AU Scholars' Day

The growing concern about phthalates has become a relevant topic for their possible effects on child development as well as neurological development. Many phthalates are used in shampoos, lotions, plastics, and other common-use items. Since frog skin is permeable to many compounds it will be examined if increased phthalate concentrations will affect their development. Tadpoles will be placed in different glass containers for 6 weeks to examine if increased concentrations will slow their metamorphosis. Fifty tadpoles in early-stage development will be placed in glass containers with differing BBP concentrations measured into the containers. It is hypothesized that increasing the concentration of BBP will slow down metamorphosis compared to tadpoles who do not have BBP in their water.

Model organism usage in scientific advancements is critical with Planarians (Dugesia tigrina) having been used as such in various research settings due to their ability to regenerate. Analyzing the best conditions for neoblasts or Planarian stem cells, in a small-scale format, the conditions can then be extrapolated to human cell growth environments. This research has the potential to help determine specifically the optimal environmental conditions to increase the growth rate of human cells. During the experiment, Planarians were cut in half under the eyespots with each end placed in divided Petri dishes. Once bisected, each Petri dish was placed under a color temperature of warm white, cool white, or warm cool white; connected to specified readings on a Kelvin scale. Each Petri dish was kept in a water temperature of 15°C, 20°C, or 25°C until the posterior end regenerated visible eyespots. The data was examined and theorized to show how ocelli regeneration will be the quickest when exposed to an optimal temperature of 20°C and a warm color temperature. Ultimately, it provided evidence that there was a significant difference in the data collected relating to both water and color temperature; identifying 25°C and a warm
white temperature as the more effective regeneration. A significant interaction was noted between the two variables, but it was unclear if this meant the variables were closely connected or if more data was needed to make a conclusion.

Young adults with chronic conditions face unique social and mental health challenges. This study examined how perceived social support correlated with mental health. Results indicate that individuals with chronic conditions, but not those without, had a significant, positive relationship between social support from friends and mental well-being. Interestingly, mental well-being was not significantly correlated with social support from family or significant others in either young adult group.

Sleep is a fundamental biological process that plays a critical role in regulating various physiological systems. Disruptions in sleep can exacerbate stress levels and impact overall health. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and stress in university level science majors, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure self-reported sleep quality and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) to assess psychological stress. Physiological stress was measured through salivary cortisol levels and both alpha and beta wave activity recorded via EEG. Ten science students (aged 18-22) participated in the study. Pearson Correlations and linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between sleep quality and stress indicators. Results revealed that poorer sleep quality was significantly associated with higher reported stress levels at both time points, and also with higher depression scores later in the semester. Additionally, stress was significantly correlated with alpha-beta ratio (ABR) in the left hemisphere at Time 1, and changes in cortisol concentration were significantly correlated with changes in right-hemisphere ABR. Linear regression analyses confirmed that PSQI scores significantly predicted stress at both time points, and also depression at Time 2. Cortisol levels were significantly higher early in the semester than later, although other changes across time points were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that poor sleep quality is associated with both psychological and physiological stress responses in science students, highlighting the need for interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene to manage stress.

Stress is a significant factor affecting athletic performance, with both excessive and insufficient stress negatively impacting athletic outcomes. One proposed stress management technique to alleviate the impact of stress on performance is resonance breathing. Resonance breathing is a
technique that involves slow, controlled breathing at a rate of 4.5 to 7 breaths per minute. This coping mechanism has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood and heart rate variability (HRV). The current study investigates the effect of resonance breathing on the psychological stress of female collegiate athletes. A within-subject design was utilized, whereby ten female athletes from Anderson University completed the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), followed by a three-week intervention. The intervention required athletes to engage in 10-minute sessions of resonance breathing, twice a week. Results indicate an increase in scores on the ACSI, noting improvements in the coping ability of the athletes. Furthermore, decreases in resting heart were observed pre-to-post intervention. Although changes were detected, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in ACSI scores nor resting heart rate. These findings suggest that while resonance breathing may show potential in reducing stress in collegiate athletes, additional research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods is necessary to confirm its efficacy.

Due to stringent guidelines set by government organizations on the quality parameters of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), manufacturers are highly interested in optimizing production and storage methods to minimize the degradation of important antioxidants. Previous research has demonstrated that the peroxide value (PV) is one of several key specifications used to assess the extent of autoxidation of olive oil. This mechanism involves a free radical reaction of the allylic carbon of conjugated dienes in polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to the formation of undesirable peroxides. The objective of this project is to determine the effects of thermal autoxidation on PV. To achieve this, the iodometric titration method described in the European Union Regulations for olive oil is modified to use a Vernier ORP sensor for precise equivalence point determination. Two commercially available EVOO products were stored at two temperatures and measured weekly for their PV. The higher quality EVOO showed greater resistance to changes in PV at higher temperatures. Lower storage temperatures resulted in no
significant changes to PV.

Current research on social media data collection, particularly regarding users’ perceptions, is limited. To address this gap, this study explores how social media users perceive the amount of data being collected from them. Understanding the difference between users’ perceptions and the actual data collected by social media platforms is crucial for raising awareness about the range of information being gathered. This research aims to highlight the difference between users’ perceptions of data collection and the reality of data practices utilized by social media platforms. My research reveals a significant gap in the literature concerning user perceptions of social media data collection. Using a structured survey, I evaluate users’ estimates of the amount of data collected from them across multiple social media platforms, focusing on the most commonly used platforms for people ages 18-28, specifically Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The results, currently under analysis using linear regression, will be presented upon completion. It is hypothesized that users will underestimate the amount of data collected by these platforms compared to the actual data collected.

The purpose of this study was to determine if perfectionism moderates the relationship between personality, specifically neuroticism and conscientiousness, and sports performance. Results found the interaction between perfectionism and conscientiousness specifically resulted in better sports performance for the collegiate athletes in this sample.

Collegiate athletes often experience significant stress from balancing academics, training, and competition, which can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Stress, both physical and psychological, can negatively impact athletic performance and overall health. This study explores the relationship between sleep habits and stress levels among in-season collegiate athletes using two key instruments: the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI). A total of 27 student-athletes participated in the study completing two questionnaires – the ASBQ to assess sleep quality and duration, and the ACSI to evaluate coping mechanisms and stress levels related to athletic performance. The results revealed a significant strong negative correlation between sleep quality and stress levels, indicating that athletes with poorer sleep habits tended to experience higher stress. Notable limitations of the study included a small sample size and potential biases in self-reporting, as well as external factors such as the timing of survey completion. Future research should aim to expand the sample size and explore additional variables to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how sleep habits impact athlete well-being.

Burnout, characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation, is a significant concern for athletes, particularly those in collegiate sports. Contributing factors include chronic stress, injuries, academic pressures, and perfectionism. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of burnout comparing in-season and out-of- season for athletes on the women’s basketball team at Anderson University. A total of eight participants were recruited to complete the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), once in- season and once out-of-season. The ABQ measures three aspects of burnout: reduced sense of accomplishment, sport devaluation, and emotional and physical exhaustion. Results indicate higher scores in each of the three categories during the in-season period. However, the study’s findings revealed no statistically significant differences in burnout scores between the two periods. Several limitations of the study, including a small sample size and the timing of the second survey may have influenced the results. Future research should aim for larger, more diverse samples, and account for additional variables such as playing time. These findings suggest that burnout is a complex issue not solely influenced by in-season or out-of-season status, warranting further exploration in future studies.

The purpose of this study was to examine stigma regarding exposure to previously incarcerated individuals and how personal image of God may influence stigmatizing attitudes. The result of a multiple hierarchical regression analysis found that a judgemental view of God was a significant predictor of stigma.

Drone technology has improved drastically over the past two decades. These machines have quickly grown from a niche hobby to a large commercial sector around the globe. This evolving technology has led many companies to invest in creating personal manned flying vehicles. Our team aimed to construct our own aircraft using our sponsor company’s Clustered Electric Jet format. This technology allows for far more redundancy than propeller-based propulsion systems and allows the craft to fit into a much smaller footprint. However, this technology is far newer than other systems, presenting our team with the challenge of solving problems never seen before at a commercial level. This project has entailed a vast amount of analysis on stresses, thrust calculations, weight limitations, performance specifications, among many others. Several tethered tests have been conducted, showing that the craft is able to fly with some level of stability. The craft has also successfully performed a tethered, manned flight, proving that the development of this small-format flying vehicle has a place in the commercial sector.

ECOWATCH is developing a radar system capable of monitoring movements in remote environments. Motivated by animal surveillance, the goal is to measure animal movements regardless of available light or weather conditions. The system works by propagating an electromagnetic wave in the ranges of 2.4-2.5 GHz, and reading the reflections to determine velocities in view of the radar. A prototype has been successfully constructed demonstrating the ability to read velocities up to 2 m/s, and being able to distinguish velocities of various parts of a moving object, such as arm swing on a running individual. Currently, efforts have focused on improving the radar to allow for position data to also be collected.

Engineering students at Anderson University (AU) participated in a design challenge sponsored by Life Giving Water International (LGWI), a Christian community development organization partnering with rural communities in Ecuador to access clean drinking water. The challenge
required student teams to design and test a passive chlorination system that does not require electricity. The design was required to meet Ecuadorian water quality standards and adhere to constraints related to capacity, safety, simplicity, and cost. The AU team used a five-phase
design process beginning with collaboration with LGWI to clarify the problem and define system requirements. In the preliminary and critical design phases, students developed alternative concepts, identified objectives and key results (OKRs), and applied a structured decision-making
process to select the final approach. The selected solution uses a Venturi tube to dose chlorine into rural water systems. The Venturi creates a region of negative pressure that draws chlorine from a storage tank into the water line without the need for electrical power or moving parts. In the final two phases—verification and validation—the team refined the design and built multiple prototypes to evaluate performance. Testing demonstrated that the device can effectively dose chlorine within acceptable concentration limits. The resulting system offers a promising solution for rural communities seeking affordable, low-maintenance water treatment.

There are currently no food delivery services offered to students and faculty at Anderson University’s campus. Because of this, recent efforts have been made to make food delivery a feasible option for students and faculty. Due to the complexity of the project, it has been decided that this will be a multi-year project. In this first year, our team has decided to build a solid foundation in order to set this project up for success in the years to come. In order to accomplish this, four major systems have been developed; a functional chassis, security box, GPS navigation, and computer vision algorithm. The chassis consists of a frame with a baseboard and wheels. This provides a solid base for the robot for the group to build off of. The security box showcases user interaction while displaying the potential of safe food handling. GPS navigation is rudimentary, but proof of concept is presented. Computer vision algorithms are implemented via LiDAR which showcases edge detection software in real time. These systems all serve the purpose of creating a prototype with a good foundation for next year’s group.

Digestion efficiency of Venus flytraps, or Dionaea muscipula, was analyzed at their preferred conditions compared to when their environmental conditions were changed to better understand the importance of the natural environment in which they grow. Conditions of humidity, temperature, and soil type were studied. One flytrap was the control, and the other three had some environmental condition altered. One was grown in 35% humidity, one in 15°C, and one with a potting soil, which is nutrient-dense compared to the sphagnum moss. Experimentation of the different conditions allowed for the digestion efficiency to be analyzed. There were no significant statistical differences between the control and those in the altered conditions in terms of time of closure or amplitude of closure on the crickets (p>0.05). In terms of digestion efficiency, the traps in the potting soil had the most significant negative effect on digestion, in which the traps would not open back up after three weeks of being in their condition, and most of the traps turned black. The control and the traps in low humidity both had rather efficient digestion based on their ability to reopen after digesting prey. Based on the data collected, the trap in the control condition had the most efficient digestion based on the health of the traps after digestion.

The RACE (Research, Action, Communication, Evaluation) model serves as a strategic outline to analyze a problem and find the best solution in the realm of public relations. This specific RACE model is a social media campaign to increase donor engagement for Anderson Mainstage Theatre. The study identifies gaps and opportunities to enhance fundraising efforts by analyzing current donor outreach and online presence. The research phase examines audience demographics and social media performance through data analytics. The action phase involves designing a campaign with tailored content, engagement strategies, and fundraising appeals. The communication phase focuses on executing the campaign across social media platforms by using storytelling and interactive content to encourage donor connections. The evaluation phase measures the campaign’s effectiveness through key performance indicators, refining strategies for long-term donor retention. A structured, data-driven approach to social media marketing can strengthen financial support for Anderson Mainstage Theatre, ensuring its sustainability and growth while fostering a stronger connection between donors and the arts.

This study examined the relationship between rejection sensitivity (RS) and religiosity. Findings conclude no significant relationship between RS and religiosity in a sample of college students. An unexpected significant difference was found between religiosity scores and gender, with females reporting significantly higher scores.

The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic presented many unprecedented challenges for businesses globally, forcing a rapid adjustment of marketing strategies in an attempt to maintain high consumer engagement and financial stability. The purpose of this study is to examine how three businesses, each of different stature, adapted their marketing strategies to successfully navigate through this global crisis. Upon using a case study methodology, data was collected in the form of interviews with key stakeholders as well as research/evaluation of consumer engagement metrics. The findings indicated that successful businesses were those who leveraged digital transformation, employed innovative messaging to align with shifting consumer concerns, and restructured customer engagement techniques. Some key themes identified throughout the course of research include the acceleration of e-commerce, the importance of crisis communication, and the necessity of flexible marketing strategies. Businesses who failed to adequately adapt experienced a decline of consumer trust, financial setbacks, and in some cases complete termination. This study contributes to the field of crisis marketing by providing real-world insights into effective adaptation strategies. The implications of this research emphasize the need for businesses to prioritize agility, flexibility, digital engagement, and consumer-centric approaches within future crisis scenarios. By understanding each of these key lessons, businesses can enhance their preparedness for future global disruptions.

As the Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States, mental health disparities are becoming apparent. Foreign-born Hispanics typically have better health outcomes than those born within the United States, where length of residence in the United States increases the
likelihood of developing mental health disorders specifically. This literature review focuses on three themes when questioning why these disparities exist: acculturative stress, discrimination, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Acculturative stress, or stress associated with
adapting to life in the United States, can lead to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Discrimination, which is more prevalent in Hispanic youth and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, exacerbates existing mental health issues. Finally, ACEs are more common in the
Hispanic population due to parental separation, immigration-related trauma, and acculturative stress. ACEs have been shown to increase the risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and PTSD. Understanding these contributing factors is crucial for improving mental health outcomes and providing better support in these communities. Therefore, additional, more in-depth research is needed to eliminate mental health disparities within the Hispanic population of the United States.

This project investigates the effect of cold stress on ATP levels in spinach plants using a luciferase-based bioluminescent assay. Spinach seeds are germinated and grown under standard conditions (22°C, 12-hour light/dark cycle, 70% humidity) for three days. The control group continues under these conditions, while the cold-treated group is exposed to 4°C for two weeks. Both groups receive consistent watering. After two weeks, plant tissues (seeds, stems, roots) are collected at the same time of day to control for circadian variation in ATP levels. Samples are immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, ground with a mortar and pestle, and mixed with a cold phosphate buffer. The homogenate is centrifuged at 4°C to extract ATP-containing supernatant.
ATP levels are quantified using a luciferase-based assay, where luminescence intensity correlates with ATP concentration. A luminometer measures the bioluminescent signal from each sample. Mean ATP levels in control and cold-treated plants are compared statistically using an independent two-sample t-test, with variance tested via Levene’s test. This study aims to
determine whether cold stress affects ATP production in spinach, providing insight into plant energy metabolism under environmental stress. Results could inform strategies for improving crop resilience in fluctuating temperatures.

The increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions has driven interest in hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. This project focuses on the design and development of a hydrogen generation system using water electrolysis to produce hydrogen gas for powering
an internal combustion engine. The system comprises an electrolyzer that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy, delivery system, and a modified engine optimized for hydrogen combustion. The anticipated outcome is a functional prototype
that demonstrates the potential of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel, contributing to the advancement of green energy technologies. By integrating electrolysis with an internal combustion engine, this project offers a pathway toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable energy landscape.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of congruence between music genre and setting on memory. The study was a 2×2 repeated measures design, with pop and classical music, and casual and formal settings as independent variables and recall memory as the dependent
variable. Based on the findings of this study, future research could examine a larger number of musical genres.

Nurses are often the first line of care for patients. They often interact the most with patients. These patient experiences can often be internalized by nurses, affecting their mental health. The daily tasks of the nursing profession, combined with a lack of support, contributes to different issues in the profession. Given the preceding information, the key question of this research: nurses work hard, their jobs are complex, and they help others, but who is helping them? A literature review was performed to explore the themes of specific mental health issues nurses face, challenges nurses face that affect their mental health, how nurses’ mental health affects patient care, and approaches to improve nurses’ mental health. Following the literature review, the methods used to complete this study are reviewed, followed by the study’s results, and discussion, which includes limitations and next steps.

Current methods used to recruit in the Anderson University Esports Program are paper forms filled out by recruits on visits. These paper forms are easy to lose, often illegible, and highly inefficient. Using my experience in software development, database programming, and cybersecurity, I worked with the relevant stakeholders to develop a solution. The product is an iOS mobile application that is connected to an authenticated Firebase database. One of the main limitations of digital forms is that they often require additional post-processing to create actionable information. However, Firebase can store the data and effectively sort it with user queries to avoid any major post-processing woes as well as provide user authentication. Rather than having prospective students download the application, this application is designed for use on the devices of Esports staff on recruiting visits. The user will fill out the recruitment form, the data will be validated and sent to the database, and specialized queries will allow relevant information to be shown to staff. This will allow recruiters in the program to pull up potential recruits effectively and efficiently. The Esports staff can advertise and communicate with prospective students without the need for a physical form that can be lost, illegible, or mishandled. The application provides a secure and efficient solution that enhances the recruiting process and can ultimately aid the growth of the program.

The Bible translation process involves complex decisions to convey the meaning of Scripture faithfully across languages and cultures. In biblical scholarship, translations are often placed on a spectrum based on how closely they retain the original language or how much they adapt it for modern understanding. This spectrum is typically categorized into three approaches: word-for-word, meaning-for-meaning, and paraphrase. However, this framework oversimplifies the translation process by merging distinct decisions regarding word choice, grammar, and cultural context. This project introduces the Bible Translation Compass as a new classification system that separates translation decisions into two axes: Word Choice and Sentence Structure. Word Choice, represented on the x-axis, ranges from preserving original vocabulary to adapting for modern understanding. Sentence Structure, represented on the y-axis, ranges from maintaining original grammar to restructuring for readability. By distinguishing these elements, the Bible Translation Compass offers a clearer understanding of translation differences and their impact on interpretation. Ultimately, this project aims to enhance biblical literacy by providing individuals with a new framework for navigating the complexities of Scripture.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were first discovered in 2004 by researchers doing a study on carbon nanotubes. CQDs exhibit many interesting properties, including high conductivity, strong fluorescence, low-cost production, and low toxicity. CQDs belong to a broader category of quantum dots, known just as carbon dots (CDs), which also includes graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon polymeric dots (CPDs). One method of making CQDs is to microwave citric acid, urea, and boric acid mixed with water. This research aimed to synthesize CQDs using biowaste as a carbon source, specifically citrus peels for citric acid and urine for urea. The citrus fruit used in this study consisted of oranges, lemons, and limes. These fruits were selected because they are some of the most common citrus fruits available, and the peels of these fruits are often thrown away. To synthesize the CQDs, the peels were dried and crushed and used to replace citric acid while urine was used to replace the urea and water. Among the tested sources, lemon peels yielded the highest fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the potential of biowaste-derived CQDs for detecting mercury ions in solution. By establishing a calibration curve, the fluorescence quenching effect of mercury was quantified, which allowed for the determination of the mercury concentration of a solution.

Computer Networking: A Learning Experience is designed to find knowledge about introductory networking topics and design a lesson plan to teach those topics more effectively. The project was carried out in two sections: building a network – combining hands-on trial and error with research through documentation, online videos, and user forums – and writing a lesson plan. The main goal of this project is to provide students outside of the computer science field with exposure to things like IP addressing, firewalls, and ports, and for students already familiar with the topics a helpful resource to review or connect the dots. The result of the project was twofold: a lesson outline with a few of these topics, focusing on analogies that make the points more
approachable to beginner students or people with an entry-level understanding of computers, and a simple network that demonstrates the topics that will be covered in the lesson outline.

Infrasound constitutes a topic of considerable significance across various domains. Although it falls outside the auditory range of human perception, infrasonic waves can traverse extensive distances and interact with diverse mediums. In recent years, an innovative technology has emerged that facilitates the sustained emission of such sound waves by utilizing a rotary woofer. While this technology has been reproduced, it remains largely under-explored and over-expensive. This project endeavors to enhance the comprehension of infrasonic devices by developing a rotary woofer and a corresponding pressure microphone for the prospective academic investigation of these sound waves and their mechanical applications.

This study examined creativity and empathy in adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Scores of participants with a diagnosis of ASD were compared with 75 participants with no diagnosis, who were all recruited from an online database. Findings highlight the role of creativity in social engagement and strategies to support those diagnosed with ASD.

Perinatal is the term used to describe the time surrounding childbirth, including pregnancy (antenatal), labor and delivery (intranatal), and the time following delivery (postpartum). Perinatal death is a global health problem, and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, bears the largest portion of the burden in adverse perinatal outcomes. As such, this project explores the current state of care, access and barriers to care, and possible improvement strategies associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in Uganda. This project was completed via a review of literature using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR. In the analysis of nine articles it was determined that three major barriers exist in Ugandan perinatal care. These barriers are known as the “3 delays” and include seeking, reaching, and receiving care. The literature revealed that high rates of inappropriate care led to perinatal death, most commonly related to asphyxia, respiratory failure, and poor neonatal resuscitation techniques. Finally, based on the literature, it was concluded that perinatal death audits, quality improvement projects, and increasing the prevalence of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) facilities are highly successful strategies in the improvement of perinatal care in Uganda.

The work of this project follows the thread of colorism in Toni Morrison’s God Help the Child and Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. Both novels explore colorism through the lens of societal beauty standards and parenting. They also present a glimpse at the evolution of colorism and racism over the course of 78 years as seen through African American literature. This project seeks to analyze the representation of colorism through these lenses in both novels and to argue for the importance of reading these works in conjunction with each other as a demonstration of colorism’s progression through history and continued prevalence in the contemporary world.

Have you ever wondered if an image you saw online was AI generated? If you liked the image, would it matter if it was? I examined this question using a within-subjects experiment where I manipulated the image creator and the participants’ knowledge of that creator. I found no main effects, but there was an interaction between the creator identity and knowledge, with known AI images scoring lower on aesthetic appreciation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between an individual’s view of God, self-esteem, and mental health. A comforting view of God was not significantly related to self-esteem or mental health, nor did it moderate the relationship between self-esteem and mental health. However, mental health was positively predicted by self-esteem and negatively predicted by an angry view of God.

Contact lens technology is rapidly developing, with new products promising to include electronics embedded into soft contact lenses. Soft contact lenses are made of silicone-based (thus, hydrophobic) monomers and other hydrophilic monomers. The electronic components include metals, which can release metal ions into the soft lens material and be detrimental to the human body if they enter the ocular environment. One way to prevent metal ions from entering the ocular environment is to include a chelating agent into the soft lens material. A chelating
agent is a specific type of ligand that can form two or more coordinated covalent bonds with a metal ion. One of the most commonly used and broad chelating agents is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In order to create hydrogels containing EDTA, 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride monomer was incorporated into the hydrogel material, and EDTA anhydride was used to attach EDTA to the amino side-groups within the hydrogel network. IR spectroscopy indicated that this reaction scheme failed to achieve the target compound.

Researchers speculate that financial exploitation scams have lasting mental effects on their victims, and these scams frequently target elderly individuals. This study explores the relationship between victims of elder financial fraud scams and their trust in the police and the criminal justice system. The goal of this study is to analyze the link between elder exploitation and how it affects older populations’ ideology and trust in police. This analysis examines the relationship between elder financial fraud victims and their distrust of public officials, an increased dissatisfaction with the efficacy of the criminal justice system, and the relationship between victimization and a victim’s willingness to report fraud to police. To this end, we use ICPSR #34925 Consumer Financial Exploitation of the Elderly in Arizona and Florida, 2010-2011 and perform logistic and linear regression to measure the association between orientations toward police, the criminal justice system, and fraud victimization. This study finds preliminary evidence that fraud increases an individual’s distrust for the police and criminal justice system.

My presentation explores insights into aligning museum programs to academic standards from the work I did making curriculum guides for the Anderson Museum of Art and Old Sturbridge Village. My project explains the process of creating curriculum guides plus some best practices for how to implement them. The use of these educator resources is effective in building relationships with the community. These guides can be used to communicate the educational importance of the work museums do and help museum educators better understand the academic needs they could better serve. Making pedagogical connections clear to guests encourages a holistic learning experience that benefits all participants. In the implementation of curriculum guides, I analyze how they are beneficial both internally and externally. Internally, analyzing state standards allows museum educators to see what academic needs their work is covering as well as windows of opportunity where standards could be implemented to further the educational mission of the institution. Externally, these guides can be used to communicate how teachers can use the resources of museums to implement academic standards in their instruction.

The population within the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, resulting in an influx of minority patients in healthcare settings. However, the demographics of the nursing workforce does not adequately reflect the changing patient population. To best serve our communities, a more representative nursing staff is needed. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are working to hire a more diverse nursing staff, but there is only a small pool of graduated minority RNs available to hire. To solve this problem, colleges and universities need to explore ways to graduate more minority nursing students. Research has shown that underrepresented students face unique challenges in nursing school that can cause them to be unable to complete the program. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators for undergraduate minority nursing students and explore how nursing programs can help eliminate barriers and enhance facilitators to help them graduate. This research was completed by sending out an anonymous survey to undergraduate nursing students at Indiana colleges and universities. The survey asked students what barriers and facilitators they experience along with basic demographic information. The data collected is being used to identify how colleges and universities can help minority nursing students overcome barriers and provide facilitators for graduation..

This study explores how childhood sibling presence affects adult self-efficacy, defined as belief in one’s ability to achieve goals. Prior research shows siblings as competitors for resources and key to emotional growth. In the current sample, no difference was found based on sibling presence; however, there was a trend based on birth order indicating first-born children may have higher levels of self-efficacy.

While Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based education has increased dramatically in recent years, the breadth and complexity of engineering make it difficult for young students to comprehend what a career in engineering entails. This ambiguity
can be particularly limiting for students from lower-income backgrounds, who may have few, if any, mentors working in technical fields. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a program to bridge the education and perception gap experienced by students from
lower-income families, empowering them to see engineering as an exciting and achievable path. A one-day workshop known as ‘Future Engineers’ will serve as a pilot implementation of this program by providing the opportunity for 4th and 5th graders from Anderson Community Schools to come to Anderson University to experience engineering through hands-on activities and demonstrations. The event is scheduled for May 7th, 2025 and will be led by Anderson University engineering faculty and students. It is intended to give elementary students a glimpse into the diversity of engineering career paths while inspiring them to believe they can be the engineers of tomorrow.