Spring 2022 Watson Scholars' Day Program

Welcome to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Spring 2022 Watson Scholars' Day. Sponsored by UMHB's Office of Research, Scholars' Day showcases outstanding undergraduate and graduate student research conducted on campus under the guidance and leadership of our extraordinary faculty members. Members of the UMHB Scholars' Day Committee, listed below, serve as the organizing body of the Scholars' Day event. Over 100 UMHB students and 31 faculty sponsors have contributed to this spring’s presentations. All presentations are located in the Bawcom Student Union Building.

Scholars' Day Committee Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Director of Undergraduate Research Dr. Kris Ward Director of Research Dr. Aaron Baggett Dr. Kim Bodenhamer Dr. Kindyle Brennan Dr. Karla Gonzalez Dr. Janene Lewis Dr. Matt Smith Dr. Paul Stock Dr. Kathleen Wood

*Cover art designed by Tanner Luce, an undergraduate of UMHB’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

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Schedule of Events: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Podium Presentations Session 1 McLane Great Hall A-D

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Podium Presentations Session 2 McLane Great Hall A-D

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Poster Presentations McLane Great Hall Lobby

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch and Guest Speaker - Dr. John Vassar Presentation of Scholars' Day Awards McLane Great Hall E

Art Exhibit: The College of Visual and Performing Arts and the UMHB Art Department are proud to present the juried selections from the 2022 Annual UMHB Art Student Competition in the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts Landing Gallery (art building lobby).

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PODIUM PANELS

Session 1, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Session 2, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

McLane Great Hall A - D Bawcom Student Union Building

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PODIUM PANELS 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Panel A (McLANE GREAT HALL A) Food Insecurity and COVID-19 in Higher Education Author(s): Kalina Brenchley, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Aida Ramos Description: This project evaluates the social processes that influence a university’s decision to create and support food pantries, with special attention paid to the role of institutional culture in shaping orientations towards food insecurity.

Application of Lane Navigation and Object Detection in a Deep-Learning Self-Driving Car Author(s): Daxton Givan, Noah Hanshaw, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heejun Choi Description: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation of lane navigation and object detection functions in a small-scale, self-driving car.

Building a Big Data cluster for hands-on practice Author(s): Devon Boyda, Surya Karki, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heejun Choi Description: With the evolution of IT technology, huge amounts of data, called Big data, generated every day is exponentially increasing.

Now, Big data technology is evolving from simply storing and processing huge amounts of data to real-time creation of insights and values. This project focuses on building a Big data infrastructure.

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Panel B (McLANE GREAT HALL B) The Evolution of Transcendentalist Divinity: From Emerson to Whitman Author(s): Emily Schmid, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Stephen Barnes Description: This essay explores the depiction of divinity in Walt Whitman's poem “Song of Myself” in contrast with that of his transcendentalist influence Ralph Waldo Emerson. As Whitman’s work significantly contributed to American culture long after its publishing, engagement with the ideas in “Song of Myself” reveals pertinent ideas about American identity and thought.

One and the Same: A Comparison Between the Gospel of Thomas and Pauline Letters Author(s): Addison Schievelbein, College of Christian Studies Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kim Bodenhamer Description: This presentation focuses on the Gospel of Thomas and Pauline texts regarding their conditions placed on female salvation.

Where the text may seem to undermine the salvation of women, both texts actually reveal an elevation of women to the same status as men religiously in a culture that calls them inferior.

William Shakespeare’s The Birds: Avian Imagery in Macbeth Author(s): Olivia Murr, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Sean Benson Description: Macbeth, hailed as one of Shakespeare's most disturbing plays, places heavy emphasis on the presence of birds. Typically viewed as portents of doom, the use of fowls adds to the darker tone of the play but also borrows from prior theatrical tradition in order to create symbolic meaning.

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Panel C (McLANE GREAT HALL C) Single Use Plastic Reduction and the Efficacy of Dehydrated Disinfectants Author(s): Morgan Raines, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Millsap Description: The objective of this laboratory project is to reduce single use plastic waste by packaging disinfectants as a powder that is readily soluble in water. By removing the liquid from products, the need for plastic packaging is eliminated because the liquid no longer requires containment. Every opportunity that the industry has to reduce plastic production is essential to the health of our planet today and tomorrow.

Latency of Eyewitness Identification Author(s): Raquel Villarreal, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Trent Terrell Description: The research focused on the latency of eyewitness identification in short time intervals, targeting whether the amount of time passed made a difference in the accuracy of recognition of the suspect. It was concluded that identification accuracy was not predictably impacted by variations in short delays after exposure to the simulated crime.

Doing Gender at Hair Salons Author(s): Courtney Wigginton, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Todd Ferguson Description: This ethnographic study examines how gender influences physical appearance, communication, and job responsibilities in hair salons.

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Panel D (McLANE GREAT HALL D) Persistence: She Believed She Could Author(s): Devita Jo Joy, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lynn Eaton Description: This study explores the experiences of Black female STEM students attending a historically Black college to understand persistence. The researcher incorporates individual, structured interviews to discover participants’ perceptions about personal strategies and institutional supports provided to increase persistence.

Equity and diversity issues in higher education frame the presentation of results.

A Case Study of Secondary Administrators Author(s): Julia Venghaus, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Description: The purpose of this collective case study is to examine administrators’ perspectives of implementing literacy interventions within a multitiered system of support, such as RtI, at secondary schools in Southeast Texas.

Teachers: Secret Weapon to Filling Pipeline Author(s): Damon Adams, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brenda Morton Description: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the Hispanic teacher’s lived experiences that informed their decision to become a teacher. Three themes emerged from the findings with the most significant factor being the influence that teachers had on the participant's decision making.

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PODIUM PANELS 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Panel A2 (McLANE GREAT HALL A) Lysistrata and Modern Women’s Rights Author(s): Paige Buyer, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jacky Dumas Description: Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, as a play that deals with the topic of sex and consent, is a powerful commentary in not only Ancient Greece but also in modem times. Feminist and anti-war organizations have given playwrights worldwide a stage for creating unique and powerful adaptations to address both complex topics.

Identification of Bacteria in Symbiosis with Vachellia Farnesiana Author(s): Caleb Shackelford, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kathleen Wood Description: Vachellia farnesiana (Huisache)is a shrubby legume that has migrated from its native range and infiltrated Texas. Successful migration could depend on nodulating bacteria colonizing the root system of huisache. The point of our research is to identify the bacteria responsible for nodulation.

A Changing America: International Political Economics After the Trump Era Author(s): Aleena Stephens, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr Janet Adamski Description: In a domestic move with broad impact on the country’s economic future, then-president Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on his first day in office. This presentation examines the trajectory of American economics after its shift toward protectionism under the Trump administration.

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Panel B2 (McLANE GREAT HALL B) Inside the Huddle of Governance in the National Football League Author(s): Jamal Dilworth, Jalon Kirven, Darius Musa, Mayborn College of Health Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the governance of the Nation Football League, using the standard of National Sports Governance Observer project framework.

Self-Medicating Practices in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic Author(s): Mallory Fitzner, Lexie Lima, Joshua Herrera, Ashley Faux, Celeste Rodriguez, Faith Mason, Nicole Poritsanos, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: This study is an investigative approach to assessing selfmedicating practices and affiliated dangers that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of educating the public and encouraging healthy behaviors for future pandemics.

The Use of Alternative Therapies and their Potential Benefits in Combating SARS-CoV-2 Deficits in Time of an Ongoing Pandemic Author(s): Melody Carl, Steven Alvarez, Sirena Daniel, Samera Daffin, Morgan Campbell, Anna Guidry, Nicole Poritsanos, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: Various alternative treatments outside the realm of vaccines have shown positive impacts towards lessening deficits of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of disease. A synopsis is provided on the potential benefits of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical options, including diet, hormone therapy, epigenetic interventions, and mind-body medicine for the COVID-19 disease.

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Panel C2 (McLANE GREAT HALL C) Clinical Trials and their Impacts during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Past, Present, and Future Author(s): Kristine Meyer, Alexandra Corpuz, Sarah Benavides, Nicole Poritsanos, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: A synopsis of the literature review conducted as it pertains to various clinical trials performed for the discovery of therapeutic interventions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine Hesitancy and its Prevalence during the COVID-19 Pandemic Author(s): Gabriella Martinez, Nicole Poritsanos, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: This study addresses factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and why is it so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paper Vs. Online Assessment Author(s): Holly Dasher, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Description: This qualitative study examines test-taking strategies used by reading teachers in grades 3-8 as the STAAR moves from a paper to online platforms.

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Panel D2 (McLANE GREAT HALL D) Hispanic Post-Secondary Completion Factors Author(s): Jose Fuentes, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Joan Berry Description: The purpose of this study is to learn, through the voiced experiences of Hispanics who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree, what they perceive to be the lived factors that positively and negatively affected their pursuit of degree completion.

The Impact Robotic Toy-based Play has on Children Author(s): Miriam Osterlund, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kris Ward Description: Due to advances in technology, barbies and G.I. Joes are no longer a child's first choice to play with. Technological devices are now children's go to choice of entertainment. This project focuses on how robots placed in a play based setting impacts children's communication and relationship skills.

Gawain and Captain America: The Men Out of Time Author(s): Rachel Pilgrim, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Laura Bedwell Description: This study compares Gawain, a character in Le Morte d’Arthur to Captain America from today’s Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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POSTER SESSIONS

10:30 a.m.—11:45 a.m.

McLane Great Hall Lobby Bawcom Student Union Building

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1. Gender Equity in Postsecondary Professors’ Salaries Author(s): Neika Daniel, Carsen Amos, Elizabeth Meyer, Kassi Velesquez, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David Myers Description: This project evaluates the change in the wage gap between male and female postsecondary faculty. Being equitable is a societal goal of social workers; results of the study allow for further analysis of gender pay disparity at the postsecondary level.

2. Homeless Population Barriers to Mental Health Author(s): Britnee Curtis, Erin Franklin, Mikah Phillips, Mikayla Hutchins, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Michelle Weiss Description: This research study examined the barriers to mental healthcare currently facing the homeless population at the different levels of homelessness, including: chronic, marginal, and recent.

3. The use of TBHQ to Stimulate the Growth and Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells Author(s): Aisosa Omere, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Millsap Description: Treatment of neural stem cells with antioxidants would prolong their life and allow for their proliferation and differentiation, which could be a vital approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases. This research aims to develop a neurodegenerative disease treatment from a product already available.

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4. Grief Counseling: What Works Author(s): Isaac Gish, Alissa Meyer, Harper Crisp, Meghan Lindberg, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David Myers Description: The purpose of the research is to examine which type of grief counseling, short-term or long-term, is more beneficial to those going through the grief process.

5. Viscoelastic Variable Temperature Determinations of Energy of Activation of Viscous Flow in Marine Collagen Samples Author(s): Christine Willett, McLane College of Business Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Through measurements of viscosity at different temperatures and possibly in various solvents, the purpose of this experiment was to find the activation energy of viscous flow for samples of the protein collagen.

6. Let’s Talk About Bruno: The Racial Melting Pot In Encanto Author(s): Valente Solorzano, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rubi Ugofsky-Mendez Description: This study explores the diverse races in the film Encanto and compares five specific characters in the film to certain individuals in the colonial Casta system. We analyze how each one of those characters in the movie resemble physical characteristics to some

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individual members of the Casta system and how the fictional character would have lived in the Spanish American society versus how they were portrayed in the film. We compare the fictional racial representation in this utopian society to the harsh reality that people of these races have lived in the Spanish American world.

7. The Effects of a Thermogenic Supplement Author(s): Jessica Prather, Christine Harrison, Amie Vargas, Bella Soto, Abby Harrison, Lem Taylor, School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lem Taylor Description: Thermogenic supplements are widely used in the general population to support attempted fat loss; however, the efficacy and safety of these supplements are questioned. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific thermogenic supplement formulation impacts metabolic rate, hemodynamic variables, and mood states.

8. Matryoshka Cheeks Author(s): Anna Lamm, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This literature study focuses on the relationship between the skin condition rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) and how environmental factors like diet can cause or trigger flare-ups of the condition.

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9. Nutritional Influence on Movement in Drosophila Melanogaster Author(s): Amanda Franks, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Seena Matthew Description: This study presents a closer look at the nutritional influence on the movement of Drosophila melanogaster within different mutations. These organisms were studied after being placed on a 0.5% salt diet, 0.5% fructose diet, or a staple yeast diet.

Differences in movement were noted after the mutations were placed on a selected diet.

10. Physical Properties of Alkaline Bottled Water Author(s): Frank Asiedu, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Physical properties of alkaline bottled water including viscosity, energy of activation of viscous flow, refractive index, density, and pH were determined at 25oC (room temperature) and compared to the properties of regular tap water, to help study claims of health benefits for the alkaline form.

11. Factors that Influence a Country’s Confidence in the Police Author(s): Carolina Gonzalez, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Todd Ferguson Description: This research uses data from the World Values Survey to show how a country’s confidence in the police is impacted by income

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and police interference in neighborhoods. The project shows how lowincome neighborhoods are impacted by police in countries around the world.

12. The Chemistry of Type 1 Diabetes, an Autoimmune Disorder: A Literature Review Author(s): Katie Fizer, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This literature review focuses on Type 1 diabetes, which is a chronic disease characterized as an organ-specific autoimmune disease caused by the autoimmune response against insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. This disease affects nearly 425 million people worldwide and in the past three decades, research shows that the disease has increased 4%.

13. Detecting Microplastics in Soil Author(s): Christine Perez, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Millsap Description: This study examined the process of detecting microplastics in soil from three different areas: residential, school, and public park. Following would be results that were found and an explanation of why finding microplastics is important.

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14. Do Acidic Beverages Leach Heavy Metals from Glazed Pottery? An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Study Author(s): Gavin Gallop, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: In this study, the ability of beverages and other solutions of varying pH to leach heavy metals such as cobalt, copper, tin, and iron from ceramic glazes, is determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Coffee, tea, and other beverages are included in the research to study the safety of consuming beverages from glazed pottery.

15. Measuring Arsenic in Rice via GC-Mass Spec Author(s): Ashley Knight, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Millsap Description: Using the GC-Mass Spec, this study examined different species of rice for arsenic content.

16. Identification of Heavy Metals in Natural vs Processed Seaweed Author(s): Norma Montanez, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Millsap Description: In this study, heavy metals in raw seaweed were compared to the heavy metals found in processed seaweed. The purpose of the experiment is to determine if the kind of heavy metals of fresh seaweed have become too toxic to consume in raw form.

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17. A Study of the Relationship between Social Media and Young Adult Stress Author(s): Taylor Line, Jasmine Castro, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Josh Bias Description: Through the collection of surveyed data obtained from undergraduate students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, this study utilizes quantitative data to analyze the degree to which social media is used on a consistent basis and its effect on individuals’ discernment of life stressors presented within emerging adulthood.

18. The Effects of Different Tillage Practices on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Author(s): Bailey Fulmer, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This research examines different tillage practices and how they affect the concentrations of different greenhouse gases in the soil.

19. The Role of Bilirubin Metabolism and Hyperbilirubinemia Disorders in Jaundice: A Literature Review Author(s): Justin Arroyo, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This literature review focused on the chemistry of jaundice, a disease that causes yellowing of the skin and sclera, and

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which occurs because of hyperbilirubinemia, an overabundance of bilirubin. Bilirubin forms with the breakdown of red blood cells, and gives bile its yellow pigment. Excessive bilirubin can have disastrous consequences.

20. How Mad Can Cows Get? A Look into the Chemistry of Mad Cow Disease Author(s): Emma Powell, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Mad cow disease and its human counterpart, Creutzfeldt– Jakob disease, are fatal neurological disorders and part of a group called prion diseases. This literature review focuses on the inner workings of prion diseases, focusing on how proteins in the brain misfold to form the prions that cause the diseases

21. Pacific Data Mall: Designing a VR Liminal Space Author(s): Tanner Luce, College of Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Matt Smith Description: Pacific Data Mall explores the idealistic past previously only envisioned through advertisements and vaporwave art. The viewer is invited to explore a virtual reality shopping mall frozen in time since the 1990s, and to experience the concept of liminality.

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22. Viscoelastic Properties and Related Efficacies of Equine Products - A Variable Temperature Study Author(s): Elizabeth Hatch, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This study focused on the energy of activation of viscous flow of selected equine products and included an investigation of their viscosities, densities, and efficacies at room and elevated temperatures.

23. Does Resembling Barbie Decrease Your Survival Rate?

A Study of Iris Color and Uveal Melanoma Author(s): Lyndsey Schwope, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Society often looks to fictional characters like Barbie while establishing its preferences for physical characteristics; such as eye color. However, not all of these characteristics are also genetically and chemically preferred. This project explains how iris color impacts an individual’s chances for the contraction of and survival from Uveal Melanoma.

24. The Laying Down of Arms: The Tale of Beatrice and Benedick Author(s): Caitlyn Kilburn, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Sean Benson Description: This literary analysis examines the relationship between the characters Beatrice and Benedick from Shakespeare’s Much Ado

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About Nothing. The research focuses on the personal evolution of both characters in their views on relationships and how they built a relationship on love and respect despite their previous views.

25. Agreement Between Body Mass Index and Percent Body Fat Measured Via Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Author(s): Christine Florez, Lem Taylor, Ariane Secrest, School of Health Professions Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ariane Secrest Description: Body mass index (BMI) is a noninvasive anthropometric measurement used to categorize adiposity and implement obesity prevention strategies. BMI was evaluated to determine its validity as an obesity classification measure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze agreement between BMI categorization with percent body fat.

26. Synthesis of Platinum and Platinum-Ruthenium Nanoparticles as Catalysts in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells Author(s): Cristen Cost, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lin Gao Description: This research focuses on the synthesis of platinum and platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles, prepared under simple heating and coated with a Vulcan-Carbon suspension. We will explore the impact of different platinum ruthenium ratios and their effect on cell efficiency and stability by using electrochemical methods.

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27. Can Frequent Use of Tylenol PM™ Increase the Risk of Dementia? A Viscoelastic Properties Study Author(s): De’Asia Robinson, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Viscosities and densities of Tylenol PM™ Extra Strength liquid and its aqueous solutions were studied to help assess the possible dementia risk associated with the product's long-term use.

Denser, more viscous, oral medications may maintain a longer residence time in the intestinal tract, increasing the possibility of undesirable side-effects.

28. Viscoelastic Properties and Efficacies of Solutions of Hyaluronic Acid, a Popular Component of Dermatological Preparations Author(s): Jenna Kurburski, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Viscoelastic properties of hyaluronic acid, a common agent in dermatological as well as in more general medical applications, were investigated to assess the compound’s potential efficacies. A variable temperature, multi-solvent study with an Ostwald viscometer determined the energy of activation of viscous flow of this substance.

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29. Assessing Governance within the National Junior College Athletic Association Through the NSGO Author(s): Preston Green, Drake Herrera, Trevor Ripke, School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the governance of National Junior College Athletic Association based on the standards of the National Sports Governance Observer (NSGO).

30. A Study of Governance within USA Boxing Author(s): Jalon Burns, Colby Hamilton, Ethan Ramirez, Chaise Ellis, School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: We will examine the key characteristics of effective governance through the National Sports Governance Observer (NSGO). Using NSGO as a guide, we will examine the structure and governances of USA Boxing.

31. A Study of USA Gymnastics Governance Author(s): Victoria Gonzales, Bailey Eggleston, Zackery Honey, School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate USA Gymnastics, a national sport governing body, using the standard of National Sports Governance Observer project framework.

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32. Evaluating Governance within the Realm of USA Wrestling Through the NSGO Author(s): Darian Ruiz, Scott Salerno, Justin Gilliland, School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: USA Wrestling is known as the main national governing body for the sport of wrestling. The purpose and aim of this research is to evaluate the governance of the organization based on the standards of the National Sports Governance Observer (NSGO).

33. A Study of Governance: USA Baseball Author(s): Joshua McDade, Brad Campbell, Taylor Travis, Mayborn College of Health Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lester Sombito Description: This study will evaluate the strategies used within USA Baseball and utilize NSGO to determine if it is productive and effective governance.

34. Body Composition Changes Following a Pre-Season Training Period in Division III Baseball Players Author(s): Abby Harrison, Jessica Prather, Christine Florez, Audrey Ross, Amie Vargas, Jacob Cabezas, Bella Soto, Matthias Tinnin, Mandy Parra, Lem Taylor, Brandie Cheshier, Mayborn College of Health Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brandie Cheshier

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Description: A goal of the pre-season training period is to increase muscle mass. This study evaluated body composition changes in NCAA Division III baseball players prior and after the five-week pre-season training period. In addition, the effectiveness of the training in terms of gaining muscle mass was evaluated.

35. Changes in Strength and Lean Mass in NCAA Division III Baseball Players during Preseason Training Author(s): Audrey Ross, Jessica Prather, Christine Florez, Amie Vargas, Jacob Cabezas, Abby Harrison School of Exercise and Sport Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mandy Parra Description: This study analyzed previously collected data for changes in strength and lean body mass (LBM) over a 5-week training period in NCAA Division III baseball players. Strength and conditioning programming focused on the conjugate method. Strength was measured using barbell back squat, hang clean and close grip bench press.

36. Effects of Extracellular pH on Root Length in the Model Plant Arabidopsis Thaliana Author(s): Carly R. Lewis, Matthew X. Jackson, Caleb Shackelford, Jenna Anderson, Nahuel I. Fernandez, Joshua Herrera, Faith N. Jerrils, Anastasia R. Ousaklidis, Angelica S. Scroggs, Hailey D. Short, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Woodward Description: pH strongly affects health and growth. This research tested the effects of pH on A. thaliana growth rate by measuring root growth when plated on media prepared at various pH conditions

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37. Identification of Bacteria in Symbiosis with Vachellia Farnesiana Author(s): Caleb Shackelford, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kathleen Wood Description: Vachellia farnesiana (Huisache) is a shrubby legume that has migrated from its native range and infiltrated Texas. Successful migration could depend on nodulating bacteria colonizing the root system of huisache. The point of our research is to identify the bacteria responsible for nodulation

38. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV Infection and AIDS Disease Outcomes in Kenya Author(s): Joshua Herrera, Jakayla Pink, Camille Bogdan, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: The purpose of this investigation was to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis on HIV infection and AIDS disease burden in the developing nation of Kenya, with the aim of creating recommendations to be implemented in support of establishing effective public health interventions.

39. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Progression of Communicable Diseases and Population Stability in Cuba.

Author(s): Mariah McVey, Deyondra Debique, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos

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Description: The purpose of this investigation was to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis on the burden that communicable diseases have on the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged populations in Cuba, with the aim of creating recommendations to be implemented in support of establishing effective public health interventions.

40. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV Transmission and Population Stability in Jamaica.

Author(s): Aiesha Monroe, Sydney Martin, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: The purpose of this investigation was to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis on HIV infection and AIDS disease burden in Jamaica, with the aim of creating recommendations to be implemented in support of establishing effective public health interventions.

41. Vaccine Hesitancy Among Latinos and African Americans Author(s): Camila Felix Gonzalez, Sirena Daniel, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nicole Poritsanos Description: The World Health Organization named vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten health threats in 2019. This project defined vaccine hesitancy and why it's so prevalent among certain demographics. Hispanics and African Americans are amongst the groups most likely to be hesitant towards a Covid-19 vaccine.

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42. What are the Common Attributes of Successful Individuals Raised in Single- Parent Households?.

Author(s): Treasure Hines, Elizabeth Childs, MyKala Tucker, Randi Gillespie, College of Humanities and Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David Myers Description: This study aims to examine the common attributes of successful individuals raised in single-parent households. In addition, the researchers will study the population of college faculty at The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor who were raised in a single-parent home.

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Proposal Reviewers and Presentation Judges Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to Scholars' Day. Kim Bodenhamer Kindyle Brennan Marta Frey-Clark Jonathan Gary Karla Gonzalez Avery Green Randy Hendricks Mary Konrad Todd Kunders Janene Lewis Seena Matthey Kelda McMullen-Fix

Amy Millsap Brenda Morton Candace Petty Nicole Poritsanos Matt Smith Judy Trotti Paul Stock Lem Taylor Kris Ward George Willey Kathleen Wood Andy Woodward

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