Poster Session 1 - 9:00-10:30AM PST
Posters 1-50
Abstract Volume and Quick Reference Guide
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Art
- The Leaky Female Body
Advisor(s): Micol Hebron
The Leaky Female Body examines the history of feminist performance art, specifically focusing on the use of bodily fluids in art. This is accomplished through study of art gallery archives beginning in the late 1960’s, art books, and interviews with artists. Women artists utilizing their bodies in their work has long been used as a form of activism. The body is reclaimed or becomes a form of protest in response to bodily censorship, trauma, and existence in a patriarchal society which considers a white male body to be the default, effectively othering the female body. By analyzing and archiving artists and works relevant to my own art practice, I am beginning to accumulate an important history of feminist activist works which are largely underappreciated and left out of the traditional Western art historical canon. In addition to archiving these works, I am also creating my own set of performance self portraits in relation to and inspired by my findings. These works function as contemporary iterations of issues women have continued to face throughout history. Art history is skewed, predominantly focused on male painters hailed as geniuses. Women became muses and objects, barred from studio art classes. Women later turned to mediums such as performance and video, and while this allowed for the creation of truly radical works, these mediums are not commodifiable. The lasting effects of these injustices includes failure to historicize women artists as well as a vast gender wage gap. This research begins to archive the immeasurable contributions of performance artists to feminist history, outlining the radical ways in which the leaky body has been used to resist oppression and injustice.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- CowN: Mo-Nitrogenase's Guardian Against CO Inhibition
Michelle Jin
Advisor(s): Dr. Cedric Owens
Fertilizer and more specifically ammonia production is an extremely critical aspect of modern agriculture given the high demands of crop production. These high demands require a greater need for fertilizer, but this comes at a cost: a lot of energy and pollution. The industry standard Haber-Bosch procedure of ammonia production requires extreme pressures and temperatures, making it unsustainable in the long term, especially given the rising needs. Alternative methods of ammonia production include bio-synthesis. The enzyme Mo-nitrogenase from G. diazotrophicus produces ammonia with minimal waste, only requiring ATP, hydrogen, and nitrogen. In order to make this enzyme a viable alternative, it’s efficiency must be maximized, including in environments with possible inhibitory conditions. A known inhibitor of the enzyme nitrogenase is Carbon Monoxide (CO). This inhibition renders the enzyme inactive, however, another protein, known as CowN, seems to protect against the inhibition of CO. This protein-protein interaction is one that is unknown, so our lab aims to characterize the interactions between these two proteins in order to understand how to maximize the efficiency of the enzyme for its future use in the industry of ammonia production.
- Molecular Mechanisms of Ligand-Dependent REVERB Activity
Advisor(s): Dr. Marco Bisoffi
Inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, affect over 23 million Americans every year. The Solt Lab studies the influence of several transcription factors on the development of a specific subset of CD4+ T helper cells, TH17 cells. Determining the role of these transcription factors and cells in the onset of autoimmune diseases may allow us to develop safer, more specific, and more effective therapeutics for the treatment of TH17-mediated autoimmune diseases. REV-ERB? and REV-ERB? are ligand-regulated nuclear receptors (NR) that have the ability to repress transcriptional activity within cells. The Solt Lab previously determined that these NR’s play a role in repressing transcription and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in TH17 cells. This finding suggests that these NRs aid in preventing pathogenesis of TH17 cells and could be targeted for autoimmune disease treatment. Endogenous and synthetic ligands are known to regulate both REV-ERB? and REV-ERB?. However, it is not well understood how these ligands affect the REVERBs’ interactions with their corepressors, NCoR and SMRT, and thus, their transcriptional activity. A better understanding of how ligands affect the interactions between these NRs and their corepressors could be a key factor in the development of autoimmune disease treatments that target TH17 cells. In order to investigate these interactions, mammalian two-hybrid assays were conducted using a variety of REV-ERB and NCoR mutants which tested the specific regions within the proteins responsible for interactions. We determined a mechanism for NCoR binding to REV-ERB? and demonstrated that synthetic ligands lead to increased degradation of the REV-ERBs. These findings shed some light on the previously unknown molecular basis of interaction between REV-ERB?, REV-ERB?, and their corepressors, NCoR and SMRT. This understanding gives more information toward understanding REV-ERB-mediated transcriptional repression in TH17 cells, which can be used for future development of TH17-mediated therapeutics.
Biological Sciences
- How Effective is Hagfish Slime at Clogging?
Advisor(s): Dr. Douglas Fudge
Hagfish slime has been shown to act as a defense mechanism by clogging the gills of gill-breathing predators and hindering the flow of water. Even extremely dilute concentrations of hagfish slime can retain remarkable quantities of water and clog effectively. However, it is unclear how effective hagfish slime is at clogging relative to other substances and the mechanisms by which it clogs. The purpose of this research is to better understand the clogging capabilities of hagfish slime and the mechanisms behind its function. Using a custom clogging assay, we quantified the ability of hagfish slime and other hydrogel materials to clog. We found that hagfish slime was able to effectively clog at concentrations up to 3,000 times lower than those of the hydrogels tested. Furthermore, hagfish slime was able to produce extremely low drain rates at concentrations as dilute as 10 mg/L. This implies that hagfish slime is extremely effective at clogging relative to other substances and is able to do so even at low concentrations. Understanding the mechanisms of clogging could be useful in practical applications such as shark repellant, as well as other industrial applications.
Computational Science
- Presentation Title: Norepinephrine and Global Brain Dynamics: a TMS-EEG-Pupillometry Study
Advisor(s): Dr. Aaron Schurger, Dr. Uri Maoz
The brain is a dynamic system: many different global activity patterns can emerge from similar underlying network structures (Deco et al., 2015). How shifts between global activity patterns are achieved is not currently known. One candidate is norepinephrine (NE), a neuromodulator that is widely present in the brain. NE affects gain, a network parameter that describes how much regions influence each other’s activity, and has been proposed to be involved in shifts between integration and segregation (e.g. Shine et al., 2019), a central dichotomy in global brain dynamics (Deco et al., 2015). Crucially, the human pupil can reliably index NE release, because the brain’s source of NE (the Locus Coeruleus) projects to pupil dilator muscles (Joshi et al., 2016). In the present project, we investigate global activity patterns are related to NE levels in the brain, indexed by pupil size. We use a perturbation paradigm by administering transcranial magnetic stimulation and recording the brain’s response to stimulation with electroencephalography, a technique that has previously been applied to analyze global brain dynamics (Sarasso et al., 2013). We investigate whether aspects of the brain’s response to stimulation is modulated by pupil size, which would support arguments that norepinephrine is involved in controlling global brain dynamics.
English
- Cottage-Course: An Aesthetics Discourse Analysis
Advisor(s): Dr. Jan Osborn
This project analyzes the “Cottagecore Aesthetic” in social media discourse, using Burke’s theory of language as symbolic action and terministic screens as an analytic method. Through the examination of language as performative, symbolic, and doing work in the world, the choice of “Cottagecore” to describe and identify an aesthetic reveals an attempt to deflect the reality of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic as well as the divisive reality of the United States. Selecting an aesthetic that reveals a world of peace, serenity, and tranquility is a screen ignoring inequalities, systemic disadvantages, and oppression. Paradoxically, the decision to choose this aesthetic does not actively contribute to a desire for social change; instead, this choice becomes a form of blind ignorance that reflects the fairytale ideals that are implemented in the founding of the Cottagecore Discourse.
- Plastics Consumption and its Effect on Young Audiences
Advisor(s): Sam Risak
The majority of global climate change is caused by human activity and its relationship with the planet. The economic system behind our way of life is really to blame. Consumerism is one of the world's most dominant contributors to Earth’s rising temperature and is a result of our capitalist society, in which the expectations of wealthy corporations are met prior to facing the harsh reality that if we continue this way, there will not be a planet for us to inhabit. So the big question is: What can we do to help? One of the biggest examples of corporate exploitation of consumerism is the plastics industry. Put into simple terms, the more plastics are consumed, the more pollution occurs, the more our environment suffers. Our focus of this project is to create a graphic novel with the message of raising awareness for the harmful effects of plastics consumption caused by our capitalist society while also incorporating other visual forms like pictures to help convey our message. High plastics consumption results from powerful companies and businesses promoting that plastics are cheap, versatile, lightweight and an “irreplaceable” material. One example is plastic water bottles. Corporations have capitalized on our lack of clean drinkable water and have literally bottled and sold it in plastic bottles which adds to the issue of plastic pollution. Our reckless use of plastics has not only contributed to a high increase in pollution, but also has had a detrimental effect on our environment; mainly, our oceans and marine life. We believe that the high plastics consumption is due to lack of awareness on the impact, and the alternative sources of plastics. We must find a way to reconsider our options regarding plastics waste such as using reusable water bottles and taking our own bags to grocery stores. And on a larger scale, consider what we must do to significantly slow the rise of plastics consumption.
Environmental Science and Policy
- The Effects of Animal Agriculture on the Environment
Advisor(s): Sam Risak
The purpose of our children's book is to simplify the complex issues of climate change and present short and long-term solutions to our audiences, specifically young children. The book utilizes visuals and language to convey the message of climate change to younger audiences. The use of multimodality allows the information to be portrayed in different ways that are comprehensible for a younger audience. We used detailed pictures and clear language to illustrate the harm of animal agriculture on a farm. The combination of illustrations and transparent wording allows young readers to match the issue from the outside world and connect it with visual representations. Children’s books are a great way to have younger readers begin to understand real life problems. The main character in the story, Franny, grows up on a farm and she sees how animal agriculture affects the environment around her. These detrimental impacts include deforestation, effects on the aquatic ecosystem, methane gas released from farm animals, water consumption and animal exploitation to produce animal products. All of these situations contribute to problems with the environment and are doing more harm than good. Based on our research, eating less meat and consuming less animal products, reduces the negative environmental impacts of animal agriculture. In the end, Franny makes a personal decision to eat less meat and consume less animal products to minimize the harmful effects on the environment. Teaching children about complex environmental issues at a young age can help shape the future to be more environment-friendly.
FFC
- Tlāloc: He Who Makes Things Sprout
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
The Aztec god of rain and fertility who causes famine and drought, along with intensity and chaos, Tl?loc is understood to be one of the most essential and respected deities of Mesoamerica. His name derives from the word tlalli, meaning soil or earth in Nahuatl. As one of the most ancient Central American deities, Tl?loc is often referred to as the "Green One," and his name means "in the earth." In Aztec mythology, Tl?loc was held as the governor of the Third Sun, a world dominated by water. He also oversaw the fourth heaven called Tl?l?c?n, the "Place of Tl?loc," which is graciously described as a paradise of everlasting spring and flourishing vegetation. Tl?loc and the Tlaloques, a group of supernatural beings that assist him, rule this euphoric destination for new-born children, women who died in childbirth, and those who unfortunately died violently from water-related causes. This Mexican god is profoundly tied with agriculture, as his worshippers desperately depend on him to bring forth an abundance of rain for their crops. Although bountiful offerings to Tl?loc continue to be found in various mountain peaks and caves, the most sacred shrine is located on an extinct volcano in Mexico City named Mount Tl?loc. These offerings and sacrifices in the past were quite sinister and devastating, but they were extensively viewed as essential in ensuring seasonal rain periods for a successful harvest. His dissatisfaction and disappointment in the Aztec people can appear through his unforgiving anger in abusing his destructive gifts of thunder and lightning.
- Interpreting the Naga and it's Comparison to Greek Mythology
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
The mythical serpent race popular amongst many Southeast Asian cultures was first depicted in India and is often found in Hindu and Buddhist iconography. Nagas typically assume three physical forms, either as human, partial human-serpent, or whole serpent. They are associated with the role of the guardians of the underworld, where the realm is beautifully ornamented and filled with precious gems and other treasures. They commonly represent the embodiment of terrestrial waters, often residing in oceans or mountain springs. They are also thought to bring disastrous events and debacle if their natural habitat is disrespected by humankind. Although they are occasionally portrayed negatively with their dangerous power and venom, they are generally held in high regard as they also represent fertility and prosperity if worshipped properly. Many interpretations of the Naga can be linked with traditions found in Greek mythology, such as Gorgons, through their presence in the underworld and monstrous interpretations. The frightening reputation of the 3 gorgon sisters, Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale, can be linked to the threatening identity of Nagas, explaining why fearful images of both myths are commonly seen in temples and shrines for protection from bad spirits. The idea of “appearance vs reality” can also be applied to both mythological creatures due to their duality.
- Loki and Prometheus: The Tricksters of Mythology
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
Loki is the trickster god of Norse Mythology, famous for his silver tongue and his ability to utilize his words in order to get out of difficult situations. He is unique in that he was never truly classified as good or evil among the gods. He appeared not to care for other gods and was often the direct cause of their problems, many of which he exacerbated. One of the most famous Norse myths tells of Baldr, who was killed by Hodr, the blind god, when Loki fooled Hodr into throwing mistletoe at Baldr, who had been made immune to everything else. Afterwards, Loki prevented Hermodr from rescuing Baldr from the underworld. Prometheus is the trickster god of the Greek pantheon, and he and Loki share one other key similarity: their torture. Loki’s was a punishment for his actions relating to Baldr, and for Prometheus it was due to his introduction of fire to the humans. Both were chained to a rock and tortured: Prometheus’ liver was attacked by an eagle while Loki was left with poison dripping into his eyes. As outsiders, Prometheus being a Titan rather than an Olympian god and Loki being different from the other gods, both had cause to act against the wishes of the king god, Zeus and Odin respectively. Both gods remain vital parts of their respective mythologies, and the parallels between them are evident, revealing that regardless of the culture, there is an important element to the trickster god that cannot be ignored. Loki and Prometheus are able to act outside of the main pantheon, creatively adapting their methods to fit their goals without the constraints placed on the ruling gods.
- The Chupacabra: The Monster of Mexico and Puerto Rico
Advisor(s): Dr. Eileen Jankowski
The chupacabra is a beast-like creature that was developed in Mexican and Puerto Rican culture. It is somewhat of a modern legend since its legend dates back to only 1995, however now children grow up hearing tales about it and it has become a popular legend within both Mexican and Puerto Rican culture. The chupacabra is said to be no more than four feet in length and can stand on all fours as well as its hind legs. It’s skin resembles that of a reptile, however its movements resemble more of a canids. It has sharp quills running down its back, sharp claws, and razor sharp fangs. It’s name translated to english means blood sucker. It acquired its name because people reported dead livestock that were fully intact but had had the blood sucked out of them. Often times people claim they saw the chupacabra and are told that they most likely saw a coyote or a dog with mange. In my poster I want to explore how the chupacabra is viewed in Mexican and Puerto Rican cultures, even though it has only recently become a legend. I also hope to explore the similarities that the chupacabra shares with vampires, besides the obvious which is that they both suck the blood of their victims.
Film
- Mulan: An Exploration of Culture and Representation in Hollywood
Advisor(s): Dr. Stephanie Takaragawa
'Mulan: An Exploration of Culture and Representation in Hollywood' is a presentation and detailed analysis of various representational, cultural, and minority-related issues in the context of Hollywood and western media. The presentation will focalize specifically around the recent live-action remake of the 1998 film "Mulan". The remake, premiered in March 2020, received critical backlash from various audiences (mostly from the BIPOC community), bashing the film for its misrepresentation of Ancient China and Ancient Chinese culture. Through this misrepresentation, the Hollywood film ultimately reflects views of cultural appropriation, misogyny, and overall minority underrepresentation in the United States. The research presents the backlash that lead actress Liu Yifei received over the course of the film's wave of criticism. Many uneducated and uninformed viewers raced to Twitter to attack her performance and 'cooperation' with this controversial film, however it is important to consider the relationship between Chinese Americans and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party), as it is incredibly risky to speak out against the CCP due to the possibility of being blacklisted by the Chinese market. Overall, the presentation encompasses and analyzes the issues stirred by Mulan 2020, the response of the BIPOC community, and how the controversy is ultimately a representation of Hollywood media when dealing with portrayal of foreign cultures.
Health Sciences and Kinesiology
- COVID-19 Viral Testing Disparities in Los Angeles City
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason Douglas
Hispanic and Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality (California Department of Public Health, 2020). Inequitable access to viral testing resources may have exacerbated these COVID-19-related racial and ethnic health disparities. For example, reports from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health revealed glaring viral testing disparities in April 2020 (early pandemic), with predominantly White communities in Los Angeles County receiving 65% more tests than Hispanic and Black communities. In response, California statewide testing was expanded for communities of color (Vann et al., 2020). To investigate access to viral testing in Los Angeles City, the current study examined geographic access to testing sites offering reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests across 105 Los Angeles City ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTA). Census data was used to identify majority Black and Hispanic ZCTAs and majority White ZCTAs. A buffer radius of 2.44 miles was then applied to determine the number of testing sites within this distance of majority Hispanic and Black, compared to majority White, ZCTA centroids. This distance metric, which represents the average distance to a hospital in the U.S., has been used in recent research investigating COVID-19 treatment resource access in other communities (Douglas & Subica, 2020). An independent samples t-test indicated that there were significantly more testing sites within 2.44 miles of majority Hispanic and Black ZCTAs compared to majority White ZCTAs in Los Angeles City (t(98) = -4.885, p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the positive impact of the city’s policies implemented in early May to make testing site access more equitable. Although better geographic access to testing sites is evident, this study did not explore test rates at these sites. Further accessibility questions also remain regarding the impact of language barriers, inequitable access to healthcare and health insurance, and immigration status on testing disparities.
Mathematics
- The Poincaré Duality Theorem and its Applications
Advisor(s): Dr. Mihaela Vajiac
During the SURF fellowship studied various topics of differential forms in algebraic geometry, in talk we will talk in particularly about the Poincare duality. First let us begin with the definition of a dual space of V denoted by V': is the vector space of all linear functionals on V, in other words V'=L(V,F). Let M be a differentiable manifold with atlas {(U_a, phi_a )}. We say that the atlas is oriented if all transition functions g_ab= (phi_a)o(phi_b)^-1 are orientation preserving, and that the manifold is orientable if it an orientable atlas. For an oriented manifold M there is a paring the integral of H^q(M) tensor H_c^(n-q) to the real line R (the integral of the wedge product of two forms). The first version of of the Poincare duality asserts that this pairing is non-degenerate whenever M is orientable and has a finite good cover, that is: H^q(M)~(H_c^(n-q)(M))^* where from forms are finite dimensional.
Music
- Seeing a Melody: Explaining the Phenomenon of Synesthesia
Advisor(s): Dr. Jessica Sternfeld
What does the world look like in the mind of an artist when they create their art? Creating the image in one’s head, or writing out the music they hear, can be extremely hard to put into a real world setting – and this process is even harder to measure from an outside source. One way to further understand the mind of an artist can be measured through a disorder called “Synesthesia,” where a subject unwillingly experiences multiple sensations at once. Through the synesthetic process, the inside of an artist’s mind can be seen to an average eye or ear through the works of many artists and musicians throughout time. This sense is divided into many different classifications based on the mixed sensations, but throughout this paper I analyze and discuss synesthesia involved with auditory or visual stimulation. Focusing on popular artist like Vincent Van Gogh, Franz Liszt, and Duke Ellington, I argue that studying synesthesia can help us understand a creative process every artist goes through.
- The Dichotomy of Disco: 54 Degrees of Separation
Advisor(s): Dr. Jessica Sternfeld
The genre of Disco that ruled the late 1970s has often been considered cheesy in musical construction and intent, but with equal fervor has been regarded as iconic. In essence, music of the 1970s was a turning point for music production practices and the industry as a whole. Within the nostalgia for Disco music exists the notion that the genre was primarily white-dominated, when in fact Disco thrived because of Black singers, writers, producers, and industry executives such as Berry Gordy, the President of Motown Records. In this paper, I intend to offer a new perspective into the world of Disco , explaining how it is inherently a Black art form as well as how it changed the way music was distributed and received by listeners at the time. Motown’s “hit” songs combined Gospel and Pop fusion vocalists, their usage of Blues-inspired strings and horns, and high-quality produced records. Additionally, President of Motown Records, Berry Gordy and his vision for music within the context of Black culture laid the musical groundwork for Disco to flourish. Clubs like Studio 54 became spheres for new freedoms to exist; patrons experimented with drugs and alcohol, partook in the sexual revolution thanks in part to the advent of birth control in the pre-AIDS era, and explored freedoms of gender identities.Thus, Disco music was not just a musical genre, but a lifestyle that lent itself to a variety of artistic frequencies beyond its central nature. It influenced everything from fashion to film to pop-art, in the decades of countercultures that followed. As the saying goes, “art imitates life imitates art,” but to truthfully understand the numerous, not-so-pretty facets to Disco, we must separate which artists were the imitators and which were the proprietors. In addition, this project combines a research paper with a multimedia creative art project to demonstrate four specific topics through an abstract and thought-provoking fashion.
Peace Studies
- Women's Political Participation Aided by Constitutional Provisions in Post-Conflict African Nations
Advisor(s): Dr. Lisa Leitz
After two major continental conflicts, many African countries were forced to re-evaluate their constitutions and inherent political structures. This left a window of opportunity for greater female political participation as political leaders and members of the peacemaking process. This project will focus on selected African post-conflict states during the 1970’s to 2000’s that have re-written their constitutions. The general query asks whether those rewritten constitutions have contributed to greater gender equality in the legislature of those states and which constitutional provisions work best at promoting and maintaining gender equality. By studying Geisler’s book Women and the remaking of politics in Southern Africa and Schnabel and Tabyshalieva’s book Defying Victimhood to understand legitimacy of gender as a characteristic in constitutional drafting and how gender permeates in nations’ customary law prior to constitutional change. Through this, it can be pinpointed how the new constitutions and provisions for gender have impacted gender equality in the legislature. The research will be conducted using mixed-methodology. The quantitative aspect of the analysis will relate to gender equality using percentages before and after constitutional changes and test the effectiveness of certain constitutional ‘safeguards’ to improve equality. Qualitative research will be conducted about a multitude of factors relevant to constitutional ratification. They include cultural factors, legislative history, and the history of gender equality of a nation both prior to and after conflict outside official bodies or institutions. The expected results are that constitutional safeguards especially quotas are effective in maintaining gender equality in legislature. Active civil women’s organizations and the continual dedication of political parties and figures also aid in ensuring gender equality by acting as a safeguard mechanism.
Political Science
- Making America White Again: Examining the Influence of Immigration on the Rise in White Supremacy in the United States
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
My research paper will examine the influence of immigration on the rise of white supremacy in the United States. My hypothesis is that the steady rise in immigration to the United States has resulted in an increase of white supremacist sentiment, due to the white community fearing they will no longer be a majority or in control of the social culture of the country. I would like to discuss this topic as I believe it is relevant to the major shift in the way politics and civic engagement is now portrayed in the United States, specifically due to the influence of recent presidential administrations. With the influx of immigrants in the United States, the immigrant identity began to take shape resulting in a serious impact on the social, economic and political culture of the country. Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and its success lead to an overt praise for racist and discriminatory rhetoric; unleashing a new and incredibly passionate wave of white supremacy that seemed to be hidden till Trump’s call to action. I will utilize psychological, historical, and socioeconomic theories and events to discuss my findings on the creation of white supremacy groups such as the Alt-Right and their motives to influence the direction of U.S. history based off of “Trumpism” rhetoric and the economic and social fears he has instilled among the white community in regards to immigrants. I will be utilizing the Chapman Fear Survey in addition to the ANES 2020 data sets to extract data for my research and shed light on the importance of this topic.
- Ethnicity or Party Identification? Which Plays a Bigger Role in the Fear of White no Longer Being the Majority?
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
The 2014 National Projections report was based on the 2010 Census and estimates through 2013. The finding of these studies predict that by 2044, more than half of the American population will belong to a minority. The idea of whites no longer being the majority may be alarming to some people, as it has always been the norm of the country. This perceived threat of demographic change may be an indicator voters voting out of fear, and voting for candidates that cater to that fear. This paper will attempt to look at whether ethnicity or party identification have more relationship with the fear of whites no longer being the majority. I will examine if this fear is also present among minorities and how it may possibly play into voting behaviors. Research indicates that party affiliation is more closely related to the fear of whites no longer being the majority in the U.S than ethnicity.
- The Fear Behind Illegal Immigration
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
Illegal immigration has continuously been a hot topic, and the American population has obsessed over what measures should be taken with these people, if any. In a qualitative study, the fear of illegal immigration is going to be analyzed based on various independent variables such as ideology, party identification, and media, based on results from the Fear 2020 survey. The Chapman Survey of American Fear began in 2018, analyzing people’s different fears nationwide, and how those might be related to other characteristics. Previous research analyzes attitudes towards illegal immigration; however the fear component will be a new addition to this topic. While illegal immigration has been studied for decades, most of these studies seem to be outdated, through this data we will be able to see effects of more recent events such as Trump’s presidency and framing of the media. Among the interesting findings is the importance of framing of media and how that directly translates to who will be the “face” of illegal immigration, usually leading to a negative stereotype. While we head into a new presidential election, I want to take a look at the affects these variables have on individuals fear, and how this plays out in policy, allowing us to make possible predictions following these trends. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the study of the fear of illegal immigration.
Psychology
- Psilocybin Microdosing in Healthy Volunteers: Comparative Effects on Sleep, Brain Activity, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Functioning
Advisor(s): Dr. Amir Raz
Microdosing in the context of psychedelic drug use refers to the frequent use of low doses of psychedelics for an extended period of time while the user goes about their daily life. Interest in microdosing has gained momentum in recent years, with ‘microdosers’ reporting a myriad of anecdotal benefits such as enhanced mood, cognition, empathy, and cordiality when working with others. Recent research has found that a single full-dose of a psychedelic can produce long-lasting positive change in behavior, personality and well-being. However, no peer-reviewed scientific reports have yet been published about the safety and efficacy of microdosing specifically with psilocybin (the psychoactive ingredient commonly found in psilocybin cubensis and other psilocybin-containing mushroom species, commonly referred to as “shrooms”). Thus, our study’s main objective is to investigate the effects of microdoses of psilocybin on various measures of human functioning, including sleep architecture, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning. By using a combination of electroencephalography (EEG), cognitive tasks, economic gameplay, subjective reports, virtual reality, and psychophysical experiments, the effects of psilocybin microdosing will be determined collectively through such measures. This study also seeks to examine the influence of expectation on the user’s experienced effects from psilocybin microdosing by incorporating the use of placebos.
- Parental Relationships and the Offset of the Genetic Risk for Depression
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Robinette
Worldwide, depression is a leading cause of disability. Numerous factors such as genetic background and features of the environment may be associated with depression. Despite the wide-ranging factors that increase risk, there are also protective factors, for example, positive parental relationships in childhood, which can lower the risk of depression in adulthood. The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal panel study, was utilized to collect data. It is a nationally representative sample of adults aged 51 and over in The United States (n = 20,000). The 2010 and 2012 waves of data were used to include information about retrospective parental relationship quality. The current study used a weighted linear regression to test the hypothesis that retrospective reports of parental relationships in early childhood serve as a protective factor, offsetting genetic risk for depression. The current study assessed depressive symptoms using the CESD Scale of Depression. Genetic risk was assessed with the polygenic risk score for depressive symptoms, a summary measure that quantifies genotypes for depression carried by each individual. Results of a weighted linear regression indicate that greater genetic risk and poorer quality relationships with parents early in life were associated with self-reporting more depressive symptoms, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status (i.e. household wealth), and self rated health. However, there was no significant interaction between the quality of parental relationships as a resiliency factor to the genetic risk for depression. Future research will expand the scope of social relationships to include spouses, friends, and other family members to determine whether these social network members may play a key role in offsetting genetic risk for this major public health concern.
- Have Positive Supportive Relationships During COVID-19 Impacted Destructive Eating Behaviors?
Advisor(s): Dr. Julia Boehm
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the country were sent home and underwent isolated precautionary measures. While much of the existing research includes data on how the pandemic has negatively impacted mental health, there is a gap in its effects on physical health. Therefore, I hypothesized that people with more positive supportive relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, would engage in less destructive eating behaviors. In May 2020, 292 undergraduate and graduate students from Chapman University completed an online survey. The survey assessed factors of health, psychological conditions, academic experiences, housing situation, and financial situation. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to assess positive supportive relationships and the sub-categories of family, friends, and a significant other. This data was then compared to the same participants’ engagement in destructive eating behaviors measured by self-reported consumption of junk food, eating due to stress, and overeating beyond their normal behaviors. Contrary to the original hypothesis, a linear regression analysis showed no relationship between supportive relationships and destructive eating (b = -0.03, 95% confidence interval [-0.14, 0.08], p = 0.63). Factors such as the small sample size and the secure financial status that is unique to many Chapman students are thought to have played a role in these findings.
- The Association Between State Optimism and Academic Performance During COVID-19
Advisor(s): Dr. Julia Boehm
Research studies have been conducted on the correlation between optimism and grade point average (GPA) and found that hope, not (dispositional) optimism is related to GPA. However, no research has been conducted looking specifically at the relationship between state optimism and its relation to GPA. While dispositional optimism measures general positive expectancies, state optimism measures expectancies that can change based on the situation. Because state optimism takes into account contextual factors, it may be a more sensitive measure of optimism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the environment is rapidly changing. A person’s optimism at a certain point in time may affect their motivation to study or attend classes, which has the potential to have an impact on GPA. The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationship between state optimism, assessed specifically during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and GPA in college students. It was hypothesized that higher levels of state optimism would be associated with better academic achievement (as assessed by GPA). An online survey was administered to both undergraduate and graduate students (N = 292) assessing their health, psychosocial factors, academic experiences, housing situations, and financial situations. Participants completed the survey in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific measure under investigation was the State Optimism Measure (SOM), which consists of seven items that were averaged together. Higher scores indicated more optimism. A simple linear regression model was conducted to assess whether optimism predicted GPA, but found no significant relationship between higher state optimism and an increase in GPA [B = -0.04, 95% C.I. (-0.07, 0.007), p = 0.11]. Despite null findings, future studies could address state optimism in relation to academic performance given the lack of current research on the role of state optimism.
- Pre-Mortem Diagnosis Of CTE in Football Players Using Various Diagnosis Tools
Advisor(s): Dr. Michelle Cleary
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) occurs in individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and is behaviorally manifested by changes in personality/mood (depression, apathy, suicidality), cognition, and movement. Neurological changes resulting from TBI have been identified in American football players later in life. The purpose of this project was to identify a tool that is predictive of CTE and allows for proper treatment and management of recovery for athletes with multiple TBIs. A few studies have focused on pre-mortem brain imaging techniques that give clues as to whether an American football player will develop such complications due to their history of CTE. Also, moderate evidence suggests that flortaupicir positron emission tomography (PET) scans are accurate diagnostic tools even before the players start to exhibit cognitive impairments. High resolution brain PET scans can be used to reveal white matter integrity, regional volumes, and neuropsychological performance. In addition, studies have demonstrated changes in brain structure where phosphorylation is shown by red deposits and worsens as the stages of CTE progress. Neuroimaging techniques such as PET scans have shown promise as early diagnostic tools as they show a correlation between white matter integrity and neuropsychological performance. Flortaucipir PET scans are also to measure amyloid beta plaque depositions, important in the detection of Alzheimer disease. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is also a proposed biomarker for brain injury and repair that can be measured using PET scans in vivo. Similarities in results of white matter abnormalities were shown in American NFL players with cognitive impairments suggesting that flortaupicir PET will be a powerful diagnostic tool with further research.
- The Interplay Between Negative Emotions: Links Between Anger Control, Anxiety and Stress
Advisor(s): Dr. Tara Gruenewald
Humans experience a vast array of emotions, from excitement to fury to apprehension. These feelings affect many aspects of our lives, often without us realizing. Previous research on the effects of anger expression, in particular, has provided support for both negative and positive outcomes, including impacts on mental and physical health, efficacy in professional domains, academic performance, perceptions of control and trust, and other domains of psychosocial well-being. Pre-existing studies have supported a relationship between poor anger control and decreased well-being, with most studies focusing on feelings of depression. The aim of the current study is to contribute to our understanding of the role of anger expression control in emotional well-being by analyzing how one’s level of anger control relates to other emotions such as stress and anxiety. Analyses will utilize data from the Biomarker Substudy of the second wave of the Study of Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS), a sample of 1,255 adults from across the U.S. It is hypothesized that lower anger control will be associated with higher levels of social anxiety symptoms and perceived stress due to worry about possible negative perceptions and reactions from others in response to the angry outbursts. Further, these effects are predicted to be found even among people who are not diagnosed with an emotional disorder. This study may aid professionals who work to improve clients’ management and expression of emotions by contributing to their understanding of how negative emotions affect one another.
- The Clever Hans: Pupillary Change After Decision Making Tasks
Advisor(s): Dr. Uri Maoz, Dr. Amir Raz
Clever Hans, a horse in the late 1800s and early 1900s, was reported to be able to do basic arithmetic and perform other cognitive tasks. However, after extensive research, German biologists at the time, Oskar Pfungst and Carl Stumpf demonstrated that the horse was able to detect unconscious micro-movements that the person asking the question, and especially its trainer, would make. Hence, only if the person asking the question knew the answer to the question and the horse could see the person, the horse could tap his hoof enough times to count towards the correct answer. The Clever Hans phenomenon highlighted the existence of subtle, unconscious cues for communication. It also served to highlight the importance of double-blind studies. The proposed study consists of two stages. During the first stage, the Clever Hans phenomenon will be recreated. Subjects will be asked a basic arithmetic question, and then hear taps that the subject counts until it reaches the correct answer. The questions are addition and subtraction, with answers ranging from one to ten. Pupillometry is used to track the subject’s pupillary change during this process, looking specifically at pupillary changes that suggest anticipation and tension towards the answer, and then the ease of that tension. The experimental process uses no visual information, except a fixation point for subjects to look into, to reduce the risk of pupillary change due to external stimuli. In the second stage, this pupillary data will be used to train a machine learning program that will learn to identify the subtle, involuntary, pupil movements that are unconscious to the subject. By only looking at pupil dilation data, the program will be able to determine the answer to a math question that the participant is thinking about, using the same process from the first part of the study without the program having any previous knowledge of the answer to the question asked.
Theatre
- Soundscapping the Virtual Stage: A Film-Sound Design Approach to a Remote Production of In the Next Room
Advisor(s): Dr. Jocelyn L. Buckner
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, theatres across the globe have closed their doors and migrated to online streaming platforms, such as Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook Live, to “broadcast” their productions to theatregoers at home. Though theatrical artists have been quick to embrace this stage-to-screen adaptation, many have been hesitant to apply the methodologies and aesthetics used in the rival storytelling medium of film. As a result, audiences have seen theatre produce rudimentary cinematography, including but not limited to shaky cameras, lacklustre backgrounds, and low audio levels. But, as theatrical artists continue to see an uncertain future ahead, can this divide between theatre and film last? What tools or techniques can theatre learn from film to produce plays during the pandemic? And can theatre still be theatre on a screen? This paper will examine how a film-sound design approach is inevitable for the success of a remote theatre production as opposed to live sound. As I interview sound artists and explore cinematic techniques, I will demonstrate how my sound design for Chapman University’s Department of Theatre’s production of In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play exemplifies the properties of film sound and why this approach is critical to the efficiency of the production process, as well as the audiences’ engagement and immersion into the world of the play on a screen.
World Languages and Cultures
- The Virgin Mary and Niño Fidencio: A Literary and Cultural Comparison
Advisor(s): Polly Hodge
Famous historical and literary figures who display characteristics of empathy, wisdom, and compassion inspire a great sense of faith in humanity and hope for the future. There are two exemplary figures explored in this study that embody these characteristics. The first is the Virgin Mary, a saint widely known and recognized by the Catholic Church since the 4th century. The other is Niño Fidencio: a famous healer, man of God, nicknamed a “saint of the people” from Espinazo, Mexico who lived in the 20th century. Although Niño Fidencio is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church, he names the source of his power as God and is a faithful follower of Catholicism. In King Alfonso X’s famous collection of poetic canticles from the Middle Ages in Spain, Cantigas de Santa María (Canticles of Saint Mary), the Virgin Mary is a key character who plays a role as the wise judge of humanity and also grants healing to those who deserve justice. Likewise, Niño Fidencio is considered a wise, religious figure who helps those in need. However, in the play, El niño con el diamante en la cabeza (The Boy with the Diamond on his Head) by award-winning Mexican playwright, Enrique Mijares, Niño Fidencio becomes a theatrical character whose role focuses on mediation between humanity and God and his strength as a healer of the people. This comparative study highlights the similarities and influence of these two revered figures who come from different time periods and different cultures. The Virgen Mary and Niño Fidencio promote social and religious unification, regardless of the official involvement of the Catholic Church. (This abstract is taken from the original Spanish into English, as the study is written completely in Spanish.)