West Texas A&M University’s 20th Annual
Student Research Conference
Contents
3 Schedule Overview
7 Oral/Paper Presentations
30 Posters/Visual Arts
44 Index of Presenters
Sponsored by
West Texas A&M University’s
April 25, 2014
Department of Graduate School and Research
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Schedule
Overview
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8:00 – 9:00
Registration Opens – Legacy Foyer
8:30 – 10:00
Poster Set Up – Legacy Hall
9:00 – 10:00
Session 1 – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
10:00 – 12:00
Poster Judging – Legacy Hall
10:10 – 11:10
Session II – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
11:10 – 11:30
Break
11:30 – 12:30
Session III – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
12:40 – 1:40
Session IV – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
12:30 – 1:00
Poster Removal – Legacy Hall
1:40 – 2:00
Break
2:00 – 3:00
Session V – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
3:00 – 4:00
Awards Ceremony – Jack B. Kelley Student Center
4:00 – 5:30
Evening Events of Interest
West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
“Research is creating new knowledge.”
—Neil Armstrong
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session I: 9:00 – 10:00
White Room 38 (Judges: Joel Babitzke; Heidi Waldrop):
“Putative Genetic Structure of Bobcats in the Texas Panhandle”
Imogene Davis, Rocky Ward, and Richard T. Kazmaier
Previous research indicates that the Great Plains region of the United States affects the
movement and gene flow of mesocarnivore populations, but it is not known if the
unique physiographic features of the Texas Panhandle, the southern extent of the Great
Plains, affect the genetic structure of bobcats. We examined bobcat genetic structure
across the Texas Panhandle to determine if a correlation exists between genetic
distance and geographic distance, finding that bobcats exhibit panmictic gene flow
independent of the landscape. However, results indicate that bobcats in the High Plains
may be a subpopulation of Great Plains bobcats.
“Quantification of the Vibrio furnissii nagE promoter using
PKK232-8 plasmid vector in E. coli”
Alyssa Lemos
Vibrio furnissii is a marine-dwelling bacterium responsible for the breakdown of chitin, a
component of crustaceans’ exoskeletons, into N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The nagE
gene of V. furnissii encodes a transport protein, NagE, for transporting GlcNAc into the
cell. To understand the expression of nagE, we linked the nagE promoter to the
chloramphenicol-resistance gene (cat) in the plasmid vector, pKK232-8. By transforming
this construct into E. coli, we can quantify the expression from the nagE promoter under
different growth conditions. We performed growth curves and chloramphenicol assays
in the presence and absence of GlcNAc to determine conditions for induction of nagE
transcription.
“Extraction and Characterization of Phosphorus Compounds from
Confined Animal Feeding Operations Samples”
James Thomas
Modern production agriculture methods are dependent on fertilizer containing
inorganic phosphorus compounds. Inorganic phosphorus is a non-renewable resource
that many experts believe will be depleted in the coming decades. Economic methods
that provide inorganic phosphorus need to be developed from renewable sources. One
promising method is to recover phosphorus from liquid waste in confined animal
feeding operations, such as feedlots, and convert it to inorganic phosphorus. We use
NMR to analyze the chemical components of the phosphorus rich liquid and to
determine the conversion of organic phosphorus to inorganic phosphorus using a heat
treatment.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session I: 9:00 – 10:00 continued . . .
Maroon Room 37 (Judges: Nicole Walls; Amy Von Lintel):
“Minor Character, Major Issues: An Explication of the Accountant
in Conrad's Heart of Darkness”
Matthew Mullin
Although most literary analysis focuses on major characters or major themes in a novel,
often the minor characters lend credibility and depth to a story, which must not be
overlooked. In Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, the unnamed accountant
whom Marlow meets on his journey up the Congo River holds a place of prominence
not immediately evident by his minor role in the tale. His appearance, attitude, and
situation have a profound impact on Marlow; therefore, a close examination of this
seemingly unimportant character allows the reader to better understand the novella as
a whole.
“A Stroll in the Shadows: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness”
Krystal Linn
This paper investigates the significance of racism in Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of
Darkness. Should we consider the author himself racist conditioned by the time period
he was born into and asserting his voice through his main character, Marlow, or is he
using a racist main character to point out the importance of race to his audience?
“Gender Roles Presented in Rebecca West’s Return of the Soldier”
Danielle Kiper
This paper presentation analyzes the gender roles in Rebecca West’s Return of the
Soldier.
Thunder Room 35 (Judges: Aaron Hunt, Susan Nix):
“The Advantages of Communicative Language Teaching Compared to
Grammar-Based Learning”
Samuel Solis
Learning a second language can be tough. Not only learning the language can be difficult,
but also finding the right method. This paper examines Communicative Language
Teaching (“CLT”) compared to Grammar-based learning. CTL lets its learners learn to
interact with the second language while grammar-based learning emphasizes on the
rules and structures of creating sentences of the language. According to Chiu-Yin Wong,
“CLT emphasizes elements of communication, including negotiation of meaning,
expressions, and interpretation.” While looking at both methods the reader will see
which method holds the upper hand.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session I: 9:00 – 10:00 continued . . .
Thunder Room 35 (continued):
“Subjunctive Tense and L2 Learners”
Maria Castorena
A mood “expresses the manners in which reality is perceived, and how experiences are
examined” (Koike and Klee). In the Spanish language there are three moods: indicative,
subjunctive, and imperative. I will explain why it is import to understand the relationship
of the subjunctive tense for L2 learners through a series of questions.
“Society and Culture Influences on Language”
Victoria Soto
With this paper I will explain the influences that our society and different cultures have
on our everyday language; what multiculturalism and bi/multilingualism mean; and why
language comes to be an important aspect to our communication.
West Texas Room 33 (Judges: Òscar Santos-Sopena; Mary Jarvis):
“Sor Juana Warns of Creating Own Evil:
Observed through the LGBTQIA Community”
Tyler King
Through her work, “Arguye de inconsecuentes…,” Sor Juana shows the majority that their
mistreatment towards the minority, or weak, will soon be their own undoing. Within this
paper, this thought of “making your own evil” is both realized with woman’s suffrage and
the LGBTQIA community. Through examples like Black Friday, Don’t ask don’t tell, the
death of Matthew Shepard, and a health study done in Italy, I demonstrate that Sor
Juana has reason in saying that the majority, indeed, has caused these people to
retaliate.
“Marilyn Monroe versus Sor Juana: Feminist Idols”
Haley Sparks
The world has always had its own opinionated assumptions about what women should
look like, what they should be allowed to wear, and where they should and should not be
able to work. In today’s societies, women are still pressured with these assumptions.
However, there have always been women like Marilyn Manroe and Sor Juana who
challenge these assumptions. In analyzing her views on the position of woman, one
learns a significant amount from Sor Juana Inés de Cruz, a true role model.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session I: 9:00 – 10:00 continued . . .
West Texas Room 33 (continued):
“Feminine Voice in the Art of Pablo Neruda's
Veinte Poemas de Amor [Twenty Love Poems]”
Miranda Jade Parman
This paper is an exploration of Pablo Neruda’s “Me gustas cuando callas” [“I like it when
you are quiet”] and “Hemos perdido aun este crepúsculo,” [“We have yet to lose the
twilight”] and its interpretation in regards, and through, historical works of art. A critical
eye scans across Neruda’s representation of a lover and a beloved.
Buff Branding Room 12 (Judges: Anne Medlock; Syed Tariq Anwar):
“Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Payton Maxfield, Lauren Shelton, David DeLeon, Gustavo Barazza, and Carlos Aguirre
The National Student Advertising Competition's challenge was to create a nation-wide crossplatform marketing campaign to increase Gen Y awareness, perception and likelihood to purchase
the Mary Kay brand. The presentation is a result of nation-wide E-surveys, in-depth interviews,
ethnography studies, and content analysis, coupled with secondary industry research. The
campaign repositions the Mary Kay brand for a younger demographic by leveraging event
marketing, sponsorships, social media, online, mobile and digital engagement.
“Wal-Art: We Sell Anything”
Renea Dauntes
Wal-Art was created in response to the art market and its intricacies. The following is an excerpt
from the catalog produced for the piece: “As you look around, you will quickly see that things here
are not ordinary. Some works are extraordinary and some are extra ordinary. This is an eclectic mix
and yet they seem to fit together nicely. Each piece, inspired by an original work of art, was chosen
with the intention to make people think and open the floor for discussion.” Attendees will hear a
gallery talk dealing with each piece included in the work.
“Gender Dysphoria”
Kendra Barth and Josh Clift-Jinkens
This project presents an artist’s book and related poster designs that address the negative social
reactions to individuals breaking gender roles. Our work highlights how gender roles are culturally
determined, and may not be proverbially “black and white” as defined by biological sex. We
worked collaboratively using original photography to explore societal aspects of gender, sex, and
the resulting insecurities. Playing with gender reversal, irony, and surreal imagery, we created a
series that invokes emotions and opinions. We worked with the photos through digital collage to
delineate our views and create an artistic representation of our personal emotions and
experiences.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session II: 10:10 – 11:10
White Room 38 (Judges: Heidi Waldrop; Bob Stewart):
“The Breaking of Epoxy Bonds Between PBX 9501 and Diallyl Phthalate Thermoset
Resin by Cryogenic Thermal Cycling”
Benton Allen, Trent Kelly, Dr. Matt Jackson, and Stephanie Steelman
This paper documents segments of a project to determine a method for removing
Diallyl Phthalate thermoset resin (DAP) from plastic bonded explosive 9501 (PBX 9501).
The DAP and PBX 9501 were bonded using Astro Chemical’s BarcoBond MB-185 two
part epoxy (BarcoBond). Cryogenic thermal cycles, produced by application of liquid
nitrogen from a Brymill Cry-Ac-3 liquid nitrogen-dispensing unit, were successfully
employed to cause failure of the bond between the materials. In addition to these
findings, this paper documents methods used to determine the volumetric flow rate of
liquid nitrogen from the Brymill Cry-Ac-3.
“Transportation of Carcasses for Disposal“
Vanessa Brown
The United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Homeland Security's
Depopulation, Disposal, and Disinfection portion of the Logistical Infrastructure for
Carcass Disposal in Response to Infectious Animal Disease project addresses the
disposal of livestock carcasses due to a disease epidemic or a natural disaster. As part of
this project, transportation methods for carcass disposal were identified and analyzed
to determine the best method of transportation. Factors affecting route planning were
also addressed and summarized in a decision tree. Transportation is a very important
aspect of carcass disposal because it presents the greatest challenges and opportunity
for disease spread.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session II: 10:10 – 11:10 continued . . .
White Room 38 (continued):
“Elevation Training Mask” Induces Hypoxemia But Utilizes A Novel Feedback Signaling
Mechanism”
Jorge Granados
Introduction: Exercise training at elevations >2,000m stimulates physiological
adaptations that increase oxygen transport capacity. Marketers of the Elevation Training
Mask (ETM) claim their product elicits equivalent adaptations at sea level. Purpose:
Determine whether these claims had merit. Methods: Ten healthy males performed
treadmill exercise while wearing the ETM in three different “altitude” configurations:
(Low: 1,080m; High:2,743m; Very-High:4,572m). Exercise bouts were identical,
completed in randomized order, and separated by a 48hrs washout. Ventilatory gases,
psychological factors, and erythropoietic factors were assessed. Results: With exception
of HR, VEGF, and EPO all measured variables were altered. Conclusion: ETM induces
hypoxemia but utilizes a novel signaling mechanism.
“Water Surface Elevation Study of the Texas Panhandle”
Jared Wesley
In the Texas Panhandle currently over ninety-five percent of the water used for
irrigation, industry, and municipal water supplies comes from the Ogallala Aquifer. This
study took research previously done on the agronomic mass balance method of
estimating aquifer water level and applied it to a smaller area in order to obtain more
precise measurements. This experiment resulted in the discovery of a smooth gradient
in the Ogallala Aquifer. It is recommended that the study of the agronomic water mass
balance method be pursued further and potentially implemented in the process of
estimating water levels in aquifers.
Maroon Room 37 (Judges: Amy Pajewski; Mary Mendelsohn):
“Skateboarding as a Modernist Art Form: Why Futurists
Would Have Celebrated Street Skating”
Guyon Prince
Present day street skating exemplifies many attributes closely associated with the wide
variety of art forms that fall under the "Modernist" umbrella, but the Futurist
movement, in particular, aligns itself in interesting ways with the rebellious ethos of the
skateboard community. The Italian Futurists would have celebrated the art of modern
day skateboarding for its speed, destruction, and aggressive motion. My paper will
explicate the overlapping areas between the Futurist faction of modernist art and
contemporary street skating.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session II: 10:10 – 11:10 continued . . .
Maroon Room 37 (continued):
“A Critical Analysis of Barnes's Nightwood”
Chad Fewell
This paper is a contemporary critical analysis of Djuna Barnes’s novel Nightwood, based
on the Jewish and Catholic religions represented within it.
“Love: Raymond Carver and Trapped in a Physical World”
Taylor Digby
In this paper, I will be addressing the way love is treated in modern times using,
Raymond Carver's "What we Talk About when we Talk About Love" and comparing that
to how love was treated in ancient times using Plato's "The Symposium." I will point out
some differences, but really focus on how the two relate to each other to form a theory
of love that is still relevant in modern civilization.
Thunder Room 35 (Judges: Audrey Meador; Kaaren Downey):
“Language Learning versus Language Acquisition:
A Review of Stephen Krashen's Comprehensible Input”
Danielle Flowers
Thirty years ago, Dr. Stephen Krashen published his theories in second language
acquisition, establishing a difference between the two. These theories have been used
for decades, yet are they the most effective? Through a review of two studies
performed in second language classrooms and on Krashen's comprehensible input
hypotheses, this paper will focus on whether or not the comprehensible input is
effective in today’s classrooms.
“The Spanish Language is a Challenge for Latinos to Preserve in Today's World”
Maegan Garcia
This essay focuses on how challenging it is for Latinos to preserve their mother tongue
in the United States. Latinos, whether 2nd generation or 3rd generation, have to keep
using their mother tongue even when the English language is pushed or forced on them
daily. There are many Latinos today that either don’t speak or understand Spanish,
don’t speak it but understand some, or understand it but speaking it is limited.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session II: 10:10 – 11:10 continued . . .
Thunder Room 35 (continued):
“Second Language Acquisition”
Nubia Ojeda
Learning a second language is not as easy as we think. It takes time, practice, and
dedication. There are many different methods trying to prove what is the best way to
learn. We many think one works best but someone else might think different. We study
different scholars and examine their way of thinking and how it helps us.
West Texas Room 33 (Judges: Laura Seals; Matt Reardon):
“What about Davis Patten?”
Kaitlin Lewis
Davis Patten characterizes a certain breed of men that own and work the land they live
on. In Kittredges's piece, we see a man trudging through well below freezing weather to
maintain his land just to pass out in front of the television after the work is done. To
some this life lacks sophistication and can't be seen as anything other than exhausting
but to others it is a life of honor to earn that evening nap. So what about Davis Patten?
Is his story one of regret, of contentment, or maybe one of quiet happiness and internal
peace?
“Recreating the Frontier: Fredrick Jackson Turner's
The Significance of the Frontier in American History”
Cameron Tipton
I will provide a post-colonialist analysis of Fredrick Jackson Turner’s The Significance of
the Frontier in American History. I will explore the true hardship and clash that was
faced during the time of “colonization” in The West. I will use some new historicist
concepts to develop further context.
“Connecting Place, Community, Labor and Ethics:
Wes Jackson, Wendell Berry, and Henry David Thoreau”
Dollie Lookingbill
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As economic practices dominating American culture today slowly erode our surviving
agrarian communities, humanity is losing its remaining opportunities to make changes;
possible solutions to the crisis we face exist within our ability to reform harmful
practices and discourses. Already contributing to the effort, authors Wes Jackson and
Wendell Berry have written extensively on the challenges at hand and have taken steps
to instigate change. With these authors as a foundation, and with reference to Marx’s
ideals of labor, along with Thoreau’s vision of place, work, and moral practice, this essay
explores redemptive connections between place, community, labor and ethics.
West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session II: 10:10 – 11:10 continued . . .
Buff Branding Room 12 (Judges: Kimberly Bruce; Mary Jarvis):
“The Impact of Image”
Caleb Mendoza
The impact of image plays a huge role in our society today. We see difference in what we
wear, or what kind of lifestyles we live, by the power of image alone. We strive to be like
the ‘top dog’ owning everything that is portrayed on tv, or movies, even music. Going
through life, we want to be famous or rich. But not a lot of us have the best of
opportunities to live that way. Because of this, we see culture taking things overboard,
criticizing us for not being the “right” type of person.
“Escape”
Michaela Wegman
This work is a creative writing assignment; a pantoum.
“Poor Little Bitch Girl: Dame de Morte”
Kelsey Williams
No abstract available.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session III: 11:30 – 12:30
White Room 38 (Judges: Matt Jackson; Sam Ives):
“Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Changes Over Time
in Mature Horses Fed an All-Forage Diet”
Louisa Bowen
Six mature stock-type geldings, ranging from 10 to 18 yr of age, were fed a diet of
orchardgrass hay (Dactylis glomerata L.). There was a main effect of time on digestibility
of DM, NDF, and ADF digestibilities. Horses had greater DM digestibility at wk 8 as
compared to wk 1, 2, 3, and 4. Horses had greater NDF digestibility at wk 8 as compared
to wk 1 and 2. Results from this experiment indicate that mature horses switched to an
all-forage diet will have the greatest DM and NDF digestibilities at the end of the second
month.
“Manipulating Plant Geometry as a Strategy for
Improving Microclimate and Grain Yield”
Sushil Thapa
The Texas High Plains are characterized by limited precipitation, low ambient humidity
and high evaporative demand due to high temperature, wind speed, solar radiation and
vapor pressure deficit (VPD). A greenhouse study was conducted in summer 2013 to
compare the difference in VPD, grain yield and yield components, water use efficiency
and transpiration efficiency between clumped and evenly spaced planting (ESP) in
sorghum. Canopy within the clumps consistently showed lower VPD than the ESP in rows
with same plant populations. Although potential yield increases from this strategy are
limited, they could be worthwhile because no additional inputs are required.
“Effect of Surgical Castration with or without Oral Meloxicam on the Acute
Inflammatory Response in Yearling Beef Bulls”
Shelby Roberts, Dr. John Richeson
Pain management and welfare are increasingly prevalent concerns within animal
agriculture and oral analgesics may alleviate the pain associated with castration. This
study was conducted to elucidate the effects of surgical castration on the acute
inflammatory response and immunomodulation and whether concurrent oral
administration of meloxicam (1 mg/kg BW) ameliorates these responses. Treatment
application occurred at h 0 and consisted of: 1) intact bulls with sham castration, 2)
surgical castration, and 3) surgical castration with oral meloxicam. Meloxicam
administration altered the acute inflammatory response in castrates, as evidenced by a
reduction in Hp and certain leukocyte concentrations.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session III: 11:30 –12:30 continued . . .
Maroon Room 37 (Judges: Keith Price; Matt Reardon):
“Constructivism in the Crosshairs: The Duck Dynasty Controversy”
Miles Blankenship
In 2013, Phil Robertson, founder of the "Duck Commander" line of outdoor products
and star of the A&E Network's Duck Dynasty reality show, granted an interview to Drew
Magary for an article in GQ Magazine. However, the perception of Robertson soon
changed after the GQ article was published, in which Robertson graphically condemned
the homosexual lifestyle as sinful behavior. The public was divided in their response and
Robertson was briefly suspended from the show. Using Constructivism as framework,
this paper examines the controversy to better understand the responses that occurred.
“How the Sinking of the Titanic Led to the
Rise of Radio in the Early 20th Century”
Briana Leeper
In 1912, the great Titanic sank, causing an investigation into how such a large ship, built
with such confidence, could experience this disaster. This study looks at the role radio
played in the sinking of the Titanic, including early radio science concerning Samuel
Morse, Heinrich Hertz, and Guglielmo Marconi; invention, such as the telegraph and
Morse code; and legislation that governed it. One primary focus is into the Radio Act of
1912 and the Radio Act of 1927 as a result of radio needing to be regulated and because
of the roles those laws play in modern radio.
“Deconstructing the Shire, a Monster”
Abigail Miller
The following essay uses Jeffrey Cohen’s "Monster Theory" to offer a deconstructive
reading of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit. It argues that the Shire, the homeland of the
small, human-like creatures for whom the book is named, actually has monstrous
tendencies, despite initially appearing pastoral. Gandalf must act as an agent of
deconstruction, making painstaking efforts to save the Shire from itself. His devout
efforts stand testimony to the importance of looking past the initial reading of the Shire,
hoping that both Shirefolk and reader alike will be able to recognize the monstrosity
within.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session III: 11:30 –12:30 continued . . .
Thunder Room 35 (Judges: Audrey Meador; Pamela Lockwood):
“Second Language Teaching Methods”
Kassi Millender
When teaching Spanish as a second language, there are many different teaching
methods that can be used. These methods of teaching include the Direct Method, the
Audio-lingual Method, Cognitive Code Method, the Natural Approach and the Grammar
Translation Method. The ideal way of teaching a second language requires applied
linguistics research, second language acquisition theory and ideas and intuition theory,
which all amounts to language practice teaching (Krashen 9). In this paper, I will discuss
each of these teaching methods, as well as some of the pros and cons to each.
“An Overview of the Field: Second Language Acquisition”
Mariela Mundo
Second Language Acquisition (SLA), according to Gigliana Melzi and Adina Schick, is
defined as learning a language after the native or first language is in place. Learning a
second language is hard for the non-native speaker because there are often so many
rules that are followed in order to start creating sentences that are spoken in everyday
language. One main purpose of this research and its findings is to widen our basic
understanding and knowledge about how language is acquired in the brains of students
focusing primarily on different inputs that a student undergoes during SLA.
“Difficulties for Heritage Speakers of Spanish”
Virginia Froese
This paper covers the various factors that contribute to the further acquisition and
improvement in abilities of Spanish for native speakers of the language. Along with
understanding the different factors, it goes on to further to show the importance of
not only offering general Spanish classes, but also classes that are specifically designed
for heritage speakers of Spanish so that they may truly enhance their knowledge of the
language.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session III: 11:30 – 12:30 continued . . .
West Texas Room 33 (Judges: Òscar Santos-Sopena; Cathy Clewett):
“Leslie Marmon Silko's ‘Tony's Story’”
Shannon Gallegos
Leslie Silko writes “Tony’s Story,” a story that brings attention to small Native
American pueblos, and their life compared to those outside of the reservation. The
story is based on two men who were apart of the Acoma tribe, and how the men killed
a state cop by burning him in his vehicle. Silko’s short story is based on events that
actually happened in 1951. By taking a historical approach to analyze the text, one will
be able to see how living in a pueblo can change your perspective on things and the
reasoning for killing a state trooper.
“The Importance of Place in Southwest Literatures”
Lance Lomax
This paper seeks to reveal the importance of viewing literature and nature as
intertwined. Through two short stories, "The Last Running" by John Graves and "Tony's
Story" by Leslie Marmon Silko, the role nature plays in literature as well as cultural
interactions arises. By examining literature through an ecological viewpoint, the
importance of place upon the mindset and identity of culture becomes apparent. This
in turn helps explain cultural differences and brings the natural world into a role of
active participation rather than simply existing as a sort of backdrop for humanity.
“Owen Wister and Marxism through The Virginian”
Christian Gonzalez
The focus of my paper is how Owen Wister utilizes characteristics of Shorty and the
Virginian as examples of which type of person is granted and denied access of mobility
in social classes in the American west for his novel; The Virginian. I also focus on
Balaam and the Judge and how they represent Wister’s view of social class and how
their role influences society.
“A Marxist Reading of Owen Wister's The Virginian”
Rylee Sharp
A discussion of Owen Wister’s “The Virginian” with focus on certain parts of the novel
that adhere to Marxist principles. The paper explores the tensions between passages
that are seemingly sympathetic with Marxism, contrasted with those that are clearly
aligned with Wister’s nostalgic, idealistic view of the American West, and explains how
Wister ultimately undermines his Marxist argument at the end of the book.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session III: 11:30 – 12:30 continued . . .
***Please
Note: Session III & IV room location has changed
from the Buff Branding Room 12 to the Classroom Center
Room 316.
Buff Branding Room 12 (Judges: Carolyn Baum; Anne Medlock):
“Performing Representational Resistance through Autoethnography”
Kait Bradford and Cailey Crist
Performance scholar Elizabeth Bell asserts that performance is always political. It negotiates institutions of
power and creates spaces of resistance. Bell (1999) states that performances of resistance materialize in three
ways: on a theatrical stage, in the streets as a global stage, and in everyday life as a stage. This autoethnographic
performance explores the empowering nature of storytelling as an act of representational resistance in
“everyday life.” By performing their individual narratives, students will give voice to their experiences, defy
stereotypes, and find a political space for personal understanding.
“Animala”
Amanda Gonzalez
T. S. Eliot's work “Animula” is a poem about the journey of a soul from childhood to adulthood. The line 'Issues
from the hand of god, a simple soul', is a reference from Dante's Purgatorio, in which a soul in purgatory
explains the way a soul develops and can go astray. There is a depiction in Canto III of Dante viewing the souls
from the bottom of a cliff. They line up, seeming to move in his direction but not moving at all. This slow
unacknowledged movement of old age coming upon youth is what I have chosen to depict.
“The Memento”
Ryan Weaver
The purpose of this performance is to find emotional catharsis and demonstrate pathos through personal
narrative.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session IV: 12:40 – 1:40
White Room 38 (Judges: Nicole Walls; Cathy Clewett):
“Beowulf: The Changing of Meaning in Spaces”
Laci McGee
Beowulf has been regarded as an epic poem about a hero facing monsters that
threaten a certain culture and way of life for warrior based societies. However, the
spaces that these warriors and monsters inhabit are just as important as the battles
that take place inside them. This paper explores the various meanings of Heorot and
the Grendelkin mere based upon who inhabits the space at the time. Also, this paper
delves into the water between the land and the interior of the mere. Exploring the
meaning of treasure and its usefulness in Heorot, the water, and the mere.
“Inner and Outer Space in Chimes at Midnight: Orson Wells's Henry V”
Emma Crain
This paper is an analysis of the Orson Wells' movie Henry V based on Shakespeare's
play Henry V.
“’Incapable of Her Own Distress’? Ophelia as a Foil to Hamlet in Madness and
Suicide”
Chandler Shaw
How staged interactions between Ophelia and Hamlet during the "to be or not to be"
soliloquy, the similarities of the characters' backgrounds, and the way their
individual forms of madness play out to establish Ophelia as a foil in character to
Hamlet.
Maroon Room 37 (Judges: Kimberly Bruce, Victoria Salas):
“Blurred Lines: A Look into Music and How it Affects the Mind,
Emphasizing the Objectification of Women”
Julia Greif
This study will discuss the song “Blurred Lines” but also music as a whole. This study
focused on how music is defined in society and defined to us personally. This studied
was tested through a series of surveys that included questions about music
perception and the song, “Blurred Lines.” This study also contained in-depth
interviews and a focus group gaining further insight to the feelings and thoughts of
how people perceive certain types of music.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session IV: 12:40 – 1:40 continued . . .
Maroon Room 37 (continued):
“The Dancing of an Attitude”
Jennifer Harker
The recent verbal rant and follow-up statement of NFL player Richard Sherman is
dissected through Kenneth Burke’s Dramatism Theory. Sherman’s rhetoric shows us the
importance of sports apologies as this paper takes us through Burke’s dramatic journey
of the pentad and offers strong examples of the guilt-redemption cycle. Findings of this
dissection show that Sherman’s use of victimage and scapegoating, instead of the
standard mortification-confess method of sports apologies, unearths the fact that his
apologetic rhetoric was in fact, apologia. This holds interesting implications in emerging
trends in sports apologies, apologetic rhetoric, and the dissection and application of
apologia.
“Writing Home to Our Lovers: How Our Innocuous Lies
Purport Dangerously Fictitious Epics in Celan and Borges”
Olivia Trabysh
Through letters composed by military heroes to their loved ones, this paper explores
the construed construction of epics in Paul Celan’s “Death Fugue” and Jorge Luis
Borges’s The Garden of Forking Paths. This paper also asserts that both national tales
echo one another despite their differing origins and forms. Both fictions share
sympathies for the oppressed, explicate racial characteristics, possess thematic and
violent transitions, and validate the binary of good and evil; ultimately questioning if
universal concepts of honesty and valiance exist, and what is at stake if such universals
are not adequately upheld.
Thunder Room 35 (Judges: Carolina Jones, Pamela Lockwood):
“The Direct Method of Language Acquisition: How Does it Work?”
Lluvia Murguia
There are many effective methods used today to teach a secondary language. An
example of these methods is the direct method, also known as the natural method.
How does the direct method work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session IV: 12:40 – 1:40 continued . . .
Thunder Room 35 (continued):
“The Communicative Methodology: How it Benefits
Second Language Acquisition in the Classroom”
Aimee Godinez
This paper is over The Communicative Methodology for second language acquisition. It
explains the benefits of using this teaching method in the classroom.
“Congelación de Cerebro: Implementing Spanish Orientations at WTAMU”
Alyssa Palser
Spanish-speaking parents come with their student to New Student Orientation (NSO) to
learn about university expectations and ways to support their student at WTAMU.
However, they receive little help in regards to translation resulting in confusion and
frustration. This study consisted of interviewing 10 staff and students at WTAMU who
worked and/or attended NSOs. Protruding elements proved to be concerns regarding
the preparation leading up to college and confusion about campus life. All interviewees
had repeated suggestions for NSO at WTAMU. Using this study, I hope to offer two
Spanish NSOs this summer (2014) for Spanish-speaking guests at WTAMU.
West Texas Room 33 (Judges: Andy Reynolds; Laura Seals):
“The Aesthetic Relationship between Man and Nature”
AJ McCormick
Whether as an attempted mark of his believed superiority or just an effort to
understand, man has long tried to find some semblance of control over the unknown.
Nature has not escaped this endeavor. One way this taming has surfaced is through the
deeming of nature as aesthetic; however, a dilemma arises in whether something as
grandiose as nature can be diminished to a scale of observation level with manmade
creations. In order to accurately appreciate both nature and the aesthetic, man must
realistically understand the role he plays in that relationship.
“World War I Through the Lines of Women and Non-Combat Poetry”
Heather Hale
While critics canonize combat poetry written by males on the frontline, non-combatant
poetry, including war poetry written by women, is overlooked and devalued in
importance. Traditionally, critics eulogize World War I poets such as Sassoon, Owen,
Rosenburg, etc. and disregard the poetry of women and men who did not serve on the
front line. In this paper, I examine the standards established through the traditional
combat poetry to show the efficacy of non-combatant poetry. Only through examining
the poetry from the front lines and home front can we completely appreciate the depth
of World War I’s effect on society.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session IV: 12:40-1:40 continued . . .
West Texas Room 33 (continued):
“Colonialism and Food in James Joyce's ‘The Dead’”
Rebecca Hughes
Two essential issues contained in James Joyce's "The Dead" are Colonialism and food.
This essay will examine both of these major issues and link them together.
“Language as a Response to Tragedy in T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land”
Amanda Kraemer
This paper offers an analysis of T.S. Eliot’s The Wasteland through a study of how
literature is used by individuals and communities in the aftermath of a tragedy. T.S.
Eliot utilizes a string of images and metaphors that lack general consensus of cohesion
among readers. However, this form speaks to the inability of Eliot to communicate
both the psychic/personal and cultural/collective tragedy that occurred with World
War I. The Wasteland exists as the product of Eliot’s own psychological internalization
that can only be voiced through the use of metaphors and myths that existed before
the war.
***Please
Note: Session III & IV room location has
changed from the Buff Branding Room 12 to the
Classroom Center Room 316.
Buff Branding Room 12 (Judges: Keith Price; Turkan Dursun-Kilic):
“Are Market Prices the Real Driver of Our Economic System?”
Vitaliy Skorodziyevskiy
Behavioral economics is fairly new field that focuses on irrational behaviors of
individuals. There is a high correlation between classical and behavioral
economics. The main ideas in behavioral economics come from cognitive
psychology and the concepts that are going to be discussed into depth are
framing, anchoring, loss aversion and the endowment effect. All the listed
above concepts are going to be tailored toward behavioral economics and
irrational behavior of individuals despite the classical model of economics. The
price plays a big role in framing, anchoring, loss aversion and the endowment
effect.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session IV: 12:40-1:40 continued . . .
Buff Branding Room 12 (continued):
“Developing an Egalitarian View of 'American'”
Eric Sosa and Dr. Timothy Atchison
Implicit Associations are representative of a person’s internally held views toward any
particular idea and are thought to be resistant to change. This study uses the Project
Implicit: Native Implicit Associations demo Test (Native IAT) to measure participants’
views on the concept “American” and attempts to modify its strength through
emotionally-connective mediation. Participants were tested for baseline
measurements, given mediation, and retested on the Native IAT. Before and after
scores were statistically processed for shift toward the central, “no
preference/egalitarian” associational view. The results did show a significant
difference from baseline association strength to post-mediation association strength.
“The Role of Race in the Criminal Justice System”
Hugh Fristoe
This paper examines the effects of race through several roles within the criminal justice
system. It seeks to understand how disproportionate representation of minorities at
every level affects outcomes of trials, opportunities for employment, and what can
happen in the appeals process. The paper investigates the role of race on outcomes. It
also provides suggestions for future research that may allow for more effective,
concrete conclusions. Ultimately, the paper explains observances made by studies
regarding the role of race in the criminal justice system and provides insight into the
possible future of the relationship between diverse representation and trial outcomes.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session V: 2:00-3:00
White Room 38 (Judges: Laura Seals; Andy Reynolds):
“The Refusal to Conform: Septimus's Rebellion in Mrs. Dalloway”
Rachel Barbee
In this paper I will be focusing on the roll of Septimus in Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
and how his death was a direct rebellion against the society he was immersed in.
“Heterodoxy in Mrs. Dalloway”
Alanna King
This paper serves to analyze Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith both as shells
of their former selves in present text time struggling to survive in a post Edenic/World
War I world society. Virginia Woolf introduces two key characters in Mrs. Dalloway who
both display signs of PTSD such as an apparent isolation and inability to effectively
connect with surrounding company. Woolf explores and experiments with the
unfrequented territory of mental illness as a shared experience while initiating the
discussion of women also suffering from wartime repercussions even if they did not
actively serve.
“Role of Women Characters in Literature”
Joshua Humphrey
My paper will discuss the role of several woman characters in literature. Most of my
work will contain stories from the beginning of the 20th century.
Maroon Room 37 (Judges: Carolina Jones; Kaaren Downey):
“Second Language Learning: Three Learner Phases”
Clara Saenz
As schools begin to grow in numbers, those numbers include growing in diversity.
Diversity now becomes a bigger deal in schools because they have students who
acquire different languages other than English. This may cause confusion between the
teacher and the second language learner as they progress in learning a new language.
Some teachers may think there could be a disability involved when in reality it’s the
language barrier that is holding a student back from exceeding the most they can.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session V: 2:00 – 3:00 continued . . .
Maroon Room 37 (continued):
“Understanding the Methods of Computer-Assisted Language Learning“
Gabriel Pena
Applying technology and its advancements to the study of a foreign language is
important because of a constantly changing digital society that is wholly dependent on
media. Therefore CALL, or Computer-Assisted Language Learning is important because
it implements this to all teaching methods and will be discussed as to how much of an
effect it has on students.
“The Natural Approach Method to Second Language Acquisition”
Celia Camacho
“The Natural Approach” method allows anyone to learn and understand a language
best through sets of messages that are slightly beyond their current ability and are
given techniques and different activities to use to provide the learner with better
comprehensible input. Also this method is designed to give beginners or intermediate
learners communicative skills such as basic communicative skills and academic learning.
These include speaking, listening, and writing. The teacher and the learner should also
try to avoid learning or teaching the language in the usual order, but try and have
activities involving meaningful communication.
Thunder Room 35 (Judges: Tim Bowman; Trudy Hanson):
“An Analysis of Rubén Darío's ‘To Roosevelt’”
Luis Gutierrez
Rubén Darío wrote is poem "to Roosevelt" at a time in which the US was concerned
with building the Panama Canal. The US had supported independence in Panama and
many Latin intellects such as Darío had concerns with this spread of Imperialism. This
dissertation explores the poem as Rubén Darío comparisons to compare Theodore
Roosevelt to historical figures and mythical creatures to show his opposition towards
Roosevelt's imperialistic views and his call for a unification of Latin America against US
imperialism.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session V: 2:00 – 3:00 continued . . .
Thunder Room 35 (continued):
“Storms of the Sublime: Jose Maria Heredia’s ‘In a Storm’
and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner’”
Maggie Kroeker Guenther
The sublime is a literary characteristic found in many works, and especially in Jose Maria
Heredia’s “In a Storm,” and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Marinere
in Seven Parts.” This essay will compare and contrast these two works based on the
sublime, how this characteristic is used, the influence of this idea on the work, and why it
is necessary to the works.
“Naufragios: A New European Perspective on
the ‘Savage’ Native American”
Casey Dean
The account written by Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, commonly known as "Naufragios" is a
description of the experiences of Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca and his three companions
throughout their eight year expedition through the southern portion of the U.S. and
northern Mexico after being shipwrecked in the Gulf of Mexico on the Texas coast in the
early 1500s. These companions were forced to live with the Native peoples of the new
world and, subsequently, developed a perspective on these peoples that was much
different from the traditional European views.
“Cabeza de Vaca: Shipwreck and Religion”
Jorge Díaz
The moment Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked he was undergoing panic he had thoughts
of his last moments and by using his faith he motivated himself to keep on surviving.
Throughout his journey we can see how every time he feels that it’s going to be his last
moment he prays to his God. Cabeza de Vaca not only uses his faith in times of trouble but
he also uses it to heal the Indians that are sick. His faith is his motivation to keep on going
with his expeditions.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Oral/Paper Presentations:
Session V: 2:00 – 3:00 continued . . .
West Texas Room 33 (Judges: Cathy Clewett; Amy Pajewski):
“The Beauty of Feminism in Wister's Virginian”
Brooke Montgomery
I'm writing over Wister's Virginian on the chapter with Em'ly the hen and how her
longing to be a mother is so strong that she roosts on rocks, etc. I will connect it with
how women were born with the instinct to be a mother, and that it's part of our
femininity.
“Wister's Molly Wood: New Woman or Not?”
Jessica Vallejos
This paper intends to point out the social freedoms that the West awarded the
character of Molly Wood, in Owen Wister's The Virginian, by focusing on three main
events in The Virginian that involve Molly, and show how Wister, perhaps
unknowingly, created a type of western “New Woman” feminism.
“I Feel Like a Woman: Feminism in Wister's The Virginian”
Candice Howell
An exploration of how women are portrayed in Owen Wister's novel "The Virginian".
By comparing the two main female characters in the novel, it is easy to see how
women are perceived in the novel as nothing more than a man's shadow. Also
covering the strength of one of the women, and how she is a representation of
modern day women.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
Presenters should remain with their poster, prepared for judging for the
entire poster session. We also request that students leave their posters
on display following judging. Posters left on display may be picked up
Monday, at the Honors Office.
1) “Adult Abuse: The Different Types”
Vonnita Anneler-Elliott
There are different ways for adults to be abused: neglect, abandonment, physical, mental,
emotional and financial. Those who abuse are most likely family members—sons and daughters,
even grandchildren. Financial abuse has been reported by those who care for adults in their
homes or even Independent Care Apartments. My poster discusses each of these abuses.
2) “Kidney Disease Related to Diabetes”
Gabriella Benavides
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use
normal amounts of insulin properly. With diabetes the small blood vessels in the body are
injured. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are injured your kidneys cannot clean your blood
properly. Due to kidney damage your body will retain water and sodium causing the person to
have body swelling and weight gain. Early recognition and treatment of kidney damage caused
by diabetes is vital in slowing down the progressing of kidney failure.
3) “What is Hyperthyroidism?”
Rachel Botkin
The purpose of this presentation is to define hyperthyroidism and to describe the progression of
this disease. I will describe some of the common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which
include weight loss, rapid heart rate, sweating, heat intolerance, and fine brittle hair. The
diagnostic tests used to diagnosis this disease will also be described. I will also discuss the
treatment plan for hyperthyroidism and then the lifelong care of a patient who has
hyperthyroidism.
4) “Diabetes Education”
Lisa Bouyea
Diabetes is a complex life arranging disease with ever changing resources, information, and
needs. Goals for individuals with diabetes are to reduce the disease and financial burden of
diabetes mellitus (DM) and improve the quality of life for all individuals who have or are at risk
for DM by increasing preventative behaviors (Healthy people 2020, 2013). Patient’s education
should center on increasing the patient’s ability to understand their diabetes risks, symptoms,
effective care and management, and rationales for that management.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
5) “The Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup”
Jennifer Butler
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) has been a hot topic in terms of the American Diet. Some say it
is the reason for obesity, whereas others do not see any proof in their argument. To see both
sides of the argument, mixed methods data will be used. Mixed methods data comes from
qualitative, open-ended discussions used to solve a problem, and quantitative methods, using
instruments to test data. This paper will discuss experiments that show both sides of the
argument.
6) “Utilization of a Unique Assay to Investigate
Tumor Microenvironmetally-influenced Chemoresistance”
Thomas Cadotte
Current methods for analyzing the efficacy of chemotherapeutics may be limited due to a lack of
biological molecules present in traditionally-used cytotoxicity experiments, which can influence
cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapeutics (1,2,). Our in vitro assay (3,4) accurately mimics
the tumor microenvironment, and can therefore potentially be used as a more efficient drugscreening tool. In this study, four cancer cell lines were treated with either the drug 5fluorouracil or gemcitabine in both the 96-well tissue culture treated plates (traditionally-used
methodologies) for comparison to cells treated in our system. Interestingly, clinical correlations
can be made from the results of this study.
7) “Sleep Deprivation”
Joanna Castaneda
Sleep is an integral part of our lives and well being. Sleep is a commonality among all humans and
animals. When sleep is lacking there are definite repercussions, some more significant than
others. The reasons for sleep deprivation vary as do the treatments.
8) “Celebrating 50 Years of Civil Rights at West Texas A&M University”
Brittany Castillo
This poster shows my collected research from the 2014 Civil Rights Summit in Austin, Texas and
explains how this event can be re-purposed for the students at West Texas A&M University. This
summit celebrating 50 years since the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Johnson was
commemorated at the LBJ Library with speakers such as President Obama, and former presidents
Carter, Clinton, and Bush. Using my conversations with activists like Rev. Jesse Jackson, I want to
help expose WT students to the rich culture of the Civil Rights Movement.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
9) “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children”
Ginny Coppock
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood disorder and a growing
concern among many school-age children today. Due to the impairment of cognitive
development, affecting academic achievement and social well-being, the correct diagnosis of
ADHD is imperative. The diagnosis of ADHD is often misdiagnosed due to the misunderstanding
of tools needed, not obtaining information from an adequate amount of teachers/caregivers,
and biased reports. This presentation will include how to differentiate between attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder versus attention deficit disorder, ADHD clinical presentation, and tools
used based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) used in
diagnosing.
10) “Smoking Cessation”
Jason Couch
Smoking cessation is an ever-evolving topic with many programs available geared for adolescents
through older adults. Individual behavior can have an impact on the success of completion and
follow through of a cessation program. Mass media campaigns are in place to help educate
current smokers and reduce the growing number of underage smoking. Lung cancer caused by
smoking remains the number one killer in both men and women since 1987. 159,260 Americans
will die from smoking by the end of 2014 even with established, well-formed cessation programs.
11) “ASTERISK: The Statistical Improbability of Baseball’s Home Run Numbers
During the Steroid Era”
Adam Cox
From 1995-2004, there was a noticeable spike in home run numbers across Major League
Baseball. Despite the fact that 12.8% of all at-bats occurred during those years, 19.3% of all home
runs were hit in that span. The following home run records were broken during that time:
Individual HR, season (Mark McGwire, 1998 & Barry Bonds, 2001); Individual HR, career (Barry
Bonds, 762); Team HR, Season (Seattle, 1997); MLB HR, Season (5693, 2000). In 2005, MLB
unveiled its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. A sharp decline in home runs
followed.
12) “Ankle Sprains”
Tara Curtis
Ankle sprains are a common injury that is seen in emergency room and primary care offices.
Ankle sprains are a common musculoskeletal injury that often results from a sports related
injury. Ankle sprains are categorized by the practitioner as a type one, type two, or type three
level of ankle sprain. The recommended therapy of an ankle sprain is rest, ice therapy,
compression, and elevation of the extremity. Most ankle sprains are very manageable and do not
require orthopedic evaluation unless the ankle sprain is classified as a level three sprain.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
13) “Effects of the Reading Recovery Program”
Ashley Davis
In the realm of education there has been much alarm about the rising issue of children who
struggle with obtaining reading skills. There are many strategies that are being used in school
systems, but one that has raised much debate is the use of Reading Recovery. The purpose of
this study is to look at the Reading Recovery Program form an objective point of view to examine
if it is in fact an effective program for children who are struggling with reading skills.
14) “Scoliosis: New Treatment Trends”
Marshall Dawkins
Scoliosis affects an estimated two to three percent or roughly six to nine million people every
year. Scoliosis presents in four varieties from birth to developing over time. There is no “cure” for
scoliosis, only treatment. Some new and innovative treatment options have arisen to treat this
malady. This review of literature examines the evidence from several studies that look at the
effectiveness of different treatments in treating people with all varieties of scoliosis. If caught
and treated early, scoliosis can be treated to a degree that should provide no long term ill effects
to sufferers of scoliosis.
15) “Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip”
Jennifer DeLeon
The principal objective of this poster is to define developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and
understand the disorder by knowing the pathogenesis. This research will also assist in learning
identifying risk factors and developing a plan of care. DDH, was known as congenital dislocated
hip and is relatively uncommon and if overlooked can cause complications. The term DDH refers
to a group of disorders that range from subtle growth disturbance to dislocation, which can be
complete or partial. Understanding the disorder will allow the patient to receive the proper
treatment and avoid major complications.
16) “Resistance to Wheat Curl Mite in Hard Red Winter Wheat in the US Great Plains”
Smit Dhakal
The wheat curl mite (WCM, Aceria tosichella Keifer) is one of the threatening pests of wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.). A total of 172 wheat advanced lines or cultivars, 40 tested in Texas elite
(TXE), 40 tested in Southern Regional Performance Nursery, 40 tested in Northern Regional
Performance Nursery, and 52 from core parents of TAM breeding programs were screened
against WCM. Among 22 lines derived from TAM 112, 19 lines have resistance to WCM. All WCMresistant liens were found to be resistant against Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). Thus, TAM
112 has valuable resistance against both the WCM and WSMV.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
17) “Pascal's Arithmetic Triangle”
Logan Fabela
Pascal’s Triangle is a number array that has been of particular interest to mathematicians for
centuries. This is due to the many facets of the Triangle and its application to various areas of
mathematics including figurate numbers, combinatorics, probability, fractals, and binomial
expansion. The intention of this project is to investigate Pascal’s Triangle in order to create an
educational blog which could be understood by any reader with a very basic knowledge of
algebra, but would still be informative enough to interest even an undergraduate math student.
18) “Malignant Hyperthermia”
Camilla Glenn
Malignant hyperthermia although rare, is a life-threatening, anesthetic-related disorder that
occurs in genetically susceptible patients following the administration of a triggering agent such
as inhaled volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine. Elevated carbon dioxide levels are an early
indicator, with fever often being late and inconsistent. Hereditary patterns play a factor in MH,
therefore thorough assessments preoperatively are vital. The least invasive and most cost
effective confirmation of susceptibility would be a simple blood test. Treatment includes
discontinuing the triggering agent, administering dantrolene, aggressive ventilation with 100%
oxygen, and cooling measures. Early recognition and prompt treatment greatly reduce morbidity
and mortality.
19) “Managing Childhood Obesity in the Public School System”
Julia Gulley
Obesity in childhood is related to obesity adulthood and without intervention can lead to
disabling long term medical complications along with increased incidence of mortality at a
younger age. The negative health outcomes, the financial ramifications and the additional
burden placed on the health care system are accompanying components when considering the
effects of childhood obesity. Addressing obesity in childhood is imperative, not only will it
decrease morbidity and mortality but it will lead to overall positive health outcomes as children
grow. Educating children is critical to attain desired outcomes in adults.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
20) “Investigation of Professional Schools”
Katelyn Gunn
Students seeking a professional career within the medical field are challenged with the cost of
their educational investment being compensated by future salary. Average tuition rates and
salary are analyzed for medical, dental, and pharmacy schools within the states of Arizona,
California, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. The medical and pharmacy school trend
lines show a positive linear correlation between tuition cost and salary. Dental salaries however,
show a negative correlation as dental school tuition continually rises. On a state-by-state basis,
Texas professional schools offer the best return on investment as education costs are low, but
salaries are relatively high.
21) “Fever Phobia”
Stacey Hastings
Background/Significance: Fever is a common cause for parents to bring their children to the
emergency room (ER). Negative beliefs about fever continue to cause unnecessary stress to
parents around the world. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of
emergency department discharge education for parents of a febrile child. Methods: This project
will utilize a pre/posttest questionnaire using convenience sampling of 10 volunteering parents
that present to the Emergency Room with a febrile child. Results: Educational brochures are
beneficial. Conclusion: More research with a larger sample size is recommended.
22) “Increasing Knowledge and Awareness of the
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine”
Leslie Hayes
The Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection(STI) in the
United States,and while a vaccine exists to protect against strains that cause both STI and variuos
cancers, uptake of the vaccine remains relatively low. A review of literature revealed low uptake
of the vaccine is largely due to a general lack/gap of accurate health knowledge regarding the
vaccine. The primary goal of this project is to provide an at risk population with the necessary
and accurate health care information needed to make prudent health care decisions in regard to
the uptake of the HPV vaccine.
23) “Concurrent Teaching with Social Media”
Michael Hayes
The technological revolution has changed the world in which we live and learn, instructional
methods must change to fit the needs of today’s children in primary and secondary education.
School districts and educators can build on the current use of technology implemented in the
majority of school systems today at a minimal cost. Districts should provide professional
development to educators focused on implementing lesson resources they develop themselves
to correlate to their state standards and grade level objectives to be hosted on social media
platforms permitting focused topics directly tied to their classroom instruction for their students
and parents.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
24) “Injuries of the Thumb”
Susan Hochstein
Thumb injuries pose risk for a great deal of disability. Without the oppositional ability of the
thumb, powerful and precision gripping would be impossible. Traumatic injuries, other than
superficial lacerations, impair our ability to perform such tasks and can be placed into two
categories: bone fractures and ligament sprains. Fractures are breaks in the bone that can be
simple cracks or breaks all the way through into two or many pieces. Ligaments are what hold
the bones together at the joints. Ligament sprains can be further classified into three grades on a
continuum of partial to complete.
25) “Understanding the Importance of Fundamental Nursing Values in the
Role of the Family Nurse Practitioner”
John Hodges
The scope of practice and autonomy of the family nurse practitioner is expanding. The quality of
care provided by family nurse practitioners is being threatened due to increased patient load and
primary physician shortages. This is a qualitative literature review that examines the
fundamental nursing values in the role of the family nurse practitioner. This research will serve as
a guide in helping ensure nurse practitioners will continue to understand the importance of
fundamental nursing values in the role of the family nurse practitioner.
26) “Is it possible to “BEET the Heat”? – Beetroot Juice and Acute Heat Stress”
Lisa Jansen
Introduction: Beetroot juice supplementation (BRJ) is a novel method of performance
enhancement during scripted exercise. Purpose: To examine effect of BRJ on heat exercise.
Methods:10males (Age: 24±1yrs; 14.3±2.2 BF%) supplemented with either BRJ (~4.2mmol NO3/70ml)or nitrate depleted PL (0.04mmol NO3-) following a randomized,doubleblind crossover
design. Subjects completed a 45min simulated militarymarch in a hot environment
(~41°C/RH=15%) post each condition. Results: VO2(1.90±0.04l∙min-1 vs. 2.036±0.04l∙min-1;
p=.295) and VCO2(1.756±0.03l∙min-1 vs. 2.036±0.04 l∙min-1; p=.905) displayed lower values for
BRJ vs. PL [2-Factor Repeated-Measures ANOVA p<0.01]. Conclusion: Data suggests reduced
physiological strain of 45minute treadmill exercise in a hot ambient environment post BRJ
supplementation.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
27) “Beyond the Red Solo Cup”
Tanner Lakey
Hazing. Alcohol abuse. Animal House. Rude boys and ditsy girls who go around taking
countless “selfies” and yelling absurd chants in unison. This is what the general public
thinks when they hear the words fraternity, sorority, and Greek life. But throughout the
experiences of Dyke Rogers, Dr. Wade Shaffer, and myself, you will realize that there is
much more behind the obnoxious chants and letters that are portrayed on the chest of
college students across the nation. What if you looked beyond the stereotype? What if
you were to look beyond the Red Solo Cup?
28) “Bursitis”
Misty Lance
Friction can occur when any two surfaces move against one another. This type of resistance can
occur in human joints, where muscles and tendons move against bones and other structures. To
prevent friction from occurring, joints are lined with bursae. Bursae are sacs of synovial fluid that
facilitate movement in joint structures and provide cushion to prevent joint destruction.
Inflammation of these bursae may occur with joint overuse, which is known as bursitis. This
poster will discuss the condition of bursitis, methods to treat it and ways to prevent further
occurrence.
29) “Ogallala and Dockum Aquifer Quality”
Dustin Livingston
The Ogallala Aquifer (OA) is the main source of water for much of the Texas Panhandle. The
majority of the water is used for irrigation and is being rapidly exhausted. We evaluate OA water
quality compared to the underlying Dockum Aquifer (DA) using geographical information systems
(GIS). Multiple parameters will be compared to produce different maps showing the spatiotemporal extent of water quality. Irrigation may not need pristine water which could leave
opportunity for DA water, while municipalities may be able to treat DA water. The GIS maps will
provide information so that choices of water source may become apparent.
30) “Alcoholism”
David Makia
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects the lives of millions of Americans, devastates families
and burdens the country’s health care systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there are approximately 88,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each
year in the United States.Excessive use of alcohol creates serious physical, psychological and
social problems and contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases.Alcohol abuse affects
people of all ages and it is a treatable disease.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
31) “Hypertension: An Overview & Update”
Morgan Marble
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the most prevalent health condition in our
nation. It goes widely unrecognized due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease process.
Recent changes in treatment guidelines have emerged and all healthcare professionals, as well as
the general public, need to be aware of these new recommendations. The goal of this project is
to provide awareness and understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic
testing, long-term complications, and treatment plan that accompanies a diagnosis of
hypertension. Heightened awareness, increased knowledge, and patient compliance will
hopefully lead to better outcomes in the future.
32) “Klinefelter Syndrome in Males: Importance of Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms”
Mary Martin
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) affects 1 in 500 live male births, resulting in an extra “X” chromosome.
Physical characteristics include small firm testicles, infertility, and female type breast tissue. They
are usually taller than average, with longer, weaker extremities. Only 25% are ever diagnosed,
usually when treated for infertility. Studies on children with KS indicate a high incidence of
impaired social and language skills which can result in physical, mental, and emotional problems.
This utilization review determines KS symptoms and interventions that help improve their quality
of life. Education and awareness are necessary components to successfully diagnose and treat
KS.
33) “Relationship Between Vitamin D and Cancer”
Jessica Martinez
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is required for optimal function of most organs in the body. Until
recently, the importance of Vitamin D was not totally understood. The latest evidence based
research indicates that there is a direct link between Vitamin D levels and the risk of cancer. This
project is an informative literature review designed to inform the reader of how increased levels
of Vitamin D is directly correlated with the decreased risk of cancer.
34) “Conjunctivitis”
Brooke Moore (Himic)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva or membranous portion that lines the eyelids
and covers the sclera. Conjunctivitis or pinkeye is a very common disease of the eye. Some forms
of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and easily spread from person to person. Proper
prevention, diagnosis and treatment plans for conjunctivitis are important to break the chain of
infection and spread of the disease. Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. A
comprehensive eye examination and patient history are imperative in the diagnosis and
treatment of conjunctivitis.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
35) “Treatment Options in Dementia”
Dorothy Murphy
Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are increasingly presenting to their health care
professionals with concerns related to aging. One challenging clinical question is related to the
evaluation of cognitive decline in older adults with ID. When people with dementia demonstrate
challenging behavioral and psychological symptoms, the stress experienced by caregiver’s
increases. The side effects associated with the use of antipsychotic medications in older people
with dementia has given rise to a renewed emphasis on the use of non-pharmacological
approaches to manage challenging behaviors. This poster offers clinical manifestations and
treatment options for people with dementia who have challenging behaviors.
36) “Feasibility Analysis for Assessing, Intervention, and Treatment for
Depression Among Healthcare Workers”
Heather Nokes
According to Mental Health America, depression ranks second behind hypertension as the most
common chronic condition in health care workers. Many workers go undiagnosed or are not
treated appropriately for depression. Depression is a chronic illness that can lead to lost wages,
decreased productivity, decreased functional abilities, over all poor physical health and increase
number of suicides. The purpose of this research report is to increase awareness about
depression, the devastating effects of depression on healthcare workers, their families,
employers and related cost of loss of productivity and the need to be screened and treated
appropriately for depression.
37) “Diabetic Ketoacidosis”
Sallie Nolen
Diabetic ketoacidosis is defined as a relative insulin deficiency resulting in an increased glucose
level in the bloodstream. The purpose of this project is to educate both the public as well as
healthcare providers about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a rapidly progressing, life-threatening
complication of type I diabetes mellitus. This article discusses the signs and symptoms of this
condition. The prevalence of DKA as well as medical management algorithms are also reviewed.
The main focus will be education towards the prevention of developing DKA through compliance
in treatment plans as well as early recognition.
38) “Eating Disorders”
Kaci O'Neal
An eating disorder is an illness that causes serious disturbances in the everyday diet and often
coexists with other psychiatric illnesses. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are common
eating disorders, which are found to be caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological,
behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Individuals with these disorders can present with a
variety of symptoms, but are commonly preoccupied about weight loss and body size. Treatment
plans consist of a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
Relapse is common, and there are a number of possible complications as a result of the disease.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
39) “Plantar Fasciitis”
Leann Preston
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot disorder that affects approximately ten percent of the
population. Patients will present with heel pain that occurs upon weight bearing, usually after a
period of inactivity. The discomfort is felt at the tender spot over the medial aspect of the sole of
the foot. Plantar fasciitis is mainly a clinical diagnosis based off history and a physical
examination. This condition is usually self-limiting, but can take up to a year or year and a half to
resolve. Management, normally, involves non-invasive, to minimally invasive treatment and
rarely requires a surgical intervention.
40) “Cushing's Syndrome”
Sheneeka Purnell
Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine disorder that occurs when there is an overexposure of the
tissues to corticosteroids from exogenous or endogenous sources. Cushing's disease is the most
common cause of Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when there is an excess production of
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland. Clinical presentation of Cushing's is
similar to multiple endocrine disorders, therefore it is essential to differentiate between other
diseases. Obtaining a health history and lab values will help diagnosis the disease. Treatments
are dependent on the cause and source. Management of Cushing's syndrome/disease is
imperative in reducing future lifelong health complications.
41) “Early Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy”
Rhonda Romero
Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune, thyroid gland failure, which is known as Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis. Some are caused by ablative therapy for hyperthyroidism. Other causes of
hypothyroidism may be congenital or due to pituitary or hypothalamic disease. In the U.S. 3.5
cases per 1,000 are women each year. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed in approximately 1% - 2% of
pregnant women, and 2.5% are found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. This is a common
disorder particularly in women of childbearing age. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy
may result in developmental delay or mental retardation in the child.
42) “Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease”
Kourtney Schoor
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation that affects the
peripheral nerves surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms arise
before the age of twenty and include high arched feet, foot drop, loss of muscle tone in the
calves, foot numbness, and difficulty with balance. Rapid progression is rare but over time the
symptoms can progress to complete disability. Diagnosis is made through neurological evaluation
and nerve conduction studies and the only treatment available is physical therapy, braces for the
legs and feet and orthopedic surgery to restore function.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
43) “Steps to Establishing Economic Threshold in Wheat Steak Mosaic Virus Infected Wheat”
Angela Simmons
Wheat streak mosaic virus, transmitted by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella), causes
reductions in crop water-use efficiency and wheat production across the Great Plains region of
the United States. Wheat streak severity has been observed to increase during years of severe
drought, possibly due to higher mite populations. In the Texas Panhandle, much of the wheat
crop is irrigated, but due to depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer less than full irrigation often is
applied and little is known about the effect of deficit irrigation on wheat curl mite populations
and disease severity.
44) “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”
Sydni Sprecher
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral
disorder. The core symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD
does not have a clear etiology. Research shows that ADHD can be caused by an array of issues
such as brain dysfunction, a neuropsychiatric imbalance of chemicals, lead poisoning, allergies, or
even just an in-born temperament. The preferred treatment for ADHD is cognitive behavioral
therapy with a licensed psychologist. Other treatment options include stimulant medications
(Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine) which increase attentiveness through increasing activity in
the central nervous system. Holistic treatment options including acupuncture and music therapy.
45) “First Financial Bank – An Insight to Life as the Intern”
Thomas Stewart
First Financial Bank has recently established itself as a market leader in Texas. Successes that the
company has experienced are directly tied to organizational goals and priorities. Having
completed a six month internship with the company, I have developed a new appreciation for
financial management. First Financial Bank provided many opportunities to learn the basics of
banking. Not only was I carrying out the duties of a normal part-time intern, but I was also able to
participate in a variety of different projects. As a college student, opportunities exist for the
development of real work stills and capabilities.
46) “Dominance in Texas Panhandle Early Childhood Instruction:
Comparison of Piaget and Vygotsky”
Jessica Taylor
Famous psychologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, whose work still exists in Early Childhood
Education, are historical figures in the psychological realm known for their developmental
studies with children. The purpose of this research is to find out if teachers in the Texas
Panhandle who teach Early Childhood Education use teaching methods that are patterned after
or more favorable towards Vygotsky’s or Piaget’s theory and if different factors such as certain
genders, races, or educational backgrounds are dominant in either method of teaching. The
results will show the main teaching method include a combination of both theorists.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Posters/Visual Arts:
10:00 –12:00
47) “Osgood-Schlatter Disease”
Brandy Trevino
Osgood Schlatter is a disease that includes irritation of the patellar ligament at the site of the
tibial tuberosity. This is often characterized as very painful lumps just below the knee. This
disease is often seen in young adolescents. This is found in boys and girls ages 9-16. This is
caused by overuse and strenuous activities such as running, and jumping. Symptoms that present
are intense pain at the knees, which will occur during activates. These symptoms usually resolve
with treatment in about 12-24 months. Treat with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
48) “Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Effective Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Complications”
Mindy Unrau
Type II diabetes mellitus affects millions of people and many of them suffer from life-threatening
complications such as cardiovascular disease. To reduce complications in Type II diabetics, a good
understanding of the best available treatments and the best methods to implement those
treatments is needed. This poster will describe the disease process of Type II diabetes mellitus
and the treatments available for each aspect of the disease. The most effective implementation
of these treatments is not as clear but the leading methodologies will be presented.
49) “Chemokines: Chemical Messengers and Cancer Propagators”
Thomas Wieck
One of the most lethal components of cancer is its ability to metastasize and move throughout
the body, allowing for the introduction of cancer to healthy tissue. Though the process of
metastasis is complex and poorly understood, a certain group of proteins, called chemokines,
seem to play an interesting role in the metastatic process as well as potential organ selectivity for
secondary tumor growth. The purpose of my investigation is to collect the findings of several
studies on chemokines, particularly their influence on metastatic cancers, and speculate
potential ways for the treatment of metastatic cancer through chemokine interactions.
50) “Depression: Signs and Solutions”
Kendra Williams
Depression is collection of signs and symptoms that are manifested emotionally, physically, and
behaviorally that most commonly involve a loss of interest or pleasure. Five to twenty percent of
the United States population will be affected by depression at some point in time. Often vague
symptoms such as fatigue and poor sleep habits can clue the health care provider in to problems
with depression. Depression can be treated with non-pharmacologic solutions as well as
pharmacologically in a variety of ways that have a very high success rate. However, without
intervention, relapse or worsening depression is often imminent.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
51) “An Athletic Trainer in a Physical Therapist's World”
Mackenzie Wilson
I will be comparing the fields of athletic training and physical therapy and their history using my
experiences and research. The relationship between the two fields and their employers will also
be discussed through interviews with members of each career. I am also journaling daily to
reflect on my experiences throughout the internship. The goal of my presentation is to educate
and encourage the collaboration of the two fields when their scope of practice goes hand in
hand. It’s important to utilize one another based on each group’s strengths in order to provide
optimum care.
52) “Pseudotumor Cerebri”
Tabra Wischkaemper
Pseudotumor cerebri is a rare condition that increases the intracranial pressure due to unknown
etiology. The signs and symptoms usually consist of multiple neurological complaints. Most
common affected group is obese, Caucasian, women of child bearing age. Diagnosis is often time
consuming and includes a lumbar puncture to effectively diagnose the increased pressure.
Treatment is a multi-drug approach to treat secondary symptoms from the increased pressure.
Stinting of the venous sinuses may become necessary if medications do not provide adequate
relief of symptomatology.
53) “Club Foot”
Virginia Wright
Club foot is an anomaly of the foot that occurs in one out of one thousand live births.
Approximately half of those affected have bilateral club feet. Club foot or Talipes Equinovarus
tends to be a hereditary disorder. A patient that suffers from this disorder would have their foot
in the pointed- toe position with the heal inverted. The foot could not be manually moved to the
neutral position. The treatment for this disorder would be serial long leg casting. If this does not
correct the foot, then surgical intervention would be needed.
54) “Pediatric Diabetes”
Charissa Young
The diagnosis of diabetes in a child has previously been associated with type-one diabetes. Typeone diabetes is caused be autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas. These
patients are dependent on exogenous insulin. The incidence of type-two diabetes in children has
increased over the past thirty years. Type-two diabetes is caused by insulin resistance or not
producing enough insulin. Treatment includes change in diet, exercise, oral medications and at
times exogenous insulin. Both types of diabetes are associated with chronic long-term health
issues. Strict management of pediatric diabetes is necessary to prevent long-term health
consequences.
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Index
Name: Allen, Benton, Trent Kelly, (Dr. Matt Jackson, and Stephanie Steelman)
Presentation Title: “The Breaking of Epoxy Bonds Between PBX 9501 and Diallyl Phthalate
Thermoset Resin by Cryogenic Thermal Cycling”
Location: Session II, White Room 38
Name: Aguirre, Carlos
Presentation Title: “Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Anneler-Elliott, Vonnita J.
Poster Title: “Adult Abuse: The Different Types”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 1
Name: Barazza, Gustavo
Presentation Title: “Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Benavides, Gabriella
Poster Title: “Kidney Disease Related to Diabetes”
Location: Legacy Halll; Easel 2
Name: Barbee, Rachel
Presentation Title: “The Refusal to Conform: Septimus's Rebellion in Mrs. Dalloway”
Location: Session V, White Room 38
Name: Barth, Kendra and Josh Clift-Jinkens
Presentation Title: “Gender Dysphoria”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Blankenship, Miles
Presentation Title: “Constructivism in the Crosshairs”
Location: Session III, Maroon Room 37
Name: Botkin, Rachel
Poster Title: “What is Hyperthyroidism?”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 3
Name: Bouyea, Lisa
Poster Title: “Diabetes Education”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 4
Name: Bowen, Louisa
Presentation Title: “Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Changes Over Time in Mature Horses
Fed an All-Forage Diet”
Location: Session III, White Room 38
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Bradford, Kait and Cailey Crist
Presentation Title: Performing Representational Resistance through Autoethnography
Location: Session III, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Brown, Vanessa
Presentation Title: “Transportation of Carcasses for Disposal”
Location: Session II, White Room 38
Name: Butler, Jennifer
Poster Title: “The Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 5
Name: Cadotte, Thomas
Poster Title: “Utilization of a Unique Assay to Investigate Tumor Microenvironmetallyinfluenced Chemoresistance”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 6
Name: Camacho, Celia
Presentation Title: “The Natural Approach Method to Second Language Acquisition”
Location: Session V, Maroon Room 37
Name: Castaneda, Joanna
Poster Title: “Sleep Deprivation”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 7
Name: Castillo, Brittany
Poster Title: “Celebrating 50 Years of Civil Rights at West Texas A&M University”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 8
Name: Castorena, Maria
Presentation Title: Subjunctive Tense and L2 learners
Location: Session I, Thunder Room 35
Name: Clift-Jinkens, Josh and Kendra Barth
Presentation Title: “Gender Dysphoria”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Coppock, Ginny
Poster Title: “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 9
Name: Couch, Jason
College: Nursing and Health Sciences
Poster Title: “Smoking Cessation”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 10
Name: Cox, Adam
Poster Title: “ASTERISK: The Statistical Improbability of Baseball’s Home Run Numbers During
the Steroid Era”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 11
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Crain, Emma
Presentation Title: Inner and Outer Space in Chimes at Midnight
Location: Session IV, White Room 38
Name: Crist, Cailey and Kait Bradford
Presentation Title: Performing Representational Resistance through Autoethnography
Location: Session III, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Curtis, Tara
Poster Title: “Ankle Sprains”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 12
Name: Dauntes, Renea
Presentation Title: Wal-Art: We Sell Anything
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Davis, Ashley
Poster Title: “Effects of the Reading Recovery Program”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 13
Name: Davis, Imogene, (Rocky Ward, and Richard T. Kazmaier)
Presentation Title: “Putative Genetic Structure of Bobcats in the Texas Panhandle”
Location: Session I, White Room 38
Name: Dawkins, Marshall
Poster Title: “Scoliosis: New Treatment Trends”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 14
Name: Díaz, Jorge
Presentation Title: Cabeza de Vaca: Shipwreck and Religion
Location: Session V, Thunder Room 35
Name: Dean, Casey
Presentation Title: “Naufragios: A New European Perspective on The ‘Savage"’Native
American”
Location: Session V, Thunder Room 35
Name: DeLeon, David
Presentation Title: “Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: DeLeon, Jennifer
Poster Title: “Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 15
Name: Dhakal, Smit
Poster Title: “Resistance to Wheat Curl Mite in Hard Red Winter Wheat in the US Great
Plains”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 16
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Digby, Taylor
Presentation Title: “Love: Raymond Carver and Trapped in a Physical World”
Location: Session II, Maroon Room 37
Name: Fabela, Logan
Presentation Title: “Pascal’s Arithmetic Triangle”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 17
Name: Fewell, Chad
Presentation Title: “A Critical Analysis of Barnes's Nightwood”
Location: Session II, Maroon Room 37
Name: Flowers, Danielle
Presentation Title: “Language Learning versus Language Acquisition: A Review of Stephen
Krashen's Comprehensible Input”
Location: Session II, Thunder Room 35
Name: Fristoe, Hugh
Presentation Title: “The Role of Race in the Criminal Justice System”
Location: Session IV, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Froese, Virginia
Presentation Title: “Difficulties for Heritage Speakers of Spanish”
Location: Session III, Thunder Room 35
Name: Gallegos, Shannon
College: Fine Arts and Humanities
Presentation Title: “Leslie Marmon Silko's ‘Tony's Story’”
Location: Session III, West Texas Room 33
Name: Garcia, Maegan
Presentation Title: “The Spanish Language is a Challenge for Latinos to Preserve in Today's
World”
Location: Session II, Thunder Room 35
Name: Glenn, Camilla
Presentation Title: “Malignant Hyperthermia”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 18
Name: Godinez, Aimee
Presentation Title: “The Communicative Methodology: How it Benefits Second Language
Acquisition in the Classroom”
Location: Session IV, Thunder Room 35
Name: Gonzalez, Amanda
Presentation Title: “Animalia”
Location: Session III, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Gonzalez, Christian
Presentation Title: “Owen Wister and Marxism through The Virginian”
Location: Session III, West Texas Room 33
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Granados, Jorge
Presentation Title: “Elevation Training Mask” Induces Hypoxemia But Utilizes A Novel
Feedback Signaling Mechanism”
Location: Session II, White Room 38
Name: Greif, Julia
Presentation Title: “Blurred Lines: A Look into Music and How it Affects the Mind,
Emphasizing the Objectification of Women”
Location: Session IV, Maroon Room 37
Name: Gulley, Julia
Presentation Title: “Managing Childhood Obesity in the Public School System”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 19
Name: Gunn, Katelyn
Presentation Title: “Investigation of Professional Schools”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 20
Name: Gutierrez, Luis
Presentation Title: “An Analysis of Rubén Darío's ‘To Roosevelt’”
Location: Session V, Thunder Room 35
Name: Hale, Heather
Presentation Title: “World War I Through the Lines of Women and Non-Combat Poetry”
Location: Session IV, West Texas Room 33
Name: Harker, Jennifer
Presentation Title: “The Dancing of an Attitude”
Location: Session IV, Maroon Room 37
Name: Hastings, Stacey
Presentation Title: “Fever Phobia”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 21
Name: Hayes, Leslie
Presentation Title: “Increasing Knowledge and Awareness of the Human Papilloma Virus
(HPV) Vaccine”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 22
Name: Hayes, Michael
Presentation Title: “Concurrent Teaching with Social Media”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 23
Name: Hochstein, Susan
Poster Title: “Injuries of the Thumb”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 24
Name: Hodges, John
Poster Title: “Understanding the Importance of Fundamental Nursing Values in the Role of
the Family Nurse Practitioner”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 25
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Howell, Candice
Presentation Title: “I Feel Like a Woman: Feminism in Wister's The Virginian”
Location: Session V, West Texas Room 33
Name: Hughes, Rebecca
Presentation Title: “Colonialism and Food in James Joyce's ‘The Dead’”
Location: Session IV, West Texas Room 33
Name: Humphrey, Joshua
Presentation Title: “Role of Women Characters in Literature”
Location: Session V, White Room 38
Name: Jansen, Lisa
Poster Title: “Is it possible to ‘BEET the Heat’? – Beetroot Juice and Acute Heat Stress”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 26
Name: Kelly, Trent, Benton Allen, (Dr. Matt Jackson, and Stephanie Steelman)
Presentation Title: “The Breaking of Epoxy Bonds Between PBX 9501 and Diallyl Phthalate
Thermoset Resin by Cryogenic Thermal Cycling”
Location: Session II, White Room 38
Name: King, Alanna
Presentation Title: “Heterodoxy in Mrs. Dalloway”
Location: Session V, White Room 38
Name: King, Tyler
Presentation Title: “Sor Juana Warns of Creating Own Evil: Observed through the LGBTQIA
Community”
Location: Session I, West Texas Room 33
Name: Kiper, Danielle
Presentation Title: “Gender Roles Presented in Rebecca West’s Return of the Soldier”
Location: Session I, Maroon Room 37
Name: Kraemer, Amanda
Presentation Title: “Language as a Response to Tragedy in T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land”
Location: Session IV, West Texas Room 33
Name: Kroeker, Maggie Guenther
Presentation Title: “Storms of the Sublime: Jose Maria Heredia’s ‘In a Storm’ and Samuel
Taylor Coleridge’s ‘Ancient Mariner’”
Location: Session V, Thunder Room 35
Name: Lakey, Tanner
Poster Title: ”Beyond the Red Solo Cup”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 27
Name: Lance, Misty
Poster Title: “Bursitis”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 28
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Leeper, Briana
Presentation Title: “How the Sinking of the Titanic Led to the Rise of Radio in the Early 20th
Century”
Location: Session III, Maroon Room 37
Name: Lemos, Alyssa
Presentation Title: “Quantification of the Vibrio furnissii nagE promoter using PKK232-8
plasmid vector in E. coli”
Location: Session I, White Room 38
Name: Lewis, Kaitlin
Presentation Title: “What about Davis Patten?”
Location: Session II, West Texas Room 33
Name: Linn, Krystal
Presentation Title: “A Stroll in the Shadows: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness”
Location: Session I, Maroon Room 37
Name: Livingston, Dustin
Poster Title: “Ogallala and Dockum Aquifer Quality”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 29
Name: Lomax, Lance
Presentation Title: “The Importance of Place in Southwest Literatures”
Location: Session III, West Texas Room 33
Name: Lookingbill, Dollie
Presentation Title: “Connecting Place, Community, Labor and Ethics”
Location: Session II, West Texas Room 33
Name: Makia, David
Poster Title: “Alcoholism”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 30
Name: Marble, Morgan
Poster Title: “Hypertension: An Overview & Update”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 31
Name: Martin, Mary
Poster Title: “Klinefelter Syndrome in Males: Importance of Recognizing the Signs and
Symptoms”
Location: Legacy Hall: Easel 32
Name: Martinez, Jessica
Poster Title: “Relationship Between Vitamin D and Cancer”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 33
Name: Maxfield, Payton
Presentation Title: “Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: McCormick, AJ
College: Fine Arts and Humanities
Presentation Title: “The Aesthetic Relationship between Man and Nature”
Location: Session IV, West Texas Room 33
Name: McGee, Laci
Presentation Title: “Beowulf: The Changing of Meaning in Spaces”
Location: Session IV, White Room 38
Name: Mendoza, Caleb
Presentation Title: “The Impact of Image”
Location: Session II, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Millender, Kassi
Presentation Title: “Second Language Teaching Methods”
Location: Session III, Thunder Room 35
Name: Miller, Abigail
Presentation Title: “Deconstructing the Shire, a Monster”
Location: Session III, Maroon Room 37
Name: Montgomery, Brooke
Presentation Title: “The Beauty of Feminism in Wister's Virginian”
Location: Session V, West Texas Room 33
Name: Moore, Brooke
Poster Title: “Conjunctivitis”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 34
Name: Mullin, Matthew
Presentation Title: “Minor Character, Major Issues: An Explication of the Accountant in
Conrad's Heart of Darkness”
Location: Session I, Maroon Room 37
Name: Mundo, Mariela
Presentation Title: “An Overview of the Field: Second Language Acquisition”
Location: Session III, Thunder Room 35
Name: Murguia, Lluvia
Presentation Title: “The Direct Method of Language Acquisition: How Does it Work?”
Location: Session IV, Thunder Room 35
Name: Murphy, Dorothy
Poster Title: “Treatment Options in Dementia”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 35
Name: Nokes, Heather
Poster Title: “Feasibility Analysis for Assessing, Intervention, and Treatment for Depression
Among Healthcare Workers”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 36
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Nolen, Sallie
Poster Title: “Diabetic Ketoacidosis”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 37
Name: Ojeda, Nubia
Presentation Title: “Second Language Acquisition”
Location: Session II, Thunder Room 35
Name: O’Neal, Kaci
Poster Title: “Eating Disorders”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 38
Name: Palser, Alyssa
Presentation Title: “Congelación de Cerebro: Implementing Spanish Orientations at
WTAMU”
Location: Session IV, Thunder Room 35
Name: Parman, Miranda Jade
Presentation Title: “Feminine Voice in the Art of Pablo Neruda's Veinte Poemas de Amor
[Twenty Love Poems]”
Location: Session I, West Texas Room 33
Name: Pena, Gabriel
Presentation Title: “Understanding the Methods of Computer-Assisted Language Learning”
Location: Session V, Maroon Room 37
Name: Preston, Leann
Poster Title: “Plantar Fasciits”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 39
Name: Prince, Guyon
Presentation Title: “Skateboarding as a Modernist Art form: Why Futurists Would Have
Celebrated Street Skating”
Location: Session II, Maroon Room 37
Name: Purnell, Sheneeka
Poster Title: “Cushing’s Syndrome”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 40
Name: Roberts, Shelby (and Dr. John Richeson)
Presentation Title: “Effect of Surgical Castration with or without Oral Meloxicam on the
Acute Inflammatory Response in Yearling Beef Bulls”
Location: Session III, White Room 38
Name: Romero, Rhonda
Poster Title: “Early Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 41
Name: Saenz, Clara
Presentation Title: “Second Language Learning: Three Learner Phases”
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Location: Session V, Maroon Room 37
Name: Schoor, Kourtney
Poster Title: “Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 42
Name: Sharp, Rylee
Presentation Title: A Marxist Reading of Owen Wister's The Virginian
Location: Session III, West Texas Room 33
Name: Shaw, Chandler
Presentation Title: “Incapable of Her Own Distress”? Ophelia as a Foil to Hamlet in
Madness and Suicide”
Location: Session IV, White Room 38
Name: Shelton, Lauren
Presentation Title: “Mary Kay Gen Y Marketing Strategy”
Location: Session I, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Simmons, Angela
Poster Title: “Steps to Establishing Economic Threshold in Wheat Steak Mosaic Virus
Infected Wheat”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 43
Name: Skorodziyevskiy, Vitaliy
Presentation Title: “Are Market Prices the Real Driver of Our Economic System?”
Location: Session IV, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Solis, Samuel
Presentation Title: “The Advantages of Communicative Language Teaching Compared to
Grammar-Based Learning”
Location: Session I, Thunder Room 35
Name: Sosa, Eric (and Dr. Timothy Atcheson)
Presentation Title: Developing an Egalitarian View of “American”
Location: Session IV, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Soto, Victoria
Presentation Title: “Society and Culture Influences on Language”
Location: Session I, Thunder Room 35
Name: Sparks, Haley
Presentation Title: “Marilyn Monroe versus Sor Juana: Feminist Idols”
Location: Session I, West Texas Room 33
Name: Sprecher, Sydni
Poster Title: “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 44
Name: Stewart, Thomas
Poster Title: “First Financial Bank – An Insight to Life as the Intern”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 45
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Name: Taylor, Jessica
Poster Title: “Dominance in Texas Panhandle Early Childhood Instruction: Comparison of
Piaget and Vygotsky”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 46
Name: Thapa, Sushil
Presentation Title: “Manipulating Plant Geometry as a Strategy for Improving Microclimate
and Grain Yield”
Location: Session III, White Room 38
Name: Thomas, James
Presentation Title: “Extraction and Characterization of Phosphorus Compounds from
Confined Animal Feeding Operations Samples”
Location: Session I, White Room 38
Name: Tipton, Cameron
Presentation Title: “Recreating the Frontier: Fredrick Jackson Turner's The Significance of
the Frontier in American History”
Location: Session II, West Texas Room 33
Name: Trabysh, Olivia
Presentation Title: “Writing Home to Our Lovers: How Our Innocuous Lies Purport
Dangerously Fictitious Epics in Celan and Borges”
Location: Session IV, Maroon Room 37
Name: Trevino, Brandy
Poster Title: “Osgood-Schlatter Disease”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 47
Name: Unrau, Mindy
Poster Title: “Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Effective Management to Reduce Cardiovascular
Complications”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 48
Name: Vallejos, Jessica
Presentation Title: “Wister’s Molly Wood: New Woman or Not?”
Location: Session V, West Texas Room 33
Name: Weaver, Ryan
Presentation Title: “The Memento”
Location: Session III, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Wegman, Michaela
Presentation Title: “Escape”
Location: Session II, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Wesley, Jared
Presentation Title: “Water Surface Elevation Study of the Texas Panhandle”
Location: Session II, White Room 38
Name: Wieck, Thomas
Poster Title: “Chemokines: Chemical Messengers and Cancer Propagators”
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 49
Name: Williams, Kelsey
Presentation Title: “Poor Little Bitch Girl: Dame de Morte”
Location: Session II, Buff Branding Room 12
Name: Williams, Kendra
Poster Title: “Depression: Signs and Solutions”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 50
Name: Wilson, Mackenzie
Poster Title: “An Athletic Trainer in a Physical Therapist’s World”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 51
Name: Wischkaemper, Tabra
Poster Title: “Pseudotumor Cerebri”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 52
Name: Wright, Virginia
Poster Title: “Club Foot”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 53
Name: Young, Charissa
Poster Title: “Pediatric Diabetes”
Location: Legacy Hall; Easel 54
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Evening Events of Interest
Women in/of the West
A research presentation in conjunction with the WTAMU Student Research
Conference and the current exhibition series “Women of the West” at the
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
4:00pm to 5:30 pm
Friday, April 25
Northern Hall, Room 189
The program will include two focused talks followed by a round-table discussion
on what it means to be a woman “of the west.”
Dr. Amy Von Lintel, WTAMU assistant professor of art history, will speak on “Eastern
Women in the American West,” a presentation that considers how women not
born in the west—from the art collector Susan J. Allen to artists Georgia O’Keeffe
and Nancy Holt—found solace, creative inspiration and career opportunities in
western spaces, places and people.
Millie Vanover, research assistant at PPHM and M.A. candidate in art history at
WTAMU, will present on Susan J. Allen, a major donor to the PPHM and an
eastern-born woman who built her identity and her career as an art collector
through her visits to the American West.
The guest of honor at this presentation will be Margaret Hathaway, the
grandniece of Susan Allen, who is visiting from Toronto for the PPHM show that
includes an exhibition of Allen’s collected works.
Please join us in welcoming Margaret to the Panhandle and in celebrating
women’s artistic accomplishments in the region.
For more information, email Amy Von Lintel at avonlintel@wtamu.edu
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
Legacy Hall Map
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West Texas A&M University Student Research Conference 2014
West Texas A&M University
2501 4th Avenue
Canyon, TX, USA 79106
806-651-0000