Summer Scholar Research Highlights

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Dylan Sullivan ’20

Major: Chemistry

Title: Development of a Low-Cost Fluorescence Spectrometer

Abstract: The technique of fluorescence spectroscopy utilizes light to determine unknown concentrations of molecules. The actual instrument used, a fluorimeter, costs over $30,000 so most students lack access to learn about and use this technique. In this research, I propose to develop a fully-functional LEGO-based fluorimeter as a cost efficient alternative to a commercial fluorimeter. Specifically, I will determine how various components and engineering designs affect the LEGO fluorimeter’s performance. Afterwards, I will then utilize this instrument to characterize the speed of an enzymatic reaction, with an end goal of developing a laboratory experiment to be used by Roanoke College students.

Something about the scholar: Dylan is from Fredericksburg, Virginia and is currently a senior at Roanoke College. He is majoring in Chemistry and is looking to attend a graduate program for a Ph.D. in Chemistry after his graduation. Dylan is also currently working as a chemistry departmental assistant under Dr. Keithley’s mentorship. When it comes to chemistry courses he has previously taken, he enjoys organic chemistry and quantitative chemistry the most.

 

Andrew Webb ’20

Major: Applied Computer Science

Title: Creating Interactive Fire Spread in VR

Abstract: The project is focusing on creating a program that can take the United States Forest Service’s Fire Spread data and put it into a Virtual Reality space. From there, the Virtual Reality space will be used to create training programs for US Forest Service Firefighters to better learn how to handle forest fires.

Something about the scholar: Andrew is a Senior Applied Computer Science Student. A New Mexican student, he prefers to consider himself a Roanoker. When he isn’t busy working on VR forests, he likes to explore the local ones.

Summer Scholar Research Highlights

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Andrew Droubay ‘20

Major: Computer Science & Mathematics

Title: Pointer Visualization and Education in C++ Through Gamification

Abstract:The syntactic and theoretical use of pointers within computer programming is often a difficult obstacle to intermediate students. Solutions involving visualizations and practice problems have been used before, but a better result may be obtained through gamifying the problem. This project aims to create an enjoyable, educational, and visual game that will reinforce the use of pointers within a computer science curriculum. The game’s effectiveness will be tested on a group of students in CPSC 170 at Roanoke College.

Something about the scholar:  Andrew is a math and computer science major and IT programmer at Roanoke College, where he writes forms and web applications for the college’s website and internal IT use. He has been inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshman honor society, and Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, and has been a member of the President’s or Dean’s list each semester at Roanoke. He enjoys computer science as a problem solving challenge yielding tangible results. When he’s not studying, he likes to spend his time fishing, woodworking, or designing, studying, and playing video games.

Mark Maust ‘20

Major:Chemistry

Title:Optimization and Investigation of a novel palladium-catalyzed olefin difunctionalization

Abstract:Organic compounds are molecules are compounds that can be found everywhere in modern life. The creation of organic compounds is often tedious and costly, so exploring opportunities to efficiently synthesize these compounds is of interest. An essential component to the synthesis of organic molecules is the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. Palladium has shown capabilities to form carbon-carbon bonds and thus has been utilized widely in organic synthesis. Specifically, this research investigates the transformation of a carbon-carbon double bond through a novel pathway using palladium to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction so others can utilize it in their investigations.

Something about the scholar: A third year Chemistry major, Mark has an interest for the discovery and excitement that is associated with research. In the summer of 2017, Mark began his research in the Brenzovich lab where he began studying a palladium-catalyzed olefin difunctionalization reaction. During his research time, Mark has successfully created unique compounds that have provided insight into the step-by-step process of how the reaction occurs. The work he performed has been presented at the national American Chemical Society Conference (March 2018) and is currently being prepared for publication. Mark plans to continue his research and take his love for discovery to graduate school to further his education in organic synthesis and hopefully start a career in pharmaceutical research. 

RC Showcase of Research & Creativity

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On April 5th, approximately 40 RC students had the opportunity to present their work at the Roanoke College Showcase of Research and Creativity. 

Top awards went to . . .

First Place: Katie Hefele –– Cardiac function in the American lobster: How does pericardial sinus pressure relate to pressure inside the heart? 

Dr. Dar Jorgensen, Biology

Second Place: Matt Johnson –– Kinetics studies of archaeal PurO and PurH1-related cyclohydrolases

Dr. Cathy Sarisky, Chemistry

Third Place was a tie between: 

Kasey Ansell –– Active Commuting and Weight-Related Health Status in Elementary School-Aged Youth: A Preliminary Investigation

Dr. Liz Ackley, Health and Human Performance

Erin McDonnell –– Effects on nervous system development and anxious state behavioral patterns of zebrafish (Danio rerio) from short term exposure to Tributyltin (TBT)

Dr. Chris Lassiter, Biology


Summer Scholar Research Highlights

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Jared Boone ’20

Major: Political Science & French

Title: Power Structures and Political Tradition: An Explanation for the Disparate Healthcare Outcomes Between the United States and France

Abstract: The United States and France have distinctly different healthcare systems and these differences are shown in nearly every measure. It is unique that two western Republics with very similar systems of governance, values, traditions, and global interests have created such different systems and this project seeks to answer the question of why. A three-pronged approach is taken for each country which focuses on the key actors of each system. First, a history of the contemporary health system is treated which outlines the development of the major actors as well as the politics that surrounded this development. Then follows an examination of how these key actors interact when reform efforts are undertaken by the government in order to guard their own respective interest. Finally, specific recent reforms are examined specifically focusing on the political process involving such key actors and how they influenced the ultimate political outcome. Interviews of students, doctors, and academics in each system are used to supplement the research. Through the understanding the political structure of each respective system, this project seeks to understand the disparate result of the two systems.

Something about the scholar: Jared is a rising senior in the Honors program that began to enjoy the study of politics during the presidential primaries of the 2016 election. During this time, he was a bored high school student, but these events sparked his realization that in our modern world, the domain of politics is among the last in which, as a nation, we fight with one another for what we think is right. However divisive this process may be, Jared believes that this constant battle of ideas is important for the health of our local, national, and global society. Regarding his study of French, this is something that he undertook starting his freshman year in high school and never had the heart to let go. So, he made it a second major and now he seeks to one day be able to call himself bilingual in the French language and culture. Further, he seeks to begin to put that skill to use in this project which he is completing for the Roanoke College Honors Program, out of love for the political process seen in different cultures, and to give himself a boost for his upcoming career. In his free time, Jared enjoys music, biking and chess among other things. If he’s not working on his project, taking shots of espresso while hovering over his online chessboard or at choir practice, you can probably find him on one of the beautiful nature trails in Roanoke.

Emma Coogan ‘20

Major: Biology

Title: Testing the Limits of Perception and Cognition of the Odorous House Ant Tapinoma sessile

Abstract: I propose experiments with the well-known odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) to determine their color vision abilities, and then, to determine their ability to recognize themselves through the mirror test paradigm often used in studies of animal cognition. My research will build upon and test controversial published work demonstrating self-recognition in a single species of Myrmica ants. If ants exhibit self-recognition, we would better understand the limits of cognitive abilities of insects, compared to vertebrates—so-called higher animals—as very few animal species pass the mirror test.

Something about the scholar: Emma is a rising senior at Roanoke College, majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. With a deep passion for ecology as well as comprehending alternative viewpoints, she has studied a variety of resources outside the classroom—such as Joseph Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces and Measuring Behavior: An Introductory Guide by Paul Martin and Patrick Bateson. She has thrown herself into the realms of interning and volunteering in both wildlife rehabilitation and zoological institutes. Having a strong belief in animals’ rights as well as human rights, she hopes to foster human respect for the other lifeforms with which they share the planet so that both groups might be brought closer together.

 

Summer Scholar Research Highlights

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Isabel Hildesheim ‘20

Major: Biology

Title: Using Bryophytes for Stronger Quantification of the Effects of Air Pollution in Habitat

Abstract: This project will work to develop a method for using mosses to quantitatively assess air pollution. Moss will be fumigated with SO2 in the lab. The morphology, physiology, and cytology of these mosses will be observed, and polar auxin transport, photosynthesis, and respiration rates will be measured pre and post fumigation. Moss will be placed at three locations within Southwestern Virginia along a pollution gradient. Every three months for a year, the number of moss species present at these sites will be counted and samples of the moss specimens placed in the field will be collected for observation and analysis.

Something about the scholar: Isabel is Biology major who is passionate about conservation. She is an avid hiker and her hobbies include identifying plants and animals, spending time outdoors, reading, and learning about the world around her. She is dedicated to finding ways to improve the environment and educate others about how important the environment is. Her long-term goal is to go to graduate school and eventually get a job as a National Park Ranger performing conservation ecology field research. 

 

Emma Howard-Woods ‘20

Major: Sociology

Title: Barriers to Healthcare Access: How Socioeconomic Status Affects Perceived Access to Healthcare

Abstract: The goal of this project is to assess different barriers to healthcare access within the Roanoke Valley. This project will begin with the selection of three clinics within the Roanoke Valley, each serving a distinct socioeconomic population. From there, each clinic will receive two sets of questionnaires, one to be distributed to the patients, and one to the healthcare providers that work there. The questionnaires are designed to gauge the extent to which participants from each clinic perceive different barriers to healthcare access. Participants will also have an opportunity to participate in an optional interview.

Something about the scholar:  Emma was raised in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated from William Byrd High School in 2016. She is now a junior at Roanoke College and is majoring in Sociology with concentrations in Anthropology and Peace and Justice Studies. She is active in the Honors program as well as the Student Peace and Justice Association and Alpha Kappa Delta. After Roanoke, she plans to go to graduate school to study public health, public policy, and law. She hopes to someday have a career in healthcare policy where she can make healthcare more equitable.

Research Highlight: Riker Lawrence

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Riker Lawrence (’20) presented recently at the Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Research Conference at Virginia Tech. Her poster was about Psychological Capital (PsyCap), well-being, and work attitudes of employees. It was a joint project with her lab mate, Kaitlin. Riker “wanted to share her work with others because it is a topic that is common in the workplace and can influence the success of a business”. This research examined associations between PsyCap and how employees write about their jobs in addition to exploring the usefulness of Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs in coding employees’ writings about their jobs. It was found that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is not very useful when identifying and coding the themes that participants had wrote about their job.

“I think this is important to consider because employees’ attitudes and views on their workplace can impact employee morale. Therefore, measuring these components can possibly be helpful to a business’ success”.   


This was Riker’s first conference that was primarily other undergraduate students. This experience was different from others as at this conference she was around other students like herself instead of the usual professors and graduate students. Riker’s experience at the conference was very positive.

“I think being in [this] conference . . . made me feel more comfortable and confident with my presentation of the poster. It was also interesting to watch those students give oral presentations because it seems less intimidating than the oral presentations that I have experienced at my other conferences. In addition, I had the confidence to help other undergraduate students, who have never been to a conference before, by providing information from my past experience that could help with their poster presentation”.


Research Highlight: Kiah Coflin & Rachel Harmon

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Fellow RC students, Kiah Coflin (’19) and Rachel Harmon (’20) had the opportunity to present at the Society for Research on Child Development biennial conference in Baltimore.  They presented with Dr. Powell on the preliminary information gathered from Dr. Powell’s May Term on Emerging Adults Intercultural Competencies (ICC)over time after traveling to Thailand.

“Dr. Powell had us, as a May term class, complete quantitative measures on the A.S.K.S.2+ and on our intercultural competencies before, during, and after our experiences in Thailand. She plans on continuing to collect this data in the future with her next trip to Thailand.”

Kiah

 Presenting this research especially was appealing to both Kiah and Rachel. 

“I was interested in Dr. Powell’s research on ICCs because of its relevance to my own research on the cross-cultural differences in the available resources for children with disabilities between the United States and Mexico.”

Rachel

“It was wonderful getting to present at this conference not only because of the incredible scholars we were surrounded with and could network with, but also because I was on the May term and could give personal accounts of my experience and thoughts!”

Kiah

The presentation was a hit as so many people were very interested in the research of Dr. Powell. This research was intriguing to professors because the presentation was given at the pre-conferences for teachers. Specifically, professors from other schools were interested about how their own students ICCs could improve if they offered short-term study abroad opportunities.

“Many individuals were interested in our findings because of the educational aspect that was incorporated, as we spoke to the class assignments we needed to complete, and the measurements Dr. Powell included for her May Term. Due to this, many teachers and individuals interested in travel to different countries were visitors at our poster.”

Kiah

 After presenting at the pre-conference, Rachel and Kiah were able to spend the following days attending research talks, listening to guest speakers, and attend peer poster presentation. They were able to spend some time in downtown Baltimore and explore the city. 

“Overall, I thought the conference was amazing and gave me the opportunity to gain experience presenting research, so that I am more prepared when I present my own next year. SRCD also helped to remind me how important research can be in making global changes.”

Rachel

                                                                                 

Fine Arts Highlight

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RC students Charissa Roberson, Sarah Jane Ruppert, Haley Ramsey, and Adeline Huggins, had the opportunity to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region IV. In particular Adeline Huggins was nominated for her performance in Our Town, RC’s Theatre fall production. The group had the opportunity to perform a scene before a panel of judges, after which Adeline performed a monologue. 

RC students Charissa Roberson, Sarah Jane Ruppert, Haley Ramsey, and Adeline Huggins

I interviewed Charissa Roberson and here’s what she had to say about the whole experience.

I participated in the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA), a program in which students write about the plays they see during the festival and then workshop their articles in small-group sessions. I attended six student productions; wrote two reviews, one lead, and an interview piece; and participated in several two to three-hour ITJA sessions with a reporter from the Washington Post, during which we workshopped articles and discussed the plays we had seen.  

This festival was an amazing opportunity to see a wide variety of high-level artistry, including numerous full-length plays (for free!).  I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in an acting competition as well, which is something I have never done before—it was a new kind of exciting stress!  

Also, as a creative writing major at Roanoke, the ITJA program honed my journalistic skills—such as conducting interviews and meeting pressing deadlines—and connected me with professionals in my prospective field.  I was able to interview a student playwright and learn how to use a transcribing program to structure a Q&A interview piece. Also, I experienced the realistic pressure of watching a play one night and having to get an article written by the next morning! 

 Beyond all that, I enjoyed and benefited from the time spent discussing writing, play-crafting, and other interesting topics in the workshop sessions.  At the end of the festival, I actually ended up winning the Regional award for my submissions in the ITJA program, which was an honor. 

HHP Highlight

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Dr. Elizabeth Ackley and her undergraduate research team recently participated at the Southeast Regional meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Ackley had high praises for her team as they were a really good group of students. She also said “this [trip] was one of the best travel experiences with students [she] has had”.

Four students presented research:

           Kasey Ansell (So.)              

 

 

 

 

Peyton Rohrbaugh (Sr.)  

        Kate Priester (Sr.)                   
                 

Hannah Kolcz (Recent Graduate)

 

Peyton Rohrbaugh was one of eight undergraduates selected from hundreds of research presentations to compete in the undergraduate research competition. She finished 3rdoverall! This is the second time Dr. Ackley’s had a student as a finalist, but this is the first time she’s had a winner. Also, Roanoke College finished 12thout of 39 schools across the Southeast Region.

Great to see so many Roanoke students excelling!