Undergraduate Research Poster Presentations

P-30 Synthesis and Sensing Properties of Imino Stilbene Sensors
Cindy Bonilla (Desmond Murray, Chemistry & Biochemistry)

The goal of this research is to investigate the synthesis and sensing properties of imino stilbenes as a new class of bidentate sensors for toxic metals and organoposphates. To our knowledge, based on literature searches, this class of molecular sensors has not been previously synthesized or studied. A modular two-step synthetic strategy will be used to provide an easy and flexible method for sensor preparation. It allows us to systematically vary and study the effect of structure on sensor selectivity and color. The first step involves synthesis of formylstilbenes by reduction of cyanostilbenes. The second step involves imine formation by reacting 2-picolylamine with a formylstilbene.

P-31 Environmentally Friendly Heterogeneous General Synthesis of Ylidene Rhodanines
Davina Lowe (Desmond Murray, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Ylidene rhodanines have found broad applications in biomedical and material sciences, such as in pharmaceuticals and as sensors. A number of different methods have been reported in the scientific literature for their synthesis. Our ‘green chemistry’ approach involves use of a cheap, nontoxic, heterogeneous base promoter in refluxing ethanol. We have discovered that our calcium oxide promoted Knoevenagel condensation method is very simple, reliable, versatile and applicable to a wide structural diversity of ylidene rhodanines. This research was contributed to and performed by both high school and undergraduate students. It opens the door for easy access to and wider applications of this important class of organic compounds.

P-32 Studies of Electrophilic Carbonyl Additions and the Synthesis of Isochroman Lactone Fragrances
Camille Martin (Desmond Murray, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Isochroman lactones are a rare class of musk odorants that have not received much attention from synthetic chemists. This is so despite reports indicating their ‘exceptional tenacity and stability in all media.’ They have also been reported as important intermediates in synthesis of bioactive alkaloids. However, there are very few methods currently developed for the synthesis of 1-substituted isochroman lactones. This presentation discusses our research that uses a one-pot tandem synthetic approach for preparation of these rare lactones. It involves an initial electrophilic carbonyl addition followed by an intramolecular Friedel Crafts cyclization. This work builds on years of experience in our lab, with both high school and undergraduate researchers, exploring and developing electrophilic carbonyl addition reactions. Our isochroman lactone preparation illustrates the synthetic power of this underutilized class of organic reactions.

P-33 Investigation into the mechanism of copper(II) ions sensing using dimethylaminocyanostilbene fluorescence
Stephen Gilbert (Ryan Hayes and Desmond Murray, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Copper(II) ions are selective quenchers of dimethylaminocyanostilbene (DCS) fluorescence over other metal ions even in a complex aqueous solution. This interaction provides a mechanism for developing a copper(II) ion sensor based on the fluorescence diminishment which could be used by individuals or businesses to do a quick screen of their drinking water to determine if the copper(II) ion concentration is above EPA actionable levels (1.3 ppm), especially if this technology can be integrated into a dip-strip device. The purpose of this research is to discover and understand the binding interaction between DCS and copper(II) ions to provide further insights in developing a robust and predictable sensing element. We have been able to show that DCS is able to easily detect copper(II) ions to 1.3 ppm using fluorescence quenching in an acetonitrile solution with a laboratory fluorescence spectrometer. Our investigation of pH, interfering ions, binding strength, and the development of molecular analogs of DCS have helped elucidate the details behind the specific fluorescence quenching mechanism in this copper(II) ion sensor.

P-34 Preparation, isolation, and characterization of potentially carcinogenic heterocyclic amines derived from arginine
Zachary Reichert (Ryan Hayes, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

It is well established in scientific literature that cooked meat and fish produce heterocyclic amines (HCA), many of which are mutagens and/or carcinogens. The components that create HCAs are understood but the mechanism is not fully established. The formation reaction typically involves creatin(in)e from muscle tissue with any of the other available amino acids under anhydrous conditions. Sugars and glycols seem to improve the yield of HCA formation. However, our research and peer-reviewed literature suggests there are HCA compounds that are formed using arginine rather than creatin(in)e. Arginine is readily available in plants and animals and is found in high concentration in soy protein isolate, which is used in many meat substitute products. Therefore we have burned arginine in the presence of phenylalanine and performed a series of chemical separations to isolate compounds with similar properties as the creatin(in)e-based HCA. These purified compounds are being studied to determine their chemical structures and their relative mutagenic potential. We will report on our progress in ascertaining the structures and toxicity of our lead candidates.

P-35 Optimization of Solvent-based NIR Hydroxyl Number Determination for Dendritic Polyols
Hwuk Chan Woo (Ryan Hayes, Chemistry & Biochemistry)

Dendritic polymers, including hyperbranched polymers and dendrimers, are an emerging class of additives for a variety of industries such as the paints and coatings, plastics, adhesives, inks, and personal care products. The outer functional group type and density determines how these highly branched materials will perform and enhance the properties of consumer products. Near Infrared spectroscopy provides a direct, non-destructive analysis of this outer functionality specifically for the hydroxy group. This hydroxyl number analysis via NIR requires a high-boiling, polar, non-hydroxylated solvent such as DMSO to perform the analysis with sample amounts typically around 0.1 gram. Our research has shown that this NIR analysis works for the simultaneous determination of hydroxyl number and water content which is convenient but could be costly for characterizing expensive dendrimers, such as PAMAM dendrimers, which could cost $300/0.1 gram. Our research has focused on optimizing the sample concentration and solvents so as to provide the lowest cost analysis. This spectroscopic method is simple, direct, and does not require the time and sample preparation required with electrochemical titrations. This poster will highlight the challenges with NIR hydroxyl number analysis and solutions to overcome these difficulties.

P-36 Investigation of 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions Mechanisms: Synthesis of Thiolactomycin and Derivatives
Lucyna Krzywon (Lisa Ahlberg, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Due to increasing resistance to pharmaceuticals among infectious bacterial strains and cancers, it has become necessary to research new antibiotic and chemotherapy treatments. Thiolactones are effective against resistant strains of tuberculosis and staphylococcus. Thiolactomycin is a thiolactone compound shown to have selective activity against fatty acid synthase (FAS) enzymes which enables it to be an effective treatment for urinary tract infections and intraperitoneal bacterial infections. FAS has also become a target for carcinomas of the breast, ovary, colon, prostate and endometrium. Higher levels of FAS are expressed in carcinomas compared to normal tissues. Derivatives of thiolactomycin, including thiotetromycin have similar antibiotic properties. Our purpose was to synthesize cyclic thiolactone derivates using a simple, affordable mechanism. To date we have investigated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry.

P-37 Synthesis of Isoxazolines
Rosanne Thornhill (Lisa Ahlberg, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

Isoxazolines are organic molecules characterized by their five-membered ring heterocycles containing nitrogen and oxygen, and by their diverse synthetic and biological properties. Isoxazoline derivatives exhibit quite a significance in medicinal chemistry, with reported anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-tuberculosis, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity. One group of isoxazoline derivatives, dibenzoazepine tethered isoxazoline derivatives, shows promise as possible future anticancer agents. A study conducted with these compounds tested them against murine osteosarcoma cells, human ovarian cancer cells, human melphalan-resistant multiple myeloma cells and human breast cancer cells. Results from that study showed that the compounds helped to inhibit the invasion, migration and proliferation of some of the cancer cells. This research project attempts to synthesize the isoxazoline structures, to which the dibenzoazepines can be tethered, by cost-effective and efficient means.

P-38 Towards Amino Acid Analysis of Flame-treated Avian Eggshell Using RP-HPLC
Jonathan Lee (David Randall, Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

We developed a method for the Agilent 1260 Infinity HPLC system to quantitatively study the extent of amino acid racemization in flame-treated ostrich (S. camelus) and emu (D. novaehollandiae) eggshell fragments. We ground the samples with a mortar and pestle, dissolved them in 7 M HCl, and heated them inside an oven at 110°C for 6 hours to isolate the eggshell proteins from the surrounding calcite and hydrolyze the peptide bonds. We then evaporated the samples and rehydrated them with an internal standard. For the analysis, we employed reversed-phase HPLC with pre-column derivatization using an OPA/IBLC reagent. We were able to analyze several amino acids while reducing the elution time to 30 minutes.

P-39 Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Silver Salt Reduction Method
Bitna Yoon (Getahun Merga, Chemistry & Biochemistry)

Synthesis and characterization of noble metal nanoparticles are of current interest. Silver nanoparticles have novel optical, electrical, and thermal properties, which are different from the properties of the bulk silver. For example, metallic NPs smaller than the wavelength of light emitted on them show strong dipolar excitations of the electrons in the conduction band in the form of localized Plasmon resonances. It causes a certain wavelength of the light to be blocked from propagating. This property of the silver colloids can be changed by controlling the size, shape and medium of the nanoparticles. Hence, our current work focuses on the synthesis of silver NPs that are free or negligibly very small supporting organic molecules. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the silver salt (Ag2O) reduction method and compared with well established silver NPs from silver nitrate (AgNO3). In the present work, acetyl acetate (acac) was used as a reductant molecule. The colloids were centrifuged and/or evaporated using rotavapor in order to produce naked silver NPS. The fabricated silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy to confirm the formation of silver particles and reduction of stabilizers in the colloids. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze particle size, size distribution, and metal-atom concentrations.

P-40 Accessing Information Using LVAlert and Python
Belinda Cheeseboro (Tiffany Summerscales, Physics)
Research supported by the National Science Foundation

GraCEDb is a database that stores events that could possibly produce gravitational waves. By using the notification system, LVAlert, we can develop a program in python to extract necessary information from that event and store it in a usable data structure. That data can then be analyzed by our algorithms to extract gravitational waveform data from the detectors.

P-41 Testing a Maximum Entropy waveform recovery method on data injected with simulated gravitational waves
Michael McMearty (Tiffany Summerscales, Physics)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar, Research supported by the National Science Foundation

The purpose of LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is to detect gravitational waves through the use of laser interferometry. Sources such as seismic activity or unwanted particles in the laser vacuum arms produce a level of background noise that presently obfuscates nearly any gravitational wave signal that LIGO might detect. The next generation of LIGO, advanced LIGO, is expected to increase detector sensitivity tenfold. To prepare for gravitational wave detection in aLIGO, we test a maximum entropy method approach to signal extraction by (1) injecting artificial signals into background noise data, (2) extracting those signals using the maximum entropy method, and (3) comparing the extracted signal to the original by measuring cross-correlation between the two and by comparing calculated best-fit parameters (such as central frequency and envelope width for a sine-gaussian wavepacket) for the extracted waveform with the known parameters from the original.

P-42 Optimizing MaxEnt to find Gravitational Waves for LIGO
William Tritch (Tiffany Summerscales, Physics)
Research supported by the National Science Foundation

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) Collaboration’s signal processing software, MaxEnt, is computationally expensive. The goal is to change the data from the time domain to the frequency domain in the code and then back again to eliminate the need for large, unwieldy matrix inverses in an effort to optimize the code to improve detection of gravitational waves. This back and forth conversion is expected to greatly increase the speed of the calculation, thus streamlining the process so data can be covered more efficiently.

P-43 Science Outreach: Spanish translation of summaries
Shannen Velasquez (Tiffany Summerscales, Physics)
Research supported by the National Science Foundation

As society grows and develops, an increasing demand in scientific backgrounds will be encouraged. Information should reach every corner of the world, from aspiring scientists to non-scientists. With the intention that everyone have access to such information, we translate LIGO’s science summaries for a Spanish-speaking audience.

P-44 COMSOL simulation of transdermal toxin expulsion via adsorptive dermal patch
Michael Hess (Hyun Kwon, Engineering & Computer Science)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

Human skin is a highly complex organ made of multiple composite layers, including the subcutaneous tissue, the dermis, and the epidermis. These layers contain ducts and pores that allow substances to pass into or out of the body. Mathematical skin models play an important role in fields such as transdermal drug delivery and assessment of dermal exposure to industrial chemicals. Extensive research has been conducted using the skin as a means of moderating and controlling drug delivery through transdermal adsorption. Little effort has been made, however, to view the skin as a permeable layer to expel waste chemicals or toxins from the body. In this work, we focused on topical application of charcoal poultices or dermal patches that are used for cleansing the body by stimulating circulation and drawing out impurities thorough transdermal adsorption. We developed a two-dimensional computational skin model to evaluate removal of toxins through skin as permeable layers. The simplified skin model consists of the dermis and epidermis layers as diffusive layers and endotoxins of inflammation as a point source. The results were compared with and without the aid of an adsorptive topical dermal patch or poultice.

P-45 Simulation of light propagation in skin and subcutaneous blood vessels
Robert Polski (Hyun Kwon, Engineering & Computer Science)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

The vein visualization system projects an image of subcutaneous veins by using the discovery that near-infrared (NIR) light, at certain frequencies, passes through and transmits back out of the skin tissue except at the blood vessels. We aim to understand the light propagation in tissue and improve the function by using computational models to interpret changes in properties of the subject, such as skin pigmentation, and settings on the device, such as light frequency. We also look to decrease error, as a result of the geometry of veins and the multiple layers of skin. A finite-element model implementing the diffusion approximation of the radiation transfer equation fulfills the role in part, but questions of boundary conditions and the description of the source need clarification.

P-46 Design of a Prototype Clinical Near Infrared Imager
Ricardo Huancaya (Gunnar Lovhoiden, Engineering & Computer Science)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Near infrared (NIR) light allows for imaging of subcutaneous tissue. A portable prototype near infrared imager that can be used in a clinical setting for further research in this field is being developed. Research was conducted to determine the best combination of NIR illumination, lens choice, camera choice, and focal distance aiding lasers. The mechanical design is under development and consists of a housing that accurately positions the camera, lens, NIR LEDs, linear polarizers, an optical filter, and lasers, and also houses a printed circuit board and switches to control the operation. All these parts and the way they are fixed to the housing determine how well the NIR light contrasts skin and blood. This research shows a suitable prototype design capable of obtaining images of subcutaneous tissue.

P-47 Design of a Prototype Clinical Near Infrared Imager
Stefan von Henner (Gunnar Lovhoiden, Engineering & Computer Science)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

A prototype near infrared imaging device is needed for research in the medical field. The design needed careful planning to complete the prototype. The prototype needed to include: a polarized camera, near infrared LEDs, focusing lasers, triggering switches, and a microprocessor. The near infrared LEDs require a very specific current threshold to prevent false readings and skewing the data. Simple resistors were not accurate enough to maintain this exact amount of current. Research into various current control devices led to the decision to implement LED drivers. This discovery expedited the design process by giving the circuit design a base. Additional components could be selected to work with the drivers.

P-48 Evaluation of the Electrical Resistance and Capacitance of a Dielectric Electro-Active Polymer
James Magbanua (Boon-Chai Ng, Engineering & Computer Science)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

Dielectric ElectroActive Polymers (DEAP) have the potential of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. DEAP consists of a silicone dielectric film material with a special corrugated surface and a very thin layer of metallic electrodes on both sides of the surface allowing for large mechanical deformations with low operating forces. This work examined the electrical properties of DEAP, in which the capacitance and the electrode resistance were affected by repeated stress relaxation cycles. Three samples of 25% strain DEAP were subjected to 3000 stress relaxation cycles at 4%, 10%, and 20% strain. The capacitance of each sample and the resistance of one electrode layer were measured in both the relaxed position and the stressed position, once per interval. The 4% sample did not indicate any changes up to 3000 stress cycles, but resistance increased uniformly by about 2%. The 10% stress sample’s capacitance and resistance had an increase of 6% and 4% respectively at 3000 cycles. The increase, although appearing to jump slightly between 1000 and 1500 cycles, seems otherwise uniform. Overall, there was a small increase in the capacitance of the DEAP sample after the 3000 stress cycles but the capacitance never went above 2nF.

P-49 The Relationship Between Yearly and Daily Reproductive Synchrony
Wadenerson Saint Martin (Shandelle Henson, Mathematics)
Research supported by the National Science Foundation

A variety of taxa exhibit synchronous reproduction. Seabird colonies typically show synchronous reproduction on a yearly timescale. Hayward and Henson recently showed that colonial seabirds also can synchronize ovulation cycles on a daily timescale within the breeding season. Here we test the hypothesis that yearly synchrony and daily synchrony are inversely related; that is, we test whether a shorter laying season (more synchronous yearly reproductive pulse) is associated with a lower level of ovulation synchrony. For each of three years and five sample plots in the colony, we computed the standard deviation of the duration of the laying season and computed the level of ovulation synchrony within that season. The correlation coefficient was 0.48. The analysis gives moderate evidence suggesting that birds may not have sufficient time to synchronize ovulation cycles during a short laying season.

P-50 Proving the existence of 2-cycle bifurcations in a discrete-time model of seabird reproduction
Craig Dujon (Shandelle Henson, Mathematics)
Research supported by the National Science Foundation

In mathematical biology, discrete-time dynamical systems can be used to model the progression of seabirds through various stages of their reproductive cycles. Burton and Henson posed a simple mathematical model of seabird reproduction; they showed the existence and uniqueness of a branch of stable equilibria that undergoes a 2-cycle bifurcation as colony density increases. Here we prove for a modified, more realistic model that a similar equilibrium branch exists with an analogous 2-cycle bifurcation appearing as the parameter representing colony density increases.

P-51 A space curve satisfying t/k = t
Ye Lim Seo (Yun Myung Oh, Mathematics)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

In 1802, Lancret stated that a necessary and sufficient condition for a curve to be a general helix is that the ratio t/k be constant where k is the curvature and t is the torsion of the curve. My goal is to investigate the case when the ration t/k is a linear function, i.e. t/k = t.

P-52 Effects of immunity on genetic divergence of measles and dengue viruses
John Zdor (Kanya Long, Biology)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Phylogenies capture biological change in lineages through time, and for pathogens, this change is shaped by interaction between the pathogen and its hosts. In this study, we explore both published and novel methods to quantitatively define the shape of phylogenetic trees from outbreaks of two human pathogens: measles virus and dengue virus. Although both viral infections are acute in the human host, they experience very different immune pressures. Virus sequences were obtained from GenBank and aligned in MUSCLE, and trees were constructed from genetically defined outbreaks using Bayesian methods. To compare tree shapes, we used published methods to approximate Sackin’s index as a measure of tree asymmetry and to detect the number of “cherries,” or tips in each tree that share common ancestors. In addition, we explored the use of a novel summary statistic to compare virus tree shapes. While in-host exposure to strong cross-immunity by measles virus versus partial immune enhancement of dengue virus results in qualitatively different tree shapes, we demonstrate how tree asymmetry due to immune pressure can be quantitatively defined by these methods.

P-53 Field documentation of summer and fall diet in thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
Trevor Zimmerman (Thomas Goodwin, Biology)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

The purpose of this study was to observe and document the diet of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) and how their dietary preferences might change during the summer and fall season. Observations of feeding were made in a field of mowed grass (with a few observations in an adjacent, normally unmowed field) at the Andrews University Airpark in SW Michigan from July to late September, 2013. Samples of plant material and representative insect samples fed on, based on direct observation, were collected. We are qualitatively and quantitatively describing what was eaten both overall and on a month to month basis based on samples collected and direct observations. Samples have been submitted for stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen of collected plant and insect material to gain insight into whether the source of food was C3 or C4. We expect to see a shift in diet from C3 to C4 plant material from mid-August to early September, based on previous research on stable isotopes in teeth and fecal samples of thirteen-lined ground squirrels from the region.

P-54 Classifying Ethnographic Photographs from Tall Hisban: Toward an Improved Process for Analyzing Old Photographs from Jordan
Doneva Walker (Øystein LaBianca, Behavioral Sciences)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

The goal of this project is to come up with an improved process for classifying and analyzing hundreds of ethnographic photographs collected by LaBianca and his students during the original Heshbon Expedition (1971-1976) in Jordan. To this end expedition photographs are being scanned and entered into the computer using NVivo, a commercial qualitative data analysis software. As photographs are being entered they are being categorized using two frameworks: the food system observation guide originally proposed by LaBianca (1990) and the “seven little traditions” framework proposed more recently by LaBianca & Witzel (2007). The findings resulting from this experiment in categorization will serve as the basis for coming up with an improved categorization scheme.

P-55 Women’s Work and Knowledge in a Traditional Arab Village: Analyzing Ethnographic Data from the Village of Hisban in Jordan
Brittany Swart (Øystein LaBianca, Behavioral Sciences)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

What is the nature of the knowledge required by women in order to succeed at “women’s work” in a traditional Arab Village? This question will be examined through analysis of ethnographic notes collected between 1971 and 1976 by Dr. LaBianca and his students in the village of Hisban in Jordan. Over the past six months I have been using NVivo, a commercial software for entering and analyzing various qualitative data, to transcribe hundreds of hand-written note cards containing ethnographic data from the original Heshbon Expedition. As I worked on transcribing this data, I noticed that the most common observations recorded by the ethnographers had to do with women and their work. In particular, there are a lot of notes dealing with food preparation and the areas involved with it. Some of the notes also deal with the women’s attitudes and skills/knowledge. This poster will describe the progress thus far in my research on women’s work, particularly in the area of food preparation, and the attitude toward the women’s work. The research will be done to further expand our understanding of the role of women and their work in Jordan.

P-56 The use of 3-D Scanning in the Analysis of Ancient Pottery Sherds from Jalul
Krystal Uzuegbu (Randall Younker, Institute of Archaeology)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

Broken pottery sherds from an archaeological site can tell much about the ancient settlement and the people who lived there. Pottery was an abundant and common artifact in ancient sites. Pottery was used for making vessels for storage, cooking, eating, as well as for making other objects such as figurines. The shapes of the baked clay vessels are one key characteristic that tell much about both the date and use of these ancient vessels and objects. By using 3-D scanners, we can (fairly) quickly obtain a more accurate 3-D image of the shape of the vessel that will enable us to both date and determine the usage of these ancient vessels. This information can then be incorporated into the interpretation of the site in which these vessels are found. My presentation will describe the procedure and the results of my scanning of ceramics from the ancient Iron Age site of Jalul, Jordan.

P-57 Water/Soil Conservation in Jordan, Nebulsi Agricultural and Archaeological Center at Tall Hisban, Jordan Archaeological Park
Andrey Yun (Stan Beikmann, Agriculture)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

According to The Millennium Project (Global Future Systems) the first two global challenges are Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Clean Water. Jordan-Arab region could face severe water crisis by 2015 (Jordan Times, 2013). The indigenous methods of harvesting and storing of rainwater in Jordan have been practiced for 4000 years. Archaeologists working in Jordan confirmed that in the past, the local population depended predominantly on cisterns, terraces and dams to obtain their annual water needs which included agricultural irrigation and domestic supply. This research provides a design of landscape exhibits with educational “storyboards” for indoor exhibit. Designs of models of cisterns, reservoirs and water conservation holding areas will be part of interpretive educational signage to incorporate archeological investigation and promote information for Jordanian people in their quest for solutions to this problem. The models will also serve as site drawings for constructing outdoor demonstrations at the proposed Nebulsi Agricultural and Archaeological Center during the 2014 Jordan Field School.

P-58 The Life and Status of Women in Achaemenid Persia
Erika Mikkelson (Constance Gane, Institute of Archaeology)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

“The Life and Status of Women in Achaemenid Persia” aims to understand and explain Persian culture in light of the story of Esther and to dispose of presuppositions that may have arisen from misunderstandings of Jewish culture. Understanding this information gives us a better picture of how women lived within the palace thereby facilitating an understanding of how Esther may have lived. To accomplish this, the Persepolis Fortification Tablets, resources that examine the archeological structure and composition of the Palace in Persepolis, and current studies on women in Persia have been explored. The Persepolis Fortification Tablets provide information on transactions of goods (grain, wine, etc.), information on properties owned, salaries, and occupations of Persian women. It has been found that women could have their own scribes, estates/properties, and incomes. Understanding this information gives us a better picture of how Esther may have lived.

P-59 The Influence of Family Dynamics on Contraceptive Use in Madagascar and the Ensuing Impact on Family Well-Being
Azra Totobesola (Duane McBride, Behavioral Sciences)
Undergraduate Research Scholar

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between family influence, contraceptive use, and family well-being. A survey was administered in the Vatovavy Fitovinany region of Madagascar, which has one of the lowest contraceptive prevalence rates in the country. The survey collected data on family dynamics and knowledge and practice of family planning. Data were retained for 768 Malagasy couples. Multiple regression was used to determine (1) the relationships between contraceptive use and two levels of family dynamics and extended family influence and (2) whether the two levels of family dynamics and contraceptive use were associated with four types of well-being: psychological, physical, intellectual, and economic. There is evidence that while both spousal dynamics and extended family influence were associated with contraceptive use, spousal dynamics showed a stronger relationship. Analyses regarding well-being were inconclusive overall but suggest that spousal dynamics may also have a greater association with well-being than extended family influence. We recommend increased support for family planning promotion and training that includes couples as a unit rather than women only. Also, family planning can be promoted during community outreach in order to increase understanding and acceptance within the community, which includes extended family members.

P-60 Bullying Behaviors and Correlates among Elementary and Middle School Girls in Berrien County, Michigan
Lianne Wynne (Curtis VanderWaal, Social Work)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar

Bullying, defined repeated harmful acts and an imbalance of power between the bully and his/ her victim (Nansel 2001), is a widespread problem among school-aged girls. Nansel and colleagues (2001) found that 25.6% of girls said they were bullied and 23.2% admitting to bullying others in the past year. This study examined rates of bullying behaviors and responses to bullying for girls who participated in the Girls on the Run (GOTR) program. Data were collected in spring 2013 on 510 elementary and middle school girls across 28 schools in Berrien County, Michigan. The study included five questions related to personal involvement in or witnessing bullying and rumor spreading. Frequencies showed that 39.8% of girls admitted to bullying someone in the previous year. Cross tabulations examined bullying behaviors by ethnicity, self-esteem, and parent and teacher relationships. Pearson’s chi-squared tests found that: 1) Caucasians had the higher rates of bullying (compared to other ethnic groups); 2) higher self-esteem related to lower bullying behaviors; 3) girls with stronger parent and teacher relationships were more likely to tell an adult when they saw bullying behaviors. Data suggest that improving self-concept may reduce bullying behavior and strengthening parental bonds may result in increased reporting.

P-61 The Derivation of Identity: Gender, Masculinity, and Sexuality in Coriolanus
Matthew Chacko (L. Monique Pittman, English)
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar, Undergraduate Research Scholar, and Earhart Emerging Scholar

William Shakespeare wrote Coriolanus (1608) when two epistemological modes, theater and empiricism, asserted competing constructions of selfhood. Theater imagined identity as fluid, subject to external manipulation by exposure to the stage. In contrast, as Renaissance anatomical texts imply, empiricism voiced an increasingly stable and innate subjectivity. Likewise, Coriolanus faces a dilemma of selfhood. Outside agents attempt to change his subjectivity, mirroring the theater, while Coriolanus asserts his immutable identity, paralleling empirical understandings. Coriolanus’s concerns of selfhood echo Renaissance subjective anxieties during a changing period as different epistemologies, theater and empiricism, launched rival notions of identity.