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  Civic Engagement at the University of Dayton: Political Science Senior Capstone Projects

  Michael Sullivan Beenblossom, Lilianna Jin Biswas, Randy Evan Borre, Elizabeth Grace Braun, Megan M. Broderick, Madison Elizabeth Cassel, Grant Christopher Combs, Brandon S. Frania, Mason E. Gordon, Eric G. Grimm, Lauren M. Healy, Hannah Claudia Hoby, Molly Catherine Houlihan, Daniel Joseph Isufi, Alexander George Janakievski, Jared Anthony Marfisi, Edward Thomas Mccarthy, Joshua Stevan Newmark, Fitzgerald Tioluwani Oladejo, Emily P. Orr, Brendan Romano, Kayla Nicole Schultz, Dylan J. Stapleton, Juliet Rose Twomey, Anthony Nicholas Ullman

  American democracy is at a crossroads. Political polarization is at an all-time high among both political elites and the citizenry, and trust in the fairness and validity of American election outcomes is also dropping. Some scholars argue that a decline in civic engagement can explain the decline in public trust and that increasing civic engagement among citizens may be able to help restore public trust and confidence in government and alleviate some of the more negative symptoms of political polarization. Students in the Political Science Senior Capstone have explored different dimensions of civic engagement on UD's campus or developed programming aimed to increase civic engagement among students on campus.

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  College Students’ Opinions on Climate Change: Do Political Views Matter?

  Aileen Marisa Hull

  Climate change is an ever impending crisis, and the politics surrounding the issue are as contentious as ever, especially in the United States with the extremely polarized political culture. The polarization of the political parties makes any environmental policy extremely difficult to pass. Meanwhile, the new generation of young people entering the workforce, voting scene, and public eye are bringing new demands to current climate debates. Youth make up a large share of environmental activism participants and opinion polls show climate change is on the minds of many young people. However, there is a lack of research on youth’s opinions on climate change as relating to their political affiliation. The purpose of this study is to measure young peoples’ views on climate change, while identifying how or if their political identification plays a role. A survey with questions modeled off the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication survey of Climate Change in the American Mind was distributed to 27 undergraduate classes at the University of Dayton. Questions explored political identification and personal belief relating to climate change science, risk, and policy. Using quantitative methods, the results explore how students view these topics and the relationship between their opinions on the environment and their political affiliations and participation. This research is important because young people will have an impact on both the policies and actions the country takes on climate change as well as trends of Republican and Democrat parties in the United States.

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  Colorectal Cancer Model in Drosophila melanogaster by Inactivating the Wingless Pathway

  Matthew T. Bilotti

  Wingless (Wnt) signaling is an important pathway involved in tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer of humans, and can be modeled in Drosophila melanogaster given the conservation of genes and cell biological processes. To understand which components of the Wnt pathway affect growth and patterning, we studied effects of loss of APC specifically in the eye discs using MARCM based approaches. The MARCM approach allows for manipulation of gene expression (both loss- and gain-of-function) in somatic clones. Under wildtype conditions of normal cell growth, the Wnt pathway is kept under check, where a destruction complex (comprising of several proteins like Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), Dishevelled (Dsh), Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) and beta-Catenin) prevents nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and promotes its degradation via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. However, in the presence of Wnt ligand, signaling is activated and the destruction complex is inhibited. Beta-Catenin then proceeds to the nucleus as a transcription factor to turn on expression of its respective target genes which promotes cell proliferation and survival. We want to examine if loss of APC shows effects on growth and differentiation. In Drosophila, there are two APC family genes, APC and APC2, therefore we devised a strategy to generate double mutant clones wherein the expression of both APC and APC2 is eliminated in the same cells. To do so, we used the eyflp MARCM system to induce APC dysregulation solely in fly larval eye discs. We will study effects of loss of APC on growth, survival and differentiation in the eye discs, with special emphasis on interactions between APC /beta-Catenin with the Hippo pathway. We will use immunohistochemistry to study expression of Wnt target genes in experimental and control samples. We will examine the larval disc phenotypes like effects on differentiation, proliferation or cell death; and survival to adult to understand the interactions between the molecular pathways. We will compare if the interactions observed in the eye imaginal discs are tissue specific by comparing to the effects of loss of APC genes in the brain and intestines in Drosophila.

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  Combating Anxiety in the Dental Office and Ways to Improve your Experience

  Jamie Adam Dziurdzik, William Reilly Edwards

  Throughout the history of the United States, the importance and necessity of oral health has always been a top priority for our national healthcare system. Therefore, having recognition that regulating oral pathologies can help improve one’s overall health is essential for dentists to convey to patients during appointments. However, one crucial barrier dentists face when working with patients and communicating to them the importance of routine checkups and self-care is the issue of dental anxiety while in the office. We understand that dental anxiety can stem from a multitude of reasons including but not limited to personal trauma from a prior experience, office spaces that make individuals feel claustrophobic, monotone office paint colors, a hectic hygienist staff/environment, or mistrust between a patient and their dentist when operating in and around the mouth. Because dental-related anxiety is so common among patients, our research will include a wide range of potential dental patients asking them which factors may consciously contribute to their anxiety by answering an interactive survey. Participants will also be asked to select methods in which a dentist can help lower their personal anxiety. This information will ultimately be used in order for us to gather information on how to best help dentists with patient anxiety in the Dayton area.

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  Cometary Orbits

  Abdulhadi KH. M. S. Almutairi, Ahmad Z. M. TH. Almutairi, Bader KH. SH. N. SH. Almutairi

  This project describes the behavior of cometary objects in the solar system, specifically their orbital behavior and how the nature of these cometary objects makes them behave the way they do. It has taken scientists many years to study comets and take note of their behavior. The developments arising from their research seems to make more sense on how they came to existence. In the 4th century, a famous scientist deduced that comets are comets are somewhat emissions from the earth that rise to the sky. Later on Isaac Newton noticed that comets revolve around the son in an elliptical manner. The main purpose of this project is seeking to find out how comets came to existence and why they orbit around the sun in an elliptical manner.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Break-Ins and Disorder on Irving Avenue

  Aidan Scott Andra, Shaina C. Dawson, Avery Rebecca Lytle, Brandon Scott Novak, Jessica Lynn Starkweather

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Burglary and Theft on Stonemill Road

  Robert Steven Bradley, Brian Joseph Max Gregori, Molly Kathryn Griffin, Megan Lee Hernandez, Katie Costello Hindersman

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Porch Theft on Evanston Street

  Olivia Brady Canalizo, Anastacia N. Gathof, Kerrie K. Metress, Lindsey E. Vanhoose

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Theft and Disorder in the North Student Neighborhood

  Mohammad Abdullah A. Alnasser, Rachel A. Banks, Lindsey M. Coulter, Jack R. McGill

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Theft at Caldwell Apartments

  Lilianna Jin Biswas, Makira D. Cook, Elijah Mayo-Anthony Weaver

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Vandalism and Disorder on Lowes and Kiefaber Streets

  Hannah Alison Cola, Claire Rose Esslinger, Richard Gray Morisette, Nancy Russell

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Community-Based Approaches to Addressing Vandalism in University Housing

  Mackenzie T. Henry, Gabrielle Mikayla Wade, Lucy Larkin Waskiewicz

  This research is a semester-long course project in SOC 324: Communities & Crime. As part of this project, we have identified a crime-related problem in our neighborhoods/living spaces and apply community-building and environmental design approaches to offer recommendations and solutions that address the problem. Our work emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and sense of community in preventing crime and fostering feelings of safety on and around campus.

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  Comparative Study of Methods for Derivative Pricing

  Joel King

  Stock Options are financial instruments whose values depend upon future price movements of the underlying stock. Since such movements are unknown, the price of the underlying stock is modeled as a random process. This presentation will be focused on the pricing of important options including European, American, and some other exotic options. The importance of the no-arbitrage principle will be emphasized as a necessary requirement to derive meaningful prices of stock options. Additionally, we’ll review the derivation of the classic Black-Scholes model as a limit of a binomial tree. Under the assumptions of the Black-Scholes model, determining or approximating a fair price for options is possible with a variety of methods. We’ll cover three major techniques: binomial trees, Monte Carlo simulations, and methods for solving the Black-Scholes partial differential equation. The results from each method will be compared and we’ll note the limitations of each approach.

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  Comparing Aquatic and Terrestrial Leaf and Cicada Litter Decomposition Rates and Invertebrate Abundance in Old River Park

  Allyson A. Allen, Grace M. King, Miles Ellison Muratore, Emerson R. Phares, Megan Ann Poole, Adelaide Lorraine Starks

  Decomposition is essential for nutrient recycling when the carbon and other nutrients go back into usable forms from complicated molecules. In this study, we determined the role of habitat (terrestrial versus aquatic), litter quality (4 different plant species and cicadas), and insect abundance on rates of decomposition. We used mesh litter bags (how many total–4*5 types of litte*2 habitats) that we picked up at different time intervals and weighed litter remaining. We also extracted invertebrates from all bags. We predict that aquatic rates will be higher than terrestrial decomposition rates for both leaf and cicada matter. Additionally, we think there will be more aquatic invertebrates in the sample than terrestrial invertebrates. Lastly, we predict that leaf litter will decompose at a faster rate than cicada litter. Litter quality and habitat type both affect decomposition rates. If our predictions are correct we will see a correlation between invertebrate abundance and decomposition rate inferring that invertebrates help the decomposition process. If leaf litter decomposes faster than insect litter then leaves must be made of matter that can degrade faster than the matter of insects. The rate of decomposition is dependent on litter quality and environmental conditions. Temperature and moisture content have a significant impact on decomposition rates as well. When moisture conditions are favorable, increasing temperature causes an exponential increase in decay rates. So with this decomposition will thrive in given conditions and so it is an important aspect of finding what factors/roles are causing a progressive reaction in the decomposition environment type wise.

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  Comparing Hydrogen Production Pathways

  John Tossey Merkle

  Hydrogen is used in several industrial processes, with the current global demand of approximately 90 megatons annually (90MtH2/yr). This demand comes almost entirely from the industrial sector, to act as a feedstock for oil refining and the production of ammonia, methanol, and steel. Hydrogen production currently relies on fossil-fuel technologies, with almost all demand met using the steam methane reforming (SMR) process. However, SMR is carbon dioxide (CO2) emission-intensive; therefore, to meet a net-zero emission goal to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, it is necessary to decarbonize hydrogen production. Other methods used to produce hydrogen include coal gasification, water electrolysis, and methane pyrolysis. As with SMR, coal gasification is CO2 emission-intensive. However, the water electrolysis process has no direct CO2 emissions. Therefore total emissions associated with producing hydrogen via water electrolysis come from the energy source. In principle, the methane pyrolysis process is CO2 emission-free; however, natural gas production always involves some leakage, so methane pyrolysis will not eliminate CO2 emissions. In addition, carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) has also been implemented in some instances of the SMR and coal gasification processes, which has resulted in a non-trivial amount of emissions being averted. The present work compares the costs and benefits of these approaches to hydrogen production, including CO2 and natural gas emissions, financial costs, and potential byproducts.

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  Computational Biology Methods Devising Site-Directed Mutagenesis Reactions of the Polymerase Acidic Protein for the Enhancement of Protein Solubility

  Juliano V. Aquilino

  Current treatments of an Influenza infection target frequently mutating surface proteins. This causes increased variability in the effectiveness of modern treatment methods, as a single mutation in the protein could cause the antiviral to be ineffective. A component of the RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) of the Influenza A virus, Polymerase Acidic (PA) protein, is a promising antiviral target for a new generation of Influenza treatments because of its highly conserved nature. PA has been shown to have a similar structure and sequence across known strains of Influenza. Drug design research utilizes crystal structure to synthetically improve viral inhibitors through in silico analysis that can prevent the binding of PA to an additional protein, Polymerase Basic 1 (PB1). However, to gain a crystal structure of the protein for drug design, the macromolecule needs to be soluble, and previous experiments have shown highly insoluble characteristics of the PA protein. Computational calculations were utilized to create a set of site-directed mutagenesis reactions that would theoretically enhance the solubility of the protein structure by optimizing the intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. The investigated mutations are intended to decrease aggregation propensity, increase solubilizing interactions, increase solvent exposure, and increase the stability of the protein under expression conditions. Following the completion of the experiments, it was shown that residue-specific mutations of PA slightly increased the solubility of the protein structure under experimental conditions.

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  Computer Vision-Based Model for Drawing Skill Assessment

  Asaad Saeed M. Alghamdi

  Drawing is a natural process for all people. Assessing the drawing skill is beneficial to some applications. The main objective of this assessment is to match the hand drawing with a pre-defined template. In computer vision, a rapid and robust method for matching objects is required to fulfill this goal. Many recent techniques have a complicated struggle with the same concept which means they could encounter some difficulties to determine the object in an image. On the other hand, computers can be trained to identify the match at a human level. In this research, we propose a framework to assess the drawing skill based on computer vision algorithms.

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  Concentrated Portfolios, Profitability and the S&P 500 Financial Sector: An Empirical Analysis of Long Run Returns, 2009-2021.

  Thomas L. Goslee, Nathan Glenn Jabaay, Thomas Charles Letke

  In this study we develop concentrated portfolios of ten and twenty stocks for theS&P 500 Financial Sector ETF (XLF). We use a factor mimicking regression model to determinethe portfolio weights for each stock. We regress the "state" economic variable Consumer Spendingon Revenue Per Share(the factor loading) and use the slope coefficients as our factor weights.Portfolio returns are calculated for the periods 2009-2019,2009-2020,and 2009-2021. We test the hypothesis that Consumer Spending is a latent priced-in risk factor throughits effect on Revenue Per Share growth i.e., our portfolio weighting models outperform thebroad market. The addition of the cumulative return periods 2009-2020 and 2009-2021 alsoallows us to determine if Covid-19 and rising interest rates had an impact on portfolio returns.

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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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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?

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  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.

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  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!