2013 Jacksonville University Faculty & Student Symposium Schedule

1. JU FACULTY & STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
DCOB Conference Rooms B&C
Wednesday, April 3
8:00 AM - Stress and Test Anxiety Through Yoga in 5th Grade Reading
Kathryn Keshen-Goldberg, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Davis
This project focuses on the issue of test anxiety and stress that students deal with in the classroom. I intend to
reduce students test anxiety and stress through yoga. Students will be taught basic yoga poses and breathing
techniques in order to help reduce any stress or text anxiety. I expect to find that students will learn to control
their stress, and reduce their anxiety by practicing this particular style of movement.
8:20 AM - Occurrence of Bottlenose Dolphin Mother-Calf Pairs in the Arlington River and Nearby Areas of the St.
Johns River, Florida
Jenell Larsen, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rose Borkowski
Bottlenose dolphins, ursiops truncatus, are among the best known and studied cetaceans. Various ecotypes of
this species have been identified and well-studied in Sarasota Bay, the Florida Keys and the Indian River.
However, little research has been conducted on dolphins inhabiting North East Florida. In 2010, an unusual
mortality event involving bottlenose dolphins in the St. John’s River highlighted the need for improved monitoring
of these animals and their young. The aim of this study was to characterize the seasonal distribution, temperature
and salinity tolerance of dolphin calves utilizing the Arlington River and nearby areas of the St. Johns River.
8:40 AM - Measuring On- Task Behavior Using Basic Math Facts and Physical Activity
Paige Argus, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Davis
After observing problematic behavior in my teaching internship, the study I had chosen was using physical activity
during the school day to enhance students on- task behavior and focus. This study is significant because in the
long run it may help elementary teachers increase their students’ on- task behavior. To measure the on- task
behavior I used basic math facts timed assessments, direct observations, and student surveys. I implemented my
research two days a week, for about an hour and a half each time. My expectated results are that after
implementing this physical activity my students on-task behavior will increase.
9:00 AM - Reading strategies that help to build fluency for ESOL students.
Megan Guillen, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Davis
The purpose of this case study is to see how context clues help struggling readers and English language learners
to read fluently. I worked with a group of six students all of whom were part of the lowest reading group in the
classroom. Each lesson was centralized on students using context clues while also integrating supported reading,
retrospective miscue analysis, partner reading, utilizing listening centers, primed reading, and the use of poetry.
By analyzing the results from the pre and post assessments, I expected the outcome to be that students' oral
reading accuracy as well as their words per minute

2. 9:20 AM - Morphology: The Optical Illusion of Sentence Structure
Kayleigh Hynes, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christina Valentino
Every language has an established representation of morphology; we want students to properly decode
sentences when language changes. We begin by developing their cognition through scaffolding morphemes; the
smallest semantic unit in language. By breaking down words into their simplest forms and transitioning to the
complex, students are able to distinguish patterns and learn structure rather than memorizing individual words.
We expect to see participants actively moving from concrete to abstract thinking. Enabling students to label the
parts of words and sentences, as well as understand structural relationships, enabling them to intricately shift
languages while maintaining the same meaning.
9:40 AM - The Flipped Classroom in practice: Active learning and engagement in a graduate program
Stephanie James
The flipped classroom has gained traction in K-12 education, however, this approach at the postsecondary level,
especially at the graduate level is not as prevalent, though it is growing in popularity. In flipped teaching, the
traditional classroom method of content delivery is inverted so lectures and accompanying materials are viewed
outside of the classroom leaving class time open for other things such as practice and hands-on work. The
purpose of this presentation is to share the following re a flipped classroom: its design in a graduate program, its
alignment to adult learning principles and its implications for effective leadership skills
10:00 AM - The Importance of Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension through an ESOL Students Eyes:
Providing a purpose for reading.
Olivia Blanco , Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cristina Valentino
Reading comprehension is an important teachable skill required of all students. It is a skill that goes beyond
reading written words to a level of understanding. For ESOL students or English Speakers of Other Languages this
is particularly challenging. The objective of this study is to work through one student’s case of comprehension
skills using questioning, retelling, think-aloud activities, and sequence of events strategies while providing a
purpose for reading. To investigate this dilemma I will be working with an ESOL student whose parents are from
India. Ideally, at the end of this study the student’s level of reading comprehension
10:20 AM - Using graphic organizers to improve students math word problem skills (Math Comprehension)
Kevin Elmore, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Tammy Ryan
10:40 AM - The Formation of the Trimetallic Carbonyl Cluster, Li[FeCo3(CO)12]
Nekea Sanders, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher M. Potratz
Metal carbonyl clusters are vital catalyst for many reactions that involve carbon monoxide (CO). In this project the
trimetallic carbonyl cluster Li[FeCo3(CO)12] will be produced. This trimetallic carbonyl cluster will be synthesized
in three steps that are classified as a disproportionation reaction and two redox-condensation reactions. The
reactions used to produce Li[FeCo3(CO)10] will be highly controlled through the use of a glove box and a Schlenk
line due to the reactions being air sensitive. In order to identify the formation of the correct products, carbonyl
bands of the products for each reaction will be studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy).

3. 11:00 AM - DECONSTRUCTING THE CHAOTIC WORLD: ILLUSTRATING THE ANALYTICAL PROCESS IN THE HUMAN
MIND
Arelis Resto, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Ginger Sheridan
I aim to portray the human struggle to understand the erratic world through hyper-analysis. Hyper-analysis
reveals the manner and truth in others and in nature, and it enables us to better interact with and, consequently,
live in the world. Through collage-based artworks, I best evoke this process by bombarding the viewer with a
series of mixed media portraits that reveal its anatomical layers, which embed varied surreal objects and symbols.
Despite being overwhelmed with these arbitrary, contradicting, and earthly features, I have found that people
judge others and their surroundings not to define them but rather to define themselves.
11:20 AM - Crossing the Barrier: Remembering African-African American Naval Officers in Chicago’s ‘Golden
Thirteen’ Monument
James Edwards, Faculty Sponsor: Jesse Hingson, Ph.D.
Since the colonial era, African Americans had served in the US Navy, yet none were ever commissioned as
officers. In February 1944, the Navy decided to allow a select number of African American sailors to become
officers, and thirteen successfully completed the officer training program. In 2006, in Chicago, the first
monument was dedicated to the “Golden Thirteen”. Using media sources, veterans’ accounts, and other
evidence, this paper focuses on the creation of the monument and the challenges that advocates faced in
achieving public recognition for these first African American Navy officers.
11:40 AM - Developing a Field Guide to Florida’s Nearshore Hardbottom
Sara Schunter, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dan McCarthy
Florida nearshore hardbottom habitats are considered important in enhancing local marine biodiversity. A
current state funded study at Jacksonville University is seeking to gain further insight into the ecological functions
of these habitats as they may vary with depth and substrate. Collected organisms were counted and identified to
determine how prevalent they were in these habitats. The goal of my project is to take these preserved
specimens and develop a photo field guide to all species encountered in this study. I will discuss my development
of photographic procedures, give an overview of major taxonomic groups, and describe the book layout.
12:00 PM - James Oglethorpe and British-Creek Relations in the Georgia Colony, 1732-1740
Mary Pontello, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jesse Hingson
Founded in 1732, Georgia was settled by James Edward Oglethorpe as a buffer colony between British South
Carolina and Spanish Florida, and the establishment of the Georgia colony touched off a variety of key battles
between the two empires. The British more often won these conflicts, and scholars tend to emphasize the
organizational abilities of Oglethorpe in fending off the Spanish. However, using treaties, settlers’ diaries, and
other primary accounts, I argue that the long history of poor relations between the region’s indigenous
population and Spanish authorities was a key factor in helping British efforts.

4. 12:20 PM - The Use of a Validated Survey Instrument (HPPSACS) to Assess Patient Safety Awareness Among Pre-
licensure Nursing Students
Theresa Chenot
The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate pre-licensure nursing students' patient safety awareness,
skills, and attitudes and examine current patient safety education for nursing students utilizing the QSEN
framework (Chenot & Daniel, 2010). The Healthcare Professionals Patient Safety Assessment Curriculum Survey
(HPPSACS) is a 29-item instrument that was used to measure the nursing students' patient safety awareness,
skills, and attitudes and is an adapted version of the Patient Safety/Medical Fallibility Assessment Pre and Post
Curriculum Survey created by Madigosky, Headrick, Nelson, Cox, and Anderson (2006) that was used with medical
students. Recommendations for future research utilizing the HPPSACS
12:40 PM - Street Scene: An American Opera by Kurt Weill
Brittany Nickell and Alec Hadden, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Kimberly Beasley
Street Scene, based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Elmer Rice written in 1929, is a dramatic musical
composed by Kurt Weill who defected to the United States from Germany in 1933. Lyricist Langston Hughes was a
prominent member of the Harlem Renaissance. This trifecta of prominent members of the cultural community of
the late 1920’s and 30’s makes for a gripping story encompassing issues of immigration and tenement living. JU
presents this musical April 5, 6, and 7 in Swisher Theater. Student presenters will discuss discovering their
characters and Director Kimberly Beasley will share her research including the
1:00 PM - REDS: Residential Energy Data Simulation
Alexis Crouch, Faculty Sponsor: Xenia Mountrouidou
The REDS project is developing an univariate model or a stochastic process using real data provided by
Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) to simulate the amount of energy consumed by JEA residential customers.
Utilizing exploratory data analysis with 4-plots, models will be extrapolated to determine consumer demand
patterns. The 4-plot models will be coupled with a hydroelectric energy response model to determine viability of
hydroelectric as an alternate energy in the JEA service area.
1:20 PM - Self-Expression Through the Biomorphic: Creatures of the Inner Psyche
Katrina Burns, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Dana Tupa
In order to cope with a lifelong anxiety disorder, I set out to create the physical manifestation of my inner
emotions voiced as simulated living beings in clay. I combined influences from the natural world, which created a
fictional species of gourd-like creatures. Inventing imaginary subjects, rather than utilizing human figures, allowed
me to broach sensitive subjects within my past. Through gourd form I revealed emotions within a naturalistic
installation that grounded illusory forms in realistic space. This body of work became a catharsis that expressed
the struggles of my recent past and my path to personal rejuvenation.
1:40 PM - The Development and Initial Testing of the Jacksonville Attitudes toward Research Survey
Daniel Murff, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. W. Brian Lane
Many of the benefits of student research experiences are closely connected to the student’s attitudes toward
research. But how can student’s attitudes toward research be assessed? The Jacksonville Attitudes toward
Research Survey (JARS) answers this question. The JARS consists of a set of research-related statements to which
students respond on a Likert scale. By administering the JARS at the beginning and end of an SRE, institutions can
evaluate the change in the student’s attitudes during the SRE. I will present an overview of the survey, an analysis
of the faculty validation, and comments on the ongoing student validation.

5. 2:00 PM - Hip Hop in America: A Cultural Revolution
Ciaran Sontag, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Vincent
Student will be presenting an in-depth analysis of the development of hip-hop music as a cultural art form:
exploring how socio-economic-cultural factors have affected its growth. Of particular interest in the study are
influence of other contributing genres (rhythm and blues, rock, urban music, jazz, funk, disco, and classical) and
its dissimilation into subgenres (gangster rap, battle rap, hip-pop, etc.). This study will identify: artists who
epitomize excellence in hip hop, and who seem to be leading emerging trends; Billboard and American Top 40
chart analyses; and other independent artists and scholars of hip hop.
3:20 PM - The Creation and Testing of a WKB Approximation Program
Anatoly Kozorezov, Faculty Sponsor: W. Brian Lane
According to quantum theory, it is impossible to predict with absolute certainty the motion of subatomic
particles, (e.g., electrons), such that one must calculate probabilities associated with their positions.
Unfortunately, most problems of interest in quantum cannot be solved exactly, and we must employ
approximation schemes. The Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method is one such approximation scheme that
calculates the probability density if the energy of the particle is known. I present the results of using the midpoint
integration method with the WKB method to numerically calculate the probability density of electrons in a sample
metal.
3:40 PM - BEACH CÖMER POUND CAKES: GRAPHIC DESIGN BASED ON LOCAL COLOR
Samantha Nader, Faculty Sponsor: Brian Frus, Cheryl Peters, David Smith, Ginger Sheridan
Pound cakes are my defi¬nition of comfort food; they are rich and deep with flavor. The photography, layout, and
graphic design of the cookbook should all reflect the simple yet rich feeling when eating a piece of pound cake,
and the nostalgia that most think of in relation to the cake that our grandmothers made. In “Beach Cömer Pound
cakes,” I proposed to brand my cakes as simple comfort food found in Florida’s seaside communities. My design
encompasses old family recipes, delicate typography. The layout of the cookbook and website gathers all the
design elements, reflecting a southern beach bakery.
4:00 PM - The Effects of Elevated CO2 on Arm Regeneration in the Burrowing Brittle Star Ophiophragmus
filograneus
Coia, Jodi; McClure, Anna; Shankle, Stephanie; Wenk, Laura, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lee Ann Clements & Dr. Jeremy
Stalker
Increased CO2 and decreased pH in ocean water may impact tissue and skeletal regeneration in brittlestars
Ophiophragmus filograneus. Three CO2 levels, a control, an elevated (lower pH) and a high (low pH), were used
to test this hypothesis. Ninety brittle stars, each with one arm surgically removed, were disturbed evenly in nine
aquaria in a Latin square design. Temperature, salinity, pH and DO were monitored daily for one month.
Increased acidity and CO2 resulted in increased arm regeneration rate and decreased overall body mass.
Regeneration at increasingly lower pH exacts a metabolic cost which decreases overall body mass.
4:20 PM - Preliminary Survey of Brown Pelicans Pelecanus occidentalis in Jacksonville, Florida and a summary of
population trends.
Kelsey Cooper, Faculty Sponsor: E. Natasha Vanderhoff
The Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis remains a Species of Special Concern (SSC) in Florida. The Brown
Pelican can be found year-round in North Florida consisting of both resident and migrating individuals, yet to date
a formal survey and population trends for this area have not been conducted. We gathered data at three sites in
Jacksonville, Florida to investigate seasonal trends in population abundance and demography.

6. JU FACULTY & STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
DCOB Conference Rooms B&C
Thursday, April 4
8:00 AM - Fidgets Figured Out – Using movement in the classroom to control the active study to focus longer
Jennah Gayle Knight, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Davis
Boys in elementary school have up to 49 hormonal urges resulting in movement during a school day. I have
observed 7 boys in first grade that are redirected by the teacher, physically get out of their seat and move while
in their seat. These urges resulting in moving cause these boys to be off task, distracting classmates and behind in
class work. Resistance bands on the desk chairs help Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) students
focus. My study shows how this study works for general education, “normal” boys and Exceptional Student
Education as well as ADHD boys to stay focused.
8:20 AM - Strategies that Help ELL’s when Teaching Vocabulary
Karli Tobin, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Valentino
This presentation will be looking at different strategies to help ESOL students retain new vocabulary words at a
higher level. A few of the strategies are using pictures to help remember definitions (creating pictures in the
mind), playing games with the words, word walls, and graphic organizers. Each of these strategies differs however
they all have one thing in common: repetition with the word. When working with any student on a new concept
studies have shown that repetition is highly effective, therefore in this case study all of the vocabulary strategies
used will include repetition in some way. What I
8:40 AM - Implementing word study groups to increase fluency with lower level readers through repeated
reading
Heather Cole, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Davis
Fluency is the smoothness with which students read. A fluent reader groups words into meaningful phrases and
reads with appropriate expression (Gunning, 2010 p. 92). Becoming a better reader is becoming more fluent. The
process of becoming fluent happens over time with repeated reading. A key component to fluent is sight words;
these words are the 200 most seen words in the English language and need to be mastered before entering the
second grade. When first graders have not mastered sight words their reading fluency affects their ability to move
to higher reading levels before moving into second grade.
9:00 AM - Using Background Music in the Classroom to Effectively Enhance Student Engagement
Elizabeth Kohnen
This study involves playing background music during math warm-up to determine if it will enhance students’ on-
task behavior which may help elementary teachers increase their students’ ability to focus during assignments.
There have been researchers who have used background music to increase student productivity. I intend to
observe students and measure the amount of time they are off-task. I will then do a background music survey, to
determine how students react to background noise during work time. I will then do an intervention on those
students by implementing various styles of music, based on their responses on the survey.

7. 9:20 AM - Evolutionary Ethics: A Defense of Anti-Realism
Bryon Heylock, Faculty Sponsor: Scott Kimbrough
The theory of evolution has great explanatory power regarding how humans came to be as they are today. 
Though it started primarily to explain physical traits, thinkers gradually began to investigate how evolution
dictates human behavior.  This presentation brings together literature in psychology, primatology and
philosophy to argue that morality is a product of our evolutionary past, an adaptation that increased our
ancestor’s reproductive success.  Early humans who were genetically coded to have ‘moral behavior’ out-
reproduced those who were not.  Moral laws, therefore, do not have objective validity, but rather
encourage successful social behavior with those we interact with.
9:40 AM - Latitudinal variation within populations of Phragmatopoma lapidosa along the east coast of Florida
Tayler Massey, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Daniel McCarthy
Phragmatopoma lapidosa are marine polychaete worms which construct sediment tubes into sand mounds which
enhance nearshore hard bottom habitats along the east coast of Florida. These reefs act as nurseries, foraging
grounds, and shelter for many invertebrate and vertebrate species. This study aims to understand variability in
life history, abundance, and seasonal recruitment of these populations. Data was collected on percentage cover,
fecundity, egg size, density, and seasonal recruitment for five locations. Fifteen meter transects were used to
calculate percent cover and worm density. Additionally, samples of worm rock were collected to assess mean
female length, fecundity and egg size.
10:00 AM - Adapting to the Needs of ELL’s
Joanna Zachowski, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cristina Valentino
In today’s day and age, the classroom is very diverse and teachers must adapt to meet the needs of every
student. When working with English Language Learners (ELL’s) teachers must have certain qualities, including
dedication, patience, and most of all, flexibility. I found this last one to be especially important when an ELL I was
doing research on moved to another school mid-year. This semester I am working with a different ELL case study
and had to differentiate all of my lessons to meet the needs of this new student.
10:20 AM - 2012 EXCAVATION OF THE WELL AT CETAMURA, ITALY
Cheryl Sowder
Discussed here is the presenter’s work as a member of the team excavating the well at Cetamura del Chianti in
Italy. Over Summer 2012, excavation proceeded down the well shaft to a depth of ca.97 feet. Extracted were
levels filled with a plethora of artifacts and organic remains. Dateable to the Roman early Empire, these materials
are identifiable as having been deposited in the well from the Roman villa, featuring baths, nearby the well.
Analysis of these finds promises to yield new insights regarding habitation of this ancient site.
10:40 AM - Composing Music for Different Genres of Film
Dennis Vincent
In composing music for film it is essential that the music complement the intent of the director. The presenter will
identify the various genres of film (such as art, comedy, musical, or suspense), their typical plots and identifying
characteristics. Short movie clips will be shown to demonstrate these characteristics and to provide examples
how music could be created to support the psychological and emotional tone of these works.

8. 11:00 AM - THE UNKNOWN FACE OF THE HOMELESS: HUMANISTIC PORTRAITURE OF A MISUNDERSTOOD SUB-
CULTURE WITHIN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Chelsea Thompson, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Ginger Sheridan
As humans, we judge each person we meet in less than 10 seconds of seeing them. What would happen if we do
not allow ourselves to judge people in those first few seconds? This is the concept I am using to create my
portraiture. I chose to photograph the homeless because I feel like they are a major subculture that people do not
understand. The black and white images shows that we are all the same. My images capture the hidden face of
the homeless, which allows the viewer to see that they are people just like you and me.
11:20 AM - The Art of Biological Sciences
Nicole Teplitz, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Dana Tupa and Dr. Janet Haavisto
Science is generally seen as a boring or intense intellectual subject but, there are many things in science that are
beautiful and can be seen in aesthetically pleasing ways. I have meshed my love of biology and ceramics together
to explore future career paths. Through the scientific and artistic investigation of biology specifically focusing on
dentistry and medicine, I have discovered my passion in biology and have demonstrated it through my artwork.
11:40 AM - America’s Lyrical Romanticist
Scott Watkins
Composer Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was a champion of American music and music education. He won the
Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1944. For forty years he served as the Director of The Eastman School of Music. His
artistic philosophy is found in his own words: “Our task is an important one: to create and to teach the creation
of beauty to a world which is sorely in need of it.” This lecture presents Hanson’s Piano Sonata, discovered in
manuscript in 2005,featured on Watkins’ upcoming recital.
12:00 PM - Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt: Kurt Vonnegut and the Persian Gulf Wars, 1991-2007
Brett Swearingen, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jesse Hingson
This paper focuses on Kurt Vonnegut’s opposition to the Persian Gulf Wars of the early 1990s and the early 2000s
and how his anti-war views had evolved since the 1960s and 1970s. Vonnegut similarly saw the Vietnam and
Persian Gulf wars as despicable and “unjust”. And, during both conflicts, he expressed his views through
interviews, essays, speeches, and opinion papers. He drew a number of lessons about opposing war, including the
value of demonstrating, what audiences to reach, and the power of the media in shaping public opinion. His story
provides important insight about why anti-war viewpoints were largely ignored
12:20 PM - Lemur enrichment
Danielle D'Amato, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. E. Natasha Vanderhoff
Feeding enrichment devices are frequently used in zoos to promote natural behavior, increase activity levels and
improve health in captive primates. I investigated if simple changes in food presentation would increase activity
levels in captive ring tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). I offered
two different feeding enrichment devices for a population of eight males of L.catta and three V.variegata one
female two males, housed at the Jacksonville Zoo. Data was collected by observing L.catta and V.variegata with
and without feeding enrichment devices.

9. 12:40 PM - Two Generations of Bootlegging and Murder in Jacksonville, Florida: The Crimes of John B. and Clyde
Hysler
Andrea Laursen, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jesse Hingson
This paper reconstructs the story of the Hysler family, known for committing various high-profile crimes in
northeast Florida during and after Prohibition. Studying them allows us to understand the formation and
operation of illicit alcohol local smuggling networks in the northeast Florida region during the early twentieth
century. Their story also provides a glimpse into the problems of enforcing Prohibition laws at the local and
regional levels and why Prohibition failed overall. The Hyslers both clashed and cooperated with law
enforcement across generations and gained a degree of fame and notoriety unmatched by any other local crime
organization. Newspaper, judicial,
1:00 PM - I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS: ANIMATING WITH DIGITAL CLAY
Michelle Pabalate, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Carolina Conte
My thesis investigates the computer-generated methods used to create the realistic texture of clay. By using the
right digital materials, understanding the physical properties of real clay, and by optimizing my render settings, I
successfully simulated clay within a computer animation program. Through this research project I have learned a
more efficient way to produce an animation that offers the appeal and charm of a clay animation without the cost
in materials and studio space. As a result, I am able to offer a wider variety of artistic skills to potential clients and
employers.
1:20 PM - Airline: A Simulation of a Real-World Industry
Kelly Jeanfavre, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janet Haavisto
This presentation will be a discussion of the simulation program used in the AVM 311 Airline Management
course. Airline gives students the opportunity to compete with their peers in the regional airline industry, but it is
about more than just flying virtual airplanes. An airline is subject to the same rules as any other business.
Students are responsible for every facet of their airline, including the number and type of aircraft and routes.
Airline teaches students how to successfully run a business in a very competitive industry.
1:40 PM - Using Graphic Organizers with ELL Students to Increase Vocabulary Knowledge
Heather Knight, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Haavisto & Dr. Valentino
Graphic organizers are used in education throughout every grade and subject. My goal is to see if graphic
organizers increase learning for ELL students in areas such as vocabulary and figurative language. I plan to do this
by teaching multiple lessons using different forms of graphic organizers to assess my ELL’s learning and
comparing it to an unstructured piece they create such as handwritten notes. Some graphic organizers that could
be used during this study are self-made, bubble maps, flow charts, and venn-diagrams. I hope to find that these
do improve learning and discover which type of organizer worked best.
2:00 PM - The Making of Lathe of God
Eric Kunzendorf
In this presentation, I intend to show how I created different shots within the animation Lathe of God. I will show
how a shot is modeled, textured, animated and rendered using Autodesk Maya, Photoshop and Adobe After
Effects. I intend to talk about the challenges and rewards associated with producing a multi year project.

10. 2:20 PM - Patterns: A Preliminary Study of First Year Composition Assessment and Retention
Dr. Sandra Coyle and Dr. Julie Brannon
This study looks at data generated by our Freshman Composition Exit Exam between Fall 2009 – Fall 2012.
Analysis consisted of looking at the relationship of these data to SAT scores, placement, and retention of first-year
students who failed this exit exam at Jacksonville University. The methodology of the assessment consists of an
essay exam at the end of the first year writing course, and the rubric consists of the departmental objectives for
that course. English faculty are involved in the assessment process and have significant input into the grading and
structure of the assessment. Data considered include enrollment in basic
2:40 PM - SIGNIFICANCE AND DEPTH RANGE OF PORCELLANIDAE CRABS ALONG NEARSHORE NATURAL AND
ARTIFICAL HARDBOTTOM HABITATS OF SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA
Sara Debellis, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. McCarthy
Nearshore hard bottom habitats serve as shelters to fish and invertebrates. These habitats can have reefs made
by Phragmatopoma lapidosa who create tubes to form mounds. However, beach restoration projects have
resulted in the destruction of these reefs. This study looks at depth zones of natural and artificial reefs to
determine the significance of these reefs and how restoration efforts could affect these environments. Crabs
from the Porcellanidae family were identified to the lowest taxonomical group possible using dichotomous keys
by examining the carapace, rostral teeth, and chelipeds. The most abundant crab from the samples was
Pachycheles monilifer, mostly females.
3:00 PM - Skydiving as a Benefit for Developing Pilots
Amanda Suter, Faculty Sponsor: Capt. Ziskal
Every pilot is put into stressful situations and is responsible for his/ her life and the lives of others. There are
many ways the training and execution of skydiving are similar to that of a pilot’s. Skydiving would benefit a pilot
in learning a sport that involves so much pressure pertaining to excelling and carrying out directions correctly;
when done appropriately, help in boosting confidence while allowing for phobias to be conquered, forcing a pilot
to perform practical reactions in stressful environments; enhancing an individual’s ability to comply with
directions overall and especially in emergency situations.
3:20 PM - The Use of Hands on and Technological Manipulatives to Enhance Comprehension in 4th Grade
Elementary Mathematics
Anna Price, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Adele Hanlon
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the global leader and foremost authority in mathematics
education, ensuring that all students have access to the highest quality mathematics teaching and learning.
Educational research indicated that the most valuable learning occurs when students actively construct their own
mathematical understanding, which is often accomplished through the use of manipulatives. For my action
research I will test tactile, concrete experiences in math. I will provide students geometric shapes/ virtual
manipluatives to practice solving problems in area and geometry over a course of several weeks to test the theory
that manipulatives increase math comprehension.

11. 3:40 PM - ABUNDANCE AND DEPTH RANGE OF XANTHIDAE CRABS ALONG THE NERSHORE ARTIFICAL AND
HARDBOTTOM HABITATS OF SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA (PALM BEACH COUNTY)
Megan Zellner, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. McCarthy
Nearshore hard bottom (NHB) habitats are an important ecosystem in coastal areas providing a stable
environment for many organisms. The community where HNB ecosystems are located were considering beach
nourishment, however, the affects this could impose on the organisms inhabiting these habitats is unknown. The
goal of this study was to examine the abundance and richness of xanthid crabs found in the NHB from a range of
various depths from Palm Beach County, as well as comparing their abundance over time between artificial and
natural reefs. The most common Xanthidae crab was Menippe nodifrons. Complete data will be presented
4:00 PM - Utopias for the Twenty-first Century
Janet Haavisto, Tayler Massey, Meagan Balding, Alyssa Stubbs, Joshua Utter
Utopias are responses to the envisioners’ frames of reference regardless of the times, locations, or ages of the
envisioners. Creating a utopia is an experiential learning assignment that allows a student to examine his or her
frame of reference. In order to write a utopia, the student must examine as many facets of society and of his or
her beliefs as possible in the time allotted for the exercise. Indeed, most importantly, students learn about
themselves and others’ points of view in the process of creating and sharing utopian visions.
4:20 PM - Utopias for the Twenty-first Century (continued)
Janet Haavisto, Tayler Massey, Meagan Balding, Alyssa Stubbs, Joshua Utter
4:40 PM - Herpetological Survey of Turtle Pond, NASJAX, Jacksonville, Florida with a comparison of turtle trapping
methods
Ashley Briddell, Danielle D'Amato, Vincent Domena, & Alissa Gilmer, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Enz
A turtle survey and mark/recapture population study was performed on a large stormwater pond within NASJAX
from October through November 2012 in order to determine the abundance and species diversity of the pond
before (and after) its dredging. Three methods were used to capture turtles: basking traps, hoop nets, and hand
capture. Once captured, a turtle’s species, age, sex, and markings for recapture were recorded. A total of 5
different species were captured during the 18 sample days of this study. The skewed demographic data poses
further questions as to what environmental factors are impacting the turtle population.

12. JU FACULTY & STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
DCOB Conference Rooms B&C
Friday, April 5
8:20 AM - The effectiveness of using a "Think-Aloud" to build metacognitive awareness of the use of concepts of
print when writing.
Danielle McMaster, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stephen Davis
I developed and implemented an action research project that represents researched based practices used by
highly effective teachers in order to help better educate students. In Kindergarten students are just beginning to
form an understanding of how to compose writing and often struggle with applying the basic concepts of print to
their writing. The focus of my action research was to measure: The effectiveness of using a “Think-Aloud” to build
metacognitive awareness of the use of concepts of print when writing. My action research project used a writer’s
workshop model in order to present, teach, practice and assess the skills
8:40 AM - The Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization of K[Co3Ru(CO)12] and K[Co3Fe(CO)12] and Their
Potential Applications
Christopher Potratz
The extended crystal structures of K[Co3Ru(CO)12] and K[Co3Fe(CO)12] are potentially useful as catalyst
precursors for Fischer-Tropsch and hydroformylation reactions. The reported IR spectrum of K[Co3Ru(CO)12]
contains suspicious peaks that are suspected to be impurities. Therefore, the synthesis of K[Co3Ru(CO)12] was
modified from the literature procedure to remove the impurities. The modified synthesis of K[Co3Ru(CO)12] was
characterized by IR, which demonstrated that purification was successful. Due to the probative cost of Ru a
second synthesis was carried out in which Ru was replaced with Fe, which is significantly cheaper. IR spectra were
taken to determine similarities between K[Co3Ru(CO)12] and K[Co3Fe(CO)12].
9:00 AM - N-isopropylacrylamide temperature-responsive gel
Aria King, Faculty Sponsor: Dr.Zhaoyang Huang
Stimuli-responsive gels have unique properties that make them useful for biomedical implant and drug delivery
purposes. These gels can react to external stimuli, such as temperature or pH, by changing their volumes just an
organism would. This research attempts to construct a temperature oscillator based on a stimuli-responsive gel
and an exothermic reaction between potassium permanganate and glycerol. The gel is a copolymer of N-
isopropylpolyacrylamide & methyl methacrylate, which responds to both pH and temperature changes. The
transition temperature—the temperature at which the gel abruptly swells/collapses—will be gauged, and its
ability to work as a drug delivery device
9:20 AM - A Computational Approach to Brownie Pans
Steven DiGiannurio, Brandon Krouppa, Trevor Touchton, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Paul Crittenden
The Mathematical Contest in Modeling is a four day competition in which teams of three members are given the
choice of two open ended problems. The problem we chose gave us the conditions in which we had to find the
most suitable brownie pan in both shape and an even cook throughout the baking process. Our team used two
programs that maximized the usage of oven space and optimal cooking conditions. This resulted in a hexagon
being the best pan for baking brownies.

13. 9:40 AM - Magic Brownies
Ryan Rillstone, Jessica Taylor, and Alejandro Madariaga, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lane
When baking brownies, one will always try to make a consistent batch each time. However, typical rectangle
shaped dishes used to bake in dally even the best chefs. Overcooking of the edges can be minimized when using
rounded pans. Unfortunately, round and circular pans are not efficient ways of mass producing brownies due to
the fact that ovens are rectangular and cuboidal in shape. We began by defining the terms and assumption we
knew already. We found averages of volume for three different categories of toaster, stove-top, and wall ovens.
This would allow us to keep our model.
10:00 AM - Unto the death: HPLC analysis of bacterial inhibitory molecules
Sandria Vernon, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Anthony Ouellette
Jacksonville University has recently acquired the components of a high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) system. The initial focus of this project is to set up the HPLC and verify that it is in proper working order for
the JU research community. Hopefully, the HPLC will be to characterize the inhibitory molecules secreted by
Bacillus species to determine whether the molecules are bacteriocins. In times of high stress, bacteria secrete
bacteriocins which function as antibacterial proteins against other bacteria. Bacteriocins have the potential to
function as new therapies against pathogenic infections and have therefore generated an array of interest.
10:20 AM - Quantifying microcystin, a hepatotoxin, from the St. Johns River and adjacent tributaries
Alissa Cowell, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ouellette
Microcystis, an alga, produces microcystin, a hepatotoxin, which is problematic in the St. Johns River and
freshwater globally. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 1 µg/L of microcystin in drinking
water and 2-4 µg/L in recreational water. Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Assays (PPIA) are used to determine
toxin levels, and are more cost effective than other detection methods. In this study, different PPIA procedures
were tested to see which could produce the most accurate data in comparison to published papers. Chlorophyll
analysis was performed to quantify the total amount of algae in samples from the St. Johns River.
10:40 AM - Toxins and Blue-Green Algae
Alicia Gard-Kaminkow, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ouellette
As an intern at GreenWater Laboratories, an environmental lab, I have been able to immerse myself in the world
of algal toxins. Cyanobacteria are photosynthesizing prokaryotes found in freshwater, marine, and soil
environments. Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins which can be harmful to aquatic life, terrestrial
animals, and humans. At GreenWater Lab, I am learning how to analyze and quantify toxins in samples from
water sources, dietary supplements, and animal tissues. Additionally, I have been tasked with developing a
standard operating procedure for the analysis of chlorophyll a, the pigment primarily responsible for
photosynthesis in phytoplankton.
11:00 AM - Measurements of the Thermo-optic Coefficients of Acetone
Jay Angel, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James S. Browder
Using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and cryostat constructed at Jacksonville University, a study and calculation
of the thermo-optical coefficients for acetone has been conducted. The thermo-optical coefficients give the rate
of change of the refractive index with respect to temperature. The acetone was cooled with a cryostat using liquid
nitrogen and dry ice as a coolant. The acetone was placed in a quartz cell inside the cryostat and after cooling was
allowed to heat back up to room temperature using an electronic heater. Using interference patterns from the
interferometer apparatus, the coefficients were calculated.

14. 11:20 AM - Relation Between Warfarin Continuation therapy dosing and Patient Body Mass Index
Tulsi Patel, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. W. Small and Dr. Enz
Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug commonly used in the USA. It helps to prevent formation of blood clots, and
prevents existing blood clots from getting worse. Most patients who are prescribed this drug have heart
conditions (atrial fibrillation, thrombosis). To monitor drug effectiveness, blood tests are done to check the
International Normalized Ratio (INR) of clotting time. Protocol for the effective amount of warfarin that must be
administered don’t exist because it varies from person to person. This research analyses total weekly dose
administered, INR numbers and body mass index (BMI) of over 800 patients at Mayo Clinic Hospital FL.
11:40 AM - Charge! A Capacitors’ Dilemma
Paul Simony
Several lab procedures have been devised for students to study the properties of a variety of circuits using
capacitors and resistors. While measurements and results for circuits with resistors alone are accurate and
reproducible, similar circuits for capacitors yield results with errors typically in the 20 to 50% range for circuits
containing multiple capacitors. Several possible sources for this error will be examined and discussed.
12:00 PM - Undergraduate Research Grant awards
Lee Ann Clements
12:20 PM - Effects of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Weight: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical
Trials
Brianna Huynh, Faculty Sponsor: Heather Hausenblas, PhD
In the past decade, increased research and media attention has been given to the weight loss effects of green
coffee bean extract (GCBE). The purpose of our study was to meta-analytically review randomized clinical trials
examining the effects of GCBE supplementation for weight loss. Effect sizes revealed that GCBE supplementation
resulted in significant weight loss in overweight and obese populations. Most studies were associated with a high
risk of bias. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to elucidate the long term effects of GCBE supplementation
and mechanism of action before firm conclusion regarding its efficacy for weight loss are made.
12:40 PM - Simulation of kicker differential decay systematic error for the Brookhaven g-2 experiment
Brandon Krouppa, Faculty Sponsor: W. Brian Lane
The E821 experiment was designed to measure the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (AM3).
Discrepancies between E821’s measurement and current theory predictions indicate that new physics is required
to understand the universe. Recently, an additional error called kicker differential decay (KDD) was found to yield
an offset in the measurement of the AM3. We present the results of a simulation that was written to calculate the
phase spaces for the muons in the storage ring, producing an upper limit of 0.06 ppm for the KDD error
which, while insignificant for E821, will impact new experiments with larger beams.

15. 1:00 PM - Association of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use on CCK-HIDA scintigraphy
Eric Lam, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Curtis Small
Previous studies showed that short-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage caused a significant decrease in
cholecystokinin (CCK) in healthy patients. To quantitatively measure this association, diagnosis of the gallbladder
was measured by the CCK-HIDA scintigraphy test, which measured gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF).
Approximately 400 patient records of patients that underwent a CCK-HIDA scan were retrospectively reviewed.
Statistical analysis should show that PPI usage during CCK-HIDA scan shows an abnormal GBEF. Thus, prolonged
usage of PPIs can lead to gallbladder complications, and identification of biliary dysfunction using the HIDA scan
should exclude usage of PPIs to avoid a false positive report.
1:20 PM - Common Clinical Presentations of Pet Birds at an Avian Veterinary Specialty Practice
Olivia Talbot , Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rose Borkowski
ne the different species of birds encountered at the Exotic Bird Hospital of Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, the
occurrence of different disease processes among various species of birds examined over a twelve-week period of
time will be studied. The study will help to illuminate the diseases that are most widespread in the pet bird
community, such as bacterial infections and chlamydiosis. The species of birds focused on in this study will be
parrots (order: psittaciformes).
1:40 PM - Post-Operative Complications in Living Donor Nephrectomies
Kyle Green, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Curtis Small
Due to developing surgical capabilities living donor nephrectomies are becoming increasingly more common.
However, there is relatively little known about the post-operative effects of donation. Analyses of patient’s
medical documents were used to find any detrimental complications resulting from altruistic kidney donation
post-operatively and what factors may increase risk of complication.
2:00 PM - The B-Z Reaction - The opening door to chemical oscillation
Alfred Sparman, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Zhaoyang Huang
The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (B-Z) reaction is a chemical reaction that undergoes periodic color changes when the
concentration of the intermediate species changes periodically. This presentation will be over the history and
explanation of the B-Z reaction and its importance in the field of chemistry. The actual experiment will also be
displayed as well as the explanation of how small differences in the concentration of species can cause different
kinds of colors to appear.
2:20 PM - Mollusc Communities in Nearshore Hard Bottom Habitats located in Palm Beach County Florida
Hannah Roddy, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Daniel McCarthy
The goal of this study was to determine the abundance and diversity of molluscs in nearshore worm reefs found
at varying depths and substrate types. Worm-rock samples were collected in 2009 and 2012 from Palm Beach
County, Florida, and dissected apart to extract all associated organisms. Over 10 mollusc species were identified
with gastropods having the highest diversity. Overall, the most abundant species were the gastropod Anachis
avara and bivalve Isognomon radiatus. Most organisms were small varying between 4 and 20 mm suggesting that
they were juveniles that may use the worm rock for shelter.

16. 2:40 PM - SPECTRUM: An Interactive Film Experience
Brian Trumble, Faculty Sponsor: Ginger Sheridan
This thesis explores the creation and working processes in the production of a new kind of film medium that
involves the viewer in the experience. SPECTRUM is a choose your own adventure film game project, aimed at
actively involving the player as a participant in the viewing experience. Throughout the writing process and
production of SPECTRUM, my goal was to make something accessible to young players, while including themes,
visuals, and dialogue which can be enjoyable for older, more mature viewers in our world so saturated with
visuals and obsessed with our own pop culture niches.
3:00 PM - Ecological Significance of Nearshore Hard Bottom Habitats of Southeast Florida
Kyle Bosanko, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. McCarthy
Shallow hard bottom habitats of southeast Florida have been shown to support many juvenile reef dwelling
organisms. However, little is known about how the ecological functions provided by nearshore hard bottom
habitats (NHB) vary with depth and substrate. To gain more insight into the ecological function of these habitats
for crustaceans, snapping shrimp were classified, counted, and measured for individuals collected in worm rock
mounds. There was high variability in shrimp abundance with site and depth with over four species being
encountered. Overall, there slightly more juveniles observed than males in this study.
3:20 PM - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Tanya Singh, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dennis Stouse
My project is a video project on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida Chapter. It portrays the life
of a patient living with Multiple Sclerosis and its physiological and psychological effects on the patient. It also
shows what the MS Society does to help these patients. It covers various events and fundraisers organized by the
society all year-long. It showcases the deep and meaningful relationships people make with each other and with
the members of the society, while trying to battle this debilitating disease. This project is aimed at spreading
awareness regarding multiple sclerosis and breaking the myths associated
3:40 PM - Reflecting Reality: A Photographic Representation of Human Perception
Lauren Tidwell, Faculty Sponsor: Professor Ginger Sheridan
Society finds comfort in the notion that seeing is believing; people obsess over the fabled ideal of truth, but what
they often neglect to consider are the varying angles perception. This oversight is the thesis of my work.
Photographs, journalistic in style, were sandblasted onto glass with a mirror backing. The mirrors function so that
no one viewer experiences the same image; viewers see a reflection of themselves much like how our past
experiences affect our cognition. Additionally, each component of the display is lit individually in a timed cycle to
mimic the way we explore segments of new information.
4:00 PM - MCM: Heat Transfer of Cooking Brownies
Mark Russell; Brooks Wofford; Shameer Deen, Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Paul Simony
While baking brownies, the heat is most concentrated in the corners, resulting in the product getting overcooked
in the corners. The distribution of heat in an oven requires taking the dimensions of any pan in any shape into
consideration. In addition, there are two main types of ovens: convectional and standard. Also, each oven is
different in terms of layout and its area. Combining all of this we created a mathematical model to satisfy the
following conditions: maximizing the number of pans fitting in an oven, maximizing heat equilibrium distribution
for the pan, and the weight of the pans.

17. 4:20 PM - Hollywood versus Fred Grey: Miss Evers’ Boys and the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment Apology
Between 1932 and 1972, the United States government conducted secret studies on the effects of untreated
syphilis on African-American males in the area of Tuskegee, Alabama. Attorney Fred Grey defended the rights of
the Tuskegee victims. As a result of his efforts, the US government issued an official apology to the victims in
1996. At that time the film, Miss Evers’ Boys, was released and re-told the story of the experiment. Although
inaccurate, Grey, the Tuskegee victims, and their families pointed out that it contained numerous inaccuracies
and distorted what really happened during these years.
Thanks to Janet Haavisto, Anthony Oullette, and Natasha Vanderhoff for facilitating presentation sessions.
Special thanks to Academic Affairs, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Division of Humanities, the Division of
Music, the Divison of Science & Mathematics, the Division of Social Sciences, the Division of Visual Arts, and the
School of Education for financially supporting this year's Symposium.
The Symposium Planning Committee:
Carolina Conte, W. Brian Lane, Chris Robertson