Poster Presentations
Seeking Connection or Protection in Close Relationships as a Function of Situational and Dispositional Factors
Author(s): Lauren Reese
Mentor: Dr. Sadie Leder, Psychology
The current work examines when people seek connection vs. prioritize protection in their close relationships. Specifically, this research investigates whether situational variables, like rejection salience, and dispositional variables, like self-esteem,” interact to influence when people approach best friends vs. romantic partners.
What Makes a Siren Sultry: Investigating the Attractiveness Stereotype in Vocal Performance
Author(s): John Purcell
Mentor: Dr. Sadie Leder, Psychology
This study evaluated the impact of facial attractiveness on the perception and evaluation of vocal performance and mate selection. It further investigated the physical attractiveness stereotype in a vocal performance setting while also examining the impact of risk regulation and gender differences.
Regional Differences In Sentencing Practices
Author(s): Heather Ahn-Redding, Colleen Ehatt, Ron Lamb and Bonnie Caster
Mentor: Dr. Heather Ahn-Redding, Criminal Justice
This study examines regions of the U.S. for differences in punishment practices and draws upon Borg’s idea of “southern subculture of punitiveness” and historically based conceptions that the South is harsher. Results show that regions in the U.S. appear more similar than dissimilar in their use of various sanctions.
When the East Meets the West
Author(s): Zoe Rogers
Mentor: Mr. Jerry Leimenstoll, Home Furnishings and Interior Design
I designed a throne room inspired by ancient India and Britain, entitled “When the East Meets the West.” The process consisted of historical and cultural research, taking this information and generating appropriate color schemes, patterns,” and spatial concepts. The result was an innovative interior with historical inspiration.
A Throne Room with an Antonio Gaudi Twist
Author(s): Kayla Kucerik
Mentor: Mr. Jerry Leimenstoll, Home Furnishings and Interior Design
The task was to create a unique throne room integrating historical research with personal style. It developed by assessing the design process and asking how to integrate the concepts into one cohesive design. Through my inspiration from architect Antonio Gaudi, I created an exciting,” distinct space guided by historical precedents.
Designing a Modern Public Media Center
Author(s): Anne Beuker, Sarah Hudak, Meghan McCloskey, Ali Kihm, and Allison Soicher
Mentor: Ms. Cathy Nowicki, Home Furnishings and Interior Design
A group of Senior Interior Design Students from High Point University is working with the Forsyth County NC Public Library to create a programming book which will address important new design considerations needed for the construction of a new central library (media center) in Winston- Salem, NC.
Newton’s Calculus
Author(s): Laura Reese
Mentor: Dr. Karen O’Hara, Mathematics and Computer Science
“Newton’s Calculus” is a research project exploring the life of Isaac Newton, the mathematical advances leading up to calculus, Newton’s formulation of calculus, and the Calculus Controversy.
A Pollination Study of Hymenocallis coronaria in the Catawba River, SC.
Author(s): Amanda Starring
Mentor: Dr. Gerald Smith and Joshua W. Campbell, Biology
As a result of human activity, much of the natural habitat of Hymenocallis coronaria, the rocky shoals spider-lily,” has been lost. Throughout the peak blooming season we observed potential pollinators of H.coronaria with camera equipment. Our results indicate that numerous insect species may act as a pollinator for H.coronaria.
Activated Psyllium for use as an Iron Chelating Agent
Author(s): Paige Coleman
Mentor: Dr. Chris Fowler, Chemistry and Physics
Hemochromatosis is a disorder that involves the excess uptake of iron into the body. The objective of this research is to modify the structure of psyllium, a common dietary fiber supplement, by attaching a chelating agent that will bind excess iron, and prevent it from being absorbed into the blood stream.
An Experimental Determination of the Diffusion Coefficient of Ammonia in Glassy Polystyrene
Author(s): Jennifer Pearson, Miranda Zupp
Mentor: Dr. B. Gray Bowman, Chemistry and Physics
The diffusion coefficient of ammonia in a thin film of glassy polystyrene containing a small amount of bromophenol blue was determined by spectroscopic measurement. The color change was caused by the reaction between the weakly acidic dye and the diffusant molecule and was used to follow the diffusion phenomenon.
Apoptosis Inducing Factor: Optimal pH of enzymatic function
Author(s): Natalie Reierson, Garrett Stewart
Mentor: Dr. Eric Lewis, Chemistry and Physics
Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) resides in the mitochondria and translocates to the nucleus inducing DNA degradation during an apoptotic event. AIF also has NADH oxidase activity of unknown consequence. We aim to elucidate the optimal pH at which this enzyme functions suggesting cellular location and state during enzymatic activity.
Oral Presentations
American Beauty – A Closer Look at the Shallow Realities Behind the Illusions of Happiness
Author(s): Sterling Lund
Mentor: Dr. Judy Isaksen, Communication
Using aspects of Marxist theory as well as visual pleasure theory, I will explore the issues of hegemony and prevalent ideologies that dominate suburban America, illustrated in the 1999 award-winning film, American Beauty, as well as reveal the problems that arise when people try to hide the truth.
The Aesthetic Effect of Florentine Renaissance Statues on Public Audiences
Author(s): Lindsay Sugarman
Mentor: Dr. Anna Piperato, Art
The effect that Florentine religious statues had upon public audiences during the Renaissance is examined, focusing on audience perception and aesthetic experience. The result shows a secularization of the works that renders them symbolic, representative not only of their biblical origins, but also of their artists, commissioners, and Florence itself.
Pythagoras of Samos
Author(s): Allison Thomson, Elizabeth Walburg
Mentor: Dr. Karen O’Hara, Mathematics and Computer Science
The life and contributions of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras influenced much of modern mathematics. His perspective on the relationship between the natural world and number theory greatly changed the way other intellectuals developed theories. The unique Pythagorean School also played a significant role in Greek Mathematics and inspired future mathematicians.
Power and Sensitivity: Influences on Work Behavior
Author(s): Lauren Zimmerman
Mentor: Dr. Deborah Danzis, Psychology
This study examines the effects of the possession of interpersonal power on accuracy in recognizing facial expressions and sensitivity in interpersonal behaviors. Additionally, the study assesses multiple personality characteristics, including extraversion, dominance, and tolerance, to determine if these variables act as moderators of the power-sensitivity relationship.
The Millennial Student: The Interaction Between Students and Technology in Higher Education
Author(s): Kelsey Fraser
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Fisher, Human Relations, Sociology, and Nonprofit Studies
As our world becomes more connected than ever, noticeable changes in college student behavior reflect the influence that technology has on the academic environment. My research looks at the role that technology plays in higher education and the new set of expectations its presence has created which may contribute to common student behaviors.
Is Printmaking Art?
Author(s): Allie Dearie, Kayla Buechner
Mentor: Dr. Anna Piperato, Art
What do you consider art? This question is intrinsic to the discussion of printmaking. We will examine prints and printmaking techniques throughout history, from an artistic as well as practical viewpoint.
Social Media and Civic Engagement
Author(s): Kelsey Hinchliffe
Mentor: Dr. Alixandra Yanus, Political Science
This study analyzes the impact of social media on traditional political participation as well as its impact on new forms of civic engagement. I hypothesize that social media will not translate into increased traditional participation but may in fact lead to increased civic engagement.
Perceived Parental Control: Implications for Autonomy and Risk-taking among College Students
Author(s): Nicole Chrysson
Mentor: Dr. Kirsten Li-Barber,Psychology
Gender differences in parental control in adolescents were examined in 56 college students and no significant difference was found. In addition, a slight but not significant correlation was found between autonomy levels and perceived parental control. Finally, there was no significant correlation between levels of parental control and risk-taking.
Glamorization of Casual Sex in the Media: The Effects on Gender Roles and Sexual Behavior in Society
Author(s): Ashlee Branch
Mentor: Dr. Judy Isaksen, Communication
This paper- using cultivation analysis and social learning theories- will do a longitudinal cultural/ critical examination of the glamorization of casual sex in the media and the changing effects that it has on gender roles and sexual behavior in society.