Stander Symposium Projects

The Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium recognizes and celebrates academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. This annual event provides an opportunity for students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual and artistic accomplishments. The Stander Symposium represents the Marianist tradition of education through community and is the principal campus-wide event in which faculty and students actualize our mission to be a "community of learners."

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Contributing Factors to the Primary Care Shortage

Luke Samuel Adams, Mackenzie S. Gross

Across the country, there is a considerable shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs). A 2021 article from the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health noted, “the country is projected to have a shortage of primary care physicians between 21,400 and 55,200 by 2033,” (Srikrishna et al., 2021). There are multiple reasons for this shortage, including the well-known crisis of Medical School debt, as well as the average salaries of PCPs and length of residency. For example, initial research shows that from 2020 to 2021, average medical school debt increased from $207,003 (“What Is the Average Medical School Debt?” 2021) to $241,600, making average medical school debt more than the average salary of a PCP (“What Is The Average Medical School Debt in 2021?” 2021). The New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine may have a practical solution. Beginning in 2018, the NYU Grossman School of Medicine began offering a full-tuition scholarship to each student that matriculates into their Doctor of Medicine (MD) program (Affordability & Financial Aid for MD Students, 2022). The scholarship program essentially reduces the financial burden associated with medical school, hopefully removing the financial disincentive to pursue a career in primary care, a field of medicine that makes on average $100,000 less than a specialist per year (Harris, 2018). The purpose of this poster is to show the multiple factors contributing to the PCP shortage beyond medical school debt, including range of specialty income, length of residency, and lifestyle. It also explains the potential limits of NYU’s scholarship program in alleviating the PCP shortage. Ultimately, NYU’s program may not increase PCPs because of other contributing factors. The final result is yet to be determined because the program is so new.
Conversion of Bi₄Se₃ to Bi₂Se₃ via post-annealing under Se flux

Ryan P. Laing

Bi₄Se₃ and Bi₂Se₃ are materials with topologically protected surface states that are currently thesubject of extensive research as potential next-generation quantum technologies. In this study,DC magnetron sputtering was used to grow Bi₄Se₃ thin films. Conversion of Bi₄Se₃ to Bi₂Se₃was explored via post-annealing under Se flux at moderate temperatures. The Se flux wasgenerated by RF magnetron sputtering of a Se target onto Bi₄Se₃ films. Bi₄Se₃ was grown undertwo morphological distinct regimes, an atomically flat surface and faceted surface to contrast theSe incorporation through flat surfaces or grain boundaries. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopywas used to analyze film composition, while X-ray diffraction was used to verify crystalstructure and orientation. Scanning electron microscopy additionally verified morphologicalchanges post annealing. Determining Se percolation into the film under different temperaturesand geometries allows an expansion of thin film sputtering capabilities by further control of filmcomposition under various conditions. This work can lead to techniques in tailoring the fermi-level in chalcogenides.
Cope’s gray treefrog Dryophytes chrysoscelis maintains cellular integrity during freezing by adjusting membrane composition and by accumulating cryoprotective compounds

Elizabeth Evans Yokum

Only a few species of vertebrate animals can survive seasonal bouts of cold temperatures by tolerating repeated whole-body freezing and thawing. Of this unique groups, Cope’s gray treefrog Dryophytes chrysoscelis, can survive freezing and thawing of up to 70% of its body fluids. The objective of this study is to investigate two possible mechanisms that may contribute to cellular freeze competence: changes to lipid composition of the cell membrane, and synthesis and distribution of molecules that protect against freeze-induced damage (cryoprotectants). It is hypothesized that cells modify the lipid (phospholipid and cholesterol) content of their membranes in ways that affect membrane fluidity and thereby optimize cell function at cold temperatures. Preliminary 1H NMR analysis indicates that phospholipid distribution, fatty acid composition, and cholesterol all vary between warm and cold acclimated groups in membranes prepared from liver tissue. It is further hypothesized that glycerol, glucose, and urea serve as cryoprotectants in gray treefrogs; these compounds can help to maintain cellular fluid volumes, prevent intracellular freezing, and support molecular structures in freeze tolerant animals. Compared to animals that were cold acclimated only, accumulation of cryoprotectants is expected to increase in animals frozen and thawed once (single freeze-thaw) and further increase in animals frozen and thawed three times (repeated freeze-thaw). Results indicate that plasma, liver, and skeletal muscle concentrations of glycerol and glucose are elevated in both groups of frozen and thawed treefrogs, but no significant differences were detected between the two groups. Both membrane lipid remodeling and cryoprotectant accumulation likely contribute to cellular and organismal freeze competence in D. chrysoscelis. Further investigation of these (and other) mechanisms will help to elucidate the physiological underpinnings of vertebrate freeze tolerance.
COVID 19 and the Funeral Industry

Samuel Lynn Baranick

Over the past year and a half, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed most aspects of society, including the funeral process. Whether directly due to the increase of deaths in communities, or indirectly such as the collective negative view of the public about deaths in hospitals, the pandemic has had a great impact on the future and how we will approach the death of loved ones. Data for this project were gathered by in-depth interviews with professionals in the death industry. By learning the shared experiences of those working as funeral directors, we can better understand the funeral industry during the pandemic and key in on the future of the funeral industry post-pandemic.
COVID-19 Isolation Effects on Anxiety/Depression Levels

Madeline C. Froehlich, Caroline Julia Senseman

Solitary confinement in the corrections system is a prolific issue that has been the focus of debate for years. However, such isolation has been difficult for the average person to understand since the majority of the population has never thoroughly experienced any level of isolation until the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. While research into the effects of COVID-19 on mental health is still in its preliminary stages, there may be evidence that this isolation has resulted in negative impacts. Accordingly, there is now a growing interest into whether this isolation affected college students’ mental health, specifically their levels of anxiety and depression. Using a sample consisting of students from the University of Dayton, we evaluated the impact social isolation had on these individuals. Furthermore, participants included those who were placed in isolation housing on campus and those who were not, aiding in the exploration of whether the length of isolation impacted their mental health. Specifically, our research question asks: Does isolation due to the COVID-19 protocols at the University of Dayton adversely affect the mental health of students?
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pregnant Women

Katherine Marie Murin, Emma Catherine Schaefer

The effects of SARs-CoV-2 infection on maternal and fetal health has been at the forefront of research throughout the pandemic (Shimabukuro et al., 2021). Chen (2021) reports that vaccination above the herd immunity level can decrease the spread of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. A study of 300 pregnant women conducted by Ahyan et al. (2021) suggests that the initial limited research on vaccine efficacy and mistrust of the vaccine were two factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. SARs-CoV-2 infection is known to cause inflammatory and vascular changes in the placenta and activate a maternal immune response that can disrupt development of the fetus (Prochaska et al., 2020). Further research shows that unvaccinated pregnant women are at a higher risk for hospitalization compared to those who are vaccinated (Iacobucci, 2021). According to Leik et al. (2021), current research on the effects of the vaccine in pregnant women suggests no significant effects on gestation, childbirth, and perinatal mortality and provides evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective in providing maternal immunity with possible transference of maternal antibodies to the fetus. Iacobucci (2021) argues that to reduce hesitancy, vaccines should be easily accessible and healthcare providers should be open to multiple discussions with patients, emphasizing the benefits outweighing the risks of vaccination. The purpose of this poster is to summarize current research studying the effects of SARs-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine on maternal and fetal health. The poster will provide recommendations for healthcare providers to encourage the vaccine during pregnancy and to educate pregnant women to combat hesitancy.
Creating Inclusive Community: Understanding, Connecting, and Taking Action

Maritza Yajiria Betancourt, Gabrielle Nicole Bryson, Angelic Edwards-Rojas, Eileen E. Ellis, Kaitlin A. Hall, Carlos Alberto Herrero-Rivera, Paola Nicole Ramos, Camila Isabel Sanchez-Gonzalez

Creating Inclusive Community involves students, faculty, and staff who enrolled in UDI 380 “Understanding, Respecting, and Connecting: Examining Privilege and Taking Action” and attended a virtual diversity conference. The focus of the conference was to examine the challenging concepts of privilege and oppression and to develop strategies to create a more equitable world. Come hear the students experiences at the conference and discuss the skills and knowledge they gained to enhance the campus climate for inclusivity and diversity at the University of Dayton. Please join us for a lively discussion!
Crime Shows and the Affects and Perceptions on the Criminal Justice System

Brenna Anne Ward

The main purpose of this study is to determine if watching crime and law enforcement-related television shows can affect people’s views about the criminal justice system. The online survey asked about an individual’s television viewing habits and their perceptions of the criminal justice system, including their beliefs or expectations toward particular criminal justice system issues. The population for this study were undergraduates at the University of Dayton. Participants were recruited through email and social media networks. They were provided a link to take the anonymous online survey. Snowball sampling through the posts/messages was conducted to help expand the sample size and increase participation.
Crosses on Campus

Kelsi Steinkamp, Zinaejah Ozier, Marissa Coon, Cole Abell

UD has incorporated a cross in every classroom across campus. A cross in the classroom reinforces UD's mission statement of being a comprehensive Catholic university, committed in the Marianist tradition to educating the whole person and to linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service.
Cybersecurity at Fairborn Equipment Midwest

Jonathan David Disidoro, Luke David Evankovich, Ella Rose Glabus, Megan Elizabeth Peters

Our team will be analyzing security risks at Fairborn Equipment Midwest, and offering recommendations regarding the processes and software already in place. One of the deliverables will be documentation surrounding current practices and suggestions for improvement. The project may also include the implementation of new software, practices, or security measures if time allows. The goal of this project is to improve the cyber security of the organization, and decrease the risk of downtime or failures of critical business processes.
Dayton Children's Hospital

Nathan Frank Bertuca, Ryan Frank Cendol, Wesley Dee Safford, Elizabeth Ann Wourms

mplementing a resource planning model. This model will consist of resource capacity management, resource capacity forecasting, prioritization methods, and a display of where resources are currently being utilized. Dayton Children’s has two different systems to manage IT projects currently (FreshService and Workfront) that would need to be included in the model. These systems manage a range of IT issues spanning from small bug fixes to individual or departmental IT project work. Dayton Children’s main project objective is to discover where their resources are actively being used and when these resources will be available to use for future projects. Microsoft products including the Power Platform will be used to implement this system.
Dayton Civic Scholars & Gem City Market

Rose C. Arkus, Charles Kenneth Baker, Lilianna Jin Biswas, Madeline Elise Calhoun, Benjamin Joseph Crawford, Lauren Elizabeth Durham, Ryan David Greensfelder, Kate Mulvihill Jones, Meghan Elizabeth Leinhauser, Larissa Anne O'Shea, Grace Julia Pigman, Erin Marie Rafter, Jada Lynn Smith

The Dayton Civic Scholars 2022 cohort is excited to share our capstone project and our journey despite pandemic challenges. As a cohort we are passionate about sustainable and meaningful engagement opportunities, and identify the Gem City Market as an important asset to our community, both on and off campus. Since Spring 2021 we’ve partnered with the GCM and focused our time, energy, and resources on the market in hopes of supporting their work in the community. Our cohort explored ways to engage with the community through GCM and worked together on marketing, transportation, and programming initiatives. We believe the University of Dayton can continue to support and benefit from GCM and are excited to share our journey and accomplishments throughout the past year of engaging with the community and the market.
Department of History Major Capstone Projects

Hallie M. Bergmann, Matthew James Frabotta, Eshaan Garst N. Garst, Samuel Christian Johnson, John R. Lally, Thomas Jacob Martin, Jackson Fryer Prieto, Sebastian M. Quinones, Katherine Elizabeth Smith, Nicholas Jordan Torchio, Lindsey E. Vanhoose

Capstone presentations by History Department Seniors showcasing scholarly historical projects based on primary source analysis and historiographical context. Topics range from Post-War Japanese reconstruction, The Nature of Violence in colonial Hispaniola, Communism and Catholicism, Medieval ideals of gender, The Western Schism, Argentinian Politics under Juan Peron, Theater and Politics, Italian immigration, women in Colonial Latin America, Theater and politics, Drugs and Prohibition in twentieth century USA.All are welcome!
Department of Music Honors Recital Auditions

Amanda Bursch, Anna Delaney, Teresa Grijalva, Trinity Hines-Anthony, Camryn Horning, Emily Hunt, Angelo Moore-Knight, Emily Lewis, Declan Phelps, Daniel Sheldon, Anna Simmons, Anna Smith

Each year, UD Department of Music faculty select top student performers from the Department’s Friday Recital season and invites them to audition before a panel of preeminent musicians from the Dayton community. The top six performers are awarded a position on the Department of Music Honors Recital, the culminating performance of the academic year, held at 1:25 pm on April 29. 2022 in the Humanities Building’s Sears Recital Hall. Both the auditions and the Honors Recital itself are open to students, faculty and members of the community.
Design and Validation of a Liquid-Liquid Extraction Unit Operation Experiment

Zoe R. Boehman, Austin G. Dias, Luke F. Flottman, Katelyn Leigh Petrycki

Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is a separation technique that transfers a solute between two immiscible solvents. The separation of ethanol through LLE is prevalent in biomass purification, gas additives, and the food safety industries. This research aims to generate a new experiment involving LLE processes in the Unit Operations laboratory at UD. Castor oil served as the organic phase to separate ethanol from water due to their differences in miscibility. The effectiveness of castor oil was measured using a mixer-settler unit (~ 2 L) with a 5 wt.% ethanol/water mixture. Volumetric ratios of castor oil to ethanol, such as 6:4, 5:5, and 7:3, were pumped, mixed, and run in the mixer-settler apparatus. At various time intervals, samples were taken from oil and aqueous phases, centrifuged, and analyzed using gas chromatography or a densitometer. Extracted samples did not reach equilibrium, and a discrepancy existed between the experimental results and the theoretical model found using a ternary diagram. Additional trials involving an extra settling chamber showed that longer mixing-settling times led to enhanced ethanol extraction. Centrifugation, however, was needed to separate the two phases. A second organic solvent, Multitherm heat transfer fluid, separates from the aqueous phase faster than castor oil. We performed small-scale experiments (10 mL) at different ratios of Multitherm to 5 wt.% ethanol/water solutions, such as 1:1, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2, 9:1, and 2:8. The 2:8 mixture showed enhanced separation based on ethanol concentration in the aqueous phase. Conversely, 2:8 mixtures of 5 wt.% ethanol/oil solution to water were mixed and analyzed. Unfortunately, ethanol stayed immiscible with the oil, and the water phase only removed 1.2 wt.% ethanol. The new mixture was targeted for ease of phase separation when running the mixer-settler unit, and the preliminary trials allowed for pursuing experimentation for a closed system mixer-settler unit.
Design of an Investment Ready Solar Energy, Bitcoin Mining, & Water Purification Package for Equity Expansion in the Navajo Nation

Matt Abele, Abin Johny

Although the world lives in the 21st century, inequality, poverty, hunger, and thirst plague many parts of the world. While developing nations receive a vast majority of the attention and aid, there are communities closer to home which should garner greater publicity than they currently receive. In the United States alone, large populations of people live without access to running water, let alone potable water for consumption, cooking, and general hygiene. For centuries, Native American populations have endured hardship and suffering at the hands of the American people and government, who seem to have all but forgotten their existence. In the Navajo Nation, the largest reservation in the United States, as many as 30 percent of residents lack access to running water and many lack sufficient access to potable drinking water. Compounding these issues are the great distances they must travel for food and water, placing even greater economic strain on the people. This project serves to elevate marginalized communities, like the Navajo Nation, by providing for the most essential needs of the community while also providing some monetary benefit – increasing equity and elevating the people. The developed micro-grid design includes a solar array and battery storage sized to provide power year-round to the bitcoin farm while also providing power for a water purification system capable of meeting the needs of the community. This investment-ready package provides community income in the form of bitcoin, while also providing clean drinking water from unregulated wells which otherwise supply the area with contaminated water. Income from the bitcoin mining operation goes to a community fund while also paying back investors in a short time making this an attractive project for investors and communities alike. Further adaptation could be implemented to provide for other community needs such as indoor farms or community electrical loads.
Design of a Soft Robot Pneumatic Cushion for Bedsore Prevention in Persons with Paraplegia or Tetraplegia

John M. Wischmeyer

The University of Dayton Design of Innovative Machines Lab (DIMLab) is working in the area of soft robot design. In prior work, the DIMLab has investigated accurate CAD modeling of the PneuNet actuator, proposed by the Whitesides Research Group of Harvard University. PneuNet actuators are mainly used as soft robotic grippers capable of readily moving fragile or asymmetrical objects. The DIMLab has started to explore the use of soft robotics in a variety of fields, from medical to manufacturing. One potential novel application of soft robotic technology is in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Persons with para- or tetraplegia, and many of our elderly, are more likely to develop pressure ulcers from being in a seated position for longer periods of time. An assistive device that can safely and automatically mitigate pressure ulcer formation is clearly desirable. This honors thesis will explore the design and prototyping of the “Derri-Air” pneumatic cushion, capable of sensing and altering the pressure distribution applied to the user’s buttocks. Be it noted that the honors thesis will not require human test subjects from outside the University of Dayton. When a functioning model of the Derri-Air cushion is developed, only students working for the DIMLab will test the device for comfort and compatibility. An important step in achieving a working prototype is preliminary research into the continued development of PneuNet-like bending actuators, including their design, simulation, printing, and testing.
Design of Custom Mechanical Test Fixtures for Uniaxial Compression and Pure Shear Testing of Soft Materials

Braeden J. Windham

SURE program work focused on implementing a photo-curable elastomeric resin on commercially available 3d printers, creating an in-situ monitoring system to collect unavailable print data, creating custom fixtures for the characterization of elastomeric materials, characterizing the mechanics of a DLP printed, self healing, elastomeric resin.
Determining Nitrate Sources Using Dual Nitrate Isotopes in Grand Lake St. Marys Watershed, Ohio

Maria Isabel Schutte

Grand Lake St. Marys, one of the largest lakes in Ohio, regularly experiences harmful algae blooms that disrupt access to drinking water and recreation. The Grand Lake St. Marys watershed, designated as a distressed watershed since 2011, is one of the most nutrient impacted lakes in Ohio with pollutants potentially originating from anthropogenic sources including organic and inorganic fertilizers, human wastes, and urban runoff. The eutrophication of the lake is in part caused by an excess of nitrate, which can come from these sources. The aim of this study is to identify and quantify the relative contributions of these anthropogenic sources of nitrate in the Grand Lake St. Marys watershed to better inform nutrient management decisions. We collected field environmental data and 43 water samples from the lake and all streams in the six sub-basins of the watershed. Samples were analyzed for nitrate concentration and isotope ratios of nitrogen and oxygen in nitrates. Dual isotope tracing of nitrate (δ15N and δ18O) allows us to determine nitrate sources based on isotope end-member values from those sources. But as δ15N of human and animal waste overlaps, further analysis of boron isotopes (δ11B) is used to distinguish anthropogenic sources from natural sources. Our results indicate that the main source of nitrate in this watershed is manure, which contributed 77-100% of all nitrate sources in the watershed. Although denitrification could increase the δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate and overlap with manure, based on high level of measured dissolved oxygen (DO) in the field and slope of δ15N and δ18O values, we were able to rule out this process. This research provides an initial nitrate contaminant source tracing data and helps to better inform state and local water quality and nutrient management planning.
Determining the association between gut microbiota and its metabolites with higher intestinal Immunoglobulin A response

Tooba Shafeeque Ahmed Momin, Adam D. Moorman, Jessica Marie Sheldon

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors an enormous amount of complex microbiota community and the GI-immune system is one of the largest immune organs in the body. Gut microbiota influences gut health and affects local and systemic immune response. The current study was designed to determine the specific gut microbiota and its metabolites responsible for higher intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration. Twenty piglets (Scrofa domesticus) with an equal number of males and females were used in the study at one-week post-weaning. Fecal samples from these piglets were collected in sterile test tubes and analyzed for IgA concentration while part of the samples was stored at -80 °C for later analysis. Based on IgA concentration, piglets were divided into two groups, group 1 with lower IgA concentration (< 2.0 µg IgA/gram of feces) and group 2 with higher IgA concentration (>2.0 µg IgA/gram of feces). These groups were then analyzed for their differences in microbial metabolites and microbiota community using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results indicated that higher IgA concentration was associated with significantly higher Bacteroidota and Desulfobacterota population and significantly lower Firmicutes and Firmicutes/ Bacteroidota ratio (p <0.05). Results also indicated that higher IgA was associated with low acetic acid, butyric acid, formic acid, isovaleric acid, and propionic acid. All these short-chain fatty acids have shown their effectiveness in reducing gut inflammation. Higher IgA was directly related to higher valeric acid concentration. Piglets with higher IgA also had significantly higher xylulose, tocopherol-alpha, glycine, adenine, pantothenic acid, xylitol, pimelic acid, palmitic acid, and alanine concentration in the gut (p<0.05). Higher IgA was associated with significantly lower tyramine, putrescine, phytosphingosine, beta-alanine, 4-aminobutyric acid concentration (p<0.05). Overall, the current study indicated that higher gut IgA had a direct relationship with lower Firmicutes/ Bacteroidota ratio and lower short-chain fatty acids.
Development of Melamine Derivatives as Flame Retardants for Thermoplastic and Thermoset Polymers

Ryan J. Maguire

Melamine is an aromatic, nitrogen-containing compound used to produce a myriad of items ranging from kitchenware to laminate. This project focused on the investigation of pathways to prepare melamine derivatives, which could function as potential reactive flame retardants. For that purpose, a set of bifunctional derivatives was prepared and characterized. Attempts to involve these compounds as co-monomers in the preparation of Nylon-type polymers is currently being studied.
DHL- Supply Chain Locus (Robots) Goes Green

Brandon Richard Barhorst, Christian J. O'Connor, Kendall S. Schaffner, Allison M. Vanzant

This project researches various opportunities to make the use of the warehouses picking robots more sustainable and supportive of the environment
Diabetes in Dayton, OH: a Focus on Free Healthcare Clinics

Griffin Andrew Kirsch, Audrey Elizabeth Muck

In less than a decade, the State of Ohio increased in rank from 19th to 13th in the United States of America for diabetes prevalence, according to a 2020 statistic from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/). The average diabetes prevalence rate in the United States is estimated to be 10.5%, whereas the prevalence rate for diabetes in Montgomery County is 13.6% (CDC, 2016-2017). This prevalence is well above national, state, and other surrounding county averages, and is also coupled with extreme racial data discrepancies. The diabetes mortality rate among black men is nearly two times the rate of other races in Montgomery County; furthermore, the rate of diabetes-related hospital visits is 1.5 times higher for black individuals than white individuals, according to the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association Healthcare Database (2018). In addition, racial and ethnic minority populations have a higher percentage of adults, adolescents, and children diagnosed with diabetes and are more likely to have poorer management of diabetes. An approach to preventing the progression of diabetes and decreasing mortality and hospital visit rates includes prioritizing and providing information and skills for people to manage their diabetes and related conditions at local health clinics that treat individuals at target risk. This approach includes a program known as the Diabetes SelfManagement Education and Support (DSMES) which yields effective results in managing diabetes (CDC, 2018). As a result of this approach, the mortality rate is declining. This poster will describe the prevalence of diabetes in Montgomery County, highlight racial disparities, review relevant social determinants of health, and discuss how a community can improve the outcomes of diabetes.
Differences in leaf litter rates in forests: Lateral vs. vertical input of leaf litter into a broadleaf forest river

Rianna Soltis, Amanda N. Thieneman, Valerie Nicole Thurston

Leaf litter is the collection of leaves that fall from the surrounding trees in an ecosystem. The leaves decompose in the spot they fall or where they get carried away towards water. Leaf litter data showcases the biodiversity in an area, which can help identify if the area is healthy or not. We also thought it important to see how much of this leaf litter is ending up in the river. In our experiment, we wanted to look at the difference between leaves that were collected vertically versus laterally in the oxbow river. Vertical litter is what falls off the tree, in our case, over the water. This can be caused by wind or by naturally falling off. The lateral litter we are looking at refers to the leaves that are not falling directly into the river by tree fall. They fall more inland and are carried by water from rain or wind into the river. We wanted to see the difference between the two types of leaf litter collection. The study site, Old River Park, was once a manicured park for employees but now it belongs to the University of Dayton. It is partially maintained by mowing, but a portion of it has been designated as a research area and has become an area with little to no upkeep and has become overgrown. This is the area of the park that we conducted our research in. The oxbow is partially shaded by broadleaf deciduous trees, like American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and White Ash (Fraxinus americana). At the site of the oxbow where we studied the input of leaf litter, there was a mix of larger trees like Sycamore, but there was also a large presence of the invasive Honeysuckle tree (Lonicera maackii). Because of the density of trees surrounding the river, compared to the density of trees reaching over top the river, we hypothesized that the leaf litter from entering the river laterally would be greater than the leaf litter entering the river vertically.
Direct polymerization of aliphatic bis-piperazine compounds and their non-antimicrobial properties

Emilie A. Moses

The piperazine functional group has found applications in the structure of novel antidepressants, chemotherapeutics, stimulants, and more recently as antimicrobial agents. Inclusion of piperazine in a material also leads to the chelation of metals (including toxic metals), which would have several environmental applications as fiber mats or bioengineering scaffolding materials. Thus, we synthesized the first aliphatic polyester polypiperazines directly from the Ti(IV) condensation of 1,4-bis(1-hexanol)piperazine with succinic acid. We characterized these novel polymeric materials using NMR, IR, and gel permeation chromatography. Since the biodegradation of these polymeric materials could lead to the release of a toxic by-product (the bis piperazine compounds), we analyzed the antimicrobial activities of the diol using AG100 E. coli as planktonic cultures (using the starting bis alcohols). We determined the antimicrobial activities using growth inhibition assays (with and without levofloxacin) as well as live/dead fluorescence staining of planktonic cells. We compared our growth inhibition results to 1-napthylmethylpiperazine and napthylmethylpiperazine derivatives. These collective data suggest polyester polypiperazines could be a novel thermoplastic, bioinert, biodegradable scaffolding material for tissue engineering and environmental applications.