Stander Symposium Projects

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  Annual Horvath Student Juried Exhibition

  Nicholaus C. Arnold

  Student work is exhibited each spring in the Annual Horvath Juried Student Exhibition. Submission is open to all University of Dayton students taking classes in the Department of Art and Design during the academic year of the exhibition. Since 1975, this event has displayed award-winning works that include dramatic sculpture, exuberantly colored paintings and an array of experimental drawings, ceramics, prints, photographs and designs. Support for the awards comes from the Bela Horvath Award Fund established by Mrs. Horvath in honor of her husband, a Hungarian artist who found refuge in Dayton during and after World War II. Bela Horvath taught painting at the University of Dayton in the 1950s. Juror Emily Everhart is the Liberal Arts Chair and Assistant Professor of Art History at The Art Academy of Cincinnati. Emily specializes in 18th and 19th Century European art. She has presented in national conferences and received grants and fellowships for research in the U.S. and abroad. A portion of her doctoral thesis will appear in a forthcoming publication by the Georgia Museum of Art. Her current research interest is in manifestations of eighteenth-century sociability in landscape architecture. The awards winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 17.

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  Antagonistic interactions between Dpp signaling and defective proventriculus determines eye versus head fate

  Anjali Sangeeth

  Axial patterning, a crucial process during development, involves the delineation of three axes, such as Antero-Posterior (AP), Dorso-Ventral (DV), and Proximo-Distal (PD), is required for the transition of a monolayer organ primordium to a three-dimensional organ.Axial patterning involves the participation of morphogens, transcription factors, and regulatory genes. Any deviations in this process result in birth defects. We have identified a K-50 homeodomain-containing transcription factor, defective proventriculus (dve, an ortholog of SATB1), as a dorsal fate selector gene during eye development. Using genetic approaches, we found that Dve interacts with various signaling pathways during eye development to determine eye versus head fate. Among these, a highly conserved Decapentaplegic (Dpp)/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway, which forms a morphogen gradient in the developing Drosophila eye, acts antagonistically to dve to regulate retinal differentiation and thereby determines eye versus head fate. Here we present our studies on molecular genetic interactions between the members of Dpp signaling pathway and dve during eye development. Interestingly, SATB1, a mammalian homolog of dve, exhibits similar interaction with Dpp signaling pathway members suggesting that these interactions may be conserved.

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  Anti-predator Behavior in Response to Conspecific Visual, Olfactory, and Damage Cues in the Three-spined Stickleback

  Claire Elizabeth Van Meter

  Predation is a major source of mortality for prey, which creates a selective pressure to avoid predators whenever possible. By using alarm cues produced by conspecifics, individuals can be alerted of nearby predators without coming into direct contact with them. However, we do not know whether individuals can distinguish between different kinds of conspecific cues and if some types of cues may indicate a more severe predation threat compared to others. I studied the ability of the three-spined stickleback to distinguish between environmental cues by exposing conspecifics to 4 different treatments in a randomized order: 1) Control (control olfactory cues with an unexposed demonstrator), 2) Visual Only (control olfactory cues with an exposed demonstrator), 3)Visual and Stress (stress cues with an exposed demonstrator), and 4) Visual, Stress, and Damage (stress and damage cues with an exposed demonstrator). For 5 minutes before and after exposure to the cues, I watched for four key defensive behaviors: hiding in plants, hiding in the gravel at the bottom of the tank, thigmotaxis, and shoaling. Directly after each assay, I placed the focal subject in 200ml of RO water in a 600ml beaker for 1 hour to collect waterborne cortisol. It was found that observer hiding behavior increased when observers were exposed to visual cues of stressed conspecifics paired with either olfactory cues of stressed conspecifics or conspecific stress and damage cues. Observers also shoaled less when exposed to visual cues paired with olfactory stress cues, but not with visual cues alone, or visual cues paired with stress and damage cues. Males shoaled more than females, but hid less than females. There was no observed change in behavior for demonstrators, regardless of what cues were added. There were also no differences in waterborne cortisol levels for each of the treatments.

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  A Numerical Study on the Effects of Varying Types and Spacing of Reinforcement Elements in Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW)

  Jonathan Lawrence Gardner

  Mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEWs) are an increasingly popular type of retention structure being constructed in the United States. According to the Federal Highway Association, it is estimated that over 9,000,000 square feet of MSEWs are constructed in the United States each year. These types of structures make use of a reinforced soil mass to support the retained soil or backfill. There are two primary categories of reinforcement used in mechanically stabilized earth walls: inextensible and extensible reinforcement. However, in each of these categories there are various types of reinforcement that can be utilized in the design. With all the available options for different kinds of reinforcement, it can be difficult for an engineer to determine the best type of reinforcement for a given project. The primary objectives of this project include: analyzing the effects of using various types of reinforcement on computing the required length to satisfy internal stability requirements in MSE walls, studying the effects of changing the spacing of reinforcement elements when performing internal stability analysis, studying the effects of total wall height when performing internal stability analysis, and evaluating the potential for over-design and under-design along the height of the wall when using the initial design assumption that L=0.7H.

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  A portfolio weighting model for the S&P 500 Real Estate sector based on two factors: (1) firm revenue and (2) gross operating profits: an empirical analysis 2009-2023.

  Patrick James Burns

  In this study I test the hypothesis that firm revenue growth and gross operating profits growth are priced-in-risk factors in the stock market. My base model is an equal weight model with the top 20 real estate stocks as my portfolio. The weights for the 20 stocks will change yearly based on firm revenue or gross operating profits growth. I then compare the returns to the broad market S&P 500 ETF SPY to determine if the factor models generate alpha. Given the efficient market hypothesis, I make the assumption that the alpha is a measure of the extra returns required by investors for their investment risk. The period of analysis is 2009-2023.

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  Application of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity

  Weston Ward Brundage, Ethan Andrew Selkirk, Johnathan Robert Traudt

  This project delves into the profound realm of special relativity, a groundbreaking theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. The research begins by providing background on the historical and conceptual foundations of special relativity, unraveling the fundamental principles that revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and the nature of the universe. The theoretical framework of special relativity, characterized by the postulates of constancy of the speed of light and the relativity of simultaneity is initially introduced. The project then navigates through the Lorentz transformations, and some of the mathematics behind it. Beyond its theoretical foundations, this project explores the diverse applications of special relativity across various fields. The impact of special relativity on astrophysics, cosmology, and high-energy particle physics is investigated, showcasing its role in explaining phenomena such as time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic mass increase. Additionally, practical applications in modern technologies, such as global positioning systems (GPS) and particle accelerators, underscore the indispensability of special relativity in shaping the technological landscape.

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  Applying Linear Regression Models to Assess Spatial and Environmental Risk Factors of Chronic Wasting Disease Amongst Deer Populations in Montana

  Aidan Burns Mornhinweg

  By applying both GIS and statistical analysis formulas, such as ordinary least squares (OLR) and geographic weighted regression (GWR), to multiple variables, I have been determining risk factors and their % of influence on spreading chronic wasting disease (CWD) amongst various deer populations throughout Montana. Upon analyzing each risk factor (primarily land use data, soil, pH levels, habitat types, carcasses, etc.), I am able to apply my linear regression model to hot spots throughout Montana to determine which areas are most at risk of spreading CWD (both how and why). GIS software, ArcGIS Pro, is my main tool and support for computing my linear regression model and takes into consideration the spatially temporal data and dimensions of this disease. As of now, all of my gathered data is open source. Thank you.

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  Are measures to decrease or prevent pollution just

  Brett Timothy Brne

  My poster presentation is about if measures to decrease or prevent pollution is just. In my case I will be using the theories of justice by Rawls and Nozick. Rawls and Nozick while both using theories of justice have conflicting views, and I will be covering some similarities and differences in their theories and in this case. My goal is to determine what these two would believe to be morally correct in the given situation. Rawls theory supports that it would be unjust, while Nozick believes that it would be a morally correct action. To reach this conclusion I have read both of their works and will provide evidence in my poster presentation.

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  Argumentation & Advocacy - Policy Panel

  Hannah Shay Bordeau, Robert John Bremyer, Estrella Cuellar, Isabela Maria Fernandez

  Students will present competing policy proposal arguments, cross-examine each other, then convince the audience/jury of the relative superiority of their case. Afterwards, audience ballots will choose the winning policy.

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  Art Integration in Elementary Schools Leading to Academic and Social Development

  Summer Sollecito

  Integrating art in the classroom environment can help students expand their understanding and ability to connect and comprehend visual and artistic ideals to the pedagogy surrounding their lives and experiences. Curriculums with art integration help students to become self-aware, socially aware, responsible distinction-makers, communicators, and develop relationship-building skills expanding their lives academically and emotionally.

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  Assaults with an assist: Gender violence in the National Hockey League and league reputation based on crisis communication

  Yana Crossland

  In October of 2022, an anonymous Twitter user under the pseudonym Emily Smith published a Tweet that contained a screenshot of a very long statement which alleged that Ian Cole, a defensemen for the Tampa Bay Lightning, had groomed and sexually assaulted her. The last paragraph of the statement says that “the NHL [National Hockey League] fosters a culture of misogyny”, and because of this, players feel “emboldened” to commit these acts of violence towards their victims (Smith, 2022). The NHL conducted an investigation in which they determined Cole was innocent (Associated Press, 2022). There are multitudes of instances in which players commit acts of gender violence (rishcast, 2021). When such incidents occur, the NHL may find it necessary to formally release a statement regarding the incident. This study examined how such a response impacts league reputation, word-of-mouth, behavior intention, and attitude, using the lens of situational crisis communication theory (SCCT).

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  Assessing the Behavioral Effects of Conditional SERCA2 Deletion in central GABAergic Neurons

  Hayden Nathaniel Ott

  The regulation of calcium (Ca2+), a critical ionic messenger, has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes including gene transcription, muscle contraction, and neurotransmitter release. The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), an intracellular regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis that functions by sequestering Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is a particular molecule of interest. Previous research has implicated dysfunction of SERCA regulation as a contributor to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we sought to further understand the role of SERCA2 in behavior through the creation of a novel transgenic mouse line that is characterized by conditional deletion of SERCA2 in the brain’s γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic inhibitory neurons. Male and female mice of this line then underwent a behavioral battery assessing motor function, anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of SERCA's role in behavior and the mechanisms contributing to complex neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

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  Assessing the effectiveness of soil amendments and prairie seed mixes in remediating degraded soil during ecological restoration following industrial agriculture.

  Madelaine Claire Gregory, Anna R. Pallone, Valerie Nicole Thurston

  The abandonment of fields once used for industrial agriculture is an increasing phenomenon within the Midwest as well as on a global scale.Management practices used in agriculture such as tilling, intensive herbicide and pesticide use, and establishing monocultures of crops results in disturbance and poor soil quality which creates obstacles for native establishment. This study began in the summer of 2019 with the establishment of 20 (50 × 50 m) square plots in a former agricultural field, each of which received one of four native prairie seed treatments that varied by number of species present (diversity) and weight of legume (5% or 20%). These plots were then sub-divided into 4 subplots, each of which received one of four soil amendments. Soil samples were collected for the assessment of (a) nutrient levels and (b) activity of carbon cycling enzymes Phenol Oxidase, Peroxidase and β-glucosidase. Our data suggests that in response to time soil nutrients are shifting in a direction that is more reflective of restored conditions. Additionally, there is a significant decrease in activity of carbon cycling enzymes Phenol Oxidase and β-glucosidase in response to time and treatments applied. Developing techniques to transition post-agricultural lands to biodiverse and functioning ecosystems is a foundational scientific challenge locally, regionally, and globally. Our project has the potential to influence many restoration projects given that our results may inform management practices.

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  Assessment of Generative AI Images

  Kriti Sharma, Thomas William Sherk

  With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, text- image generation models such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and the Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP ) models have gained significant attention for their ability to create realistic and visually appealing images from textual descriptions. Evaluating the quality of these generated images, however, remains a challenging task, as these models are complex and some proprietary and the datasets large. To advance the study of artificially generated images, we are introducing a novel dataset, Generative Artificial Image Assessment (GAIA), comprised of images from eight popular text-to-image AI models as well as user rankings from a crowd-sourced annotation. Furthermore, the inclusion of neural net- works/transformer architecture can also obfuscate the underlying decision process that is used to generate the image.

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  A Topology Optimization Results Spaceframe Interpreter for the Design of Lightweight Aircraft Structures

  Jack Anthony Studnicka

  This poster presents the methodology and theoretical foundation of topology optimization (TO) Results Spaceframe Interpreter, an automatic TO results interpreter that generates a closely associated space frame consisting of welded structural tubing or rectangular bars. TO is a computational technique that uses a finite element (FE) formulation to identify the most weight-efficient structure within a design domain. Density-based TO results in structures that take organic forms and is usually a tedious and cumbersome process to generate a computer-aided-design (CAD) model to manufacture through conventional techniques. The optimal topology frequentlyresembles a space frame, which is well-known as being a rigid, lightweight structure. The methodology of the TO results interpreter leverages several techniques from volumetric image processing and has four primary processes. First, the results are obtained from commercial FE/TO software and mapped into a cubic grid of voxels. Second, junction locations are extracted and member connectivity that represents a frame is identified. Third, a sizing optimization is incorporated to determine appropriate sectional dimensions of the circular or rectangular space frame members. Fourth, the optimized space frame geometry is imported into a CAD design tool to automatically create a design model. The automated TO interpreter is designed to interact with commercial FE analysis and CAD systems. The interpreter is demonstrated on various spatial examples including aerospace and automotive applications. In each case, the welded space frame closely resembles the TO result, with nearly equivalent stiffness and mass.

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  A Traditional Marian Devotion: The Litany of Loreto

  Molly Catherine O'Brien, Selena Rose Waldron

  The Litany of Loreto is a traditional Catholic prayer devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the many titles gifted to her by the Church. Our research consists of the history of the devotion, Biblical bases for the names of Mary, how the names in the Litany relate to Church teaching, specifically the four Marian dogmas, and how this devotion is practiced today. The Litany brings Tradition and Scripture to life, and characterizes Mary with many traits and attributes that help us to come to know her better, and in knowing her, grow in relation with her Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

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  Attitudes Towards Service Dogs In-Training

  Lindsey Person

  This study looked at people’s attitudes towards having service dogs in-training in a classroom setting. Specifically, this study looked at attitudes of students, handlers (primary caretakers of the service dog in-training), and professors at the University of Dayton towards having the 4 Paws for Ability Service Dogs in-training in the classroom. People in general are hypothesized to have positive attitudes towards in-training service dogs in the classroom, but any negative attitudes could be due to the dogs being distracting, causing allergic reactions, or for religious reasons. Students and handlers are hypothesized to have positive attitudes towards in-training service dogs. Instructors are hypothesized to have attitudes towards in-training service dogs that will be mostly positive, but perhaps a little less due to the possibility of dogs being distracting in class. The sample included 123 students, 3 handlers, and 12 instructors. Attitudes were measured using the Coleman Dog Attitude Scale and 12 additional questions about attitudes towards service dogs in training in the classroom. The results showed that overall attitudes towards having the service dogs in the classroom were positive from the perspective of the students, handlers, and instructors.

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  Authentic Materials in Language Learning

  Nills Alesandro Rojas Mora

  While the benefits of authentic materials in language instruction are well known, some teachers do not feel confident in implementing them into their classrooms. A group of spanish-speaking English learners were exposed to a series of lesson plans that include authentic materials to exemplify the importance of using realia in the classroom. This project aims to offer language teachers an insight on the benefits of exposing students to authentic materials and strategies to effectively incorporate them into regular lesson plans. The study shows aspects that teachers need to consider when using authentic materials in their classrooms and the researcher’s reflections for more appropriate uses of these resources in language instruction.

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  Automated Bird Classification using Deep Learning

  Kasturi Avinash Jamale

  In this work, we introduce a novel approach to bird classification using deep learning methods. Leveraging YouTube videos, we collect annotated data for training a model capable of accurately identifying bird species. Our model is designed to handle various environmental factors and achieves high classification accuracy across diverse bird species. This work contributes to advancing automated bird classification techniques, offering valuable applications in ecological monitoring and conservation efforts.

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  Automatic Basketball Formation Recognition

  Saivedant Hava

  In this research work, we aim to develop an Automatic Basketball Formation Recognition system utilizing video analysis techniques. Through computer vision and machine learning, the system identifies and categorizes basketball formations observed in game footage. This enables coaches and analysts to gain valuable insights into team strategies and player positioning. The system's effectiveness offers a practical tool for enhancing basketball match analysis and strategic planning.

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  A Writing of One's Own: Research Findings and Experiences of HISTORY CAPSTONE STUDENTS, Spring 2024

  Reece Blackmore, Maria Gomez, Logan C. Miller, Ellen C. Moore, Riley M. Smith

  The History Capstone Students will be presenting on original research conducted during the Spring 2024. In addition to findings that cover the 19th -21st centuries and reach across the globe, students will reflect on their experiences with writing in community as part of the capstone they created.Reece Blackmore, Running Saddam Hussein's Gauntlet: Iraqi Persecution of Shia Muslims during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) María Estefanía Gómez Bibiloni, A State's Right: Puerto Rico and the Struggles Over Independence in the Twentieth CenturyLogan Miller, Authoritarian Pluralism: Japan and a Big Tent for FascismEllen Moore, Whose Home on the Range? African American Cowboys and the Mythology of the American Frontier in FilmAidan Mornhinweg, Napoleon's Mind's Eye: The French Campaign of 1812 and BeyondRiley Smith, The Lives of the Winter Palace: The Lasting Legacy of Imperial Russia in Place, Space, and Time

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  Banksy: The Street Artist and Activist

  Emily J. Bryan

  This THR/VAR 250 Diversity in the Creative and Performing Arts poster presentation project requires each student to research and present on a topic relevant to the interdisciplinary fields of visual and performing arts through a critical multicultural and social justice lens that foregrounds the appreciation of diversity and enables the expansion of personal cultural competencies.

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  Beavers at Glen Helen Nature Preserve

  Dustin Jacob Holmes

  Ecosystem engineers are vital for natural areas, having a large impact on species richness and ecosystem health. An example is the North American beaver (Castor canadensis). Around three years ago a beaver colony began to build a dam in Glen Helen Nature Reserve (Yellow Springs, OH). This has caused significant flooding of the stream that the dam was built on and an opening of the canopy due to the beavers removing many large trees within the area. Our aim was to study what trees the beavers preferred over others and what new species had arrived in the area since the beavers constructed the dam. For this objective, we marked trees that showed signs of beaver activity with numbered tags and recorded their diameter at breast height (DBH) and whether beavers were actively using them or not. Once all of the chewed trees were recorded, we measured and identified the four closest trees without beaver activity. We surveyed 24 trees with beaver activity and 36 undamaged trees. It was found that maples were most preferred by beavers and their preferred size of tree was 18-36 DBH. As for new species, we worked with an expert birder based at Glen Helen who had been collecting data on the preserve’s birds for many years. The new species since the construction of the dam include but are not limited to the green heron (Butorides virescens), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), and the mourning warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia). In addition to birds, some new herps have also been found in the pond such as an eastern spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera). We intend to disseminate this data to the preserve staff so that proper conservation and management practices can be implemented to protect the beavers and any new species in the area.

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  Behavioral responses of two color morphs of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) to novel urban environments

  Amy Q. Friemoth

  Human modified landscapes can provide challenging new environments that can lead to rapid changes in species traits. In temperate forest ecosystems, salamanders play a critical role in forest floor dynamics, but populations are now faced with rapid habitat change, which can lead local extinctions unless these species behaviorally adapt. The Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, is the most common salamander species in Ohio and serves as a model species for examining the effects of anthropogenic change. Further, the Eastern Red-backed Salamander poses two common color morphs (striped and unstriped) that appear to differ in their responses to environmental change. Here, I investigated how urbanization differentially influences behavioral responses of the two color morphs of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander. I collected 20 striped and 20 unstriped individuals from Caesar Creek State Park, Ohio. I exposed them to a novel environment (cement paver) and novel objects (anthropogenic waste) to test exploration and neophobia behaviors. We are examining these variations in behavior and will run statistical models to test whether the morphs differ in their behavioral responses to these anthropogenic pressures. Based on previous studies, we expect the striped morph to display more bold behaviors and ultimately do better with urbanization. This work will highlight whether both color morphs persist with rapid habitat modification which will have important implications for other North American salamanders as many species share the same color phenotypes and may be responding similarly.

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  Benefits of a Community Reentry Intervention for Reentry Self-Efficacy in Homeless Shelter Residents With Past Incarceration

  Kathryn E. Hurley

  The U.S. has one of the highest levels of incarceration and recidivism in the world (American Civil Liberties Union, 2022; U.S. Department of Justice, n.d). Several factors contribute to recidivism, including the loss of monetary funds and loss of housing upon incarceration. Homelessness especially predicts recidivism. It has been found to increase the risk of recidivism by almost 50% (Jacobs & Gottlieb, 2020). Within the context of a long-term ongoing participatory community action research project in homeless shelters (Reeb et al., 2024), this study examined the benefit of reentry support sessions within the homeless shelter environment, with an attempt to overcome barriers in utilizing community resources. Twenty previously incarcerated, unhoused men participated in a reentry support session within St. Vincent De Paul’s Gateway Shelter for Men (Dayton, Ohio). The reentry support session was developed in collaboration with the Montgomery County (Ohio) Office of Reentry. Participants completed a measure of self-efficacy for community reentry at pre- and post-session, followed by a brief interview to identify their plans for obtaining reentry services in the community. In support of Hypothesis 1, it was found that the self-efficacy for coping with community reentry improved from pre- to post-intervention. Consistent with hypothesis 2, residents both with and without a disability benefited from the session at approximately equal levels. Post-session interviews revealed that a majority of residents expressed intentions to obtain additional reentry-related resources. Keywords: recidivism, community reentry, homeless, disability, self-efficacy, participatory community action research in homeless shelters