Oral presentations, session I
10-11:15 a.m.
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Special event
Hanson 102 (Session D)
"A People of Vision"
Presented by Dr. Sandra Boham, President, Salish Kootenai College, Pablo, Mont.
Sponsored by the Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics
Featured presentation
Olin Auditorium (Session A)
"Tales from the HEAR-T lab"
Presented by Dr. Ann Perreau, Kierstyn Rogers '24, Brook Fieldman '24 and Christina Harvey '25
The HEAR-T (Hearing+Tinnitus) lab, under the leadership of Dr. Ann Perreau, has developed a strong model for providing a unique research experience to multiple undergraduate students. In this presentation, we will discuss the lab’s current research projects that includes development of remote counseling programs for patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Student researchers will share their experiences working on the Hyperacusis Activities Treatment-Online Study, which is a three-year, NIH-sponsored clinical trial. Students will describe the steps involved in counseling and sound therapy in the study and their interactions with our first two cohorts of participants. We will conclude our presentation with a panel discussion with the student researchers to learn more about perceived barriers, opportunities for networking and mentorship, and student growth through undergraduate research.
Communication Studies; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Old Main 117 (Session B)
"Adultification & Advertising"
Communication Studies
Presented by Genevieve Ryan, Birashma Sapkota, Lauren Hoffman, Leah Wieland
Project advisor: Dr. David Snowball
This presentation examines the adultification of teenage girls by comparing the types of products advertised, the age, and the attire of female models in recent advertisements featured in both women's and teens' magazines. Our findings suggest that advertisements targeting teen girls are strikingly similar to advertisements targeting women, and we think it's cause for concern.
"Navigating Nepal's Legal Requirements for Transgender Inclusion Beyond Labels"
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Presented by Krisha Silwal
Project advisor: Dr. Kiki Kosnick
In 2007, Nepal was the first South Asian country to legally recognize a third gender category beyond the traditional male or female binary. This law allowed individuals to choose Other in their legal documents according to their "self-feeling." By resisting the western belief of the gender binary prevalent in the Global South, Nepal has been widely recognized as a queer-friendly nation that strives to protect the rights of the queer community. However, for transgender individuals to identify as Other within the administrative system, the government established specific requirements for them to fulfill. As a result, the law did not fully meet the diverse needs of the community it aimed to support. I will talk about how these requirements for individuals seeking to alter their gender identity uphold the established power structures as the prerequisites are difficult to fulfill, making them inaccessible. I will also talk about how the intersection of wealth and caste influences this accessibility of gender recognition, further maintaining the status quo.
Physics, Mathematics
Hanson Annex 127 (Session C)
"Methods for Improving Position Determination with SiPMs at TUNL"
Physics
Presented by Colin Hogan
Project advisor: Dr. Nathan Frank
This presentation discusses various Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) detector setups with a program to accurately determine the location of a radioactive source. A SiPM is itself an array of small avalanche photodiode cells on a silicon chip. Applying a low voltage just above the breakdown allows for massive output pulses from the detection of single photons. SiPMs are an option for radiation detection when connected to scintillating materials, which produce photons when particles interact within them. Scintillators are clear materials that allow direct photon travel from a scintillator to a detector, and different wrapping materials allow for different signal responses in terms of precision and strength. Lab tests performed at Augustana verified certain performance characteristics. This presentation will discuss these results and the results of using these in an experiment run at Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab (TUNL) by the MoNA Collaboration, a nuclear physics research collaboration based out of Michigan State University, done with the prospect of designing a new neutron detector array.
"Updated High-Resolution Diffraction Grating Holder"
Physics
Presented by William Murillo
Project advisor: Dr. William Peterson
Advanced spectroscopic capabilities are typically reserved for large optical telescopes and are noticeably absent from smaller (<1m) telescopes operated by colleges and universities. The miniature grism consists of a simple 3D-printed housing containing five optical elements that can be installed inside standard filter wheels that hold various filters for viewing light at a specific wavelength. The previous generation grism had 600 lines/mm volume phase holographic (VPH) grating with a peak spectral resolution of 1.1nm. The updated grism has a compound grating-prism with a 2000lines/mm grating with a max throughput of 70% at 656nm. With a maximum resolution of <0.3nm (<150km/s at H-alpha), we are able to make precise measurements of H-alpha Doppler broadening caused by young Be stars, heterogeneous sets of stars with B spectral types and emission lines, near critical rotation causing the nuclear material to slide off near the equator. We plan to observe a survey of these stars to characterize the semi-periodic behavior of the discretion properties.
"A Coordinate Transform Method for Solving Maxwell's Equations"
Mathematics
Presented by Hoang Trieu
Project advisor: Dr. Benjamin Civiletti
Optimizing nanophotonic devices requires finding an efficient numerical method to solve electromagnetic scattering problems. One common application is thin-film solar cells, wherein the geometry of the cell is optimized to maximize efficiency. In this research, we implemented the hybrid numerical method C-RCWA, which is a combination of the C-method and Rigorous Coupled-Wave Approach (RCWA), to solve Helmholtz equations in inhomogeneous thin-film solar cells with periodic interfaces. The C-method transforms the problem into a new coordinate system such that the material interfaces are flat. The benefit of simpler geometry is traded against more complicated anisotropic materials, which results in a more efficient solver compared to the standard RCWA. We will first review the method to solve the transformation optics problem, and then, preliminary numerical results will be presented. We conclude with plans for future applications of the C-RCWA method.
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 28 (Session E)
"Analyzing Cell Cycle Effects, Compensation, and Rescue of P53 and Caspase-2 in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Leslie Bandera
Project advisors: Dr. Patrick Crawford, Dr. Rayford Harrison and Dr. Heidi Storl
The p53 gene is the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor gene in cancer cells leading to p53 protein disfunction. If p53 function is lost, then cell cycle arrest and apoptosis is inhibited causing tumor proliferation. However, if normal p53 function is restored, then normal cell cycle progress would continue. By re-activating existing p53 or compensating for its function through different cell cycle regulators such as caspase-2, the normal phenotype could be rescued thereby restoring tumor suppression mechanisms in human colorectal carcinoma cells. If protein function compensation occurs, then p53 potentially works in a separate pathway from caspase-2. In order to determine whether caspase-2 activity increased without p53 present, a fluorescent reporter was used to visualize caspase-2 activation. The resulting fluorescence showed increased caspase-2 activation in cells lacking p53 suggesting potential compensation and deviation in activation pathways. The corresponding p53 compensation for caspase-2 concluded that the p53 half-life remains the same even if compensation is occurring. Additionally, the dysregulation of the G1 cell cycle checkpoint seen in cancer cells containing p53 loss-of-function mutations was then rescued by re-activating existing p53 and restoring normal function with p53ERTAM systems inserted into cells via viral vector. Results showed increased G1 arrest when tamoxifen increases p53 activity. Overall, the results suggest that p53 and caspase-2 work in separate pathways allowing for functional compensation between them. Additionally, p53 reactivation by tamoxifen can trigger normal phenotypic responses. With a better understanding of cell cycle responses, caspase-2 compensation and p53 rescue are potential targets of cancer cell cycle regulation.
"Fixing the Broken Circuit: The Role of the LKB1 Gene in Cell Fate"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Amen Bekele
Project advisor: Dr. Heidi Storl
Neurons assume their identity during development and undergo selective division, which traditionally limits their ability to change cell types. With our overall goal being fixing broken brain circuits, we wondered if it was possible to convert these cell types from one to another, even after their fate had been determined. This conversion approach could help us replace cells that lack connections, potentially restoring proper neuronal circuit functionality. We sought to understand if we could manipulate the LKB1 gene to fix the broken circuit by changing neuron identity, particularly in the context of amacrine cells in the retina. By using the cre-lox system and knocking out the LKB1 gene in the amacrine cell layer of the retina, we observed an increase in dopaminergic amacrine cells (d-ACs). This indicates that there might be an increase in the birth of d-ACs or a change in the cell fate of non-dopaminergic amacrine cells into becoming d-ACs. As part of our analysis, I examined the mosaic cell pattern of these neurotransmitter amacrine cells to observe changes in terms of the increase or decrease of d-ACs and other non-dopaminergic amacrine cells. We believe that by examining the underlying mechanisms, we can use LKB1 to induce nearby amacrine cells to transform into d-ACs. This will help us take a step forward in therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, which stems from the loss of dopaminergic cells.
"LATINO: Beyond OCD Genetic Bounds"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Rachel Nandelenga
Project advisor: Dr. Heidi Storl
Did you check the door this morning? Are you sure? Imagine checking again and again. Individuals with OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, suffer from obsessions and compulsions daily and pathologically. Currently, 95% of OCD genetic research is focused on individuals of European Ancestry, leaving a mere 5% for all other minority groups worldwide.
Recognizing this glaring health disparity, the Storch Lab acted. They launched LATINO (The Latin American Trans-Ancestry INitiative for OCD Genomics), a groundbreaking project aimed at building a genomic database specifically for Latino and Hispanic individuals. By conducting clinical assessments and collecting saliva samples, LATINO seeks to identify the factors contributing to OCD development within this community.
Over the past three years, LATINO has expanded to include over 50 testing sites across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, ensuring a comprehensive representation. As a member of this project, my role involves recruiting individuals and cataloging the data we collect.
Once we achieve our recruitment goal of 5,000 Latino and Hispanic individuals, genetic analysis will be conducted to discover and map OCD genomic loci with a more diversified sample in mind. Our ultimate vision is to provide every Latino and Hispanic individual with OCD the confidence that there is an understanding of their condition, as well as treatments and assessments available in their communities that respect and embrace their rich ancestry.
Art History, Graphic Design, Studio Art
Wallenberg Hall (10-10:45 a.m.) and Thomas Tredway Library (10:45-11:30 a.m.) (Session F)
Senior Art Show
Art History, Graphic Design, Studio Art
Presented by Francesca Anduray, Quinn Au, Lillian Hart, Liam Haskill, Linh Hoang, Abby Holtan, Hannah Johnson, Eleanor Klink, Emmie Kulak, Ceu Lian, Christina O'Connell, Esme O'Rourke, Jessica Peters, Karen Rizzo, Aykeem Spivey, Ilsa Strelow, Emily Torres
Scandinavian Studies, Kinesiology, Philosophy
Old Main 132 (Session G)
"Nils Holgersson: Compassion for Animals in a Swedish Children's Book"
Scandinavian Studies
Presented by Jack Brandt
Project advisor: Dr. Mark Safstrom
What accounts for Sweden's reputation as a global leader in equality and happiness? In part, culture. I researched Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige, or in English, Nils Holgersson's wonderful trip across Sweden, to learn more. Selma Lagerlöf, Sweden's first Nobel prize winner in literature, wrote this book in the early 1900s. It was used in schools and arguably reflects the same values that also led to Sweden's welfare state. At face value, it's just a book about Sweden that follows a farm boy who is cursed to be a small elf after taunting one himself. He travels across Sweden on the back of a goose. His trip familiarizes him with the people and landscapes of Sweden. A second look at the book reveals the notion of equality that underlies it. Scandinavia is famous for its equality and relative lack of hierarchies – from using first names with superiors; to how companies are run, compared to other places in the world, including the USA. I researched how this impacts environmental views, in particular how it's increasingly difficult to reconcile with the demands of our tech-driven world.
"Effects of Periodic Heat Extraction on Power, Velocity, Blood Lactate, and RPE during Bench Press"
Kinesiology
Presented by Timothy Swaney
Project advisor: Dr. Jeff Mettler
PURPOSE: To determine the effects of Palmar Cooling (PC) on power, velocity, blood lactate, and RPE during bench press in resistance-trained individuals.
METHODS: 18 resistance-trained individuals completed three separate sessions for the study. The first session consisted of a 1RM bench press testing protocol. The training protocol for the second and third sessions consisted of four sets of five repetitions at 80% of the individual’s 1RM with rest intervals. One of the training sessions was randomly chosen as the experimental (PC) condition and the other a control (NO PC). Blood lactate and RPE were recorded after each set. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: There was a significant main effect for condition, where the peak power was greater for the PC condition than no PC (p< 0.001). There was a significant main effect for condition, where the peak velocity for the PC condition was greater than NO PC (p<0.001). There was a significant main effect for condition and set, where the average (AVG) power decreased (p<0.007, p<0.001). There was a significant main effect for condition and set, where the AVG velocity decreased (p<0.007, p<0.001). The main effects seen for both AVG power and velocity are expected to decrease amongst both conditions as the number of sets increase. There was a main effect for condition, where the RPE was decreased in the PC condition compared to NO PC (p<0.001). There was a main effect for set, which as sets increase so will fatigue (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The greater peak power and velocity and average power and velocity may suggest an improved anaerobic capacity in the PC condition. The lower average RPE in the PC condition and insignificance of blood lactate may suggest limited central nervous system fatigue.
"Anchoring the AAA Model"
Philosophy
Presented by Luca James Barba
Project advisor: Dr. Deke Gould
My goal in this paper is to expose two—but resolve one—major issues facing one of the foremost endeavors in the theory of knowledge: Virtue Epistemology. In Part 1 of this paper, I propose the epistemic criterion of "anchoring” as an addition to Ernest Sosa's AAA model of knowledge. It is a solution to an internal inconsistency that arises from Sosa's response to Duncan Pritchard's (2009) environmentalist luck critique of the AAA model that allows performances to spatiotemporally extend beyond their performers. By modifying the AAA model to the A4 (AAA + Anchoring) model, I can address Pritchard’s critique without disturbing traditional conceptualizations of the locations of mental performances. I end Part 1 by exploring three significant objections to anchoring.
In Part 2 of this paper, I explore issues that the AAA/A4 model has with accuracy and epistemic verification. While Sosa succeeds in granting someone who has insight into animal knowledge further access to reflective knowledge or the awareness of knowing, I argue that reflective knowledge cannot retroactively verify an apt belief’s truthfulness without circular reasoning. This issue arises from Sosa’s reliance on a Cartesian argument to support foundationalism in the face of the Pyrrhonian Problematic and Sextus’s Dark Room Scenario. The conclusion of Descartes’s conclusion that the treasure hunter in the Dark Room is required to gain awareness of the truth cannot be drawn from the premises Sosa has available.
Music
Larson Hall, Bergendoff Hall (Session K)
"Kali Yuga - Augustana College Improvisation Ensemble"
Presented by John Flannery, Liam Haynes, Adele Shirkey and Dr. Randall Hall
Uniting composition and performance into a single action, Kali Yuga performs free improvisations. The ensemble creates the music as it is heard, without prearranged musical material (no tunes, scales, chords, etc.). It is the collective expression of our different personalities communicated through sounds.
The name Kali Yuga comes from Hindu philosophy – it is the final stage of the cycle of time, the Iron Age of destruction and dissolution before the rebirth of the Golden Age.