Click HERE for program

Poster Sessions

A Record of Ecological/ Anthropological Change from Bat Guano Deposits in Fern Cave, Jackson County-Alabama 

Author: Kelsey B. Ortiz, Joshua W. Campbell, Matthew N. Waters, & Frederick Rich

Bat guano can accumulate in caves resulting in a stratigraphic record that may record anthropological/ecological change. Southeastern bats forage for insects and their feces build up beneath their roosting areas, depositing insect remains, pollen, fungal spores, etc. A 104 cm bat guano core, comprising nearly 6000 years of a stratigraphic record, was taken from Fern Cave in Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge near Paint Rock, Alabama (Figures 1 and 2). Heavy metals, nutrients, chitinous pieces, and pollen data were gathered from the core. Numerous ecological and anthropological changes were observed throughout the core.

View Poster

Methods of Changing Attitudes about Mental Illness

Author: Elizabeth Ezzel

This study looked at the methods of reducing the publics’ stigmatized views of mental illnesses, especially in perceptions of dangerousness that result in a desire for social distance. Research indicates videos and emotional messages are effective means of reducing stigma.

View Poster

Internet Hacktivism:Is it Worth the Effort? A Case Study on Anonymous

Author: Ryann Quigley

Mentor: Dr. Scott Ingram

Because hacktivism is a very new form of activism, there is minimal research done on the topic. To examine the seven major attacks planned and executed by Anonymous, we must conduct a case study on the hacktivist group. Using newspaper articles, Internet blogs, forums, and Anonymous’ webpage AnonNews.org, we will be able to gain
information on the group, analyze their attacks and determine how successful they are. Scholarly sources can provide us information focused on hacktivism in general, providing history, key terms and explanations of hacktivism.

View Poster

The Legal World of Moll Flanders: Crime in the Eighteenth Century 

Author: Michelle Tarangelo

This research will be examining the causation of Moll Flanders’ crime, and whether or not her deviance can be deemed “criminal.” Moll’s behavior needs to be determined whether or not it is deviant to eighteenth century English social norms, or to England’s governing laws. Skyes and Matza’s Theory of Neutralization, when applied to Moll Flanders, allows the reader to understand the implications of Moll’s internal justifications of her behavior and that Moll’s actions are not necessarily criminal. Applying Robert Merton’s Anomie Theory allows us to appreciate the societal pressures placed upon Moll to conform to the norms of society. Applying these criminological theories to Moll’s actions will prove that Moll’s “deviant” behavior was a result of her anomie from the gentry in eighteenth century England. Furthermore, Moll’s “neutralization” will demonstrate her incessant desire to remain apart of the gentry social class by attempting to eliminate the social stigma attached to her criminal activity.

View Poster

The Effectiveness Of Injury Prevention Programs In Reducing Lower Extremity Injury Risk In Basketball Players: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

Author: Lauren Terry

Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Taylor

The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the effectiveness of lower extremity injury prevention programs (IPP) in basketball players and (2) identify the most effective type of intervention in this population.

View Poster

Pinecone Chair

Author: Mina  Lenoir

Mentor: Mr. Brandon Jones

View Poster