The following honors students completed their projects during the 2011-2012 academic year. For each student, the title, abstract, and committee for their project are provided.
Abhimanyu Aggarwal (Biology)
“A Study of Web 2.0 Applications and their Implications in Social Project Management”
The purpose of this research is to do a comprehensive study of Web 2.0 project management applications that are available on the Internet as cloud-based technologies, offer a collaborative user experience, and are cost effective. This research reviews each of the web applications, their functional uses, a valuation of the cost structure, and offers access to tutorials in using the software effectively. The results of this research have been published to a customized website with the URL: www.abhiaggarwal.com/honors. To the extent of my knowledge, a review guide of this nature does not exist in print or on the web. This research can be used by non-profits and business owners to find better project management applications to manage their projects more efficiently and optimize their human resources, both of which are critical in any business.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Todd Palmer (School of Business)
- Field Examiner: Dr. James Mahar (School of Business)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Steve Andrianoff (Computer Science)
Neil Batta (Biology)
“Reducing Excitability in Stem Cells for Future Study"
My project involves identifying an ion channel that has the ability to reduce excitability in stem cells in the hippocampus. Through-out the year, much literature research was done in identifying an ion channel from scratch that fit the criteria outlined for what was needed both for biological and experimental purposes. The end result of the project is an ion channel gene construct and a viral expression packaging system for introduction into the stem cells in vitro. Once excitability has been reduced in these cells, their survival and differentiation can eventually be tracked and studied in different regions of the brain.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Nicholas Mitchell (Biology)
- Field Examiner: Fr. Peter Schneible, O.F.M. (Biology)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. David Hilmey (Chemistry)
Heather Creary (Psychology)
“The Influence of the Proximity and Visibility of Fruits and Vegetables on Intake and Purchasing Behavior”
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Experiment 1 tested the hypothesis that participants will eat more fruits (apple slices) and vegetables (baby carrots) when they are more proximate and visible using a 2x2 between-subjects design. Proximity was manipulated by placing the fruits and vegetables in a bowl on a table where the participants sat (near) or on a counter three feet away from the participant (far). Visibility was manipulated by placing the fruits and vegetables in an open, clear bowl (visible) or in an opaque, covered bowl (not visible). The results showed that placing apple slices and baby carrots in closer proximity to participants increased intake, whereas making the foods more visible only increased intake of the apple slice, which
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| may be due to the fact that fruits taste sweet and may be more motivationally salient than bitter-tasting vegetables. Experiment 2 tested the hypothesis that consumers will purchase more proximate fruits and vegetables in a grocery store setting. The proximity of fruits and vegetables from the front entrance of a grocery store and how far the customers had to reach to obtain the items was coded. Visibility was excluded because the produce was similarly visible. Data are currently being analyzed for Experiment 2. It is expected that results in Experiment 2 will be consistent with the results observed for intake behavior in Experiment 1. |
- Project Adviser: Dr. Gregory Privitera (Psychology)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Darryl Mayeaux (Psychology)
- Faculty Examiner: Fr. David Blake, O.F.M. (Sociology)
Alicia D’Alessandro (Journalism/Mass Communication)
“An Evaluation of Service-Learning at St. Bonaventure University, as Supported by Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory”
My Honors Project advocates for the increased implementation of service-learning at St. Bonaventure. Preliminary research found two national studies arguing that the improper use of service-learning with high school and college students causes more harm than good, perpetuating individual biases of the “other” and decreasing the likelihood of future involvement. Through evaluation of an existing service-learning course at Bonaventure, by way of surveys and analysis of written reflections, it was argued that the course shares similar weaknesses with those of the national studies. Through the self-determination theory of Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan, it was then argued that increasing the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness also increases intrinsic motivation toward service work. Ultimately, it was argued that if these three needs are increased through the framework of continuity, reflection and quality placements in a service-learning course, students will have the potential to receive the greatest amount of benefits from their service-learning experiences. Some of these benefits include increased critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, and tolerance of diversity. Finally, the project proposes a restructuring of the current system, including adding additional service-learning components to existing courses of St. Bonaventure’s core curriculum, while also significantly reforming the execution of Clare College’s capstone course: University Forum.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Anne Foerst (Computer Science)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Charles Walker (Psychology)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Dennis Wilkins (J/MC)
Francesca R. DiCillo (English)
“Having it Your Way: The Food-Service Industry in Films”
Oscar Wilde famously said, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” After working at Burger King for years and wondering where customers got the idea to treat us the way that they do, I began to explore different films that have food-service workers in them. The stereotypes had to come from somewhere, and many of them are found in these films. I wanted to see if my experiences matched up with those depicted in films like documentaries, comedies and dramas, and found myself surprised at the ways the films were accurate, and the ways in which they were different.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Kaplan Harris (English)
- Field Examiner: Dr. James Fodor (Theology)
- Faculty Examiner: Paul Spaeth (Library director)
Terence Hartnett (English)
“Truth in Fiction: Reflections on Novel Writing from a First-Time Novelist”
The aim of this project was to take the first steps toward completing a novel. The project entailed writing the beginnings of what would become a novel as well as researching novel writing. The creative side of the project resulted essentially in a substantial skeleton of a novel, with passages from the beginning, middle and end of the story. For my research, I read four instructional texts on writing and four novels by the authors of those texts. The instructional texts I read were “Zen in the Art of Writing” by Ray Bradbury, “On Writing” by Stephen King, “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf, and “Aspects of the Novel” by E.M. Forster. Their novels, respectively, are “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Stand,” “Mrs. Dalloway” and “A Passage to India.”
- Project Adviser: Dr. Daniel Ellis (English)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Richard Simpson (English)
- Faculty Examiner: Fr. David Blake, O.F.M. (Sociology)
Chloe Koerner Priester (Mathematics)
“Exploring the Hyperbolic Plane”
“Exploring the Hyperbolic Plane” touches on the history of hyperbolic geometry and continues with a survey of the hyperbolic plane. The group of length-preserving transformations in the hyperbolic plane, called motions, is defined. As the focus of the project, the isomorphism between this group of motions and the group of linear fractional transformations is demonstrated. In conclusion, tessellations and the hyperbolic art of M.C. Escher are presented.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Maureen Cox (Mathematics)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Chris Leary (Mathematics)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Dennis Wilkins (J/MC)
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Emilee Lindner (Journalism/Mass Communication)
“The Evolution of the Piano”
“The Evolution of the Piano” focuses on the technological advancements made in the piano over its 300-year lifespan. The works of seven composers will be featured, from the great masters, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, through the innovative works of Bartok and Cowell. Each work features a specific aspect of evolution – from music for the precursors of the piano, to pieces requiring the extended techniques of the Modern period. The main aspect of the project is a lecture recital, which was performed April 12 in the Quick Center for the Arts.
- Project Adviser: Prof. Laura Peterson (Music)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Les Sabina (Music)
- Faculty Examiner: Fr. David Blake, O.F.M. (Sociology)
Manuela Marin-Salcedo (Journalism/Mass Communication)
“Mi Rincóncito del Mar: A Demographic and Ethnological Case Study of a Small Colombian Village”
“Mi Rincóncito del Mar” tells the story of Rincón del Mar, Colombia, a small coastal village. Having first encountered the village during a family vacation, the author returns to Rincón for eight weeks of fieldwork, immersing herself in their culture, their lives and their laughter, attempting not only to witness but experience what it is like to be a resident of Rincón. The final product: a glimpse at the villagers’ lives, from beginning to end, through an extensive series of interviews and photographs.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Dennis Wilkins (J/MC)
- Field Examiner: Paul Spaeth (Library director)
- Faculty Examiner: Prof. Michael Jones-Kelley (J/MC)
Elizabeth Moran (Education)
“Teaching through Science: A Science-based, Technology-infused Curriculum”
Current research shows that American students are lagging behind others in terms of science skills. Although we are not necessarily getting worse at science, we are not getting better, either. I want to bring science back. I have selected three science topics: pond life, the human body and natural disasters, and have developed a comprehensive unit plan for each topic. In developing this project, I argue that it is possible to meet standards for all subject areas through a science topic. A teacher could feel confident spending a week or two on a science unit knowing that his or her students were working toward math and ELA standards simultaneously.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Nancy Casey (Education)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Theodore Georgian (Biology)
- Faculty Examiner: Paul Spaeth (Library director)
Diana Phalon (History)
“World War II Through a Soldier’s Eyes”
My capstone focuses on the use of exhibits and oral history to educate people on World War II. Its goal is to get people interested in learning about history by using things outside of a regular classroom.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Philip Payne (History)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Joel Horowitz (History)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. David Matz (Classical Languages)
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Kaitlyn Reusch (Political Science)
“The Role of Rhetoric: Did Rhetoric of Slobodan Miloševic Influence the Ethnic Conflict in the Balkans from 1987 to 2001?”
In exploring the context of ethnic conflict, the question “what causes ethnic conflict?” often arises. Through a review of the literature as well as an independent study, this presentation touched on possible causes of ethnic conflict. It then focused on a case study of the conflict in Yugoslavia from 1987 to 2001 with an emphasis on the rhetoric of Serbian President Slobodan Miloševic during the Yugoslav Wars.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Mary Rose Kubal (Political Science)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Lorenzo Cladi (Political Science)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. J.F. Godet-Calogeras (Franciscan Studies)
Katherine Rush (Special Education)
“Working Memory and Education”
My project is a literary review of research on working memory and how it relates to the field of education. I have created a teacher-resource website that explains working memory in a way that helps teachers understand the importance of this research in their classroom. I have included strategies and lesson plans that teachers can use to incorporate working memory research in their classroom in order to help their students become better learners. I also wrote a paper that discusses the research and teaching strategies in more depth than the website.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Adam Brown (Education)
- Field Examiner: Dr. René Garrison (Education)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Matthew Shake (Psychology)
Djenita Svinjar (Philosophy)
“A Look at The Role of Women in Society Following the Bosnian War (1992-1995)”
My Honors project is an in-depth empirical study examining the societal differences of women between the three ethnic groups encompassing the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The empirical research study examines the aspect of women’s rights, the evolution of women’s voices since the pre-war era as well as the duration of the war, and examines the current economic and social standings of women in the country. A philosophical analysis is also provided toward the end, looking at the overall evolution that has occurred, and what other change needs to take place through the perspectives of Susan Moller Okin and Iris Marion Young.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Robert Amico (Philosophy)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Steven Nuttall (Philosophy)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Anne Foerst (Computer Science)
Ethan Whipple (English)
“Cattaraugus: The Creative Process”
“Cattaraugus: The Creative Process” explores my attempt at creative writing. The project includes a collection of poems and an accompanying prose essay on poetics, principles and process.
- Project Adviser: Dr. Richard Simpson (English)
- Field Examiner: Dr. Kaplan Harris (English)
- Faculty Examiner: Dr. Barry Gan (Philosophy)