Poster Session III: 1:00-2:30PM
Posters 1-37
Abstract Volume and Quick Reference Guide
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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Advisor(s): Dr. Matthew Gartner
Opioids are critical pain-relieving drugs but also carry a risk of harmful side effects, including addiction. Opioids are agonists that bind to the μ-opioid peptide receptor (MOR) and act via a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway to provide pain relief. Morphine, a commonly used opioid, is active in healthy (pH=7.4) and inflamed tissue (pH=6-6.5). Decreasing the pKa of the biochemically-active amine group can promote selective binding in the more acidic conditions of injured and inflamed tissue, reducing harmful side effects of opioids binding within the central nervous system. We aim to maintain the pharmacophore of morphine while altering the binding specificity via molecular dissection and extension. Herein, the impact on pKa of fluorinating carbons beta to the amine binding site is explored as the inductive effects of fluorine will decrease the opiate’s pKa. Molecular dissection of several molecular groups from morphine heightens the biological activity of morphine’s pharmacophore and reduces adverse side effects. Combining previously studied molecular dissection techniques with molecular extension via fluorination allows for more specific binding in peripheral, inflamed tissue. As a starting point, theoretical pKa values are determined at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ//SMD level of theory to calculate the ΔG°aq values for the amine deprotonation reactions. Electronic structure calculations were performed with Gaussian 16 using the Keck Computational Research Cluster at Chapman University.
Advisor(s): Dr. Cedric Owens
Nitrogen fixation occurs in two major processes, the industrial haber bosch process and fixation via a biological enzyme called nitrogenase. The haber bosch process is how most nitrogen used in agriculture is converted into ammonia. However, one major drawback is that this process requires a lot of fossil fuels and is thereby not an environmentally friendly process. With nitrogenase, the enzyme converts dinitrogen into ammonia using biological energy in the form of ATP, making nitrogen fixation a more biologically friendly process. Carbon Monoxide is known to inhibit the function of nitrogenase, meaning that under conditions where CO is present, nitrogen fixation is unable to occur. In order to prevent CO inhibition, cells containing nitrogenase must find a way to avoid these inhibitory conditions. It was found that Nitrogenase seems to be protected by another protein, CowN. This poster describes the mechanism by which CowN protects Nitrogenase. Specifically, CowN binds to either the entrance to a proposed CO channel or near the active site of nitrogenase. Both potential CowN binding locations could prevent CO from reaching the active site and therefore enable nitrogenase to avoid inhibition by CO.
Biological Sciences
Advisor(s): Dr. Douglas Fudge, Dr. Gaurav Jain, Dr. Noah Bressman
Hagfish produce a large quantity of defensive slime when attacked. This slime is a rapid forming dilute hydrogel comprised of two main components, thread filaments and membrane-bound mucin vesicles. Little is known about the behavior of the mucin vesicles immediately after secretion from the slime gland, as all studies on mucin vesicles have used vesicles stabilized with polyvalent anions. The slime is known to form rapidly after secretion, taking between 100-400ms, however the kinetics of the hydration of the mucus component has not been quantified. In this study we observed and captured the behavior of mucin vesicles with an inverted microscope when introduced to artificial sea water, a simplified seawater solution, and a NaCl solution. A small dab of exudate was placed onto a slide and then a drop of solution was introduced. The resulting behavior was the rapid swelling and expansion of vesicles seen at high magnification and captured using a high-speed camera. Focusing on the expansion of individual vesicles after contact with solution, the artificial sea water, simplified sea water, and NaCl solution showed the rapid hydration of almost all vesicles. The expansion rate of the mucin vesicles was much faster than any observed slime formation, preliminary analysis averages 60ms hydration times, suggesting that when slime is naturally deployed the mucous gel may be the first component to deploy. These insights on the mucin vesicle hydration speed in fresh exudate will further contribute to research involving the mechanisms for hagfish slime formation.
Advisor(s): Dr. Hagop Atamian, Dr. Matthew Gartner, Dr. Peter Chang
Plants synthesize very diverse types of both primary and secondary metabolites throughout their life cycle. These secondary metabolites have specialized functions such as repelling pests and herbivores, attracting pollinators, and playing roles in different ecological functions. Secondary metabolites help the plant adapt to its specific environment and increase its chances of survival. Ancient records show that humans have been using plant secondary metabolites (commonly known as medicinal plant products) for treatment of diseases and illnesses. There is great interest in identifying functionally diverse secondary plant metabolites since they could aid in drug discovery. In addition, plant secondary metabolites are routinely used in food flavors, fragrances, insecticides, and dyes. The mint plant family (family: Lamiaceae) includes important plants such as basil, mentha, rosemary, sage, savory, oregano, thyme, lavender, and perilla. These plants possess a wide diversity of secondary metabolites which give them their distinctive smells and flavors. The objective of this project wasto identify and work on quantifying the secondary metabolites of a plant species within the mint family called pignut (Hyptis suaveolens). The pignut is native to Mexico and South America and has been used in ancient times to treat diseases. The secondary metabolites were extracted from leaves of different wild pignut plants grown in our greenhouse using steam distillation method. The analysis of the extract was performed on a Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) instrument to identify the different compounds and analyze their concentrations. Our analysis showed variation in the quantities of some metabolites among the different wild plants. It would be interesting to further investigate the roles of those metabolites in plant adaptation as well their potential in medicine. The results generated in this project will provide valuable resources to future research aimed at utilizing the diversity of the pignut secondary metabolites for human well-being.
Advisor(s): Dr. Douglas Fudge, Dr. Noah Bressman
Hagfishes are a diverse group of jawless marine fishes that are noteworthy for their ability to produce gill-clogging slime when threatened. The slime exudate ejected by the slime glands is made up of two main components: thread skeins and mucous vesicles. Thread skeins must unravel from their coiled state and provide strength to the slime in the form of a network of silk-like threads. Deployment of mucous vesicles is known to involve the swelling of constituent glycoproteins and their subsequent deformation into a vast mucous network that interpenetrates the slime thread network. Recent theoretical work suggests that thread skein unraveling would be greatly enhanced under conditions where the skein (or a loose piece of thread) is pinned to a solid surface. Our hypothesis states that the skeins staying embedded in the mucus matrix allows them to be loaded in tension, which facilitates unravelling and efficient slime formation. It is also hypothesized that when the mucus is loaded in tension and starts to deform due to turbulent flow, the skeins start to align in the direction of flow. We have employed a high-speed camera mounted on an Axio Zoom microscope to view a small amount of exudate on a slide in a tank of sea water to observe this process of slime formation in detail. The results are analyzed with ImageJ to track the movement of skeins which also provides insight into the direction of flow. Preliminary results suggest that hagfish slime exudate aligns with the direction of the flow and requires to be embedded in mucus. Most skeins do not remain attached to the slide but move together as the mucus is acted on by exterior forces. In terms of alignment, skeins originally do not have a statistically significant orientation when on the slide but when the water starts to flow over the stationary slide, the skeins that detach from the slide travel through the water in the direction of the flow with the same orientation.
Chemistry
Advisor(s): Dr. Maduka Ogba
Metal ligand cooperative catalysis involves the use of a transition metal and its coordinating ligand to activate bonds (e.g., H-H, H-Si, or H-B) in chemical transformations. The most common and most researched complexes for cooperative bond activation involve metal-nitrogen bonds. In contrast, synthetic metal-sulfur cooperative catalysts are rarer even though the biological inspiration for cooperative catalysis (i.e., nickel-iron hydrogenases) involve the reactivity at metal-sulfur centers. Moreover, little is known about the factors that control the reactivity of metal-sulfur cooperative activation, limiting our ability to develop more optimal bioreminiscent catalysts. In metal-nitrogen catalysts, different aspects of the catalyst have been investigated and from that, conclusions have been made. The same cannot be said for metal-sulfur catalysts. The purpose of my project is to use computational tools to systematically dissect all the components of known synthetic metal-sulfur cooperative catalysts and reveal the role each component plays in cooperative bond activation. In the first part of my project, I will compare the geometries, energies, and mechanism for H-H bond activation when mediated by iridium-, rhodium-, and cobalt- sulfur complexes to reveal the role of the metal in controlling the reactivity. Next, I will investigate whether the bond activation mechanism changes when activating H-Si bonds as compared to H-H bonds. Lastly, I will investigate the role of ligand chelation on the catalysts’ ability to successfully activate both H-H and H-Si bonds. In this poster, my literature search, proposed aims, methodology, hypotheses, and preliminary data will be presented.
Advisor(s): Dr. Warren De Bruyn, Dr. Aaron Harrison
Brown carbon (BrC) compounds are organic carbon compounds with chromophoric and photolytic properties that absorb strongly in the near UV from 300-400 nm range. BrC compounds can be formed in the atmosphere from secondary reactions of carbonyls with amine and ammonium precursors that are commonly found in cloud water and aqueous aerosols. To date, there has been research done on BrC compounds formed from methylglyoxal in combination with the amine and ammonium precursors, however there is very little known about BrC compounds that are formed from keto acids precursors instead. This research aims to further knowledge on the photochemical properties of BrC compounds in the atmosphere formed from pyruvic acid, a keto acid precursor. The BrC compounds studied were synthesized from pyruvic acid and ammonium sulfate (PA+AS) and pyruvic acid and methylamine chloride (PA+MA). To study the photochemical properties of these BrC compounds, spectroscopic data including absorption and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra were collected as a function of solar irradiation time. The absorbance results show decreases in the first 15-20 minutes of solar exposure; however, significant absorption persists in the near UV following 2 hours of irradiation. This suggest that these compounds can accumulate for long periods of time during the day and influence photochemistry and radiative forcing in the atmosphere.
Advisor(s): Dr. Allegra Liberman-Martin
The objective of this research is to discover an effective, safe, and low cost catalyst for the hydrosilylation of ketones, which involves the addition of a silicon–hydrogen bond across a C=O double bond. Previous research with Dr. Liberman-Martin determined that our cyclic carbodiphosphorane catalyst may be effective in the hydrosilylation of ketones. It was determined that, through resonance, the pair of C=P double bonds changes to add two lone pairs to the bridging carbon, creating a double ylide resonance form. When in the presence of suitable ketone and silane substrates, this double ylide form can catalyze the hydrosilylation reaction. All synthesis reactions were conducted within a nitrogen atmosphere glovebox and were analyzed using both 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic analysis was used to determine completion of the hydrosilylation reaction as well as analyze the structure of products formed. Use of the carbodiphosphorane catalyst as a replacement for toxic heavy-metal containing catalysts would reduce waste and emissions harmful to the environment, while also providing an alternative means for accomplishing the hydrosilylation of ketones. Finding an efficient and low cost catalyst would benefit the organic synthesis industry, as carbonyl hydrosilylation is useful industrially for the synthesis of alcohol products.
Advisor(s): Dr. Keykavous Parang, Dr. Rakesh Tiwari, Dr. Hamidreza Montazeri
The cell membrane, mainly composed of phospholipids, which creates difficulty in intracellular delivery of cell-impermeable and negatively-charged molecules. The amphiphilic cyclic peptide [WR]5 alternate arginine (R) and tryptophan (W) residues bypasses the endosomal uptake and increase cellular uptake of cell-impermeable compounds. [WR]5 enhanced transporting cargo molecules across the cell membrane. The guanidinium group of arginine interacts with the cell membrane having a better interaction of the peptide with the cell surface and large electrostatic interaction with negatively charged phosphate group of the cell membrane. Designing five hybrid cyclic-linear peptides containing alternative positively charged arginine and hydrophobic tryptophan residues both on the ring and side chain [(RW)5K](RW)X (X=1-5), which is [(RW)5K](RW), [(RW)5K](RW)2, [(RW)5K](RW)3, [(RW)5K](RW)4, [(RW)5K](RW)5 were synthesized through Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis method with cyclization in solution phase to compare their molecular transporter efficiency. Using high-resolution MALDI_TOF, the chemistry structures of final products were confirmed. Final compounds were purified by reversed-phase HPLC. These data show the hybrid cyclic-linear peptides as molecular transporters: (1) Mixture of fluorescent-labeled phosphopeptide and hybrid cyclic peptide [(RW)5K](RW)5 were inhibited by Chlorpromazine and Methyl-β-cyclodextrin endocytosis inhibitors after 3 hour incubation in MDA-MB-231 through the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. (2) For intracellular localization in the cytosis, mixture of F′-GpYEEI and [(RW)5K](RW)5 in MDA-MB-231 was incubated for 3 hours in confocal microscopy. These data suggest the potential of this hybrid cyclic-linear peptide as molecular transporters.
Advisor(s): Dr. Allegra Liberman-Martin
Hey you! Wait! Don’t let the title scare you! Okay maybe it didn’t scare you away, but either way, hear me out. It’s just scientific jargon for “we’re trying to make biodegradable plastic”. It’s actually really cool, and whether or not you know anything about polymer catalysis or chemistry at all, you should keep reading. This research investigated nucleophilic carbodiphosphorane catalysts that have shown promise in ring-opening polymerization with various biodegradable ester monomers, mainly racemic and L-lactide. Basically, we took the building blocks of plastics that are known to be biodegradable, and we tried to make them chain together using catalysts that are metal-free because they are cheaper, non-toxic, and more abundant. We had tremendous success using a carbodiphosphorane catalyst both cyclic (CDP) and non-cyclic (ACDP) as well as a phosphorous ylide (PY). 1H NMR showed up to 96% conversion from monomer to polymer after 30 min and 99% after 24 hr with rac-lactide:CDP at 100:1 and 99% conversion after 30 min with rac-lactide:ACDP at 100:1. Results were equally as promising in 200:1 ratios with ACDP showing 98% conversion after 1 hr and CDP showing 99% after 150 min. PY also showed 96% conversion in 100:1 after 150 min. Dispersity (how consistent the polymer chain lengths are) was also examined via GPC. This work explored new classes of nucleophilic catalysts and their ability to catalyze ring-opening polymerization as we continue to do our best creating biodegradable polymers and saving the world.
Advisor(s): Dr. Warren De Bruyn
The optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) as well as the UV and visible light-absorbing component of dissolved organic matter (DOM), have been used extensively to determine levels, distributions, identify sources, and track transformations of DOM in Californian coastal waters. Steady state fluorescence techniques like three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix (EEMs) fluorescence spectra have been used extensively to characterize CDOM in these systems. One of the challengers in interpreting EEMS is that fluorescent material from different sources can fluoresce in the same region. For example, both terrestrial organics and oil products can fluoresce in the protein region of a typical EEM making it difficult to use the approach in oil impacted waters. Time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy has the potential to differentiate between these different fluorescent materials. For example, the fluorescence lifetimes of natural dissolved organic material like plant leachates are typically less than 10 ns and the lifetimes of oil products typically have a component greater than 20 ns. To aid interpretation of fluorescent lifetime measurements of coastal waters we have carried out a set of measurements looking at changes in lifetime of a range of oil products as a function of photolysis time in a solar simulator. Initial results suggest that while fluorophores shift and change intensity, lifetimes do not change significantly. We have also looked at the potential for natural ions found in seawater to quench fluorescence and decrease oil fluorescence lifetimes.
Communication Studies
Advisor(s): Dr. Austin Lee
The transition from high school to college is the introduction to freedom, adulthood, and new experiences. This can introduce unique stressors since this is often the first time students are away from home and family. With the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, college freshmen are facing unique challenges, such as making friends and finding a sense of belonging. The ability to use in-person classes and extracurricular activities to make meaningful social connections has been eliminated, which may have drastic effects on students’ emotions and first-year experiences. Further research on how remote learning impacts the transition to university for first-year students should be prioritized to reveal and address the short-term and long-term effects on their emotions and mental health. More importantly, results may provide useful information for colleges and universities on which resources their students need and how to make those accessible in a virtual setting. This study evaluates the potential effects of participating in virtual extracurricular activities may have on the emotions of first-year college students living in Chapman University-owned housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advisor(s): Derek Prate
I am studying card game design, production, and graphic design by building a novel card game. The central question of this project is what is required to build a card game without the traditional rulebook instructions which are present in most card and board games. The solution utilized is a sequence of card-based rules, with players flipping cards to learn the rules. This is used to facilitate an understanding of the rules in a more straightforward fashion to make the game easier to learn and easier to package. In addition, many of the game’s core rules are placed on cards used for play to facilitate a learn-as-you play approach. As noted in Hanna Björkman’s thesis titled “Designing a board game rulebook: It is harder than you would think,” board game rules require many interactions and much refinement to facilitate the learning of rules. Because this game requires individuals to play it to understand the rules, it is vitally important that said rules may be understood easily. Much of the work on this game has gone into refining the rules such that they can be quickly understood without outside help on the first playthrough. Adobe Illustrator has been utilized in the creation of cards, and the computer programs Table Top Simulator as well as Tabletopia have been used to test this card game remotely in light of pandemic precautions. By the end of this project, I expect to have produced a card game which does not require the use of a rulebook and requires minimal packaging.
Environmental Science and Policy
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of green buildings will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of green buildings and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding green buildings in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. We hope to identify buildings in Costa Mesa where green roofs could feasibly be located. An outline will be provided describing how green roofs can be most effective. Incentives and examples of why green roofs are so effective will also be provided.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of carbon sequestration will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of sequestration and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding sequestration in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Carbon sequestration is the active removal of carbon dioxide from the surrounding areas as a way to lower emissions. Any positive sequestration effects of increased urban vegetation implemented should be considered highly successful for Costa Mesa.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of green infrastructure will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of green infrastructure and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Green infrastructure is a nature-based solution that encompasses a sustainable approach to managing stormwater with green materials such as trees, lawns, forests and more. Storm water runoff can transport pollutants to water ways, create flooding, and cause land erosion. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding green infrastructure in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of ecological restoration will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of ecological restoration and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding ecological restoration in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Case studies include community engagement assisting in restoration projects. Ways to create mutual benefits for individuals to create restoration efforts in their private land will also be explored.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of urban green space will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of urban green space and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding urban green space in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Urban green spaces as a nature based solution will address not only climate change effects in Costa Mesa, but also existing environmental justice and accessibility issues. By using GIS mapping and storyboards we plan to locate areas of need, find viable green space projects that can be used in Costa mesa, and potential sources of funding while centering community need and partnerships.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of urban farming will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. Our goal is to present the city of Costa Mesa with a proposal about urban farming and gardening that will provide the City with skills for implementation of farms and gardens. Urban farms and gardens help to create healthier environments by improving food security and increasing the health of people within the community and their environment. This paper entails detailed explanations of urban farming and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding urban farming in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of wildfire risk will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of wildfire risk and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Wildfire risk prevention is to enhance the nature based solutions in the City of Costa Mesa without increasing the risk of spread of wildfires. Due to Costa Mesa being in a low severity level zone for wildfires we are also focusing on the air quality from nearby fires while implementing the use of nature based solutions to lower the pollution levels from being concentrated in the city at unhealthy levels. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding wildfire risk in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
FFC
Advisor(s): Dr. Julye Bidmead
Thor is one of the most prominent gods in Norse mythology. He is famously known as the god of thunder who wields a powerful hammer that could destroy anyone or anything in its way. Similar to Zeus, the king of all Greek gods, Thor is a powerful figure whose strength is unparalleled. They are both guardians of the universe and they are revered in their myths and culture. However, there are several differences between Thor and Zeus. Thor is very impulsive whereas Zeus is more wise, fair, and just. In addition, Thor has a good relationship with his father Odin but Zeus did not have such a good relationship with his father Cronus who tried to eat him. A comparison of these two gods from cultures varying in geographical locations and historical time periods, can reveal how the Norse and the Greeks conceived ideas of power and strength. This research will examine these two heroes in more depth and see what we can learn from them and how it relates to their culture.
Food Science
Advisor(s): Dr. Rosalee Hellberg
In what most experts thought would last a few weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic has lasted well over a year. Aspects such as education and interpersonal interaction have changed in order to limit the spread of the pandemic. Businesses have turned to amazon locker-type food delivery and pick-up to make a contactless ordering of food for both consumers and companies. Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, and Crumbl have turned to contactless ordering and delivery systems. Tablets or restaurant apps allow a customer to order food without ever interacting with an employee. Although this is a positive for consumers, companies are able to cut labor costs in order to adhere to social distancing and safety guidelines. Supply chains have been affected as social distancing has proposed a challenge for employees and production. However, government programs must be put into place in order to avoid substantial price increases for necessities. Changes like these could alter how food ordering and delivery systems execute typical processes in the future. As more and more individuals want fast and safe foods, the supply chains and corporations are obligated to meet the demand.
Health Sciences and Kinesiology
Advisor(s): Dr. Rahul Soangra
Knowledge of gait parameters is crucial in determining treatments to address a multitude of gait pathologies. The FScan64 is an in-shoe pressure mapping system used for quick, natural gait analysis. The device measures several gait parameters such as: pressure and force, center of force, cadence, step time, stride time, stance time, and swing time. The main objective of this research is to assess gait parameters using FScan64 and compare its validity with traditional motion capture and force plates methods. We expect pressure data collected from the system will show reliability with existing laboratory measures utilizing motion capture and forceplates. The materials used in this study are two FScan 64 insole sensors, reflective markers placed throughout the body, a walking platform with two embedded Bertec Forceplates, and motion capture. Previous studies have reported a high correlation between the force measures collected from Fscan sensors and the force platform (r=0.93) (Mueller & Strube, 1996). We propose to test reliability on inclined surfaces and during toe walking. Five participants will perform toe walking on three (3) different inclined surfaces. Participants will perform three heel raises to synchronize the data from the FScan sensors with motion capture and force plates. The data from the FScan 64 devices, motion capture, and force plates will be compared to determine the reliability and validity of the FScan 64 insoles.
Physics
Advisor(s): Dr. Jerry LaRue, Dr. Justin Dressel
We design and characterize an optical interferometer that uses the broken directional symmetry of a series of imperfect polarizers to magnify small changes in linear polarization. Using a virtual prototype coded in python, we numerically explore the parameter space to optimize the design for inexpensive laboratory hardware. We anticipate that introducing electro-optical components into this design will enable the precise measurement of a wide range of phenomena.
Political Science
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
In 2020 and 2021 we have been faced with a global pandemic that has reshaped our own reality, changing the way we normally do things like going to the store and sporting events. Many lines of red tape have been outlined for us to follow giving new expectations, fears, and worries about the current global pandemic of the COVID-19 virus. In this study, the focus of research will be the correlation of coronavirus fears, worries, and concerns with an individual's party affiliation. This will be done to see if people from either side of the isle have similar or different thoughts and beliefs about the pandemic. In this study the Chapman fear survey and other related articles and studies will be used to collect information and data to come to a conclusion. In the United States of America those who are more right leaning or Republican have less fear and worry about the coronavirus pandemic and are more inclined to continue everyday activities. On the other hand those who are left leaning or identify as Democrat have more fear and concerns about the coronavirus and are less inclined to go outside and would rather stay at home. Today the plans and ideas of how to deal with the global pandemic has become so entwined with political beliefs that they now come hand in hand. The American political spectrum has become more polarized than in any other time in its history. Many things such as news sources, candidates, and personal beliefs have contributed to this polarization. This study will show the polarization with COVID-19 beliefs with party affiliations as well as varying geographic areas.
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
This paper will compile demographic data on individuals and analyze their correspondence with fear of oil spills in order to fabricate a profile of individuals that see oil spills as a risk. I will be using the Chapman Fear Survey as the central data collection device from participants, and use that data and additional studies to create my profiles. Oil spills are an environmental issue that causes a release of harmful crude or refined oil into the environment along the spill, poisoning the landscape and having catastrophic effects on the surrounding area. The independent variable being tested is the fear of oil spills. Dependent upon this is the answers to demographic data such as what news they consume, what political party they belong to, what is their income level, whether they belong to a metro center, and which census region they occupy. I expect to find that those concerned with oil spills will be more likely to belong to the democratic party, and less likely to consume fox news. I also expect them to have a lower income level, be less likely to belong to a metro center, and exist in census regions that have a higher density of oil pipelines, something I will cross examine.
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
Fear and distrust of corrupt government officials in the United States by individuals in the public is influenced by mass media. This paper will analyze and observe the media in relation to corrupt government officials and the impact it has on its audience, their fears, and trust of the governmental system and its officials. Relying on the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults that asks how afraid is one of the following, corrupt government officials and how often one gets news from social media. The relationship between mass media, corrupt government officials, the public’s fears and distrust are untested to some extent. Using an original survey, it will consist of questions to ask the public about their fears and distrust in the governmental system in relation to the media. Along with analyzing different sub-factors of government and media including, false news, historical events linked to corrupt government, and the impact of social media. The expected results are that mass media have a significant impact on Americans' fear of corrupt government officials. It is also found that there are other external factors that may lead to the contribution of American’s fear of corrupt government officials. The effectiveness and influential notion of mass media bringing awareness to corrupt government officials is explored. The United States without corrupt government officials is an impractical goal, mass media plays a factor into Americans distrust in government and questions our country's moral character and behavior as a whole.
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
In this paper we will examine how media framing and types of frames used influence support for immigrants in the United States. I examine how likely a potential voter is to support immigrants and immigrant policies based on the information they are presented in the media, paying special attention to the use of equivalency frames, policy frames, episodic and thematic frames. The influence these frames have varies, depending on how they are used and what specific groups they target. It was also discovered that political ideology and location does influence the support or opposition for immigrants and immigrant issues. Relying on the Chapman University Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults, I was able to observe how many U.S. adults have a fear of immigrants. This presents a possible correlation between the way immigrants and immigrants issues are presented in the media and the fear U.S. adults develop based on the media they are exposed to. As a result of this study we have found data that points to media framing as a significant influencer of American popular opinion on immigrants and immigrant issues. While there are a lot of factors that vary, immigration framing plays a very vital role when it comes to passing policies regarding immigrants.
Psychology
29. How COVID19 has Impacted Students Nutrition and Eating Habits with the Abrupt Closure of Restaurant's and Campuses.
Presenter(s): Chloe Sermet
Advisor(s): Dr. Desiree Crevecoeur-Macphail
It’s no surprise that college students often overlook their nutrition to prioritize their work, money, and social activities. College students often rely on restaurants, cafeterias, fast food chains on campuses, and other quick methods of food delivery throughout their school year. With COVID-19 causing college campuses and restaurants to close, there has been an increase of students finding themselves having to return home and no longer being able to depend on their campus' food resources. This has caused many students to struggle with their nutrition and their ability to properly feed themselves. Not only is nutrition education important to understand the vital nature of food as fuel but also to learn how to maintain these fundamental habits in times of crisis. Supported by the social learning theory, this study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on college students and where being educated in the field of nutrition makes a difference. This study compared chapman university nutrition minors and non-nutrition minors to look at how educating individuals on the topic of nutrition directly relates to their own nutrition. It was expected that nutation minors made healthier food choices than non-nutrition minors. The students living situation was also investigated, whether students lived at home or not. It was expected that students living at home improved student’s nutrition. The impact of social pressures along with COVID-19 was also examined.
Advisor(s): Dr. Julia Boehm
This study analyzes college student’s reading comprehension abilities while listening to music. Our main focus falls in the category of low fidelity music, a category of music that does not have much prior research completed. Low fidelity music, or lo-fi music, is music that allows for songs to maintain any impurities or background sounds in the track. This creates a more ambient listening experience. We hypothesized that those who listened to low fidelity music without words would complete a College Board SAT reading section with questions more accurately than those who heard low fidelity music with words, and those who did not hear any. One hundred and seventy-four undergraduate university students completed the experiment online and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low fidelity music with words (n = 57), low fidelity music without words (n = 57), or the no music control (n = 60). Most of the participants were close in age with a mean age of 19.44 years (SD = 2.32). The number of correct responses to the reading comprehension questions were analyzed in a One-way ANOVA. Results indicated that there is no significant difference between groups (p = 0.275). Although this study shows no significant results through the one-way ANOVA, the means from each experimental group seem to trend in favor of the study hypothesis, showing a lower accuracy in the lo-fi music with words group as compared to the control and lo-fi without words group. The power in this study was not strong due to the small sample size, also limiting the results of this study. Ideally, further research would use a large and diverse population in order to be able to generalize results regarding low fidelity music and studying.
Advisor(s): Dr. Brooke Jenkins, Dr. Julia Boehm
The global coronavirus pandemic has brought forth unprecedented changes to society’s daily functions. While previous research has linked loneliness to depression and anxiety among older adults and the elderly, it is important to consider the effects of the pandemic on younger populations. Therefore, we suggest the need to study the impact of loneliness on factors of sleep such as problems with sleep, restlessness, and change in sleep during the pandemic. In the present study, we recruited a total of 292 students from Chapman University. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire the week of April 20th of 2020, and subsequently every 2 months until December 2020 that assessed psychosocial and health measures. For the purposes of the present study, we used loneliness at baseline to predict sleep four months later. We hypothesize that higher loneliness will be associated with issues with sleep. Implications of loneliness during quarantine will be discussed in the context of sleep.
Advisor(s): Dr. Brooke Jenkins, Dr. Julia Boehm
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased mental health risk among college students. Recent studies have suggested that this concerning phenomenon can be attributed to social isolation and loneliness caused by preventive measures including social distancing. Being socially isolated can also have harmful effects on one’s physical health, such as a weakened cardiovascular system. Furthermore, existing literature reported that social support can promote more active coping strategies, which is associated with better psychological adjustment. Nevertheless, there hasn’t been any research on the influence of social factors and loneliness both on students’ health and their coping styles during the pandemic. The purpose of the present study is to investigate how loneliness and perceived social support are associated with the physical health and coping styles of college students during COVID-19. As for the coping measure, the study will look specifically at two types of coping strategies: active coping and self-distraction. The variables were measured through an online survey administered across five different time points in 2020 with students enrolled in Chapman University. The study will focus on the first two waves of the survey, which took place in May and July of 2020. Social support and loneliness in May will be used to predict physical health and coping styles in July. It is hypothesized that students who reported higher levels of perceived social support would show better physical health and use active coping more than self-distraction. It is also predicted that those who feel higher levels of loneliness would report poorer physical health and engage more in self-distraction than in active coping. This study may contribute to the necessary endeavor to improve the physical and psychological well-being of college students during the global health crisis by promoting higher social support and alleviating the sense of loneliness.
Advisor(s): Dr. Uri Maoz, Alice Wong
The goal of this study is to test a model of the sense of agency, intention, volition, and causality in order to examine the time course of the sense of agency associated with voluntary and involuntary movements. We examine the roles of context, expectation, and sensory feedback in the feeling of agency as well as examining the aspects of volition in different kinds of decisions. This study involves non-invasive, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which is a method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed on the scalp to elevate brain function. The TMS coil is placed above the scalp in a position that triggers a slight hand movement; the subject will then be instructed to make the same movement at will. It is expected that the participant will report ambiguity when asked whether the movement was due to them or the TMS. Resultantly, there should be an effect on the sense of agency by the TMS, especially when it is close to the voluntary movement. Here, we present preliminary data illustrating the range and types of precept that emerge among the participants' self-reported levels of agency.
Advisor(s): Dr. Aaron Schurger, Dr. Uri Maoz
Attention seems important to the decision-making process. Previous studies have shown that directing overt attention, which involves moving the eyes, can influence the choices people make (Shimojo et al., 2003). However, it remains unclear whether or not directing covert attention, which involves an effortful internal neural adjustment of attention in space while keeping the eyes fixated in one spot, will impact choice. Even more, directing impact on deliberate—reasoned, purposeful, and bearing consequences—decisions (Ullmann-Margalit & Morgenbesser, 1977; Maoz et al., 2019). Thus, the proposed study aims to investigate whether or not directing covert attention will impact choices made in a deliberate decision-making context. Subjects will be prompted to choose between non-profit organizations (NPOs) while their overt or covert attention is directed to one option more than to the other. We predict that subjects will be more likely to choose NPOs that they attended to for longer. We hope that this research will contribute to our understanding of the role of attention in decision-making and decisions and how decisions can be influenced.
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Robinette
Approximately 32 million Americans have Type 2 Diabetes and that number is growing rapidly. Type 2 Diabetes is sensitive to environmental factors, and higher prevalence rates are often observed in disordered neighborhoods (i.e., those with more trash and vandalism). Through discriminatory practices such as redlining, racially restrictive covenants, urban renewal, and gentrification, marginalized racial/ethnic groups are more likely to live in disordered neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. These disparities may also contribute to similar disparities in Type 2 Diabetes rates. Yet, research indicates that there may be racial/ethnic differences in the interpretation of neighborhood disorder as a threat to health and well-being. In the current study, Health and Retirement Study data were used to examine whether the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and Type 2 Diabetes risk differs across racial/ethnic groups. Participants reported their perceptions of disorder in their neighborhoods and whether or not they had been told by a physician that they had Type 2 Diabetes. A weighted logistic regression model was used to predict Type 2 Diabetes risk by perceived neighborhood disorder, race/ethnicity, and their interaction. Individual factors that may influence the development of Type 2 diabetes, such as education status, household wealth, sex, and age, were included as covariates. Results from the model indicated that non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Others had higher Type 2 Diabetes risk compared to non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, more disorder was related to heightened Type 2 Diabetes risk. However, the null interaction suggested that the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes risk and perceived neighborhood disorder was consistent across the different racial/ethnic groups. These findings demonstrate that intervention programs designed to reduce disorder in neighborhoods may slow the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes for diverse populations.
Advisor(s): Dr. Desiree Crevecoeur-Macphail
This study examined cultural influences on exercise habits and body confidence in women, specifically between ethnic minority and white women. Past research has indicated that Asian women often feel more cultural pressure than their White counterparts. This study wanted to examine further and see if an individual’s parent being an immigrant differs in amount of cultural pressure. Another aspect that this survey examined is motivation for exercise. Past research found that women who felt greater dissatisfaction with their physical appearance were more likely to list factors such as appearance or weight as their reasoning for exercise rather than for health reasons. The theory driving this study is social identity theory, which explains how individuals identify with certain social groups in relation to other social groups available. Participants in this study were recruited through SONA and social media platforms and surveyed using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) (Phinney & Ong, 2007), the Social Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) (Schaeffer et al., 2015), and the Reasons for Exercise Inventory (Silberstein, Striegel-Moore, Timko, & Rodin, 1988). The data results were analyzed using ANOVA, chi square, and t test analyses. The expected results are that female participants who identify as ethnic minorities will report more cultural influences on their exercise habits and body confidence. Specifically, ethnic minority women will report experiencing more family pressures and commentary on their appearance than White women.
World Languages and Cultures
Advisor(s): Dr. Polly Hodge
Created and popularized by Deborah Tannen, the Genderlect Theory explains how through social contexts, men and women have different ways of communicating. According to Tannen, men focus more on status, while women focus more on forming connections. On the other hand, there is also machismo, the behavior and attitude men partake to show that they are “manly” or “superior” to women and others they deem as inferior. Through the literary theatrical works, "La llamada de Lauren" by Paloma Pedrero and "Entre Villa y una mujer" desnuda by Sabina Berman, we can see similarities and differences in the Genderlect Theory and patriarchy in society. The Genderlect Theory is essentially a guide of expected gendered communication patterns; however, there has been some criticism since the creation of this theory, as some of the ideas ultimately portray stereotypes. Both Genderlect Theory and patriarchal culture are formed by social norms and individuals sometimes do not conform to these norms. Members of a society often feel pressured to fit in and follow what is expected of them based on established norms. We see that in "La llamada de Lauren" and "Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda," the characters struggle internally with the pressure to conform to societal norms and debate how much of their individual wants and needs they are willing to neglect. Additionally, people have unique identities and are affected by the era they live in. In "La llamada de Lauren," Pedro adapts to expectations of being a “man,” but in reality, wants to live his life true to his homosexual identity. Rosa, his wife, is dedicated to having a conversation with Pedro to discuss and work on their relationship. In "Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda," Adrián acts as a macho man idolizing the famous Mexican revolutionary leader, Pancho Villa, and Gina is an independent woman, but partially conforms to the stereotypical submissive, female role in the beginning of the play until she realizes what she truly wants.
- Computational Design of B-Fluorinated Morphine Derivatives for pH-specific Binding
Advisor(s): Dr. Matthew Gartner
Opioids are critical pain-relieving drugs but also carry a risk of harmful side effects, including addiction. Opioids are agonists that bind to the μ-opioid peptide receptor (MOR) and act via a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway to provide pain relief. Morphine, a commonly used opioid, is active in healthy (pH=7.4) and inflamed tissue (pH=6-6.5). Decreasing the pKa of the biochemically-active amine group can promote selective binding in the more acidic conditions of injured and inflamed tissue, reducing harmful side effects of opioids binding within the central nervous system. We aim to maintain the pharmacophore of morphine while altering the binding specificity via molecular dissection and extension. Herein, the impact on pKa of fluorinating carbons beta to the amine binding site is explored as the inductive effects of fluorine will decrease the opiate’s pKa. Molecular dissection of several molecular groups from morphine heightens the biological activity of morphine’s pharmacophore and reduces adverse side effects. Combining previously studied molecular dissection techniques with molecular extension via fluorination allows for more specific binding in peripheral, inflamed tissue. As a starting point, theoretical pKa values are determined at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ//SMD level of theory to calculate the ΔG°aq values for the amine deprotonation reactions. Electronic structure calculations were performed with Gaussian 16 using the Keck Computational Research Cluster at Chapman University.
- Protein Protection: Characterizing how CowN Protects Nitrogenase
Advisor(s): Dr. Cedric Owens
Nitrogen fixation occurs in two major processes, the industrial haber bosch process and fixation via a biological enzyme called nitrogenase. The haber bosch process is how most nitrogen used in agriculture is converted into ammonia. However, one major drawback is that this process requires a lot of fossil fuels and is thereby not an environmentally friendly process. With nitrogenase, the enzyme converts dinitrogen into ammonia using biological energy in the form of ATP, making nitrogen fixation a more biologically friendly process. Carbon Monoxide is known to inhibit the function of nitrogenase, meaning that under conditions where CO is present, nitrogen fixation is unable to occur. In order to prevent CO inhibition, cells containing nitrogenase must find a way to avoid these inhibitory conditions. It was found that Nitrogenase seems to be protected by another protein, CowN. This poster describes the mechanism by which CowN protects Nitrogenase. Specifically, CowN binds to either the entrance to a proposed CO channel or near the active site of nitrogenase. Both potential CowN binding locations could prevent CO from reaching the active site and therefore enable nitrogenase to avoid inhibition by CO.
Biological Sciences
- Swelling Kinetics of Fresh Mucin Vesicles
Advisor(s): Dr. Douglas Fudge, Dr. Gaurav Jain, Dr. Noah Bressman
Hagfish produce a large quantity of defensive slime when attacked. This slime is a rapid forming dilute hydrogel comprised of two main components, thread filaments and membrane-bound mucin vesicles. Little is known about the behavior of the mucin vesicles immediately after secretion from the slime gland, as all studies on mucin vesicles have used vesicles stabilized with polyvalent anions. The slime is known to form rapidly after secretion, taking between 100-400ms, however the kinetics of the hydration of the mucus component has not been quantified. In this study we observed and captured the behavior of mucin vesicles with an inverted microscope when introduced to artificial sea water, a simplified seawater solution, and a NaCl solution. A small dab of exudate was placed onto a slide and then a drop of solution was introduced. The resulting behavior was the rapid swelling and expansion of vesicles seen at high magnification and captured using a high-speed camera. Focusing on the expansion of individual vesicles after contact with solution, the artificial sea water, simplified sea water, and NaCl solution showed the rapid hydration of almost all vesicles. The expansion rate of the mucin vesicles was much faster than any observed slime formation, preliminary analysis averages 60ms hydration times, suggesting that when slime is naturally deployed the mucous gel may be the first component to deploy. These insights on the mucin vesicle hydration speed in fresh exudate will further contribute to research involving the mechanisms for hagfish slime formation.
- Identification and Quantification of Secondary Metabolites in Pignut
Advisor(s): Dr. Hagop Atamian, Dr. Matthew Gartner, Dr. Peter Chang
Plants synthesize very diverse types of both primary and secondary metabolites throughout their life cycle. These secondary metabolites have specialized functions such as repelling pests and herbivores, attracting pollinators, and playing roles in different ecological functions. Secondary metabolites help the plant adapt to its specific environment and increase its chances of survival. Ancient records show that humans have been using plant secondary metabolites (commonly known as medicinal plant products) for treatment of diseases and illnesses. There is great interest in identifying functionally diverse secondary plant metabolites since they could aid in drug discovery. In addition, plant secondary metabolites are routinely used in food flavors, fragrances, insecticides, and dyes. The mint plant family (family: Lamiaceae) includes important plants such as basil, mentha, rosemary, sage, savory, oregano, thyme, lavender, and perilla. These plants possess a wide diversity of secondary metabolites which give them their distinctive smells and flavors. The objective of this project wasto identify and work on quantifying the secondary metabolites of a plant species within the mint family called pignut (Hyptis suaveolens). The pignut is native to Mexico and South America and has been used in ancient times to treat diseases. The secondary metabolites were extracted from leaves of different wild pignut plants grown in our greenhouse using steam distillation method. The analysis of the extract was performed on a Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) instrument to identify the different compounds and analyze their concentrations. Our analysis showed variation in the quantities of some metabolites among the different wild plants. It would be interesting to further investigate the roles of those metabolites in plant adaptation as well their potential in medicine. The results generated in this project will provide valuable resources to future research aimed at utilizing the diversity of the pignut secondary metabolites for human well-being.
- Uncovering Slime Deployment Mechanisms in Hagfish
Advisor(s): Dr. Douglas Fudge, Dr. Noah Bressman
Hagfishes are a diverse group of jawless marine fishes that are noteworthy for their ability to produce gill-clogging slime when threatened. The slime exudate ejected by the slime glands is made up of two main components: thread skeins and mucous vesicles. Thread skeins must unravel from their coiled state and provide strength to the slime in the form of a network of silk-like threads. Deployment of mucous vesicles is known to involve the swelling of constituent glycoproteins and their subsequent deformation into a vast mucous network that interpenetrates the slime thread network. Recent theoretical work suggests that thread skein unraveling would be greatly enhanced under conditions where the skein (or a loose piece of thread) is pinned to a solid surface. Our hypothesis states that the skeins staying embedded in the mucus matrix allows them to be loaded in tension, which facilitates unravelling and efficient slime formation. It is also hypothesized that when the mucus is loaded in tension and starts to deform due to turbulent flow, the skeins start to align in the direction of flow. We have employed a high-speed camera mounted on an Axio Zoom microscope to view a small amount of exudate on a slide in a tank of sea water to observe this process of slime formation in detail. The results are analyzed with ImageJ to track the movement of skeins which also provides insight into the direction of flow. Preliminary results suggest that hagfish slime exudate aligns with the direction of the flow and requires to be embedded in mucus. Most skeins do not remain attached to the slide but move together as the mucus is acted on by exterior forces. In terms of alignment, skeins originally do not have a statistically significant orientation when on the slide but when the water starts to flow over the stationary slide, the skeins that detach from the slide travel through the water in the direction of the flow with the same orientation.
Chemistry
- Computational Investigation Into the Reactivity of Cooperative H-E (E = Si and H) Bond Activation at M-S Complexes
Advisor(s): Dr. Maduka Ogba
Metal ligand cooperative catalysis involves the use of a transition metal and its coordinating ligand to activate bonds (e.g., H-H, H-Si, or H-B) in chemical transformations. The most common and most researched complexes for cooperative bond activation involve metal-nitrogen bonds. In contrast, synthetic metal-sulfur cooperative catalysts are rarer even though the biological inspiration for cooperative catalysis (i.e., nickel-iron hydrogenases) involve the reactivity at metal-sulfur centers. Moreover, little is known about the factors that control the reactivity of metal-sulfur cooperative activation, limiting our ability to develop more optimal bioreminiscent catalysts. In metal-nitrogen catalysts, different aspects of the catalyst have been investigated and from that, conclusions have been made. The same cannot be said for metal-sulfur catalysts. The purpose of my project is to use computational tools to systematically dissect all the components of known synthetic metal-sulfur cooperative catalysts and reveal the role each component plays in cooperative bond activation. In the first part of my project, I will compare the geometries, energies, and mechanism for H-H bond activation when mediated by iridium-, rhodium-, and cobalt- sulfur complexes to reveal the role of the metal in controlling the reactivity. Next, I will investigate whether the bond activation mechanism changes when activating H-Si bonds as compared to H-H bonds. Lastly, I will investigate the role of ligand chelation on the catalysts’ ability to successfully activate both H-H and H-Si bonds. In this poster, my literature search, proposed aims, methodology, hypotheses, and preliminary data will be presented.
- Spectroscopic Properties of Brown Carbon from Pyruvic Acid Precursor
Advisor(s): Dr. Warren De Bruyn, Dr. Aaron Harrison
Brown carbon (BrC) compounds are organic carbon compounds with chromophoric and photolytic properties that absorb strongly in the near UV from 300-400 nm range. BrC compounds can be formed in the atmosphere from secondary reactions of carbonyls with amine and ammonium precursors that are commonly found in cloud water and aqueous aerosols. To date, there has been research done on BrC compounds formed from methylglyoxal in combination with the amine and ammonium precursors, however there is very little known about BrC compounds that are formed from keto acids precursors instead. This research aims to further knowledge on the photochemical properties of BrC compounds in the atmosphere formed from pyruvic acid, a keto acid precursor. The BrC compounds studied were synthesized from pyruvic acid and ammonium sulfate (PA+AS) and pyruvic acid and methylamine chloride (PA+MA). To study the photochemical properties of these BrC compounds, spectroscopic data including absorption and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra were collected as a function of solar irradiation time. The absorbance results show decreases in the first 15-20 minutes of solar exposure; however, significant absorption persists in the near UV following 2 hours of irradiation. This suggest that these compounds can accumulate for long periods of time during the day and influence photochemistry and radiative forcing in the atmosphere.
- Silane Substrate Scope in Hydrosilylation Studies by a Carbodiphosphorane Catalyst
Advisor(s): Dr. Allegra Liberman-Martin
The objective of this research is to discover an effective, safe, and low cost catalyst for the hydrosilylation of ketones, which involves the addition of a silicon–hydrogen bond across a C=O double bond. Previous research with Dr. Liberman-Martin determined that our cyclic carbodiphosphorane catalyst may be effective in the hydrosilylation of ketones. It was determined that, through resonance, the pair of C=P double bonds changes to add two lone pairs to the bridging carbon, creating a double ylide resonance form. When in the presence of suitable ketone and silane substrates, this double ylide form can catalyze the hydrosilylation reaction. All synthesis reactions were conducted within a nitrogen atmosphere glovebox and were analyzed using both 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic analysis was used to determine completion of the hydrosilylation reaction as well as analyze the structure of products formed. Use of the carbodiphosphorane catalyst as a replacement for toxic heavy-metal containing catalysts would reduce waste and emissions harmful to the environment, while also providing an alternative means for accomplishing the hydrosilylation of ketones. Finding an efficient and low cost catalyst would benefit the organic synthesis industry, as carbonyl hydrosilylation is useful industrially for the synthesis of alcohol products.
- Design and Synthesize of Hybrid Cyclic-Linear Cell-Penetrating Peptide
Advisor(s): Dr. Keykavous Parang, Dr. Rakesh Tiwari, Dr. Hamidreza Montazeri
The cell membrane, mainly composed of phospholipids, which creates difficulty in intracellular delivery of cell-impermeable and negatively-charged molecules. The amphiphilic cyclic peptide [WR]5 alternate arginine (R) and tryptophan (W) residues bypasses the endosomal uptake and increase cellular uptake of cell-impermeable compounds. [WR]5 enhanced transporting cargo molecules across the cell membrane. The guanidinium group of arginine interacts with the cell membrane having a better interaction of the peptide with the cell surface and large electrostatic interaction with negatively charged phosphate group of the cell membrane. Designing five hybrid cyclic-linear peptides containing alternative positively charged arginine and hydrophobic tryptophan residues both on the ring and side chain [(RW)5K](RW)X (X=1-5), which is [(RW)5K](RW), [(RW)5K](RW)2, [(RW)5K](RW)3, [(RW)5K](RW)4, [(RW)5K](RW)5 were synthesized through Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis method with cyclization in solution phase to compare their molecular transporter efficiency. Using high-resolution MALDI_TOF, the chemistry structures of final products were confirmed. Final compounds were purified by reversed-phase HPLC. These data show the hybrid cyclic-linear peptides as molecular transporters: (1) Mixture of fluorescent-labeled phosphopeptide and hybrid cyclic peptide [(RW)5K](RW)5 were inhibited by Chlorpromazine and Methyl-β-cyclodextrin endocytosis inhibitors after 3 hour incubation in MDA-MB-231 through the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. (2) For intracellular localization in the cytosis, mixture of F′-GpYEEI and [(RW)5K](RW)5 in MDA-MB-231 was incubated for 3 hours in confocal microscopy. These data suggest the potential of this hybrid cyclic-linear peptide as molecular transporters.
- Carbodiphosphorane Catalysts for Lactide Polymerization
Advisor(s): Dr. Allegra Liberman-Martin
Hey you! Wait! Don’t let the title scare you! Okay maybe it didn’t scare you away, but either way, hear me out. It’s just scientific jargon for “we’re trying to make biodegradable plastic”. It’s actually really cool, and whether or not you know anything about polymer catalysis or chemistry at all, you should keep reading. This research investigated nucleophilic carbodiphosphorane catalysts that have shown promise in ring-opening polymerization with various biodegradable ester monomers, mainly racemic and L-lactide. Basically, we took the building blocks of plastics that are known to be biodegradable, and we tried to make them chain together using catalysts that are metal-free because they are cheaper, non-toxic, and more abundant. We had tremendous success using a carbodiphosphorane catalyst both cyclic (CDP) and non-cyclic (ACDP) as well as a phosphorous ylide (PY). 1H NMR showed up to 96% conversion from monomer to polymer after 30 min and 99% after 24 hr with rac-lactide:CDP at 100:1 and 99% conversion after 30 min with rac-lactide:ACDP at 100:1. Results were equally as promising in 200:1 ratios with ACDP showing 98% conversion after 1 hr and CDP showing 99% after 150 min. PY also showed 96% conversion in 100:1 after 150 min. Dispersity (how consistent the polymer chain lengths are) was also examined via GPC. This work explored new classes of nucleophilic catalysts and their ability to catalyze ring-opening polymerization as we continue to do our best creating biodegradable polymers and saving the world.
- Fluorescence Lifetimes of Oil Products in Aqueous Solution: Aging and Quenching
Advisor(s): Dr. Warren De Bruyn
The optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) as well as the UV and visible light-absorbing component of dissolved organic matter (DOM), have been used extensively to determine levels, distributions, identify sources, and track transformations of DOM in Californian coastal waters. Steady state fluorescence techniques like three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix (EEMs) fluorescence spectra have been used extensively to characterize CDOM in these systems. One of the challengers in interpreting EEMS is that fluorescent material from different sources can fluoresce in the same region. For example, both terrestrial organics and oil products can fluoresce in the protein region of a typical EEM making it difficult to use the approach in oil impacted waters. Time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy has the potential to differentiate between these different fluorescent materials. For example, the fluorescence lifetimes of natural dissolved organic material like plant leachates are typically less than 10 ns and the lifetimes of oil products typically have a component greater than 20 ns. To aid interpretation of fluorescent lifetime measurements of coastal waters we have carried out a set of measurements looking at changes in lifetime of a range of oil products as a function of photolysis time in a solar simulator. Initial results suggest that while fluorophores shift and change intensity, lifetimes do not change significantly. We have also looked at the potential for natural ions found in seawater to quench fluorescence and decrease oil fluorescence lifetimes.
Communication Studies
- The Transitionary Experience of High School Students Entering College During COVID-19
Advisor(s): Dr. Austin Lee
The transition from high school to college is the introduction to freedom, adulthood, and new experiences. This can introduce unique stressors since this is often the first time students are away from home and family. With the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, college freshmen are facing unique challenges, such as making friends and finding a sense of belonging. The ability to use in-person classes and extracurricular activities to make meaningful social connections has been eliminated, which may have drastic effects on students’ emotions and first-year experiences. Further research on how remote learning impacts the transition to university for first-year students should be prioritized to reveal and address the short-term and long-term effects on their emotions and mental health. More importantly, results may provide useful information for colleges and universities on which resources their students need and how to make those accessible in a virtual setting. This study evaluates the potential effects of participating in virtual extracurricular activities may have on the emotions of first-year college students living in Chapman University-owned housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Design of a Card Game Without a Traditional Manual
Advisor(s): Derek Prate
I am studying card game design, production, and graphic design by building a novel card game. The central question of this project is what is required to build a card game without the traditional rulebook instructions which are present in most card and board games. The solution utilized is a sequence of card-based rules, with players flipping cards to learn the rules. This is used to facilitate an understanding of the rules in a more straightforward fashion to make the game easier to learn and easier to package. In addition, many of the game’s core rules are placed on cards used for play to facilitate a learn-as-you play approach. As noted in Hanna Björkman’s thesis titled “Designing a board game rulebook: It is harder than you would think,” board game rules require many interactions and much refinement to facilitate the learning of rules. Because this game requires individuals to play it to understand the rules, it is vitally important that said rules may be understood easily. Much of the work on this game has gone into refining the rules such that they can be quickly understood without outside help on the first playthrough. Adobe Illustrator has been utilized in the creation of cards, and the computer programs Table Top Simulator as well as Tabletopia have been used to test this card game remotely in light of pandemic precautions. By the end of this project, I expect to have produced a card game which does not require the use of a rulebook and requires minimal packaging.
Environmental Science and Policy
- Nature Based Solutions: Green Buildings
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of green buildings will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of green buildings and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding green buildings in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. We hope to identify buildings in Costa Mesa where green roofs could feasibly be located. An outline will be provided describing how green roofs can be most effective. Incentives and examples of why green roofs are so effective will also be provided.
- Nature Based Solutions: Carbon Sequestration
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of carbon sequestration will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of sequestration and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding sequestration in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Carbon sequestration is the active removal of carbon dioxide from the surrounding areas as a way to lower emissions. Any positive sequestration effects of increased urban vegetation implemented should be considered highly successful for Costa Mesa.
- Nature Based Solutions: Green Infrastructure
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of green infrastructure will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of green infrastructure and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Green infrastructure is a nature-based solution that encompasses a sustainable approach to managing stormwater with green materials such as trees, lawns, forests and more. Storm water runoff can transport pollutants to water ways, create flooding, and cause land erosion. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding green infrastructure in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Nature Based Solutions: Ecological Restoration
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of ecological restoration will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of ecological restoration and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding ecological restoration in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Case studies include community engagement assisting in restoration projects. Ways to create mutual benefits for individuals to create restoration efforts in their private land will also be explored.
- Nature Based Solutions: Urban Green Space
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of urban green space will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of urban green space and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding urban green space in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Urban green spaces as a nature based solution will address not only climate change effects in Costa Mesa, but also existing environmental justice and accessibility issues. By using GIS mapping and storyboards we plan to locate areas of need, find viable green space projects that can be used in Costa mesa, and potential sources of funding while centering community need and partnerships.
- Nature Based Solutions: Urban Farming
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of urban farming will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. Our goal is to present the city of Costa Mesa with a proposal about urban farming and gardening that will provide the City with skills for implementation of farms and gardens. Urban farms and gardens help to create healthier environments by improving food security and increasing the health of people within the community and their environment. This paper entails detailed explanations of urban farming and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding urban farming in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Nature Based Solutions: Wildfire Risk
Advisor(s): Mackenzie Crigger, Dr. Jason Keller
The nature based solution of wildfire risk will be explored in this paper and will serve as an outline for potential implementation. Nature based solutions provide mitigation to climate change, water management, and promote community sustainability. This paper entails detailed explanations of wildfire risk and will supply possible implementation options for the city of Costa Mesa. Wildfire risk prevention is to enhance the nature based solutions in the City of Costa Mesa without increasing the risk of spread of wildfires. Due to Costa Mesa being in a low severity level zone for wildfires we are also focusing on the air quality from nearby fires while implementing the use of nature based solutions to lower the pollution levels from being concentrated in the city at unhealthy levels. Goals, case studies, and communication techniques will be explored to provide a comprehensive background and foundation for understanding wildfire risk in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
FFC
- Thor and Zeus
Advisor(s): Dr. Julye Bidmead
Thor is one of the most prominent gods in Norse mythology. He is famously known as the god of thunder who wields a powerful hammer that could destroy anyone or anything in its way. Similar to Zeus, the king of all Greek gods, Thor is a powerful figure whose strength is unparalleled. They are both guardians of the universe and they are revered in their myths and culture. However, there are several differences between Thor and Zeus. Thor is very impulsive whereas Zeus is more wise, fair, and just. In addition, Thor has a good relationship with his father Odin but Zeus did not have such a good relationship with his father Cronus who tried to eat him. A comparison of these two gods from cultures varying in geographical locations and historical time periods, can reveal how the Norse and the Greeks conceived ideas of power and strength. This research will examine these two heroes in more depth and see what we can learn from them and how it relates to their culture.
Food Science
- How Has the Pandemic Affected the Fast Food Industry?
Advisor(s): Dr. Rosalee Hellberg
In what most experts thought would last a few weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic has lasted well over a year. Aspects such as education and interpersonal interaction have changed in order to limit the spread of the pandemic. Businesses have turned to amazon locker-type food delivery and pick-up to make a contactless ordering of food for both consumers and companies. Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, and Crumbl have turned to contactless ordering and delivery systems. Tablets or restaurant apps allow a customer to order food without ever interacting with an employee. Although this is a positive for consumers, companies are able to cut labor costs in order to adhere to social distancing and safety guidelines. Supply chains have been affected as social distancing has proposed a challenge for employees and production. However, government programs must be put into place in order to avoid substantial price increases for necessities. Changes like these could alter how food ordering and delivery systems execute typical processes in the future. As more and more individuals want fast and safe foods, the supply chains and corporations are obligated to meet the demand.
Health Sciences and Kinesiology
- Gait Analysis Using Pressure Insoles on Incline Surfaces
Advisor(s): Dr. Rahul Soangra
Knowledge of gait parameters is crucial in determining treatments to address a multitude of gait pathologies. The FScan64 is an in-shoe pressure mapping system used for quick, natural gait analysis. The device measures several gait parameters such as: pressure and force, center of force, cadence, step time, stride time, stance time, and swing time. The main objective of this research is to assess gait parameters using FScan64 and compare its validity with traditional motion capture and force plates methods. We expect pressure data collected from the system will show reliability with existing laboratory measures utilizing motion capture and forceplates. The materials used in this study are two FScan 64 insole sensors, reflective markers placed throughout the body, a walking platform with two embedded Bertec Forceplates, and motion capture. Previous studies have reported a high correlation between the force measures collected from Fscan sensors and the force platform (r=0.93) (Mueller & Strube, 1996). We propose to test reliability on inclined surfaces and during toe walking. Five participants will perform toe walking on three (3) different inclined surfaces. Participants will perform three heel raises to synchronize the data from the FScan sensors with motion capture and force plates. The data from the FScan 64 devices, motion capture, and force plates will be compared to determine the reliability and validity of the FScan 64 insoles.
Physics
- Enhancing Optical Metrology Through the Manipulation of the Directional Asymmetry of Polarizers
Advisor(s): Dr. Jerry LaRue, Dr. Justin Dressel
We design and characterize an optical interferometer that uses the broken directional symmetry of a series of imperfect polarizers to magnify small changes in linear polarization. Using a virtual prototype coded in python, we numerically explore the parameter space to optimize the design for inexpensive laboratory hardware. We anticipate that introducing electro-optical components into this design will enable the precise measurement of a wide range of phenomena.
Political Science
- Political Affiliations and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
In 2020 and 2021 we have been faced with a global pandemic that has reshaped our own reality, changing the way we normally do things like going to the store and sporting events. Many lines of red tape have been outlined for us to follow giving new expectations, fears, and worries about the current global pandemic of the COVID-19 virus. In this study, the focus of research will be the correlation of coronavirus fears, worries, and concerns with an individual's party affiliation. This will be done to see if people from either side of the isle have similar or different thoughts and beliefs about the pandemic. In this study the Chapman fear survey and other related articles and studies will be used to collect information and data to come to a conclusion. In the United States of America those who are more right leaning or Republican have less fear and worry about the coronavirus pandemic and are more inclined to continue everyday activities. On the other hand those who are left leaning or identify as Democrat have more fear and concerns about the coronavirus and are less inclined to go outside and would rather stay at home. Today the plans and ideas of how to deal with the global pandemic has become so entwined with political beliefs that they now come hand in hand. The American political spectrum has become more polarized than in any other time in its history. Many things such as news sources, candidates, and personal beliefs have contributed to this polarization. This study will show the polarization with COVID-19 beliefs with party affiliations as well as varying geographic areas.
- The Fear of Oil Spills
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
This paper will compile demographic data on individuals and analyze their correspondence with fear of oil spills in order to fabricate a profile of individuals that see oil spills as a risk. I will be using the Chapman Fear Survey as the central data collection device from participants, and use that data and additional studies to create my profiles. Oil spills are an environmental issue that causes a release of harmful crude or refined oil into the environment along the spill, poisoning the landscape and having catastrophic effects on the surrounding area. The independent variable being tested is the fear of oil spills. Dependent upon this is the answers to demographic data such as what news they consume, what political party they belong to, what is their income level, whether they belong to a metro center, and which census region they occupy. I expect to find that those concerned with oil spills will be more likely to belong to the democratic party, and less likely to consume fox news. I also expect them to have a lower income level, be less likely to belong to a metro center, and exist in census regions that have a higher density of oil pipelines, something I will cross examine.
- Fear of Corrupt Government Officials and the Impact of Mass Media
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
Fear and distrust of corrupt government officials in the United States by individuals in the public is influenced by mass media. This paper will analyze and observe the media in relation to corrupt government officials and the impact it has on its audience, their fears, and trust of the governmental system and its officials. Relying on the Chapman Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults that asks how afraid is one of the following, corrupt government officials and how often one gets news from social media. The relationship between mass media, corrupt government officials, the public’s fears and distrust are untested to some extent. Using an original survey, it will consist of questions to ask the public about their fears and distrust in the governmental system in relation to the media. Along with analyzing different sub-factors of government and media including, false news, historical events linked to corrupt government, and the impact of social media. The expected results are that mass media have a significant impact on Americans' fear of corrupt government officials. It is also found that there are other external factors that may lead to the contribution of American’s fear of corrupt government officials. The effectiveness and influential notion of mass media bringing awareness to corrupt government officials is explored. The United States without corrupt government officials is an impractical goal, mass media plays a factor into Americans distrust in government and questions our country's moral character and behavior as a whole.
- WITHDRAWN- Media Frames and their Impact on Support for Immigrants and Immigrant Policies
Advisor(s): Dr. Ann Gordon
In this paper we will examine how media framing and types of frames used influence support for immigrants in the United States. I examine how likely a potential voter is to support immigrants and immigrant policies based on the information they are presented in the media, paying special attention to the use of equivalency frames, policy frames, episodic and thematic frames. The influence these frames have varies, depending on how they are used and what specific groups they target. It was also discovered that political ideology and location does influence the support or opposition for immigrants and immigrant issues. Relying on the Chapman University Survey of American Fears, a representative national sample of U.S. adults, I was able to observe how many U.S. adults have a fear of immigrants. This presents a possible correlation between the way immigrants and immigrants issues are presented in the media and the fear U.S. adults develop based on the media they are exposed to. As a result of this study we have found data that points to media framing as a significant influencer of American popular opinion on immigrants and immigrant issues. While there are a lot of factors that vary, immigration framing plays a very vital role when it comes to passing policies regarding immigrants.
Psychology
29. How COVID19 has Impacted Students Nutrition and Eating Habits with the Abrupt Closure of Restaurant's and Campuses.
Presenter(s): Chloe Sermet
Advisor(s): Dr. Desiree Crevecoeur-Macphail
It’s no surprise that college students often overlook their nutrition to prioritize their work, money, and social activities. College students often rely on restaurants, cafeterias, fast food chains on campuses, and other quick methods of food delivery throughout their school year. With COVID-19 causing college campuses and restaurants to close, there has been an increase of students finding themselves having to return home and no longer being able to depend on their campus' food resources. This has caused many students to struggle with their nutrition and their ability to properly feed themselves. Not only is nutrition education important to understand the vital nature of food as fuel but also to learn how to maintain these fundamental habits in times of crisis. Supported by the social learning theory, this study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on college students and where being educated in the field of nutrition makes a difference. This study compared chapman university nutrition minors and non-nutrition minors to look at how educating individuals on the topic of nutrition directly relates to their own nutrition. It was expected that nutation minors made healthier food choices than non-nutrition minors. The students living situation was also investigated, whether students lived at home or not. It was expected that students living at home improved student’s nutrition. The impact of social pressures along with COVID-19 was also examined.
- Reading Comprehension in College Students: Does Lo-Fi Music Help or Hinder Reading Abilities?
Advisor(s): Dr. Julia Boehm
This study analyzes college student’s reading comprehension abilities while listening to music. Our main focus falls in the category of low fidelity music, a category of music that does not have much prior research completed. Low fidelity music, or lo-fi music, is music that allows for songs to maintain any impurities or background sounds in the track. This creates a more ambient listening experience. We hypothesized that those who listened to low fidelity music without words would complete a College Board SAT reading section with questions more accurately than those who heard low fidelity music with words, and those who did not hear any. One hundred and seventy-four undergraduate university students completed the experiment online and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low fidelity music with words (n = 57), low fidelity music without words (n = 57), or the no music control (n = 60). Most of the participants were close in age with a mean age of 19.44 years (SD = 2.32). The number of correct responses to the reading comprehension questions were analyzed in a One-way ANOVA. Results indicated that there is no significant difference between groups (p = 0.275). Although this study shows no significant results through the one-way ANOVA, the means from each experimental group seem to trend in favor of the study hypothesis, showing a lower accuracy in the lo-fi music with words group as compared to the control and lo-fi without words group. The power in this study was not strong due to the small sample size, also limiting the results of this study. Ideally, further research would use a large and diverse population in order to be able to generalize results regarding low fidelity music and studying.
- Coronavirus-19 Pandemic: Examining Whether Loneliness During Quarantine Relates to Issues with Sleep
Advisor(s): Dr. Brooke Jenkins, Dr. Julia Boehm
The global coronavirus pandemic has brought forth unprecedented changes to society’s daily functions. While previous research has linked loneliness to depression and anxiety among older adults and the elderly, it is important to consider the effects of the pandemic on younger populations. Therefore, we suggest the need to study the impact of loneliness on factors of sleep such as problems with sleep, restlessness, and change in sleep during the pandemic. In the present study, we recruited a total of 292 students from Chapman University. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire the week of April 20th of 2020, and subsequently every 2 months until December 2020 that assessed psychosocial and health measures. For the purposes of the present study, we used loneliness at baseline to predict sleep four months later. We hypothesize that higher loneliness will be associated with issues with sleep. Implications of loneliness during quarantine will be discussed in the context of sleep.
- The Impacts of Social Support and Loneliness on the Physical Health and Coping Styles of College Students during COVID-19
Advisor(s): Dr. Brooke Jenkins, Dr. Julia Boehm
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased mental health risk among college students. Recent studies have suggested that this concerning phenomenon can be attributed to social isolation and loneliness caused by preventive measures including social distancing. Being socially isolated can also have harmful effects on one’s physical health, such as a weakened cardiovascular system. Furthermore, existing literature reported that social support can promote more active coping strategies, which is associated with better psychological adjustment. Nevertheless, there hasn’t been any research on the influence of social factors and loneliness both on students’ health and their coping styles during the pandemic. The purpose of the present study is to investigate how loneliness and perceived social support are associated with the physical health and coping styles of college students during COVID-19. As for the coping measure, the study will look specifically at two types of coping strategies: active coping and self-distraction. The variables were measured through an online survey administered across five different time points in 2020 with students enrolled in Chapman University. The study will focus on the first two waves of the survey, which took place in May and July of 2020. Social support and loneliness in May will be used to predict physical health and coping styles in July. It is hypothesized that students who reported higher levels of perceived social support would show better physical health and use active coping more than self-distraction. It is also predicted that those who feel higher levels of loneliness would report poorer physical health and engage more in self-distraction than in active coping. This study may contribute to the necessary endeavor to improve the physical and psychological well-being of college students during the global health crisis by promoting higher social support and alleviating the sense of loneliness.
- Perturbing the Sense of Agency Using TMS
Advisor(s): Dr. Uri Maoz, Alice Wong
The goal of this study is to test a model of the sense of agency, intention, volition, and causality in order to examine the time course of the sense of agency associated with voluntary and involuntary movements. We examine the roles of context, expectation, and sensory feedback in the feeling of agency as well as examining the aspects of volition in different kinds of decisions. This study involves non-invasive, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which is a method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed on the scalp to elevate brain function. The TMS coil is placed above the scalp in a position that triggers a slight hand movement; the subject will then be instructed to make the same movement at will. It is expected that the participant will report ambiguity when asked whether the movement was due to them or the TMS. Resultantly, there should be an effect on the sense of agency by the TMS, especially when it is close to the voluntary movement. Here, we present preliminary data illustrating the range and types of precept that emerge among the participants' self-reported levels of agency.
- Covert Attention and Deliberate Decisions
Advisor(s): Dr. Aaron Schurger, Dr. Uri Maoz
Attention seems important to the decision-making process. Previous studies have shown that directing overt attention, which involves moving the eyes, can influence the choices people make (Shimojo et al., 2003). However, it remains unclear whether or not directing covert attention, which involves an effortful internal neural adjustment of attention in space while keeping the eyes fixated in one spot, will impact choice. Even more, directing impact on deliberate—reasoned, purposeful, and bearing consequences—decisions (Ullmann-Margalit & Morgenbesser, 1977; Maoz et al., 2019). Thus, the proposed study aims to investigate whether or not directing covert attention will impact choices made in a deliberate decision-making context. Subjects will be prompted to choose between non-profit organizations (NPOs) while their overt or covert attention is directed to one option more than to the other. We predict that subjects will be more likely to choose NPOs that they attended to for longer. We hope that this research will contribute to our understanding of the role of attention in decision-making and decisions and how decisions can be influenced.
- The Relationship Between Perceived Neighborhood Disorder and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Across Different Racial/Ethnic Groups
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Robinette
Approximately 32 million Americans have Type 2 Diabetes and that number is growing rapidly. Type 2 Diabetes is sensitive to environmental factors, and higher prevalence rates are often observed in disordered neighborhoods (i.e., those with more trash and vandalism). Through discriminatory practices such as redlining, racially restrictive covenants, urban renewal, and gentrification, marginalized racial/ethnic groups are more likely to live in disordered neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. These disparities may also contribute to similar disparities in Type 2 Diabetes rates. Yet, research indicates that there may be racial/ethnic differences in the interpretation of neighborhood disorder as a threat to health and well-being. In the current study, Health and Retirement Study data were used to examine whether the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and Type 2 Diabetes risk differs across racial/ethnic groups. Participants reported their perceptions of disorder in their neighborhoods and whether or not they had been told by a physician that they had Type 2 Diabetes. A weighted logistic regression model was used to predict Type 2 Diabetes risk by perceived neighborhood disorder, race/ethnicity, and their interaction. Individual factors that may influence the development of Type 2 diabetes, such as education status, household wealth, sex, and age, were included as covariates. Results from the model indicated that non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Others had higher Type 2 Diabetes risk compared to non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, more disorder was related to heightened Type 2 Diabetes risk. However, the null interaction suggested that the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes risk and perceived neighborhood disorder was consistent across the different racial/ethnic groups. These findings demonstrate that intervention programs designed to reduce disorder in neighborhoods may slow the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes for diverse populations.
- Cultural Influences on Exercise Type and Body Confidence in Women
Advisor(s): Dr. Desiree Crevecoeur-Macphail
This study examined cultural influences on exercise habits and body confidence in women, specifically between ethnic minority and white women. Past research has indicated that Asian women often feel more cultural pressure than their White counterparts. This study wanted to examine further and see if an individual’s parent being an immigrant differs in amount of cultural pressure. Another aspect that this survey examined is motivation for exercise. Past research found that women who felt greater dissatisfaction with their physical appearance were more likely to list factors such as appearance or weight as their reasoning for exercise rather than for health reasons. The theory driving this study is social identity theory, which explains how individuals identify with certain social groups in relation to other social groups available. Participants in this study were recruited through SONA and social media platforms and surveyed using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) (Phinney & Ong, 2007), the Social Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) (Schaeffer et al., 2015), and the Reasons for Exercise Inventory (Silberstein, Striegel-Moore, Timko, & Rodin, 1988). The data results were analyzed using ANOVA, chi square, and t test analyses. The expected results are that female participants who identify as ethnic minorities will report more cultural influences on their exercise habits and body confidence. Specifically, ethnic minority women will report experiencing more family pressures and commentary on their appearance than White women.
World Languages and Cultures
- Genderlect Theory in Paloma Pedrero's "La llamada de Lauren" and Sabina Berman's "Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda"
Advisor(s): Dr. Polly Hodge
Created and popularized by Deborah Tannen, the Genderlect Theory explains how through social contexts, men and women have different ways of communicating. According to Tannen, men focus more on status, while women focus more on forming connections. On the other hand, there is also machismo, the behavior and attitude men partake to show that they are “manly” or “superior” to women and others they deem as inferior. Through the literary theatrical works, "La llamada de Lauren" by Paloma Pedrero and "Entre Villa y una mujer" desnuda by Sabina Berman, we can see similarities and differences in the Genderlect Theory and patriarchy in society. The Genderlect Theory is essentially a guide of expected gendered communication patterns; however, there has been some criticism since the creation of this theory, as some of the ideas ultimately portray stereotypes. Both Genderlect Theory and patriarchal culture are formed by social norms and individuals sometimes do not conform to these norms. Members of a society often feel pressured to fit in and follow what is expected of them based on established norms. We see that in "La llamada de Lauren" and "Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda," the characters struggle internally with the pressure to conform to societal norms and debate how much of their individual wants and needs they are willing to neglect. Additionally, people have unique identities and are affected by the era they live in. In "La llamada de Lauren," Pedro adapts to expectations of being a “man,” but in reality, wants to live his life true to his homosexual identity. Rosa, his wife, is dedicated to having a conversation with Pedro to discuss and work on their relationship. In "Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda," Adrián acts as a macho man idolizing the famous Mexican revolutionary leader, Pancho Villa, and Gina is an independent woman, but partially conforms to the stereotypical submissive, female role in the beginning of the play until she realizes what she truly wants.
