Thirty five undergrads honored for research
June 14, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Thirty-five undergraduate students recently received awards for their research efforts from the Western Michigan University College of Arts and Sciences.
The students were honored at the reception held this spring. For the past five years, the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Program has fostered undergraduate students' efforts within the realm of academic research. As participants in the program, each student is paired with a faculty mentor who facilitates research on a topic of interest in the student's academic field. The student participants each receive a $500 scholarship to be used for travel expenses, research supplies or as a stipend. Project topics range from literature to biology and sociology to nuclear physics.
"The College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award reception is always a wonderful event showcasing the talents of our undergraduate students and their faculty mentors," says Dr. Leonard Ginsberg, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "It demonstrates WMU's emphasis as a student-centered research university and its commitment to enhance undergraduates' educational experience."
Scholarship recipients
Jacob L. Bach of Sand Creek, Mich., a sophomore majoring in anthropology and public history, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on Nigiri hero-stones located in the Southern Nigiri Mountains in India to learn more about the culture, ethnicity and lifestyle of the people who constructed them. His faculty mentor is Dr. Allen Zagarell, professor of anthropology. Bach is the son of Robert and Susan Bach of Sand Creek.
Carl Bevelhymer of St. Joseph, Mich., a senior majoring in sociology and journalism, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on street culture and homelessness in which he traveled to California to conduct field research through participant observation. His faculty mentor is Dr. Timothy Diamond, associate professor of sociology.
Janie M. Bloomfield of Indian River, Mich., a senior majoring in anthropology, received College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her archaeological research work photographing, classifying and cataloguing artifacts from the archaeological site of Fort St. Joseph, an 18th-century fort in Niles, Mich. She was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation of her research. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Michael Nassaney, associate professor of anthropology. Bloomfield, who resides in Indian River, is the daughter of Calvin and Vera Teatro of Cheboygan, Mich.
Lana M. Escamilla Carroll of Portage, Mich., a senior majoring in psychology and political science, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the role of communication relationships as predictors of psychological job outcomes. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Wendy Zabava Ford, associate professor of communication. Carroll is the daughter of Alex Escamilla of Chicago and Deb S. Mashni of Schoolcraft, Mich.
Susan K. Diepen of Muskegon, Mich., a junior majoring in communication, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research analyzing the growth and development of New and Old World monkeys to ascertain if there are similarities to adolescent growth and development patterns in humans. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Robert Anemone, associate professor of anthropology. Diepen is the daughter of John R. and Kathleen A. Diepen of Muskegon.
Teresa A. Gaw of Battle Creek, Mich., a junior majoring in mathematics secondary education, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on detour distance in graphs in an attempt to use known theorems on standard distance to prove new theorems about detour distance. Her mentor is Dr. Gary Chartrand, professor of mathematics. Gaw is the daughter of Victor and Lisa Gaw of Battle Creek.
Laura A. Geist of Northfield, Mich., a senior majoring in sociology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research contrasting a traditional lecture-based method of teaching sociology statistics courses with a cooperative, student-initiated method. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Susan Caulfield, associate professor of sociology. Geist is the daughter of Frederick J. Geist of Northville.
Christopher R. Groscurth of Clarkston, Mich., a junior majoring in organizational communication and practical writing, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on sex role stereotypes in the media, specifically in the game show genre. His faculty mentor is Dr. Mark Orbe, associate professor of communication.
Patrice Hargrow of Detroit, a junior majoring in applied liberal studies, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the role of communication competencies and their importance in the success of inspirational speakers to accomplish personal and professional goals. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Mark Orbe, associate professor of communication.
Jennifer Heyn of Bridgman, Mich., a senior majoring in biomedical sciences, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research analyzing methods to inhibit biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilms are protective film-like substances that form over harmful bacteria. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Silvia Rossbach, associate professor of biological sciences.
Kory Johnson of Portage, Mich., a junior majoring in biomedical sciences, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on the effects of altered neurotrophic factors on nervous system structure and function. His faculty mentor is Dr. John Spitsbergen, assistant professor of biological sciences.
Sarah Kingsley of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., a sophomore majoring in psychology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the effectiveness of behavioral activation in the treatment of patients with co-morbid depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Amy Naugle, assistant professor of psychology.
Justin J. Knight of Stanton, Mich., a senior majoring in biological sciences, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on the effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on plant phytoestrogen content and the implication for global estrogen disruption. He was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation of his research. His faculty mentor is Dr. David Karowe, associate professor of biological sciences. Knight is the son of Judson T. Knight of Stanton and Carol S. Knight of Portage, Mich.
Bradford J. Lowrey of Clinton, Mich., a senior majoring in broadcast and cable production, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his production of a promotional video for the WMU Department of Communication titled "Beyond the Classroom: Application of Acquired Skills." His mentor is Dr. Nancy Cornwell, assistant professor of communication. Lowrey is the son of Meril A. and Ann M. Lowrey of Clinton Township.
Brian Menz of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in organizational communication, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research auditing water use in WMU residence hall bathrooms to determine ways the University can conserve water and save money. His faculty mentor is Dr. Harold Glasser, assistant professor of environmental studies.
Jada A. Miller of Coldwater, Mich., a senior majoring in psychology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research and implementation of a program designed to teach pedestrian safety to children. Her mentor is Dr. John Austin, associate professor of psychology. Miller is the daughter of Sandra S. Miller of Coldwater and Richard J. Miller of Schoolcraft, Mich.
Erin M. Myers of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in biology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the cheetah population in South Africa. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Stephen Malcolm, associate professor of biological sciences. Myers is the daughter of Joe E. Myers of Kalamazoo and Jan D. Miller of Eagle, Mich.
Laura A. Pernice-Nemeth of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in communication, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the source credibility of costumed interpreters at living historical sites throughout the Midwest. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Keith Hearit, associate professor of communication. Pernice-Nemeth is the daughter of Ralph L. and Rebecca S. Pernice of Augusta.
Karika A. Phillips of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in Africana studies and sociology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the necessity of a black studies curriculum in higher education. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Lawrence Potter, assistant professor of Africana studies. The daughter of Louis and Gloria Parker of Kalamazoo, she and her husband, Robert, live in Kalamazoo and have two young children.
Marc D. Pollack of Coldwater, Mich., a senior majoring in history, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research on the location and importance of the Inca Road and its road stations along the southern coast of Peru. His mentor is Dr. Catherine Julien, associate professor of history. Pollack is the son of John and Billie Pollack of Coldwater.
Mira Ptacin of Battle Creek, Mich., a junior majoring in anthropology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her project to uncover more background information about the Native American artifacts in WMU's Dwight Waldo Collection. Her faculty mentor is Miranda H. Haddock.
Sarah Russell of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in organizational communication and psychology, received two College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Awards. The first was awarded last fall for her research assessing organizational change in the use of Native American mascots in schools. Her faculty mentor for that project was Dr. Steven Rhodes, chair of the Department of Communication. Russell's second award was for a winter semester research project assessing the effects of prompts and the positive consequences on virtual interaction within a Web-based community. Her faculty mentor is Dr. John Austin, associate professor of psychology. Russell was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation of her research.
Rachel L. Schroeder of Attica, Mich., a December 2001 graduate, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the lack of scholarly attention the Soviet Gulag has received in comparison to the Holocaust. She was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation of her research. Her mentor is Dr. Vyacheslav Karpov, assistant professor of sociology. Schroeder is the daughter of Kenneth B. and Donda L. Schroeder of Attica.
Kimberly E. Seckinger of Hillsdale, Mich., a senior majoring in psychology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the effects and magnitude of reinforcement in laboratory rats. Her research looks at these two variables simultaneously to determine if the size of the reinforcer has an effect on novel behavior in laboratory rats when there are lapses between response and reinforcement time. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Alan Poling, professor of psychology.
Carla Sharp of Muskegon, Mich., a senior majoring in sociology, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research examining the changes in the quality of life within an African-American community over 50 years to determine the effect the loss of industries and business has had on its citizens. As a result of her work, she was named the WMU Ronald E. McNair Scholar of the Year. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Douglas Davidson, associate professor of sociology. Sharp is the daughter of Archie and Evelyn Sharp of Muskegon.
Jacquelyn Styrna of Commerce, Mich., a senior majoring in environmental studies and political science, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the importance of implementing environmental education and values. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Lynne Heasley, instructor of environmental studies.
Jason S. Talbot of Centerville, Mich., a senior majoring in anthropology and business, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research and analysis of computer images and photographs of rock art located throughout the Nigiri Hills of India. His mentor is Dr. Allen Zagarell, professor of anthropology. Talbot is the son of Stewart Talbot and Kathy Griffioen of Centerville.
Jason Tallant of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in biology and environmental studies, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his research to reconcile varying interpretations of environmental sustainability in order to evaluate and create future policies. His faculty mentor is Dr. Harold Glasser, assistant professor of environmental studies.
Jared M. Terpenning of Fruitport, Mich., a senior majoring in biological sciences, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his chemistry research on synthetic studies of 10 phenanthroline derivatives for catalysts. His research seeks to isolate catalysts that can be used to identify synthetic compounds that are not identical matches to natural compounds. His mentor is Dr. Elke Schoffers, assistant professor of chemistry. He is the son of John Terpenning of Fruitport and Wanda Terpenning of West Olive, Mich.
Lisa Thorne of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in health studies, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research to identify types of occupational environments that expose employees to health risks. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Victoria Ross, assistant professor of sociology.
Amber R. Wackernagel of Montegue, Mich., a junior majoring in organizational communication, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her publication of a series of articles on Islam, Muslims and Arab-Americans in a local high school newspaper. Her faculty mentor is Sue Ellen Christian, assistant professor of communication.
Jamie L. Wacyk of Grand Ledge, Mich., a junior majoring in mathematics secondary education and political science, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on detour distance in graphs in an attempt to use known theorems on standard distance to prove new theorems about detour distance. Her mentor is Dr. Gary Chartrand, professor of mathematics. Wacyk is the daughter of Michael D. and Linda K. Wacyk of Grand Ledge.
Natalie M. Wallace of Eaton Rapids, Mich., a senior majoring in biological sciences, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research on the increase of nerve growth factor and change in nerve innervation pattern in hypertensive rats. Her research suggests the presence of this nerve growth factor can lead to irreversible high blood pressure if left untreated. Her mentor is Dr. John Spitsbergen, assistant professor of biological sciences. Wallace is the daughter of Mickey and Phyllis Wallace of Eaton Rapids.
LaDale C. Winling of Kalamazoo, a senior majoring in history, received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for his historical research on the former Genesee Prairie and a proposal for future use and interpretation of its historic properties. He was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation of his research. His faculty mentor is Dr. Michael Chiarappa, associate professor of history.
Jamie L. Zigterman of Portage, Mich., a December 2001 graduate, received the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award for her research aimed at creating a synthetic version of the rhizopine mediator which permits nitrogen-fixation in plants. She was one of six students awarded a $50 prize for best poster presentation for her research. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Elke Schoffers, assistant professor of chemistry. Zigterman is the daughter of Mark A. and JoAnn Zigterman of Portage.
Media contact: Marie Lee 269 387-8411, marie.lee@wmich.edu