2016 Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium Program

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Critical Inquiry + Creative Activity + Community Engagement

= Co-creating Knowledge through Scholarship
On behalf of the Center for Experiential Learning and the Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
(LUROP), we are pleased to welcome you to the Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium the annual
celebration of research, scholarly and creative works, and community engagement conducted by Loyola University
Chicago undergraduate students! During this event, we breathe life into Loyolas mission of expanding
knowledge in service to humanity through learning, justice, and faith through undergraduate student research,
service-learning, academic internships, and learning portfolios (ePortfolios).
During each summer and academic year, Loyola undergraduate students, from all disciplines across the university,
spend hours outside of their classes to conduct hands-on, original research and to lead community-engaged projects
that not only engage their learning differently, but also advance knowledge in their disciplines and impacts the
communities with whom they have worked. In the end, students are transformed through learning, knowledge cocreated, and communities transformed. The breadth of projects and presentations are presented today in two poster
sessions, creative scholarly activity presentations, oral presentations, community engagement projects, and student
learning portfolios alongside original research projects. We encourage you to take advantage of the wide array of
student presentations in all sessions of the Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium.
We thank the faculty, staff, and community partners who serve as mentors to our students your work in guiding
student learning is significant, and we appreciate your time, energy, and commitment! We are very grateful to the
faculty, alumni, staff, campus partners, and graduate students who are serving as evaluators this year and ensuring
an enriching experience for our undergraduate students.
For more information about Loyolas Center for Experiential Learning, which facilitates high-impact, engaged
learning opportunities for students across the curriculum, visit us at www.luc.edu/experiential. To learn more about
the undergraduate research program or the funded fellowships through LUROP, please visit www.luc.edu/lurop.
During Loyolas Weekend of Excellence celebration, we hope you enjoy engaging with the learning that unfolds
through the work of Loyola students at this Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium!
In Service,
Patrick M. Green, Ed.D.

Director, Center for Experiential Learning
Clinical Instructor, Experiential Learning
SCHEDULE
Poster Presentations and Community Engagement Forum (CEF): Session 111:00AM-12:30PM
(Mundelein Auditorium)
Oral Presentations...12:50PM - 1:50PM
(Mundelein Classrooms, Floors 2-5)
Poster Presentations and Community Engagement Forum (CEF): Session 2...2:00PM - 3:30PM
(Mundelein Auditorium)
Awards Ceremony and Reception3:45PM - 4:30 PM
(Sullivan Center, Galvin Auditorium/Lobby)
Outstanding Loyola Undergraduate Research Award

Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring
Graduate Student Mentor Award
Hayes Award for Advising and Mentoring
Loyola University Libraries Undergraduate Research Paper Award
Community Engagement Award for Social Justice
Community Engagement Award for Innovation in Sustainability
Community Engagement Award for Impact
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community Engagement Forum: Session 1 ..................................................................... page 6
Research Poster Presentations: Session 1 ......................................................................... page 7
Oral Presentations ........................................................................................................... page 30
Community Engagement Forum: Session 2 ................................................................... page 40
Research Poster Presentations: Session 2 ....................................................................... page 44
Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium Awards .................................... page 64
Index of Presenters ......................................................................................................... page 66
LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

PROGRAM (LUROP)
In addition to hosting the 2016 Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium as part of the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL), the Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
(LUROP) offers guides for external research opportunities, travel grants for conference presentations,
workshops on research and presentation skills, and more. You can find these resources at www.luc.edu/
lurop. In addition, LUROP coordinates or supports eighteen undergraduate research fellowships. Many,
though not all, of the students presenting at the Symposium received support from these fellowships.
Biology Research Fellowship Program
The Biology Research Fellows Program funds long-term research projects under the direction of a faculty mentor
in the Department of Biology. Students work for two years on their respective projects during the academic year
and in the intervening summer.
Biology Summer Research Fellowship Program
The Biology Summer Research Fellowship funds summer research projects under the mentorship of a faculty
member from with Department of Biology.
Carbon Undergraduate Research Fellowship
The Carbon Fellowship offers a full two-year, interdisciplinary research opportunity for science and math majors
to work closely with two faculty mentors. This program is designed for students who plan to pursue research in
graduate or professional schools.
Carroll and Adelaide Johnson Scholarship
The Carroll and Adelaide Johnson Scholarship offers rising juniors a two-year scholarship to support a research
project on women, leadership, and social justice under the mentorship of a Loyola faculty member.
Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) Fellowship
The CURL Fellowship is intended to facilitate involvement of students in collaborative research projects with
community-based organizations, social service agencies, health care providers, businesses, and government. Fellows are active participants in efforts to improve the quality of life of all members of the Chicago metropolitan
community.
Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Formerly known as the CUERP Fellowship, the IES Fellowship is for students to conduct interdisciplinary research on issues related to unsustainable natural resource uses in the greater Chicagoland region. The Center encourages research projects to combine elements of ecosystem structure and function, impacts on human health,
public policy, behaviors, and other environmental factors.
The Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage (CCIH) Undergraduate
Research Fellowship
The Joan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage (CCIH), in support of the Catholic Studies
minor, offers a research fellowship to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in the Catholic Studies
minor program. This fellowship is dedicated to support for CCIH-funded faculty research projects, as well as
CCIH's international research projects.
McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
The Loyola University Chicago McNair Scholars Program is an independent program that prepares qualified undergraduate students for graduate study at the doctoral level. Students participate in scholarly activities during the
academic year and over the summer. An integral component of the McNair program is the summer research intern4
ship through which students conduct research under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.
Molecular & Computational Biology Summer Research Fellowship
Students in this program study a special class of viruses, called bacteriophages, that preys on bacterial hosts in
Lake Michigan. These students look into the impact that these viruses have on the bacterial levels in the lake. This
effort combines both molecular and computational biology.
Mulcahy Scholars Program
The Mulcahy Scholars Program supports over 50 College of Arts and Sciences majors in the hard sciences who are
working on an individual research project with a faculty mentor, serving as a research assistant, or engaging as a
member of a collaborative research team to support ongoing faculty projects throughout the academic year.
Provost Fellowship for Undergraduate Research
The Provost Fellowship supports over 60 undergraduate students in any academic discipline across the university
conducting research with the support of a faculty mentor.
Research Mentoring Program (RMP)
This program is designed to partner graduate students who are working on their dissertation research with undergraduates who are interested in participating in research. This summer program is designed to support doctoral
students in their dissertation research while providing an opportunity for undergraduates to learn more about graduate studies and graduate-level research.
Ricci Scholars Program
The Ricci Scholars Program is an innovative research and cultural immersion program organized around the theme
of the meeting of East and West. The program awards selected students with scholarships for travel, research, and
exploration during a junior year of study divided between two of the worlds most important cities: Rome, Italy,
and Beijing, China.
Rudis Fellowship Program
The Anthony and Mary Rudis Fellowship provides scholarships to students whose research focuses on the comparative study of constitutions. Recipients of the scholarship will write a 20-25 page research paper during the academic year under the guidance of a faculty member in the Department of History or the Department of Political
Science.
Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship
Starting next year, this will be the newest fellowship. This fellowship is designed for undergraduate students who
are developing a social innovation project or social entrepreneurship venture.
Social Justice Research Fellowship
The Social Justice Research Fellowship support students conducting faculty-mentored research that explores issues
of social justice or contributes to social justice.
Summer Fellowship in Neuroscience
This summer, the Center for Interdisciplinary Thinking and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor will provide
students with the opportunity to work with a neuroscientist at the Lake Shore Campus. This opportunity allows
students to see how questions are asked, answered, and the results disseminated.
Women in Science Enabling Research (WISER)
The oldest undergraduate research fellowship at Loyola, WISER is designed for undergraduate women seeking to
explore research science, work closely with faculty, learn how laboratory work is conducted, and build a sense of
community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM: SESSION 1

*CEF POSTERS ALONG MUNDELEIN AUDITORIUM WALLS
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Poster 106
The Narratives of Young Muslim Women on High School Sports Teams
Meriem Sadoun, Psychology (2016)
Course: CIEP 398
Community Partner: GirlForward
Mentored by Charlie Tocci, Education; J.D. Trout, Philosophy and Psychology
There is a significant concentration of attention on the hijab and the religious discourse concerning the Muslim woman and
sports. However, this does not address the complexity of their experiences. This project focuses on young Muslim women athletes aged 14-18, at secular government funded schools in the US, UK, and South Africa. The data was collected via the ethnographic method of interviews and participant observations. The data suggests that family influence, school influence, gender
expectations, and personal interest are major elements of the sporting experience. The goal of this project is to make known the
narratives of these young women.
Poster 1
The Loyola Community Literacy Center 24 years Serving Rogers Park Adults - Jesuit Values in Action
Nicholas Olinger, English and Cr eative Wr iting (2016); Michael Ghanayen, Cather ine Lawr id
Course: ENGL 393
Community Partner: Loyola Community Literacy Center
Faculty Mentor: Jacqueline Heckman
The Loyola Community Literacy Center offers free tutoring to those adults in Rogers Park who are interested in learning English, developing their literacy skills, studying for the citizenship exam, or working for their GED. While some of our learners
are native speakers, most are either international visitors, immigrants, or refugees who come from all continents, religions, language groups, and literacy levels. We provide tutoring in a supportive, welcoming environment, with Loyola students serving
as tutors, staff, and managers.
Poster 2
Virtual Water of Building Materials
Abby Jahn, Envir onmental Science (2016); Jacob Kreiner; Graham Busler; Hunter Braciszewski
Course: ENVS 350A
Community Partner: Rebuilding Exchange
Producing new building materials uses large quantities of water. Re-using building materials offers a more sustainable alternative. We worked with Rebuilding Exchange, a non-profit organization diverting building materials from landfills through reuse,
to determine the virtual water embodied in individual building materials. We focused our research on four materials: lumber,
bricks/concrete, metal, and windows. Using the information from our research, we created a tool quantifying the virtual water
of individual building materials in order to illustrate water savings to the patrons of Rebuilding Exchange.
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 1

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Poster 3
Creative Communities in Miniature Wargaming: An Ethnographic Study
Rebecca Strang, Digital Media (2016)
Mentored by Florence Chee, Communication
Miniature wargamers dedicate hours of research and preparation time to paint and construct wargame figurines and terrain. This
ethnographic study looks at the creative communities built around the miniature wargaming hobby. Online communities and
web resources are explored, as well as a miniature wargaming convention, and one family provides an in-depth look into their
love of the hobby.
Poster 4
Comparison of Dental Wear in Molars in Neanderthal and Archaic Homo sapiens Groups from Southwest Asia and Europe
David Hanley, Anthr opology and Classical Civilizations (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Kristin Krueger-Vinson, Anthropology
This research project seeks to understand differences in adult molar wear patterns between Neanderthal and archaic Homo sapiens populations in Southwest Asia and Europe. In order to accomplish this, we must first understand the environmental factors
affecting both regions since factors like vegetation can cause abrasions on molars. We must examine differences in the next
wear present on molars between individuals, sites, and regions through recording wear scores on Neanderthal and archaic Homo
sapiens molars and compare these scores to the different environmental factors. Finally, we determine if correlations exist between the environment and wear observed on an individuals molars.
Poster 5
Chiral Redox-Active Iron Catalysts for Asymmetric Alkene Functionalization
Rachel Knapp, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Chad Eichman, Chemistry
The advancement of human health relies on the development and synthesis of new bioactive molecules. Because most drugs
contain one or more chiral centers, there is a growing interest in using catalysts to install the chiral center more efficiently. One
way to achieve this efficacy is by using chiral ligands that attach to catalytic metal centers. The development of our new chiral
ligand will provide an efficient way to install chirality and therefore lead to new synthetic routes to pharmaceutical building
blocks. Additionally, the use of iron for the catalysis is more economically feasible and environmentally friendly. As part of our
project goal we plan on improving known reactions by adding chirality. This project will further the science community and
lead to breakthroughs in reaction stereoselectivity that will translate into more efficient chemistry.
Poster 6
Finding Outliers In Phylogenic Trees of Bacteriophages and Their Hosts
Charles Roberts, Bioinfor matics (2017)
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Biology; Jason Shapiro, Bioinformatics
The goal of this project is to find outliers in phylogenetic trees that have been made of bacteriophages and thier hosts. By
grouping the data found at each depths located on the tree, it is then possible to see if there are any potential outliers at that
specific depth that could be removed to improve the tree.
Poster 7
Formation of a pH Front by Shewanella putrefaciens
Milomir Suvira, Biochemistr y and Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Alanah Fitch, Chemistry
The recent trend towards an environmentally friendly acquisition of energy can be improved through the use of microbial fuel
cells. The bacteria naturally go through metabolic processes in which electrons are transferred to terminal electron acceptors
such as oxygen. In a microbial fuel cell the terminal electron acceptor is altered from oxygen to an anode. As a result, the energy in the electrons, harnessed by the anode, can be connected to a system that creates a small "green", environmentally friendly
electrical potential. The main purpose of my research is to acquire a clear and concise understanding of the microbe Shewanella
putrefaciens' electron transfer mechanism, and to optimize the methodologies of evanescent wave spectroscopy and controlled
potential electrolysis to characterize how the outer membrane cytochromes are affected by the formation of pH front.
Poster 8
Lingual Ephrin-A's and Ephrin-B's Repel Embryonic Geniculate and Trigeminal Neurites in Vitro
Randall Treffy, Biochemistr y and Molecular Biology (2016)
Mentored by William Rochlin, Biology
Taste axons from the geniculate ganglion innervate pre-gustatory epithelium while somatosensory axons from the trigeminal
ganglion innervate adjacent non-taste epithelium. Although diffusible factors are necessary for proper innervation, nondiffusible factors likely also play a role. Ephs and ephrins are cell attached proteins that act as receptor and/or ligand for each
other and have been known to repel, stabilize, or promote axon growth. Ephrin-A3 and ephrin-B2 are found along the lingual
epithelium and EphA's and EphB's are found in the axons. In vitro, both ephrin-A and ephrin-B repel taste and somatosensory
axons while combining immediate concentrations may have an additive effect.
Poster 9
Publicly Available Data Driven App Development
Quinn Christianson, Computer Science (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by William Honig, Computer Science
A demonstration of the developed app followed by the breakdown of how the app evaluates the data sets it was given. It will
finish with a discussion of the use of publicly available data in developing apps.
Poster 10
Glucose, Insulin, and Gene Expression in Diet-Induced Obesity
Syeda Rabab Zaidi, Economics (2016)
Mentored by James Cheverud, Biology; Madeline Keleher, Biology
Obesity has emerged as a major health problem in the United States, with more than one third of American adults classified as
obese. This study focused upon the role of diet impacting diabetes related traits, investigating whether low-fat-fed mice compared to those on a high fat diet were more prone to diabetes risk through changes in gene expression. These mice were studied
over a period of seventeen weeks to collect data on glucose and insulin levels, organ and body weights, and alterations in gene
expression.
Poster 11
Effect of Climate Change on Weather and Ozone in St. Louis: Implications for Climate Action Plans
Meghan Patel , Envir onmental Science and Envir onmental Policy (2017)
Mentored by Ping Jing, Environmental Science
This study intends to investigate the impact of climate change on air quality. As a critical air pollutant, ozone (O3) is known to
be affected by weather conditions. This study focuses on the summertime in the St. Louis area. It examines how weather pat-
terns have changed and how O3 concentrations have responded to the changes in weather patterns in the area from 1990 to
2014. Our results show that the number of days associated with warm weather (moist tropical and dry tropical) has increased
and cold weather days (dry polar) have decreased in summer in St. Louis. This supports the claim that St. Louis summers have
become warmer. It is also shown that high O3 days (>70 ppb) have become increasingly correlated with dry tropical (DT) weather. Ozone concentrations in St. Louis have decreased as a result of emission controls. However, St. Louis still
often exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for O3. The fact that DT days are increasing makes it challenging for St. Louis to attain the recently tightened NAAQS for O3. To safeguard public health, climate action plans should
incorporate stronger emission controls to further reduce O3 in future warmer climate.
Poster 12
Outside the Army: An In-depth Look at the Duke of Cumberland's Personnel
Sarah Deas, Histor y (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Robert Bucholz, History
A Provost Fellowship over the summer enabled me to compile lists for the Database of Court Officers with a focus on the children of King George II and Queen Caroline, such as the Duke of Cumberland. This project has taken the names and data from
the list compiled for the Duke of Cumberland to create a prosopography, or a collective biography of those who worked in the
royal household of the Duke. The purpose of the project is to discover common traits amongst this group of people, such as
average time spent in court, education, and family connections.
Poster 13
The Cultural Defiance of Women Religious: Speaking Volumes through the Removal of Habits
Claire Blankenship, Histor y and Secondar y Education (2017)
Mentored by Kyle Roberts, History
Through comparatively analyzing cultural representations of women religious with the thoughts and academia surrounding the
decision to remove the habit by these nuns, the convictions of the BVM sisters redefine the status quo of both religious persons
and women within the Catholic Church. This analysis of the habit continues the idea that neither Vatican II nor cultural preferences were the catalysts of this change, but rather, women religious decided the course of action for themselves and pioneered a
democratic element to a hierarchical church.
Poster 14
Analysis of Optimal Poker Strategies
Kaitlin Parsons, Mathematics (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Peter Tingley, Mathematics
Is it a good idea to bluff? One way to think of this concept is as follows: Is it a good idea to bluff assuming your opponent is a
good player and knows your strategy and knows that you will bluff on certain hands? Each player has an optimal strategy. That
is to say, each player has a strategy once implemented, will cause the opponent to have no better option. By analyzing small
games, we are able to see certain patterns of optimal strategies that hold true for even more complicated games.
Poster 15
Determining the Methylation of SIRE1 in Glycine max
Rachel Shanker, Molecular Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Howard Laten, Biology
This project uses McrBC to determine the methylation of SIRE1 in adult and embryonic tissue of Glycine max (soybean).
McrBC is an endonuclease which cleaves methylcytosines. Both digested and undigested genomic DNA will be run through
PCR; primers covering the length of the element will amplify the entire element in overlapping fragments. Using gel electrophoresis, we can compare relative band intensities of uncut and cut DNA. If a cut sequence does not appear as intense as an
uncut control, it suggests methylation within that portion of the element because there was no viable genomic template for the
PCR.
Poster 16
The Physics of Stringed Instruments: Experimenting in the Classroom
Katarzyna Pomian, Physics and Spanish (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Gordon Ramsey, Physics
An analysis of twelve different stringed instruments was done using a variety of complimentary experimental methods. String
spectral analysis of sound waves was gathered for each instrument by plucking strings at different locations using picks, bows,
and thumbs, as appropriate. The body resonances of different frequencies were studied using Chladni patterns, which allowed
us to visually view resonances within the instruments bodies. Finally, high-speed videos of the strings were taken. To find the
effective decay constants, an analysis of the string vibrations was conducted. Correlations between the string resonances, body
resonance data, and high-speed video data were made. A variety of different approaches were used to conduct a cross examination of all the different string instruments to determine the dependence of the timbre of stringed instruments on their body
shape. The experimental methods we used could be adapted into the laboratory and the related analysis results can be used to
study wave theory in the classroom at all levels in a practical way.
Poster 17
Conjugation of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) onto Eight-Arm Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) via Strain Promoted Azide Alkyne
Cycloaddition (SPAAC) as a Multifunctional Pharmaceutical Carrier
Matthew Rhodes, Biochemistr y (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Jonathan Hill, Chemistry
This objective of this research project was to develop and optimize a polyethylene glycol- bovine serum albumin complex (PEG
-BSA) as a pharmaceutical carrier. Current methods of drug delivery exhibit problems with partial degradation that occurs prior
to reaching the desired target in the body, and time-release mechanisms, which release treatment continuously, but occasionally
at excessive rates. Our sophisticated drug delivery system is designed to provide protection from degradation and lower systemic drug toxicity.
Poster 18
Behavioral Analysis of Team Performance on Cryptographic Tasks
Tyler Schoenwolf, Psychology (2016), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Joseph Bihary, Psychology
This project was part of a series of studies on group problem-solving and the social processes by which such groups function,
specifically focusing on groups consideration of advice presented from outside the group and their use of this advice when
attempting to solve a cryptographic code. As part of an experimental design, members of two-person teams were led to prefer
either similar or different strategies for solving the code. Team interactions were videotaped to allow for quantitative and qualitative analyses of group behaviors. Mixed results suggested that diversity in group members preferences may impact some
aspects of group interaction.
Poster 19
The Criminalization of Women in Chicago, 1870-1920
Alice Thompson, Political Science, Inter national Studies, Spanish (2017), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Rachel Boyle, History
This research explored the criminalization of women in Cook County between 1870 and 1920 to understand how their stories
connect with broader oppressive social structures. Most importantly, it examined which types of women and acts were criminalized to better understand how battles for social and political control mapped out onto women. The research was conducted via
cross-listing of criminal court records and newspaper articles.
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Poster 20
Selective Targeting of Cancerous Cells for Programmed Cell Death via Photodynamic Therapy Agents
Mark Malham, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by RoJenia Jones, Chemistry
Our laboratory is interested in understanding the function of normal and abnormal cellular development in the vertebrate Danio
rerio, the zebrafish. Using this model organism with its unique characteristic advantages for study we can investigate this procedure. The folate receptor was the focus in previous parts of the project. It regulates the uptake of folic acid, fundamental for
growth and repair in cells. In cancer cells we observe an increase of these receptors allowing for its rapid growth. It was determined that these receptors are present at all cell stages of the zebrafish during embryo development. Photodynamic therapy
allows for combining a photosensitizer agent with folic acid in targeting these rapidly dividing cells. This conjugated agent was
designed and tested successfully which led to supporting the use of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Singlet oxygen radicals are
toxic to a cell causing substantial damage. By generating a compound with folic acid, a photosensitizer agent and cross-linked
hemoglobin for the production of ROS we aim to develop a method of targeting cancer cells directly and impeding continuous
growth.
Poster 21
The Effect of Sense of Belonging in High School on Parental Involvement and Active/Productive Coping Behaviors for African
American Students
Kimberly Katner, Psychology (2017)
Mentored by Suzanna So, Psychology
Parental involvement declines steadily through elementary school and is too often nonexistent by middle school, which is problematic because parental involvement in school is positively correlated to academic achievement (Carneigie Council on Adolescent Development 1995). Parental involvement may be most helpful in regard to academic success of students when the student
also identifies with their teachers and school environment. Part of the purpose of this study is to examine if an African American high school student's sense of belonging in school helps to predict parental involvement in school. This study also looks at
whether sense of belonging in school effects the use of active/productive coping behaviors. In previous studies, it was found
that productive coping style was positively related to student reported school connectedness (Frydenberg 2009). Undertaking
active techniques of coping, depends on having a high level of the sense of belonging (Wilczynska 2015). Specifically looking
at African American adolescent students, this study examines if a stronger sense of school belongingness is an explanation for
the use of productive and active techniques of coping.
Poster 22
Association Between Demographics and Unemployment Rates in Specified Regions of the United States
Chloe Greene, Oper ations Management and Infor mation Systems (2017); Andrew Harris
Mentored by Mary Mallarias, Business
Our data set compared race, age, gender, employment status and geographic region of the United States. We analyzed the relationship between these variables to determine trends in unemployment across these specified regions.
Poster 23
Oscillation Frequency and Pattern Wavelength in Granular Media
Robert Schaller, Physics (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Barbara Skrzypek; Justin Stuck; Sarah Anderson
Mentored by Jon Bougie, Physics
Current research suggests granular media can often be treated as a fluid. Unlike traditional fluids, the rules that govern granular
media are still not well understood. When granular systems are oscillated at different frequencies, shocks are created that travel
though the media. Previous research additionally found patterns in the granular systems similar to Faraday waves in traditional
fluids. By running numerical simulations of this phenomena we are investigating the relationship between shocks and pattern
wavelength. Preliminary results have indicate that instability in the shock front are integral to the creation of these standing
wave patterns.
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Poster 24
A Practical Lesson in Polarization Optics: Creating a 3D Image Using a Liquid Crystal Cell
Matthew Schmidt, Physics (2017); Akshar Kumar
Mentored by Robert Polak, Physics
We have developed a 3D demonstration piece where a liquid crystal cell is used as a variable retarder to create polarized light.
Based on the voltage applied to the cell, the user can create polarized light. We created a system that converts randomly polarized light to circularly polarized light and displays the image on a polarization maintaining screen. By viewing the screen with
passive glasses one orientation of circularly polarized light will reach each eye, and the brain will create a 3D image. This
demonstration can be used at a (post)-secondary level to provide a practical application of polarization.
Poster 25
Characterizing Bacteria within the Bladder Microbiota
Majed Shaheen, Biology and Bioinfor matics (2017); Jared Cara; Arya Mehrtash; Nathaniel Polley; Kema Malki
Community Partner: Loyola University Medical Center
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Bioinformatics; Jason Shapiro, Bioinformatics
Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile. The human bladder is populated with a diverse bacterial community. To better
understand the bacteria found within this community, individual species have been isolated. Through the use of bioinformatics
tools, we have assembled and annotated 13 strains belonging to the genera Gardnerella and Lactobacillus. Comparison to other
sequenced strains of these genera provides insight into their putative function within the bladder as well as their evolutionary
history.
Poster 26
Understanding Littering Behavior Among Chicago Beachgoers
Kayla Peet, Envir onmental Science (2016); Yasmin Sanders-Fathi
Community Partner: Alliance for Greater Lakes
Mentored by Olga Lyandres, Alliance for Greater Lakes; Sarah Neville , Alliance for Greater Lakes
Litter, including cigarette butts, plastic, and other items, affects water quality, wildlife, and the aesthetics of Chicago beaches.
We developed methodology for analyzing and measuring changes in littering behaviors among Chicago beach goers. The methodology will be used by the Alliance for Great Lakes to evaluate the efficacy of intervention strategies aimed at eliminating
litter on Great Lakes shorelines. By drawing on past behavioral studies, we created and piloted a survey and observation protocol that will allow us to understand littering behaviors and implement effective campaign strategies to eliminate littering at
Chicago beaches.
Poster 27
Vitamin D and Cognition: A Review of the Literature
Joanna Sprano, Nur sing (2016); Salina Ramos; Lauren Wells
Community Partner: Ruth K. Palmer Memorial Endowment
Mentored by Mary Byrn, Nursing
The goal of this evidence-based literature review is to summarize previous studies investigating the association between vitamin
D and cognition. Vitamin D deficiency is estimated to affect more than 1 billion people worldwide and has been associated with
executive dysfunction and increased risk of dementia and Alzheimers.Therefore, the relation of vitamin D and cognitive function is worthy of review. This review provides evidence that there is a link between levels of Vitamin D and cognition. It is still
unclear what the relationship between Vitamin D and neurodegenerative diseases, but the evidence from these studies prove the
existence of a link between the two. The conclusion of a positive correlation between low Vitamin D and cognitive impairment
reinforces the pursuit in understanding the role of vitamin D biomarkers in the development of cognitive dysfunction.
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Poster 28
School Lessons and Activities Associated With Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
Nicolette Fudala, Physics and Biology (2017); Marcin Zelek; Benjamin OHearn
Community Partner: Senn High School
We have developed lessons and activities in conjunction with the Next Generation Science Standards for Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation. This work takes advantage of low-cost apparatuses and HTML programs to demonstrate the disciplinary
core ideas, including energy transfer; reflection, refraction, and transmission; interference and diffraction; analog and digital
signals. Support to students and instructors is provided through video lessons and demonstrations as well as written lessons and
worksheets. The curriculum is undergoing testing at Senn High School and included in teaching training courses at LUC.
Poster 29
An Analysis Of Methylation Patterns Within Subtelomeric Repeats As They Pertain To Cancer
Elizabeth Sheehan, Biology and Italian (2016)
Mentored by Jeffrey Doering, Biology
Previous studies have shown varying levels of methylation in heterochromatic regions within cancer and non-cancerous cell
lines, specifically within tandemly repetitive regions within the heterochromatin of acrocentric chromosomes. The focus of this
project was to analyze methylation patterns within both prostate cancer cell lines and what are considered normal, or noncancerous, cell lines as a control method in order to determine if the variance in methylation was indeed significant in this particular cancer. The 6kb tandemly repetitive sequence located in the sub-telomeric region of the short arm of the 21st chromosome was the area of focus for this study.
Poster 30
Growth Rate and Survivorship of the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) in Various Disturbances and Substrate Types
Claudia Urban, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Biology
Substrate type and disturbance affect the role of invasive Corbicula fluminea by inhibiting burial and survivorship. C. fluminea
was collected from the Chicago River and placed in the artificial stream facility. Clams (N=6) were placed in trays where each
tray contained one type of sediment (N=5). This was repeated in 6 streams. In 3 streams, trays were routinely disturbed. Afterwards, clams and sediment were placed in continuous-flow chambers analyzing denitrification. The disturbance slowed growth
rates and resulted in reduced soft tissue mass in larger substrates. The results from the denitrification analysis expect to follow
a similar pattern.
Poster 31
Determining the Evolutionary Relationships among Families of Retrotransposons in Glycine Max
Rahul Shaju, Biology and Bioinfor matics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Retrotransposons are a class of transposable elements that are major components of plant and animal genomes. Retrotransposons can also induce speciation due to their ability to control gene expression. A subclass of retrotransposons, known as long
term repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, are useful for determining the evolutionary history of various organisms. LTR retrotransposons are flanked by long term repeat sequences on each side of the retrotransposon. These sequences are identical upon insertion but are prone to mutations over time. By analyzing the LTR regions of retrotransposons and identifying mutations in
Glycine Max (soybean) genome, we have develop the evolutionary relationships between different families of retrotransposons.
From these relationships we will also gain a better understanding of how retrotransposons insert themselves into the host genome.
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Poster 32
Biophysical Characterization of DNA Duplexes Containing Small Bubbles
Thao Tran, Biophysics (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Brian Cannon, Physics
Unpaired bases within DNA occur when there are errors in DNA processing and protein interactions. Processing errors can
introduce a set of unpaired bases (mismatches) and larger regions (bubbles) result from destabilization of DNA by protein interactions. Our goal was to explore the effect of molecular crowding on the energetics of destabilized DNA. Using optical melting
and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, we investigated the thermodynamics of DNA containing mismatches and bubbles in the presence of a molecular crowding agent. The DNA duplexes were constructed from single-stranded DNA and we
varied amounts of the crowding agent, polyethylene glycol.
Poster 33
The Affects of Sodium Fluoride and Sodium Monofluorophosphate on Metabolic Lactic Acid Production of S. mutans GS5 and
S. mutans UA 159
Michael Ross, Biophysics (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Domenic Castignetti, Biology
A common bacterium found in saliva, S. mutans, is recognized as being one of the leading causes of dental caries. As S. mutans
metabolizes sucrose it produces lactic acid. This acid lowers the pH of saliva, leaving individuals susceptible to cavities. This
experiment focuses on observing the affects sodium fluoride (NaF) and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) have on the acid
produced by S. mutans GS5 and S. mutans UA 159. It is our goal to find the conditions that would maintain the most basic pH
through the duration of the experiments and diminish acidification by S. mutans GS5 and S. mutans UA 159.
Poster 34
Iron-catalyzed Arene Prenylation
Victoria Calteaux, Chemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Chad Eichman, Chemsitry
The syntheses of prenylated arenes and 2,2-dimethylchromans using a Friedel-Crafts type coupling between activated arenes
and isoprene is reported using catalytic amounts of FeCl3 and ZnCl2. The simplicity of the reaction conditions and selectivity
of the prenylation products observed in this chemistry make it a viable option for teaching Friedel-Crafts chemistry to sophomore Organic students in a laboratory setting. We have optimized the reaction conditions most simplified, highest yielding, and
most cost effective reactions that can be performed in one laboratory session. With these results we aim to create an accessible
way for sophomore students to experientially learn Friedel-Crafts chemistry.
Poster 35
Nest Quality Analysis of Mice Based on Differences in Diet
Amer Ahmed, Economics (2016)
Nest building is a common practice shared by a variety of species, playing an important role in shelter, rearing young, and the
promotion of reproductive behaviors. Diet plays important roles in the activity levels of mice, potentially having an affect on
the quality of nests. This study investigated the quality of nest building in genetically identical SM/J mice. We compared mice
placed on a high fat diet (HFD) to those placed on a low fat diet (LFD) using the Deacon Scale. Furthermore, an ethogram was
created to analyze the behavioral activities of the mice.
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Poster 36
Molecular Dynamics of Polymer-Surfactant-Drug Interactions
Meenhaj Kabir, Economics and Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Kenneth Olsen, Biochemistry
Surfactants are often used in the formulation of drug tablets in order to control the solubility and release of the drug after the
tablet is ingested. Their ability to help deliver these drugs properly in humans through amorphous solid dispersions (ASD),
lipid based and salt based formulations have increased significantly. This should enable the pharmaceutical companies to better
select specific surfactants to optimize the effects of particular drugs. Observation of how drugs of different levels of hydrophobicity interact with the polymers and surfactants, especially those of lower hydrophobicity are the current goal of this project.
Poster 37
Invasive Plant Biomass Harvesting as a Means of Conducting Phytoremediation of Contaminated Sediments in the Grand
Calumet River
Leann Ngo, Envir onmental Policy (2017), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Brendan Carson; Brian Ohsowski; Shane Lishawa; Tham Hoang; Institute for Environmental Sustainability
This interdisciplinary project aims to determine the potential for removing heavy metal contaminants from wetlands in the
Calumet River by harvesting common reed and hybrid cattail, which are the two most common, productive, and ecologically
detrimental invasive wetland plants in the region. In the spring of 2015 I collected sediment samples from one uncontaminated
and two contaminated sites and analyzed them for heavy metal content using ICPMS. This year I will grow each plant species
in pots containing contaminated or uncontaminated soil and measure their metal uptake rate. I will then conduct bioassays on
the "phytoremediated" sediments.
Poster 38
Data Analysis of Crayfish Survey in Chicago Area Waterway System
Abby Jahn, Envir onmental Science (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Reuben Keller, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
The purpose of this project was to analyze the data collected during the summer of 2015 crayfish survey. Methods of analyzation included graphing data, using excel to organize crayfish and scud trap location data, and working with ArcGIS, a geographic information system software to create maps of crayfish and scud trap sites.
Poster 39
Effects of Short-term Global Immersion Trips on Pre-Health Students
Ewuramma Taylor, Sociology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Anne Figert, Sociology; Kelly Moore, Sociology
Health care providers are expected to have a wealth of scientific knowledge as well as be proficient in many important procedures. In current in medicine, there is increasing emphasis for them to also understand the social factors that shape health,
health behaviors, and patient/practitioner interactions, among other issues. Pre-health students must develop these characteristics in order to be successful in their chosen health careers. But how can they achieve this goal within the rigid curriculum
structures in place? The answer may be short term global immersion trips that expose students to hands on health related experiences while exposing them to new cultures in other countries. My research strives to answer the question of whether or not
short-term global immersion trips affect students development of values critical to success in health careers, understanding of
other cultures, and development of future plans and aspirations? I surveyed and interviewed undergraduate students who have
participated in trips of this nature. The data show that although students do not fully embrace values that some see as necessary
to be successful in their health careers, they do become more aware of these values in general and have direct experiences to
relate to when considering them. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the formation of pre-health curriculum as well as it stresses the importance of self-reflection of essential values.
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Poster 40
Characters and Corrections: How Society Communicates the Implications of an Incarcerated Parent to Young Children
Ricardo Vidal, Sociology and Cr iminal J ustice (2016)
Mentored by Marilyn Krogh, Sociology
Incarceration is an complex issue that plagues our nation, but it becomes even more difficult to explain this issue to children
who have a parent(s) in prison. By using content analysis this project examines children's books as a tool in communicating this
topic and helping children both understand and cope with their situation.
Poster 41
Parent-Child Conflict and Depressive Symptoms in Middle School Aged Latino Children
Diana Diaconu, Psychology (2015)
Mentored by Catherine DeCarlo Santiago, Psychology; Laura Distel, Psychology
The current study aims to look at the effects parent-child conflict has on childrens psychological health, focusing on its effects
on internalizing symptoms, by looking at middle school-aged Latino youth in urban Chicago, using the Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ; Robin & Foster, 1995) and the Youth Self-Report (Achenbach, 1991). The rates of parent-child conflict with
both a mother figure and a father figure are looked at. The focus of this study is to identify how parent-child conflict is related
to childrens depressive symptoms in a Latino sample. After looking at previous studies, it is hypothesized that higher rates of
parent-child conflict will be associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms.
Poster 42
Social Justice Internship: A Transformative Education Through Service
Samia Khan, Biochemistr y (2016), Social J ustice Fellowship
Community Partner: Catholic Charities
Mentored by Andrew Miller, Center for Experiential Learning; Sharita Sloan, Catholic Charities
I was a social justice intern at Catholic Charities Madonna House from Fall 2015 - Spring 2016. Madonna House provides safe
shelter, food, and other resources for mothers and their children in order to help them become more self-sufficient. As a housing
intern, I served as a resource for the staff members, residents, as well as work with other community organizations to facilitate
various programs during the week. This entails planning leisure activities for the residents, developing interactive youth programs for the children, along with other around the house tasks such as organizing received donations. Through this presentation I am highlighting and reflecting on some of the key experiences from my internship at the Madonna House.
Poster 43
Reproductive Mode and Phylogeny Influence Peritoneum Pigment Shade in North American Snakes
Bonita McKinley, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Community Partner: The Field Museum
Mentored by Joseph Milanovich, Biology; Alan Resetar, Field Museum
There is an apparent characteristic within the peritoneum that raises questions and projects among scientists: the coloration of
the peritoneum is not universal among amphibians and reptiles. Some organisms have a peritoneum that is almost invisible, like
snakes species Charina bottae, and Crotalus atrox, while others such as Opheodrys aestivus exhibit a peritoneum that is almost
black. We examined the pigment coloration of 104 North American snake species across five families and eight subfamilies. In
order to organize our findings, the methods were categorized into four groups: Peritoneum Identification, Photography, pigment
ranking, and statistical analysis.
Poster 44
The Effects of Harvesting an Invasive Hybrid Cattail on Abiotic and Biotic Wetland Properties
Samantha Keyport, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship
Community Partner: Society of Wetland Scientists and the University of Michigan Biological Station
Mentored by John Kelly, Biology; Brendan Carson, Biology; Nancy Tuchman, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
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Great Lakes coastal wetlands are susceptible to invasion by the hybrid cattail Typha x glauca, which has been linked to alterations in bacterial community composition. To assess the potential for restoration to influence bacterial communities, we conducted a field study at a T. x glauca invaded wetland. Cattail stems and litter were removed in 6 treatment plots, and 6 control
plots were left unrestored. Five years after restoration, restored plots contained significantly less litter, but other factors in restored plots were not significantly different than control plots, including stem density, nutrient levels, pH, CO2/CH4 flux, or
bacterial community composition.
Poster 45
The Refugee's Right to Thrive
Allison Ryder, Inter national Business and Finance (2016), Social J ustice Fellowship
Community Partner: Loom Chicago
Mentored by Noah Butler, Anthropology
The Refugees Right to Thrive analyzes the feminization of poverty looking at the urbanization of refugees, the benefits and
hindrances of microfinance initiatives, and the empowerment of women through the creation of sustainable ways to earn a stable income. This research explores the ways that access to entrepreneurship and micro-finance programs empowers women to
enter the formal business sector and stabilize their income, ultimately challenging the cycle and feminization of poverty women
refugees face when living in the United States.
Poster 46
Crowdsourcing Communal Creativity
Austin Tolentino, Mar keting and Economics (2017), Social Innovation and Social Entr epr eneur ship Fellowship
Community Partner: Threadless
Mentored by Stacy Neier Beran, Marketing
An online ethnography, or netnography was conducted within the online community of Threadless.com, where designs for
apparel and other products sold come from the community. The netnography reveals interesting dynamics of a community that
crowdsources and crowdfunds art. Such new trends in connected business models can democratize creativity and production.
Threadless as an art venture has created multiple ladders for members to reach the community's goal of rallying behind artwork.
Though Threadless's culture has historically been consistent, its openness to exploration through artwork and conversation has
fostered a communal creativity which constantly transforms Threadlesss aesthetic across all of its offerings.
Poster 47
Kitchen Closed: What Access to Opportunities Looks Like for the Underserved
Samantha Happ, Political Science, Inter national Studies, Advocacy and Social Change (2016)
Mentored by Andrew Miller, Center for Experiential Learning
Most of the injustices of extreme poverty, aside from wealth inequality and low wages, result from the lack of access to opportunities and resources. Combined with incarceration, low educational attainment, poor health, high job turnover and high crime
rates, we see the effects of extreme poverty on a daily basis. In Cook County alone, over 20% of the population is experiencing
poverty; as this number grows, the harder it becomes to shrink. When we turn of the lights and lock the doors, how do we expect individuals experiencing extreme poverty to be able to maneuver themselves out? Catholic Charities Archdiocese seeks to
provide comprehensive support for individuals to break the cycle. But does this work in the "kitchen" allow the underserved to
grab a seat, or is it merely just keeping the light on?
Poster 48
Perceptions of Neighborhood and Internalizing Symptoms in the Context of a Cross-Age Peer-Mentoring Program
Parmida Zarei, Psychology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Community Partner: Chicago Public Schools
Mentored by Maryse Richards, Psychology
This project examined the role of a cross-age peer-mentoring program on neighborhood perceptions and internalizing symptoms
in low-income, urban African-American youth. It was hypothesized that mentors who have undergone the mentoring curricu-
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lum would demonstrate a weaker relationship between negative neighborhood perceptions and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization, with the program acting as a buffer on the relationship between the two variables. The project provides
insight into how the implementation of such programs can promote positive cognitive and psychological outcomes in youth and
can potentially serve as a future guide in the development of mentoring curricula.
Poster 49
The Impact of Parental Trauma Exposure and Child Trauma Exposure on Child Emotional and Behavioral Symptom Severity
Nerissa Fernandez, Psychology (2016)
Community Partner: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago
Mentored by Catherine DeCarlo Santiago, Psychology
This study examines the association between parental and child trauma exposure and child emotional and behavioral symptoms
among elementary children enrolled in an early intervention program. First through fourth graders, who screened positive for
trauma exposure and elevated PTSD symptoms by school social workers, completed questionnaires measuring emotional and
behavioral symptoms. Analyses reveal that parental trauma exposure, parent reported child trauma exposure, and child selfreported trauma exposure were associated with overall child emotional and behavioral symptoms. While parental and child
trauma exposure were not significantly associated with child emotional symptoms, they were correlated with conduct problems
and hyperactivity/inattention.
Poster 50
Analysis of RALDH2 Gene Expression and Disease Model Development in Zebrafish
Brienne Lubor, Molecular Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Michelle Vittitoe; Suraj
Sheth; Carolyn Wong
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology
Retinaldehyde-dehydrogenase-2 (RaldH2) gene contributes to normal development by patterning brain, vertebrae, limbs and
abdominothoracic organs. We identified RALDH2s potential promoter/regulatory regions through evolutionary comparison to
other fish genomes. Then we performed transgenic experiments to fuse RaldH2 5-cis-regulatory region to reporter Yellow
Fluorescent Protein, revealing embryonic regions where RALDH2 is active. Microinjecting RaldH2::YFP transposon DNA and
transposase mRNA generated transgenic lines with tissues expressing RaldH2. Further RALDH2 studies could clarify this highly-conserved genes role in vertebrates as a tumor suppressor gene and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome target gene. Ultimately our
studies may allow RALDH2 regulation to suppress cancer or protect developing fetuses.
Poster 51
Morphometric Analysis of the Adaptive Radiation of the Malagasy Vangas
Matthew Bonfitto, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Nicole Gracias
Mentored by Sushma Reddy, Biology
Using landmarking and linear variation measurements, we aim to analyze the changes in the Malagasy bird family Vangidae
through time. We will attempt to identify trends in the size and shape of the bills and bodies of the Vangas as they evolved from
a common ancestor. By examining the evolution and disparity of the Vangidae family in comparison to its mainland relatives,
we can determine whether different factors drive diversity and adaptation of endemic island birds.
Poster 52
Epigenetics Characterization of Satellite III Subfamilies in Cancer
Paarth Choksi, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Adnan Ahmad; Burhan Adhami
The Human Genome project did not complete the sequencing of the highly repetitive, low-expression heterochromatic regions.
Our lab is constructing a detailed map of the short arm of chromosome 21 (HC21p) as a model for understanding the structure
and function of heterochromatic regions in general. The heterochromatic portion of the genome is rich in normally unexpressed
tandemly repetitive satellite sequences. Recent work has revealed that satellite expression is highly elevated in cancer cells
compared to normal tissue. Among these, Satellite III (SatIII) repeats showed the greatest increase in expression. Different toplevel families of satellite sequence have been shown to be differentially changed in expression in cancer cells compared to nor-
18
mal cells; however, currently it is not known if all SatIII subfamilies show equal changes in expression. We have developed
quantitative assays capable of studying the epigenetic state of individual SatIII subfamilies and hypothesize that all SatIII targets will display histone modifications consistent with transcriptional activation, but that different regions will display different
levels of activation. If different levels of activation are found, this could lead to the development of biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis.
Poster 53
Moving Beyond Economic Growth: Planetary Boundaries and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Gabriella Imeri, Biology (2016); Mitali Shah
Mentored by Ryan Anderson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
By examining Kate Raworths Doughnut model we will explore how it contributes to solving the multifaceted global problems
we face. In essence, we wish to examine how SDGs function within the planetary boundaries framework to help us achieve a
sustainable future for both our social, economic, and environmental goals. We aim to debunk the notion of a strongly positive
correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and Gross Domestic Product and hope to prove that the decoupling of the two
will help influence sound policy beyond the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) in countries that have
committed to the 2015 Paris Agreements.
Poster 54
Alignment of Hela Cells on Polyimide Gel
Rahi Patel, Biology (2016); Monica Kowalczyk
Cellular alignment is a key characteristic often reported by researchers on tissue viability and tissue growth. In the research, we
found different factors that play a key role in the alignment of the cells such as shear stress, mechanical stress, substrate stiffness and substrate topography. To further test the effect of substrate topography for tissue growth and viability, several users
designed cover slips with polyimide gel creating a nano-patterned surface. HeLa cells were then plated onto the nano-patterned
cover slip in order to measure how well the cells align in a particular direction.
Poster 55
Acidification of Biodiesel Wastewater to Create a Closed Looped Production System at the Searle Biodiesel Lab at Loyola
University Chicago
Daphne Sugino, Envir onmental Science (2017); Breann Dietrich
Mentored by Zach Waickman, Serle Biodiesel Lab
Loyolas Searle Biodiesel Lab provides a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels by producing biodiesel, bio soap, and
other products from used cooking oil. The manufacturing process produces 10% wastewater. The purpose of this project is to
reduce that wastewater by creating an on-site treatment solution for the post production wash water that will allow its reuse in
the biodiesel production process. This will create a closed looped system, conserve freshwater, and reduce environmental impacts.
Poster 56
How Facebook and Twitter are Influencing Generation Y/Millennial Political Identities
Kristen Rusbarsky, Finance and Spor ts Management (2017); Derrick Morgan; Christine Wahlgren
The purpose of this study is to identify the effect that news articles shared through Facebook and Twitter have on Loyola students included in Generation Y and Millennial (born between 1990 and 1997) political identities or association with a specific
party. We hope to assess their knowledge regarding current issues and candidates, taking into account previous political involvement and views through voting history; age, political environment which includes family history and geographic location;
and gender using the articles we provide.
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Poster 57
Overcoming Oppression: The Effectiveness of Resources Used to Overcome Economic Inequality
Judy Ni, Inter national Business (2016); Peter Lucas Therp; Sabrina Minhas
The purpose of this study is to understand the strategies used by men and women to improve their financial circumstances, and
determine the effectiveness of different strategies. The project intends to examine the experiences of men and women to see if
there are strategies that will help individuals overcome economic inequality.
Poster 58
Site-directed Mutagenesis, Expression and Purification of Various Mutants for ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase from A. tumefaciens and E. coli
Laura Gonzalez-Martin, Mathematics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship; Vincent Renta
Mentored by Miguel Ballicora, Chemistry
ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is a regulatory enzyme in the pathway that produces glycogen in bacteria and starch in plants.
ADP-Glc PPase catalyzes the first committed step in the synthesis of these storage polysaccharides via the formation of ADPglucose. This enzyme is allosterically regulated and catalyzes the conversion of ATP and glucose-1-phosphate to ADP-Glc and
inorganic pyrophosphate. A specific amino acid residue hypothesized to play a key role in a binding site was replaced using
site-directed mutagenesis. The enzyme was then expressed and purified for kinetic assays to determine the effect of the mutation on binding affinity and ADP-glc synthesis.
Poster 59
Direct Current (DC) Field: Mechanism of Electric Field Guidance on Isolated Stem Cell Migration
Sonia Sherwani, Molecular Biology (2016); Zohaib Sherwani
Mentored by Hui Ye, Biology
The phenomenon by which cells migrate in a directed manner in the presence of an electrical potential gradient in vitro and ex
vivo is termed galvanotaxis. This project explores the possibility to control the migration of isolated, free-floating cells with
direct current (DC) electric field. We further test our hypothesis that DC induced migration can be enhanced by modifying the
surface charges of the membranes. Enhancing the migratory abilities and assimilation of aNPCs by combining biophysics, stem
cell biology and pharmacology, will clarify the mechanism of stem cell migration under electric guidance.
Poster 60
Genetic Regulation and Expression Patterns of Col2a1b in Zebrafish
Taylor Mitchell, Molecular Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Casey Erwin
Mentored by Rodney Dale, Biology
Our project focuses on the expression pattern and genetic regulation of Type II Collagen alpha 1b (col2a1b) in zebrafish using
in situ hybridization and PCR techniques. When there is mutation in the human col2a1 gene, congenital defects include: abnormal skeletal growth and density, early onset osteoarthritis, and retinal detachment. The human COL2A1 protein is more similar
to col2a1b than col2a1a in zebrafish. Illumination of the regulatory pathways and expression patterns of col2a1b could be more
indicative and useful in better understanding human COL2A1 because they are more similar. This understanding could be applied to help better treat congenital collagen defects.
Poster 61
Anthropogenic Litter Abundance on a Lake Michigan Beach
Anna Vincent, Biology (2017), Women in Science Enabling Resear ch Pr ogr am
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Biology
Many studies have focused on the accumulation of anthropogenic litter (i.e., garbage; AL) on marine beaches and the open
ocean, but much less research has been conducted on freshwater beaches. We studied AL at Pratt Beach in Chicago, IL. AL
was collected on a biweekly basis from March to November 2015. After collection, we sorted AL into categories, and quanti-
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fied AL by number and mass per area. AL density and input rate are highest by the pier. This suggests AL management and
prevention strategies may be most efficiently directed towards this portion of the beach habitat.
Poster 62
Sequencing the Gaps on HC21p
Safa Arfeen, Biology and Psychology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Our lab has been creating a sequence map for the short arm of HC21. I am filling in the gaps by extending known sequence
until I find overlap with another known region. The two specific regions I am looking at are SSW9 and the Lynch Pin Region. I
am using Clontechs Genome Walker Kit to extend the both regions of the sequences. Thus far, I have sequenced over 1,900
new nucleotides in the SSW9 region and over 100 in the Lynch Pin Region. After performing a NCBI BLAST, I also confirmed that the new sequence I acquired was indeed in a gap region.
Poster 63
Exploring the Epigenetic Link between Cancer and DNA Methylation of the Satellite Subfamily
Rachel Samuel, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
The expression of satellite DNA sequences is different between human tumors and normal tissue. satellite is expressed at
lower levels in tumors than normal tissue, suggesting that satellite may have higher levels of DNA methylation in tumors.
We studied the 7 satellite subfamily, using bisulfite sequencing PCR to quantitate levels of DNA methylation in normal and
prostate cancer cell lines. Preliminary analysis indicates that 7 is hypomethylated in the cancer cell lines compared to normal
cells, but analysis of additional samples is required. DNA methylation patterns could serve as biomarkers to determine the
presence and stage of cancer.
Poster 64
Bioinformatic and Experimental Characterization of Transposable Elements in Clover
Tautvydas Shuipys, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Plant hybridization events can result in increased transposable element (TE) activity. Therefore, this lab studies Trifolium repens, an allotetraploid that arose from a hybridization event between T. occidentale and T. pallescens, with the goal of determining what role TEs played its evolution. However, since the complete T. repens genome is not available, this project involved using limited sequence coverage to generate consensus sequences and using techniques like quantitative PCR and liquid
scintillation counting to determine copy numbers of the chosen retrotransposon families. The end result of the work is the bioinformatic and experimental characterization of TEs in clover.
Poster 65
Predicting Bacteria-Bacteriophage Interactions
Abdul Zakkar, Biology, Bioinfor matics, Computer Science (2018)
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Biology; Jason Shapiro, Biology
We hypothesize that phylogenetic trees can be used to predict bacteria-bacteriophage interactions. While several methods have
been developed to compare phylogenetic trees, they can only consider trees of the same size. However, to compare the phylogenetic trees of bacteria against those of bacteriophage, the trees will inevitably be of different sizes. This poses a whole new
computational challenge that requires a different set of algorithms and techniques to accomplish accurately. The objective of
this project is to create a program that can use phylogenetic trees to recognize and then test in the laboratory genes critical to
phage-host interactions.
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Poster 66
The Effects of Discrimination, Family Economic Stress, and Family Immigration Stress on Hispanic Youth's Mental Health
Ana Guzman, Psychology (2016)
Hispanic adolescents are more likely to endorse depression and anxiety than European American or African American adolescents. Hispanic adolescents also face unique stressors including discrimination stress, family economic stress, and family immigration stress, stressors that are linked to the presence of internalizing symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Given these
risk factors, it is important to examine the impact these stressors have on internalizing symptoms among this population. The
current study examines the impact of discrimination, family economic status, and family immigration stress on internalizing
symptoms among Hispanic adolescents.
Poster 67
The Accumulation of Paper Towel Compost and Why This Matters
Carlia Masa, Psychology (2016)
Over the past three years, the sustainability team and I have been composting paper towels in BVM/IES buildings. Composting
paper towels has been a proactive way to reduce waste production in total. If we specifically look at the statistics regarding the
amount of paper towels composted in just IES/BVM buildings, it is significant because it demonstrates that composting directly
impacts and reduces the amount of waste generated at Loyola University Chicago.
Poster 68
Attempting to Track the Energy Flow of Invasive Plants to Amphibians Using Stable Isotopes
Milica Radanovic, Biology and Envir onmental Science (2016), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
Mentored by Joseph R. Milanovich, Biology
The purpose of this project was to determine the degree to which larval anurans (Lithobates sylvatica, Wood Frog) consume
aquatic invasive plant litter (Lythrum salicaria, Purple Loosestrife) compared to native hardwood litter. Using stable isotope
data of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) from larval anurans and the two litter types we created Bayesian Isotope Mixing Models to determine specific litter types tadpoles were consuming. Our results suggest that although the isotopic 15N values of the
invasive litter were higher compared to native litter, the fractionation of stable isotopes and contribution of either litter to the
tadpoles could not be distinguished.
Poster 69
Implications of Self-Surveillance and Body Dissatisfaction on Self-Worth
Margaret DeZelar, Psychology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Amy Bohnert, Psychology
Our project aims to explore a class of chromosomal DNA elements called retrotransposons. Retrotransposons are mobile DNAs
that have caused critical changes in the gene expression of organisms exposed to major stress such as excess heat, UV exposure,
etc. We are evaluating the differences in retrotransposon activity, mapping the locations of the genes affected by the DNAs and
determining the possible function of these genes within the white clover. When comparing the genomic sequence of the white
clover to similar species we expect to find a larger than expected divergence in their overlap indicating a higher rate of evolution in white clover.
Poster 70
Investigating the Role of Attention in Grapheme-Color Synesthesia
Rachel Cundiff, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Anne Sutter, Psychology
Little is known about synesthesia, a condition in which one stimulus triggers a sensation in a different domain. A popular theory is that neurons processing the two different modalities are cross-wired in the brain, but only synesthetes retain these connections into adulthood. In color-grapheme synesthesia, some synesthetes see colors externally projected on the stimulus (called
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projectors), while others feel colors internally or in the minds eye (called associators). Using a task in which participants had to focus on either global or local information, I investigated whether projectors and associators differ in the effect
of attention on their synesthetic experiences
Poster 71
Identification of a New Regulator of Neuron Glia Interaction
Diane Luong, Biochemistr y (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Jennifer Mierisch, Biology
Drosophila do not have myelination. Instead, they have a subpopulation of glia known as wrapping glia that ensheath axons
similarly to myelin. In the developing peripheral nervous system (PNS), glial cells migrate along axons and ensheath them to
ensure proper development.? Our lab is studying the effects of varying expression levels of Raw in glia on Drosophila PNS
development.? Previous studies demonstrated that Raw functions in the gonad to promote the ensheathment of germ cells by
somatic gonadal precursor cells. Given the similarities between ensheathment in the gonad and the nervous system, we hypothesized that Raw plays a similar role in the nervous system.
Poster 72
Molecular Dynamics of Drug-Polymer Interactions
Anton Tomich, Biochemistr y (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Chemistry
Polyvinylacetate (PVAc)is a significant polymer frequently involved in pharmaceutical formulations. During production and
storage it is common for this polymer to interact with the drug, and upon consumption achieve a sustained release. By dispersing a hydrophobic drug in a polymer, the stability and solubility of the drug can be enhanced. Through Computational modeling, we seek to identify qualitative and quantitative relationships between PVAc and various drugs.
Poster 73
Ionic Mechanisms of Enhanced Neuronal Differentiation in Direct Current (DC) Electric Field
Zuzanna Binda, Biochemistr y (20156, Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Cell migration and selective differentiation are processes that are involved in promotion of proper neural regeneration. Electric
fields have been shown to affect neural precursor cell differentiation; the mechanism governing this phenomenon is still unknown. Immunocytochemistry shows an increase in Voltage Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Cav1.2 expression upon differentiation and EF exposure leads to an increase in neuronal differentiation.The incorporation of nifedipine, a selective L-type
Cav1.2 blocker, appears to limit this enhanced EF directed differentiation. Dictation of VGCC activity may improve our understanding differentiation and provide direction towards an improved clinical method of spinal cord injury repair.
Poster 74
Gene-Based Association Study of Sporadic Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Carlos Perez-Cervantes, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Heather Wheeler, Biology and Computer Science
To identify new alleles and genes associated with this breast cancer, we performed a repetition Genome-Wide Association
Study (GWAS) of breast cancer using genotype data of 546,646 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a population of
2,248 European women. The GWAS analysis found several possible locations associated with breast cancer, mostly in gene
FGFR2 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 2). We are applying SNPs that passed quality control measures to a gene-based association method called PrediXcan. This software predicts gene expression based on genotype using models built in reference
transcriptomes, then correlates the predicted gene expression with the phenotype under investigation to identify genes involved
with the etiology of the phenotype, in this case breast cancer.
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Poster 75
Chiral Resolution of CTV-Lactam
Jake Dudzinski, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Chemistry; Marlon Lutz, Chemistry
The project I have been working on this year involves the chiral resolution of CTV-Lactam, an amide derivative of CTV. I
worked with 2 chiral resolving reagents, (1S)-(-)-camphanic chloride and (S)-(+)-alpha-methoxy-alphatrifluoromethylphenylacetate. Diasteromeric enrichment and hydrolysis (to provide the enriched enantiomer) of both experiments are in progress. Focus on the next phase of the project involved implementing an analytical method for quantification of
CTV-lactam enantiomers. This method is especially important for analyzing any enriched enantiomeric CTV-lactam since it is
speculated that the macrocyclic lactam undergoes a rapid umbrella inversion leading to loss of chirality. Quantification was
accomplished with Chirabite-AR.
Poster 76
Recreation and Leisure at Misericordia: Going Beyond the F
" un-and- Games"
Margaret Marx, Social Wor k (2017)
Community Partner: Misericordia Home
When I became an intern in the Recreation and Leisure department at Misericordia, I had no idea what to expect but another
service opportunity. As the year progressed, I realized how special Misericordia is because it is not just a residential facility for
adults with developmental disabilities, but it is truly their home. The residents at Misericordia taught me the unique importance
of the ministry of presence; after working and growing alongside the men and women at Misericordia, I do not feel like I spent
a year doing service, but that a service was done for me.
Poster 77
Open Field Test
Kayna Patel, Psychology (2016)
Mentored by James Cheverud, Biology
The relationship between anxiety and diet-induced obesity was studied in mice to determine the levels of anxious behaviors
based on diets. Previous studies have found associations between maternal obesity and symptoms of ADHD in children. This
study focuses on maternal and offspring diets, seeing how maternal diet affects offspring. An Open Field Test was conducted
in mice on high fat and low fat diets. We hypothesize that high fat fed mothers will have offspring that will exhibit more anxious behaviors such as wall hugging, rearing, and production of fecal boli compared to offspring of mothers on low fat diets.
Poster 78
The Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms on Mood States in Urban African American Adolescent Populations: A Followup Study
Bridget Murphy, Psychology (2016)
Following up on research published in 2008, this study examines the longitudinal effects of post-traumatic stress symptoms on
African American adolescents over the course of three years with a focus on gender as a moderator.
Poster 79
Do Strengths and Kinship Involvement Moderate the Effects of Trauma on Behavioral Risks in Child Welfare?
Gayle Blakely, Psychology (2015), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Scott Leon, Psychology
The sequelae of trauma experienced by youth involved in the child welfare system include behavioral risks (e.g., self-harm,
suicide, delinquency). Fortunately, researchers have shown that childhood strengths (e.g., coping, optimism, community, educational, talents, spiritual) can be protective by its moderating effect between trauma and risk behaviors (Griffin, Martinovich,
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Gawron, and Lyons, 2009). However, less is empirically known about the social forces in the childs life that might enhance
the benefits conferred by strengths, such as kinship involvement (i.e., extended family support). This study investigated whether
both kinship involvement and strengths moderated the effects of childhood trauma on behavioral risks among 273 youth between the ages of 6 and 13, who entered the Illinois Child and Family Services (IDCFS) in Cook and Will counties between
October 1, 2011 and June 1, 2014. Using negative binomial regression analysis, results supported previous research in demonstrating that strengths were associated with decreases in behavioral risk (p<.01, IRR=.31). Additionally, kinship involvement
was associated with decreased behavioral risk (p=.01, IRR=.44), and both kinship support and strengths significantly interacted
(p=.01, IRR=.44), suggesting that children with high levels of strengths and kinship involvement had the lowest levels of risk
behaviors. These results highlight the importance of enhancing not only childrens strengths but also the involvement of childrens social networks when seeking to promote resilience.
Poster 80
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Event-Related Potentials Recorded during Visual Analogical Reasoning
Amanda Sweis, Psychology (2016), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Robert Morrison, Psychology
Analogical reasoning involves comparing domains of knowledge or two or more situations based on structure, allowing for
inference making and problem solving. Analogy is a uniquely human ability integral to learning and discovery throughout the
lifespan. Prior studies have identified a network of brain areas important for processing analogies, however, little is known
about how these areas accomplish the task. In this study we will analyze scalp electroencephalography (EEG) recordings made
while participants solved visual analogy problems (Nikitin & Morrison, 2011). Specifically, we will spatially filter the EEG
signal to allow us to look at the neural activity from the various brain regions previously identified as important using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). In order to link the measured neural EEG activity to a model of how analogies might
be processed by the brain (Knowlton, Morrison, Hummel, & Holyoak, 2012) we will analyze the EEG recordings by looking at
event-related potentials (ERPs) produced during the task. ERPs will help us understand the timing of processing in different
brain regions. We hypothesize that neural activity in the gamma band (30-80Hz) will be important for solving analogies, and
that linked activity between prefrontal and parietal neural generators in the theta band (4-8 Hz) will also be important for good
analogy performance. Results of will be presented in the form of an honors thesis written through the Psychology 370 course
offered by Loyola University Chicago.
Poster 81
Depression and College Students
Jenna Ofenloch, Sociology (2015), Pr ovost Fellowship, Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Anne Figert, Sociology
According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that approximately 17% of all adults living in the United States are
thought to have optimal mental health and depression was the third most important cause of disease burden worldwide in
2004 (World Health Organization). It is so pervasive that over 1 in 20 Americans aged 12 and over reported currently suffering
from depression in 2005-2006 (Pratt and Brody 2). My study examines rates of depression among a college student population
across various cultures and races, as well as discusses the implications of this mental illness on academic success and retention.
Poster 82
LUX
Sebastian Agignoae, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Devin Rodriguez
Mentored by Gordon Ramsey, Physics; Anthony Molinaro, Fine and Performing Arts
Music, a discipline that ancient Greeks considered to be one of the highest forms of thought, is a universal language, something
already deeply integrated in cultures all across the world. LUX intends on using music as an instrument to teach and inspire
others to investigate and pursue STEM related careers. This project stems on frequency spectrum analysis, and the manipulation
of digital data to convert acoustic analog signals into light. Our initiative here at Loyola has since expanded into other fields:
LUXTherapy, LUXElectronics, LUXMusic, and more, creating an entire market associated to STEMM: Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math, Music.
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Poster 83
Measuring Students Understanding of Periodic Trends when using Multiple Representations of the Periodic Table of Elements
and Atomic Structure in General Chemistry Classrooms
Victoria Kaloudis, Biology and Biochemistr y (2017); Kathy Balnius
Mentored by Patrick Daubenmire, Chemistry; Linda Brazdil, Chemistry
This investigation focuses on students understanding of the periodic trends when using multiple representations of the periodic
table of elements in general chemistry classrooms. The relationship of structure to repeating patterns of properties is a critical
foundational concept in chemistry. We will seek to answer the question: If alternative representations are used in teaching specific trends, will it enhance students knowledge and ability to describe reasons for those trends? We intend to compare the
students pre-test and post-test results and measure whether using different variations of the periodic table supports any changes
in student understanding of the periodic trends.
Poster 84
Neural Correlates of Executive Function Index Memory Preservation in Old Age
Sina Malekian, Biology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Women in Science Enabling Resear ch Pr ogr am; Nicole
Dosamantes
Mentored by Robert Morrison, Psychology
Executive function may be critical in determining memory function in old age. To investigate this we recruited 39 older adults
and divided them into three groups based on age and long-term memory ability and examined their electroencephalograms
while they performed an executive function task.. Our results suggest that executive function and the corresponding cognitive
control network may be an important factor in preserving memory function in old age.
Poster 85
Identification and Synthesis of Novel Inhibitors for the Bacterial Enzyme DapE
Rachel Torrez, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Chemistry
The alarming increase of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains emphasizes an urgent need for research to identify new classes of
antibiotics. One promising enzymatic target is DapE (N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase enzyme), which is
found in all Gram-negative and most Gram-positive bacteria. DapE is part of the succinylase biosynthetic pathway, which is
critical to the production of lysine and meso-diaminopimelate (mDap). Lysine and meso-diaminopimelate (mDap) are essential
in protein synthesis and bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall remodeling. The deletion of the gene DapE is lethal to bacteria, which
is very encouraging in support of the hypothesis that inhibitors of DapE will function as antibiotics. Another appealing aspect of
targeting DapE is that this enzyme is not found naturally in the human body. Therefore inhibitors that target DapE could potentially provide selective toxicity against bacteria with no mechanism-based toxicity in humans. After the completion of a high
throughput screen of over 33,000 compounds, two indoline sulfonamides demonstrated promising inhibition of DapE. This
presentation will describe progress in the synthesis of indoline sulfonamides as DapE inhibitors.
Poster 86
Dual Language Development and Dual Language Exposure
Dahlia Gonzalez, Psychology (2016)
Mentored by Perla Gamez, Psychology
This study investigated the relation between dual language learners Spanish and English language development and their caregivers Spanish and English language use at home. Six caregiver-child dyads were videotaped engaging in naturalistic interactions in the home for ninety minutes every four months starting at child age 18 months. Videotaped interactions were transcribed and coded for the quantity and quality of language used. Caregivers also completed the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory checklist, which served as a measure of child vocabulary knowledge at 22 months. Preliminary
analyses revealed wide variation in the quantity and quality of English and Spanish used across the dyads as well as time. The
quantity and quality of caregiver language in Spanish and English was related to the childs Spanish and English vocabulary
knowledge.
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Poster 87
Arginine Effect on Acid Synthesis by Streptococcus mutans UA159
Lotte Van den Goor, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
The bacterium, Streptococcus mutans, is a main cause of dental carries and is commonly found in saliva. S. mutans metabolizes
sucrose producing lactic acid, which is an underlying cause of tooth decay. Studies have noted that elevated concentrations of
arginine in saliva are associated with a lower incidence of caries. This study examines the effect that arginine has on the acid
produced by S. mutans UA159.
Poster 88
Determination of Halogenated Water Disinfection By-Products
Jacky Lau, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Paul Chiarelli, Chemistry and Biochemistry
The objective of this research is to investigate the formation of bromine containing disinfection by-products (DBP) as a result of
disinfection with a bromine reagent such as 3-bromo-1-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH). BCDMH is often used in hot
tub and spa water as a persistent water disinfectant. Different samples of water will be treated with BCDMH and analyzed.
Bromoform (a known carcinogenic) and dibromoacetic acid have been detected in spa water samples. The levels of these compounds will be quantified in further experiments.
Poster 89
Determining the Effects of Neurotransmitter Antagonists on LDTg Projections to the VTA Dopamine Neurons via Optogenetics
Peter Doukas, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Stephan Steidl, Psychology
The neurotransmitter dopamine plays an integral role in the brains reward seeking and motivational behaviors. Specifically,
cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons projecting from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) provide the chief excitatory
input to the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons. These VTA neurons project primarily to the nucleus
accumbens (NAc), ultimately providing the basis for the reinforcement of positive, reward-seeking experiences. Utilizing the
technology of optogenetics along with a positive reinforcement operant conditioning paradigm has given us an opportunity to
more effectively study the behavioral consequences of activating LDTg neuronal inputs to the VTA dopamine neurons.
Poster 90
Relational Versus Featural Reasoning
James Hruska, Psychology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Jeffrey Huntsinger, Psychology
We wanted to see if relational reasoning is a flexible processing style or a fixed cognitive capacity. We hypothesized that priming participants with a relational reasoning task would lead them to prefer relational similarities to featural similarities when
judging pictures. Consistent with the idea that relational reasoning is a flexible processing style, we also hypothesized that performance on an analogy finding task would predict the processing style preferences in picture judgments above and beyond the
effect of working memory. Our results indicated that priming participants with the relational reasoning task did not create a
preference in picture judgments.
Poster 91
Role of the Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus in Reward-Seeking Behaviors
Louis Tischlis, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Exposure to drug-predictive cues after periods of abstinence is associated with craving and relapse, presenting one of the biggest challenges in the treatment of addiction. Dopamine is associated with the rewarding effects of food, sex, and drugs. We
examined the role of projections from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA),
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testing the contributions of this pathway to reward-seeking behaviors by inactivating the PPTg or by blocking VTA receptors in
rats. Our results will help define PPTg inputs to the VTA as a principal part of the circuitry through which reward-predictive
cues access the dopamine system.
Poster 92
Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Phosducin-like Protein
Sean Powers, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Stefan Kanzok, Biology
The Phosducin-like protein (PhLP) superfamily is highly conserved across a wide range of species from protozoa, to invertebrates, to vertebrates, to mammals. Our lab has identified a novel protein in the malaria parasite, the Phosducin-like protein-3
(PhLP-3), that exhibits enzymatic activity with the thioredoxin redox system of Plasmodium in vitro. During the 2015-2016
academic year, I expressed and purified recombinant PhLP-3 analogs of Plasmodium and human and have determined that they
are both reduced by the thioredoxin redox-system. This data increases our understanding of the role of PhLP-3 in the cell.
Poster 93
Biophysical Studies of G Protein Subunits
Andrea Wakim, Psychology (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Duarte Mota de Freitas, Biochemistry
Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins are heterotrimeric in that they are composed of a, , and ? subunits. Our research focuses
on the Ga subunit, where wild types Gsa and Gia1 are being studied, specifically their involvement in signal transduction pathways. Mutations in the genes that code for these proteins are linked to tumor development throughout the human body. Thus,
mutants of each Ga subunit are also closely studied and compared to the wild types to observe pathway differences. Such differences explain how mutated genes affect these pathways and can be investigated by using techniques like chromatography, gel
electrophoresis, and fluorimetry.
Poster 94
Determining the Function of the Ribbon Gene in the Adult Drosophila Gonad
Magdalena Bednarz, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Immunohistochemistry reveals Ribs expression in somatic gonadal cells and germ cells in embryos. In the adult, Rib is localized to the nucleus in somatic and germ cells in testes, but not ovaries. We hypothesize that Rib functions in the adult germ cells
and somatic gonadal cells. To explore Ribs function in male gonads, we aim to eliminate its function in somatic and germ
cells. Rib mutant alleles are embryonic lethal, so mosaic clonal analysis is used. We are currently analyzing the effects of rib
mutation on germline stem cell maintenance, germline differentiation, and somatic cyst stem cell maintenance.
Poster 95
Addressing Col2a1a's Role in Controlling the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Gradient in Development of Danio rerio
Joseph Frazzetta, Biology (2017), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
The goal of this project is to understand the role the Col2ala gene plays in the bone morphogenetic protein gradient in Danio
rerio, the zebrafish. This ortholog of the zebrafish shares many similarities to the human COL2A1 gene, which also controls
collagen expression in the notochord and other cartilaginous tissues of the body. We are using a transposase technique to alter
the regulatory element for the gene with the ultimate goal of characterizing development and morphological defects caused by
alteration of the Col2a1a regulatory element. This experiment will give us insight into different spinal diseases and syndromes
related to COL2A1.
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Poster 96
Regulation of Glial Migration in the Developing Eye
Victoria Hans, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Glia provide critical support for neuron function. In Drosophila, a subpopulation of glia migrate and wrap around photoreceptor
neurons in the developing eye. These glia support proper axon targeting to the brain. In previous studies, we observed that reducing expression of the Raw gene in glia results in lethality, leading us to explore a potential role for Raw in glia of the developing eye. We find that when Raw levels are reduced in glial cells, fewer glia migrate into the developing eye in mutants relative to controls. These results suggest a role for Raw in glial migration and function.
Poster 97
A Comparison of DNA Extraction Methods and Implications on Metagenomics Surveys
Katherine Bruder, Biology (2016), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Bioinformatics; Susan Baker, Microbiology and Immunology
Metagenomics is a technique used to examine the community DNA of an environmental sample and is widely applied to study
microbial diversity. Capturing entire community diversity, however, is challenging due to biases introduced in each step of this
process. There are a number of methods for isolating and purifying community DNA; ideally, each of these techniques,
when applied to the same sample, should produce an identical metagenome. In this study, five different DNA extraction methods were used to isolate DNA from a concentrated viral sample. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR reactions were performed and used to show the similarity and reliability of each method, revealing inconsistencies between methods
and even among replicate extractions.
Poster 98
Quantifying and Identifying Sources of Microplastic Contamination in Lake Michigan Tributaries
Lisa Kim, Biology (2016)
Mentored by Timothy Hoellein, Biochemistry
Recent research in freshwater ecosystems has documented a higher concentration of microplastic (i.e. particles < 5mm) that
were equal to or exceeded those measured in marine habitats. This raised concerns for microplastic contamination in Chicago's
highly urbanized Lake Michigan, which prompted us to identify the potential sources of microplastic and monitor its movement
and abundance. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from Lake Michigan, which were then extracted with peroxide oxidation and salinity separation. Microplastic was then counted and categorized using a dissecting microscope. The data
was analyzed to show its concentration and composition.
Poster 99
Optogenetic Suppression of in Vitro Seizure Activity in a 4-AP Model
Ryan Schubert, Biology (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Hiu Ye, Biology
While how seizures generate in the brain remains a large target for clinical study the underlying mechanisms remain largely
unresolved. Among those cells involved in the generation of seizure, GABAergic neurons appear to play a key role in controlling cell excitability. Although GABAergic neurons have been thought of traditionally as playing an inhibitory role, this view
has been challenged and its exact functional role remains unsolved. Through the application of optogenetics we will inhibit
GABAergic neurons in order to study their role on seizure suppression. Using interneurons of the mice hippocampal region we
hope to clarify the functional role of GABA in controlling seizure activity.
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Poster 100
Emotion Regulation in Children of Mexican-origin Immigrant Families: Reporter Discrepancies and Longitudinal Impact on
Child Depressive Symptoms
Sonia Ramirez, Biology (2016)
The first objective is to examine the relationship between caregiver-report and child-report of child emotion regulation (sadness
and worry). It is hypothesized that caregiver- and child-report of childrens emotion regulation will be significantly positively
correlated, however, caregivers will report poorer child emotion regulation compared to childrens self-report. The second objective is to determine whether caregiver-reported emotion regulation or child-reported emotion regulation is a stronger predictor of child depressive symptoms. It is hypothesized that child-reported emotion regulation will be a stronger predictor of child
depressive symptoms one year later.
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ORAL PRESENTATIONS
12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
MUNDELEIN 203
Cathedral of Commerce: Reexamining Corporate Branding and Gothic Revival Iconography in the Woolworth Building
Y.L. Lucy Wang, Ar t Histor y (2016)
Community Partner: The New York Historical Society, The Chicago History Museum
New York Citys Woolworth Building stands 792 feet tall at Broadway and Park Place, a looming presence in the lower Manhattan skyline. In 1916 Brooklyn Congregational minister Samuel Parkes Cadman christened the building the cathedral of
commerce," and scholarship and original documents regarding the Woolworth Building relegates this nickname to mere publicity. However, in dismissing the name's thematic and iconographic relevance, scholarship has not adequately accounted for its
widespread use by both the public media and the F. W. Woolworth Company. The name's rise to a metonymic status and its
ability to simultaneously advance F. W. Woolworths tastes and architect Cass Gilberts design principles render it worthy of
reexamination as a trailblazing example of urban monumentality.
When the Bootstraps Snap: Collaborative Agency and Class-Based Identity in the Neoliberal Era
River Simpson, Anthr opology and Psychology (2016), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology
With the value of the real wage declining and government action on income inequality stalled, thousands of low-income workers have banded together to create the Fight for 15a grassroots wage-reform movement that has mobilized across the country to empower minimum wage workers to campaign for higher wages. Through participant observation, interviews, and discourse analysis of online content, this study will reveal how low-wage workers use collaborative agency to promote a classbased identity and to achieve economic self-sufficiency. In the process, it will shine light on the inner workings of class, agency, and political mobilization in a largely class-blind society.
Social Justice in an Increasingly Reified World: Combatting the Effects of Materialism and Advancing Peace
Shannon Cervantes, Chinese Mandar in and Individualized Studies (2016), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Stefano Giacchetti Ludovisi, Philosophy
The guiding question leading my research posits an important moral query: how can we combat the effects of a global market,
one which promotes marginalization and rewards individual success over the goals of social justice and peace, through a greater
understanding of both the notions of social justice and the redemptive value of aesthetics, and in turn, apply those findings as
social reform in order to create a more meaningful, equitable society?
MUNDELEIN 204
Legal Resources and Self-Empowerment in Immigrant Women
Cristina Rodriguez, Anthr opology and Sociology (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Munoz, Anthropology
This project explores how Latina immigrant women, living in Chicago, who are seeking legal benefits struggle to attain selfempowerment in the context of limited resources and rights, experience a sense of self-transformation and perceive changes in
their identity as they go through this process.
Catholic Charities - Volunteer Relations Department
Jacob Eyers, Psychology (2016)
During my year in the Volunteer Relations Department at Catholic Charities I had many challenges to face and unique opportunities to improve the organization. My two largest contributions were running statistical analysis of our Celebration of Giving
and updating the Volunteer Bridge website. With the increased information about the people served through the Celebration of
Giving, Catholic Charities will be able to better cater the program to the people it benefits. The updates to Volunteer Bridge
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will enable volunteers, who are the power of the organization, to utilize their strengths to serve their community as quickly as
possible.
Catholic Charities Refugee Services: What Can Be Done To Improve The Process Through The Lens Of Agency Staff
Dani Mendez, Political Science (2016)
The research question of this presentation asks what issues does the US Refugee Program face and what are possible solutions.
The purpose of this research is to provide an informative presentation of the resettlement process and highlight issues that refugees face after arriving to the US. This research will be conducted through research on scholarly work and a set of interviews
with agency staff from the Catholic Charities Refugee Services Program. Anticipated conclusions are that refugees face issues
after resettlement that are caused not by the incapability of staff themselves, but by constraints set by the US Refugee Program.
Social Justice Internship: My Year at PEP
Armeen Sayani, Special Education (2018)
Community Partner: Misericordia
Mentored by Ally Drake Bernstein, Misericordia
Through Loyola Universitys Social Justice Internship program, I had the opportunity to intern at Misericordia, a residential
community located in Rogers Park for adults with developmental disabilities. At Misericordia, I specifically worked with the
Personal Effectiveness Program (PEP), a program designed to support individuals struggling with significant behavioral challenges. In my presentation, I will be sharing the experiences that I had at PEP over the past year and how, through those experiences, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of the link between social justice and empowering individuals with disabilities.
MUNDELEIN 205
Using Twitter to Help Predict Stock Values of Boeing, United Technologies, and Nike
Kevin Gadel, Finance and Infor mation Systems (2017); John Dwyer; Jordan Goodsmanson
Is Twitter able to predict the stock market? This project set out to figure out if tweets regarding a subset of the Dow Jones Industrial Average are able to predict the movement in the underlying stock. In the end, the method used in this project found that
tweets are not a reliable source in predicting the movement in stock prices.
Electricity Output - Renewable Energy - What is the Trend?
Craig Paulson, Finance and Economics (2017); Jimmy McHugh; Allison Merkle
Mentored by Mary Malliaris, Information Systems
Over the last 60 years, it has been assumed that there has been a growing trend towards renewable energy; however, does this
assumption match reality? Our project is designed to look out the electricity output within the United States, the resources used
in that output (i.e. Fossil Fuels, Renewable, etc.), and actually see 1) if there is a trend towards renewable energy matching the
demand for energy, and 2) the socioeconomic trend of renewable energy in today's society.
Business in Chicago: A Cluster Analysis of Entrepreneurship Across Zip Codes
John Lewis, Economics and Finance (2016); Vasyl Ilchyshyn; Michael Pflug
Mentored by Mary Malliaris, Information Systems
Girls of Grace Youth Center, a volunteer driven, 501C3 nonprofit organization, agreed to partner with students from the Loyola
University Organizational Theory & Practice (CPST 390) class to develop and deliver a strategic plan for member and leadership growth. The plan included a three-to-five-year operational strategy for the organization. Team 390 defined organizational
baselines for the current strategic plan, marketing strategy and board of director recruitment; and identified gaps for improvement with the current strategic plan in comparison to industry standards and SWOT Analysis, which supported the delivery of
recommendations to address gaps in their current operating model.
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MUNDELEIN 303
Cardinal George William Mundelein: Chicago Catholicism from 1929 to 1933
Hector Bahena, Histor y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Under the administration of Cardinal George William Mundelein, the confidence of the Catholics in Chicago soared. This research is a historical revision of Cardinal Mundelein during the former years of the Great Depression into the latter of the Democratic Convention year of 1932. In doing so, the presentation is a combination of facts, historical works on the subject, and an
analysis of the primary and secondary sources. Furthermore, Mundelein faced several problems into his tenure as Archbishop
of the Chicago Archdiocese. I'm intrigued by how we have assessed the man and his influence over the city.
Foreign Americans: Immigrant Catholics in 19th Century Chicago
Kyle Jenkins, Histor y and Secondar y Education (2016)
An outgrowth of the Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project, which seeks to connect people to original archival documents from
Loyola University Chicagos founding, Foreign Americans seeks to adapt those insights and materials for high school
history classrooms. The unit traces the emergence of European Catholic immigrants in 19th century Chicago, with the lessons
centered on the guiding question What does it mean to be an American? Separated into five categories, the unit covers a variety of facets within the subject. Beyond the content, these lessons emphasize practice and development of research skills such
as primary source analysis, database research, and library resource utilization.
Building an Identity: An Artistic Study of Irish Catholic Ethnic Parishes in Chicago
Susannah Heissner, Histor y (2017)
My presentation will be tracking the variations amongst Irish Catholic ethnic parishes. I intend to discuss the architectural design and internal decoration of these establishments and how they reflect the Irish catholic immigrant population in Chicago at
the time. I will be focusing my research on Old St. Pat's, Holy Name, and Holy Family.
A Roman Martyr in LA: The Impact of Fabiola on Catholic Literary History
Olivia Raymond, Histor y and English (2018)
How did a fictional Roman martyr, written by a British theologian in 1854, end up as a sword-swinging romantic heroine debuting in the 1960s in LA? This research project aims to illuminate why that is, studying Fabiola; or, The Church of the Catacombs written by Cardinal Wiseman, and its contribution to Catholic literature in the 19th century. This presentation will track
Fabiola's progress and legacy from 1854, when it was originally published, to 1961 and beyond through other works of fiction,
films, and art within the text itself. Questions about historical fiction as a whole will also be addressed.
MUNDELEIN 304
Characterization of the promoter of an inducible antioxidant gene in the malaria parasite Plasmodium
Cecile Swift, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
The mosquito induces an immune response triggered by the malaria parasite once it has been taken up. Then, a transcription
factor binds to an antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter region of 1-CysPrx. This ARE controls the antioxidant
response in the parasite, which activates the defense response. My objective is to characterize the promoter of the malaria gene
1-CysPrx and to locate and identify the ARE. Only very few promoters of Plasmodium genes have been described to date.
Through this project, I will map the promoter region, find the ARE, and overall, succeed in characterizing the first inducible
promoter of the malaria parasite.
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Subpellicular Membrane Protein-1 (SPM-1) is a target for the thioredoxin system in vitro
Hannah Scaefer, Molecular Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Here we report on the identification, cloning, and biochemical characterization of SPM-1 of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (PbSPM-1) which shares >40% overall sequence identity with ToxoSPM-1. This 38 kDa protein is highly conserved among Plasmodium species and exhibits a tripartite organization: an N-terminal head domain followed by a STOP domain, which consists of six highly conserved 32 AA repeats, and a C-terminal tail domain. We cloned this one-exon gene from
P. berghei cDNA and subsequently expressed it in a bacterial system yielding 1.2 g of purified PbSPM-1 per liter bacterial
culture. We found that recombinant PbSPM-1 is readily reduced by the P. berghei Trx-system in vitro. We further determined
that the reaction between PbTrx-1 and PbSPM-1 exhibits saturation kinetics. Analysis of the primary PbSPM-1 sequence revealed a highly conserved pattern of four cysteine-residues within the N-terminal head domain just upstream of the repeatscontaining STOP domain and an additional cysteine in the tail domain. Investigations are underway to determine the significance of these cysteines in the redox activity of SPM-1 as well as the effects on microtubule binding. Further investigation into
the function of this protein will grant new insights into the regulation of the microtubules that facilitate the essential polarity of
the Plasmodium ookinete and sporozoite stages.
Enhancing the Purification and Immunodetection of Gametocyte Cell-Surface Protein Pfs230
Rana Alcheikh, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Kim Williamson, Biology
Malaria affects nearly 198 million people each year, with the P. falciparum parasite responsible for its most virulent form.
Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, and coma, which may lead to death. Global efforts to combat this disease include insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor fumigation, and artemisinin-based combination therapies. To be transmitted,
the parasite must undergo sexual differentiation into a gametocyte. However, most antimalarial drugs do not target these transmission stages. The P. falciparum cell-surface protein, Pfs230, plays an important role in the transmission of the parasite by
mediating human RBC binding and oocyst development. To further characterize Pfs230, samples with improved purity were
needed in addition to optimized production of antibody against the protein. Purification of Pfs230 produced in Lactococcus
lactis was enhanced by introducing several steps. Moreover, the effects of two different adjuvants were compared in the production of antibodies against Pfs230 to elicit the maximum immune response. Western Blot confirmed the presence of the antibodies and indicated the concentration of antibody necessary for optimal binding. Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) confirmed
the cell-surface localization of Pfs230. In addition, the obtained serum was used to measure the oocyst production in mosquitos.
MUNDELEIN 307
Comparative Efficacy of CO or Ar+ CIRD Removal of Adsorbed O from Rh(111)
Marie Turano, Chemistr y, (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Killelea, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Oxygen molecules will readily dissociate into two adsorbed oxygen atoms when they land on a metal surface. When enough
oxygen is attached to the surface, the oxygen atoms can go subsurface and may form arrangements different from oxygen arrangements on the metal surface. If the surface oxygen is cleaned off the metal surface, then the subsurface oxygen arrangements can be observed. There are two processes that can be used to clean a metal surface of oxygen, Ar + ion CIRD or CO
colliding. I will look at which process is best suited to cleaning metal surfaces of adsorbed oxygen while keeping subsurface
oxygen intact.
Determination of D2O Adsorption Geometry on Pt(553) via UHV-STM
Victor Valencia, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Community Partner: Leiden University
Mentored by Daniel Killelea, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Rachael Farber, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Understanding the fundamental nature of metal catalysts at the atomic level will yield a wealth of information, impacting fields
such as material science, electrochemistry, and fuel cell technologies. Platinum has been the favored metal catalyst for many
automotive, petroleum, and medical industries despite being very expensive when compared to other catalytic metals such as
silver and nickel. Investigating the chemical nature of platinum at the atomic level will provide the framework from which
alternative low-cost catalysts can be generated. This research investigates how adsorbed water forms on the (111) step-edge of
a Pt(553) using ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM).
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Sustainable Fish Food For Loyola Tilapia

Ashley Hosmer, Envir onmental Science (2016); Michael Portala
Mentored by Tania Schusler, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
Fish production for consumption in aquaponics relies on nutrient inputs that fish would normally receive in their natural aquatic
environments. These nutrients are typically in the form of pellets with fishmeal as the primary ingredient. The harvesting of fish
used for fishmeal is unsustainable because it disrupts natural fish populations, requires preservatives, depends upon global
transportation, and breaks the closed loop system of aquaponics. This research investigated how to create a sustainable alternative to commercial pellets for the tilapia in Loyolas aquaponics system by using duckweed, algae, and red worms.
MUNDELEIN 403
Investigate the Catalytic Promiscuity of AiiA and AidC to Expand Quorum-Quenching Capacity
Patrick Zeniecki, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Dali Liu, Chemistry and Biochemistry
A brief explanation of background information on quorum-sensing and quorum-quenching will be given. This will be followed
by an explanation of experimental hypothesis, procedure, data, and results.
Targeting Vitamin B6 Biosynthesis Through PdxR: A Novel Antimicrobial Strategy
Maxwell Moore, Biochemistr y (2017), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dali Liu, Chemistry and Biochemistry
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights the need for novel and effective antibiotics. Pyridoxal 5-phosphate
(PLP, the metabolically active form of vitamin B6) is an essential cofactor in the metabolism of all organisms. PLP biosynthesis
is a promising target for antibiotic development because bacteria synthesize PLP de novo whereas humans obtain PLP from
their diets. PdxR is a transcriptional regulator of PLP biosynthesis in gram-positive bacteria. We are employing a structurebased approach to design molecules which disrupt the regulation of PLP biosynthesis by targeting PdxR, with the expectation
that these molecules will become valuable drug candidates.
Synthesizing a Novel Antibiotic: Identifying Potential Inhibitors of the Bacterial Enzyme DapE Using Medicinal Chemistry and
Molecular Dynamics Techniques
Kaitlyn Lovato, Chemistr y (2016), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Daniel Becker, Chemistry and Biochemistry
The increasing number of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains underline the need for research into new classes of antibiotics.
The bacterial enzyme DapE is an ideal antibiotic target. DapE is essential to bacterial growth and proliferation. A highthroughput screen yielded five lead compounds. The synthesis efforts focus on the indoline 7-sulfonamide leads. Two nonindoline leads are also being synthesized. Medicinal chemistry and molecular docking/dynamics guide the selection of promising analogs. The molecular dynamics focuses on the movement of the reaction products out of the active site. A fiftynanosecond molecular dynamics experiment and eight steered molecular dynamics experiments have been run.
Raw Functions in Drosophila Blood-brain Barrier Formation
Matthew Davis, Biochemistr y (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship
We have identified a novel protein, Raw, that functions in gilal ensheathment of neurons. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) insulates the nervous system from its surrounding environment and is critical for maintaining efficient nerve function. Because BBB
formation is one of the first glial functions in Drosophila that can be assayed during development, we investigated Raws role in
glia by examining its effect on BBB formation. Our studies indicate that Raw is required for the establishment of the BBB.
These studies identify a new player in BBB formation, and future studies will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which
Raw functions.
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MUNDELEIN 404
HPCC Demographics
Natalia Delgado, Human Resour ces (2018); Lucas Heatherington; Jennifer Herrera; Karlie Griffin
Community Partner: Catholic Charities Homelessness Prevention Call Center
Mentored by Peter Stonebraker, Business Management and Statistics
Our presentations is part of the business statistic engaged learning course with Peter Stonebreaker. Our job is to find the demographics of the homelessness prevention call center, such as zip code, ages, ethnicity, etc. throughout the data. We will try
and find the average caller for each category.
Effectiveness of Call Center Specialist
Ariana Vanna, Inter national Business (2019); Jacob Skwarcan; Mark Sayyur; Liz Guararra; Natalia Gomez; Sophie
Eiseman
Mentored by Peter Stonebraker, Business Management and Statistics
We wish to uncover inefficiencies among call specialists in the homelessness prevention call center. We will do this by analyzing each specialist and the funds they approve, deem ineligible, and defer, and then look for outliers in the data.
MUNDELEIN 406
Dog Fighting in Chicago
Lauren Rogers, Histor y (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Elliott Gorn, History
Dog fighting is the forced fighting of dogs in a ring for entertainment purposes. Legislation in Chicago have become stricter in
order to adjust to a growing humanitarian concern with fighting; however nothing so far has been able to eradicate it. I believe
that there are ways to predict patterns of dog fighting and connections to other forms of violence. Through my research I have
become a court advocate and established connections with organizations such as Safe Humane and the Chicago Police Department in an effort to provide the community with enough research to address this issue from a humanitarian and cultural perspective.
The Sons of Africa
Johanna Doreson, English, Secondar y Education, and English as Second Language (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Jeff Glover, English
This project examines a series of open letters that were written by approximately twenty-six black abolitionists in the late eighteenth century who signed under the nom de plume the Sons of Africa. The main focus of this work surrounds the rhetoric of
gratitude within the Sons letters. I examine how these letters were a response to the burgeoning abolition movement and how
they obscured the Sons' public calls to action behind words of thanks.
Digital Mapping to (Re)Envision the Geographies of Antislavery Newspapers and Black Networks for Print Distribution, 18231833.
Ean Sablich, English and Secondar y Education (2016), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Nathan Jeremie-Brink, History
The mentored research primarily highlights the distribution practices that moved African American antislavery texts and created geographically expansive social networks that proved essential to the abolitionist movement. Through focused archival data
collection and digital mapping of early antislavery newspapers' distribution networks, it was possible to conclude that Rev.
Samuel Cornish, the editor of the first and second African American-edited newspapers, built an expansive network for print
distribution that served to prefigure and inform the northern and international networks foundational to the distribution of The
Liberator.
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The Golden Age of the French Foreign Legion: A Cultural Analysis of the Legion through Film and Memoir Depictions
Katherine Will, Histor y (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Suzanne Kaufman, History
Through the analysis of films and memoirs, this paper argues that the anonymity of the French Foreign Legion allowed it to be
depicted in films as a kind of elastic body that can be reconfigured to support many different heroic narratives. The Foreign
Legion did much to present itself as a grand, romantic illusion of heroic warfare; it was an organization that maintains its relative anonymity in the face of the public sphere, except when being praised for its civilizing efforts. However, according to
memoirs published by former Legionnaires, life in the Legion consisted of grunt work, exhaustion, and cruel sergeants, not
intrepid fighting. This paper posits the 1920s and 1930s to be the Golden Age of the French Foreign Legion, a period of time
when both the film and publishing industries of the U.S. and France capitalized on the mystery of the Foreign Legions activities in the colonies. The aforementioned industries sought to re-fashion them as romanticized adventure stories that maintained
western tropes of white gender dichotomies and white masculinity vis--vis a racially inferior Other. Thus, the films posit
very heteronormative themes, such as white superiority, fragile femininity, as well as the racialized and sexualized categories
of the Other, as a means to engage audiences about the fears of the rapidly changing public sphere.
MUNDELEIN 407
Practitioner's Reflection on a Decade of Service to Migrants: The Changes, Responses, and Needs of Service Providers and
Irregular Migrant Populations
Mariela Rodriguez, Social Wor k (2016)
Mentored by Maria Vidal de Haymes, Social Work
In recent years there has been a decrease in migration from Mexico and a significant increase in migration from Central America. Many of the newest migrants from this region are highly vulnerable including unaccompanied minors and women. These
new migration trends have repercussions for immigrant well-being and integration, as well as for the human service institutions
and systems of care. In-depth interviews with 23 experts/key informants from human service organization attending to immigrant populations in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco were conducted for this study to address three overarching questions from the perspective of human service providers.
Straight Outta Camden
Katherine Dubielak, Social Wor k (2017), J oan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Her itage Resear ch
Fellowship
Mentored by Michelle Nickerson, History
The Camden 28 was a group of antiwar activists who broke into the draft board of Camden, NJ during the Vietnam War with
the intent of destroying as many draft cards as possible. Unfortunately, they were caught in the act and put on trial. After a long
and passionate case, during which the defendants admitted completely to the crime, the jury came back with a verdict of "not
guilty" on all counts. This marked the first full legal victory of the antiwar movement and has been a beacon of social justice
and an example for future activism ever since.
Differential Coping Strategies in response to Acculturative Stressors in Early and Late Adolescent African Immigrants and
Refugees
Elzbieta Wiedbusch, Psychology, Cr iminal J ustice, and Cr iminology (2017)
Mentored by Emma-Lorraine Bart-Plange, Psychology
This study investigated acculturative stressors and coping strategies in African immigrant adolescents. Analyses demonstrated
significant relationships between acculturative stressors and various coping strategies in older adolescents, but no significant
relationships for younger adolescents. Results mirrored previous research citing that older adolescents draw upon more coping
strategies than do younger adolescents.
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The Struggle Overseas: Risk Factors for Suicide among Female Migrant Workers in Nepal
Dhara Puvar, Psychology (2016)
Community Partner: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
Mentored by Nazneen Decleer, SIT Nepal ; Isabel Onians, SIT Nepal
This study is the result of an independent research project conducted during a semester in Kathmandu, Nepal, which aimed to
better understand risk factors for suicide among Nepali female migrant workers. Suicide is the leading cause of death among
women in Nepal, and its prevalence among migrants in particular warrants further investigation considering the increasing number of women traveling abroad for foreign employment. This study found that although migration has empowered Nepali women to become independent, risk factors for suicide exist for women over the course of foreign employment due to societal and
institutional factors widely outside of their control.
MUNDELEIN 409
Project Cloudburst *Special Time: 11:30 AM 12:00 PM
Kelleigh Harman McIntosh, Dance and Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship; Meghan McVann; Laura Prieto; Abigail
Newlon; Kelsee Simons; Phoebe Coakley; Christina Schultz; Jordan Kunkel
Mentored by Amy Wilkinson, Dance
Choreography falls into a performative research paradigm that is fundamentally different from traditional quantitative and qualitative research, and which is expressed in forms of symbolic data including still and moving images, music and sound, live
action, and digital code. Furthermore, the craft crosses domains of activity encompassing cognitive, psychomotor, and artistic
development. Dance research has historically involved the structure of performance as an object to be investigated, most often
by someone other than the person(s) who made the work; however, there is a shift from this tradition to seeing dance as a means
of investigating. The Cloudburst project explores choreography as a topic area and practice-led research method that allows
students to investigate movement as it relates to consciousness, memory and storytelling. A team of students will collaborate on
movement utilizing the discipline-specific language of performance theories as an ensemble. Through kinesthetic action dancers
will explore non-linear modes of thinking, problem solving, and forms of expression. Cloudburst will result in the creation of a
group work for the stage that culminated in a joint performance with the International Choir and Orchestra of Ho Chi Minh City
in May 2015. For this project, the public performance in Vietnam served as the method of dissemination. This is recognized
both as a form of engaged learning and the equivalent of publication in the performing arts.
Better Out Than In, Eat Your Salad Before It Gets Cold., Phantasmagoria
Kelsee Simons, Dance and Sociology (2016); Abigal Newlon; Kelleigh Harman-McIntosh; Phoebe Coakley; Meghan
McVann; Skyler Summerson; Alix Schillaci; Sofia Mazich; Yariana Baralt-Torres; Tim Eidman; Katarina Ivanovic;
Rebecca Muellauer; Maria Blanco
Mentored by Amy Wilkinson, Dance
The Dance Program within the Department of Fine and Performing Arts (DFPA) will present three fully produced original
dance works entitled "Better Out Than In," choreographed by esteemed dance artist Sarah Cullen Fuller, "Eat your salad before
it gets cold," choreographed by student Kelsee Simons, and "Phantasmagoria," choreographed by student Kelleigh HarmanMcIntosh. These group works explore a variety of different themes through advanced contemporary movement vocabulary. The
work was a major performance art piece premiering for the public at the Loyola Dance Main Stage Performance in February
2016 on the Lake Shore campus followed by a March 2016 performance at the regional American College Dance Association
conference.
MUNDELEIN 503
Blurred Lines: Where Humanitarian Healthcare Becomes Political Action
Adriana Inojosa, Health Systems Management (2016)
Community Partner: Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
Mentored by Teena Francois-Blue, Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
The Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force (MCBCTF) was born after a 2007 study highlighted striking breast cancer
mortality disparities between White and minority women, despite similar incidences of disease. These disparities result from
structural barriers that continuously limit options within Chicago communities. The current state budget impasse further cripples the few resources available, sentencing women to late diagnosis and potential death. This internship begins by asserting
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that health organizations are responsible for demanding the equal defense of all lives, and culminates in the establishment of a
long-term advocacy timeline, its complementary guiding tools, and recognition of existing barriers.
Meeting our Mashis: A Healthy People is a Free People
Adriana Inojosa, Health Systems Management (2016); Annrose Turuthikara; Karen Glowina; Daphine Sugino; Sasha
Stojanovich; Caitlin Angell; Abby Sumagui; Mia LaRocca; Marlon Mangaoil; Amali Fernando
Community Partner: GlobeMed and Jambi Huasi
GlobeMed is a non-profit, student-run organization that strives to promote global health equity by partnering university-based
chapters with grassroots health organizations in developing countries across the world. GlobeMed at Loyola is partnered with
Jambi Huasi, a clinic centered in Otavalo, Ecuador, that focuses on providing affordable health care by combining western and
indigenous medical practices. To maintain and reinforce our partnership, GlobeMeds Global Headquarters chooses interns to
personally engage with the community, monitor progress, and discuss the needs of our partners. Through this, we can actively
modify our joint income-generating projects that help Jambi Huasi become self-sustainable.
HandsOnHelping
Robert Hernandez, Softwar e Engineer ing (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Community Partner: Hands On Helping Foundation
Mentored by Ryan Anderson, Hands on Helping Foundation
A "Hands On" approach to spreading knowledge.
Narrative Production and Comprehension of Dual Language Children and their English Only peers
Dahlia Gonzalez, Psychology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Perla Gamez, Psychology
This study investigated the narrative production and comprehension of dual-language learners and their English-only peers.
Kindergarten age dual-language children were asked to produce Spanish and English oral narratives. A separate sample of kindergarten age English-only speaking children were also asked to produce English oral narratives. All participants were audiotaped producing oral narratives based on a silent MAUS cartoon that they were shown. The children were asked to produce
oral narratives both at the start and end of the school year as a measure of narrative production and comprehension growth.
MUNDELEIN 504
Reconstruction of the Odorant Receptor Map in the Olfactory Bulb of Aged Mice
Ashley Iannantone, Biochemistr y (2016), Inter disciplinar y Neur oscience Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Jessica Brann, Biology
The olfactory system has long been exploited to examine questions of neuroplasticity and neural circuit reconstruction. Previous
research has mostly focused on the recovery of the peripheral olfactory system after injury, but factors such as age are often not
considered. Knowing that neurodegenerative diseases disparately affect our aging population, our aim was therefore to examine
how age affects the ability of regenerated olfactory sensory neurons to innervate their appropriate targets in the brain. The results of these experiments support previous findings in young mice that axon targeting is aberrant in aged mice following chemical ablation.
Cook County State's Attorney's Office- Juvenile Justice Bureau
Caitlin Wilder, Cr iminal J ustice and Cr iminology (2017)
Community Partner: Cook County State Attorneys Office of Juvenile Justice
Mentored by Jona Goldschmidt, Criminal Justice
An overview of my research and involvement with the State's Attorney's Office on juvenile law matters, including criminal
proceedings, abuse and neglect findings, and assistance with trial preparation.
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An Ecological Trap? When Given A Choice Tadpoles Choose Nutrition Despite Toxicity
Milica Radanovic, Biology and Envir onmental Science (2016), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
Mentored by Joseph Milanovich, Biology
Ecological traps can rise if animals selectively consume invasive species for their nutritional value regardless of their fitness
decreasing. The purpose of this study was to examine whether invasion by purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) creates an
ecological trap for tadpoles. We used stable isotopes signatures (13C and 15N) and Bayesian isotopic mixing models
(MixSIAR) to examine the dietary contributions of invasive and native hardwood litter to larval wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and southern leopard frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus). Our results suggested that tadpoles could fall into an ecological
trap due to a higher consumption on purple loosestrife despite its toxicity.
Student Teaching: ePortfolio
Sarosh Bhojani, Elementar y Education (2016)
Mentored by Danielle Forchette, Center for Experiential Learning
ePortfolios have proven to be an essential resource towards reflecting upon an internship experience. Through becoming a
reflective practitioner, Ive been able to synthesize my educational philosophies and pedagogies to create an ePortfolio to highlight my student teaching experience.
MUNDELEIN 506
Purchasing Power of Peace: Effects of Business on International Conflicts
Colin Williams, Mathematics (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Molly Melin, Political Science
In a globalized world, non-state actors become increasingly influential in the political sphere. Corporations are no exception.
This research takes on an emerging area of conflict management research, seeking to demonstrate the potential effects corporations have on their areas of operation. Through information obtained from various standing conflict databases as well as newly
collected data, this project has produced some of the first quantitative analysis on the role of businesses in conflict management
and peace processes.
Application of Jones Calculus to Specialized Cell Geometrie
Justin Stuck, Theor etical Physics and Applied Mathematics , Mathematics (2017)
Maltese cross patterns have been observed using polarized microscopy along the edges of E.coli cells and droplets of crude oil
immersed in water. To understand the optical effects of these specialized geometries, we have developed a model with a layer
of anisotropic birefringent material encapsulating an isotropic center with the extraordinary axis of the anisotropic media perpendicular to the surface. Jones matrices are utilized to represent the passage of the polarized light through the model and the
results are calculated numerically using MATLAB and analytically. The results are compared with each other and closely correspond to observation.
Estimates of the Obesity Wage Penalty in the United Kingdom
Sangjun Park, Economics (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Timothy Claussen, Business
The objective of this project is to study the relationship between obesity and wages in countries with universal health insurance.
Based on estimates of obesity wage penalties in the United States, recent hypotheses posits that obese workers are penalized
through lower wages from their employers as a result of higher future expenditures on health care (paid for by employer-based
health insurance). That is, employers have an incentive to impose a wage penalty if the employee insurance group bears the
burden of future medical costs (as is true in the United States). However, in countries with universal health coverage, the government, and not the employer, is responsible for providing coverage. As such, in these systems, employers should have less
incentive to discriminate against obese workers through wages; since employers do not bear the burden of providing their employees health care coverage. This suggests that obese workers in countries with universal health care coverage should experience smaller wage penalties.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM: SESSION 2

*CEF POSTERS ALONG MUNDELEIN AUDITORIUM WALLS
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Poster 1
Save the Monarchs
Marina Garcia, Sustainable Agr icultur e (2017)
Community Partners: Sullivan High School, Swift Elementary School, Berger Park, Heartland Caf
Mentored by Mary Miro, Community Relations; Kevin Erickson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
I proposed to help increase monarch habitats and population by planting milkweed in areas of these two communities through
church communities, parks, and schools. I have planted over 100 seeds throughout my project and the numbers continue to
increase as I am still working in these communities and this project. It launched last year in fall 2015 and has continued into the
Spring 2016 semester.
Poster 2
Research Project on Minority Communities around Chicago
Gabriel Velasquez, Political Science (2016)
Course: EXCM 101
Mentor: Stephanie Wilson, Exercise Science
Describe the minority experience in the area of Chicago.
Poster 3
Key Variables to Determine Success
Tessie Cheryl Li Kah Yan Li Ruo Lin, Accounting (2019); Edgar Hasbun; Meredith Simmons; Valentina Prado; Katherine Carbajal Montoya; Matthew DeWeth
Course: ISOM 241
Mentored by Peter Stonebraker, Statistics
In order to determine the level of success of the organization we are working with, we will answer the question "Which types of
assistance needs are requested most often and which have the greatest chance of being supported?" Using both the population
database and our sample, we will develop contingency tables to organize, diagnose, and compare our data. We will also use
other graphs to portray the information we have and to help our audience better understand the conclusions we have developed.
The types of graphs include a frequency distribution table, for instance.
Poster 4
Service and Faith Reaching Out to Justice
Monica Contreras, Mar keting (2019); Sophia Barrett; Ayomide Ogunsola; Teresa Dorado
Course: SOCL 127
Community Partner: Cherith Brook Catholic Worker
As four members of the service and faith learning community, we have come to learn about the different topics on Christianity,
faith, and service. On the second semester of this program, we decided to put our faith and service into action by going on an
ABI to four different places, with four different issues. We come together now to share how our experiences outside of the Loyola community will impact our actions towards justice on campus.
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Poster 5
Loyola Share: A Sharing Economy Resource for the Loyola University of Chicago Community
Monique Sosnowski, Envir onmental Science and Psychology (2016); Tatiana Garcia
Course: ENVS 390
Community Partner: Chicago Conservation Corps
Mentored by Nancy Landrum, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
Throughout the year, and particularly at the end of each year during move-out, students have household appliances, clothing,
furniture, electronics, and books they do not wish to keep. In response to many of these items headed into the waste stream, we
have created Loyola Share. Loyola Share is a sharing economy resource through which students from the Loyola community
can buy, sell, donate, and share their goods and services.
Loyola Share will be launching their online platform on March 1, 2016. The platform will focus on facilitating transactions
within the community. Alongside facilitating transactions, Loyola Share will feature a rideshare program through which students can connect to other students with similar travel plans.
In an effort to educate students on the benefits of using this platform, engaging in a sharing economy, and developing sustainable life habits, Loyola Share administrators will write blog posts with content related to reuse, recycling, and a circular economy. Throughout the first year of operation, we hope that Loyola Share will divert at least 1000 lbs. of goods from the waste
stream, over 50 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere, and help educate at least 100 students on the benefits of engaging in a sharing
economy.
Poster 6
Long-term Water Quality Monitoring in Belize
Genesis Bustamante, Biology (2016); Jenny Par
Course: ENVS 345
Community Partner: Sibun Watershed Association
Mentored by Stephen Mitten, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
Community service project that monitored water quality at various points across Belize for the Sibun River Watershed Association.
Poster 7
Citizen Science Community Service in Belize: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's Project eBird
Stephany Virrueta, Biology (2017); Haley Diel
Course: ENVS 345
Community Partner: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology eBird; Biodiversity and Environmental Resource Data System of Belize
Mentored by Stephen Mitten, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
Community service project focused in citizen science service by recording and reporting birds to Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology eBird.
Poster 8
No Impact Meal: A Program that Sustains Food Systems and Communities.
Meghan Pazik, Envir onmental Studies and Communication Studies (2016); Taylor Choy; Shayna Milstein; Judg Malas
Course: UNIV 390
Mentored by Gina Lettier, Institute of Environmental Sustainability; Aaron Durnbaugh, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
The No Impact Meal is designed to actively engage students in a conversation and meal regarding social justice and food sustainability in an urban environment. In return students will gain an elementary understanding of the food system, cooking
skills, water and waste management, and their power as a consumer. The program also aims to help foster community between
the group of students who participate.
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Poster 9
Spatial Mapping of the Fractal Dimension in Brain
Jordan Zurek, Biology (2017)
Course: PHYS 391
Mentored by Carolyn Martsberger, Physics; Rebecca Silton, Psychology
The dimensions of an object serve as a classification tool. Some biological systems have non-integer dimensions suggestive of
an underlying self-similar structure irrespective of scale. This type of complexity is classified as fractal. Fractals are ubiquitous
having significance in fields including medicine. In this study, the fractal dimension was calculated to assess the degree of correlation in brain. Data was collected from patients under two conditions by recording EEGs for eight one minute resting periods. Next, spatial maps from electrodes of an EEG cap were created. These maps represent fractal dimension and serve as a
visualization tool of brain.
Poster 10
DisAbility: More Than Meets Your Eyes
Shahina Gantiwala, Exer cise Science (2016)
Course: EXPL 390
Community Partner: Misericordia
The presentation is a summary of my experiences at Misericordia as a social service intern and as a fitness intern. I attempt to
capture in words, pictures, or in combination the abilities that I see in people that are labeled as disabled by society.
Poster 11
Advancing Abilities with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Mariah Vertovec, Psychology (2016)
Course: PSYC 390
Community Partner: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) has been the top-ranked rehabilitation hospital in the U.S. for the past twenty-five
years. As the leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation, RIC has improved the abilities of people around the world through
high-quality patient care and integrated research. This semester I completed an academic internship at RIC where I was able to
work alongside some of the best rehab professionals. Through my presentation I hope to share and discuss my experiences at
the hospital as well as the importance of rehabilitation.
Poster 12
Bridging Inequalities: understanding the impact of cross-cultural service and evaluating practices of nonprofit organizations
Gustavo Arregun Mendoza, Spanish and Inter national Studies (2016)
Course: INST 370
Community Partner: Solidarity Bridge
Mentored by Sofia Porter-Castro; Ann Rhomberg; Jodi Grahl
The presentation will include material on the topics of global health and faith-based organizations. The presentation will cover
the assessment of their efficiency as nonprofits serving across borders and between cultural contexts. Subtopics of the presentation are voluntourism, white savior complex, and duffle bag medicine. This will be explained using my current internship position with Solidarity Bridge and the projects I've carried out with them.
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RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 2

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Poster 13
The Architecture of Dictatorship: Re-evaluating Mussolini and Mao Through Architectural Memory
Gustavo Arreguin Mendoza, Spanish; Inter national Studies (2016), Ricci Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Aidan Forth, Anthony Cardoza, Anne Wingenter, Simon Elegant, History
In this comparative study, the cities of Rome and Beijing become the symbolic constructions that offer an entryway into examining how the built environments of Rome and Beijing have either served to commemorate or selectively erase the collective
memory of Fascist and Communist dictatorships. This project addresses questions regarding the continued legacy of these leaders in the political present. How have personality cults endured after decades of revision? How have statues, street names, political iconography and public spaces either immortalized, rehabilitated, or effaced portions of Maos and Mussolinis legacies?
All in all, I hope to answer the bigger question: how has architecture served as an avenue to uphold or critique vital aspects of
the Chinese and Italian experiments with dictatorship?
Poster 14
Examining the Effects of Binge Alcohol Consumption on the Negative Feedback of the HPA Axis and Adult Responses to Psychological Stress
Margaret Meagher, Psychology, Sociology, Anthr opology (2017); Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Audrey Torcaso, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine
Binge drinking during adolescence is a risk factor for developing alcohol dependence and other mental health disorders later in
life, especially as a result of HPA axis dysfunction. We examined the effects of binge alcohol consumption on the negative
feedback loop of the HPA axis and adult responses to psychological stress. Using behavioral analysis and quantitative RTPCR, we attempted to assess anxiety behavior and neurological response to binge alcohol exposure.
Poster 15
Parenting Practices Among Non- Latino Caucasian and Latino Parents of a Child with Spina Bifida
Autumn Crowe, Psychology (2016); Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Caitlin Murray, Psychology
The current study examined differences in observed parenting behaviors among Latino (N = 30 mothers; N = 28 fathers) and
non-Latino Caucasian (N = 80 mothers; N = 71 fathers) parents of a child with spina bifida. Analyses controlled for socioeconomic status (SES) and child IQ which are often intertwined with ethnicity in this population. Latino and non-Latino parents
exhibited similar parenting behaviors (psychological control, overprotectiveness, acceptance). Latino mothers exhibited less
parental behavioral control however; lower SES (rather than ethnicity) may be driving this relationship. Parent-focused interventions should consider the larger sociocultural context when working with Latino families.
Poster 16
Genetics and Behaviors: What Makes Good Mice Mothers
Margaret Luther, Chemistr y (2017)
Mentored by Devin Dobias, Biology
What makes a mother a good mother? Studies prior examined differences among maternal behaviors, this study determines the
factors that produce good mothers by observing behaviors of mice. We phenotyped recombinant inbred lines for maternal behavior, established traits with genetic components, and are beginning to notice these traits influencing offspring growth. By
producing genetically identical F1 generation differing only in which strain they receive maternal care, and observing how the
offspring differ in growth. By combining genetic and behavior data we have a picture of factors that contribute to maternal care,
and estimate maternal performance by evaluating offspring growth.
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Poster 17
Antibody Response Elicited by an Adenovirus-vector MRSA Vaccine
Dolly Tailor, Psychology (2016), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Emily Field, Microbiology and Immunology
In recent years due to the rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (MRSA) which are becoming increasingly
prevalent and are developing resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs. An Adenovirus vaccine vector has been generated,
expressing proteins from MRSA, and we have preliminary data showing that these vectors provide protection from MRSA infection through the antibody response elicited by our Adenovirus-vector MRSA vaccine. We perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to determine the antibody response to MRSA proteins delivered by our vaccine vector, and compare this to antibody responses elicited by other vaccination strategies. We also assess the ability of these antibodies to mediate uptake and
killing of the bacteria by immune cells, which are processes critical for clearing MRSA infections.
Poster 18
Religious Belief and Perceived Acculturative Stress in African Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents
Nisha Bhatt, Psychology (2016)
Community Partner: PAN-African Association; Key Way to Heaven Ministries
Mentored by Emma-Lorraine Bart-Plange
Upon moving to a new country, immigrants and refugees often experience acculturative stress in response to the acculturation
process. The perceived acculturative stress experienced by the immigrants is an important factor according to past research by
Navara and James (2005). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if religious belief (Christianity or Islam) predicts perceived acculturative stress.
Poster 19
Paleogenomics; Horizontal Gene Transfer in Mus musculus
Virginia Saulnier, Bioinfor matics and Biology (2016)
Mentored by Jon Brenner, Computer Science
Horizontal gene transfer allows organisms to potentially acquire new functionality. Genes that encode virulence factors are
present in many species of bacteria. We examined 10 endosymbiotes of Mus musculus for evidence of horizontal gene transfer.
Endosymbiote genomes were compared to the Mus musculus genome using an anti-BLAST technique. Additional attention
was given to acquired genes within 1500 base pairs of a coding region. Functionality and potential pathogenicity of acquired
genes was evaluated.
Poster 20
Inside-Out PEGylation of Bovine Alpha Crosslinked Hb via Strain Promoted Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition: A Potential Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier (HBOC)
Jacob Dumbauld, Biochemistr y (2018), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Kyle Webster, Chemistry and Biochemistry
The objective of this research project is to create a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) by modifying bovine hemoglobin
to produce a crosslinked PEGylated hemoglobin molecule. This HBOC will help to alleviate the demand for blood transfusions,
as donations from humans cannot keep up with current demands. Problems with prior HBOCs that PEGylatoin will address
include vasoconstriction, nephrotic toxicity, and hypertension due to NO scavenging. Four- and eight-armed PEGs will be used
to see if fewer arms give a more homogeneous product. At least a 4:1 crosslinked Hb: PEG ratio should yield no inflammation
in cell death in future in vivo studies.
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Poster 21
The Effect of Fat Intake Levels on Bone Mass and Length
Cassondra Pavlatos, Fr ench and Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Madeline Keleher, Biology
In this study, the humerus, ulna, femur and radius in 80 mice were measured for mass and length to investigate the effect of fat
intake on bone growth. The first generation of mice had mothers on a high fat diet or low fat diet. The offspring of these couplings were chosen to be measured while either having been on low fat diets with low fat diet mothers, on low fat diets with
high fat diet mothers, on high fat diets with low fat diet mothers, or on high fat diets with mothers on a high fat diet.
Poster 22
The Effect of Parental Involvement In School and Parental/Peer Support on Mastery and Performance Goals
DonTerius Tinsley, Psychology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Suzanna So, Psychology
This study explores the effect of parental involvement in school, parental support, and peer support on mastery and performance goals in African American males over time in school.
Poster 23
Health and Lifeways of the Late 19th/Early 20th Century Hayes Point Dump in Chicago
Naveen Kanji, Anthr opology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Amick, Anthropology
This research aims at understanding health and lifeways of the late 19th-early 20th century inhabitants of the North Side of
Chicago. Medicinal glassware is analyzed to determine types of medicines and the illnesses they were advertised for. The archaeological record supports the written record's claim that indigestion was a common problem among the population because
we find high numbers of digestive aids among the patent medications. At this time, people practiced "self-help" healthcare by
purchasing medications for their poor health instead of going to physicians. As medicine and public health policies advanced,
the mindset and practices regarding healthcare also evolved.
Poster 24
Cross-Cultural Childbirth: Prioritizing the Healthcare Experiences of Migrant Women in Competent Models of Care
Emma Hall, Anthr opology (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Dana Garbaski, Sociology
In the context of the feminization of increasing global migration, it is impossible to understand maternal and child health in a
given country without considering the experience of female migrants. This project uses personal interviews with experts and
available literature to assess the ways that language and cultural barriers, rupture of the social/familial unit, and lack of accessible resources prevent migrant women from receiving adequate and equitable care. It evaluates the potentiality of cultural competency and clinician training programs, principals of patient-centered and woman-centered care, and targeted community
programs to be immediately adjusted to address those gaps and barriers to care.
Poster 25
Womens Work and Creative Innovation in Textiles from Sumba, Indonesia
Grace Iverson, Anthr opology and Ar t Histor y (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Catherine Nichols, Anthropology
This project examines a selection of textiles from the May Weber ethnographic collection that were produced in Sumba, Indonesia. Sumbanese women have exclusive control of the entire process of cloth production. Highlighting womens contributions
to this rich tradition, I aim to piece together individual histories of these objects in order to provide a framework for under-
46
standing their social meanings. By looking at these textiles, made throughout the late 20th century, I also consider the globalized production of ethnic arts and its influence on contemporary representations of non-Western cultures.
Poster 26
The Repellent Effects of EphA/Ephrin-A Signaling During Innervation of Taste Papillas
Kajol Doshi, Biology and Exer cise Science (2018), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
During Development, axons respond to various guidance cues that help them reach their specific targets. This work, using taste
papillae as our model system, focuses on Ephrin-As- cell-attached proteins typically known to have repellent effects. Ephrin-As
are expressed in the taste papillae during innervation and the EphAs that act as the receptors are expressed on the sensory axons. Ephrin-Bs are transmembrane proteins that are expressed along the dorsal epithelium just after axons penetrate the epithelium. Ephrin-Bs predominantly interact with the EphBs and also cause repellent effects. Combining Ephrin-As and Ephrin-Bs in
the same in-vitro stripe studies results in additive repellent effects.
Poster 27
The Time Course of Processing Negatively Valenced Emotional Faces
Maher Hamadeh, Biology and Psychology (2016), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Cahterine Putonti, Biology; George Thiruvathukal, Computer Science
Emotional face processing is essential for interpreting social information and survival. Negatively valenced information (e.g.,
sad, angry, fearful, etc.) is differentially processed in the brain compared to positively valenced and neutral information. Past
studies have used event-related potentials (ERPs) to describe the time course of the neurocognitive processes involved in processing emotional faces. However, few studies have examined how these neurocognitive processes vary across equally arousing
negatively valanced faces. In this study, three experiments will be conducted in order to understand the differences in processing for sad and fearful faces. The proposed studies will examine the effects of face valence on the P100, N170, and P200
ERP components in college undergraduate students.
Poster 28
The Role of Chemokine Receptor CXCR7 in the Neuronal Development and Regeneration in the Olfactory System
Kushal Bakshi, Psychology (2015), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Laura Stockdale, Psychology
Regeneration in the central nervous system is uncommon and poorly understood. Neural regeneration occurs in the olfactory
system throughout life, but it is currently unknown what factors activate the neural stem cell population in the olfactory epithelium. We hypothesize that chemokine receptors are responsible for this activation process throughout development as well as in
response to injury. We have detected the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR7 in both the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb using Western blotting. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the activation and subsequent proliferation of stem
cells to functioning projection neurons can have important scientific and clinical outcomes.
Poster 29
Relationship Between Pre-School Student's Self-Regulation and Social Behavior in the Classroom
Sabreen Onallah, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Community Partner: Albany Park Community Center's Headstart Program Mary Crane Center
Mentored by Christine Li-Grinning, Psychology
Early education intervention is crucial for every child, but even more beneficial for children growing in low income, ethnic
minority households. This research project takes a look at children of these demographics who are currently attending preschool in Chicago. We will take a look at how children's social skills impact their self-regulation in the classroom. There are
many studies to show that self-regulation and social skills are very important in overall academic achievement and behavior
control, however, this is the start of future research needing to be done in creating interventions for this specific age group.
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Poster 30
The Quantification of Toxic Elements in Biological Matrices
Jacob Batycki, Biology and Spanish (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Martin Schmeling, Chemistry
Cr(III) is considered safe, whereas Cr(VI) is toxic and carcinogenic. Analysis of human tissue, particularly the lens, provides
insight into chromium exposure. A protocol was developed using cation exchange chromatography and analysis by graphite
furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. It was found that salt from surgical irrigation solution interferes with accurate Cr(III)
quantification. To eliminate this, the study pursued trace matrix separation by anion exchange and standard addition. The study
also confirmed the methods specificity and reproducibility. The goal of this research is to allow epidemiological studies to link
toxic metal concentrations to patient lifestyle and vital parameters.
Poster 31
Thiol Inhibition of Metalloproteins
Iman Darwish, Chemistr y (2018)
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Biology
Many essential biological pathways utilize metalloenzymes, and inhibition of such enzymes in bacteria can lead to new antibiotics. Specifically, our research focuses on developing inhibitors of DapE, the last enzyme of the succinylase biosynthetic pathway bacteria use to make lysinean important component of bacterial cell walls. Inhibition of DapE is selectively lethal for
bacteria because mammals do not possess this pathway. Upon performance of an initial inhibitor screening, L-captopril, a thiol
containing compound, was found to be a lead inhibitor. This molecule was thus the inspiration for the development of thiol
derivatives as potential inhibitors of DapE.
Poster 32
CO2 reduction using Manganese complexes with bulky bibenzimidazole ligands
Arnold Nadel, Chemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Wei-Tsung Lee, Chemistry
Through the use of a manganese complex with a bulky bibenzimadazole ligand, our group attempted to synthesize a more efficient catalyst for CO2 reduction. An electron withdrawing group and a mesityl group used in the structure hypothesized a better
reduction potential than previous research in this field. Similar ligands were prepared to compare reduction potential results.
Poster 33
Indigeneity of the Past, Indigeneity in the Present: Archaeology and Mexicanidad at the NMMA
Amanda Sorensen, Anthr opology and Fr ench (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
While contemporary indigenous Mexican communities endure persistent socioeconomic marginalization, indigeneity is often
invoked as a valuable cultural symbol of Mexicos past. This project examines the representation and interpretation of archaeological materials from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica at Chicagos National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). Drawing on
interviews and participant observation with museum visitors in the Nuestras Historias exhibit, this study will explore perceptions surrounding indigenous communities in Mexicos past and present. This research contributes to anthropological perspectives on culture, history, and identity-making by examining how museum visitors perceive indigeneity through the exhibits
archaeological materials.
Poster 34
Physician-Patient Interaction and its Effect on Patient Care
Majed Shaheen, Biology and Bioinfor matics (2017)
Community Partner: University of Chicago
Mentored by David Meltzer, University of Chicago; Elle Moore, University of Chicago
The patient's responsibility for his/her own health care is shared to some degree with the physician. Therefore, the patientphysician relationship is of utmost importance. It is always beneficial for patients to work with their physicians in a mutually
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respectful relationship. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the overall satisfaction of patients
(defined as the patients positive or negative response to a specific physicianpatient interaction) and methods of physician
communication. This discussion will also outline the main physician-patient interaction models.
Poster 35
Inside-Out Site Directed PEGylation of Cross-Linked Hemoglobin
Cheyanne Frosti, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Chemistry
An urgency to create an effective blood substitute comes from the lack of blood supply and the risk of blood pathogens. A hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) would carry oxygen to hypoxic tissue treating trauma that provokes oxygen deprivation. However, injecting unmodified hemoglobin (Hb) can cause severe complications such as nephritic toxicity. Thus far, two
approaches have been used to prevent such toxicity. The first approach crosslinks the hemoglobin via the alpha subunits while
the second approach crosslinks the hemoglobin via beta subunits. With the successful characterization results, we believe this is
the first step to creating a viable blood substitute.
Poster 36
Chiral Resolution of CTV-Lactam
Jacob Dudzinski, Biochemistr y (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Daniel Becker, Chemistry
Cyclotriveratrylene-lactam (CTV-lactam) is a chiral cyclophane that resembles CTV except for the addition of an amide group
at one of the apexes. CTV-lactam exists as a racemic mixture due its ability to naturally undergo an umbrella inversion that
changes the position of the nitrogen in the amide. My research will focus on the chiral resolution of CTV-lactam through the
use of a variety of chiral auxiliaries that prevent umbrella inversion. Another aspect of my research involves implementing an
analytical method for quantification of CTV-lactam enantiomers. Such a method was accomplished using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and Chirabite-AR chiral shift reagent.
Poster 37
Morphological Variation in Asian Babblers
Sagar Chaudhari, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am;
Mentored by Dr. Sushma Reddy, Biology
Asian babblers are a particularly interesting family of birds due to their wide variety in phenotypic characteristics despite occupying similar habitats and niches. Babblers are a large family of Old World insectivores which are strikingly diverse, both in
numbers of species richness and their morphologies and ecologies. My research project involves the accumulation of phenotypic and genotypic data on the beaks of Asian babblers, coupled with an analysis on their habitat to study the evolutionary forces
behind the speciation within this group of birds. The broader context of this research is similar to that of Darwins finches, and
how the beaks were first studied to examine natural selection.
Poster 38
Deferentially Expressed Genes From Diet Induced Obesity
Shyam Shah, Bioinfor matics and Statistics (2017)
The goal of this project is to investigate the intersection of obesity, diet, and gene expression. Specifically, I plan to find differentially expressed genes from mice that were given either a low fat, or a high fat diet. The RNA-Seq data of these mice will be
analyzed against specific phenotypes that were measured such as insulin tolerance, glucose tolerance, leptin levels, cholesterol
levels, and liver weight. For analysis I will use R, and the R package WGCNA. I will create clusters of genes correlated with
desired phenotypes. Then the genes, and their clusters will be analyzed with multiple databases.
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Poster 39
Potential Plasmodium Falciparum Gametocytocidal Protein Targets
Cameron Callipari, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Kim Williamson, Biology; Stefan Kanzok, Biology; Lacy Simons, Biology; Beata Czesny, Biology
Malaria is a critical world heath problem that affects nearly 200 to 300 million people per year causing an estimated 0.65 million deaths worldwide. Plasmodium falciparum is the most virulent and deadly of the human malarial species. In order for the
parasites to be transmitted to people via mosquitoes, they must switch from asexual to sexual development and produce gametocytes. However, most antimalarial drugs are not active against P. falciparum gametocytes. Recent research has determined
that the Torin 2 compound possesses potency against P. falciparum parasites with the ability to completely block gametocyte
transmission from host to mosquitoes. Analysis revealed chemical signatures for P. falciparum stages indicative of druggability
and suggesting potential protein targets, one of these being phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase (PRPPS,
PF3D7_1325100). This gametocyte protein could be a drug target for Torin 2 but it needs to be confirmed by enzyme binding
(such as immunoprecipitation using antibodies generated in mice) and kinase assays. My goal is to determine whether P. falciparum PRPPS is a Torin 2 target by producing recombinant P. falciparum PRPPS then testing its enzymatic activity and sensitivity to Torin 2. Similar Torin 2 inhibition profiles against the recombinant protein and gametocytes will be consistent with
PfPRPPS being the Torin 2 target and lead to studies to identify a parasite specific Torin 2 derivative that will be an effective
anti-malarial.
Poster 40
Analyzing Methylation Patterns of the Subtelomeric Region of the Short Arm of Chromosome 21
Christine Dankha, Biology (2016)
The heterochromatic regions, constituting of 15% of the human genome, have not been fully sequenced in comparison to the
euchromatic regions, demonstrated by the Human Genome Project. This research project focuses on constructing a map of
HC21p to use as a model for characterizing these highly repetitive regions in human acrocentric chromosomes. The primary
region that is being studied is Region 4 of the 6kb sequence of the HC21p. The purpose of this experiment is to study DNA
methylation patterns between normal and prostate cancer cell lines to determine possible biomarkers that may characterize the
potential presence of cancer.
Poster 41
Dissection of the Drosophila Testes and the Function of Ribbon
Ahmad Dabbouseh, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dr. Jennifer Mierisch, Biology
There are a number of genes that function in the development of the embryonic gonad and also function in the adult gonad for
continued gametogenesis. I just happen to be looking at specifically one of those genes, which is ribbon. In order to examine
how ribbon functions in the adult gonad, mutant clones will be generated. We will specifically examine the potential role of
ribbon in the germ cells of the drosophila testes. Germline stem cells are located around the hub, which forms the germline
stem cell niche in the adult testis.
Poster 42
The Glutathione System of the Rodent Malaria Parasite Plasmodium berghei and Its Activity with Three Novel Proteins
Enzymatic activity of the Plasmodium glutathione System with Three Novel Parasite Proteins
Ana Carolina Ruiz, Biology (2017), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
The malaria parasite Plasmodium has two distinct antioxidant defense systems: the thioredoxin (Trx) system and the glutathione (GSH) system. Both these systems protect the parasite from oxidative stress, created by the hosts immune response as
well as by the parasites own metabolism. A better understanding of these systems will provide important new insights into
the parasites survival, and may suggest potential drug targets. Here I describe the Plasmodium GSH system, which consists of
the oxidoreductase glutathione reductase (GR), the tripeptide glutathione (GSH), and the small protein glutaredoxin (Grx-1).
To this end, I have cloned P. berghei GR, and expressed and purified the recombinant protein. I have determined the enzymat-
50
ic activity and specificity of PbGR with different substrates. I also expressed and purified Grx-1, and investigated activity with
the GSH system. I have now established the complete GSH system of the malaria parasite and tested it with a novel thioredoxin
-like protein. Several more novel Trx-like proteins will be tested for enzymatic activity with the GSH-system to better understand its mechanism of defense.
Poster 43
Bacteriophage Impact on Nitrogen Cycle in Wastewater Treatment
Emily Sible, Biology (2016), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Biology
Not only are wastewater treatment plants integral parts of any urban landscape, but they are also home to very complex microbial communities. Viruses that infect bacteria- phages influence biogeochemical cycles, such as nitrogen cycling, on a global
scale through mediation of bacterial diversity. This project takes a closer look at the impact of phage on the nitrogen cycle in
wastewater treatment systems. Samples were collected from aeration batteries at the OBrien Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago and were used to isolate novel phage particles. The results of this study will be used to help clarify the role phage-host
interactions play in the nitrogen cycle to help formulate more inclusive models of climate change on a macro level.
Poster 44
The Role of OMP in Neuronal Regeneration and Maturation
Wasif Osmani, Biology (2016), Biology Resear ch Fellows Pr ogr am
Mentored by Jessica H. Brann, Biology
Regeneration of neurons in the nervous system is of great therapeutic interest due to the increasing prevalence of neural degenerative diseases in our society. Moreover, there are two areas in the brain where regeneration occurs throughout adult life,
namely, in the olfactory system and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, we utilize the olfactory system as a model
for neural regeneration due to the ease of access it offers. Consequently, with the presence of olfactory stem cells maturing and
differentiating into mature neurons (OSNs), the model offers insight into the process of regeneration and maturation. Recent
work by Lee et al showed the functional importance of olfactory marker protein (OMP) in the maturation of OSNs. Thus, if
OMP is required for neuronal differentiation, then genetic ablation of OMP will result in a decrease in the number of mature
neurons in the olfactory epithelium as well as a decrease in the innervation of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. To test this, we
utilized transgenic mice whose OMP gene constructs contain GFP as a fluorescence tag, generating heterozygous controls
(OMP-GFP +/-) and knockouts (OMP-GFP -/-). Furthermore, through this paradigm, we will study the effects of OMP postlesion and across age. Preliminary results show that loss of OMP may affect OB innervation, implicating OMP in the proper
maintenance of the connections between mature OSNs and mitral cells in the OB. Therefore, OMP appears to be a necessary
component in the process of regeneration and maturation of OSNs.
Poster 45
The Rewarding Effects of Cholinergic Inhibition to the Rostromedial tegmental Nucleus in Mice
Jessica Ludwig, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Stephan Steidl, Psychology
Inputs to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that utilize the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), contribute to the ability of opiates drugs to activate brain dopamine systems. A major source of GABA input to the
VTA comes from the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Blocking cholinergic input to the RMTg increases the ability of
opiates to increase brain dopamine activity in mice. Blocking cholinergic input to the RMTg is thus expected to be rewarding
and this experiment tested this hypothesis.
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Poster 46
Role of Cholinergic Inputs from the Laterodorsal tegmental Nucleus and Pedunculopontine tegmental Nucleus in Opiateinduced locomotion
Joanne Fil, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Rewarding effects of opiate drugs is caused by cholinergic inputs to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), contributing elevated
dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) and pedunculopontine tegmental
nucleus (PPTg) are the only known sources of cholinergic input to the VTA. Our studies will use designer receptors exclusively
activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to selectively block LDTg or PPTg cholinergic cells and test the effects on opiate
induced locomotion in mice. With our research, we hope to find the cholinergic pathway responsible for the rewarding effects
and provide a potential treatment target for opiate addiction.
Poster 47
Seasonal Stress and Blood Chemistry of Ornate Box Turtles in Restored Prairies of North-central Illinois
Jennifer Fernandez, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Joseph Milanovich, Biology
In Illinois, T. ornata was recently listed as threatened, despite its historically common distribution in prairie systems of northern
Illinois. Little remains known about the demography and health of T. ornata populations in this region. Thus, we investigated
the seasonal activity and physiological health of two T. ornata populations across one year using radiotelemetry, temperature
dataloggers, and blood tissue collection. Results indicate seasonal variation in blood chemistry metrics across both sites, driven
by variation during spring months. An assessment of T. ornata populations, specifically data regarding blood chemistry, is
needed to further establish specific conservation targets for this threatened species.
Poster 48
Phage Phisher: A Pipeline for the Location and Isolation of Viral Sequences in Complex Datasets
Thomas Hatzopoulos, Computer Science (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Catherine Putonti, Bioinformatics
As the interest in viruses continues, and researchers focus more and more on environmental viruses, it becomes clear that obtaining meaningful viral information from large sequencing datasets is a complex and expensive task. Currently, problems surrounding this issue can be ascribed partially to the genomic plasticity of viruses themselves as well as the scarcity of information in existing genomic databases. Very little information exists in these databases about viruses, as they are so hard to
isolate. I would like to create a computational pipeline, named PhagePhisher, to extract relevant information from complex and
mixed datasets, that will aim to improve the collection and study of bacteriophages, viruses, and virally-related sequences, in a
range of environments. I would like to run a proof of concept study, to use the PhagePhisher pipeline for the separation of viral
information from a mixture of reads from a phage isolated from the environment and its host. The goal is to make PhagePhisher
usable by someone with a limited operator knowledge of bioinformatics, so that is accessible to microbiologists on the largest
scale possible.
Poster 49
Distribution and Spread of Non-native Invertebrates in the Chicago Area Waterway System: Implications for Invasions in the
Great Lakes and Mississippi
Trent Henry, Conser vation Ecology (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Reuben Keller, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
The Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) forms a direct, aquatic connection between the Laurentian Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. During summer 2015 we sampled for crayfish and smaller crustaceans at sites throughout the CAWS and
in Lake Michigan harbors. Crayfish were sampled to determine the prevalence of non-native species, while smaller crustaceans
were sampled to assess the spread of scud (Apocorophium lacustre) upstream from the Mississippi River basin towards Lake
Michigan. Our results are the first systematic sampling of invertebrates in the CAWS in the last decade, and show that the system is vulnerable to further invasion by invertebrates.
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Poster 50
Impact of Medical, Cognitive, and Psychological Adjustment Factors on Higher Education and Career Goals in Young Adults
with Spina Bifida
Syed Ahmed, Economics (2016)
Mentored by Grayson Holmbeck, Psychology
The life expectancy of persons with spina bifida (SB) has drastically increased in recent years. As a result, many individuals
with SB reach adulthood. However, due to several illness related impairments, it can be difficult to attain typical adult milestones, such as having a career. Therefore, we sought to find the relationship between medical, cognitive, and psychological
adjustment factors with higher education and career goals in a sample of young adults with SB.
Poster 51
Urban Agriculture in Chicago: Assessing Ecosystem Service Prioritization
Caitlin Dillon, Envir onmental Science (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am;
Mentored by Kelly Garbach, IES
Eighty percent of the United States population now lives in cities, making it increasingly important for urban areas to provide
food production and other ecosystem services (ES) that support human well-being. Urban agriculture has received recent attention as an approach to meet ES needs. No unified typology of urban agriculture organizations, or their priorities for ES enhancement exists, ultimately hindering understanding of their contributions. This study bridges this knowledge gap by providing a
typology with four key types of organizations. Through structured interviews with eight urban agriculture organizations in Chicago, this study identifies commonalities and differences in ecosystem services prioritization.
Poster 52
Biodiversity Assessment of Three Calcareous Ponds at Loyola Retreat and Ecology Campus: Summer 2015
Graciela Olmedo, Envir onmental Science (2016)
Mentored by Stephen Mitten, SJ, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
We conducted biodiversity assessments of three calcareous ponds showing the composition, structure, function and interrelationships of various biotic and abiotic factors. We calculated species richness, and biodiversity indices as well as organism
distribution in nine different zones of each of the ponds. Our objectives were to 1) learn as much as possible about the three
calcareous pond ecosystem at LUREC; 2) understand what organisms are present in each pond by collecting data/samples and
identifying organisms present within the ponds; 3) observe differences and changes of biotic and abiotic factors across each
subsequent pond to describe composition and inter-relationships between biotic and abiotic elements of the ponds; 4) determine
and compare species richness and biodiversity of each pond to identify reasons for the differences and changes across the
ponds, if any; and 5) establish standardized protocols for future surveying of the ponds.
Poster 53
The Rise of the Mega Breach, and What Can Be Done About It
James Fritz, Finance, Infor mation Systems, and Music (2017)
Mentored by Frederick Kaefer, Information Systems and Operations Management
This research examines mega breaches, data breaches that constitute the loss of a million records or more, and how organizations have responded to recent mega breaches. Data from 2,273 data breaches that occurred between 2005 and 2015 that involved the confirmed loss of records are analyzed. This data is used to examine recent trends in the occurrences of mega
breaches as well as the different categories of breaches and the different entities affected by breaches. In addition, this research
examines methods that can be employed by organizations in order to prevent data breaches, such as encryption and employee
training.
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Poster 54
Enrollment, Graduation Rates and Supportive Efforts of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in 4-Year Traditional Nursing Programs
Samantha Cordova, Health Systems Management (2016)
Mentored by Regina Conway-Phillips, Nursing
This research investigates the current enrollment, graduation rates and supportive efforts of racial and ethnic minorities in 4year traditional nursing programs. Statistical data has been collected for this research through a ten-question survey that was
emailed to the Deans and Program Directors of ninety Universities that offer 4-year traditional nursing programs. Preliminary
data of this research shows that the schools that were most aware of student barriers, provided academic and financial support,
offered cultural competency courses to their students, and that offered cultural competency training to their faculty and staff
had the highest graduation rates than those who did not provide any assistance or very minimal.
Poster 55
To Airbnb or to Not Airbnb: Survey Analysis.
Mit Patel, Infor mation Systems (2018), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Nenad Jukic, Information Systems
We investigate the Airbnb phenomenon from the perspective of Airbnb customers and from the perspective of Airbnb competitors. We use two different methods to collect data: an online survey for lodging customers of Airbnb and regular hotels,
and in-depth-interviews with hotel executives. Our survey findings suggest that there are significant differences between the
type and motivation of customers that book Airbnb compared to those that book regular hotels. The interviews with hotel
executives indicate that Airbnb is not considered to be a significant disruptor in the hospitality industry, but the smaller hotels
must contemplate adjustments in anticipation of increased competition.
Poster 56
Cereal Mascot Marketing
Joe Antonini, Mar keting (2016)
Mentored by Amy Kyhos, Marketing; Stacy Neier Beran, Marketing
Many breakfast cereal companies use mascot characters to advertise their products. My research explores which kinds of
characters are the most successful for engagement and why.
Poster 57
Factors Predicting Successful Verbal Learning in Old Age
Jorge Yanar, Physics and Computer Science (2017), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Robert Morrison, Psychology; Mark Albert, Computer Science; Carolyn Martsberger, Physics
To investigate which executive functions most strongly contribute to successful long term verbal learning in old age, 54 older
adults were recruited to perform a variety of different cognitive tasks. After applying regularized linear regression, it was
found that category learning accuracy, Boston Naming Test, and No-Go task accuracy were the best predictors of RAVLT
score, a measure of long term verbal memory. The resulting model explained approximately 30% of the variance in the
RAVLT score, and provides additional evidence that executive functions are likely critical for providing resilience to age
related changes in the long term memory system.
Poster 58
Jihadist Mentality: The Appeal of Jihad for Radical Muslims in the West
Sana Rizvi, Political Science (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Gunes Murat Tezcur, Political Science; Peter Schrader, Political Science; Michael Schumacher, Political Science
How has a group employing extreme violence been able to recruit members from around the world? The Islamic State (IS) has
a fighting force of around 30,000 fighters of approximately 80 different nationalities. A large number of these nationalities are
France, the UK and Germany. What drives these people to leave their countries of residence or origin to fight a war in a for-
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eign country? This research analyzes the recruitment methods used by Islamic State recruiters in the West and the potential
reasons for transnational insurgents to exist.
Poster 59
Neighborhood Environment, Beliefs about Aggression, and Future Expectations in a Cross-Age Peer Mentoring Program for
Low-Income, Urban African American Youth
Jason Pica II, Political Science (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Urban, low-income youth are faced with daily challenges which can contribute to low future expectations. Exposure to community violence has been shown to increase young people's risk for aggression; however, cross age peer-mentoring programs
targeting youth from high-risk environments have shown promise in promoting healthy develop by providing a context for
youth to develop a positive social bond. The goal of the current study is to determine if positive future expectations in urban,
low-income youth are associated with healthier beliefs about aggression using data collected through a peer-mentoring program created with the aim of ameliorating stress and boosting positive coping.
Poster 60
Orientalized Patriarchy: The Framework Surrounding Female Muslim Extremists
Love Jordan, Political Science and Inter national Studies (2016), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Marcia Hermansen, Theology
The political agency of Muslim women is often reduced to a phenomenon of violent and oriental female agency and is embedded in a logic that tokenizes Muslim women engaged in terrorism. These Muslim women are then confined by an Orientalized
Patriarchy that describes their involvement in terrorist activities as achieving parity with men. This convenient discursive
framework validates the concerns of occidental audiences regarding threats from the Muslim world. This research attempts to
shed light on how the existing discourse surrounding Muslim women extremists reinforces patterns of othering, masks asymmetrical power relations, and obscures comprehensive understandings of terrorism and counter-terrorism.
Poster 61
Falling through the Cracks: Gendered Dimensions of the DACA Application Process
Alice Thompson, Political Science, Inter national Studies, Spanish (2017), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Ruth Gomberg-Muoz, Anthropology
While all undocumented immigrants in the United States face a suite of challenges to changing their status, past research has
shown that undocumented women confront specific policy barriers. This paper will explore the gendered implications of President Obamas executive order Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Using ethnographic research conducted with
Latina applicants at a Chicago-area legal clinic, this paper examines how women satisfy the criteria for DACA eligibility during the application process. This research advances anthropological understandings of the intersections of gender and migration, and more specifically, shows how U.S. immigration policy continues to have strongly gendered dimensions.
Poster 62
Pattern and Facial Processing Study
Gregory Kasper, Psychology (2016)
Mentored by Anne Sutter, Psychology
Previous research has found that those who report being in a happy mood score higher on emotion recognition tests (Schmid et
al. 2011). Schmid also found that those with happier moods tended to visually process faces globally. The current study attempts to examine the effect of depression on emotion recognition of human faces, as well as depressions effect on the use of
global or local processing in identifying emotions. To do this, participants were asked to complete a series of online measures
including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, a local versus global processing test, an emotion recognition test, and demographic questions.
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Poster 63
Attending to the Forest or the Trees: A Flexible Influence of Anger on the Scope of Perceptual Attention
Anum Afzal, Psychology & Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Huntsinger, Psychology
The present experiment sought to determine whether anger may have a flexible influence on attentional scope. We predicted
anger would act like green light and therefore promote accessible attentional orientations. In the experiment, participants
were first primed with a broad or narrow attentional scope, next induced to feel angry, happy, or sad, and then completed the
Kimchi-Palmer task, which measured attentional scope. Results indicated that angry participants and happy participants adopted whatever attentional orientation that was primed, whereas sad participants did not. This research reveals that anger, though a
negative emotion, has cognitive effects more similar to happiness than sadness.
Poster 64
Walking Together in Faith and Solidarity: The Pastoral Challenges and Responses of the Catholic Church to North American
Migration
Mariela Rodriguez, Social Wor k (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Maria Vidal de Haymes, Social Work
Migration is propelled by situations that push people out of their counties of origin and pull them towards places that may offer
greater opportunities. While migration may present a chance to improve some life circumstances, it also poses a series of risks
for migrants, particularly irregular migrants. The purpose of the study is to examine the various pastoral challenges and responses of the Catholic Church to the experiences and needs migrants and their families, from the perspective of various actors,
along the various phases of the migratory arc, which include pre-immigration, transit, resettlement, and return to country of
origin.
Poster 66
A Meta-Analytic Review of Treatment Effectiveness and Moderators of Treatment Success in Disordered Eating Adolescents
Alexander Karl, Psychology (2016), Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Alexandra Kirsch, Psychology
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of eating disorder treatment programs and to determine possible moderators for adolescents and emerging adults. Expected results will help identify which treatments are most suitable for which individuals and will also indicate the areas that future research needs to address.
Poster 67
The Pursuit of Justice in Post-Civil War Guatemala
Tala Akkawi, Spanish (2017), Social J ustice Fellowship
Mentored by Gunes Tezcur
How do communities that have suffered considerably under government forces define justice? This research focuses on the
different types of justice as they have taken shape in post-war Guatemala since the 1990s. I evaluate how the people of Guatemala have responded to the injustices committed by the military under government authority. This research also addresses the
motivations behind the decisions to seek justice through retribution, reconciliation, and truth as well the impact of these choices
on the affected communities and the nations as a whole.
Poster 68
Examining Well-Being and Relational Health from the Perspective of Child Welfare Professionals and Administrators
Meagan Cook, Social Wor k and Women and Gender Studies (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Mentored by Julia Pryce, School of Social Work
This study is designed to learn how child welfare professionals conceive of their roles for enabling child well-being, as well as
the challenges and opportunities they believe are attached to their work with children and families. Research suggests that even
after safety and legal permanence have been achieved, a child may still be at great risk in terms of their social and emotional
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well-being (Bellamy, 2009; Reese, 2011). Thus, while emerging science strongly supports an expanded focus on well-being and
relational health, and evidence suggests child welfare professionals can positively contribute to these outcomes (OBrien,
2011), there remain disparities in the level of training and accumulated expertise in terms of how to best to promote child and
family well-being beyond safety and permanence. These disparities create an opportunity for researchers to examine the concept and implementation of practices associated with well-being among child welfare professionals, which this project aims to
do.
Poster 70
Maturin Protein Crystallization: A Potential Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapeutic Agent
Shil Punatar, Biology and Economics (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Resear ch Mentor ing Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dali Liu, Biochemistry and Chemistry
One of the problems of Acute Myeloid Leukemia is that mutated cells do not terminally differentiate, leading to aggregations
(tumors) of cancerous cells. It has been found that upregulation of the little studied protein Maturin, leads to terminal human
megakaryocyte differentiation through a TPA-activated signaling pathway. The purpose of my research was to express, purify,
and crystallize Maturin in an attempt to further study its structure using X-ray diffraction, hinting towards potential therapeutic
functions. For my research, I have worked under the guidance of Professor Dali Liu and Ph.D. candidate Romila Mascarenhas
in the Department of Biochemistry.
Poster 71
Deficit in Synaptic Transmission in Alzheimers Neurons
Jeffrey Ng, Bioinfor matics and Biology with Molecular Emphasis (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
Alzheimers disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder that affects 2% of the population in industrialized countries, is characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive and emotional function, leading to death. Early stages of AD, synaptic communications between neurons is impaired. In this project, we seek to determine if the impairment in communication is caused
by the presynaptic or postsynaptic neuron. We also want to determine if anti-A antibodies, applied intracellularly, will be an
effective treatment. We will test this by using an in vitro model using dissected hippocampi of mice. We will patch clamping
technique to record signal communications between neurons.
Poster 72
Ingestion of Polyethylene Microspheres Associated with Green Algae by Daphnia Magna
Patrick Canniff, Envir onmental Science (2016), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Tham Hoang, Institute of Environmental Sustainability; Timothy Hoellein, Biology
Recent studies have found that the Great Lakes region has the highest concentration of plastic material in any freshwater source.
The present study determined the effects of microplastics (as defined as < 5mm in size) consumption in freshwater invertebrates, Daphnia magna. Daphnia magna was chronically exposed to fluorescent green polyethylene microspheres of size 63m75m at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/L. The present study found that D. magna ingested significant amount of microplastics. However, no statistically significant difference in reproductive rate was found for D. magna. Evidence of algal colonization on microplastics is present. These results suggest that adsorbed algae on microplastics provide an additional energy
source for reproduction performance of D. magna. Organic pollutants can be absorbed by plastics and therefore can be carried
to organisms when plastics are consumed.
Poster 73
Language of 'Enticement' in the Catholic Church
Elizabeth Sextro, Theology and English (2016), Car r oll and Adelaide J ohnson Scholar ship
Mentored by Colby Dickinson, Theology
In this presentation, I will be examining the work of Elizabeth Johnson, Karmen Mackendrick, and Sallie McFague. I will look
at the relationship between these authors and discuss how speaking of God in more creative and non-conventional ways is necessary for the Church in order to escape trite and exclusive images of God. If we are able to develop more "enticing" images
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and metaphors for God, our language will better speak to the mystery of God while also becoming more inclusive of marginalized populations within the Church.
Poster 74
A Critical Multicultural Analysis of Chicago Public Libraries' Popular Children's Storybooks
Jaelle Croom, Anthr opology and Sociology (2016)
Are the CPL's Children's storybook collections as culturally diverse as the city's citizens? This study uses content analysis to
explore the diversity of CPL storybooks.
Poster 75
Investigating Methylation Patterns of Soybean Retrotransposon
Volodymyr Didorchuk, Biology (2016), Car bon Under gr aduate Resear ch Fellowship Pr ogr am
Mentored by Dr. Howard Laten, Biology
Our project investigates the global methylation patterns of the LINE retrotransposon element within soybean. While methylation patterns of coding regions and promoters are well studied, the methylation of retrotransposons are relatively uninvestigated.
These elements were studied on soybean DNA due the availability of the sequenced genome. A restriction enzyme was used to
cut the DNA at methylated cytosines. By performing a PCR reaction on the digested DNA, the extent of the methylation in the
retrotransposon and general area of where methylation patterns occur was determined.
Poster 76
Trigeminal Ganglion Neurite Response to Neurotrophic Factors in vitro
Zachary Uram, Biophysics (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
During embryonic development, axons of the peripheral nervous system rely on various guidance cues to reach and innervate
their targets. Neurotrophic factors are an example of diffusible factors that have numerous roles throughout development, such
as promoting outgrowth of and attracting axons. Studies have been conducted on the dose response of trigeminal neurite outgrowth in vitro. However, the chemoattractive property of these neurotrophic factors has not been fully explored. We studied
which neurotrophins promoted/ suppressed outgrowth, as well as which ones could be possible candidates for chemoattraction.
We then used slow-release beads of neurotrophins to test their ability to attract neurites.
Poster 77
Analysis of XMN1 and SNAB1 Cis-Regulatory Regions of RALDH2 Gene
Suraj Sheth, Biology (Minor s: Neur oscience, Bioethics, and Inter national Studies) (2018), Car bon Under gr aduate Research Fellowship Program, Provost Fellowship
Mentored by Bryan Pickett, Biology; Jessica Brann, Biology
The gene RALDH2 is continually expressed during heart patterning, and understanding the control of the expression of the
RALDH2 gene may provide fundamental insight into the formation and regeneration of heart tissue. Two cis-regulatory regions
of the RALDH2 gene in zebrafish were studied through the use of stable transgenic deletion constructs. These studies found
that there was a significant difference in RALDH2 expression in the deletion constructs, with RALDH2 being abnormally upregulated in the notochord in one deletion construct. The complementary deletion resulted in very little EYFP expression, indicating that RALDH2 expression may have been knocked out by this deletion.
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Poster 78
Low Positive Affect is Specifically Associated with Abnormal Brain Prefrontal Activity in Remitted Depression
Julin Orjuela, Psychology (2016)
Mentored by Rebecca Silton, Psychology
Anhedonia is a feature of depression that is associated with low positive affect (PA) and high negative affect (NA). Low PA has
been associated with unremitting depression, as well as risk for future depressive episodes. The present study (N = 64) evaluated the hypothesis, that prefrontal alpha is associated with low PA in individuals with remitted depression. Low PA was associated with an increase in bilateral prefrontal activity, even after variance associated with diagnostic group and other anxiety and
affective symptoms were accounted for in individuals with remitted depression or who were never depressed.
Poster 79
Reconstruction of the Odorant Receptor Map in the Olfactory Bulb of Aged Mice
Ashley Iannantone, Biochemistr y (2016), Inter disciplinar y Neur oscience Fellowship, Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Mentored by Jessica Brann, Biology
The olfactory system has long been exploited to examine questions of neuroplasticity and neural circuit reconstruction. Previous
research has mostly focused on the recovery of the peripheral olfactory system after injury, but factors such as age are often not
considered. Knowing that neurodegenerative diseases disparately affect our aging population, our aim was therefore to examine
how age affects the ability of regenerated olfactory sensory neurons to innervate their appropriate targets in the brain. The results of these experiments support previous findings in young mice that axon targeting is aberrant in aged mice following chemical ablation.
Poster 80
Characterization of the Promoter of an Inducible Antioxidant Gene in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium
Cecile Swift, Biology (2017), Pr ovost Fellowship
The mosquito induces an immune response triggered by the malaria parasite once it has been taken up. Then, a transcription
factor binds to an antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter region of 1-CysPrx. This ARE controls the antioxidant
response in the parasite, which activates the defense response. My objective is to characterize the promoter of the malaria gene
1-CysPrx and to locate and identify the ARE. Only very few promoters of Plasmodium genes have been described to date.
Through this project, I will map the promoter region, find the ARE, and overall, succeed in characterizing the first inducible
promoter of the malaria parasite.
Poster 81
Enhancing the Purification and Immunodetection of Gametocyte Cell-Surface Protein Pfs230
Rana Alcheikh, Biology (2016), Pr ovost Fellowship
Malaria affects nearly 198 million people each year, with the P. falciparum parasite responsible for its most virulent form. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, and coma, which may lead to death. Global efforts to combat this disease
include insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor fumigation, and artemisinin-based combination therapies. To be transmitted, the
parasite must undergo sexual differentiation into a gametocyte. However, most antimalarial drugs do not target these transmission stages. The P. falciparum cell-surface protein, Pfs230, plays an important role in the transmission of the parasite by mediating human RBC binding and oocyst development. To further characterize Pfs230, samples with improved purity were needed in
addition to optimized production of antibody against the protein. Purification of Pfs230 produced in Lactococcus lactis was
enhanced by introducing several steps. Moreover, the effects of two different adjuvants were compared in the production of
antibodies against Pfs230 to elicit the maximum immune response. Western Blot confirmed the presence of the antibodies and
indicated the concentration of antibody necessary for optimal binding. Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) confirmed the cellsurface localization of Pfs230. In addition, the obtained serum was used to measure the oocyst production in mosquitos.
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Poster 82
Cardinal George William Mundelein: Chicago Catholicism from 1929 to 1933
Hector Bahena, Histor y (2017)
Under the administration of Cardinal George William Mundelein, the confidence of the Catholics in Chicago soared. This research is a historical revision of Cardinal Mundelein during the former years of the Great Depression into the latter of the Democratic Convention year of nineteen- thirty-two. In doing so, the presentation is a combination of facts, historical works on the
subject, and an analysis of the primary and secondary sources. Furthermore, Mundelein faced several problems into his tenure
as Archbishop of the Chicago Archdiocese. I'm intrigued in how we have assessed the man and his influence over the city.
Poster 83
Subpellicular Membrane Protein-1 (SPM-1) is a Target for the Thioredoxin System in Vitro.
Hannah Schaefer, Molecular Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship;
The thioredoxin system has recently been implicated in the redox regulation of prominent microtubule-associated proteins
(MAPs) in vitro, including tau and MAP-2, which are involved in regulating Mt stability. Recently, a novel MAP, called subpellicular membrane protein-1 (SPM-1), has been identified in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma. It was shown that ToxoSPM-1 plays a key role in stabilizing subpellicular Mts, which are essential for the shape and polarity of the invasive tachyzoite
stage. The malaria parasite Plasmodium also develops into highly polarized invasive stages during its complex life cycle. Yet,
little is known about MAPs in this important pathogen. Here we report on the identification, cloning, and biochemical characterization of SPM-1 of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (PbSPM-1) which shares >40% overall sequence identity with ToxoSPM-1. This 38 kDa protein is highly conserved among Plasmodium species and exhibits a tripartite organization:
an N-terminal head domain followed by a STOP domain, which consists of six highly conserved 32 AA repeats, and a Cterminal tail domain. We cloned this one-exon gene from P. berghei cDNA and subsequently expressed it in a bacterial system
yielding 1.2 g of purified PbSPM-1 per liter bacterial culture. We found that recombinant PbSPM-1 is readily reduced by the P.
berghei Trx-system in vitro. We further determined that the reaction between PbTrx-1 and PbSPM-1 exhibits saturation kinetics. Analysis of the primary PbSPM-1 sequence revealed a highly conserved pattern of four cysteine-residues within the Nterminal head domain just upstream of the repeats-containing STOP domain and an additional cysteine in the tail domain. Investigations are underway to determine the significance of these cysteines in the redox activity of SPM-1 as well as the effects
on microtubule binding. Further investigation into the function of this protein will grant new insights into the regulation of the
microtubules that facilitate the essential polarity of the Plasmodium ookinete and sporozoite stages.
Poster 84
Straight Outta Camden
Katherine Dubielak, Social Wor k (2017), J oan and Bill Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Her itage (CCIH) Research Fellowship
Mentored by Michelle Nickerson, History
The Camden 28 was a group of antiwar activists who broke into the draft board of Camden, NJ during the Vietnam War with
the intent of destroying as many draft cards as possible. Unfortunately, they were caught in the act and put on trial. After a long
and passionate case, during which the defendants admitted completely to the crime, the jury came back with a verdict of "not
guilty" on all counts. This marked the first full legal victory of the antiwar movement, and has been a beacon of social justice
and an example for future activism ever since.
Poster 85
Application of Jones Calculus to Specialized Cell Geometries
Justin Stuck, Theor etical Physics and Applied Mathematics, Mathematics (2017)
Maltese cross patterns have been observed using polarized microscopy along the edges of e Coli cells and droplets of crude oil
immersed in water. To understand the optical effects of these specialized geometries, we have developed a model with a layer
of anisotropic birefringent material encapsulating an isotropic center with the extraordinary axis of the anisotropic media perpendicular to the surface. Jones matrices are utilized to represent the passage of the polarized light through the model and the
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results are calculated numerically using MATLAB and analytically. The results are compared with each other and closely correspond to observation.
Poster 86
The Role of Serine 72 Residue in the Activation Mechanism of ADP-glucose Pyrophosphorylase in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Amanda Koenig, Biochemistr y (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am, Pr ovost Fellowship; Samia Khan; Lyba Zia
Mentored by Miguel Ballicora, Chemistry
Energy storage is a highly regulated process. In bacteria and plants, the biosynthesis of glycogen and starch, respectively, is
accomplished using ADP-glucose, an activated glucosyl donor. Glycogen and starch biosynthesis is regulated by a reaction that
forms ADP-glucose, catalyzed by ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase): glucose-1-phosphate + ATP ? ADP-glucose +
PPi. This project aims to understand the activation mechanism of Agrobacterium tumefaciens AGPase. Activation by phosphorylation has been observed in plant AGPase. To understand whether this activation mechanism exists in bacteria, serine 72 was
mutated to cysteine, glutamate, and aspartate. The effect on ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity was studied using kinetic
assays.
Poster 87
Bird is the Word: Using Avian Transcriptomics to Analyze Flightlessness
Emma Highland, Bioinfor matics/Computer Science (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Amanda Misch; Kelly Boyd
Mentored by Sushma Reddy, Biology; Catherine Putonti, Biology
The evolutionary history of avian species becomes more clear through analyzing gene expression. With the aid of our newly
developed python script, PyRANGER, we have processed transcriptomic data for multiple avian species using multiple tissue
types. We plan to use this data to identify common genes amongst our surveyed species in the hopes of increasing scientific
knowledge regarding the evolutionary history of the class Aves.
Poster 88
The Effect of Musical Experience on the Ability of Listeners to be Spectrally Analytic when Judging Level Changes in Particular Frequency Regions
Monica Gupta, Biology (2017); Mitali Shah
Mentored by Raymond Dye Jr, Neuroscience
This study analyzes differences in ability to focus on a target frequency over two distractor frequencies among individuals with
varying degrees of musical experience. Participants completed an analytic listening task in which they were presented three
temporal intervals with three frequencies (253, 1012, 4048 Hz). Analytic listening ability of participants was measured by average target weight and proportion of correct responses. Participants filled out the MUSE questionnaire, which measures indices
of musical listening (IML), training (IMT), and instrument playing (IMIP). IMIP and IMT showed significant correlation with
proportion of correct responses and IMIP showed significant correlation with average target weight.
Poster 89
Genetic Regulation and Expression Patterns of Col2a1b in Zebrafish
Pranvera Sulejmani, Biology (2016); Taylor Mitchell; Stefani Momich; Casey Erwin
Our project focuses on the expression pattern and genetic regulation of Type II Collagen alpha 1b (col2a1b) in zebrafish using
in situ hybridization and PCR techniques. When there is mutation in the human col2a1 gene, congential heart defects include:
abnormal skeleton growth and density, early onset osteoarthritis, and retinal detachment. The human COL2A1 protein is more
similar to col2a1b than col2a1a in zebrafish. Illumination of the regulatory pathways and expression patterns of col2a1b could
be more indicative and useful in better understanding human COL2A1 because they are more similar. This understanding could
be applied to help better treat congenital collagen defects.
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Poster 90
The Roles of Catechol 1,2-Dioxygenase and Catechol 2,3-Dioxygenase in the Catechol Degradation Pathway
Bridget Kowalczyk, Biology (2017), Biology Summer Resear ch Fellowship; Michael Ross
There is a two-fold purpose to this experiment. The first is to catalogue the growth of C. pauculus on catechol and the second is
to test the validity of our catechol assay for practical application. By cataloguing the physiology of C. pauculus in a controlled
catechol growth medium, we will be better equipped to examine and measure the ability of C. pauculus to degrade xenobiotics,
sources of phenol contamination in polluted environments. We will also clone and isolate the gene for C23O and C12O via
gene-walking and molecular techniques and transfer the sequences into E.coli DH5a, a strain of E. coli that is incapable of
growing on phenol and catechol.
Poster 91
How Economic Indicators Affect Voter Turnout for Different Ethnic Groups - A Study of U.S. Voter Turnout from 2004-2014
Peter Therp, Economics Finance Oper ations Management (2016); Adam Hepp; Sabrina Minhas
Mentored by Mary Malliaris, Information Systems and Operations Management
Using Census data on voter turnout for four different ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic) for all 50 states and
District of Columbia. Data was collected for every election (both presidential and mid-term election) from 2004 to 2014. In
addition data was collected for several different economic indicators, such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, and the treasury
rate for the years corresponding to the election years. The data was then run through a Neural Network model. The model ranks
the economic indicators by importance in determining voter turnout. The purpose is to identify if the importance of the different
economic indicators changes between different ethnic groups.
Poster 92
Aeroponics: The Future of Agriculture
Angelo Kelvakis, Envir onmental Science and Envir onmental Policy (2018); Mike Vazquez; Ivan Raffucci; Alexandra
Tisher
Mentored by Tania Schusler, Institute of Environmental Sustainability; Kevin Erickson, Institute of Environmental Sustainability
More than a billion people across the world currently live without proper access to fresh water, while agricultural practices use
massive amounts of water for irrigation of fields. We are researching aeroponics as a viable option for helping to solve global
food and water shortages. Aeroponics systems can use 95% less water than conventional agricultural practices and have a shorter growing period. We designed a prototype aeroponics system that uses water from our own aquaponics system to grow Bergams Lettuce. Our design offers an innovative way to obtain the necessary nutrients for food production in a closed-loop aeroponics system.
Poster 93
Improving Soil Health and Reducing Runoff Using Compost Tea
Samuel Schurkamp, Envir onmental Science, English and Cr eative Wr iting (2017) Evan Siverhus; Chance Moore; Luigi
Loizzo
Compost tea creates healthier soil for organisms to grow, replaces fertilizers and pesticides, and reduces agricultural runoff. We
ran multiple trials of three unique batches of compost tea, recording NPK levels using soil test kits and microorganism diversity
using microscopic techniques. To determine which recipe promotes the healthiest soil and most plant growth, we tested the
different compost teas in Loyolas Eco-Dome, recording plant biomass and soil health. We performed this by constructing a
plant bed where we distributed the different compost teas to romaine lettuce plants, including a control, in order to measure the
effectiveness of each compost tea formula.
62
Poster 94
Molecular Dynamics of Surfactant Interactions with Drug Crystal and/or Polymer
Syed Hyder, Exer cise Science (2018), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am; Paula Skowron
Mentored by Ken Olsen, Biochemistry
In the recent development of drugs in the pharmaceutical science, there have been many giant leaps in developing effective and
safe drugs. Drug tablets usually consist of having 5-10% of the actual drug; the rest of the composition usually consists of effective ways of delivering the drug and getting rid of the drug through an effective exiting system. As a result, our research is
centered on analyzing surfactants and how they bind. Through the use of molecular dynamics we can create simulations and
can mimic the binding of these specific surfactants.
Poster 95
Volunteerism and its Impact on Hiring Potential
Veronica Krysa, Mar keting (2016), ; Emmett Burns; Brendan Creamer; Emma Westfall
In order to land the ideal full-time job, hopeful students improve their resume by participating in challenging classes, joining
clubs, gaining professional experience and more. One area frequently featured on resumes is volunteer experience. This research aims to understand the intersection of volunteering and resume-building. The motives for volunteering aside, there is
great variation in volunteering experiences. This study investigates the preference of Human Resource personnel for
immersive or consistent volunteering experiences when viewing undergraduate applicants resumes. While considering the
responses of professionals, this study seeks to investigate the possible dissonance of perceptions between students and hiring
professionals.
Poster 96
Studies of Template-Based Photometric Classification of Supernovae
Leia Asimacopoulos, Physics, Mathematics, Theor etical Physics and Applied Mathematics (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s
Program; Stephen Londo
Community Partner:
Mentored by John Cunningham, Physics
We studied photometric classification of Type Ia (SNIa) and core collapse (SNcc) supernovae using a combination of simulations from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We increase the number of
SNcc templates from the 8 commonly used to classify SDSS SNe to 45 currently available. These are implemented in the
SNCosmo analysis package. Our goal is to study the accuracy in identifying all types of supernovae as a function of template
numbers and types.
Poster 97
LGE: Learning, Growing, Eating
Ciara McDonnell, Sociology (2016); Vina Nguyen; Jack Boyle; Min Hao Gu; Jessica Realzola
LGE: Learning, Growing, Eating is a year long project through the fall STEP: Food course. We decided to address the lack of
food education in schools by partnering with a local high school (GCE in Lincoln Park) to establish an after school gardening
club. LGE focuses on connecting students to food by teaching weekly lessons about various issues within the food system and
then providing hands-on learning through gardening. Last semester, we created our lessons and established a relationship with
GCE and its students. This semester, we implemented the 9 week program.
63
Poster 98
Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project- 1840's Jesuit Book Trade
Brendan Courtois, Histor y and Finance (2016); Dan Snow
During the 1840's the Missouri Province of the Jesuits participated in a book trade with both clergy and lay individuals who
wanted to buy and sell books related to the Catholic faith. Brendan Courtois and Dan Snow have spent time during their internship with the Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project looking at the records made by the Jesuits documenting this trade and those
who participated in it.
Poster 99
Analysis of Cell-Surface Protein Pfs230 Function for Plasmodium falciparum
Emily Schuchardt, Biology (2016), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am
Plasmodium Falciparum (P. falciparum) is the most virulent form of malaria, which affects millions of lives every year. P.
Falciparum goes through two different hosts to complete its intricate life cycle; a coldblooded mosquito host and a warmblood
human host. To emerge from the erythrocyte of the human host, as well as develop in the midgut of the mosquito, the parasite
uses the surface antigen Pfs230. This project focuses on further analysis of the mechanism of action through production of
Pfs230 protein and antiPfs230 antibodies. Protein constructs were created in a plasmid vector containing maltosebinding
protein. The expressed proteins were purified using sonication and amylose affinity columns, and the identity confirmed
using SDSPAGE. Lastly, antibodies against the Pfs230 antigen were produced and analyzed via ELISA to determine the titers
that elicit the maximal immune response.
Poster 100
Comparative Model and Predicting ATP-binding Site of the Plasmodium Falciparum 3d7 pf-ark1 Protein
Trina Sircar, Bioinfor matics (2016)
Malaria affects approximately 198 million people each year, with the Plasmodium falciparum parasite strain responsible for its
most virulent form. Rapid spread of resistance against available antimalarial make the synthesis of new chemotherapeutic
agents crucial. A recent drug screen indicated that an aurora kinase inhibitor, AZD-1152-HQPA, had potent anti-parasite activity. Aurora kinases are being investigated as a potential target for a new antimalarials reagent. Our goal is to create a 3D comparative model to better understand the structure of the pfark-1 protein and the differences from its human homologs. This information will be used to design novel parasite specific inhibitors.
Poster 101
Verification of Quantum Mechanical Duality Using Light
Alexander Pizzuto, Physics, Mathematics, Theor etical Physics and Applied Math (2017), Mulcahy Scholar s Pr ogr am;
Sarah Anderson
Mentored by Asim Gangopadhyaya, Physics
Since Quantum Mechanics (QM) observational motivation, it has become a field whose theory has greatly surpassed the realm of experiment. QM is taught from this theoretical standpoint, motivating findings from intricacies
of linear algebra and partial differential equations. We seek to diminish the dichotomy between theory and experiment, by providing a supplementary laboratory curriculum. We introduce the formalism of QM and wave vectors
with two dimensional photon polarization. While performing experiments with light, we express operators in Hilbert space as optical elements, providing students with concrete examples of operators and quantum observables
while relying on understandings of classical polarization.
64
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND

ENGAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM AWARDS
3:45PM GALVIN AUDITORIUM
OUTSTANDING LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD

This award has been established to honor Loyola undergraduates who conduct exceptional research, articulate their
research to others, and enhance Loyolas reputation as a quality research university by integrating research into
their academic learning experience.
LANGERBECK AWARD
FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH MENTORING
The Langerbeck Award recognizes the exceptional work of Loyolas faculty mentors who are contributing significant time and effort to the intellectual, ethical, and academic development of undergraduate researchers.
GRADUATE STUDENT MENTOR AWARD

This award is designed to recognize the work that Loyolas graduate students perform in mentoring undergraduate
researchers, fostering their intellectual, ethical, and academic development.
HAYES AWARD FOR ADVISING AND MENTORING

The Hayes Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate a commitment to advising and mentoring students within
and outside the classroom. Excellent faculty mentors are involved in helping students discover their passions, develop a dedication to life-long learning, and guiding students intellectual, personal, social, and spiritual growth.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

PAPER AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding research conducted by undergraduate students at Loyola University Chicago.
The award is not only given based on the paper itself, but also the authors reflection on the research process,
including the role of the librarys resources and services.
65
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Each of the following community engagement awards will be awarded to an undergraduate student or group of
students who participated in a service-learning course or academic internship course at Loyola University Chicago
during the 2015-2016 academic year. The Community Engagement Award for Social Justice, Community
Engagement Award for Innovation in Sustainability, and Community Engagement Award for Impact will be
presented to the student or group of students who represent an active and ongoing pursuit in social justice,
sustainability, or impact in their community.
LOYOLA EXPERIENCE ENGAGEMENT KEY

The Loyola Experience Engagement Key focuses on engaging Chicago and the world. As such, this key focuses on
the integration of a students engaged learning course and co-curricular experiences. Students were asked to consider the values named in the mission statement of Loyola to expand knowledge in the service or humanity
through learning, justice, and faith and demonstrate how they have shown a commitment to one or more of these
values through their engaged learning and co-curricular experiences.
LOYOLA EXPERIENCE CULMINATING EPORTFOLIO

In a few short years at Loyola, students have been completely transformed. They have developed the skills,
knowledge, and values needed to make a real difference in this world. The Loyola Experience is a collection of
integrated academic, spiritual, and social activities distinguished by students own unique talents, gifts, and desires.
66
INDEX OF PRESENTERS
Poster Session/Community Engagement Forum (CEF) 1: 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Oral Session: 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
Poster Session/Community Engagement Forum (CEF) 2: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Agignoae, Sebastian: Poster Session 1, Poster 82
Ahmed, Amer: Poster Session 1, Poster 35
Ahmed, Syed: Poster Session 2, Poster 50
Akkawi, Tala: Poster Session 2, Poster 67
Alcheikh, Rana: Or al Session, Room 304
Alcheikh, Rana: Poster Session 2, Poster 81
Antonini, Joe: Poster Session 2, Poster 56
Arfeen, Safa: Poster Session 1, Poster 62
Arreguin Mendoza, Gustavo: CEF 2, Poster 12
Arregun Mendoza, Gustavo: Poster Session 2,
Poster 13
Asimacopoulos, Leia: Poster Session 2, Poster 96
Bahena, Hector: Or al Session, Room 303
Bahena, Hector: Poster Session 2, Poster 82
Batycki, Jacob: Poster Session 2, Poster 30
Bednarz, Magdalena: Poster Session 1, Poster 94
Bhatt, Nisha: Poster Session 2, Poster 18
Bhojani, Sarosh: Or al Session, Room 504
Binda, Zuzanna: Poster Session 1, Poster 73
Blakely, Gayle: Poster Session 1, Poster 79
Blankenship, Claire: Poster Session 1, Poster 13
Bonfitto, Matthew: Poster Session 1, Poster 51
Bruder, Katherine: Poster Session 1, Poster 97
Bustamante, Genesis: CEF 2, Poster 6
Callipari, Cameron: Poster Session 1, Poster 39
Calteaux, Victoria: Poster Session 1, Poster 34
Canniff, Patrick: Poster Session 2, Poster 72
Cervantes, Shannon: Or al Session, Room 203
Chaudhari, Sagar: Poster Session 2, Poster 37
Choksi, Paarth: Poster Session 1, Poster 52
Christianson, Quinn: Poster Session 1, Poster 9
Contreras, Monica: CEF 2, Poster 4
Cook, Meagan: Poster Session 2, Poster 68
Cordova, Samantha: Poster Session 2, Poster 54
Courtois, Brendan: Poster Session 2, Poster 98
Croom, Jaelle: Poster Session 2, Poster 56
Crowe, Autumn: Poster Session 2, Poster 15
Cundiff, Rachel: Poster Session 1, Poster 70
Dabbouseh, Ahmad: Poster Session 2, Poster 41
Dankha, Christine: Poster Session 2, Poster 40
Darwish, Iman: Poster Session 2, Poster 31
Davis, Matthew: Or al Session, Room 403
Deas, Sarah: Poster Session 1, Poster 12
Delgado, Natalia: Or al Session, Room 404
DeZelar, Margaret: Poster Session 1, Poster 69
Diaconu, Diana: Poster Session 1, Poster 41
Didorchuk, Volodymyr: Poster Session 2, Poster 75

Dillon, Caitlin: Poster Session 2, Poster 51
Doreson, Johanna: Or al Session, Room 406
Doshi, Kajol: Poster Session 2, Poster 26
Doukas, Peter: Poster Session 1, Poster 89
Dubielak, Katherine: Or al Session, Room 407
Dubielak, Katherine: Poster Session 1, Poster 36
Dudzinski, Jake: Poster Session 2, Poster 36
Dudzinski, Jacob: Poster Session 2, Poster 75
Dumbauld, Jacob: Poster Session 2, Poster 20
Eyers, Jacob: Or al Session, Room 204
Fernandes, Nerissa: Poster Session 1, Poster 49
Fernandez, Jennifer: Poster Session 2, Poster 47
Fil, Joanne: Poster Session 2, Poster 46
Frazzetta, Joseph: Poster Session 1, Poster 95
Fritz, James: Poster Session 2, Poster 53
Frosti, Cheyanne: Poster Session 2, Poster 35
Fudala, Nicolette: Poster Session 1, Poster 28
Gadel, Kevin: Or al Session, Room 205
Gantiwala, Shahina: CEF 2, Poster 10
Garcia, Marina: CEF 2, Poster 1
Gonzalez, Dahlia: Poster Session 1, Poster 86
Gonzalez, Dahlia: Or al Session, Room 503
Gonzalez-Martin, Laura: Poster Session 1, Poster 58
Greene, Chloe: Poster Session 1, Poster 22
Gupta, Monica: Poster Session 2, Poster 88
Guzman, Ana: Poster Session 1, Poster 66
Hall, Emma: Poster Session 2, Poster 24
Hamadeh, Maher Hamadeh: Poster Session 2,
Poster 27
Hanley, David: Poster Session 1, Poster 4
Hans, Victoria: Poster Session 1, Poster 96
Happ, Samantha: Poster Session 1, Poster 47
Harman McIntosh, Kelleigh: Or al Session, Room 409
Hatzopoulos, Thomas: Poster Session 2, Poster 48
Heissner, Susannah: Or al Session, Room 303
Henry, Trent: Poster Session 2, Poster 49
Hernandez, Robert: Or al Session, Room 503
Highland, Emma: Poster Session 2, Poster 87
Hosmer, Ashley: Or al Session, Room 307
Hruska, James: Poster Session 1, Poster 90
Hyder, Syed: Poster Session 2, Poster 94
Iannantone, Ashley: Poster Session 2, Poster 79
Iannantone, Ashley: Or al Session, Room 504
Imeri, Gabriella: Poster Session 1, Poster 53
Inojosa, Adriana: Or al Session, Room 503
67
Inojosa, Adriana: Or al Session, Room 503

Iverson, Grace: Poster Session 2, Poster 25
Jahn, Abby: CEF 1, Poster 2
Jahn, Abby: Poster Session 1, Poster 38
Jenkins, Kyle: Or al Session, Room 303
Jordan, Love: Poster Session 2, Poster 60
Kabir, Meenhaj: Poster Session 1, Poster 36
Kaloudis, Victoria: Poster Session 1, Poster 83
Kanji, Naveen: Poster Session 2, Poster 23
Karl, Alexander: Poster Session 2, Poster 66
Kasper, Gregory: Poster Session 2, Poster 62
Katner, Kimberly: Poster Session 1, Poster 21
Kelvakis, Angelo: Poster Session 2, Poster 92
Keyport, Samantha: Poster Session 1, Poster 44
Khan, Samia: Poster Session 1, Poster 42
Khan, Samia: Poster Session 2, Poster 86
Kim, Lisa: Poster Session 1, Poster 98
Knapp, Rachel: Poster Session 1, Poster 5
Koenig, Amanda: Poster Session 2, Poster 86
Kowalczyk, Bridget: Poster Session 2, Poster 90
Krysa, Veronica: Poster Session 2, Poster 95
Lau, Jacky: Poster Session 1, Poster 88
Lewis, John: Or al Session, Room 205
Li Ruo Lin, Tessie Cheryl Li Kah Yan: CEF 2,
Poster 3
Lovato, Kaitlyn: Or al Session, Room 403
Lubor, Brienne: Poster Session 1, Poster 50
Ludwig, Jessica: Poster Session 2, Poster 45
Luong, Diana: Poster Session 1, Poster 71
Luther, Margaret: Poster Session 2, Poster 16
Malekian, Sina: Poster Session 1, Poster 84
Malham, Mark: Poster Session 1, Poster 20
Marx, Margaret: Poster Session 1, Poster 23
Masa, Carlia: Poster Session 1, Poster 67
McDonnell, Ciara: Poster Session 2, Poster 97
McKinley, Bonita: Poster Session 1, Poster 43
Meagher, Margaret: Poster Session 2, Poster 14
Mendez, Dani: Or al Session, Room 204
Minhas, Sabrina: Poster Session 1, Poster 57
Mitchell, Taylor: Poster Session 1, Poster 60
Mooore, Maxwell: Or al Session, Room 403
Murphy, Bridget: Poster Session 1, Poster 78
Nadel, Arnold: Poster Session 2, Poster 32
Ng, Jeffrey: Poster Session 2, Poster 71
Ngo, Leann: Poster Session 1, Poster 37
Ni, Judy: Poster Session 1, Poster 57
Ofenloch, Jenna: Poster Session 1, Poster 81
Olinger, Nicholas: CEF 1, Poster 1
Olmedo, Graciela: Poster Session 2, Poster 52
Onallah, Sabreen: Poster Session 2, Poster 29
Orjuela, Julin: Poster Session 2, Poster 78
Osmani, Wasif: Poster Session 2, Poster 44
Park, Sangjun: Or al Session, Room 506
Parsons, Kaitlin: Poster Session 1, Poster 14
Patel, Megha: Poster Session 1, Poster 11
68
Patel, Kayna: Poster Session 1, Poster 77

Patel, Rahi: Poster Session 1, Poster 54
Patel, Mit: Poster Session 2, Poster 55
Paulson, Craig: Or al Session, Room 205
Pavlatos, Cassondra: Poster Session 2, Poster 21
Pazik, Meghan: CEF 2, Poster 8
Peet, Kayla: Poster Session 1, Poster 26
Perez-cervantes, Carlos: Poster Session 1, Poster 74
Pica II, Jason: Poster Session 2, Poster 59
Pizzuto, Alexander: Poster Session 2, Poster 101
Pomian, Katarzyna: Poster Session 1, Poster 16
Powers, Sean: Poster Session 1, Poster 92
Punatar, Shil: Poster Session 2, Poster 70
Puvar, Dhara: Or al Session, Room 407
Radanovic, Milica: Poster Session 1, Poster 68
Ramirez, Sonia: Poster Session 1, Poster 100
Raymond, Olivia: Or al Session, Room 303
Rhodes, Matthew: Poster Session 1, Poster 17
Rizvi, Sana: Poster Session 2, Poster 58
Roberts, Charles: Poster Session 1, Poster 6
Rodriguez, Cristina: Or al Session, Room 204
Rodriguez, Mariela: Or al Session, Room 407
Rodriguez, Mariela: Poster Session 2, Poster 64
Rogers, Lauren: Or al Session, Room 307
Ross, Michael: Poster Session 1, Poster 33
Ruiz, Ana Carolina: Poster Session 2, Poster 42
Rusbarsky, Kristen: Poster Session 1, Poster 56
Ryder, Allison: Poster Session 1, Poster 45
Sablich, Ean: Or al Session, Room 406
Sadoun, Meriem: CEF 1, Poster 106
Samuel, Rachel: Poster Session 1, Poster 63
Saulnier, Virginia: Poster Session 2, Poster 19
Sayani, Armeen: Or al Session, Room 204
Schaefer, Hannah: Poster Session 2, Poster 83
Schaller, Robert: Poster Session 1, Poster 23
Schmidt, Matthew: Poster Session 1, Poster 24
Schoenwolf, Tyler: Poster Session 1, Poster 18
Schubert, Ryan: Poster Session 1, Poster 99
Schuchardt, Emily: Poster Session 2, Poster 99
Schurkamp, Samuel: Poster Session 2, Poster 93
Sextro, Elizabeth: Poster Session 2, Poster 73
Shah, Shyam: Poster Session 2, Poster 38
Shaheen, Majed: Poster Session 1, Poster 25
Shaheen, Majed: Poster Session 2, Poster 34
Shaju, Rahul: Poster Session 1, Poster 31
Shanker, Rachyl: Poster Session 1, Poster 15
Sheehan, Elizabeth: Poster Session 1, Poster 29
Sherwani, Sonia: Poster Session 1, Poster 59
Sheth, Suraj: Poster Session 1, Poster 50
Shuipys, Tautvydas: Poster Session 1, Poster 64
Sible, Emily: Poster Session 2, Poster 43
Simons, Kelsee: Or al Session, Room 409
Simpson, River: Or al Session, Room 203
Sircar, Trina: Poster Session 2, Poster 100
Sorensen, Amanda: Poster Session 2, Poster 33
Sosnowski, Monique: CEF Session 2, Poster 5

Sprano, Johanna: Poster Session 1, Poster 27
Strang, Rebecca: Poster Session 1, Poster 3
Stuck, Justin: Or al Session, Room 506
Stuck, Justin: Poster Session 1, Poster 23
Sugino, Daphne K: Poster Session 1, Poster 55
Sulejmani, Pranvera: Poster Session 2, Poster 89
Suvira, Milomir: Poster Session 1, Poster 7
Sweis, Amanda: Poster Session 1, Poster 80
Swift, Cecile: Or al Session, Room 304
Swift, Cecile: Poster Session 2, Poster 80
Tailor, Dolly: Poster Session 2, Poster 17
Taylor, Ewuramma: Poster Session 1, Poster 39
Therp, Peter: Poster Session 1, Poster 57
Thompson, Alice: Poster Session 2, Poster 61
Thompson, Alice: Poster Session 1, Poster 19
Tinsley, Don'Terius: Poster Session 2, Poster 22
Tolentino, Austin: Poster Session 1, Poster 46
Tomich, Anton: Poster Session 1, Poster 72
Torrez, Rachel: Poster Session 1, Poster 85
Tran, Thao: Poster Session 1, Poster 32
Treffy, Randall: Poster Session 1, Poster 8
Tischlis, Louis: Poster Session 1, Poster 91
Turano, Marie: Or al Session, Room 307
Uram, Zachary: Poster Session 2, Poster 76
Urban, Claudia: Poster Session 1, Poster 30
Valencia, Victor: Or al Session, Room 307
van den Goor, Lotte: Poster Session 1, Poster 87
Vanna, Ariana: Or al Session, Room 404
Velasquez, Gabriel M: CEF Session 2, Poster 2
Vertovec, Mariah: CEF Session 2, Poster 11
Vidal, Ricardo: Poster Session 1, Poster 40
Vincent, Anna: Poster Session 1, Poster 61
Virrueta, Stephany: Poster CEF Session 2, Poster 7
Vittitoe, Michelle: Poster Session 1, Poster 50
Wakim, Andrea: Poster Session 1, Poster 93
Wang, Y. L. Lucy: Or al Session, Room 203
Wiedbusch, Elzbieta: Or al Session, Room 407
Wilder, Caitlin: Or al Session, Room 504
Will, Katherine: Or al Session, Room 406
Williams, Colin: Or al Session, Room 506
Yanar, Jorge: Poster Session 1, Poster 57
Zaidi, Syeda Rabab: Poster Session 1, Poster 10
Zakkar, Abdul: Poster Session 1, Poster 65
Zarei, Parmida: Poster Session 1, Poster 48
Zeniecki, Patrickz: Or al Session, Room 403
Zurek, Jordan: Poster Session 2, Poster 9
69
Critical Inquiry + Creative Activity + Community Engagement

= Co-creating Knowledge through Scholarship
The Center for Experiential Learning

Patrick Green, Director
Jason Burkett, Office Coor dinator
Danielle Forchette, Academic Inter nships Progr am Manager
Lillianna Franco, Gr aduate Assistant - Marketing
Kevin Kaufmann, Under gr aduate Research Progr am Manager
Michelle Kusel, ePor tfolio Progr am Manager
Andrew Miller, Community Par tner ships Coor dinator
Jori Rappaport, Gr aduate Assistant - Engaged Learning
Jon Schmidt, Ser vice-Learning Program Manager
70

2016 Undergraduate Research &amp; Engagement Symposium Program

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Critical Inquiry + Creative Activity + Community Engagement

Patrick M. Green, Ed.D.

Outstanding Loyola Undergraduate Research Award

LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM: SESSION 1

RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 1

Sustainable Fish Food For Loyola Tilapia

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM: SESSION 2

RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION 2

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND

OUTSTANDING LOYOLA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD

GRADUATE STUDENT MENTOR AWARD

HAYES AWARD FOR ADVISING AND MENTORING

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

LOYOLA EXPERIENCE ENGAGEMENT KEY

LOYOLA EXPERIENCE CULMINATING EPORTFOLIO

Didorchuk, Volodymyr: Poster Session 2, Poster 75

Inojosa, Adriana: Or al Session, Room 503

Patel, Kayna: Poster Session 1, Poster 77

Sosnowski, Monique: CEF Session 2, Poster 5

Critical Inquiry + Creative Activity + Community Engagement

The Center for Experiential Learning

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2016 Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium Program

2016 Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium Program