17th Annual Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Conference - MCLA
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Welcome to the
th
17 Annual Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Research Conference
Thursday April 18th, 2019
Schedule of Events
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Conference Registration* (Bowman Lobby) Paper Presentations II A (Bowman 201)
Paper Presentations II B (Bowman 203)
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Paper Presentations II C (Bowman 204)
Welcome Remarks from Paper Presentations II D (Bowman 205)
Dr. Justin L. Golub Paper Presentations II E (Bowman 220)
Chair of Undergraduate Research Special Session: North Adams History
Harvest (Bowman 122)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Special Session: Arts Management on
Paper Presentations I A (Bowman 122) Campus & in the Community
Paper Presentations I B (Bowman 203) (Bowman 319)
Paper Presentations I C (Bowman 204) Performance: Physical Dialogue: Contact
Paper Presentations I D (Bowman 205) Improvisation and Scene Work
Paper Presentations I E (Bowman 220) (Campus Center Dance Studio)
Special Session: Interdisciplinary Worlds Special Session: Campus Conversations on
(Bowman 119) Race: Nineteenth-Century Trade Cards
Special Session: The Age of American (Library, Main Floor)
Revolutions (Bowman 201)
Special Session: Wandering in Colombia: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Reflections on Race, Culture, & Paper Presentations III A (Bowman 201)
Society in Caribbean South American Paper Presentations III B (Bowman 203)
(Bowman 319) Paper Presentations III C (Bowman 204)
Performance: A Director’s Approach: Scene Paper Presentations III D (Bowman 205)
Work from Anton Chekhov’s The Paper Presentations III E (Bowman 220)
Seagull (Murdock 218) Artist Talks (Bowman 319)
Creative Writing (Murdock 218)
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Poster Session (Venable Gym) 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Art Exhibit & Reception (Bowman 3rd
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Floor)
Keynote Address and Luncheon Food Insecurity & Sustainability Mini
(Campus Center Gym) Conference (Bowman 119)
Welcome Remarks from President Birge Philosophy Mini Conference (Murdock 218)
Keynote Address by
Alexandra Nichipor (‘12) *Conference Registration will be moved to
Pamela Dennis Scholarship Award Venable Gymnasium during the poster
session from 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM, and
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM then Campus Center Gym 12:00 – 1:15 PM.
Meet the Keynote Speaker (Sullivan
Lounge; Students Only) **Please remember to complete the attendee
survey available at registration tables and in
all presentation classrooms**Paper Presentations (I A) Bowman 122, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Title: Heart Rate Responses Following Moderate Aerobic Activity in Athletes and Non-Athletes Author: Paige Williams Advisor: Anne Goodwin Abstract: We compared heart rate recovery (HRR) and resting heart rate between exercisers and non-exercisers, with exercisers exercising more than five hours weekly and non-exercisers exercising less than one hour weekly. To assess these parameters, exercisers (n=4) and non- exercisers (n=4) had a baseline heart rate measurement taken after one minute of inactivity. They then completed five minutes of moderate physical activity, and had heart rate measured periodically throughout a five minute recovery period following activity. Exercisers were significantly more recovered after five minutes of recovery than non-exercisers, with a heart rate of 73 ±12.73 BPM (beats per minute) compared to non-exercisers’ 100.5 ± 5.5 BPM. Exercisers also trended towards a faster recovery than non-exercisers, as heart rate declined more rapidly following exercise. Conclusively, heart rate in physically fit individuals appears to recover more quickly than less fit individuals following moderate activity, but further experimentation is needed to fully establish HRR trends. Title: A Spectrum Of Opinions Author: Robert Wehry Advisor: Amber Engelson Abstract: In recent years, the amount of people being diagnosed with autism has risen sharply. With more and more people being diagnosed with autism every day, the need to have an open discussion about the autism spectrum is rising. There is no clear definition of autism: the symptoms vary from person to person. Using academic research from specialists such as Eugen Bleuler, Leo Kanner, and Temple Grandin, interviews, and personal memory collection, I am presenting an autoethnographic presentation of autism. By comparing the history of autism on a wide level vs. my own personal diagnosis story, I hope to teach those who are not on the autism spectrum how to communicate with those who are. Title: Radical Quilt: the Historical and Contemporary Use of Quilts to Express and Support Political Causes Author: Lara Maria Dudley Advisor: Diane Scott Abstract: Americans from the 19th century to today have used quilts and quilting as a method to generate change and for communicating their idea. The focus of the presentation is the use of quilts as change agents, provide an analysis of why quilts were chosen as their medium, and evaluate the process of making a quilt with a political message. It argues that society’s ideas about quilts are instrumental to the making of political and socially charged quilts and affect their messages. The study of quilts started in the 1970s and much of what has been done utilizes either the lens of folklore or feminism. This presentation instead looks at quilts in order to learn why people chose to use quilting for more than just warmth but to influence their world. This lens reveals how perceptions about quilts have shaped the quilts themselves, the experience of the artists, and the message.
Paper Presentations (I B) Bowman 203, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Title: Youth, Media, and Terrorism Author: Holly Brunow Advisor: Anna Jaysane-Darr Abstract: Technology and media especially cater to the youth population. With access to worldwide exposure, the reach of terrorism and radicalization is heightened and may stretch to all corners of the world. Whether terrorist organizations reach out individually, or coverage of their attacks influence those hearing about it, media plays a large role. Though not all youth are likely to become perpetrators of terrorist acts, there are some factors that make them more at risk for radicalization. In addition to age, variables like gender, ideas of masculinity, and ethnicity are important in determining who is most at risk to becoming a perpetrator. The paper also encompasses the media portrayal of the perpetrators before, during, and after after the act of violence occurs, and the lasting effects it may have on the likelihood that another attack will occur. Title: When Did the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland Begin, and What Was to Blame for the Escalation of Violence? Author: Alex King Advisor: Anthony Daly Abstract: The 1968 Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement was a missed opportunity for peace, instead becoming a dramatic outbreak of violence that had been centuries in the making. The nonviolent demonstrations held by Catholics, and some Protestants, in Northern Ireland to protest discrimination in housing and employment were directly inspired by fellow 1960s civil rights movements like the African-American Civil Rights movement. But the history of fear and hatred between the Catholic and Protestant communities would lead to the protest marches descending into riots and state-wide chaos. Most significantly, on October 5th, 1968, a protest march was attacked by both Protestant agitators and the police force. The fallout of these attacks on the Catholic demonstrators resulted in rising violence from both communities, igniting a thirty-year period of conflict. Title: Disrupting Binary Conceptions of Time & Space in Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury & Danticat’s The Farming of Bones Author: Lianne Gallant Advisor: Jenna Sciuto Abstract: If we, as scholars, are to bridge the gap between the Western literary canon and what is quickly becoming a canon of the Global South, it is critical that we put canonical works in conversation with more explicitly subversive, postcolonial texts. By analyzing William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury and Edwidge Danticat’s The Farming of Bones in relation to each other, I have created an analytical space in which both texts can exist. Although Quentin Compson and Amabelle Desir differ in gender, race, and national identities, both characters exist in the borderland space in between seemingly defined geographical locations. They are stuck in the past and unable to live in the present. As such, I argue that Quentin and Amabelle share a temporal and spatial ambiguity that emphasizes the constructed nature of geographical boundaries and works to complicate easy binaries.
Paper Presentations (I C) Bowman 204, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Title: Bandersnatch: A Psychological Thriller Author: Melanie Sciaba Advisor: Sharon Claffey Abstract: Bandersnatch is a Netflix original film based on the writing style of a choose your own adventure book. Using the controller, you, the watcher of the film, take control of Stefan’s (the main character) actions and move him through a transitional point in his life. This film has an interesting take on mental illness, and the perceived mental illness and trauma of the main character. In my presentation I will dissect the different elements in this film and how Stefan can be viewed through a psychological lens. Title: Why Don’t We Have Spherical Microwave Ovens? Author: William Fines-Kested Advisor: Erin Kiley Abstract: All commercially available microwave ovens come in rectangular dimensions. I investigate the question, “Why don’t we ever see spherical microwave ovens?” Due to advances in engineering technology, the construction of spherical microwave ovens should no longer be an issue, if they would perform well over current microwave models. I explore the physics of 3- dimensional electromagnetism and derive from Helmholtz’ equation, as well as the 3-D wave equation, why spherical microwaves are inadequate for consumer use. I will attempt to build a mathematical model describing the electromagnetic field inside, such a spherical microwave cavity, using FEniCS, an open-source computing platform for simulating the evolution of functions described by partial differential equations. The model is intended to visually reinforce the conclusions of the analytical investigation. Title: Technological Advancements During WWI Author: Zach Siano Advisor: Anthony Daly Abstract: The improvement and implementation of new military technology drastically changed the way wars would be fought during and following World War I (1914-18). Innovation is driven by competition; war was the ultimate competition. The application of weaponry such as tanks, machine guns, airplanes, mortars, and submarines drastically changed the landscape of war. These weapons created a larger scale of devastation, leading to higher casualty rates. Possibly the most significant weapons were biological. Chemical weapons added further incentive to medical advancements at this time. I will be analyzing how each of these weapons significantly changed war tactics and made previous procedures obsolete. Primary and secondary sources will be compiled to analyze how these methods brought great consequences in warfare and also society as a whole.
Paper Presentations (I D) Bowman 205, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Title: Perspectives on Paris: May 1968 Author: Joseph Bellas Advisor: Anthony Daly Abstract: 1968 was a tumultuous year around the world as young people pushed for social and political changes. In May of this year, students at Nanterre University in France launched protest movements against the government of Charles de Gaulle to challenge what they saw as injustices. With the working class joining in, the protest movement brought the country to its knees as major industries came to a grinding halt. However, despite this widespread unrest, the protest movement ultimately ended in failure, and Charles de Gaulle remained in power. For my paper, I will present an analysis of the protest movement and why it failed, specifically focusing on the government, the students, and the partnership of the students and the working class. Title: An AMOOSE-ing Conundrum Author: Paul Steven Davila Advisor: Erin Kiley Abstract: The predator-prey relationship between wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park (IRNP), located in Lake Superior, Michigan, has changed drastically in the last decade. The wolf population is near extinction in IRNP, with only 2 wolves, one female and one male, recorded in January 2018. The decline in the wolf population has caused a increase in moose population, which has led to overfeeding on vegetation and modification of the landscape and ecosystem. Data gathered about the moose population since the 1950’s were interpolated into a partial differential equation model, and the solution plotted as a vector field model. A hyperplane, and a density Cartesian graph will be created to predict the effects of human intervention. Lastly, we will hypothesize the effect of introducing more wolves to the ecosystem and we will find the best location so that the equilibrium can be restored to the IRNP ecosystem. Title: Rain Man Author: Christinah Zukowski Advisor: Sharon Claffey Abstract: My presentation is about the movie Rain Man and the psychological concepts that come along with it. The three concepts are autism, trust, and conformity. Autism is a disorder that is responsible for difficulty with social relations and communication. An autistic person may see others around them in unusual ways. Raymond, the main character in the movie, has difficulty managing the changes in his life and needs things in a particular order. Trust involves expecting people to behave in certain ways, which also requires the ability to figure out the behavior of others. Raymond’s brother Charlie wants to get rich and does not trust anyone other than himself. Raymond “trusts” Charlie and therefore obeys him. Conformity involves acting in a certain way or behaving according to what other people expect. Someone with autism must conform to how other people think they should act in order to fit in.
Paper Presentations (I E) Bowman 220, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Title: Kerouac and Catholicism Author: Luke O'Brien Advisor: Mark Miller Abstract: Jack Kerouac's struggle with organized religion is a well-documented one, but I plan on taking a closer look on how his Catholic upbringing affected his life. It is clear that Kerouac led a troubled, tragic life full of alcoholism and guilt. Between his Catholic upbringing and his later embrace of Buddhist teachings, he clearly had trouble focusing on both religions' emphases on humility. I plan on exploring how these things affected his writing as well as his personal life. Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest: A Psychological Analysis Author: Clarissa Mitchell Advisor: Sharon Claffey Abstract: One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is about Randle Patrick McMurphy who gets transferred for evaluation from a prison farm to a mental institution. He assumes he will have more freedom there, however the nurse who runs the place is very strict. She keeps the patients afraid and quiet by having them go through abuse, medication and sessions of electro-convulsive therapy. McMurphy and Nurse Ratched come into conflict with one another, which changes the dynamic of the psychiatric ward. The major themes I will be discussing from the movie are: conformity and the individual, power and sexuality, fear, and sanity versus insanity. Title: Prague Spring 1968 Author: Mark Guarino Advisor: Anthony Daly Abstract: In the “Prague Spring” of 1968, Czechoslovakians were just beginning to adjust their lives to the newly acquired freedoms and privileges they received with the help of Czechoslovakia’s new political leadership. But in the summer of 1968, the Soviet Union decided to send troops and tanks into the country to end this experiment of “Socialism with a human face.” The Soviet Union took this as a possible threat to the other Communist governments across Eastern Europe. For my presentation, I will be examining how the pressure of the Cold War, the Soviets paranoia and ideology, plus the political and social situation of Czechoslovakia all led up to the military invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union.
Special Session: Interdisciplinary Worlds Bowman 119, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Faculty Sponsor: Rita Nnodim Understanding, analyzing, and finding answers to the complex issues that people face in contemporary societies within an increasingly interconnected world demands creative pathways toward knowledge, calls for ways of thinking ‘outside the box,’ and requires venturing out beyond established disciplinary boundaries. Emerging interdisciplinary student-scholars presenting in this panel open up such creative, outside-the-box, and integrative perspectives as they engage a plurality of important topics in culture and society. Title: Changing Our View of Immigrants from the South Author: Jessica Jones Advisor: Guangzhi Huang Abstract: The topics of borders and immigration policy have been popular with Americans since the nation’s birth. But following decades of neoliberal policy, a War on Drugs, devastating terrorism, and growing economic disparities, the attitude towards immigrants in the U.S. has become one of fear and hostility. Instead of examining the failings of trade agreements, its relationships with foreign governments, and the effects of policies on its neighbors, the U.S. has focused its attention on criminalizing migrants and portraying them as a threat to Americans. This perfect storm of neoliberal politics and its economic impact has created resistance, in Central America, but also in the U.S. I have examined key factors in migration to our southern border, and how the U.S. has helped to produce the migration. I have also analyzed visual representations of the relationship between U.S. policy and its effect on the daily lives of Central Americans. Title: Using the Chakra System to Heal Trauma Author: Christine Howard Abstract: This paper explore modes of healing from childhood and ancestral traumas using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the eastern system of the Chakras. Psychological traumas are shown to be stored in the body and, conversely, physical trauma affects our psychology. The Chakra system highlights seven energy centers in the body where the exchange from meta- physical to physical occurs. The placement of the Chakras corresponds with clusters of nerves and endocrine glands in the CNS (central nervous system) and ANS (autonomic nervous system). In yogic tradition, the breath is seen as the connector and the greatest tool between our conscious and unconscious processes because the breath is the only part of the ANS that we can consciously control. This interdisciplinary paper explores the triangle of healing that exists by activating our physical body our psychological body, and the connector between the two (conscious breathing) to affect transformative healing.
Title: Bare Life & The Refugee Experience Author: Julia Boger-Hawkins Abstract: Although much of the work surrounding refugees, even from a progressive developmental perspective, focuses on providing displaced peoples with emergency aid and avoiding violations of their most basic human rights, our moral responsibility cannot be said to be fulfilled at this stage. By integrating information from across the social sciences, I hope to illustrate the numerous failings of refugee settlements as we conceptualize them, as well as the shifts in moral and cognitive framework that will be necessary for us to rework our understanding of the human experience as it currently exists and as it ought to be. Now, as we live under impending climate change and social strife, there has never been a more pertinent time to explicitly cultivate empathy and develop structures of social understanding that allow all people to practice resilience and create meaning rather than live the hollow existence of what Giorgio Agamben calls “bare life”. Title: Alternative Education and Children's Agency Author: Lily Ulfelder Abstract: The US is the only country within the United Nations that has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The US public education system is both the product of and participant in our society’s denial of children’s rights. This paper approaches contemporary educational pedagogies with an interdisciplinary lens, critiquing public education which denies children a sense of autonomy and stifles children’s agency, as well as appraising the origins of the current pedagogy. Through historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives, this research paper considers alternative educational approaches that emphasize self-directed and place-based experiential education. The paper explores self-directed pedagogy through alternative models of schooling ranging from the Free School Movement, Unschooling, to Democratic and Community Schooling, and advocates ways in which self-directed and place- based experiential education can be utilized in public education to support children’s agency and autonomy as active members of society.
Special Session: The Age of American Revolutions – Lightining Round Bowman 201, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Faculty Sponsor: Amanda Kleintop Students will present their independent research on a topic from the Age of American Revolutions in this lightning-round session. In short, 5-minute presentations, students will explore major themes from the American, Haitian, and Latin American Revolutions, when most of the Western Hemisphere revolted against European rule to build new futures out of a colonial past. The lightning rounds will give audiences the opportunity to learn about the histories of multiple revolutions and consider how revolutionaries simultaneously challenged and preserved class, racial, and gender hierarchies in the new world orders that emerged. Title: Female Revolutionaries in the Americas Author: Susannah Frey Abstract: While learning about Revolutionary movements, and history in general, women are usually outright ignored or pushed to the side through claims that they mostly stayed at home and did not engage in the public political sphere. However, many women did play similar roles to men in the American Revolution, such as soldiers, spies, recruiters, and political writers. Examining women’s roles in revolutionary periods is essential to our understanding of the disruptive effects on society, as well as the evolution of women’s political activity. By examining secondary texts that make brief mentions of women’s activities or specific women’s stories, and then finding records to enforce these claims, an elaborate tapestry of women’s contributions to the revolutions becomes a central focus that will enable us to re-examine our basic ideas about the societal turmoil caused by the revolutions. Title: The Thirty Years' War and the American Revolution Author: Paul Barrett Abstract: This research will show and highlight parallels between the American Revolutionary War for independence and the Thirty Years’ War in Europe that took place just over a century prior. Many of the issues that brought about the war in Europe were directly related, occasionally even identical, to the grievances held by the colonists claiming liberty from Britain; religious persecution, unrepresented taxation, and a skewed allocation of the general wealth of great empires. From 1618 to 1648 Europe would lay down the foundation for what we know today to be independent sovereign states. State sovereignty, including many of the basic rights we think of as highly American today, were being fought over in Europe as the foundation for a new kind of governance, one that the United States would ultimately follow.
Title: Freedom within Chaos: Slave Rebellion during the Revolutionary War Author: Lorinda Kalajian Abstract: The American Revolution did more than create an idea of democratic independence that would spread across the world. In the chaos of the war’s ending, many of those who were enslaved had made a choice to escape when the British lost. The slaves left every way they could, by either joining the British army, making their way back to Africa, or settling in a British colony. How many of the enslaved peoples escaped during and after the Revolutionary War and where they went is still highly debated. Some have even described the American Revolution as the largest slave uprising, until the break out of the Civil War. Title: Daniel Shays’ Rebellion and the U.S. Constitution Author: Teresa Leahy Abstract: In 1786, farmers in Western Massachusetts were frustrated with the taxation and debt laws in the Commonwealth, and in the newly formed United States as a whole. Daniel Shays and close to 1,300 farmers took up arms in protest of these laws. Historians note the event, now called Shays’ Rebellion, to be a driving factor in the creation of the United States Constitution. By using letters, journal entries, and newspaper columns from those present at the time of the event, I examine how the events of Shays’ Rebellion prompted the federal government of the United States to reexamine the Articles of Confederation, realize its failings, and write the United States Constitution. Title: Brazilian Independence Author: Robert Perry Abstract: In 1822 the Prince of Portugal Dom Pedro declared Brazil independent from his father’s kingdom. Brazil’s rapid ascension from colony, to co-kingdom, and finally to a fully independent and sovereign empire was hastened by turmoil in Europe not only from conflict between nations, but also internal struggles created by revolutionary ideals spreading after the French Revolution. The royal family fleeing from Portugal to Brazil to avoid Napoleon's conquests would ultimately lead to Brazil becoming the de facto center of the "Portuguese" empire. It operated as if it was a major power politically, socially, and economically. This importation of European values, ideals, and institutions would empower Brazil. Portugal would be unable to undo this perception, not only in Brazil, but also in the eyes of the other major powers of Europe. This would result in a swift victory not only militarily, but also diplomatically in comparison to other contemporary revolutions. Title: The Treatment of the Colored People in the French Colony of St. Domingue Author: Reese J Dwyer Abstract: The colonization of St. Domingue by the French in the early 1700’s introduced a new and different experience within the colony and abroad. The treatment of the colored people within the colony, while similar to other forms of treatment in slave colonies such as in America during the 1800’s in ways, showed a distinct difference from many other forms and actions of colonization. In a colony abroad with now white women to fulfill duties of treatment for slaveholders, through government thoughts and actions, white slave holders soon obtained preference of colored women within the colony of St. Domingue. With these new relationships becoming more and more popular, and often resulting in offspring known as Mulattos, the social standing of a mixed-race person in the colony soon changed. This caused the mindset to change and set a precedent for how colored people earned a place within the French society.
Title: Enslaved African Women and Sexual Assault Author: Dominique Stevenson-Pope Abstract: African American women are a group that is generally underrepresented throughout the history of America. We have a small amount of work either written by or written about these women, and we have less the farther we go back in time. During the time period of slavery, they faced lives as difficult as those of their male counterparts, but had an added issue of sexual assault. This occurred on a regular basis, and was unavoidable in most cases. The women who were assaulted, depending on the degree, would also have the added burden of children with these slave owners, which would cause trouble for both parties later on. This paper will address what it was like for these women who were assaulted, what happened to their children, and some of the societal problems that arose from these relations. I will also be discussing how the wives of the slave owners reacted to the situation. Title: Propaganda of the American Revolution Author: Samantha Schwantner Abstract: Creating the environment needed to start a war for independence is difficult, especially among widespread and disconnected groups of people. American colonial leaders used propaganda techniques before and throughout the American Revolution to create feelings of unity, nationalism, and the desire for independence. Elements used in the creation and distribution of propaganda throughout the colonies, as well as England, France and Spain included newspapers, phamplets, posters, and speeches which were often persuasive and biased in nature. Propaganda united the Patriots and helped them gain support from sympathizers. Likewise, Loyalists and multiple European powers used propaganda to garner support for their own causes, to target specific audiences in Europe and the Colonies, and to inspire supportive or negative feelings on either side of the war.
Special Session: Wandering in Colombia: Reflections on Race, Culture, & Society in Caribbean South America Bowman 319, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Faculty Sponsor: Mariana Bolivar Rubin By drawing from relevant class content and experiential learning component of their travel course to Colombia, students will examine significant ideas and debates concerning Latin American cultural identity. Even though many of its nations share a similar historical and political heritage, Latin America is defined by its ethnic, racial, and cultural heterogeneity, which together contributes to its distinctive regional identities. In this panel, students will discuss cultural productions from the colonial period to the present and evaluate the ways that global historical influences, as well as resistance and emancipation, have shaped Caribbean South American cultural identity. Title: Art Through Mestizaje Culture Author: Madison Vincent Abstract: In my presentation I will explore what it means to be mestizo, or mixed race, in Latin America. During the early period of national formation, mestizos were viewed as people who did not belong to any specific group, as they did not belong either to indigenous and African groups or white Europeans. Under such conditions, Latin Americans took it upon themselves to create their own ideas of race and culture. Mestizaje became a conceptual tool to understand race and cultural identity in Latin America. I will explore various readings of historical and philosophical manifestos that engage with the notion of mestizaje, and I will trace those ideas in other aspects of Latin American life with a focus on music/dance expressions that are unique to the Caribbean region of Colombia. Title: Religious Syncretism in Colombia Author: Abigail Dumo Abstract: Religious syncretism is defined as the fusion religious beliefs and practices. This practice is common in many countries that have been colonized and encountered foreign religious systems. Latin America is no exception. As the Iberians colonized different parts of Latin America their beliefs were introduced and forced upon the indigenous peoples and Africans brought there though the slave trade. In order for these groups to maintain their religious beliefs, they blended them with Christianity. Religious syncretism became the base for many different cultural identities throughout Latin America. In my presentation, I will explore how these practices are incorporated into their daily lives by means of transculturation. Transculturation is understood as a cultural phenomena in which different cultures fuse together to create cultural meaning.
Title: The Evolution of Mestizaje Author: Carenne Dieujuste Abstract: The term mestizaje was taken from the root mestizo or mixed, which is the Spanish word for miscegenation. A mestizo is a person of mixed parentage, especially an offspring of a Spanish American and an American Indian. In the U.S, anyone with mixed black and white heritage was historically considered black. In Latin American societies developed various categories of racial identity not only based on skin color but cultural practices. In Latin America a person might be identify as more than one ethnicity in a day. The question I hoped to answer after this trip is “How race categories formed in Latin America and how they developed over time?” I observed and held mini interviews with some citizens of Cartagena, Colombia to learn about their interpretation of race. Performance: A Director’s Approach: Scene Work from Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull Murdock 218, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Faculty Sponsor: Laura Standley Performers: Rachel Bartlett, Lindsey DeWinkeleer, Timothy Fontaine, Jarret Garland, Amanda Gilmore, Molly Murphy, Sebastian Phillips, Eric Robbins, and Chelsea Sutherland Students from Directing class present a short statement reflecting their analysis of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull followed by a presentation of a short scene directed from the play. The nine scenes will include MCLA student and alumni actors and will be followed by a short critical response session between faculty, scene directors, actors, and audience.
Poster Session Venable Gymnasium, 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM Poster 1 Title: Flashlamp Dye Laser Author: Paul Stewart Advisor: Kebra Ward Abstract: A flashlamp-pumped dye laser is a device that creates a laser by “pumping” white light in short bursts from a flashbulb into a small tube of dye. This will create short pulses of laser light at a certain wavelength. A flashlamp releases a bright burst of white light, for a fraction of a second into the dye cell. There, the atoms within absorb photons of one specific wavelength. This excites the atoms briefly, causing them jump up to a higher energy level. When the atom relaxes back down to its unexcited energy level, photons of all one wavelength are released. The photons then bounce back and forth between 2 mirrors until they form one fine beam of light. The beam then escapes through one of the mirrors, which is partially see-through. This is the laser beam. Poster 2 Title: Hoosac River Sediment Project Authors: Fatima Sidibe & Hannah Poplawski Advisor: Elena Traister Abstract: Research on sediment transport by the lab of Dr. Elena Traister in the Hoosic River has been ongoing since 2017. This project aims to determine how dams upstream of concrete flood control chutes influence suspended sediment concentrations. There will be at least six collections made throughout the semester, half of which will be collected during wet weather and the other half during dry weather. Two-liter water samples will be collected with Van Dorn water sampler. Samples are filtered and oven-dried at 105 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. Results will contribute to a better understanding of sediment transport in the Hoosic River, which will in turn inform the design of a modernized flood control system for the Hoosic River. Poster 3 Title: Bryophyllum pinnatum as a Novel Antimicrobial Agent Author: Kaitlyn Berghela Advisor: Nicole Porther Abstract: Commonly known as the “miracle plant”, Bryophyllum pinnatum is most readily used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments including infections; however, its pharmaceutical properties are mostly unknown. This study explored the antimicrobial properties of the Bryophyllum pinnatum plant. Crude extracts of the plant were obtained through methanol extraction and freshly squeezed leaf extraction. The plant extracts were tested against both gram positive and negative bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. Early data demonstrated that Bryophyllum pinnatum inhibits bacteria, and was more effective on Enterococcus faecalis. This data will provide insight into one of the many versatile properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum and its potential role in the pharmaceutical world.
Poster 4 Title: My 2019 Model United Nations Experience Author: Victoria Muñoz Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Model United Nations is when students role play delegates and simulate UN committees. At the 2019 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto, I was part of a crisis committee that dealt with the Sierra Leone Civil war. I represented Eeben Barlow, a private mercenary company CEO, on the National Provisional Ruling Council. The goals of the committee were to retake control of key military and economic zones, regain the trust of Sierra Leone’s citizens, and defeat the rebel forces. My participation in the poster session will describe the background of my committee, the role I took on, and the results of the committee. I will also inform interested parties about how Model United Nations works, including the rules of procedure used at NAMUN and what I gained from the experience. Poster 5 Title: Calles de Colombia: An Analysis of Street Art in Cartagena Author: Alexis Nason Advisor: Mariana Bolivar Rubin Abstract: This project examines the ideas of globalization and counter-hegemony in Latin American popular culture, specifically, through street art. I will also elaborate on how street art brings the popular classes together. Graffiti, in Colombia is a source of conflict between authorities and the popular classes; Street art was so prevalent and expressive that a mayor decriminalized it, and because graffiti is a rebellious act, many artists instinctively went to prohibited areas. This caused authorities to paint over graffiti done in prohibited areas, as well as in legal areas even though they were not told to by administrators. While in Colombia, I plan to take a tour of Getsemani, a neighborhood covered in street art of various types and learn as much as possible about each piece of work, the artists behind them, and how the aforementioned topics are portrayed through them. Poster 6 Title: College Retention and Impacts of First Year Programing Author: Riley Elliott Advisor: Celia Norcross Abstract: Retention rates in United States colleges and universities are a big problem throughout the country. This paper provides preliminary research on the importance of first year experience programing for freshmen and new students at MCLA and a few schools that are competitors of MCLA, in regards to attracting students. Research from various academic sources provided information on why first year programing is important. My research on schools that are competitors to MCLA focused on comparing their first year programs to MCLA's offerings, in relationship to the webpages used for marketing to perspective students. MCLA's competitors have strong webpages with bright colors and pictures. Also, they had strong programing for first year experience. Continuing research is needed because programming, career-instructional needs, and student interests all change over time.
Poster 7 Title: Attitudes About Preventing Sexual Assault Authors: Christinah Zukowski & Jake Daigneault Advisor: Maria Bartini Abstract: It is evident that morals, beliefs, and general background are important to how people think about sexual assault in terms of political views, empathetic values and predicted reactions as a bystander. Participants will be asked confidentially about their attitudes towards sexual assault and personal values in a short voluntary survey. The measures that we are using are Empathetic tendency (Mehrabian & Epstein 1971), Schwartz's Short Value Survey (Lindeman & Verkasalo 2005) and Bystander Intention to Help scale (Banyard & Moynihan 2011). We expect that participants likelihood to intervene in sexual harassment situations will be predicted by their empathy and moral values. Our results could help inform college campuses about intervention approaches for handling sexual harassment among college students. Poster 8 Title: North American Model United Nations: Silicon Valley in America 2024 Joint Crisis Author: Joseph Bellas Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Model United Nations is a simulation-based conference where students come together and roleplay as delegates to the United Nations to resolve real world crises. At the 2019 NAMUN Conference in Toronto, I joined the Silicon Valley Committee as a part of the America 2024 joint crisis, which dealt with issues arising from the 2024 presidential election. The Silicon Valley committee was tasked with a wide array of issues from cyber security, to setting up an alternative to the federal government. My role in the committee was to represent the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Coordinating Officer of AT&T, David S. Huntley, an individual who represented one of the largest tele-communications companies. My participation in the poster session will describe the background of my committee, the interests of my individual, and the actions taken by the committee. I will also inform passersby about how Model United Nations works. Poster 9 Title: Studying the Thickness of Bubbles Author: Jonathan Butler Advisor: Kebra Ward Abstract: By combining aspects of both optics and fluid dynamics, it is possible to measure the thickness of soap bubbles with respect to time. Tests were performed under several controlled temperatures using a DSLR camera to capture high resolution images of each bubble. Using these images, the interference pattern they produced could be compared to established color maps in order to find their individual thicknesses at precise locations. Bubbles were captured at the intervals of five, ten, and twenty seconds to see how they reacted over time. In each case, the bubble could be observed as the solution was draining, resulting in progressivly thinner bubble walls. The fragile nature of the bubble wall makes it critical to have no outside interference so the bubble would not pop. Results from testing done below room temperatures were much different from those taken above room temperature, strongly indicating a temperature dependence on fluid flow.
Poster 10 Title: North American Model United Nations Author: Meghan Doyle Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Model United Nations is an educational simulation activity based on the United Nations in which participants research and represent a country on a committee. At the 2019 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto. I represented Chile, on the United Nations First Committee, which deals with issues of disarmament and international security. At NAMUN our committee was specifically tasked with tackling the issues of biological weapons and cybersecurity threats. My role was to best represent Chile and their interests, in regard to expanding and helping to create new international frameworks. My poster presentation will include information about the background of the committee and these issues, the interests of Chile, and the actions taken by the committee. General information about how the United Nations functions and the rules of procedure used at NAMUN will also be included. Poster 11 Title: Characterization and Identification of Bacteria Isolated from a Keurig Coffee Maker Author: Emily Sawtelle Advisor: Ann Billetz Abstract: Each day we use household items, and we never consider the bacteria that they may harbor. A sterile swab was used to collect bacteria from the inside of a Keurig. The bacteria were cultivated on a Nutrient Agar plate. One gram-positive cocci, arranged in tetrads, and one gram-variable cocci, found in polymorphic arrangements, were isolated. Both bacteria are fastidious and require more nutrients to grow well. After isolation, the bacterial colonies were grown at different pHs and temperatures, as well as observed with different stains to further characterize them. Metabolism will also be studied using a variety of microbial media. DNA from both bacteria have been isolated using the QIAGEN DNEasy Blood and Tissue kit. DNA will be amplified using the bacterial 16S rDNA primers, 16F and 1542R, and will be sent for sequencing to provide identification of the two bacteria. Poster 12 Title: US Senate 2024 Author: Darnell Henriquez Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Model UN is an event where people are assigned specific roles in UN style committees. At the 2019 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto, I was part of the US Senate for the America 2024 crisis event, which dealt with a potential future where President Trump wins reelection and how the Senate would have to deal with the political environment during that time period. The Senate was tasked with dealing with an ever-growing list of topics, from drought in northern Mexico to the election of three supreme court nominees. My character was a nameless Senator of Montana, where I was the only politically independent among an even collection of Democrats and Republicans, making me the potential tiebreaking vote. During the poster session, I will describe the Model UN, the rules and procedures of NAMIN, the background of my committee, and the actions taken by the committee.
Poster 13 Title: The Genetics of Alpaca Coat Colors Author: Maddison Lamonda Advisor: Justin Golub Abstract: Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are a South American species of camelid farmed for their fleece. Natural fleece (e.g. fiber) colors are often preferred, and unique variants can be highly favored. Therefore, farmers chose to breed animals to yield desired colors, and information that can be used to determine the coat colors produced in offspring would be beneficial. The genes that determine coat color can be identified in two ways, first using genomic sequencing, and the second using methods derived from Gregor Mendel’s research, tracking the inheritance of phenotypic traits through pedigrees, and predicting genotypic outcomes using Punnett squares. In this project, we selected two animals from Tybush Mountain Alpaca Farm (Brunswick, NY), predicted their coat color genotype for the Asip gene (primary coal color characteristics), and predicted the probability of breeding outcomes using Mendel’s methods. This project provides farmers information to make decisions about animal breeding that yields desired coat colors. Poster 14 Title: aMAZEingly PUZZLEing Author: Tyler Hinton Advisor: David Eve Abstract: Video games and entertainment continue to be a growing industry in today's society. Everyday, millions of people pickup their cell phones and open their favorite app for a quick escape from monotony. "aMAZEingly PUZZLEing" is a java based application that gives the user a difficult puzzle to solve, which puts their problem-solving and memorization skills to the test. The game is developed in the newer graphic library, "JavaFX," as opposed to the more common, but outdated library, "Swing." The newer library provides the ability to make a more modern-looking application with built-in transitions and effects. JavaFX is the future of Java based GUI applications, and the graphical differences between the two libraries speak for themselves. Poster 15 Title: Food Throughout Different Regions of Mexico Author: Isabelle Crawford Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Informed by my travel to Mexico with the Mexico travel course, I will be exploring the cuisine of Mexico and its regional variations. During our trip, food was a major element of Mexican culture that we engaged with frequently. Over the span of ten days, I was able to try many different dishes, and visit several different regions, each with distinct variations, origins, and flavors. Through this project I hope to bring a better understanding to myself and others about authentic, traditional Mexican food, and how it differs from our Americanized version of Mexican food.
Poster 16 Title: Strategies for Shoulder Rehabilitation Author: Corey Laframboise Advisor: Anne Goodwin Abstract: In this study some of the strategies used in the rehabilitation process of the shoulder are identified. This allows for better understanding of the focus areas and the possible pros and cons when compared to other processes. Understanding the processes allows for the appropriate selection of the treatment used based on the injury of the patient and the diagnosis, or the ability of the patient. This comprehension is necessary in order to address possible strategies, or combinations of strategies, that may be effective in rehabilitating shoulder injuries. Though numerous strategies are available, some focus on different areas of improvement, either through isolation of a particular area or muscle or through a combination of flexibility and strengthening. Each technique or strategy has its own particular goal. However, the overall goal remains the same – to stabilize and fortify an injured area of the shoulder and regain functional mobility. Poster 17 Title: NAMUN Participation Author: Molly Moynihan Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Model UN is a mock government conference for students to be delegates. At the 2019 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto, I was part of Joseph Stalin's Politburo Defense Committee, which dealt with maneuvering the events surrounding WWII in the 1940s when Germany attacked the USSR. The Defense Committee was tasked with determining the actions that should be taken to protect the Soviet Union in the event of crisis from the perspectives of my delegation's respective historical roles. My role was as a representative of Vyacheslav Malyshev, the People's Commissar of Heavy Industry who controlled the production and heavy industry of Soviet civilians. My participation in the poster session will describe the background of my committee, the interests of my country, and the actions taken by the committee. I will also inform passersby about how Model United Nations works, including the rules of procedure used at NAMUN. Poster 18 Title: The Gregorian Chant: The Theory, the Practice, and the Peace Author: Michael Masley Hannett Advisor: Michael Dilthey Abstract: The Gregorian Chant was developed over a millennia ago, and is one of the first major attempts in conceptualizing music materially; it led to visualization of music notes and thus translate them to be sung orally, passed down in a material form rather than strictly oral. This work reflects on the experiences learned about the Gregorian Chant from a year-long process, consisting of traveling to Britain to talk with a Gregorian Chant expert, visiting historical sites, and then come back to conduct an independent study with a music professor in studying the history, vocalization, theory, and lastly, conversations done with a local chanter in North Adams, Massachusetts. I will elaborate on the history of the chant from its inception to now, the music theory of the chant and their implications for liturgical uses, including discussion of the Church Modes, and the style in which the music was written via neumes.
Poster 19 Title: Colombia and Its Many Languages Author: Eva Marie Weeks Advisor: Mariana Bolivar Rubin Abstract: With all the different types of ethnicities and races in Colombia, we have had the opportunity to learn just where the Spanish speaking dialect originated from. This project researches the languages of Colombia. The overwhelming majority of Colombians speak Spanish. However, there are estimates of 71 languages that are spoken in-country today. There are Amerindian languages which can be grouped into 12 language families including Arawakan, Cariban, Tupian and Quechuan. There are 2 Creole languages and some minority languages like Romani, sign language and English. There is a total of 101 languages listed in the Ethnologue database for Colombia. I plan on exploring the nature of several languages based around the environment we explore in Cartagena, Colombia. Poster 20 Title: Alcohol Consumption on MCLA's Campus Authors: Akira Taylor & Nicholas Swain Advisor: Maria Bartini Abstract: There is plenty to learn about what influences alcohol consumption, especially among college students. College students have been found to have high levels of alcohol abuse in some cases, which leads us to ask what factors are potentially influencing this behavior. Based on prior findings, we hypothesize, while using a survey via Survey Monkey and a multiple regression with students who attend MCLA, that social behavior, and other common college student stressors predict the frequency of alcohol consumption in MCLA students. We also hypothesize that high frequencies of alcohol consumption will lead to other risky behavior such as other drug use and risky sexual behavior. Poster 21 Title: Brazil's Truths and Reconciliation Comissions Author: Bianca A Lascase Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: At the North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto, Canada, I was a part of the Truths and Reconciliations Commissions Committee (TRC) which deals with recording and prosecuting human rights violations. The Truths and Reconciliations Commissions was tasked to figure out a way to have more successful Truths and Reciliations in countries and how we can impact countries in a beneficial way. I represented the country of Brazil, a country who has had a Truths and Reconciliations Commission in the past. In my poster presentation, I discuss the background of this committee and Brazil’s contribution to this committee and its interests in the committee. I will also let my audience know how Model United Nations work and how the conference does its procedures.
Poster 22 Title: Determining the Mechanics of a Chaotic Pendulum Author: William Fines-Kested Advisor: Kebra Ward Abstract: Nonlinear dynamics is a field of physics dealing with systems where slight variations in the beginning can have drastic changes over the course of time, and often exhibits a trait called “chaos.” An adage often associated with chaos is “If a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, does it cause a tornado in Texas?” Chaotic systems are deterministic, and not random. Nonlinear systems, and the math that is used to try and model them, can be very difficult to analyze due to the fact that we are measuring something we know is deterministic, as it is hard to know to what extent small variations result in what we observe. In this project, I have developed a pendulum system that contains two weighted springs and is driven by a variable frequency stepper motor. The goal of the experiment is to create an inexpensive experiment that can introduce nonlinear dynamics to undergraduates. Poster 23 Title: Building Dynamic Models Using Reservoir Computing Author: William Fines-Kested Advisor: Kebra Ward Abstract: Prediction of chaotic dynamical systems has been difficult due to the sensitivity of the system to initial conditions in the system’s state. Work has been done to build predictive models using numerical methods and simulated data, but little work has been done in this field using experimental data that includes noise. Recent work one in a machine learning field called “reservoir computing” demonstrates success in predicting dynamics systems. We test this reservoir computing technique on a time series data set containing the concentration of bromide ions in a Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. We find that we are able to obtain both short-term predictions with minimal error, as well as long-term predictions with error that oscillates and mimics the behavior of the original data that includes noise. Poster 24 Title: Mexico Tourism Author: Allie Gibeau Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: During this year's MCLA URC poster session, I will answer the question "Why Travel To Mexico?" Through recently traveling to Mexico, I am able to focus my poster mainly on popular tourists sites, Mexican culture, their authentic food, and ways of travel for tourists that might be interested in traveling to Mexico. I plan to attach a lot of photos that I took myself in Mexico so that the audience is able to see exactly what Mexico looks like. Having the experience of staying ten nights in three different cities across Mexico, I believe that through my experiences, I can inspire more students to participate in travel courses here at MCLA or open their minds to traveling more and experiencing different ways of life.
Poster 25 Title: Quantification of Metals in Juice and Water Author: Lena Labdi Advisor: Carolyn Dehner Abstract: According to recent studies, fruit juices have been found to contain high levels of metals, most noticeably arsenic. Arsenic and other metals are found in groundwater, and long term exposure from drinking water and food can lead to cancer and other complications. In an attempt to confirm this finding, we bought different types of fruits juices to use as samples, and diluted them in nitric acid. Standards of concentrations 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 µg/L were made using nitric acid and a standard solution containing 15 metals. Then, using an inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), the juices were tested for levels of metals mentioned above. The results showed concerning levels of arsenic, manganese, and selenium. This process is being repeated to confirm results; samples of water from local water sources will also be examined using the same technique and is currently in progress. Poster 26 Title: College Smoking Behavior: An Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes and Marijuana Use on a Small College Campus Author: Sara Trova Advisor: Nicole Porther Abstract: College students are known to engage in risky behaviors, including smoking and substance abuse. Electronic cigarettes, initially marked as a tobacco cessation product due to its low amounts of nicotine, have influenced many young adults to participate in this new form of smoking. However, emerging evidence indicates that electronic cigarettes may adversely affect health. This is particularly disconcerting given the increasing prevalence of electronic cigarette usage among adolescents and young adults. With the recent legalization of marijuana in our state and the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes, this study sought to assess current and prior use of tobacco and tobacco-free products, specifically electronic cigarettes and marijuana, of college students at MCLA. The study evaluated students’ perceptions of these products on their overall health. This information generated will be valuable in the creation and implementation of a health education program that can effectively address students’ usage of these products at MCLA. Poster 27 Title: Mexican Contemporary Architecture: A Tale of History Author: Corey Powers Advisor: David Cupery Abstract: Architecture is one of the most influential art forms, impacting the way people move and act even if it is never noticed, but designs are themselves influenced by the culture and geography of a people. Our Southern neighbor, Mexico, has seen many different civilizations and cultures clash and intermix throughout time, a fact which is reflected in the architecture even today. My research will examine how culture has influenced the evolution of Mexican architecture. By examining the current literature and supplementing it with my own experiences in three different cities in Mexico, I expect to see that older cultures have merged with newer elements and continue to show in the contemporary architecture, including modern architects drawing influence from indigenous or historical motifs. However, in contrast, I expect there to be some distinction between different eras as new regimes try to distinguish or replace the old.
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