Fall 2021 Poster Session

Ashley Brent – Environmental Science (AGLS), Community & Regional Planning

"Transparency.org" a Function of Democracy

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Project Advisor(s): Amanda Knief | Advisor(s): Richard Williams, Marina Reasoner

Abstract: The internet has propelled society forward in many areas, like communication, shipping, and navigation. The internet not only simplified our lives, but created new ways to approach problems. However, where the internet has succeeded in connecting people around the world through various forms of social media, it has neglected to connect us to government authorities at even the smallest level. This is a concern because lack of engagement opportunities can cause public disempowerment and dissociation. I believe that taking advantage of the internet’s capabilities is a major way to close the gap between the public and the government. To address this challenge, I have designed a prototype website that shares pertinent information such as: • Who their representatives are, and their contact information • State, County, city, districts line, including the area representatives have jurisdiction over • The schedule of public meetings and voting The website also includes visual maps that corresponds and guides users to the information they seek. My primary focus is at the local level of Florissant, Missouri. The protype website functions as design or pitch of what is possible to easily navigate relevant government information.

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Margaret Crane – Animal Ecology

A Book on Imprinting and Wildlife Protection

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Project Advisor(s): Mike Rentz | Advisor(s): Stephen Dinsmore

Abstract: This project is designed to aid beginner wildlife rehabilitators in understanding the science and risks behind imprinting. The book focuses on both the ultimate causes behind imprinting and the methods used to prevent it. To create this book, I gathered information from different scientific journals and studies to help me build each chapter with information that would be useful for a rehabilitator. In addition to researching the topic and using my personal experience to outline the issue in my book, I interviewed twenty wildlife rehabilitation centers around the nation to collect data on their methods used to navigate imprinting risks. During the interviewing process, I gathered information about different imprinting definitions, protocols, and prevention procedures used by each wildlife rehabilitation center. After I had completed my interviews, I then composed my collected data into a series of chapters and combined them with digital art I had drawn. The final product has been published and will serve as an educational guide to better prepare wildlife rehabilitators for their career and enhance their understanding of imprinting in animals.

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Mary Figge – Animal Science

Consumer Education of USDA Regulated Labels and Its Effect on Purchasing Animal Products

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Project Advisor(s): Dawn Koltes | Advisor(s): Jill Paxton

Abstract: This research project analyzes the difference in buying behaviors between consumers educated on how commonly used market terms on animal products are regulated by the USDA versus consumers that are not formally educated on the regulations. Many consumers gravitate towards marketing buzzwords without realizing what they mean or even if they mean anything. Each generation of consumers becomes more conscientious than the next with how their food is produced due to the knowledge they have access to at a touch of a button with the internet. In this project, it can be seen how exactly transparency and education will affect consumers buying decisions in their everyday lives. For this research, two surveys with identical questions were conducted. The only difference was that one of the surveys included a one-page synopsis on how the USDA regulated animal products and how the USDA regulated certain market terms (organic, antibiotic-free, humanely raised, cage-free, free-range). An email was sent out to request participation, and then the surveys were randomly assigned to participants to be completed. The data was then analyzed to determine if there were differences between the groups on their willingness to pay more for products with a certain market term.

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Dawson Fischer – Agricultural Business, Economics (LAS)

The Evolving Relationship Among Corn, Oil, and Ethanol Prices

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Project Advisor(s): Chad Hart | Advisor(s): Ebby Luvaga, Ebby Luvaga

Abstract: I examined the relationship among corn, oil, and ethanol prices and used the information from the statistical analysis of the historical prices to create a predictive model for ethanol prices. First, I analyzed the historical prices of the commodities, and five distinct eras emerged in the history of ethanol futures prices. These eras are 2005-2007, 2007-2010, 2010-2013, 2013-2020, 2020-Present. Next, using the pricing data from each era, I conducted a multiple regression analysis where ethanol prices were regressed on corn and oil prices for each era to determine how the relationships among the commodities changed through time. The analysis revealed significant changes among the commodities’ relationships in each era, and analysis of market events during each era supported this conclusion. Finally, I used the regression from the most recent era to create a predictive model for ethanol prices based on corn and oil futures prices. This model is simple to use and gives a good idea of where ethanol prices are expected to move in the future based on corn and oil prices.

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Alexandria Geary – Animal Science

Use of Biologically Relevant Enrichment to Improve Nursery-Aged Pig Weaning Transition

Poster will not be available

Project Advisor(s): Anna Johnson | Advisor(s): Jennifer Bundy

Abstract: Piglets are abruptly weaned and may struggle to eat, which can impair performance. The project objectives were to determine if biologically relevant environmental enrichment (EE) placed on the feeder maintained novelty and affected performance for the weaned pig over the first seven days. 30 mixed sex piglets, aged 19-24 days, were sorted into 3 pens. The EE device was a rope with two biscuits on the end. Each pen was randomly allocated 1 of 3 treatments: positive control (POS, plain biscuits), semiochemical (SC, biscuits dipped in semiochemical), and jam (JAM, biscuits dipped in jam). Biscuits were replaced daily. Enrichment interactions were collected 1 and 12 hours after EE replacement, using 10 second scan sampling for 1 hour. Pig body weight was collected at weaning and at 7 days placed to determine average daily gain (ADG). Data was analyzed descriptively. Average enrichment interaction frequency, regardless of day, was POS 204, SC 195, and JAM 158. These interactions were higher 1 compared to 12 hours after EE replacement. Novelty was maintained. ADG was similar over treatments; POS 0.23 kg/d, JAM 0.19 kg/d, SC 0.23 kg/d. In conclusion, pigs assigned the POS treatment were the most effective and ADG was not negatively impacted.

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Marit Hovey – Global Resource Systems, Environmental Studies

Promoting Agriculture Extension Among Ghanaian Farmers

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Project Advisor(s): Jessica Crawford, Emily Zimmerman | Advisor(s): Maggie Sprecher, Richard Williams

Abstract: Self-Help International (SHI) is an organization that focuses on sustainable community development practices that address the root causes of hunger and poverty to improve quality of life with dignity. SHI has had an agriculture extension education and training program to improve smallholder farmers’ agricultural practices since it started in Ghana in 1989. Using educational materials in agriculture extension gives farmers tools and knowledge to be successful, including feeding their families and community, achieving better agricultural productivity, and increasing farmer livelihood. The education materials I created on mulching, poultry nest boxes, maize planting, and more will empower farmers in Ghana with knowledge for years to come. Through looking at the academic research and analyzing interviews of SHI staff of current extension tactics, I investigated improvements SHI could make to their current agriculture extension practices. I found that including participatory research demonstrations in extension efforts would be an achievable and effective program to introduce to SHI’s efforts in Ghana. The academic research also suggested using mobile phones to enhance extension efforts; however, this would not be effective in Ghana due to a lack of literacy and technology skills.

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Katelynn Panning – Animal Ecology

The Cycle of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment

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Project Advisor(s): Boris Jovanovic | Advisor(s): John Burnett

Abstract: Plastics that enter the ecosystem are broken down to microplastics and nanoplastics; which are often ingested by aquatic fauna. This starts the transfer of plastics through trophic levels. Using a literature review and Species Sensitive Distribution Generator, this study found that the concentration of plastics in the aquatic ecosystem that will negatively affect 5% of aquatic organisms is 0.134 mg/L. At this concentration, fitness of organisms is reduced, and the survival of the population is limited. The current estimated environmental concentration in freshwater is approximately 2 mg/L in polluted urban regions (Yildiz et al., in press). Therefore, the current concentrations in certain polluted urban aquatic ecosystems is already high enough to potentially cause decline of certain species, based on the HC5 value.

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Abigail Wahlig – Animal Science

Companion Animal Training and Enrichment Education Through Social Media

Poster is not available.

Project Advisor(s): Cheryl Morris | Advisor(s): R Jayasooriya-Arachchige

Abstract (Click to view) The project involved composing social media posts about companion animal training and enrichment for the Midlands Humane Society (MHS) in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dr. Morris and I focused on examples of positive reinforcement conditioning used to teach basic obedience. The target audience of the project were the followers of the MHS Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages, many of whom might have recently adopted a cat or dog from the shelter and are interested in learning how to enrich their new animals' lives. The project provides these followers with easily digestible information about often complex topics. Research for the content of the social media posts was completed via AN S 224 Companion Animal Science and AN S 424 Companion Animal Systems Management lecture notes and presentations, as well as Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog" and Ken Ramirez's "Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement", the latter of which was used for case study assignments in AN S 424. I will present some examples of social media posts Dr. Morris and I composed and the suggested order for MHS to post them when they have adequate time and available staff.

Abigail Peterson – Supply Chain Management, International Business

Peace, Cocaine, and Supply Chain Resiliency

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Project Advisor(s): Frank Montabon | Advisor(s): Kelly Pistilli, Kelly Pistilli

Abstract: Every industry has a supply chain as its backbone. When disruptions to the supply chain occur, a company must work quickly to adapt. It was found that more peaceful countries have a higher supply chain resiliency, but does this theory apply to every industry, especially those with a higher risk of disturbance? One particular industry experiencing increased disturbances is the cocaine industry. The demand for cocaine is constant, creating the need for a constant supply. Government interdiction efforts have contributed to disruptions in the supply chain of cocaine. To overcome regulation, vast resources are required to increase adaptability compared to legal industries. Does this difficulty get easier in more peaceful countries since it has a greater general supply chain resiliency? Six unique cocaine prevalence and eradication factors were measured within each country over five years to test this theory. The compiled data then created a new metric; The Supply Chain Resiliency of Cocaine. This metric was used with the level of peace within a country to test the relationship between the two. Based on the results, there is weak evidence towards a higher resiliency of the cocaine supply chain in more peaceful countries.

Shivang Patel – Architecture Professional Degree

World Money Laundering Organization

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Project Advisor(s): Deborah Hauptmann | Advisor(s): Ulrike Passe, Jeremy Miller

Abstract: World Money Laundering Organization (WMLO) is a global organization designed to intervene and work with the worldwide phenomenon of money laundering to highlight the significant neglect of the modern globalized world and utilize the size of cash of this shadow economy to benefit the poor, homeless, and real estate market. In addition, it also attempts to provide a different form of taxation for criminals with incentives to keep part of the laundered money and cancellation of prison time. Overall, It aims to be a system for global amnesty which gives incentives and persuades both the good and bad sections of society to participate together.

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Abby Tornow – Architecture Professional Degree

Biomimicry in Architecture

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Project Advisor(s): Andrea Wheeler | Advisor(s): Mitchell Squire, Jeremy Miller

Abstract: The global percentage of energy devoted to buildings and construction is 36%. The global share of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions emitted by buildings is one-third. This makes them the single biggest global emitter by sector. These facts show the large impact that buildings have on the environment and the progression of climate change. Because of this, it is the responsibility of architects to address this issue and design buildings that will combat climate change. The term that has been used to describe this new type of architecture where the environment is considered is sustainable architecture. Sustainable architecture has many different avenues that address different qualities of the problem. The research that I have conducted looks specifically into the potential of biomimicry as a promising solution. Janine Benyus, the founder of The Biomimicry Institute, says that “biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature.” This very clear and simple definition explains why there have been certain applications of biomimicry to architecture. The real potential in biomimicry is to use nature as inspiration to tackle issues, such as climate change. The main objective of this project is to design a facade inspired by biomimicry for the College of Design Atrium.

Dakota Berbrich – Electrical & Computer Engineering

Return Oriented Programming Attack Benchmark for Decoupled Monitoring Platform

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Project Advisor(s): Henry Duwe | Advisor(s): Vicky Thorland-Oster

Abstract: For many modern-day computing systems, maintaining security for its entire lifetime, from production through deployment, is a significant concern. Ensuring that software executes as expected on these devices is difficult, due to untrusted integration, physical access, and unknown bugs in complex software. As the Internet of Things, and widely deployed machine autonomy, become more prevalent, securing these devices becomes even more vital. One method to detect anomalies is decoupled-monitoring platforms. These implementations sit off the target system on chip (SoC) and use external signals, such as DRAM bus transactions, electromagnetic emissions, and power side-channels, to determine where the device is in execution. Through this platform, program execution state integrity is verifiable, and software control-flow abnormalities are detectable. This project supports that work by implementing an attack to verify it. The target SoC is a set of quad-core ARM processors programmable by software. These processors are coupled by a programable logic (PL) fabric that offers flexibility in describing hardware accelerators that share resources with the processor; however, instead of accelerating the hardware, in this project, the PL is used to emulate a return-oriented-programming (ROP) attack. In future work, this attack will be used to verify and analyze decoupled monitoring platforms.

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Adam Bodenham – Aerospace Engineering

Design, Manufacture, and Implement of a Destructive Impact Test for FSAE Impact Attenuators

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Project Advisor(s): Jon "Matt" Rouse | Advisor(s): Nicole Gupta

Abstract: Formula SAE, much like other motorsports, continually strives for improved performance. There is a continual balance between performance improvements and safety requirements, and no area is that better exemplified than the front crash structure. FSAE has strict requirements on geometry, material, and impact capability. A standard impact attenuator is offered by the governing body, but it greatly limits nose design, which adversely impacts front downforce and vehicle weight. Designs have shown a potential 2 lb increase in front downforce at 35 mph and a decrease of 1.5 lb in static vehicle weight. This project provides a test machine, a test process, and a baseline impact attenuator design. A test was performed on four basic foam designs to assess the change based purely on cross-sectional geometry. The highest performing option was based purely on volume. The carbon fiber design was then tested with a chassis structure. The design was not sufficient for impact absorption. Peak acceleration was 82.3 g’s, average acceleration was 16.8 g’s, and total absorbed energy was 7910 J. The testing machine and test process was efficient and repeatable. This will provide a long-term testing option for the Iowa State Formula team.

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Eli Gaeta – Aerospace Engineering

Small Scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

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Project Advisor(s): Michael Messman | Advisor(s): Brad Eilers

Abstract: Micro-scale power units pose a solution that allows non-grid connected households to self-sufficiency. Traditionally, these units have been generators that run on limited fuel such as diesel or gasoline. Micro Vertical Axis Wind Turbines stand as a practical candidate to provide power in scenarios where access to these resources becomes restricted, such as in remote locations in the backcountry or areas affected by natural disasters. Rapidly deployable and with a small footprint, these devices do not need hundred-meter towers or high-speed winds to begin production. This project prototyped a Micro VAWT through extensive design, build, and test methods. Construction of this rapidly deployable device involved airfoil design, composite fabrication, power transmission design, carpentry, and millwork. Inspiration for the project stems from the want to have a portable power unit for backpacking trips.

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Luke Geis – Chemical Engineering

Evaluating Student Financial Literacy at Iowa State University

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Project Advisor(s): Shoba Premkumar | Advisor(s): Mackenzie Schwartz

Abstract: Understanding student financial literacy is an important topic among colleges looking to provide a wholistic approach to education. Since financial literacy can be positively correlated to student financial success, this research paper includes in-depth analysis of financial literacy among students at Iowa State University. The survey included questions on various backgrounds such as major, ethnicity, year in school, and gender to determine the significance of any factors that might better prepare the ISU students to acquire financial knowledge and skills. The goal of this study was to examine the application of student’s financial literacy skills in their everyday personal financial decisions. The study examined how factors such as gender, major, ethnicity, year in college, etc. might affect a student’s aptitude for financial literacy. The survey results at ISU were subsequently compared to the student wide national averages among universities in the US. Iowa State University appeared to have outperformed the average college student in nearly every category. Overall results were summarized into a poster and provides recommendations for Iowa State University to continue to with their impressive work towards providing an optimal environment for student financial literacy education.

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Andrew Goluch – Software Engineering

Software Defined Internet of Things Deadbolt

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Project Advisor(s): Julie Rursch | Advisor(s): Jason Follett

Abstract: For this project, my objective was to create a complete virtual Internet of things or IoT device. This virtual device is designed to help future Cyber Security students learn common weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the IoT world. I created two devices in the Iowa State ISEAGE environment, an isolated sandbox network utilized by the Computer Engineering department. The first device mimics the deadbolt; it communicates with the other device over the internet. The deadbolt will take commands from the other box and, using wait times, mimic locking and unlocking. The deadbolt can also give the current locked and unlocked status and a "user manual". To lock and unlock the deadbolt, one needs to get a six-digit pin from the other box. The other box is designed to replace something similar to a phone application or smart hub. On this device, there is a graphical user interface that controls the commands sent to the deadbolt. I have incorporated several OWASP top 10 IoT vulnerabilities into the devices, including: 1. weak, guessable, or hardcoded Passwords, 2. insecure network services, 5. outdated components, 6. Insufficient Privacy Protection ,7.Insecure Data Transfer and storage, and 9.Insecure default settings. The other four common vulnerabilities relate to the physical hardware.

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Victoria Hennessey – Mechanical Engineering

Engaging in Leadership: Preparing Future Engineers for the Workplace

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Project Advisor(s): Kyle Patrick (KP) Williams | Advisor(s): Aliza Mackenzie

Abstract: After undergrad, most students' next step in their professional career is to attain a full-time job. However, for decades, there has been a present disconnect between the workforce and academia. The main objectives of this project was to understand the importance of career competencies, specially, leadership, in the engineering workplace, to identify existing experiential opportunities (or a lack thereof) for developing career readiness and leadership among engineering students, and to make specific recommendations for new or updated opportunities at Iowa State within the College of Engineering. In my research, I evaluated the career and leadership readiness in graduating Iowa State engineering students. I then continued to understand and explore what employer’s expectations were in entry-level engineers (via article and personal surveys), what other preparation methods were being used at other universities compared to Iowa State University (ISU) and what career and leadership competencies are important for students to possess for the workforce. This project was completed in three phases: a literature review, technical document, and a proposal.

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Paul Iman – Mechanical Engineering

Numerical Investigation of Two-Phase Microchannel Slug Flow Hydrodynamics

Poster is not available.

Project Advisor(s): Todd Kingston | Advisor(s): John Wagner

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Nolan Jessen – Computer Engineering

Analyzing Twitter Discussion on Abortion Surrounding Justice Ginsberg’s Death and the Nomination of Justice Barrett

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Project Advisor(s): Amy Smith | Advisor(s): Vicky Thorland-Oster

Abstract: Twitter is often viewed as an online forum full of passionate discussion and negative comments surrounding any number of topics. However, does it have the potential for deliberative discussions and constructive conversations surrounding modern issues? Previous studies have shown that productive conversations are possible online if groups are small and intentional. In contrast, Twitter is an open forum where people can comment on whatever they see fit. In this study, the conversation around abortion was studied through the lens of the Supreme Court through a major political change. As abortion is a major political issue within the United States, the relevant conversation on Twitter was gathered in the timeframe surrounding this change and analyzed. Each Tweet within the flagged conversation was analyzed via a sentiment analyzer, with the values aggregated and compared over time and by conversation size and referenced figure (Justice Ginsberg, Justice Barrett, or the Supreme Court). Based on comparing the initially flagged Tweets and the replies to these Tweets with the conversations as a whole, initial replies were found to be unproductive and negative. However, longer threads in mid-sized conversations are more likely to be ranked positively, indicating that Twitter can be a place for productive conversation.

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Zachary Kauffman – Electrical & Computer Engineering

Breaking Free From Big Tech: Building an Open Source Smart Home

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Project Advisor(s): Daji Qiao | Advisor(s): Vicky Thorland-Oster

Abstract: In our modern world, smart assistant devices like Amazon Alexa seem to be ever-present. The convenience of these smart devices can be difficult to forego for many consumers, yet many are wary of the potential spyware embedded in these proprietary black boxes. Open-source software has long been the alternative to the big technology companies, and in the home, it can provide a privacy-focused, streamlined smart-home experience. By utilizing open-source technologies, users can customize their own smart-device to rival Alexa without worrying about where their data may end up or who may be tracking them. The implementation presented is an open-source smart assistant that, in the right hands, allows a more tailored smart device experience when compared to the off-the-shelf competitors. Using a Raspberry Pi, it is able to listen and execute commands using entirely open-source software. Connecting arbitrary smart devices to the assistant is simple with the framework provided. However, some aspects of the traditional “smart” experience, such as the AI’s voice and interfacing with other proprietary software, are noticeably impaired. The final device is one ideal for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts, but may be less user-friendly than the off-the-shelf variety.

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Hailey Lucas – Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COVID Cough Detection on a Smart Watch

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Project Advisor(s): Henry Duwe | Advisor(s): Vicky Thorland-Oster

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down since its initial outbreak in the beginning of 2020, causing over 5,000,000 deaths and nearly 560,000,000 cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. People need a fast and accurate method for testing themselves for COVID19 in order to stop the spread of this virus. Testing centers can be inconvenient for people to access and often require several days to process results. Rapid testing is available but often is not cost effective. This project provides a solution for this problem by using machine learning to identify coughs that indicate COVID-19 on a smartwatch. Many people already wear smartwatches, and the wrist is close enough to both the hand and the elbow that it would be able to detect a cough, making it convenient. A LilyGo TTGO 2020 V3 watch is used as the smartwatch, which pairs with an iPhone for computational power, using an existing machine learning model.

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Katelyn Moje – Mechanical Engineering

Student Organization Sustainability

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Project Advisor(s): Ayodeji Oluwalana | Advisor(s): Nathan Ross

Abstract: In February, naturalist David Attenborough told the United Nations Security Council, "climate change is the biggest threat modern humans have ever faced" (United Nations). To combat the effects of climate change, Iowa State University created a Strategic Plan for Sustainability in Operations. In this plan, Iowa State committed to becoming a zero-waste campus by diverting 85% of waste from landfills by 2025. Student organizations at Iowa State are a core component of the culture and student experience on campus. As a result, it is imperative to address these groups' contributions toward achieving the goals stated in this strategic plan. This project addressed how student organizations can help Iowa State reach these sustainability goals by first conducting a survey and interviews to better understand the opinions and perspectives of sustainability in these organizations. Using the information gathered, I created trainings to educate student organizations on implementing these practices in their groups distributed through the Student Activities Center.

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Amber Ogden – Mechanical Engineering

A Reflection on my Time in Honors

Poster will not be available

Project Advisor(s): Mark Mba-Wright | Advisor(s): Alyssa Stafne

Abstract: This project surrounds the creation of three art pieces that reveal larger personal meaning and my experiences in the Iowa State University Honor's Program. The objectives were to explore unique artistic mediums and learn to utilize and manipulate them, as well as the goal of reflecting on how being in honors has impacted my college and future careers. This exploration was important because it expanded my knowledge and experience in different art styles and taught me how to better reflect on large experiences as a whole, as opposed to usual reflection over smaller, more specific events. Several different creative methods were used to design unique art pieces of unconventional materials. Additionally, a reflective writing process was used to create the essays accompanying each art piece to properly understand and show my personal growth. Through intensive editing, three physical art pieces and three descriptive, reflective essays were created that represent the opportunities, challenges, and joys from my time in the Iowa State University Honor's Program.

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Joshua Slagle – Software Engineering, Physics

Python and C++ for Budding Physicists

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Project Advisor(s): Charles Kerton | Advisor(s): Jason Follett, Angela Zalucha

Abstract: Python and C++ for Budding Physicists was an ambitious, one-semester long project that created a course to fill a gap identified by Physics professors and students: Physics students often need to know how to code for research, but do not need theoretical computer science knowledge. In 15 weeks, the project produced: 1) over 500 pages of written content, examples, and figures; 2) 30+ hours of recorded lectures; and 3) assignments and solutions for each sub-module. In 8 modules designed to be fit a 6-week summer/winter session, the course covers everything a budding physicist should know for a coding-centered research project. The first two weeks of the course develops the student’s coding abilities. During this time, the student progresses from not having python installed to being able to write programs that contain control flow, class definitions, and that read/write data to disk. The next two weeks focus on developing the student’s scientific coding ability. Modules here cover basic statistics, data analysis, plotting, and numerical methods (and much more). The final two weeks first introduces concepts needed to get the student familiar with C++ at an intermediate level, and in the final few days introduces parallel programming for large scale data analysis.

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Brett White – Software Engineering

A Ruggedness Test Approach to the Design of An Automated Defect Inspection System

Poster is not available.

Project Advisor(s): Gul Okudan-Kremer | Advisor(s): Jason Follett

Danielle Elliott – Event Management

Effective STEM Learning in Vehicle Maintenance for Teenage Girls

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Project Advisor(s): Chin-Hsun Tsai | Advisor(s): Stacey Wertzberger

Abstract: This study examines the challenges that teenage girls ages 14 to 18 face when it comes to simple vehicle maintenance in STEM education. The published literature contributed to the study's significance by defining STEM, relating it to vehicle maintenance, examining the influence of rural young drivers in Iowa, and demonstrating how websites may be used educationally to improve STEM education in an informal context. A series of semistructured interviews was done to ascertain participants' current and potential interest in vehicle maintenance, as well as the difficulties they encountered when first entering this sector. A companion website was developed to provide instructional stages and educational resources for learning simple vehicle maintenance to females between the ages of 14 and 18. This provides participants with a reference tool to go to in the future when confronted with vehicle maintenance concerns, ensuring they are better equipped to feel confident and prepared on the road.

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Kelli Fogt – Kinesiology & Health

Ground Reaction Forces Using Mobilegs Crutches vs Traditional Crutches

Poster will not be available

Project Advisor(s): Jason Gillette | Advisor(s): Jessica Dewall

Abstract: There is a lack of biomechanical studies investigating crutch walking and its adverse effects on the lower extremities and arms. Stallard et al. studied ground reaction forces (GRFs) during crutch walking and found greater vertical forces in crutch walking than in normal walking. These findings are significant in terms of potentially increased loads on the unaffected leg. Mobilegs are an ergonomically designed version of traditional crutches. Mobilegs provide a webbed pivot support under the arm and grips that are shaped to fit the hand. The purpose of this study is to determine the GRFs of the unaffected leg and the crutches, along with the contact pressures under the arm when using the Mobilegs and traditional crutches. This study used force platforms to measure GRFs and a flexible pressure sensor to measure loads between the crutches and under the arm. Participants were asked to complete 6 trials with both crutches: 3 with their unaffected leg hitting the force platform and 3 with the crutch hitting the platform. They also completed 3 trials of unassisted walking across the platform. The data from each condition were then used to compare GRFs when using the Mobilegs crutches to that of traditional crutches and walking.

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Kaelee Guth – Nursing (H SCI)

Development of Student Nurses’ Association at Iowa State University

Poster is not available.

Project Advisor(s): Dawn Bowker | Advisor(s): Dawn Bowker

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Joey Marcuccilli – Kinesiology & Health

Investigating the role of Tpd3 in chromosome segregation

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Project Advisor(s): Mohan Gupta | Advisor(s): Marsha Wissink

Abstract: Cell division is a robust and reliable process that includes the segregation of sister chromatids into the two different daughter cells during mitosis. To achieve this, microtubules must properly pull them apart. This irreversible event happens at the metaphase to anaphase transition of the cell cycle. This process happens millions of times every day in your body and usually occurs with no problems. When chromosome missegregation occurs, the cell will have an incorrect number of chromosomes which can cause cancer and other diseases. The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) monitors each connection between microtubules and the sister kinetochores. The SAC is activated when the kinetochores lack an attachment to microtubules, which will induce cell-cycle arrest in metaphase to avoid chromosome missegregation. When the checkpoint fails to prevent chromosome missegregation, disease can occur. To understand how certain SAC proteins are involved in chromosome segregation, we used mass spectrometry to identify proteins that are differently phosphorylated in Bub1Δkinase cells. Tpd3 was one of the proteins that had down regulated phosphorylation sites in the Bub1Δkinase cells. We are using a CRISPR-CAS9-based approach to create phospho-null point-mutations at target residues on Tpd3. We predict phosphorylation of these residues are required for proper chromosome segregation.

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Amy Schraeder – Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

Fashion Shows in the Age of Covid-19

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Project Advisor(s): Sarah Bennett-George | Advisor(s): Stacey Wertzberger

Abstract: Fashion shows have been a cornerstone in the apparel industry, and it is hard to imagine a time without a fashion week not happening. The designers that have gained stardom and trends that have been seen are countless. However, like most of the world, COVID-19 has made these in-person events completely pivot. My project looked at the importance of fashion shows, a brief history, how shows have changed all over the world, and the innovation that has come out of this worldwide pandemic. It also contained information from working with the Iowa State Fashion Show and ideas for how they can improve for the future.

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Rachel Sodawasser – Nutritional Science (H Sci)

Analysis of Possible Contributing Factors and Solutions to Low Enrollment in the Pre-Health Students Majoring in Nutritional Science at Iowa State University

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Project Advisor(s): Christina Campbell | Advisor(s): Matthew Rowling

Abstract: The Pre-Health Professional and Research Option in the Nutritional Science Major (NSCI) at Iowa State University is a great choice for students because of the rigorous coursework focused on nutrition at a biochemical level, as well as having a strong foundation in the basic sciences that will prepare students health-professional school. This project aimed to examine motivations behind pre-health major selection and investigate possible reasons for historical low enrollment in the NSCI major. To investigate this, interviews were conducted with advisors and recruitment coordinators, and NSCI and non-NSCI students were surveyed. It was found that pre-health nonNSCI students are more commonly discovering their majors through word of mouth than NSCI majors, possibly due to the production of more alumni from popular majors. Also, there is a lack of interest in nutrition among non-NSCI students, which could be a contributing factor to low enrollment because interest was the most common motivator for pre-health students to choose their majors. Because it would be difficult to alter student interest, encouraging successful Nutritional Science students and alumni to speak to current and prospective students is likely the best way to increase enrollment in the pre-health Nutritional Science major.

Jacob Brown – Biology (LAS), Kinesiology & Health

Effects of meeting U.S Physical Activity Guidelines on anxiety in substance use disorder treatment

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Project Advisor(s): Jacob Meyer | Advisor(s): Nicole Valenzuela, Janessa Boley

Abstract: Exercise reduces anxiety—a common comorbidity in people with substance use disorders (SUD). We aimed to evaluate the relationship of meeting the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines with trait anxiety in those entering treatment for SUD (Aim 1), this relationship across 4 weeks of treatment (Aim 2), and determine the influence of drug of choice (DOC) on this relationship (Aim 3). Data from 478 SUD inpatients were analyzed from 27 facilities across the United States via a partnership with TRAC-9 Informatics. Anxiety [Penn State Worry Questionnaire], DOC, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) [International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form) were self-reported at intake and each week of treatment. There was significantly lower trait anxiety in those who met the aerobic guidelines compared to those who did not (t(475.67)=2.82, p=0.005, d=0.26). Trait anxiety was significantly improved over the first four-weeks of treatment (F(3,1428)=206.04, p.

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Jesica Flores Renteria – Political Science, History

Russian intervention in Venezuela

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Project Advisor(s): Kyle Estes | Advisor(s): Jason Chrystal, Kevin Hill

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Meg Grice – Public Relations, International Studies

The Public Relations and Cultural Landscape in Belgium

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Project Advisor(s): Deni Chamberlin | Advisor(s): Jessica Hansen-Moench, Elizabeth Zimmerman

Abstract: With an increase in cultural interconnectedness and the need for sociological intelligence in the public relations industry, my project involved researching how Belgian citizens identify with their nation, their political and social values, cases of communication gone wrong, and the importance of well researched industry action. As a smaller area in Europe, the country does not receive the same amount of attention from popular media but still deserves recognition as a host of the European Union and an example of changing economic industries. The project exposes how cultural appreciation creates effective messaging and guides our collective knowledge in sustaining international communications regardless of language or identity.

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Petra Owusu – Public Relations

The Role of Public Relations in Advancing the Women’s Rights Movement

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Project Advisor(s): Alissa Stoehr | Advisor(s): Tyler Schoh

Abstract: What public relations methods make a successful women's rights movement? Throughout history, there have been many movements to help advance women's rights. Some are successful and some are not so successful. Why is that? With how public relations has evolved through time, it may make you wonder if the methods that we currently use were used back in time, would the outcome have been different? For example, if Elizabeth Cady Stanton was posting about the Seneca Falls Convention on her Instagram, would more people have participated? This project takes a dive into the evolution of women's rights activism and the evolution of public relations and highlights how public relations can make or break a movement.

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Alexandria Spencer – Psychology

Neuroticism: Is it a Predictor or Manifestation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

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Project Advisor(s): Marcus Crede | Advisor(s): Ashley Phipps

Abstract: Neuroticism is widely believed to increase the severity of PTSD symptoms in response to trauma exposure (Ogle et al., 2016). This may be due to the tendency to react negatively to situations that are distressing or uncertain along with rumination of the event and emotions associated with it (Boelen, 2010; Michael et al. 2006). But it is unclear if neuroticism makes individuals more vulnerable to trauma or if elevated neuroticism scores are simply a manifestation of PTSD. I aim to clarify the strength of the neuroticism-PTSD symptom severity relationship by conducting a meta-analytic review of the literature. Data from 50 independent samples (total N=15,670) found that neuroticism and PTSD symptoms were relatively strongly correlated but that the strength of this relationship was strongly moderated by the design used by the researchers. That is, the relationship was substantially stronger when researchers assessed by variables concurrently and weaker when the measurement of neuroticism and PTSD symptom severity was separated by time.

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Lydia Stanley – Genetics (LAS)

Brief Look at the Interactions of Genetics and the Public

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Project Advisor(s): Maura McGrail | Advisor(s): Mohan Gupta

Abstract: This honors project analyzed the relationship between genetics and the public. Specifically, the way gene therapy, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and genetic testing have shaped society; and how public policy of the United States has affected scientific research in these areas. By comparing the interactions of these authorities, this project creates a space for an analysis focusing on the importance of communication, utilizing bioethicists’ thoughts to give wellrounded ethical arguments on the reputation and future of science communication. This project provides a solid knowledge base for the readers by including a description of the scientific processes and the public policies under scrutiny.

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David Uselman – Mathematics, Philosophy

Combining Theories of Action and Moral Philosophy

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Project Advisor(s): Cullen Padgett-Walsh | Advisor(s): Dawn Walker-Chalmers, Flor Romero-De-Slowing

Abstract: One of the underlying principles in modern society is that we should all get what we deserve, but what do we deserve? Any useful answer to this question must allow us to understand three things; (1) what events we are responsible for, (2) how to decide if we should be morally reprimanded or praised for those things, and (3) a way to combine (1) and (2) into a coherent theory. In this paper we will build an account of action from the work done by Aristotle and Donald Davidson in order to answer (1), we will then look at works by both Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill to help answer (2), and then we will combine the two and investigate the ideas of Dr. Yuval Noah Harari in an attempt to find a solution to (3). We will conclude with a brief discussion of what we have learned and what work still needs to be done.