing that in solution.  These droplets can be stable for some time, but generally dissipate.  This is due to oil and water not properly mixing.  However, we have found that many droplets reduce to a very small point, and stop there.  This poster explores our process and results examining this behavior.

Lauren Zarzar 16877
Novel Digital-Enabled Visualization of Metal Flow with Applications in STEM Education Jay Sim

 

Although metal casting is one of the world's oldest manufacturing technologies, there have been significant challenges in visual observation of liquid metal. This research project presents a solution in the form of machined transparent acrylic molds and novel integration of digital tools (smartphone velocimetry and open-source computational models) to visualize metal flow and understand its fundamental behavior. Outcomes of this research includes both new scientific and manufacturing education tools to benefit the society. 

Guha Manogharan 16801
Numerical Solutions of the Forced Soliton Equation Quentin Hales

We present numerical solutions of the forced soliton equation which describe a
kink soliton in two-dimensional φ4 theory undergoing acceleration. The accel-
eration is caused by an arbitrarily specifiable driving force that couples directly
to the soliton’s collective coordinate.

Richard Robinett 16933
Online Learning: A New Age In Academic Dishonesty Jasmine Lewis et al

Researchers hypothesized that students felt less motivated to complete their academic work during the online learning period and that it resulted in an increase in the prevalence and severity of academic dishonesty. Participants of 18 years or older completed a survey pertaining to their engagement in academic dishonesty and the factors that contributed. Our results showed a significant relationship between academic dishonesty in online courses and a lack of motivation.

Melanie Hetzel-Riggin 16221
Optimization of Sample Prep Conditions for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging of Mycelium Mats on Plant Leaves Xi Su

Field Emission Scanning Microscopy (FESEM) was used to characterize the ultrastructure of mycelium mats on plant leaves induced by spotted lanternfly honeydew. After our initial attempt failed to obtain useful data due to cells being poorly preserved for imaging, we optimized conditions for sample acquisition and fixation, which helped us restore the integrity of the micrograph and minimized artefacts.

Gang Ning 16952
Our Childrens mental health is declining, what can schools do? Abigail Nevil

The American Psychology Association declared a mental health crisis in our youth. 1 in 5 children has a mental disorder. March of 2021 the American Rescue Plan provided $170 billion for school funding to help with the mental health needs.  Schools are seeing an increase of conflict with peers, attendance problems, and poor grades.  The Coping Cat Program is a cognitive behavior intervention program being usd in schools to combat the mental health crisis.  

Barbra Carl 16470
Our Childrens mental health is declining, what can schools do? Abigail Nevil

The APA declared a mental health crisis in our youth; 1 in 5 children has a mental disorder. There is $170 billion available for schools to help with students' mental health needs because they are seeing an increase in peer conflict, truancy, and poor grades. The Coping Cat (CAT) Program is a school-based cognitive behavior intervention program used to combat the mental health crisis. This presentation focuses on the implementation of CAT.

Hannah Mudrick 16502
Parental Influence on Political Ideology: Are transmission rates as high as they once were? Riley Stoltenberg

This presentation will cover the results from my Schreyer thesis research on political ideology and parental influence. I conducted my own survey using self-reported data from parent-child dyads to determine a correlation or lack thereof between the political beliefs/value of the parent and their child.

Pete Hatemi 16797
Penn State University Libraries Commonwealth-wide Welcome Program Rebecca Waltz and Megan Gilpin

This poster will show how, utilizing funds from the Second Year Enhancement Program, the libraries at 22 PSU campuses collaborated to offer in-person welcome programs throughout the first six weeks of the semester. These events were aligned in goals but unique in implementation, in order to meet the specific needs of each campus.

Barry Bram 16520
Peron, Salazar, and the Genesis of Right-Wing Populism Jack Deeney

My project seeks to answer the question of whether or not Right-Wing Populism, a political phenomenon that has recieved considerable media attention in recent years, is a coherent political ideology. I argue that it is and to better understand it it is useful to examine the political thought of Argentinian ruler Juan Peron and Portueguese Ruler Antonio Salazar, who I theorize to be the first Right-Wing Populists. 

Amy Linch 16694
Personality Traits and Mental States in a Pandemic: Empathy as a Measure of Prosocial Behavior Regarding COVID-19 Protocol Elizabeth Moore

We measured empathy and anxiety levels in relation to prosocial behaviors involving COVID-19, such as masking and distancing. We expected that participants with higher empathy and stress/anxiety levels will be more likely adhere to COVID-19 protocols of masking and distancing. In addition, participants who have had COVID-19 and/or who have loved ones who have had it will report higher prosocial behaviors and increased levels of memory loss and stress/anxiety levels.  

Alicia Drais-Parrillo 16893
Personalized modeling for Alzheimer’s clinical biomarkers ZHIYUAN LI

Introduce the background of Alzheimer's disease. Then, introduce the mathematical model we developed, and the process of validating the model on the AD patient dataset. Based on the validated model, we can perform AD personalized therapeutic studies. And finally, the conclusion. 

Wenrui Hao 16924
pH- and salt-dependent RNA encapsulation in phase-separated droplets Sindy Liu

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a phenomenon involving the formation of macromolecule-rich droplets, also known as coacervate droplets, formed from interactions between oppositely charged molecules suspended in a dilute phase. Coacervates composed of polypeptides and RNA are appealing as prebiotic compartments since these molecules can undergo LLPS in low concentrations. Here, I  present recent findings on the impact of pH, salinity, and different polypeptide concentrations on RNA’s ability to interact and accumulate in coacervate droplets.

Christine Keating 16650
Physical Activity and Mental HealthBefore and After The Pandemic: An Exploratory Study on College Students based on Gender and Race Zachary Pratzner

The purpose of this study was to explore gender/racial differences in various health behaviors and health outcomes in college students, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants self-reported demographics, various health behaviors, and health outcomes. Multiple independent sample t-tests were used to understand the differences of these behaviors/outcomes by gender (male/female) and race/ethnicity (white/non-white). Results suggested that there were significant differences among demographics and behaviors/outcomes. University health officials should tailor health interventions to demographics.

Melissa Bopp 16876
PIP5K Isozyme Analysis Austin Buskirk

PIP5K is a critical enzyme that is involved in the generation of PIP2 – a component critical to HGF-stimulated epithelial cell migration and integrin recycling. The PIP5K gene has various isozymes that include PIP5KA, PIP5KB, and PIP5KC. In hopes of determining which of these isozymes is most responsible for the synthesis of PIP2 during migration, I performed a series of gene knockouts and assays and tested the impact on integrin recycling and cellular migration.

Lorraine Santy 16905
Pocket Field Guide to Night Singing Insects of Pennsylvania Celia Graef

This poster displays the process and outcome of designing and producing a pocket-sized field guide featuring 10 night singing insects. The goal of the semester long project is to create the field guide to be user friendly so that it can be purchased around Pennsylvania, as well as in possible programming at Shaver's Creek and the Arboretum. There will also be a website linked by a QR code on the booklet to learn more. 

Christina Grozinger 16939
Potential Impacts of Solar Farms on Landscape Hydrology Demetrius Zaliwciw

As solar farms become more popular, it is crucial to understand if they affect landscape hydrology. A solar farm site was studied to determine if there was variability in soil moisture at different locations. It was found that there was variability in soil moisture depending on the location of the measurement at the site. These impervious panels may alter the hydrology of the surrounding area.

Lauren McPhillips 16945
Potential Two-way Toolmark Transfer on Window Screens and Knives Adam Badinger and Melise Zundel

This research investigates toolmark characteristics of window screens that have been cut with a knives and other common household methods of cutting. The forensic science significance of this research includes the attempt to discover if there is potential for one-way or two-way toolmark transfer depending on the materials of the knives and screens, as well as if association between the objects is possible. This transfer could be in the form of particulate and/or impression evidence.

Ralph Ristenbatt 16931
Predictors of Extremism in College Students Lisa Martin

Political extremism is a growing problem in our nation. Using a sample of Penn State students, this project examines some possible factors that may lead to extremism in college students, including their political beliefs, experiences of ostracism, level of self-esteem, gender, religious engagement, and race. As predicted, political beliefs emerged as the strongest predictor of extremism.

Brenda Russell 16630
Predictors of Hispanic College Student Alcohol Use with Consideration of Sex, Gender, and Ethnic Differences: A Scoping Review of Cultural, Peer and Familial Influences Sophia Ko

College student alcohol consumption is a major public health concern. Hispanic students have unique predictors of alcohol use due to different cultural environments. A scoping review of Hispanic college student drinking was conducted. Articles that met inclusion criteria (N=56) were synthesized with respect to unique predictors (e.g., acculturation, family, peer) and sex/ethnic differences. The review clarified drinking patterns that are unique to Hispanic students. Results will help inform future research and culturally tailored drinking interventions.  

Rob Turrisi 16844
Prevalence of comorbidity and associated psychopathology among adolescents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Madeleine Dong

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses within a clinical population of patients with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).  We aimed to identify which comorbid diagnoses were most commonly found in patients with ARFID in comparison to other ED diagnoses and assess clinical impairment from anxiety and depression symptoms as indicated by the child depression inventory (CDI) and the revised children's manifest anxiety scale (RCMAS).

Jamal Essayli 16802
Prevotella nigrescens and Clostridium coccoides lipoprotein structure and variation with binding to Toll-Like Receptor 2 Erin O'Donnell

Lipoproteins are bound to the cell membrane through an acylated N-terminal cysteine residue and are present in almost all bacteria. Mammalian innate immune system recognizes lipoproteins for infection defense. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognizes the acylation pattern. Putative Prevotella nigrescens and Clostridium coccoides were isolated, confirmed by 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing, and used to extract lipoproteins by detergent partitioning. The acylation pattern will be determined and tested how they influence the pro-inflammatory TLR2 signaling cascade.

Timothy Meredith 17021
Princesses and Princessing: The Sociology of Value Education Margaret Bond

The Disney Princesses impact children even beyond their films. Princess performers in a private industry bring these characters to life, engaging children and teaching through their performances. In this poster, we study how princess performers describe the impact of Disney Princesses on children's moral education and their role in children's value socialization. We analyze qualitative interviews from the Social Science Princess Project's data for themes about teaching values through enactment of princess characters and stories.

Nicholas Rowland 16153