Student Research Examples – Fall 2015 Research and Scholarship Day
Biology & Allied Health Sciences Department
Preliminary Results: Ghrelin is Affecting Sexual and Ingestive Behaviors of Female
Syrian Hamsters
Shandna Buroughs
Dr. Candice Klingerman, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
From an evolutionary standpoint, ghrelin (an orexigenic neuropeptide) is potentially up-regulated
to induce excessive feeding and hoarding behaviors to delay the risk of starvation during periods
of scare food availability, and down-regulated when food is abundant thus permitting sexual
behavior to ensure reproductive success. This mechanism that has served us well in the pass
might be the source of what is causing obesity in human beings. This research was sponsored by
a Bloomsburg University Research and Scholarship Grant.
Evaluation of the Fungicide Sensitivity and Pathogenicity of Pythium spp. Cultivated from
Soils at Dillon Floral Corporation ® in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Jalil Alston
Dr. Barry Nolt, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Pythium spp. is a pathogenic plant fungus known to negatively affect plant health. Once
Pythium spp. infest soils it will often cause rotting of plant roots which is often lethal to the
plant.
Investigation of the Effects of Inhibitory Signaling on Vesicle Pool Dynamics using the
GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide.
Kirk Jeffreys
Dr. William Coleman, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central
nervous system that reduces the excitability of cells. Selective binding of bicuculline methiodide,
a GABA-A receptor antagonist, prevents inhibitory signaling and may modulate vesicle pool
dynamics. This research was sponsored by the Bloomsburg University Department of Biological
& Allied Health Sciences.
Is Your Socioeconomic Status Putting You at an Increased Risk for Developing
Type 2 Diabetes?
Nicholas Bilski, Sean DeBarberie & Robert Lewis
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Our research examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (income, education,
poverty rate) and the prevalence of diabetes in Pennsylvania. This knowledge could help target
efforts to reduce the incidence of diabetes.
Effects of Neuropeptide Y on Sexual and Ingestive Behavior in Female Syrian Hamster
Samirah Boksmati
Dr. Candice Klingerman, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
It's important to understand that specific proteins in the brain, such as Neuropeptide Y, effect
eating habits and sexual behavior. Research in this field may one day lead to a cure for obesity.
Maintaining proper nutritional uptake is essential for achieving reproductive success, thus
overeating has evolved over time in order to ensure and increase success rates. This research
was sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Research & Scholarship Grant.
A Comparative Analysis of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Hispanics,
African Americans and Caucasians
Shandna Burroughs & Kirk Jeffreys
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes varies among racial and ethnic groups. Our analyses have
revealed that key risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes differ among ethnic and racial
groups.
Behavioral Response of Mayfly Community in Trout-stocked Tributaries of the
Susquehanna River
Corey Conville
Dr. Clay Corbin, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Stream ecosystems are constantly changing, and the addition of trout is a major annual change
brought upon by humans. This study aimed to observe how this change effected the mayfly
larvae of the stream.
Pioneering U.S. Geneticist: Barbara McClintock
Jessica Cusanelli
Dr. Thomas Klinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Barbara McClintock discovered transposable elements in the genes of maize chromosomes.
Historical Overview of Charles Otis Whitman
Kelly Deiter
Dr. Thomas Klinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
This research will be extremely relevant to anyone in the Hartline Science Center because
Charles Otis Whitman has impacted several areas of science. People will be able to learn where
the beginning stages of some science concepts came from.
Potential Influences of Small Mammal Scavenger Populations on Bird-window Mortality
Surveys on Bloomsburg University Campus
Kira England
Dr. Amber Pitt, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Understanding the effect that window collisions have on migratory bird deaths can potentially
lead to important changes in building construction, thus affecting the lives of the general
population. The intent of this research is to understand if scavenging mammals confounded the
results of dead bird surveys conducted in 2014 on the Bloomsburg University campus.
Diel Stream Chemistry and Periphyton Dynamics
Kira England
Dr. Steven Rier, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
This research analyzes the dynamics of water chemistry, the storage of phosphorous by algae,
and other characteristics of algae at different times of day. This research is important because
understanding the effects of pollution on our water sources can allow regulators to make sure
fertilizer in our water doesn't harm the environment or affect our drinking water. This research
was sponsored by the Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies and the
Degenstein Foundation. This research was presented at the Susquehanna River Symposium in
November 2015.
Does the Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Relate to Income in Pennsylvania Counties?
Katie Greene, Hayley & Iane Charles
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Globally, the burden of type 2 diabetes has been shown to have a disproportionate effect on low
and middle income countries. This research examines the relationships between diabetes and
income level in several Pennsylvania counties.
Thomas Hunt Morgan Poster - Biology Senior Seminar
Kaitlyn Hitchiner
Dr. Thomas Klinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
The poster displays his lifeline, education, influences, contributions, and affects he has had on
current biology fields.
Geodemography of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Pennsylvania
Andrew King & Rebecca Price
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
This research evaluated the prevalence and incidence of diabetes in all 67 counties in
Pennsylvania. Risk factors differed in rural and urban areas.
Do Feeding Mechanics Affect Associations Between Populations in Tidal Mud and Sand
Flats Around Assateague, Chincoteague and Wallops Islands, Virginia
Lexie Mendall
Dr. Thomas Klinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
We studied sea cucumbers to get a better understanding of their role in the environment and their
interaction with other species. This research was sponsored by a Bloomsburg University
Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Award and was presented at the
Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in August
2015.
Spencer Fullerton Baird
Curtis Rigg
Dr. Thomas Klinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Spencer Fullerton Baird was a man who had a large impact on American Science. He could turn
any opportunity into something magnificent, and is a large contributor to the knowledge we have
on many of the animal species known today.
It's All About the Numbers: Diabetes Prevalence and Incidence in Columbia County and
How It Compares to an Urban County, Pennsylvania and the Nation
Matthew Swift, Christopher Bastardi & Jhumur Ray
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Type 2 diabetes has become a national epidemic affecting 9.3% of the population. Our research
compared the prevalence of diabetes in Columbia County to the state, Nation and urban
populations and ways to improve and control the diabetes epidemi
Is Diabetes Related to Poverty in Pennsylvania?
Christopher Vila & Philip Mosolino
Dr. Cynthia Surmacz, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Type 2 Diabetes, a condition affecting 9.3% of the nation's population, is associated with various
risk factors. Our study examined if living in poverty may be related to the prevalence of diabetes
in Pennsylvania.
Measuring Methylation of GNG11 in Human Breast Cancer
Jennifer Young
Dr. William Schwindinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
This research investigates differences in the regulation of the gene GNG11 which is important in
cell communication that can be affected in cancer. We can see how this gene is regulated in
breast cancer compared to non-cancerous tissue, which leads to an understanding of how
different genes are expressed and can be used to develop better treatment and prognosis in the
fight against cancer. This research was presented at the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate
Research Symposium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in August 2015, and at the Undergraduate
Research Symposium in Chemical & Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland.
Methylation of Gng7 in Human Breast Cancer
Jean-Michel Place
Dr. William Schwindinger, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Epigenetic regulation of genes that encode G proteins may alter how cells communicate and lead
to terminal illnesses, such as cancer. This research was presented at the Susquehanna Valley
Undergraduate Research Symposium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in August 2015 and at the
University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore, Maryland. This research was sponsored
by a Bloomsburg University Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Award.
Upper Campus Soil Survey
Michael Bogan
Drs. Michael Shepard & Mathew Ricker, Biological & Allied Health Sciences Department
Understanding the features of soil around you is vital to many applications including
construction, environmental conservation, oil and gas exploration, etc.
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
Ionothermal Synthesis of Tellurium Based Materials
Dean Kolb
Dr. Matthew Polinski, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
We were interested in designing materials with the potential to remove environmental pollutants
from water systems. To make these targeted materials, it is often necessary to synthesize them
under unusual/unique conditions.
An Investigation of Coal Dust Transport Near the Lafayette River, Norfolk, Virginia
Shelby Coleman
Dr. Rodger Harvey, Old Dominion University
To investigate the transport of coal dust from Norfolk Southern’s Lamberts Point coal terminal in
Norfolk, Virginis, this study examined the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs) and aliphatic n-alkanes in surface sediments (1-2 cm) among several sites in the
Elizabeth River near the coal terminal as well as particles collected by wet and dry deposition at
one site on Old Dominion University’s campus. The potential pollution and transport of coal
dust to the nearby campus is a cause for concern and the motivation for this study. This research
was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, and presented at the Annual Geological
Society of America Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland in November 2015.
The Calculation of Equilibrium Constants and Equivalent
Conductivities of Aqueous
Lanthanide Solutions
Franklin Rodemer
Dr. Gregory Zimmerman, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
This research attempts to answer the question, "What's in a solution?" Using compiled
conductivity literature data, a well-understood theoretical model, and above-average computing,
limitations are minimized and a response may be proposed. This research was sponsored by the
Bloomsburg University Honors Program and will be presented at the American Chemical
Society National Meeting in San Diego, California in March 2016.
Sulfobetaine Zwitterionic Polymer Synthesis and Analysis
Katherine Mullen
Dr. Mark Tapsak, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
Biomaterial chemist have long sought to create molecules that mimic the properties of biological
macromolecules. As biotechnology advances the importances for biocompatible synthetic
material increases. Sulfobetaine zwitterionic polymers are a relatively new set of biocompatible
polymers that exhibit nonspecific protein adsorption and antifouling properties. In this study,
copolymers of acrylic acid (AA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) were synthesized with
varying feed ratios of the initial monomers. Through 1H NMR spectroscopy it was determined
that the ratio between SBMA and AA in the final products is significantly different from the
initial feed ratios. Copolymers contain more SBMA than AA acid in the final products. The
hydrogels created by the crosslinking process will then be further studied to determine their
biocompatibility.
Inhibition of Blood Clot Formation Using the Tetrapeptides acet-FSPR-amide,
acet-LSPR-amide and acet-ISPR-amide
Morgan Lewis
Dr. Toni Trumbo-Bell, Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
The blood clotting cascade is an important immune response to stop blood loss and decreases the
risk of infection, but inappropriate formation of blood clots can cause heart attack, stroke or an
aneurysm. The purpose of this study is to inhibit inappropriate blood clot formation, while
maintaining immune response. This research was sponsored by the Bloomsburg University
Undergraduate, Research and Creative Activities Award, and was presented at the Susquehanna
Undergraduate Research Symposium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in August 2015.
EGGS Department
Using Water Levels and Salinity to Characterize the Flow Regime in a Tidally-restricted
Mid-Atlantic Salt Marsh in Greenbackville, Virginia
Matthew Mattesini
Drs. Jennifer Whisner & Cynthia Venn, Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences
Department
Ecosystem services provided by eastern coastal salt marshes include reducing coastal erosion and
filtering water nutrients, heavy metals, and pollutants. We are investigating how flow regimes
and tidal cycling, vital to the persistence of salt marsh biota, can be characterized in a highly
human-modified salt marsh. This research was sponsored by a Bloomsburg University
Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Award, an Atlantic Estuarine
Research Society Student Travel Award, a Coastal Estuarine Research Federation Student Travel
Award, and the Richard White ‘78 Geosciences Fund. This research was presented at the 2015
Coastal Estuarine Research Federation Meeting in Portland, Oregon.
Not Just Fool’s Gold: XRF and SEM Analysis of the Effects of Pyrite on a Bioturbated KPG Outcrop
Zachary Maza
Dr. Cynthia Venn, Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences Department
The Cretaceous-Paleogene Mass Extinction is one of the most critical transitions captured in the
rock record. By better understanding the nature of the sediments present at the ocean floor at
that time, we can better understand the sequence of events across such an important time in
Earth's history. This research was presented at the Geological Society of America National
Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
XRF Analysis of Devonian to Mississippian Lithofacies From Drill Core LY-CO081_0341,
Lycoming County Pennsylvania
Franklin E. Rodemer, Morgan Sandritter, Robert James & Joshua White
Dr. Brett McLaurin, Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences Department
Core LYCO081_0341 was analyzed using portable XRF technology that provides detailed
elemental analysis of the chemical composition of the rocks. These geochemical trends were
documented through the entire 1003 foot thickness of the core. This research was presented at
the Geological Society of America National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
Devonian to Mississippian Lithofacies and Depositional Environments From Drill Core
LYCO081_0341, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
Morgan Sandritter, Robert James, Franklin Rodemer & Joshua White
Dr. Brett McLaurin, Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences Department
Core LYCO081_0341 was drilled to a depth of 1003 feet and recovered rock samples from three
formations that included the Catskill Formation, Huntley Mountain Formation and the Burgoon
Sandstone. Analysis of these rocks allowed documentation of the ancient river systems that once
flowed through this area. This research was presented at the Geological Society of America
National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
Where Did the Water Go? Analyzing the Accuracy of Discharge Measurements
at the Fishing Creek Hydro Watch Kocher Park Site, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Jacquelyn Yurchak
Drs. Jennifer Whisner & Benjamin Franek, Environmental, Geographical & Geological
Sciences Department
Flooding is a major issue in this area with very little data. The purpose of this was to start
collecting data for the future for flood protection and prevention. This research has been
sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Strategic Planning & Resource Council Grant and by the
Fishing Creek Hydro Watch Association.
Instructional Technology Department
First Quality Nonwovens - Good Manufacturing Practices
Sarah Dalley, Jade Hargrove & Angelica Krieger
Dr. R. Lynn Hummel, Instructional Technology Department
Our team worked to develop employee training for First Quality Nonwovens. The training will
help employees learn and understand company policies. The computer based training will
improve the learning experience for First Quality employees.
Diversified Technology - An Advanced Instructional Design Project
Stefani Bennis, Dane Moore & Melinda Ross
Dr. R. Lynn Hummel, Instructional Technology Department
Our presentation will address the beginning stages of an instructional design project for a client.
These stages include researching a company, learner analysis, and client communications.
Geisinger Health Plan New Hire Training
Rachel Boone, Nicole Farr, Charles Fulmer & Haley Kramer
Dr. R. Lynn Hummel, Instructional Technology Department
Our team developed an interactive e-learning training module to accommodate, assimilate and
accelerate new Geisinger Health Plan team members from outside and inside the organization.
DevLearn Demofest and Health Insurance Purchasing module
Martha Hoy
Dr. Karl Kapp, Instructional Technology Department
An informational discussion about my experience at the DevLearn E-learning conference, as
well as a brief overview of the Health Insurance Purchasing module I created and showed at the
conference’s Demofest.
Math, Computer Science, & Statistics Department
Procedural Content Generation
Wesley Davis
Dr. Erik Wynters, Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Department
This project explored the topic of Procedural Content Generation, which uses sophisticated
algorithms to create game levels and graphical objects rather than making programmers or
graphic artists create them.
Nursing Department
Whiteboard Communication to Increase Patient Satisfaction in the Emergency Department
Nicole Oman
Dr. Michelle Ficca, Nursing Department
Any patient who present to the emergency department deserves to be kept well-informed and
updated on their current medical situation. Use of the whiteboards allows for patient in the
emergency care setting to write down questions as well as understand their plan of care.
Taking Accurate Blood Pressures in Pediatric Patients
Brooke Elliott
Dr. Michelle Ficca, Nursing Department
Taking blood pressures is one of the most important procedures that a nurse does on a day to day
basis. Making sure that the nurse is taking accurate blood pressure is of the utmost importance.
The recommendations from this research were presented and implemented on all the floors of the
Geisinger Medical Center’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville, Pennsylvania.
Pathways to Reduction of Surgical Site Infections
Erica Weiler
Dr. Mindi Miller, Nursing Department
This quality improvement project gathered observational data to identify infection risks in three
separate surgical areas of a large Pennsylvania hospital. Findings from this study were used to
develop safety reminders for personnel in these areas, with applicability to other hospitals and
operating suites for decreasing infection risks to surgical consumers.
Physics & Engineering Technology Department
Investigation of Indoor Radon Levels in Bloomsburg University Campus Buildings
Shana Cuff, Joshua Dendler, Corey Dubil & Andrew Stacy
Drs. David Simpson & Naz Afarin Fallahian, Physics & Engineering Technology Department
Prolonged residential radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general
population. Investigation of indoor radon levels is particularly important for areas with high
levels of natural radiation such as Bloomsburg in Pennsylvania. This research was presented at
the Annual Health Physics Society Meeting in Spokane, Washington in July 2016.
Construction of an RF Function Generator Using Direct Digital Synthesis and an Arduino
Brett Logan & Ryan Vincent
Dr. John Juckans, Physics & Engineering Technology Department
We have constructed an RF function generator using a low-cost commercial direct digital
synthesis (DDS) evaluation board controlled by an Arduino Uno. We are now able to synthesize
phase-stable sine waves up to 40 MHz with negligible harmonic distortion. We are optimistic
that we will soon be able to synthesize arbitrary waveforms approaching (and possibly
exceeding) 100 MHz with an easy-to-use computer-based GUI.
Measuring the Beam Profile of a Laser Using a Smartphone
Noah Long
Drs. John Huckans & Ju Xin, Physics & Engineering Technology Department
Using a commercial laser beam profiler consisting of a high density linear diode array, we
characterize the transverse mode structure of a commercial diode laser as well as a home-built
diode laser. We fit the measured profile to a gaussian function using Mathematica where the
waist of the beam is a fit parameter. The measured waist is used to calibrate a custom beam
profiler we have developed which uses the CCD image from a smartphone ported into
MATLAB.
Effects of Scatter Radiation on Medical Personnel Wearing Lead Aprons
Austin Olson
Dr. David Simpson, Physics & Engineering Technology Department
The goal of this research is to see if damaged aprons put the wearer in any danger, and see if
these regulations are warranted. Using practical tests and actual damaged aprons, values for
radiation exposure were measured with various instruments. This research was presented at the
following meetings: Health Physics Society in Indianapolis, Indiana; Penn State Safety
Roundtable, State College, Pennsylvania; and the National Collegiate Honors Council in
Chicago, Illinois.