STEM POSTER COMPETITION - Moraine Valley Community College
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2021
STEM
POSTER COMPETITION
p.m .
2 3 , 1
April
d a y,
Fri
NY
E REMO
WA R DS C
A Participating Colleges
College of Lake County
Elgin Community College
McHenry County College
Moraine Valley Community College
Morton College
Oakton Community College
Prairie State College
Waubonsee Community College
G E N D A
A Welcome............................................................... Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins
college president, Moraine Valley Community College
Welcome and Introduction of Judges...... Dr. Lisa S. Kelsay
co-curricular director, Moraine Valley Community College
Introduction of Keynote Speaker..................Dr. Kimberly Golk
academic advisor, Moraine Valley Community College
Keynote Speaker................................................................. Kelsey Golk
Moraine Valley Community College alumna
Panel Presentation...................................................................... Dr. Golk
Recognition of Participating Teams.................. Dr. Kelsay and
Dr. Ryen Nagle
Dean of Science, Business and Computer Technology
Announcement of Award Recipients............... Dr. Kelsay and
Dr. Nagle
2 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference
E A K E R
T E S P
K E Y N O
Kelsey Golk
Laboratory engineer, LG Electronics
linkedin.com/in/kelsey-golk
Kelsey Golk enrolled at Moraine Valley
in 2015, earning her associate degree
in just 12 months. During this time, she
worked for the Admissions Office and was
vice president of scholarship for the Phi
Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Golk
and her fellow PTK officers launched the
Student Success Conference that same
year, earning the college’s 2016 Innovation
of the Year award. She competed in the
2016 Skyway STEM competition, earning
second place with her teammate for
their project designing a thermoelectric
beverage heater and cooler. In May
2016, Golk graduated with an Associate
in General Studies degree, summa cum
laude, and transferred to the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 3
During her first year at UIUC, Golk interned
as a research assistant at a bioengineering
laboratory in Carle Hospital, working on
the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles in
tunable sizes. She spent two years at a
startup in Research Park called Starfire,
where she fabricated vacuum tubes and
power systems for small form-factor
linear particle accelerators. Golk was a
member of the Phi Sigma Roe sorority,
serving as director of public relations and
vice president of new member education,
and competed in the combat robotics
tournament during the 2018 Engineering
Open House. In May 2019, she graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in materials
science and engineering, with a degree
focus on biomaterials and metallurgy.
Golk is a laboratory engineer for
LG Electronics, working in the home
appliances research and development
division. She works with kitchen appliances
and emerging business categories in the
development of new technology to address
current market needs. In her free time,
Golk tends to her growing collection of
houseplants and continues her pursuit of
the perfect cup of coffee.
4 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference
E R S
E L M EMB
PA N
Salam Mulhem
Moraine Valley Community College,
Engineering Pathways
Associate in General Studies, 2019
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Aerospace Engineering, 2021
linkedin.com/in/salammulhem
Juleah PingHua Richardson
Waubonsee Community College,
Associate in Science, 2020
Aurora University, Computer Science
with a minor in Math, 2022
linkedin.com/in/juleah-richardson-635068165
Jonathon Rojas
Morton College, Associate in Science, 2019
University of Illinois at Chicago,
Chemistry, 2021
linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rojas-a5422b209/
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 5
R A C T S
A B S T
POS TER
BIOLOGICAL & HEALTH
SCIENCES
Determination of Effects of Commonly
Applied Products on Skin Flora
Teri Ruiz-Arroyo
College of Lake County
Abstract: A recent study identified a strain of Staphylococcus
epidermis, a type of bacteria found on skin, that protects against
skin cancer (Nakatsuji, et. al, 2018). This discovery reinforces the
importance of skin flora in human health. A variety of products
are applied to skin and have the potential to affect skin flora. The
goal of this study was to determine the effect of some common
products on skin flora. Isolates were obtained from donors with
and without skin pathologies. If affected by products commonly
applied to the skin, normal skin flora might be negatively impacted,
thereby compromising the overall health of the individual.
6 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference
Determination of Health Benefits
of the Traditional Mexican Remedy
Rattlesnake
Elizabeth Camacho
College of Lake County
Abstract: Crotalus basiliscus (rattlesnake) venom and rattlesnake
meat is a traditional medicine in Mexico and is used to treat a wide
spectrum of conditions and diseases. The goal of this research
was to examine the effect of rattlesnake meat and rattlesnake
venom on living organisms. Dugesia tigrina (brown planaria)
were used as a model organism in this study due to their easily
observable regenerative properties. I hypothesize that if rattlesnake
meat and venom provide health benefits, positive differences will
be observed between severed planaria allowed to regenerate in the
presence of rattlesnake meat and rattlesnake venom compared to
untreated planaria.
Determination of Turtle Placement
on the Tree of Life
Jesus Salazar
College of Lake County
Abstract: The lineage of turtles and their exact placement on the
tree of life has been the subject of various scientific research in the
last few decades. One study suggests modern turtles might be
the only living true diapsids (Schoch, et al., 2016) while another
study, using DNA sequence data, indicates crocodilians are the
closest living modern relatives (Mannen, et. al., 1999). The goal
of this study is to use DNA sequence data to determine turtle’s
relationships with different living reptiles and birds. Understanding
the phylogeny of turtles can also help us understand how they
might adapt to our changing world.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 7
Effect of Myrica Cerifera on the Heart
Rate of Daphnia Magna Exposed to the
Chemical Stressor Acetaminophen
Anne Ahern
College of Lake County
Abstract: Myrica Pensylvanica (Northern Bayberry) is a medicinal
plant once used in Southeastern Canada by the Mi’kmaq
indigenous people. Bayberry root has a wide range of purported
healing properties including: soothing inflammation, easing
stomach aches and treating mouth infections. The goal of this
study was to determine the medicinal properties of this plant.
Inflammation was induced in the model organism Daphnia magna
by treatment with acetaminophen and monitored by changes
in heart rate (Kim, et al., 2012). If Myrica Pensylvanica has anti-
inflammatory properties, this will be evident in heart rate changes
in the stressed Daphnia heart.
Effects of Dietary Supplements, Acidity
and Alkalinity on Bone
Ashley Anderson
Prairie State College
Abstract: The human body maintains an acid-base balance,
which results in a physiologic pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Those
who suffer from chronic acid-base imbalances have often been
shown to suffer from bone disease as well. Diabetic ketoacidosis,
a dangerous complication of type 1 diabetes, is one type of acid-
base imbalance caused by the buildup of ketones in the blood.
This study set out to observe specific changes bones undergo
when incubated in solutions of differing pH — HCl, CH3COOH,
NaOH, H2O and acetone — as well as what effects, if any, the
addition of dietary supplements vitamin D3 and L-theanine have on
the bone-solution systems. The working hypothesis is that vitamin
D3 will have no effect while the L-theanine — an amino acid —
will interact with the bone.
8 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference
Seizure Risk Associated with Propylene
Glycol Containing Vape Solution
Mariia Denichenko
College of Lake County
Abstract: Vape is a popular e-cigarette that requires the
inhalation of aerosol. Propylene glycol is a common ingredient
in vape solutions. Propylene glycol is also used in the food and
pharmaceutical industries. Despite its wide use, there are few
studies examining the effects on living organisms. There have
been recent concerns regarding the safety of vape with respect
to potential seizure activity and allergic reactions in humans (Ereifej,
E., et.al, 2017). The purpose of this study is to determine if a link
exists between propylene glycol and seizure activity. Drosophila
melanogaster was used as the model organism for this study.
If propylene glycol induces seizures, then seizure activity will be
observed in the Drosophila.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 9
ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS
and TECHNOLOGY
Aurora: File and Schedule Sharing App
Emily Stachowicz
Amanda Hoeksema
Magdalena Sarna
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: A central challenge presented to students is maintaining
balance with their schedules and keeping equilibrium between
their classwork and social lives. This project intends to streamline
students’ social lives by providing a shared, private space for a
group to post their class and work schedules. An app or website
of such design can reduce conflict in planning within a group
by having their available and unavailable dates shown with easy
access.
Clearer Mirror and Safer Driving
William Karopulos
Oscar Zarco-Delgado
Matthew Cryan
Matthew Straczek
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: Adverse winter conditions can make driving difficult,
especially when ice and snow block the view in your side mirrors.
Heated side mirrors are a feature in many luxury vehicles but
have not been mainstreamed to all vehicles, leaving many drivers
without this feature. The scope of this project aims to design and
implement a heated side mirror that can be easily retrofitted to
any car. Making this product more widely available will help keep
drivers safe in non-optimal driving conditions.
10 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceComparing Learning Styles of Science
and Non-Science Majors
Mariam Itani
Julia Jimenez
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: While studying with peers in our science major and non-
major classes, we observed that students learn the same concepts
differently. This made us question: ‘Do students who are science
majors have different learning styles than students who are non-
science majors?’ Students may have visual, auditory, kinesthetic
and reading/writing learning styles. Our hypothesis is that students
majoring in science are likely to be visual learners compared to
non-science majors because they are more often given diagrams,
pictures or tables to study. To test our hypothesis, we will distribute
surveys to students, including a learning style assessment, collect
and analyze data.
Consumer Environmental Tool
Diego Chavez
Muhana Rabgie
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: Cars release CO2, which is the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions. Driving more light-footedly could
decrease greenhouse gas emissions by allowing drivers to get
better mileage. The aim of this project is to allow consumers to do
that, and to be more conscious of their driving habits as well as
their greenhouse gas emissions by using a monitor that displays
the vitals of their vehicle. The operation of this device will be as
simple as plugging it into an OBDII port and watching the display.
This device will allow consumers to potentially cut down on their
carbon footprint.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 11Keeping the Cold Out: Building a More
Economical Heat Tent
Christina Faulkner
Christiana Guthrie
Tyler Gee
Alex Johnston
Corwin Beck
Waubonsee Community College
Abstract: Many regions around our world experience freezing
temperatures that, when access to the necessary resources is
restricted, can be and has proven to be detrimental to human
health. In order to limit such detriments, especially amongst those
who donate and have the financial means or were not prepared to
handle cold temperatures, testing on various, economical materials
will and has been completed in order to find a solution and lessen
the impact of cold on the body. A tent-like structure composed
of the best-suited, most-economically sound material could be a
solution to being better prepared for cold temperatures.
Prosthetic Hand
Jaunzel Mullins
College of Lake County
Abstract: Prosthetics are getting too expensive for the majority
of its customer base to access. Thus, to construct an efficient
3D prosthetic hand with a total value that does not exceed $150
was the objective. Notable variables at play when constructing the
prosthetic hand is range of motion and grip strength. The average
grip strength being comparable to that of a human male at
120 N. Range of motion of the hand being controlled by dental
elastic bands varying between radii of 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch,
increasing band diameter to decrease motion resistance and
increasing maximum grip strength.
12 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceUnconventional Monetary Policy and Its
Effect on Inflation, Unemployment and
Asset Prices
Jay Bushnell
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: In consideration of ongoing economic instability,
inflation remains below its 2% target, a weak labor market prevails,
and asset prices abide in what seems to be an unsustainable
speculative bubble. Through a regression analysis, we examine the
relationship between the dependent variables of inflation, civilian
unemployment, and asset prices as a function of quantitative
easing. We expect to see positive linear associations between
quantitative easing and the dependent variables of inflation and
asset prices and a negative linear association between quantitative
easing and civilian unemployment.
Unusual Applications of Newton’s
Method: Harmonic Series Divergence
Proof
Jennifer Sirkin
Waubonsee Community College
Abstract: Newton’s method is used to approximate the roots
of a function; however, it has its limitations. One limitation is the
possibility of achieving false solutions that are not necessarily
close to a root even though they are arbitrarily close to each
other. With this limitation in mind, we applied Newton’s method
to a certain pathological function in order to prove the harmonic
series diverges. While other articles describe pathological functions
that exhibit false convergence, we introduce our novel proof of
the divergence of the harmonic series. We will also explore other
properties of our function in its application to Newton’s method.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 13ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
A New Ocean Microplastic Detection
and Removal Method that also Reduces
Environmental Impact
Madison Maka
Carrie Bykowski
Melissa Carroll
Jessica O’Connor
Moraine Valley Community College
Abstract: Plastics contaminating ecosystems has become a
prominent environmental issue worldwide. In the remote location
of the Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize, large quantities of shoreline
plastic have been observed, but the presence of dissolved
microplastics has not been recorded. Hypothetically, numerous
amounts of non-biodegradable microplastics will be discovered
through the creation of a simplified identification method that
significantly reduces the amount of damaging yet necessary heavy
metal catalyst in comparison to published methods. This new
methodology hopes to detect and reduce microplastic pollution,
reduce biomagnification and support a more efficient, less toxic
microplastic extraction.
14 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceAre You Drinking Plastic?
Asia McNair
Yvette Venegas
Morton College
Abstract: Excessive use and improper disposal of plastic by
the human population has polluted our water systems. Statistics
show as of 2020, 5.25 trillion macro- and micro-plastics pollute
our oceans. That equates to 46,000 pieces per square mile,
weighing approximately 260,000 tonnes. This experiment aims to
identify microplastic levels in local water sources including Lake
Michigan and various faucet water collections. The method for
analysis is wet sieving and wet peroxide oxidation. By investigating
microplastic levels in water, we aim to gain a greater understanding
of its impacts on the body, aquatic creatures and the ecosystem.
Determining the Potential Use of
Microalgae as a Biopesticide on
Brassica Rapa and the Effect of
Salinization on Both Plant and
Microalgae
Nick Perry
College of Lake County
Abstract: With an ever-increasing global population, the need
for massive crop yields in commercial agriculture is tremendous.
A notable hindrance to agricultural production is the presence
of natural pests. Synthetic pesticides pose potential health risks
to humans, animals and the environment. Biopesticides might
provide an alternative to controlling harmful organisms in plants
and the soil. Salinization also contributes to environmental stress.
The goal of this study is to determine the benefits of microalgae
in the development and yield of Brassica Rapa and determine the
effect of salinization on both plant and microalgae. If microalgae
are unaffected by salinization, they might provide an alternative to
chemical control of pests.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 15Green Recovery
Noe Rodriguez
College of Lake County
Abstract: “Use of drought tolerant plant compounds as a means
of recovery in water deprived plants.” Plants and grasses deprived
of water, such as in cases of drought, experience significant
stress, sometimes leading to death. Recovery from this state
can be prolonged or impossible. In the absence of an abundant
water supply, an alternative or adjuvant recovery aid would be
environmentally beneficial. Therefore, the purpose of this study is
to determine the changes in recovery of water deprived plants with
compounds found in drought tolerant plants. If drought tolerant
plants possess compounds that assist in recovery of drought
conditions, addition of these compounds to water deprived plants
should assist in their recovery.
Lead in the Chicago Area: Social and
Environmental Impacts
Kate Buller
Marcia Huerta-Pazos
Logan Fingerle
Katera Johnson
Prairie State College
Abstract: The south suburbs of Chicago have in the past been
disproportionately affected by environmental issues, particularly
the presence of lead in the home, which can lead to neurological
issues in children. We hypothesize that this is due to the area’s
lower average level of income. We plan to look at the records of
past and current levels of lead in the south suburbs and compare
them to other areas of Chicago. The purpose of this project is to
bring these environmental hazards to the forefront of the minds of
those who live in these communities that are affected.
16 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceThe Effects of Organic and Non-Organic
Honey Crisp Apples on Soil Quality and
Plant Growth
Heather Seidel
College of Lake County
Abstract: The focus of this experiment is to determine if organic
versus non-organic composted material impacts soil quality. Three
types of testing were performed, Microorganism culture growth,
a decomposition test, and a plant growth rate with additives from
organic and non-organic apples in the soil. A major goal of this
study was to determine if the added wax coating on the non-
organic composted apples inhibited or encouraged more or less
bacteria and fungi thereby affecting soil quality and decomposition
rates. If the presence of a waxy coating on the non-organic apples
does affect soil quality, then decomposition and soil microbes will
be affected.
Vertical Hydroponic Garden
Andy Avalos
Morton College
Abstract: The hydroponic project aims to fix the issue of growing
vegetation in an area with limited space and irrigation. It eliminates
excess water waste, weeds, lack of attending personnel and
continuous attention. Using PVC pipes as a frame, two Arduino/
Genuino Uno, and a Raspberry Pi that acts as the control hub, we
can create a green, efficient and automatic method to grow small
vegetation such as spices, herbs and vegetables. The garden can
hold 160 plants in total, and is user-friendly enough to be put in a
classroom for students to grow plants and maintain it.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 17G E S
JUD
Kathleen Beilsmith, Ph.D.
Data Science and Learning
Division, Argonne National
Laboratory
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolution, 2020,
University of Chicago
B.A., Biological Sciences, 2012,
University of Chicago
Kathleen Beilsmith studies how plants interact with features of
their environments, specifically the microbial organisms living in
leaf tissues. Using computational methods, she surveys the DNA
signatures that microbes leave in their hosts and simulate the
responses of plant metabolism to the introduction of pathogens.
The goal of this work is to learn how ecological interactions shape
plant health so we can better cultivate or engineer plants to survive
even in challenging environments. Beyond research, she enjoys
teaching biology and academic writing as well as playing softball.
Kevin A. Brown, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Appointee,
Argonne National Laboratory
Ph.D., Mathematical and Computing
Sciences, 2018, Tokyo Institute of Technology
(Japan)
B.S., Computing and Information Technology,
2008, University of Technology, Jamaica
Brown is a postdoctoral appointee at the Argonne National
Laboratory, where he investigates new networking technologies
and helps design future supercomputers, driving discoveries in all
18 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conferencefields of science and technology. He has worked on topics such as big
data, performance analysis and visualization, and network simulation
and modelling. Brown previously has worked in industry as a systems
administrator and in other national research laboratories in Japan, Spain
and the U.S.
Aashutosh Mistry, Ph.D.
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, 2019,
Purdue University
M.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2014,
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2012, National
Institute of Technology Surat, India
Mistry is a postdoctoral appointee in the Chemical
Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne
National Laboratory. He has received many awards, including the MRS
Graduate Student Award and the ECS Summer Fellowship. His research
interest is understanding mechanisms that limit electrochemical systems.
He combines physics-based analysis, data-driven predictions, and
controlled experiments to probe such mechanisms. He is curious about
leveraging such fundamental insights for designing the next-generation
energy storage systems.
Shefali Saxena, Ph.D.
Beamline Controls Group,
X-ray Science Division,
Argonne National Laboratory
Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, 2019,
North Carolina State University
M.Tech., Nuclear Engineering, 2013,
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
B.Tech, Electronics and Communication Engineering,
2010, Rajasthan Technical University, India
Saxena’s research interests are analog and digital data acquisition
systems, radiation detection and measurements, timing and trigger
systems, and control systems. She works in designing new tools and
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 19G E S CONT.
JUD
infrastructure supporting the Advance Photon Source’s (APS)
beamlines in the X-ray Science Division at Argonne National
Laboratory. She develops controls and instrumentation that
provide critical tools to run the APS’s beamline experiments.
Saxena also works in development of Field-Programmable Gate
Array-based radio frequency readout and controls for quantum
information systems that can be used as a flexible instrument to
control and characterize new qubits and detectors or as a module
in a multi-module architecture for a large detector instrument or
quantum computer.
Elizabeth Stefanski, Ph.D.
Coordinating Technical Writer,
Editor, Communications and
Public Affairs Division,
Argonne National Laboratory
Ph.D., Biology, 1974, University of Chicago
M.S., Genetics, 1969, University of
Wisconsin-Madison
B.S., Biology, 1968, Brandeis University
After completing a postdoctoral appointment studying the genetics
of murine tumor viruses, Stefanski joined Argonne as a technical
editor. She later served in policy and planning positions at the
Advanced Photon Source and in the Argonne director’s office,
and was the technology transfer manager at the Superconducting
Super Collider, a particle physics laboratory near Dallas.
20 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceThank you to the
Illinois Skyway
Collegiate Conference
Representatives:
Board of Presidents
College of Lake County...........................................Dr. Lori Suddick
Elgin Community College.......................................... Dr. David Sam
McHenry County College......................................Dr. Clint Gabbard
Moraine Valley Community College..................Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins
Morton College......................................................... Dr. Stan Fields
Oakton Community College................................. Dr. Joianne Smith
Prairie State College......................... Dr. Thomas D. Saban (interim)
Waubonsee Community College........................Dr. Christine Sobek
Board of Representatives
College of Lake County.................................................Gabriel Lara
Elgin Community College............................... Dr. Gregory Robinson
McHenry County College............................... Dr. Talia Koronkiewicz
Moraine Valley Community College......... Dr. Normah Salleh-Barone
Morton College.................................................... Marisol Velazquez
Oakton Community College.......................................Juletta Patrick
Prairie State College........................................ Dr. Michael Anthony
Waubonsee Community College............................. Dr. Scott Peska
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 21Co-Curricular Directors
College of Lake County................................................Jorge Tennin
Elgin Community College.......................................Amybeth Maurer
McHenry County College........................................ Megan Scanlan
Moraine Valley Community College.......................Dr. Lisa S. Kelsay
Morton College..........................................................Gabriela Mata
Oakton Community College........................................ Krissie Harris
Prairie State College.................................................. Helen Manley
Waubonsee Community College.............................. Dr. Mary Tosch
STEM Faculty Representatives
College of Lake County........................................... Cindy Trombino
College of Lake County........................................... Jeanine E. Seitz
Elgin Community College.............................................. Ted Eltzroth
McHenry County College............................................Archna Goyal
Moraine Valley Community College.......................... Dr. Ryen Nagle
Morton College............................................................Sara Helmus
Oakton Community College..............................................Gloria Liu
Prairie State College................................................... Erica Lannan
Prairie State College.............................................Christine Brooms
Waubonsee Community College.............................. Dave Voorhees
Waubonsee Community College................................Pratima Jindal
22 | Illinois Skyway Collegiate ConferenceTO :
A N K YOU
TH
• Argonne National Laboratory Judges
Dr. Beilsmith, Dr. Brown, Dr. Mistry,
Dr. Saxena, and Dr. Stefanski
• Speakers Kelsey Golk, Salam
Mulhem, Juleah PingHua
Richardson, and Jonathon Rojas
• The many departments at Moraine
Valley that assisted in creating
this virtual competition, including
Information Technology; Liberal Arts;
Marketing and Communications; and
Science, Business and Computer
Technology.
2021 STEM Poster Competition | 2321-0121A
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