Fall Student Research Symposium 2022

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Historical Astronomy Books Reveal Our Evolving Understanding of Time

Sara Miner

Our understanding of time and its patterns has drastically changed throughout human history. Part of this change is a result of scientific discovery and invention. Astronomy and physics have changed how we understand our place in the universe as well as our effect on time.
A Helping Hand Through Dying Light

Jason Moessing

Many people go into martial relationships with a previous history of childhood maltreatment. This can cause marital problems later on in the marriage if steps are not taken to help the individual heal from the abuse. To find relevant information to help in this understanding, a diverse amount of websites were researched including blogs, scholarly articles, data observations, and therapy websites. Past history of childhood maltreatment can cause lasting problems in marriages, but when couples decide to find help those marriages can become beautiful symbols of love. Men and women have been found to react differently to different types of abuse and treatment methods. The most common message has been that those who have experienced this pain should seek therapeutic help.
The Importance of History: 'Farewell My Concubine' The Destruction of Culture and People's Hearts by the Chinese Revolution

Gracie Moyes and Gavin Porter

The destruction of culture and people's hearts by the Chinese revolution has had many different effects. In this presentation, we cover the effects of the revolution in the movie 'Farewell My Concubine'. There is a close analysis of one of the movie scenes and the significance of the movie is shared.
The Effects of Raising a Child With Companion Animals

Abby Murcray

What were the effects on children who were raised with companion animals? As someone who has grown up with companion animals most of my life, I wanted to learn what impact the animals had on my growth and development. The research was conducted using library and internet resources to locate both primary and secondary resources. For this study, I looked at specific studies done on children that are surrounded by companion animals versus those that are not, using mostly Utah State's Academic Search Ultimate to find my sources. Raising a child with a domestic animal benefits a child in many aspects of their lives, including physical, social, and mental. Companion animals even improve a child's focus and reduce stress levels. Children should be raised with domestic animals for this very reason. Knowing the benefits of raising a child with a companion animal, parents can help their child grow to their full potential.
Assessing the Impact of Storage Time and Shape of the Block on the Slicability of Commercial Cheddar Cheese

Nathan Pace

Cheddar cheese is one of the world's most popular cheeses and is consumed in blocks and slices. The slicability of cheddar cheese can depend on textural and rheological properties. Understanding these characteristics can enhance desirability and reduce material loss occurring during slicing. In this study, we focused on four main parameters: slice thickness, cheese shape, storage period, and cheese type. Four thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) and two shapes (triangular and square) of mild, medium, sharp, and extra sharp were selected. Cheeses were purchased from Walmart and the Utah State University creamery. At first, cheese blocks were cut into 7 x 7 x 5 cm3 cubes, separately packaged, and stored at 5° C. One block of each variety was extracted weekly over five weeks. Blocks were sliced into triplicates using an Intertek Beswood-250 food slicer. Square samples were cut to 7 x 7 cm2 and triangular at 7 x 7 x 9.9 cm3. Each slice was imaged and manually examined for defects such as broken corners, cracks, and pinholes. Samples received quality scores (QS) ranging from one (highest) to five (lowest). The QS (raw values) were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a linear regression model (significance level (α): 0.05) and with independent effects of storage periods and thicknesses in origin 2021. QS of sliced cheeses improved significantly (P. 0.05) with storage. Result scores (1-5) were a mean of all samples from each thickness. Sliced cheeses of 0.5 mm thickness received QS of 4.21 and 2.80 at days 0 and 35, respectively. Similarly, QS for 1.0 mm went from 3.00 to 2.30, while 1.5 mm samples improved from 2.96 to 2.17. At the same time, 2.0 mm had a QS of 2.79 on day 0 and 2.04 on day 35. The results showed that 0.5 mm had the most improvement and variability while those cut at 2.0 mm received the best scores. Square samples received significantly (P 0.05) better QS over the triangular shapes due to reduced corner angle stress. This could be caused by enzyme breakdown, pH change, and bacterial growth. This study can assist the cheese industry produce more consistent and qualitative cheese in the form of slices.
The Effects of True Crime Media

Zoe Patton

True crime is a media genre of growing popularity, and also of growing controversy. Recent media production has sparked debate over how the genre affects the public's perception on crime, as well as how it affects the victims family. I wanted to discover how true crime media can be a genre that helps the public more than it hurts, and offers information and education rather than romanticization of terrible people and events, and discover all the ways that it can cause harm, so we can learn how to stop and understand the parts that can be harmful. Research was conducted through internet and library sources to find primary and secondary sources. Lived experiences, social media posts, and studies of effects and media consumption were all examined. It was concluded that true crime media has the potential to be both helpful or extremely harmful, depending on the way that producers of the media choose to frame the killers and the crimes. If crime is not glamorized, and the victims stories are chosen to be displayed accurately over the priority of money and views, then the media genre has the potential to educate and examine mistakes and prejudice made by the justice system, especially towards people of color, and prevent them from happening in the future. It's important for viewers of true crime to consume this media responsibly, and it's even more important for producers of this media to stay accurate, respectful, and not glamorize the crimes that they portray. Unfortunately, there is little to be done about placing regulations on this kind of media, so it's crucial that true crime lovers boycott or avoid media that can be disrespectful, unproductive, or inaccurate. Producers of this kind of media should also be required to share a percentage of the media's income with victims' families.
When Death Strikes: How the Criminal Justice System Lets Members of Marginalized Communities Be Victimized By Serial Killers

Crius Paulus

The variables within criminal investigations predispose members of marginalized populations to be victimized by serial killers. In this paper secondary and primary sources from the Merrill-Cazier library and internet were studied to understand the variables in and out of law enforcement control within criminal homicide investigations. Primarily, the focus was on the variables in police control–highly focused on cognitive biases. Police biases surrounding a victim's identity(ies) impacts their perceptions and responses to an investigation. Racism, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia within law enforcement can have explicit negative effects on investigations. The case studies of Samuel Little, the West Mesa Murders, and Jeffery Dahmer will be brought forward to assess and address real-life examples of the impacts of these biases. Oftentimes, members of law enforcement disregard deaths due to a victim's 'lifestyle' (or assumed lifestyle) and enforce a type of victim blaming. Negative views of victims lends to linkage blindness and failures to correctly investigate crimes. Such things allow serial killers to be free for a longer period of time. This endangers the innocent lives of individuals at risk of victimization (due to a killer's Modus Operandi, or other factors), which are often members of marginalized communities. Until social changes are made to protect these people, this will continue, and people will continue to be killed.
Online vs In Person Schooling- Which is More Effective?

Allie Payne

When I started this project, I was hoping to learn if online school was more effective, or in person school was more effective. I was hoping to learn whether or not I should register for online classes next semester. At first, I was hoping that online school would be a better option, because of the flexibility it entails. Research was conducted using library and internet resources to locate both primary and secondary research. For this study, personal accounts from the past and present online students shared their personal experiences with online learning. After conducting research, I have concluded that while online learning was a good alternative during the Covid-19 pandemic, it isn't an effective way of education and there are better ways to learn. I discovered that students have a hard time concentrating on their schoolwork when they participate in online school. If you decide to do online school, your screen time will increase. Too much screen time can cause issues with our eyes. Dennis Woods (2020) mentions, "...online classes have exposed us to high-intensity blue light that can cause multiple chronic and acute optical defects." And the social aspect of learning is important. Students like to be in person to get involved in school activities and to make new friends. Online schooling promotes bad mental health. According to an article written by High Focus Center (2020) "Online class structure can affect teens and adolescents by feeling heightened anxiety about keeping up to date with their schoolwork". Not all people have access to online learning. Students, as much as the flexibility sounds so nice, I concluded that the negatives outweigh the positives on this topic.
The Spray-On Bio-Bandage

Kristine Peterson, Amanda Moravek, and Abby Edward

Fibrin is a natural polymer already used in extreme clinical settings as an adhesive and for shallow wounds when activated by the enzyme thrombin. However, current formations contain irritants, are slow drying, and are not easily washed off. This study used a spray-on bandage composed of thrombin and fibrinogen on a monolayer of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells to test the enhancement of the body's natural healing without the risks of current formulations. The viability and growth of scratched cells were analyzed using live/dead stain assays 0, 1, and 3 days post-treatment. The results of this study showed cell growth, fibrinogen formation, and scratching were successful. The bottles' spray exerted too much force and caused additional cell death compared to untreated cells. Additionally, the cells migrated too quickly through the scratch, resulting in rapid gap closure. Further research on cell scaffolding, bandage application, and cell viability is required for a successful spray-on bio-bandage.
Listening to Music While Studying, Does It Help or Not?

Kaleb Phillips

Many college students listen to music. Many say that it helps them focus on their schoolwork and helps them retain knowledge. When I started this research, I wanted to find ways for me to help focus on my schoolwork. I get distracted easily and find joy when I listen to some kinds of music. Does music help you focus? Does it depend on the type of music, or can it be any type? Does it work for everyone? Research was conducted using library and internet resources to locate both primary and secondary research. For this study, I also performed my own personal study where I listened to different kinds of music while I studied and did homework. Based off this research, I found that it depends on the persons personality, the type of music they like, and whether it helps them focus or cause distraction. The audience for this research is centered on college students but can be related to any student. In conclusion, I found that is just depends on the person and what they like and the way their brain focuses on tasks. There is not one answer to this research question, but to find out for yourself if listening to music is good or bad for you while studying.
Developing a Test Method to Determine the Maximum Allowable Leakage Limit of Microbial Ingress for Dialysis Films

Lexi Phillips

The purpose of this project is to design and develop a testing-apparatus and test-method to measure the maximum allowable leakage limit (MALL) for films used by Fresenius Medical Care (FMC). The MALL is the greatest leak size that does not pose a risk to the product. This is the first step in developing container closure integrity testing for sterile containers. This test is designed using guidance from USP 1207, a document detailing integrity assurance of packages holding sterile medical products, and 21 CFR 211. This test is focusing on microbial ingress rather than physical or chemical leakage. The test-method design is based on an aerosol microbial ingress test published in the PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology [1]. A few of the key variables considered are film, microbes, channel diameters, and pressure.
My Journey in Choosing a Major

Katherine Pierson

College students have an important choice to make as they start their journey in academia: What should major in? When looking at the different fields of study we often look at what we enjoy as well as what we can see ourselves doing beyond our college years. As a student myself, I have been struggling with this decision of what my focus of study should be. By researching my main choices I have been able to gain a better understanding of what I personally want to study here at Utah State University.Research was conducted by viewing primary and secondary articles through various internet sources, scholarly articles, and personal interviews I have been able to find data thing such as the study environment, work type, average pay, etc. This data was able to help me narrow my field down to graphic design. This project will illustrate why I feel this course of action fits my personality.
The Correlation Between Social Media and Body Image in Adolescent Girls

Molly Plummer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bHIFEXRrek
Inter-Step Height Variation and Observations of Fall-Related Events During Stairway Negotiation

Shandon Poulsen

INTRODUCTION: Variation in step height within a stairway could negatively impact safe stairway negotiation by decreasing step height predictability, and consequently, increasing stair users' fall risk. Unfortunately, inter-stairway step height variability is common, particularly in older stairways, but its impact may be lessened by highlighting steps' edges using high-contrast stripes on the top front edge of each step. Such contrast enhancement may draw greater attention to the steps' edges and potentially enhance the precision of the edge's estimated location. PURPOSE: To determine (1) if fall-related events are associated with greater inter-step height variation, and (2) if such fall-related events are reduced in the presence of contrast enhanced step edges compared to a control stairway. METHODS: Stair users were video recorded on two public stairways in a university building. One stairway had black vinyl strips applied to the step's edges and black-and-white vertical stripes on the last and top steps' faces. The stairway with striping was switched halfway through data collection. Each stair user recorded was coded for whether they experienced a fall-related event. RESULTS: Each flight of stairs had varying inter-step height (e.g., 14 mm for both West and East lower, 12 mm for the West upper, and 5 mm for the East upper). The flights that had 14 mm in inter-step height variation were associated with 80% of the fall-related events observed. 13 of 16 (81%) fall-related events occurred on the control stairway (no striping) compared to 3 of 16 (19%) on the high-contrast striping stairway. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to predict the probability of the distribution of fall-related events given our hypotheses. The distribution of fall-related events we observed between conditions likely did not occur by chance, P = 0.0358. CONCLUSION: These data support that a vision-based strategy (i.e., striping) may counteract fall-risk associated with high inter-step height variability. While the mechanisms of its action remain unclear, the high-contrast striping appears to have a positive impact on the incidence of fall-related events in the presence of high inter-step height variability.
Black Scholes Delta Hedge in Imperfect Markets

Mitchell Pound

The Black-Scholes model for pricing European call options relies on continuous delta hedging with prices distributed log-normally with a known, constant volatility. This only works in a perfect, "frictionless" market. We simulate cumulative returns for a market maker using a discrete delta hedge with different time intervals between rebalancing the portfolio. A Julia package is developed by the authors to achieve this goal, which will be open source for the benefit of the public. Using the Julia package, we estimated the distribution of cumulative returns for a delta hedged portfolio by Monte Carlo analysis. This is done using both a log-diffusion parametric model and stationary bootstrap of historical returns for simulated stock prices. With both the parametric and non-parametric models, as the time between rebalancing the portfolio decreases, the variance of the returns decreases, while the expected return is near 0. This provides empirical evidence that a Black-Scholes delta hedge is a viable hedging strategy for helping market makers to better manage and quantify their risk, even given market "imperfections".
False Confessions in the American Justice System

Emily Pruden

False confessions occur when someone confesses to a crime they did not commit. These confessions can be voluntary, coerced-compliant, or coerced-internalized. This research focuses on the latter two types of false confessions. RESEARCH QUESTION: What causes false confessions, and what can be done to reduce their frequency and impact on court cases? METHODS: Research was conducted by finding, analyzing, and synthesizing primary and secondary sources. Sources were gathered from research journals and credible news sources. RESULTS: False confessions are detrimental not only to the lives of individuals, but also to our society. False confessions are frequently caused by faulty interrogation methods. We must work to reduce the number of false confessions by imposing restrictions on interrogation length and methods, as well as filming interrogations.
Music Therapy as an Alternative to Traditional Therapy

Andrew Rasmussen

I have always been fascinated by music and its ability to help myself focus and influence my mood. I never knew there was a specific therapy based on music itself. Originally I had planned to make an essay around if music was helpful for dementia research, which sadly was proven to be one hundred percent true and there was no room for an argument. In response I looked more into music therapy, and realized just how viable this form of therapy is. I personally evaluated around 20 sites worth of material, this allowed me to form a strong idea of why this therapy is a strong alternative to regular therapy. Music Therapy is not only a fantastic form of therapy, but it can be a better alternative to regular therapy in the right circumstances. These could be mental health, financial, or a swath of other issues. After contemplating this subject, I would love to dive deeper into the personal interactions people have had in this form of Therapy.
White America Effects My Thoughts on My Hispanic/Latinx Community

Anareli Rodriguez

My research question was how does growing up in white spaces affect my thoughts about my Hispanic/Latinx community? This project aims to highlight and bring forward just some of the effects white America has on people in minority groups. My research was conducted using internet resources to locate both primary and secondary research. I also used my personal experience as a resource and interviewed some of my close family members and friends in the same community. I will argue that predominantly white America has affected my thoughts on my community of Hispanics/Latinx. Many people of all different races and ethnicities have felt ashamed of their roots and people have to learn how to be proud of where they came from. It is essential to know that what most of them feel is because of the white gaze, discrimination, and being under-represented. I feel like we can do so much if we eliminate the white gaze and eliminate all the stigmas and stereotypes that surround the different minority groups and can get rid of the adverse mental health that sticks around with us since we were just children. By eliminating I mean that people of these racial minority groups need to gain confidence in their backgrounds and be proud of who they are. And white America needs to learn to be accepting of other races and acknowledge their privilege.
Facilitative Parasitization of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Eggs Between Native and Invasive Trissolcus Wasps

Zachary Ross

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys, BMSB) is an extremely successful invasive species with over 300 different host plants ranging from ornamental to agricultural species. One of the primary controls of BMSB in their native range is the parasitoid wasp Trissolcus japonicus (T.j). While T.j has the ability to control BMSB populations, native species of parasitoid wasp have also been documented targeting BMSB eggs, although with minimal success. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether or not a beneficial facilitative relationship existed between the invasive Trissolcus japonicus and the native egg parasitoid Trissolcus euschisti (T. eu). I hypothesized that egg masses previously parasitized by T. j before parasitization by T. eu would show higher native wasp emergence rates and would increase the success of the native species when parasitizing the invasive eggs. To test my hypothesis, egg masses were first exposed to the invasive T. j for parasitization, before being exposed to the native T. eu for a second attempt at parasitization. By exposing egg masses to both species of wasp, not only can we observe the possible beneficial relationship to the native wasp, but it also allows us to observe any possible deleterious effects to the invasive wasp, as well as how BMSB might be affected by a facilitative parasitization between two species. Through detailed egg mass evaluations and meticulous identification of every emerged wasp, a clear picture of how emergence rates may change can be created.
Shakespeare, Sign Language, and the Seraglio

Ashleigh Sabin

The research in this project aims to give context for a reference to a "mute" in Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night (1603), more broadly examine early modern British ideas about deafness and the Ottoman Empire, and examine the non-verbal community in the palace of the seventeenth-century Ottoman Empire (the Seraglio). In this presentation, I argue that early modern British understanding of deaf and non-verbal communities was intrinsically tied to the Ottoman Empire and that this association created both advantages and disadvantages for deaf and non-verbal people in England, as well as continental Europe.
Liquid Sandbox for Rapidly Optimizing the Thermal Management of High-Power Wireless Charging Systems

Conner Sabin

Wireless charging is currently being researched as an alternative to plug in charging for electric vehicles. These systems are tested in concrete and asphalt highways. A current limitation in research is understanding how to manage the heat that these systems produce in the roadway.Prototyping wireless charging systems in concrete or asphalt is time intensive and expensive. An alternative way to test the thermal management of these systems is to prototype the systems in sand and use the results of sand experiments in combination with thermal simulation software to predict how systems will perform in concrete.My project consists of two parts.I have learned the ANSYS simulation software which is used to model the thermal effects of electronic components. I have validated those simulations with real world experiments.I have created a sandbox testbed for these wireless charging systems that will dramatically speed up the time it takes to prototype a system. This testbed uses a liquefaction process which allows a solid material to behave like a fluid. Using this process on a sandbox allows a wireless charging system to be inserted and removed from the testbed without having to shovel sand, dramatically decreasing the prototyping time.To finish this project, I will be validating thermal experiments in sand with ANSYS simulation software. This prototyping method will provide insight into what thermal modifications might be necessary for wireless charging systems to survive better in the roadway.
The Evolution of Banned Books Week

Olivia Samuels

Give Us Back Our Books! An Analysis of Banned Books Week and Why 2022 Is Different Although many will argue that Banned Books Week is simply another event to spread awareness that occurs in a similar manner every year, this year seems to stand out. Throughout this research I strove to provide an overview of Banned Books Week and how it has arguably evolved up to this point. This argument is framed by analysis of texts surrounding this event that serve as secondary sources for its evolution. I also utilized interviews with professionals in the English field because they provide diverse perspectives on how the issues of Banned Books Week are impacting their careers and the students they work with. Surveys were collected from peers to provide a larger pool of qualitative data on experiences and opinions surrounding the issues of banning books. Through these multiple methods of research, I demonstrate that Banned Books Week has evolved over the years and 2022 will remain a defining moment in this event's history.
Music Streaming: Artists, Labels, and Revenue

Ronald Sanders

Is the current model of music streaming sustainable? I wanted to learn what problems were plaguing the music industry due to streaming. I searched to find benefits to streaming, how streaming affects artists, and how streaming affects consumers. The research was conducted using library and internet resources to locate both primary and secondary research. I looked at articles published by active music journal sites, as well as sites like the New York Times, which interviewed artists affected directly by streaming. I found many problems that come with streaming, and most of these problems directly affect the artists involved. Revenue distribution is the most apparent problem with streaming in the music industry. Labels take the most amount of money from artists' streams, and services take a generous amount of well, leaving the artists with pennies on the dollar. Small artists are negatively affected by algorithms and the minuscule amount of revenue. My research shows that there needs to be a drastic change in the streaming model to better benefit the artists.
Please, Sir, Can We Have More? Suggestions for Teaching Creative Writing in Secondary Education

Amy Shaw

The instruction of creative writing encourages students to engage in creative thinking. This leads to students using a variety of approaches to solve problems, analyze multiple viewpoints, adapt ideas, and arrive to new solutions. The purpose of this research is to identify ways educators can improve the incorporation and use of creative writing for secondary aged students. I surveyed students enrolled in creative writing class at USU about their previous school writing as well as interviewed former secondary school teachers about their experiences with creative writing in secondary school. In this study, I dive into some of the different lessons that have been taught in the past, what some students took away from the classes they participated in, and skills that both teacher and student wished had been taught. The one piece of feedback most heavily received was this: we want more. More creative writing courses, more teachers integrating creative writing in their curriculum and more chances to write creatively in secondary school.
The Choice of My Degree

Treyger Shumway

I was Looking into what major would fit me the better between the medical field and psychology because I needed to decide what to major in so that I can begin the journey to my bachelors degree. I looked into the different career paths that I wanted to pursue at Utah state where i did most of my research through internet sources where I located primary and secondary sources to inform my decision. For this I looked into current requirements and career paths to help persuade my decision. This research led me to believe that psychology is a better fit for me whereas the medical field would lead to lots of stress and poses a problem when it comes to physical injuries or deformities. The most important things that persuaded me were personal experiences with my family, my own personal values, and the different fields and careers that I could take inside of the medical and psychological field. I concluded that the psychology field is the better fit for me because it fits the best with my personal values and the medical field does not sound like it would work the best for me.