| Abstract # 2 |
| Introduction, Problem on how to fix high blood pressure, fix how to lose weight based on diet, Risk of high blood pressure based o. weight, Mathematics |
| Note: This presentation corresponds to abstract #20. The reason why we should care about obesity for children today is because many people die from not losing weight. Mainly because they have a lack of exercise, done eat healthy most of the time. Also having to include the symptoms, age and general health of that child. If the child does not lose weight and remains to have high blood pressure (which can damage the blood vessels and heart), then there will be a slight chance the child will later increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke in the future. To solve the risk of high blood pressure for 8th grade children, the first step is to look at the children's symptoms, age, and general health history. Then switch up what the children are usually eating by eating healthy foods such as lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low fat or nonfat dairy products, less salt in food, limits fatty and sweet foods in their diet. The child can also make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, getting more exercise, learning to manage emotions and stress, quitting or staying away from smoking and staying from alcohol. All these benefits prevent obese 8th grade children or any children from having high blood pressure. Besides exercising and eating healthy, if the child has a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease. The parent of that child should reach out to the child’s provider asking for certain tips on know how to lose weight. |
| Abstract # 3 |
| Nithish Nadham Dirisipamu, God's Rival: A Video Game Inspired by a Logical Fallacy and a Cognitive Bias, Computer Science |
| In Dr. Brian Canada’s ISAT B145 class from Fall 2021, our final project involved creating a Java video game that was inspired by a logical fallacy and cognitive bias that were assigned randomly to each student. In my case, I was assigned the composition/division logical fallacy and the cognitive bias of pessimism. The fallacy of composition/division is the result of thinking that something that applies to a single part or member of a group must apply to the whole group, or vice versa. The pessimism bias causes people to believe a situation is much worse than it really is. My game, God’s Rival, is inspired by the Titanomachy war from Greek mythology, in which Titans and Olympians fought for dominance and authority. In the game, you play as Poseidon, an Olympian armed with a trident gun that shoots compressed water orbs at various Titan enemies. In my game, the composition/division fallacy is implemented as a “power-up” that takes the Titan enemy with the least amount of health remaining and applies that foe’s health to all of the other enemies on screen. My game also has a countdown timer, and the player must defeat all the enemies on screen before the time runs out. However, the twist is that countdown timer provides the game’s representation of the pessimism bias in that each enemy you defeat causes the timer to appear to count down even faster, making the player believe that the game is harder than it actually is. Approved by faculty mentor, Brian Canada |
| Abstract # 4 |
| Hudson B DeLoach, Excerpts from "War in Life", English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| "War in Life" is meant to explore my own abilities as a writer when it comes to longer-form fiction. It is my hope to one day transform these excerpts into a full novel and, as such, they appear mostly linearly and mostly in earlier sections of the work. The story in "War in Life" is that of Amelie, a woman who is transported to a fantasy world where she faces problems both from her old life and her new one while navigating a web of family drama and a world that is just beginning to change. (Approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 5 |
| Cassy Cooper, Plastic Afterlife: Using Psychology and Tangential Learning in Game Design, Computer Science |
| In Dr. Canada’s CSCI 145 class, students were tasked with creating a two-staged video game that explored or was inspired by a cognitive bias and a logical fallacy. Each student was randomly assigned a cognitive bias and logical fallacy. I was allotted the logical fallacy of loaded question (first stage) and the cognitive bias of anchoring (second stage). A loaded question is a question structured so that it cannot be answered without sounding guilty, such as “Have you stopped cheating on your exams?” Anchoring is when a person relies heavily on the first information provided (“anchor”) and uses it to influence decisions. If given the math problem 222 x 13 x 2 and limited time to answer, you would guess a larger number than if given the problem 2 x 13 x 222. This is because 222 is your anchor in the first problem whereas 2 is the anchor in the second problem. In my game, the player-character (Henry) cleans up the ocean by clearing the screen of question mark shaped "pollutants" ("loaded questions") and by solving sets of math problems in which each problem in the set is designed to trick ("anchor") the player into answering differently even though all the questions in that set have the same solution. The game represents an example of tangential learning, the player is presented with an entertaining medium but is either implicitly or explicitly motivated to learn more about the subject matter outside the context of gameplay. Within the game, the player confronts “loaded questions” and “anchoring” as obstacles or enemies, however, players can learn more about these topics by following the website to informative YouTube videos. Approved by faculty mentor Brian Canada |
| Abstract # 6 |
| Samantha Taylor, Relationship between Emotional Regulation Lability/Negativity and Social Competence in Preschool Aged Children, Social Sciences |
| Social competence is crucial for our social well-being and interactions, but what factors play a role in its development? For the present study, emotional regulation (ER) lability/negativity is explored as a possible factor related to the development of social competence in preschool children during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, Blair et al. (2015) revealed that ER predicts a child’s social competence later in life. Penela et al. (2015) found that children who have higher levels of engaged ER at age 5 had higher social competence at age 7. Thus, the hypothesis for this study was that there is a negative relationship between social competence and ER lability/negativity, as the lability/negativity aspect focuses on extreme emotional reactions, rather than successfully regulating emotions. For this study, teachers reported on the children in their preschool class during a global pandemic, which totaled 77 children aged 29-72 months old. For this study, the Emotion Regulation Checklist (Shields & Cicchetti, 1997) and the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation in Children 3-6: The short form (LaFreniere & Dumas, 1996) were distributed. A correlational test demonstrated a significant negative relationship between the two variables (r(67)= -0.48, p<0.001). A regression test found that ER lability/negativity significantly predicted social competence, b=-0.12, t(-4.43), p=<0.001 and explained a significant portion of variance in social competence (R^2=0.23, F(1,67)= 19.64, p=<0.001).These results add to the growing research on social competence during the pandemic by showing that higher levels of emotional outbursts from children are still consistently related to lower levels of social competence. Approved by Faculty Mentor Carmen Farrell |
| Abstract # 7 |
| Niyah Jones, connections through generations, Social Sciences |
| The world is constantly changing with more issues developing day by day. Each year is starting to have huge issues, if you look back only five years, the world seems completely different. Yet history continues to repeat itself, the problems and issues just take a new form. To navigate and help understand the state of the world, I've decided to bridge the gap between generation and have an open intellectual conversation between four generations. The conversation tackles each person's lessons and development of them growing up and transitioning into adulthood. It discusses the cost of living, racism, and major events throughout history. This podcast is an open conversation that will allow generations to learn from one another and reflect on their life. The conversation will help listeners learn from others' mistakes and also be able to relate to the difficulty of adulthood. It’s an informative conversation that is also entertaining from relatable stories that are told from generations in a family. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 8 |
| Jacob Judy, The Housing industry, Social Sciences |
| The housing industry is very interesting to me. I grew up around home building, and I plan to begin working in the industry once I graduate. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the housing industry has still not fully recovered. Since 2008, there haven’t been as many houses built causing a shortage of homes for new home buyers. Millennials are the largest part of the population and they are now at the age where they are looking to leave their parents’ house and buy a house of their own. With a very large part of the population looking for houses and there being a shortage of houses, this creates a large demand for housing. I will be exploring this topic by interviewing people in the housing industry such as realtors and home builders to create a documentary that shines light on this topic. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 9 |
| Jeremy Smalls, How History Shaped the Identity of the Black Community, Social Sciences |
| The Black community is formed with people who believe in different political ideas, worship differently, speak different languages, and come in different shapes, sizes, skin tones and abilities. What a lot of African Americans can relate to is the collective struggle that society held onto them either in the past or present. How did those trials and tribulations shape them to who they are today? I have heard stories all of my life because I've been brought up in the community. What about everyone else? My approach was to create a qualitative thematic analysis in the form of a documentary to showcase the stories of members from the Black community, whose goal was to find data within each of the interviews to look for patterns and similarities within them. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 11 |
| Nicholas Milhan, How Identity Changes Communication, Social Sciences |
| Hello everyone, I am Nicholas Milhan and I am understanding three different areas of identity for the University of South Carolina Beaufort as research. These three topics will include three different people within the campus community who serve distinct roles within this university's community. When conducting this research, I created a podcast show called The Sand Shark Podcast with Nick Milhan. The content will involve informative information about Communication Identity Theory by breaking down a student athlete, a student, and a faculty member of the school and their specific roles that they serve for our identities as Sand Sharks. These podcasts break down CIT (Communication Identity Theory) trying to understand each person and where they perform University identity. These episodes contain not only valuable information about how these three individuals identify themselves but also it changes how they communicate with others. We all share one common identity within this campus, and that is that we are Sand Sharks! Getting to understand three diverse types of people who identify themselves differently openly to me through a conversation. This podcast will give you a great idea of the types of people around this campus here at USCB. The enrolment here is only 2,000 students and because it being so small here, I think it is important for us to know the different types of people that reside here from students to staff members, so why not sit down and talk with a student, student athlete, and faculty member to understand Communication Identity Theory! Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 13 |
| Aubrey Cassidy, Abstract Ceramic Sculptures, Visual Arts and Design |
| My artwork is meant to invoke thought and challenge the viewer's ideas about traditional sculpture. My creative process is slow and careful and starts with a small idea that then blossoms into a ceramic piece. I never fully know how a work will turn out until it is completed. I allow creating my work to become an artistic release for me, so I do not have a structured preliminary concept. The clay itself guides me into what it ends up becoming, leaving things to chance and intuition as I work with the material through many steps and processes toward its end state. Clay must be wedged (kneaded) and then structured into desired forms as I work with it for days or months and as it slowly becomes bone dry, and then it is bisque fired to remove impurities which might interfere with the glaze. Next, I glaze a piece which takes a lot of consideration about how I want the surface of the sculpture to look. Next, my pieces are fired in an electric kiln at cone 6 oxidation. The process is long, but very worth the outcome. I want onlookers to study each piece from all sides, and to see how I manipulate form to create elegant organic sculptures. My current work is heavily influenced by Chris Gustin, a renowned contemporary ceramicist; - specifically his cloud series that are huge, circular abstract enclosed forms. He describes his creative process as manipulating forms around the air constraining and enclosing them. My process is similar, though my forms are my own. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell. |
| Abstract # 14 |
| Murray Flowers, Self Regulation and Attachment among Pre-K Students, Social Sciences |
| This research was conducted to look at the relationship between self-regulation behavior and attachment behaviors among pre-kindergarten students. Previous research shows that there is a relationship between children with more organized attachment styles and a higher ability to self-regulate their emotions (Kidwell, 2001). For the present study, preschool teachers were interviewed and asked to give a numeric score on their students' attachment behaviors and self-regulation, based on their interactions throughout the school year (DECA; LeBuffe and Nagileri, 2012). In my findings, there was a significant positive correlation between self-regulation scores and attachment behavior scores, such that as self-regulation scores increased, so did attachment behaviors, r(73)= .53, p < .001. Furthermore, when doing a linear regression, attachment behaviors significantly predicted self-regulation, b= 0.53, t( 74) =5.29 , p= <.001. Attachment behaviors also explained a significant proportion of variance in self-regulation, R2=0.28 , F(1 , 73)= 27.952 , p= <.001 . This correlation is interesting because it shows that previous research can be extended into different settings such as the classroom, even during a global pandemic. In the future, it would be interesting to look at these scores for older kids or a larger sample size, and this research group does plan to collect data in summer of 2023 to see if post-pandemic children have similar scores to these children that were in preschool during the pandemic. Approved by Faculty mentor Carmen Farrell |
| Abstract # 20 |
| Abby Rogers, William Crowson, Yessina Bledsoe-Becerra, Chloe McCamey, Meadow Chastaine, Lamar Petties, Risk of High Blood Pressure Based on Weight Status Among 8th Graders in Hampton County, SC, Mathematics |
| Childhood obesity has risen 30.5% to 42.4% in the last 20 years according to the CDC, which can lead to a multitude of health-related issues, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), as they grow and develop into adulthood. This is a serious problem because hypertension in children can lead to strain on the heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs such as the brain. This study determines the risk of developing elevated and high blood pressure (hypertension) among children with overweight or obesity. Relative risk was calculated based on body mass index and blood pressure data collected from eighth grade students of Hampton, SC spanning years 2010-2018. Relative risk was also calculated among the subgroups based on gender and race to explore possible differences. The data suggests that being overweight or obese increases a child's risk of developing elevated blood pressure and hypertension. One in 4 obese and overweight children will develop elevated blood pressure. Female and white children that are overweight and have obesity are at higher risk of developing elevated blood pressure when compared to their peers. One in 5 obese children will develop hypertension: among children who are overweight, female and African American race are more likely to develop hypertension compared with their peers. Whereas, among children with obesity, male students are more likely to develop hypertension and there is no difference based on race. |
| Abstract # 21 |
| Jackson Councilman and Isabella Sineo, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children's Regulatory Abilities, Social Sciences |
| The current study focused on the relationship between emotional regulation (ER) and age. According to prior research, there is a connection between ER and social functioning among the age group entering kindergarten (Schmitt, 2021). Neuroimaging studies have also shown that ER is linked with the developing prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive functioning and cognitive control as children age (Martin and Oschner, 2016). The current study involved running a correlational test on data that was collected about the ER and self-regulation of children in preschool. This study consisted of 75 participants, 39 boys and 36 girls. A numeric score was given in order to describe a child's ER (ERC; Shields and Cicchetti, 1997) and self-regulation (DECA; LeBuffe and Nagileri, 2012). These two values were then each run through a correlation test with age in months. The results showed no significant relationship between ER and age; however, there appeared to be a significant relationship between self-regulation and age (r(62)=.26, p=.04). The lack of a relationship in terms of ER is interesting as it has implications relating to a possible disparity between self-regulation and ER. The more pronounced difference could point to a negative byproduct of a lack of social interaction for children as a result of the pandemic, in that they may not be able to regulate their emotions as well as children pre-pandemic. The difference between these two factors warrants further research into the lack of correlation between emotional regulation and age, potentially as a result of the pandemic. Approved by faculty mentor Carmen Farrell |
| Abstract # 22 |
| Karina Julia Dorris, The Effect of Social Distancing on Preschool Children's Development, Social Sciences |
| Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are questioning how students’ behavior in the preschool classroom has been impacted by social distancing. One study based in Germany suggested that children not only suffered socially, but they also exhibited more problem behavior (for example, hyperactivity) as a result of social distancing (Christner et al., 2021). This prompted me to analyze data from local preschool teachers who reported on the mental and social development of their students in the summer of 2021. I conducted my project as a qualitative content analysis of the teachers’ open-ended responses. I found that teachers reported that 100% of public-school students and 62% of private school students were continuing to develop their social-emotional skills at a typical pace as compared to developmental milestones pre-pandemic (e.g. improving communication, listening, social skills and learning to regulate their own emotions). It is interesting, however, that close to half of the private school students did not have teachers report the same positive behavior; instead, they shared concerns about their students lagging behind or struggling in the preschool classroom, whereas none of the public-school teachers did. It may be that students who attend private school are used to having access to more resources, and so the pandemic was a bigger change for them in comparison to public school children, who may not have had those extra pre-pandemic resources beforehand. Future research should investigate the link between the mental, social, and emotional development of children and social distancing once the pandemic is over. Approved by faculty mentor Carmen Farrell |
| Abstract # 23 |
| Sophia Peach, Play Like a Girl: An Equitable Sports Production of USCB Softball, Social Sciences |
| When you turn on your TV to watch a sports game, is it a men’s game or women’s? “Some may argue that women’s sports’ athleticism is inferior. Women might not possess the physical capabilities necessary to produce entertaining competition, goes the argument (Armstrong and Hallmark, 1999, p. 4). Women in sports for centuries have not been taken as seriously as men and it has been present through sports media. In James Hallmark and Richard Armstrong’s research, it tells us that Men’s and Women’s sports are portrayed differently by the media (1999). Is this because the production team does not use the same level production techniques for women as they do for men? In order to better understand this, I produced a USCB women’s softball game implementing player graphics, packages, and different camera angles to make the game more equitable. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 24 |
| Zyamannii Baksh, Melfry Gonzalez, Samuel Messinides, SARS-CoV-2 Variants in the Lowcountry, Natural Sciences |
| In March of 2020, people were forced to quarantine and stay 6 feet away from each other during what is known as the COVID-19 Pandemic. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To understand what areas are affected the most by the COVID-19 disease in the Lowcountry, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 variants were monitored in the wastewater of Beaufort and Jasper counties. The monitoring area covered much of Beaufort County and included samples from the following wastewater treatment facilities: Port Royal, Lady’s Island, St. Helena’s Island, Cherry Point, Hardeeville, Palm Key, Palmetto Bluff, and Point South. Viral particles were concentrated, RNA extracted and Reverse-transcriptase, Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the abundance of SARS-CoV-2. Analyses from two of the locations (Port Royal & Cherry Point) show that viral infection can be detected in wastewater and spikes in the wastewater often precede the spikes seen in the testing of individuals. |
| Abstract # 25 |
| Lauren Wood And Kelly McCombs, Self-reported hydration status of college students at USCB and the potential impacts on learning and health, Nursing and Health Professions |
| Almost 75% of America is considered chronically dehydrated because they are not consuming nearly enough water. South Carolina is known to be a hotter climate with high humidity, which can lead to more sweating and increased dehydration. The negative outcomes of dehydration can lead to sickness, affect memory loss, loss of concentration and reaction time, weakness in muscles and organs, headaches, lethargy, and much more. Depending on how severe the dehydration is it can lead to seizures, kidney problems, heat injuries, or low blood volume. This is important to South Carolina residents because they are at a higher risk for dehydration in the heat of their climate. A questionnaire was created on SurveyPlanet and distributed by a link through USCB student’s newsletter and directly to a variety of health and non-health related courses. The student base of USCB were surveyed to see if college students are considered dehydrated. This study will present the statistics from the questionnaire to show hydration knowledge and status of the student population at USCB. Approved by faculty mentor, Kelly McCombs. |
| Abstract # 27 |
| John Hiers, Yash Bhanushali, Flowrence Dirisipamu, ReyCalci Reynolds number generator, Computer Science |
| In this project for Dr. Canada's CSCI B570 class, we developed ReyCalci, a web application for calculating Reynolds numbers that is essential and is easily available over the internet. This application not only computes the Reynolds number and converts units to standard units but saves time by retaining past calculations. Engineers will find this tool handy, as it computes the Reynolds number based on dynamic and kinematic viscosity. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless (unitless) number that can be used to evaluate the quality of the flow of fluids (liquids and gases). Specifically, it is used to distinguish between three types of fluid flow: laminar, transitional, and turbulent. Before becoming entirely turbulent, a transitional flow oscillates between laminar and turbulent flow. Laminar flow is characterized by smooth streamlines and stable motion, whereas turbulent flow is characterized by significant velocity changes and turbulent motion. The Reynolds number is important for determining viscosity, calculating flow conditions, and for measuring pipes, tubes, and tunnels in which fluids flow. When the Reynolds number is less than 2300, the flow in a circular pipe is laminar; when the Reynolds number is greater than 4000, the flow is turbulent; and when the Reynolds number is between 2300 and 4000, the flow is transitional. The use of the Reynolds number is particularly useful for engineering design; it can help to ensure that the characteristics of fluid flow in smaller-scale experimental conditions will match the characteristics of fluid flow under practical, scaled-up conditions. Approved by faculty mentor, Brian Canada |
| Abstract # 28 |
| Samantha Derenthal, The Disillusioned Perspective, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Throughout the last two years of our lives we have been tested and seen so many different perspectives of the same things. I have used this as inspiration to create poetry and short stories to encompass my feelings over the past two years. A major part in my work is the use of water. I use water to explain emotion and circumstance, which flows and creates a depth for my readers. (Approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 29 |
| Allie Jackson, Alyssa Mayer, Diana Reindl, From Active Duty to Veteran: Challenges Faced by Service Men and Women When Reintegrating to Civilian Life in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Nursing and Health Professions |
| Background: One in four active-duty U.S. military personnel report needing support for mental health issues. This number jumps to 41% of all U.S. military veterans, suggesting mental health issues may be exacerbated by the transition from active duty to civilian life. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of new veterans in the South Carolina Lowcountry as they transition from active service to the civilian community, with an emphasis on identifying needed services and supports for this population. Methods: Our study utilized a qualitative design employing a grounded theory approach. Twenty (N=20) semi-structured interviews with veterans in the first year of reintegration to civilian life examined the following areas of interest: 1) Social isolation, 2) Physical isolation, 3) Self-reported levels of mental distress. Questions explored current living situation, family makeup, neighborhood characteristics, current employment and/or enrollment in school, future plans, and self-reported levels of mental well-being. Results: Thematic saturation was reached at N=20, having identified the following themes: perceived mental distress due to social and physical isolation, difficulty transitioning from the military “family” to one’s actual family, confusion regarding identity and place in society, and an expressed need for services to support this critical period in a veteran’s life. Conclusions: This project provides insight into the experiences of military veterans as they return to civilian life and preliminary evidence supporting the need for better integration of this population into the social and physical fabric of the general population using both existing and proposed community-based support programs.Approved by faculty mentor: Alyssa Mayer |
| Abstract # 30 |
| Rachel Valvo and Nithish Nadham Dirisipamu, Distracted Driving in High School and Beyond, Computer Science |
| We are analyzing the data of the 2019 results of the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey to find if there are relationships between 'Texting while Driving' and 'Drinking while Driving' in teens. We are looking to see what factors relate to each question such as if the age or the biological sex of the participant relates to whether or not they drink or text and drive. With the high numbers in teens, we believe that there would be higher numbers in college students who have easier access to the resources to perform risky road behaviors. We do not have a survey with that information so we hope to start conversations about analyzing this data and spread awareness so that there might be more information available to help keep risky driving behaviors at bay. Analysis of data and visualization of results were performed using the coding language Python. Approved by faculty mentor, Ronald Erdei. |
| Abstract # 31 |
| Abby Rogers, William Crowson, Yessenia Bledsoe-Becerra, Chloe McCamey, Meadow Chastaine, Lamar Petties, Valerie Muehleman Swati DebRoy, PhD, Obesity Model Poster, Mathematics |
| This presentation corresponds to Abstract #20. |
| Abstract # 32 |
| Dr. Kim B. Ritchie, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Victoria Sember, Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, Natural Sciences |
| Coral reefs are immensely important for the overall oceans’ health. They support more species per unit area than any other marine environment. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is a disease that is thought to be caused by bacteria and is easily transmitted to other corals through direct contact and water circulation. Currently, Florida’s Coral Reef is experiencing a multi-year outbreak of this disease. Stony coral skeletons are protected with tissues. When a coral is affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, the tissue dies and the bare skeleton is left for filamentous and turf algae to take over, suffocating and killing the coral. This outbreak is unique due to the large geographic range that is being affected, the extended duration, rapid progression, high rates of mortality, and the number of coral species affected. The goal of this project is to use beneficial bacteria as a proxy for the health and resilience of corals before, during and after this disease outbreak affected resident reefs in the Florida Keys Reef Tract. The samples used for this project were obtained from the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. This project was made possible by the financial contribution from Florida Fish and Wildlife, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Port Royal Sound Foundation. |
| Abstract # 33 |
| Iesha Whittaker, Kristen Mullins, Chris Marsh, Peter Kingsley-Smith, Robert Dunn, Maggie Pelton, Mercer R. Brugler, Assessing The Biodiversity of Oyster Reefs Using e-DNA, Natural Sciences |
| DNA can be found in the environment when animals shed cells from their body by way of excretion, reproduction, injury, etc. Experiments have shown that this type of DNA can last from 48 hours to 21 days in aquatic environments. We will be using environmental DNA to survey the diversity of marine organisms that are present in oyster reefs located in Port Royal Sound (Beaufort, SC). Traditional research on oyster reefs is conducted using visual surveys. The problem with this method is that some species will burrow while others will flee when humans approach and therefore may not be included in diversity estimates. Others may have cryptic stages of development. eDNA can capture cellular information of all the organisms present on the reef. Oyster reefs are important as they provide a rich ecosystem for hundreds of marine species, improve water clarity and quality through filtration, and provide an abundance of food for birds and small mammals. In this study, we are collecting one liter of seawater upstream of an oyster reef, filtering that water, and utilizing amplicon sequencing to obtain species-specific barcodes from the DNA bound to the water filter. We will then match each recovered sequence with known oyster reef inhabitants and use GenBank to identify the unknowns. By documenting what organisms live on healthy oyster reefs vs. oyster reefs that are closed to harvesting, we hope to identify an indicator species that will serve as an aid to determine the quality (or health) of an oyster reef habitat. |
| Abstract # 34 |
| Robert-Nickell Bligen, The Great Shift, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| “Beginnings” is an excerpt from my story-in-progress, "The Great Shift." It’s in a fantasy setting that follows the group of protagonists as they try to navigate a world that has changed drastically from what they used to know. In it I aim to draw people into a world that is unfamiliar but with aspects that they can still connect with. This excerpt is a glimpse into the mind of one of the protagonists. (Approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 35 |
| Edra Stephens, Excerpt from, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| “Gullah Home” is an excerpt from my novel-in-progress, "Born White Dying Black." In it I will explore the social dynamics of a child born white in the 1960’s who is abandoned by her birth mother. Among her discoveries along the path to claiming her identity are her family's connections to the KKK and the courts of South Carolina legally changing her to a Negro. (Approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 36 |
| Jacob Thomas, College Golf Recruiting, Social Sciences |
| There are over 220,000 high school golfers in the United States with only about 20,000 who go on to compete at the college level. What I want to learn is how are these players singed and what resources to college coaches use to find these players. I also want to see if there is an easier way to recruit players. I will be interviewing the head coach of the USCB men’s golf team as well as some players on their experience during the recruitment process. I will be using my skills learned in the class Advanced Production Techniques to produce a podcast that will highlight these questions. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 37 |
| Bradley Moody, Orlando Jones, Andy Hernandez, Miriam Cisneros, Jillian Goeman, Patrick Emch, Dina Staalnacke, Relative risk of COVID-19 based on Vaccination Status in US during 2021, Mathematics |
| This presentation corresponds to abstract #56. Coronavirus, whose actual name is SARS-CoV-2, is a viral infection that belongs to the same family as other lethal diseases like SARS or MERS. From its first breakthrough case in December 2019 until now, there are 3 main strains of Covid-19 that have devastated the world all in different ways, these 3 strands being, in chronological order, the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. We took these 3 strains and compared how each one varied in terms of how contagious they were and how deadly they were. As Covid raged on through the start of the new decade, every major scientist in the world was working on ways to make a vaccine that was safe and effective, and because they were able to make one, we have data from John Hopkins and the CDC telling us how effective they were against Covid and its different strands. Our main research was focused on looking at how Covid and its main strands affected different age groups in the United States, looking at how each age group was affected in terms of being infected and the death rate of each age group, as well as how being vaccinated helped their chances of survival and being more immune to being infected. From our findings, we determined that the older a person was, the more likely they were to die from covid, and that for all age groups, being vaccinated had a significant impact on whether they got the virus or died from it. |
| Abstract # 38 |
| Tales from Talamh, Banning's Gambit, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| "Banning's Gambit" contains selected readings from my folkloric novella-in-progress. From a young age, I have been interested in history, fiction, folklore, and fantasy. For my Creative Writing Senior Thesis, I have attempted to create a new form of genre that successfully blends these four distinct categories. The story is currently incomplete and chapters have been submitted as weekly course work assignments for Senior Seminar class with Dr. Malphrus The story should near completion at the end of the semester. (Approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 39 |
| Andy S. Hernandez, How Different Covid-19 variants affected different ages in the United States, Mathematics |
| This presentation corresponds to abstract #56. In today's time, there is a lot of advancement in medicine and with advancement, there is always resistance as people like to hold on to what they have known their whole life but with many current world issues why should advancement for health be rejected. The novel Coronavirus or Sars Covid-19 has shown that there is still division in society on what is accepted as reliable health care. This can be seen with the differing opinions on the Covid-19 vaccine; Many people who trust in science and medicine are aware of the benefits of being vaccinated but on the other hand, you have people who reject the idea of a vaccine and say that it is unsafe and ineffective. There is plenty of data showing the effectiveness of the vaccine and the correlation between deaths and cases with regard to individuals being vaccinated or not. My group and I headed to look at the relative risk of the virus among different age groups and whether they were vaccinated or not and make a relative risk to see how effective the vaccine is in these groups. The results showed that there was a noticeable sign showing that the vaccines were effective and that it was doing their job. The results showed that the relative risk was always lower among vaccinated individuals no matter the age group and strain of covid, however relative risk overall change was all dependent on which strain was the most dominant strain and on age group. The conclusion from the analysis is that the vaccine does help with lowering death risk and cases and that the vaccine is safe and useful. |
| Abstract # 40 |
| Christopher Sanders, The Mather School Documentary, Social Sciences |
| The Mather School has stood in Beaufort as a historical landmark for well over a century. According to The Reconstruction Era in Beaufort County Local Initiative for National Designation Report (2003), Mather School “actually served as more of a social agency that provided Biblical instruction and lessons in home economics” than as a general educational facility for African-American women. In 1868, Mrs. Rachel Mather Crane founded the Mather School. Her intentions were to educate newly liberated slaves. She was a firm believer that everybody deserved the chance to get a good education. This is why she acted on her beliefs and began to teach and raise funds for a women’s school. While not well-known today, Rachel Crane Mather (1823–1903) was a pioneer in bringing education and opportunity to African Americans. The intention of this documentary is to highlight the success and Legacy of the Mather School and its alumni. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 41 |
| Juliann Garcia, Jordan Mink, Ryan Humbert, Tamara Pendarvis, and Meagan Evans, A Look into the Lives of Older Adults in the Bluffton Area, Social Sciences |
| Abstract For our final senior project, our class decided to take a glimpse into the lives of older adults in Bluffton and its surrounding areas. We used a survey consisting of questions pertaining to demographics, income, mental health, access to healthcare, etc. We distributed the survey using various methods including a QR code, hard copies, and links to the online survey. We surveyed 69 adults between the ages of 48 and 90 with a mean age of 66. Overall, members of Bluffton’s older population represented by our sample reported being satisfied with their quality of life and access to physical and mental health necessities. Analysis of these variables indicated that married participants in the study have access to more affordable healthcare than non-married participants. We further saw that single participants who are living alone have lower annual household income than participants that are married and living with their spouse. Limitations of this study include disproportionate access to higher income areas such as gated communities, with limited access to lower income areas and individuals. While we did receive responses from various races/ethnicities, our sample ended up being primarily white, female, and middle class, which is another limitation we faced in gathering a full picture of the population in the Bluffton area. Based on the obtained data, our research suggests that the continuity theory can be applied to our study. This theory suggests that the quality of life of older individuals is reflected in their activities, everyday lives, and individual engagement throughout their lives. Overall, these results provide a clearer look into lives of adults living in Bluffton and the surrounding areas. |
| Abstract # 42 |
| Ana Lilia Quinones, Pieces of Open Air, Visual Arts and Design |
| I work in oil paint and digital art. I like to express my feelings through my work and I am constantly searching for ways to express who I am as an artist. The Rococo art movement has had an influence on my work: by its soft and colorful palettes, attention to detail, asymmetrical composition and the depiction of nature scenes. As a person who loves nature and the outdoors, I like to take daily life as a subject matter. The emotional and spiritual energy of a place is important to me, as it helps guide me. I rely on color and everyday subjects to help project the connection between myself and the medium to the viewer. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 43 |
| Emma Montgomery, Art in relation to self expression and observance, Visual Arts and Design |
| My goal with these works of art was to create content relative to myself. The works have nearly nothing to do with each other visually, and this is a nod to the fact that I, as so many people are, am a multi-faceted individual with varying emotions and a life I can divide into segments. I work at a pharmacy and find humor in topics which are sometimes sensitive. I have great self-confidence and despite my natural sense of whimsy I make an effort to stand straight and look professional, and I feel that shows in my self-portrait. Despite my very poor eyesight I am an observer, and I put great detail into my art even as early as the underpaintings. And although I have proven skill in traditional media, I tend to prefer digital arts such as animation, digital illustrations, and 3D modeling. These digital media are in fact where I hope to find a career someday. In spite of my preferences, these are also the media I have the least experience in. I would like to think that this also speaks to my constant desire for growth. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 44 |
| Rebecca Ball, Sacred Solitude, Visual Arts and Design |
| My recent work is influenced by my interest in defining sacred and personal spaces. I highlight the magic hidden in personal spaces where the outside world is closed out and one can be at peace with themselves. My ceramic sculptures featuring the figure of Amelia document her in intimate moments and capture the emotions evoked. They highlight mundane joys. Amelia is a medium to capture these quiet moments to be experienced by those who view her and call upon the peace and security of such moments in their own sacred spaces. My hand-colored etching, “This Space Belongs to Me” takes this exploration further, analyzing why those moments of solitude mean so much to me. This work comes from the realization that I cling to my private sanctuaries and solitary moments because they are the only spaces that I feel belong to me. The piece features a woman forcing open a gap in a black void, exposing an explosion of colorful blooms. This is a piece made for me. It is a declaration to myself to take up the space that belongs to me in the world because I have earned it and I have a right to it. These works come from a meditative process. They attempt to capture the quiet and introspective time spent working on them. Creating these pieces eases my anxieties as they become sanctuaries in and of themselves. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 45 |
| Madelaine Batey, Colorful Curiosity, Visual Arts and Design |
| For this exhibition, I have focused on the technical aspects of emphasizing color through photography and photo manipulation. My approach is experimental, and I either exaggerate colors or remove them selectively to make them a more prominent focus in my work. My manipulation of color is not usually for emotional impact but more about playing with color's effect on the work’s point of focus. The method I find productive in my process is mimicking others. I research photographs that pique my interest and try to create my images with the same treatments and effects. I do this by learning new techniques to use when setting up the shot, using a variety of lenses, and finding tools that allow for unique color treatments. I take many photographs while adjusting my exposure, aperture, and other settings to give me a photo with the lighting and depth of field I desire. I hope to create a mutual curiosity about color and color relationships. Abstract approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 46 |
| Toni, Vessels and Veneration, Cycles and Resurrection, Visual Arts and Design |
Vessels and Veneration, Cycles and ResurrectionLong before, but especially after my grandparents passed away, Toni Chavis Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 47 |
| Leia Aldrich, South Carolina's Best Kept Secret, Social Sciences |
| The South Carolina Washington Semester Program was the key to my future. In August of 2021, I moved from my small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina to the heart of our nation in pursuit of opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom. This program allows South Carolina students to intern in Washington, D.C. in any desired nonprofit, or congressional office. While working in the office of Senator Tim Scott, I had the chance to both vertically and horizontally network, meet official members of legislation, and even interview Congressman Clyburn on the importance of higher education. Over the four-month period, I discovered maturity in my character, and tenaciousness within my aspirations. Working in D.C. gave me the exposure to how our government works, and the relationships between constituents, and their representatives. Most importantly, I was able to listen to the concerns of those from my Palmetto State. From Spanish Moss to Cherry Blossoms, D.C. is a culturally enriching experience for any South Carolina student who wishes to learn beyond their immediate environment. By sharing my experiences, I am hoping to change the fact that The South Carolina Washington Semester Program is South Carolina’s best kept secret. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 48 |
| Heavenly Johnson, That's Why They Call It, Visual Arts and Design |
| Creating artwork and just the thought of expressing myself freely came to me at a very young age. The artwork that I make can be very creative and impactful whether I decide to make the work personally about me, or universal where the meaning can be about a social cause that society can relate and resonate with. For this exhibition, I put my feelings into a really expressive piece. I took every color I have and with multiple different brush strokes, I am tossing and throwing the paint all over the canvas to make this expressive abstract piece. I ended up releasing a lot of emotions, and this process became very therapeutic for me. I am a multi-media artist. I love many different mediums equally, and I want experience in each one because I believe this keeps my creativity active and flowing. I use paint, pencil, watercolor, color pencil, digital media, etc. My current body of work explores the perspective of the artist, what we go through mentally and physically as we create our work. The viewer will only see the final result rather than the artist’s journey to reach a level of satisfaction in their work. To show this, the top half of my portrait is refined and organized, executed as professionally as possible, while the bottom half is intentionally more raw and unrefined, representing what is it for me, and other artists in general, to achieve our final result. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 49 |
| Claire Morgan, Dreamscapes, Visual Arts and Design |
| This body of work is a series of paintings showing complex cityscapes that I created with influences from surrealism and my dreams. When starting this project, I drew inspiration from many different sources, such as M.C Escher and his impossible worlds and largely from a mobile game "Monument Valley". The goal was to create cityscapes with interesting isometry and impossible perspectives. As a person who experiences and deals with mental health issues, it is very natural to want to express that through my art. A common feeling that I experience is getting lost in my own headspace, and I wanted to simulate that with the cacophony of buildings and twisting vines. I intentionally used colors that would interact with each other in ways that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The main three paintings of this series show the progression of a day from morning to evening. With mental health issues come a lot of hardships, but with my art I am able to show the beauty of having a mind that thinks differently. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 50 |
| Kristen Thorne, Self Discovery Through the Media Arts, Visual Arts and Design |
| I have always been inherently a storyteller, and I aim to dedicate myself to that passion and bring my stories out and into the world. There is a special feeling in capturing an audience with a story that comes from your passions. My art is an extension of my experiences and my inspirations that culminates in story-making. Through illustration, animation and game design, I have found a way to create and share the stories I hold. Music has always been a fuel and inspiration to my visual artwork and I’ve been dedicated to creating a game that links the two inseparably. "Cadenza" is a work with a theme of self-love and discovery, and a journey of what happens when accepting yourself grows difficult. I use music to create the world you the player adventure through, and to enhance the whole experience of the game. As you advance through the game you create your character, building yourself as you go and learn, - a metaphor about the way we progress through life. We are brought into the world with unchangeable outlines, but the self we create is all our own making. Approved by Faculty Mentor Joanna Angell |
| Abstract # 51 |
| By Gabrielle Stile, Fragments of a Transient Being: Poems & Prose, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| “Fragments of a Transient Being: Poems & Prose” is a compilation of excerpts from my Fiction and Senior Seminar writing courses. Anne Lamott suggested that for writers to find their voice they must plunge through holes and shine light on the dark places within themselves. I attempt to do that with these poems and pieces. The "holes" I refer to explore the themes of identity, love, kinship, and the complicated feelings that arise from trying to be a person in the world who notices beauty with a fragmented, yet curious lens. (Abstract approved by Ellen Malphrus) |
| Abstract # 52 |
| Sierra Brown, Dissection of the Fetal Pig, Humanities |
| My descriptive presentation is about the dissection of a fetal pig. I have 6 body systems learned in Human Anatomy and Physiology course that goes into dissecting the fetal pig. The presentation includes pictures of certain organs and body parts that goes in hand with the body systems. The presentation also includes some research questions from the professor regarding the body systems as well. In addition, there will be various homeostatic imbalances or pathologies of some of the body systems. The conclusion will include the signification of the project along with future learning on the field. |
| Abstract # 53 |
| Selena Menjivar, The Joy Room, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| "The Room" is an excerpt from my novel-in-progress, "The Joy Room." In it, I explore how people will overlook their morals in order to survive. Four people with a past have been selected by an unknown group and put into a room. Only one can leave after the rest are killed. Human nature is intriguing, but how will it look in a situation like this? I want to delve into the mind of someone who is pushed into survival mode and what that entails. Approved by faculty mentor, Ellen Malphrus |
| Abstract # 54 |
| Samuel Cartier, Bianca Simpson, Relationship between Forced Sexual Acts and Suicide Attempts in Grade School Students, Computer Science |
| The purpose of this research project was to investigate the potential relationship between forced sexual activity and suicide attempts in middle school and high school students using data from the 2019 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) data set. Using a combination of SQL (data retrieval) and Python (data analysis), the research team was able to identify a relationship between students who experienced forced sexual activity and those who attempted suicide. Further exploration included factors of specific ages, sexes, and races on the relationship. This allowed the team to subsequently identify that female students are at a higher risk of both experiencing forced sexual activity and attempting suicide. Approved by faculty mentor, Ronald Erdei. |
| Abstract # 55 |
| Isabella Aahlen Jakobs, Mål or Goal?: Understanding Intercultural Communication Barriers in Soccer for Scandinavian Student-Athletes - Pilot Study, Social Sciences |
| Intercultural communication is defined as “communication between people from two different cultures” and is a “symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual process in which people from different cultures create shared meanings” (Ting-Toomey & Chung, 2021, 24). Research shows that common barriers in intercultural communication are communication misunderstandings and misinterpreted non-verbal communication (Rogers & McGovern, 2002). Sport can be a common place for intercultural communication barriers due to the bringing together of players from different countries and cultures. Soccer, known outside of the U.S. as football, sees the most of this due to its international prevalence. Research on international soccer players shows that going from one culture to another is difficult, but helps players grow as individuals. However, a large intercultural communication barrier occurs when players encounter challenges like injuries, causing them to express a feeling of helplessness and loneliness (Richarson, Littlewood, Nesti, & Benstead (2012). In order to understand how the common language of soccer helps Scandinavian student-athletes navigate intercultural communication barriers as they integrate into U.S. culture, my project uses a mixed method approach, as discussed by Borish, Cunsolo, Mauro, Dewey, & Harper’s (2021), by using documentary film for qualitative research by filming a documentary and collecting qualitative research through interviews. This pre-study filmed an interview with a Scandinavian soccer student-athlete. I found her communication barriers were the rate of speech, being able to break things down into details and having to compensate by using sound effects due to not knowing the word. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 56 |
| Miriam Cisneros, Patrick Emch, Jillian Goeman, Andy Hernandez, Orlando Jones, Bradley Moody, Dina Staalnacke, Relative risk of COVID-19 based on Vaccination Status in US 2021, Mathematics |
| Coronavirus, whose actual name is SARS-CoV-2, is a viral infection that belongs to the same family as other lethal diseases like SARS or MERS. From its first breakthrough case in December 2019 until now, there are 3 main strains of Covid-19 that have devastated the world all in different ways, these 3 strands being, in chronological order, the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. We took these 3 strains and compared how each one varied in terms of how contagious they were and how deadly they were. As Covid raged on through the start of the new decade, every major scientist in the world was working on ways to make a vaccine that was safe and effective, and because they were able to make one, we have data from John Hopkins and the CDC telling us how effective they were against Covid and its different strands. Our main research was focused on looking at how Covid and its main strands affected different age groups in the United States, looking at how each age group was affected in terms of being infected and the death rate of each age group, as well as how being vaccinated helped their chances of survival and being more immune to being infected. From our findings, we determined that the older a person was, the more likely they were to die from covid, and that for all age groups, being vaccinated had a significant impact on whether they got the virus or died from it. |
| Abstract # 57 |
| Same as Patrick Emch, Relative risk of COVID-19 based on Vaccination Status in US 2021, Mathematics |
| This presentation corresponds to abstract #56. |
| Abstract # 59 |
| Kayla Johnson, Yessenia Bledsoe-Becerra, Examining Risk behavior in promiscuous teens, Computer Science |
| The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 2019 dataset contains data collected by the CDC from high schools across the United States in 2019. The YRBS examines six categories of health-related behaviors such as behaviors that contribute to injuries and violences, sexual behaviors, alcohol and drug use, tobacco use, dietary behaviors, and physical activity. This study explores the relationship between promiscuity and risky behaviors. Number of sexual partners were compared to alcohol and drug use prior to sex and condom use. We conclude that there is a relationship between promiscuity and risky behaviors; teens who have more sexual partners are more likely to consume alcohol or drugs before sex, and teens who have more sexual partners are less likely to use condoms. Approved by faculty mentor, Ronald Erdei. |
| Abstract # 60 |
| Hakam Fickling-Rivers, Legalization of Medical Marijuana, Social Sciences |
| What if I told you that the properties and chemicals in mariujana can cure and help treat diagnoses such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and even Epilepsy? While the list is a lot longer than that there could be a lot more to the potential of this plant. There is still a lot that we don’t know about marijuana. Since the plant is listed federally as a schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, research options may be limited even though some US states have them legalized medically or recreationally by local law. I believe that marijuana should be legalized on a federal level so research can be conducted in order to explore if there are any more benefits or side effects that everyday or potential users should know about. The way I want to approach this topic is by executing a podcast and researching personal testimonies from medical patients. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 61 |
| Hannah Van Dam, Public Health; Diana Reindl, PhD, CHES, Public Health & Human Services; Alyssa Mayer, PhD, MPH, CPH, Public Health & Human Services, Women's Mental Health Experiences of Pregnancy and Postpartum in the Era of Social Isolation: A Grounded Theory Exploration, Nursing and Health Professions |
| Background: Decades of research demonstrate that many women endure a variety of mental health complications after the birth of a child. Left untreated, maternal mental health issues can result in disruption of the bonding process between mother and infant and adverse physical, cognitive, and developmental outcomes for the child. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated mental health issues in diverse populations, and new mothers are not immune to these effects. Methods: The aim of this study is to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of new mothers through an exploration of women’s lived experiences in the first year after the birth of a child. Four main themes will be examined: (1) Fear of the unspeakable, (2) Loss and disruption of established routines, (3) Aligning personal and professional identities with the role of “mother,” and (4) Social support and isolation. The findings will offer insight into the experience of postpartum mental health, with the aim to improve access to resources and services during this critical phase in a woman’s life. Results: Grounded theory will guide the iterative process of coding, and thematic analysis will identify areas of consensus and divergence. Conclusions: The findings from this exploratory study will offer insight into the experience of new motherhood in the era of COVID19, to inform research and practice, improve clinical outcomes, and support a more individualized approach to addressing mental health issues in this population. Approved by faculty mentor: Alyssa Mayer |
| Abstract # 62 |
| William Ramsey, On the Success of Student-Athletes On and Off of the Field, Social Sciences |
| Many student-athletes put in many hours of work, in order to be the best they can be both on and off of the field. However, some institutions put more emphasis on the athletic performance of these students, rather than their academic performance (Aries, McCarthy, Salovey, & Banaji, 2004). However, many of these student-athletes perform just as well in the classroom as their non-athlete peers (Wartenberg, Borchert, & Brand, 2014). To try and combat this, I intend on creating a social media campaign utilizing a variety of different videos and graphics showcasing the academic and athletic performance of USCB student-athletes. The focus of these graphics and videos is to highlight the successes of not only these student-athlete's time on the field, but also their time in the classroom. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D. |
| Abstract # 63 |
| Heidi M Baker, Histological and Genetic identification of plants., Natural Sciences |
| The genetic, as well as structural differences between monocotyledonous plants and dicotyledonous plants, were observed to aid in the identification of provided plants samples. These samples were used in a court case investigating property damage inflicted on a house from an unknown plant. The intent of this case was to decide who is liable for these damages. Identification of each plant sample was conducted to establish the origin of the plant by determining if the samples were bamboo (monocot) or oak (dicot). Histological techniques were used to analyze plant samples to ascertain if they were monocots or dicots by observing the location and orientation of vascular bundles. In an effort to expand on this research, bioinformatics was used by attempting to design primers to perform polymerase chain reaction or PCR. Using PCR would have allowed for the amplification of the clpP gene present only in bamboo which would distinguish between monocot and dicot samples. This approach was determined to be unatonable resulting in the histological approach to conclude this research. |
| Abstract # 64 |
| Daniel Williams, Introduction to Podcasting, Social Sciences |
| As social media and technology continue to be involved by the day, podcasts have started becoming the new norm. However, it takes time and patience for a podcast to get up and running. Having all of the right things and tools such as a phone, headphones, a laptop, and a microphone are just a few necessities in order to make a successful podcast production. Making a podcast can be difficult for some people, especially for ones that have never started one before. This scenario includes me, who has no prior experience with podcasting before.With that being said, I have decided to do a small podcast for my final project. I would like to interview a few people from the University of South Carolina Beaufort who are majoring in Communication Studies and ask them a few, simple questions. I want to know why those chose to major in Communication Studies, why those chose to attend USCB, what they are planning to do after college, and what field they want to pursue with their major. This week, I plan on interviewing 1-2 people in this major and having an episode or two by the end of this week. The episode (s) should be roughly between 15-25 minutes long. Lastly, I plan on editing the episode (s) on Adobe once I am finished so it can be and sound more clearly. Approved by Faculty Mentor: Caroline E. Sawyer, PhD |
| (Total 54 abstracts) |