Characterization of Various Surface-Level Oil Shale Samples
Matthew Allen
Chemistry Department
Research was conducted on several surface-level shale samples that were obtained
throughout the Marcellus Shale region. Additional research was conducted on New York
and Cleveland shale as a comparison. The original purpose was to identify any natural
gas that was contained within the shale samples, but as research was conducted, it was
determined that any potential trapped gas could not be detected using the instruments in
the lab. A characterization of the shale samples was done in order to classify the various
types, as well as individual samples within that type. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis and
IR spectroscopy were used to characterize the shale samples. The results indicated that
there was a significant difference in the composition of shale samples from different
region, as well as a slight variation in composition of shale samples from the same region
based on individual location.
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Muskingum University Undergraduate Fellowship Program: A Continued Study on
the Impact of Implement Conservation Practices on the Salt Creek Watershed in
Muskingum County Ohio
Kelli Brock, Summer 2014 Muskie Fellow & Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation
District Intern
With Dr. Lois Zook-Gerdau, Department of Chemistry, Muskingum University
in collaboration with Nicole Hafer and Lisa Crock, Muskingum Soil and Water
Conservation District
Abstract:
The Salt Creek Watershed, located in the southeastern part of Ohio, is a very
important source for livestock operations which also means that it is prone to pollution
and contaminants from soil and from runoff from local crops and livestock. The
Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded a Section 319 grant by
the Environmental Protection Agency in order to instill conservation practices to prevent
the pollution of the watershed from the outside factors and to improve the quality of the
water already present.
The water quality has been analyzed in 2003. 2004, 2005, 2009, and 2013 to
determine if the conservation practices that have been put in place is successful in ridding
the watershed of the pollution. The study was completed again in 2014 in six
predetermined sampling sites to compare to past data. The data has indicated that the
water quality decreases slightly in the spring time when runoff from crops and livestock
get into the watershed system. The bacteria count could potentially not be correct due to
human inexperience and error. It could also be concluded that if the sample does contain
more bacteria, the biological oxygen demand is a lot higher than normal.
Artificial Intelligence Capable of Deducing Hidden Elements in Gaming Structures
Nicholas Bulinski
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
The goal of this fellowship was to create an artificial intelligence (AI) that can deduce a
hidden variable in a gaming structure and use it to win some a game. In order to do this a
board game was needed for the AI to play in which deducing hidden elements were key
to winning the game. The game used in this study is called The Resistance. In The
Resistance players can be one of two teams, either they are part of the resistance trying to
overthrow an evil government, or they are on the spy team that is trying to stop the
resistance. The game is comprised of five missions. If three of them succeed the
resistance wins but if three missions fail the spies will win. In order to fulfill the project
requirements the AIs created for the game would act as resistance players. The hidden
element that the AIs would be trying to deduce would be whether a player was a spy or a
resistance member. The project started with research into what artificial intelligence
techniques are used for game AI. Expert systems, heuristics, finite state space machines,
and artificial neural networks are just a few examples of the kinds of AI that can be used
in gaming. Do to this abundance of AI techniques the project had to focus on only two in
particular, expert systems and artificial neural networks. Expert systems are AIs that
make decisions based off of if-then rules that are provided by human “experts”. The other
method pursued was artificial neural networks (ANN or neural net). ANNs are composed
of nodes or neurons and weighted links between each node. These links and nodes are
then organized into the network layers that make up the neural network. The neural net
then learns by strengthening or weakening the links between the nodes. Evaluating the
effectiveness of AIs would be done by having them play as resistance members and
seeing how many games they win.
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PRESENCE OF CBL IN NEURONS AND ASTROCYTES
Aliyah Byron1, Kaitlyn Hassenfeild2, Erica Carey2
Robert E. McCullumsmith2, Jenifer McGuire2
1
Muskingum University Neuroscience Program
2
University of Cincinnati, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience
To understand cognitive disorders, we looked at the molecular differences in neurons and
astrocytes. Specifically, the project looked at the difference in CBL expression between
pyramidal neurons and astrocytes. Fresh frozen slides of human brain tissue were stained
using Rapid Nissl Staining Technique. Neurons and astrocytes were cut using Laser
Capture Microdissection and the amount of CBL and other genes was tested with real
time Polymerase Chain Reaction. No significant difference in CBL expression between
neurons and astroycyte was found. GAD1 was expressed more in neurons than in
astrocytes. These findings may be explained by an interneuron contamination in our
astrocyte population. In future studies, we will refine our definition of astrocytes in an
attempt to reduce the contamination of interneurons.
Methods for Grafting Short Polymeric Units onto Kraft lignin
Deborah N. Carrol, Cameron J. Godfrey
Department of Chemistry
The synthesis and structural analysis of co-polymers of Kraft lignin that may be used as
the basis for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers will be discussed. The methodology
makes use of lignin, a natural product produced from wood pulping, as the major organic
source for this polymeric synthetic approach. The approach is generally applicable and
can be easily modified to make use of a wide variety of monomers for crosslinking the
lignin. Fluorometry was used to determine the coupling efficiency of adding naphthyl
boronic acid to the lignin via a Suzuki coupling reaction. The coupled naphthalene then
served as a readily available site for the addition of polymeric linkers through zinccatalyzed Friedel-Crafts acylation using 4-pentenoyl chloride. Different ratios of styrene,
divinyl benzene and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate were then used for atom transfer radical
polymerization (ATRP) of the modified lignin, using 2,2’-azobis (2methylpropionitrile)(AIBN) as free the radical initiator. Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), solubility and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to
characterize the resultant co-polymers.
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SURVEY OF AMPHIBIAN DISTRIBUTION ON A 26-HECTARE PLOT
SURROUNDED BY RECLAIMED SURFACE MINE LAND
Hayley Glaze, Bowen Deng and Dr. Danny Ingold
Environmental Science Program
North American amphibian populations have been declining during the past 25
years. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to soil and water pollution and thus
serve as good indicators of environmental health. Their decline in the Appalachian
Region of the eastern U.S. is likely linked, at least in part, to fossil fuel extraction
which has contributed to habitat alteration and water pollution. This study was
conducted from late May through July 2014 and during September 2014 in
Muskingum Co., Ohio. The objective was to survey the amphibians (calls, minnow
traps and ground searches) on an abandoned 26-ha farm surrounded on three sides
by reclaimed mined land and compare the salamander diversity of this site with that
of a forested stream site on the Muskingum University campus. A total of seven
anuran species were identified by their calls on the farm (vernal pools, small pond,
and marsh area). The most common species (chorus size and frequency of
detection) were spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and green frogs (Rana
clamitans). Red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) were the only
salamander species captured in minnow traps (n = 5), while northern ravine
salamanders (Plethodon electromorphus) were the most prevalent land species (n =
9). Although the water quality on this site was generally good (pH, dissolved O2,
nitrates etc.), salamander species diversity and abundance was lower than on the
Muskingum campus site. These findings suggest that extensive surface mining and
subsequent land reclamation, leaving patches of island forests behind, might
adversely affect salamander abundance and diversity.
An Internship at Fern Hollow Nature Center
Sarah E. Francino
Biology Department
Over the summer I had an internship at Fern Hollow Nature Center. Fern Hollow is a
nature center in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I found this internship by looking at the nature
centers close to my house. During this internship I managed the gardens, worked with
kids, helped run large events, and performed animal care. I would recommend that
anyone looking to go into science education do an internship like this one. Many other
types of majors would benefit from an experience like this one.
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A comparison of grassland bird point-count data on two regions
of a reclaimed surface mine (the Wilds) in southeastern Ohio
Jennifer Hastings, Biology Department, Muskingum University
(hastings@muskingum.edu)
Connor Hann, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Allie Leggett, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Sarah Landuyt, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Morgenna Zuby, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Jonathan Raugh, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Devin Perry, Biology Dept., Muskingum University
Abstract: Although reclaimed surface mines provide suitable nesting habitat for
several obligate grassland bird species, there have been management concerns in
recent years regarding changes in plant species composition and the encroachment
of woody vegetation on such mines. During May-July 2014 we conducted pointcount surveys of grassland birds on two areas of a former surface mine that were
reclaimed during different time periods (Zion Ridge – ZR – 1950s through early
1970s and southern sector – SS – early 1980s). Our goal was to look for differences
in the abundance of several grassland bird species on the two sites and to make a
broad comparison in the plant species composition between the areas. Counts at 23
point sites on the SS revealed significantly more Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus
henslowii) in June and July compared to 17 sites on ZR during the same months (t =
2.07, df = 38, p < 0.04, June; t = 3.23, df = 38, p < 0.002, July). Significantly more
Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) were detected in May, during the peak of their
breeding, on the SS (t = 3.15, df = 38, p < 0.003) versus ZR. Conversely significantly
more Grasshopper Sparrows (A. savannarum) were detected in May and June on ZR
versus the SS region (t = 5.73, df = 38, p < 0.0001, May; t = 5.47, df = 38, p < 0.0001,
June). Short grasses that produce less ground cover such as fescue (Festuca sp.), and
smooth brome (Bromus inermis) were more prominent on the ZR region, while
thicker grasses and herbs such as blue grass (Poa pratensis) and bird’s foot trefoil
(Lotus corniculatus) were more abundant in the SS area. In addition the SS area had
a greater prevalence of taller herbaceous forbs including goldenrod (Solidago sp.),
teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris), queen anne’s lace (Daucus carota) and others. These
vegetative differences in the two regions associated with different reclamation and
restoration efforts likely help to explain differences in grassland bird species
diversity between the two regions.
Rural Action Internship at Huff Run Watershed
Sarah Homan
Geology Department
Huff Run watershed is a restoration partnership devoted to cleaning up pollution caused
by bad mining practices. Huff Run is lead Rural Action, a non-profit organization
devoted to revitalizing Appalachia. Rural Action works with Americorps, a national
service organization, to fuel their programs. The programs include a zero waste initiative,
an environmental education program, Ohio Stream Restore Corp. and a sustainable
agriculture program. There are seven watershed affiliated with Rural Action, Huff Run
being the smallest. The internship involved: chemical and biological water quality
sampling both in conjunction with ODNR, community outreach, and a week long day
camp geared towards the environmental education of children between the ages of eight
and twelve. Huff Run is located in Mineral City, Ohio. This area was heavily mined for
coal but nothing was cleaned up, if it wasn’t used it was just left on the ground. Now, rain
water runs off of the left over gob piles and groundwater runs through the abandoned
mines, leaching out toxic chemicals and metals. The Watershed employs multiple
methods of restoration to reclaim the land but faces complications because of the small
size of its streams.
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Internship at the Williamstown Animal Hospital, WV
Rebecca Keeley
Biology Department at Muskingum University
When shadowing a small animal veterinarian, one can acquire knowledge of the different
procedures that takes place in an office. After taking care of the boarders, surgeries are
scheduled to take place. These include spays/neuters, declawing, dentals, third eye lid
flap, cruciate surgery, hematoma repair, exploratory, jaw reconstruction, limb
amputation, bladder stone removal, growth removal, and many more. Along with various
surgeries, the veterinarian must interact with patients and their owners. Some common
problems seen in a veterinarian office is intervertebral disc disease, collapsing trachea,
and anal sac abscesses. Microscope work is a daily occurrence, observing stool samples
for parasites and ear mites, as well as examining urine and blood samples. Also,
euthanasia, suture removal, sub-Q fluids, cystocentesis, drawing blood, vaccinations,
dispensing medication, enemas, laser treatment, expressing anal glands, and taking x-rays
are very common in the veterinarian practice. Observing all of these procedures give
students an insight to what a small animal veterinarian does every day.
CONTIONUS IMPROVEMENT OF FACTORY
PREFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY
Sean Lally
Department of Physics & Engineering
Improving a factory’s manufacturing efficiency allows a company to outperform its
competitors and increase profitability. The standardization of changeover procedures and
maintenance inspections improves the performance and reliability of the entire operation.
The restructuring of changeover procedures and maintenance inspections was conducted
on several assembly lines at a Colgate-Palmolive plant in Cambridge, Ohio. The
production process and existing operating procedures were analyzed to identify areas of
improvement. Creating a new standard for operations and restructuring the machine’s
tools and instruments improved efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing process.
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Butterfly Diversity of Butterfly Habitats at The Wilds Cumberland, Ohio
Alexandra Leggett
Conservation Science Program
Recent studies have indicated that butterfly populations have been on the decline across
the globe. The Wilds, located in Cumberland, Ohio, created a butterfly habitat in the
spring of 2003 on ten acres of land with aim of restoring butterfly populations on their
property. For this study, data on butterfly diversity and relative abundance were
collected in August and September of 2014. Ten circular gardens were surveyed once a
week and results were recorded on a data sheet displaying 29 butterfly species common
to the area. Results from these surveys indicated that Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido
comyntas), Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae), Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice),
Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) were the most
common species in the habitat. Diversity was lower than has been observed in the past.
It may be that declining plant diversity is responsible for what appears to be a decline in
butterfly diversity.
Occupational Therapy Observation Hours at Aultman and Concorde Kids
Taylor Maurer
Biology Department, Muskingum University
Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy that helps people with physical or mental
illnesses. To acquire success in treatments, the therapists perform activities on the
patients that are required in daily life. Most Occupational therapy graduate schools would
like around 30-40 hours of observation and to see a variety of settings in those hours so
they know you are diverse in your work ethic. It is also highly recommended to have one
internship experience during your undergrad. These internships were obtained by calling
the places and setting up appointments to meet with them and having them sign a paper
through Muskingum University to show proof I will be interning with them this summer.
The internships were at two different locations and had two different focuses. Aultman is
a therapy facility where the focus is on all ages from 10 years old to 100 years old and
dealt mainly with upper extremity injuries. Concorde Kids was a facility in Canton, Ohio
where the focus is strictly on kids from 1- 18 years of age. Concorde Kids would deal
with kids who had psychological development issues, mental issues, ADHD, postural
problems, sensory integration issues, fine motor and motor development issues. For both
internships it was three to four days a week and accumulated a little over 100 hours of
experience this past summer.
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Thermodynamic Investigation of Marcellus Shale
Richard Moore
Chemistry Department
Marcellus shale was investigated using basic thermodynamic techniques in an
attempt to examine natural gas in shale. Three samples of different maturity shale
from New York, Cleveland, and Virginia were analyzed using bomb calorimetry
and DSC. These samples were also tested after being treated with 1M HCl as an
attempt to remove carbonates from the rock to expose the organic material
housing the natural gas. The DSC results agreed with literature results that the
heating of shale samples was an exothermic process. The heat content from the
bomb calorimetry was found to range from 13.91 cal/g to 395.21 cal/g. The sulfur
and nitrogen contents were also determined from bomb calorimetry. The sulfur
percentage ranged from 1.22% to 2.14%. The nitrogen content in the samples
ranged from .09% to .14%. Acid treatment slightly impacted the heat content
values and sulfur percentage.