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Item set AEC 2017 School of Sciences and Social Sciences
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86 item sets

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  • Math Investigations with a 5th Grader

    I am working this semester tutoring a 5th grader at Wheelock School, who's math skills are above grade level. Part of our time together involves engaging him in mathematical investigations that stimulate him to experiment with mathematical ideas, formulate generalizations and conjectures, and then attempt to justify them. This talk will present some of those investigations I have worked with him on. I will also include a rationale behind why the specific investigations were chosen and how he and I worked through the problems.

  • Optimization of Reaction Conditions for the Synthesis of Thiosemicarbazones using a Microwave Reactor

    Previously, our research group has focused on making a class of molecules called thiosemicarbazones using a traditional synthesis method which takes up to a week to complete. A new route to synthesize these molecules was discovered using a microwave reactor which can complete a reaction in as little as 10 minutes. Just as a microwave can be used in the home to heat up water more quickly, a microwave can be used in the laboratory to facilitate reactions more quickly. The goal of this project is to determine the optimal reaction conditions such as choice of solvent and microwave settings to create the most amount of product in a minimal amount of time. The reaction progress will be monitored using a liquid chromatography instrument. After optimization, the developed method can be expanded to produce a variety of similar molecules in an effort to build a library of thiosemicarbazones.

  • Participatory Action Research in Rwanda

    This presentation summarizes participatory action research conducted during July of 2016 in partnership with the Rwandan non-government organization Health Development Initiative (HDI). The purpose of the study was to assess the need for a stigma-free healthcare facility that reaches out to Rwanda's Twa population. Working closely with the Twa, an impoverished ethnic minority, for over 10 years has shown HDI that this community continues to face discrimination from healthcare providers, despite the fact that Rwanda's 2003 Constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination. Based on 15 personal interviews and two focus group interviews with Twa residents, this study documents a number of obstacles the Twa face when trying to access healthcare. This presentation will describe my research methodology, the responses I received, and some of the challenges I faced.

  • Perceived Burnout in Undergraduate Athletic Training Students in New Hampshire

    The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between number of clinical hours and perceived level of burnout for athletic training students enrolled in undergraduate programs within colleges and universities in New Hampshire. A comparison for significant difference between year in the major, clinical hours required each semester, and gender is being investigated. Volunteers from Keene State College are participating in the administration of a survey given through Google Forms. The survey includes the Maslach Burnout Inventory plus 11 additional (validated) questions to measure perceived burnout. We hypothesize that an increase of number of hours required in clinical experience will increase burnout for undergraduates. The study is approved by the Institutional Review Board and data collection is ongoing.

  • Permutations and Sona Drawings

    The Chokwe people of central and southern Africa create designs in sand called sona drawings. In a typical mathematical manner, we ask whether these drawings can be created without lifting a finger from the sand. However, there are several patterns employed in sona drawings, adding more facets to our question. In this presentation, we will break down sona drawings into basic patterns within their rows and columns, answer our question using a function that exchanges numbers within a set, as well as techniques from both abstract algebra and number theory, and use mathematics to provide a greater appreciation for the sand drawings.

  • Political Participation Related to Social Networking

    This study was designed to ascertain if there is a relationship between online social networking and political participation. Existing research indicates that frequent users of online social networking are more involved in the political process and are more likely to vote. Increased social media usage is also correlated with youth, a factor that is associated with decreased political participation and voting. These contradictory assertions raise important questions about youth, social media, and voting. This study surveyed undergraduate students at Keene State College concerning their online social networking habits and whether they voted in the recent presidential election. Analysis of the data will reveal which elements of online social networking encourage, depress, or are unrelated to the likelihood of voting. Results of this study will be useful to the mobilization or get-out-the-vote efforts of political campaigns.

  • Psychology Honors Program: the Undergraduate Research Process

    This panel seeks to provide the audience with knowledge pertaining to the process of conducting human subject research through the Honors Psychology degree program. The Honors Psychology option gives students the opportunity to complete human subject research independently as undergraduates. Students interested in conducting human subject research will learn about the challenges of conducting original research, such as the process of selecting a research question, conducting background research, seeking approval from the research ethics board, and recruiting participants. Students will learn the broader effects of conducting human subject research, such as expanding knowledge in their respective fields. This panel will speak about the benefits of conducting individual research at the undergraduate level and ways in which it could benefit one's future. The panel will be made up of 6 members of the Honors Psychology degree program.

  • School Connectedness: An Examination of Relationships between Students and School Staff

    While efforts to reduce U.S. school drop-out rates have met with some success in recent years, a significant number of adolescents continue to leave school prematurely. My project explores the relationship of students' perceptions of connectedness to their school. Variables that may impact student retention are examined. These include participation in school activities, GPA, perceptions of safety, and relationships with peers and school staff. The research focuses on student and staff relationships, to determine if they either build or hinder connectedness to school. The Culture of Excellence and Ethics Assessment, a survey that examines students' connectedness to their school, peers and school staff, will be used. High school aged students will be the population for this correlational study that serves as a first step toward understanding variables that put some students at-risk for dropping out of school.

  • Selective Conformational Restriction of a Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor

    Breast and other cancer cells greatly rely on the supply of fatty acids to grow and divide rapidly, and also to support energy needs. Healthy cells, on the other hand, generally get enough fatty acids from the diet to support their needs. Due to this, widespread efforts to generate molecules that inhibit the production of fatty acids have been made. This research project is an attempt to improve an identified inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis that can assume two different conformations, a property that varies the size and shape of the molecule. We hypothesize that only one of these conformations is biologically active; synthesizing one of them will determine which one will be useful against fighting the disease. Thus, this project is an effort to prepare a new molecule that mimics one specific conformation in its size and shape in an effort to gain potency and specificity of the new compound. The design and progress to date will be described.

  • Separation and Conductivity Detection of Inorganic Ions Using Capillary Electrophoresis

    The goal of this project is to implement a method for the separation and measurement of inorganic ions using an analytical technique called Capillary Electrophoresis. Environmental and biological research often requires quantifying concentrations of simple ions in aqueous solution mixtures. Capillary electrophoresis separates mixtures within a thin glass capillary using a high voltage and measures ions individually. Concentrations of ions in water samples will be determined using standard chemicals, calibration curves, and a specialized conductivity detector. The conductivity detector measures separated ions where concentration is related to conductivity. Initial chemical conditions for separation and programmed instrumental detection parameters will be applied from the chemical literature, and optimized for our system. Our goal is to produce two procedures that allow the rapid and sensitive separation of positively charged ions, and negatively charged ions, respectively. Example separations will be presented to demonstrate instrumental performance and to determine analytical figures of merit.

  • Ski Lift Ticket Prices: A Hedonic Pricing Model

    Ski resorts are an important part of many local economies, and every year they must determine what price they are going to charge for lift tickets. There is substantial price variation across ski resorts in the US, and previous studies have attributed much of this variation to differences in average annual snowfall. This study explores lift ticket pricing using an original sample of 286 ski resorts derived from On The Snow and Wanderbat. The data is used to estimate, via ordinary least squares, a hedonic pricing model exploring the impact of average annual snowfall, snowmaking capacity, total acreage, vertical drop, lift capacity, trails, longest run and location. Initial results suggest that snowmaking and lift capacity are central influences. This research suggests that ski resorts should target subsequent investments towards these areas most likely to yield a return.

  • Structural Optimization and In Vitro Analysis of a Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor

    There are multiple types of cancer that depend on a constant supply of fatty acids made by an enzyme known as Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS). It has been proposed that preventing FAS from making fatty acids could be useful in the overall treatment of these cancers. The purpose of this project is to mimic molecules that are used by FAS and thus trick the enzyme into decelerating the production of fatty acids, helping to kill cancer cells. This project is a collaborative effort between Keene State College and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, NH. The former creates the molecules through the application of techniques learned in an organic chemistry class, whereas the latter defines the molecules? anticancer properties by introducing the molecule to breast cancer cells. The presentation will cover results obtained in the past year from working on both sides of the project and our future plans.

  • Supporting Students in the Elementary Classroom Through Action Research

    This presentation will address two current issues in elementary school classrooms explored during student teaching placements, including noise level and repeated absences. Both projects addressed supporting students in learning as the ultimate goal. In addressing this, we have incorporated a review of pertinent literature and implementation of strategies to support our findings drawn as a result of our interventions. In a third grade classroom where quieting the class down in a timely manner called for improvement, the reduction in noise level was measured after applying auditory, visual, technological, and active responses. In a Kindergarten classroom where separation from family caused repeated absences for a number of students, strategies were implemented in attempt to encourage more consistent attendance. For instance, allowing students to bring comfort objects and creating consistency through check-in routines, as well as keeping attendance.

  • Takes Money to Make Money: The Correlation Between Personal Wealth and Campaign Contributions

    The purpose of this paper is to determine whether personal wealth is correlated to the amount of campaign contributions a candidate receives other than self-funding. Senate Financial Disclosure forms from the 2016 Senate general election candidates will be utilized to determine candidate net worth. Total campaign contributions for each candidate (minus self-funding) will be determined based on Federal Election Commission records. We believe that our research will show that there is a statistically significant difference in the overall net worth of candidates and money raised; specifically, we expect to find that the higher the net worth the greater the funds raised. Since increased funding is directly linked to greater electability, we believe this could potentially be a factor in explaining why the Senate is comprised almost exclusively of those in the upper income or wealth brackets. A trend that decreases not only the diversity but the representativeness of U.S. Congressmen.

  • The Ashuelot River: Changing the Geomorphology of Keene

    Geomorphology, the study of classifying landforms, is the backbone of this project. This project addresses the geomorphological changes and the effect thereof on the Ashuelot River and the surrounding Keene area. The study focuses on three locations: East Surry Rd (south of Surry Dam), the old stone arch bridge on Court Street, and Gilsum Road (east of Shaw's Corner, near the logging road crossing). The depth, velocity, and discharge of water were measured and calculated in addition to being mapped. In order to determine whether the Ashuelot River was eroding or depositing, the area was mapped, and the cutbanks and pointbars labeled. The maps revealed that the Ashuelot River is greatly affecting the Keene area and changing the geomorphology around it. This presentation will address the Ashuelot River's migration to the west, the flooding history and erosion of the river, and the exposed historical artifacts in the river's cutbanks.

  • The Effects of Exercise on Hope

    The goal of this research is to examine the effects of exercise on hope among college students. Exercise is any form of physical activity used to improve one's health. Hope is defined as feeling of desire for the betterment of one's future. Higher levels of hope may be associated with a more positive outlook on life, motivation to strive towards goals that are important to them, and improvement in one's quality of life. Findings from key research articles indicated that levels of exercise may increase levels of hope among college students. To investigate this hypothesis approximately 100 students will complete a survey consisting of a student's demographics, questions on levels of exercise and Hope Scale. Expected findings are that participants who report higher levels of exercise will score higher on the Hope Scale than students who report lower levels of exercise.

  • The Effects of Psychopathic Traits on Psychological Adaptation in Young Adults

    Psychopathic traits can be associated with myriad undesirable outcomes, including low intelligence, increased aggression, high risk of impulsivity, lack of empathy, and criminality. These traits are problematic to the individual and also to society. In addition, there may be some adaptive effects associated with certain levels or forms of psychopathy. Studies into psychopathy have not explored these areas fully and provide little literature analysis. The focus of this research is to provide data and analysis on the topic. Traits such as boldness, social potency, and stress immunity are among those positive traits that have been associated with psychopathy. These traits have also been associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, along with increased assertiveness and overall well-being. Undergraduate participants will be assessed for psychopathic traits using the Triarchic Psychopathic Measure. Scores will be compared to measures of hope, academic achievement, stress, hostility, and social network size.

  • The Harmful Effects of Computer Vision Syndrome in Adolescents

    In today's culture, digital screen use is vital to everyday living. While all age groups use technology extensively, the average adolescent will spend seven hours daily using digital screens. Juveniles are at greatest risk for developing dangerous visual deficits caused by extensive screen time due to their high usage rates. Over sixty million people globally suffer from visual symptoms related to computer screen use, known as computer vision syndrome. This research topic is extremely relevant due to the increase in digital screen use, and the importance of informing as well as protecting younger generations from potential ocular hazards. Based on research that studied various environmental factors, including blue light emission and positioning tactics, one can conclude ocular deficits in adolescents resulting from extended screen use may be largely avoidable. It is important for eye care physicians and technology users to understand the symptoms associated with CVS and protect ocular health.

  • The Nuclear Energy Transition In America: Stakeholder Involvement In Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning

    Cheap and plentiful natural gas, technical challenges of aging facilities, public mistrust of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and policy controversy over nuclear energy and waste management all help to explain the recent decommissioning of nuclear power plants across the country. Decommissioning is still largely unfamiliar territory for the U.S. and involves a number of controversial decisions, which should involve stakeholders including local communities, residents, plant employees, and the licensed operator. Research was conducted to understand how stakeholders are involved in decommissioning decisions. We examined processes at four plants early in the decommissioning process and two plants that completed the process. This presentation summarizes the issues and barriers surrounding nuclear policy regarding stakeholders and highlights how stakeholder engagement can be made more effective and fair.

  • The Refugee Law Regime: Balancing Politics and Human Rights

    International Refugee Law seeks to respond to population displacements caused by war, conflict, and natural disaster. While the 1951 Refugee Convention's intentions are humanitarian in nature, politics and state sovereignty have worked to limit the protection of the world's most vulnerable refugees. This presentation explores the gap between human rights and the protection of state sovereignty that exists in the current legal framework. Through a broad survey of the current legal framework surrounding the protection of refugees, the pitfalls of national and international policies become evident. I argue that case law, legal scholarship, and the current refugee crises all emphasize the need for a more human rights based approach in the treatment of refugees. Given the current refugee crisis in Syria, changes must be made to law and policy, as the balancing of human rights and politics is more important than ever.

  • The Search For Everything

    This talk will trace an evolution of a philosophical quandary regarding mathematics. Ancient Greek philosophies of mathematics centered on Platonism, the idea that mathematics exists independent of the human mind. This set the stage for 20th century mathematicians such as David Hilbert and Kurt Godel to penetrate deeper into the heart of mathematics and expose its limitations. This exploration, revealing the limits and paradoxes of axiomatized mathematics, culminated in the dawn of a new age, the age of computation, of mechanized mathematics; this is where we are today. A search for metaphysical meaning in mathematics, initiated by the ancients, has evolved over millennia into a search for all things computable. Presently, it is evolving into a search for the answer to the question: Is the human mind, which conceived of all these things, computable? That is, can the mind be realized in a machine?

  • Too Many Kill Pills and Not Enough Chill Pills: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic

    The U.S. is in the midst of the worst drug crisis ever reported, with opioid overdoses causing more than half of all drug overdose deaths. This study examines variation in opioid-induced death rates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as contributing factors. One hypothesis is that states with higher rates of prescriptions for painkillers demonstrate higher opioid mortality rates. Another hypothesis is that states granting legal access to medicinal marijuana exhibit lower death rates. Using 2014 data from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Drug Enforcement Agency, these hypotheses are tested with a regression model that also includes control variables. Preliminary analysis provides support for the first hypothesis. While the second hypothesis is not supported in that the relationship does not reach statistical significance, the scatter plot suggests that a decrease in opioid mortality lags behind the initial legalization.

  • Triples of Integers and Associated Triangles

    If m and n are integers with 02-n^2, 2mn, m^2+n^2) are integer sides of a triangle with a right angle. We note that an integer is any positive or negative whole number. These are also known as Pythagorean triples. Our first triple, and the most simple of the three we will explore, is given such that if m and n are integers with 02, mn, m^2-n^2) are the sides of a triangle in which B=2A. In this talk, we shall explain where the restrictions for this triple come from, look at examples of triangles fitting this criteria, as well as present two other triples of integers based on m and n that characterize other types of triangles, where we will use Maple in order to simplify more complex equations.

  • Using Chemistry to Find a New Way to Treat Cholera

    The objective of this research is to create a potential inhibitor of Type IV prepilin peptidase to prevent the autoagglutination, or clumping of bacterial cells, by preventing pili formation of V. cholerae. Substrates must be a particular size or shape to be recognized by an enzyme, much like how two puzzle pieces fit together. Three different potential enzyme inhibitor designs were selected based on their structural similarity to the natural substrate. Up to this point the focus of our research remains on optimizing small scale reactions to obtain high yields and purity. We have employed microwave instrumentation to both shorten the reaction and improve our yields. Once the final products are synthesized, purified, and characterized, they will be tested for their ability to prevent the autoagglutination by adding the compounds to the solution used to grow the bacteria. Since the proposed structure mimics the natural substrate, it will prove to be beneficial because the body is less likely to reject a familiar substance, allowing the treatment to work.

  • Working with Human Subjects; Student's Perspectives and Experiences on a Year Long Autism Speech Match Study

    Over the past year we have been working on a multi year study funded by INBRE-NH with adolescents who present with autism. The study focuses on the understanding of neuropsychological functioning while using an Ipad application as an intervention to improve language and speech prosody. Each of us has attended weekly lab meetings and has made unique contributions to the study. As a team we will discuss each of our own experiences participating in undergraduate research, and how it has affected our views of college as well as our future career choices. Specific topics covered include the process of being involved with new ideas about human behavior, the detailed nature of research, the professionalization of a psychology student, and the course of action from undergraduate education to graduate school application and career development.