Honors UNCW Fall Medallion Ceremony 2022 Program

Program

Opening

Shawn Bingham

Director of the Honors College

Welcome

Ashwani K. Volety Chancellor Congratulations Jamie Winebrake Provost Medallion

Ceremony University

& Departmental Honors graduates Reading

of Names

Eva M. Mehl Associate Director of the Honors College

Awards & Recognition

Nathaniel Grove Director of CSURF

Reflections on the Fall Semester

University Honors with Honors in...

Biology Emily A. Krasic

Business Victoria Martinez-Paz

Economics Michael J. Morell

Coastal Engineering Scott Finnis

Exercise Science Margaret M. Campe John S. Delgado Ashton Simon

Film Studies William A. Becker

Interdisciplinary Honors Christopher G. Canny

Amanda B. Leahey

Mathematics Hayley C. Urbanek

Psychology Apollo Kepler Public Health Danielle S. Essex

Departmental Honors in...

Chemistry

Liezel A. Koellner

Economics Zachary J. Feinmel

Environmental Science Rebecca L. Lanier

Interdisciplinary Honors Scott L. Gere

Claire R. Ostadi Tessa Rogers

Marine Biology Morgan L. Penrose Savannah K. Simpson

Welcome Students, Faculty, parents, family, and friends joining us in-person and remotely, to this important day for our UNCW Honors Graduates. We are proud to join you today to celebrate the outstanding scholarship and achievements of our students.

Graduating with Honors is a unique achievement. It is one that embodies the University’s Motto, “Discere Aude,” which means, “In order to discover, be courageous.”

To graduate with Honors, our students move beyond the classroom to develop an independent thesis project that addresses specific topics, issues, or problems. They spend at least two semesters working on an honors project in a one-on-one relationship with a faculty member who serves as a supervisor and mentor. Under this mentor, they learn to develop their own questions, skills of inquiry, and analytical tools needed not simply to complete their project, but to address real world problems. They learn to contextualize their specific questions in a broader world. The thesis project is meant to be the culminating experience that synthesizes much of their previous coursework. This project signifies to graduate schools and employers that UNCW Honors Scholars have the independence, creativity and analytical skills to work independently, and problem solve.

The Honors College has two designations for students graduating with Honors. Students who complete the Honors Thesis Project graduate with Honors in the Major (or Interdisciplinary Honors if they conduct a project directed by a faculty member outside of their major). Students who have completed the Honors Project, plus a four-year curriculum of Honors courses, have earned the distinction of University Honors. In addition and separate from graduating with Honors earned through the Honors College, any student may earn Latin Honors based on GPA (cum laude, magna laude, summa cum laude).

The Honors Medallion signifies students who embody “Discere Aude” by pushing themselves to work as independent scholars. Much like the tradition of “hooding,” which dates to the European universities of the Middle Ages, students will receive the medallion from their faculty mentor. The medallion should certainly be a source of pride, but also a reminder of the support each student has received towards this achievement from family, friends, and faculty mentors.

We are proud to be sharing this moment with you and look forward to the future achievements of this year’s graduating class of Honors Scholars.

With gratitude,

Shawn C. Bingham, Ph.D. Eva Mehl, Ph.D.

Emily A. Krasic

Major: Marine Biology University Honors with Honors in Marine Biology

Supervisor: Dr. Michael Tift

Expression of Genes Related to the Carbon Monoxide and Antioxidant Pathways in Elephant Seal and Human Arterial Endothelial Primary Cells

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes tissue damage by increasing cellular oxidative stress. However, tissues of marine mammals routinely experience I/R while diving without damage. Carbon monoxide (CO) is naturally produced via heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes and has anti-oxidative properties in moderate concentrations. Interestingly, elephant seals have high CO concentrations in their blood that may help resist I/R injuries. This study compares gene expression of the HO/CO pathway in human and elephant seal endothelial cells exposed to oxidative stress. Gene expression was measured for HMOX1, HMOX2, Nrf2, BVR, and GPx4 from cells exposed to increasing heme treatments. HMOX1, BVR, Nrf2, and GPx4 gene expression was higher in seals compared to humans at 10uM heme, suggesting the genetic response of the HO/CO pathway is more sensitive to oxidative stress in seals. These mechanisms may explain why certain marine mammals tolerate routine I/R.

Victoria Martinez-Paz

Major: Business Administration with a Concentration in International Business University Honors with Honors in Business Supervisor:

Dr. Lizzette Perez-Lespier

How Consumerism Contributes to Pollution

The oil, plastics, and fast fashion industries are among the top polluters in the world. Each stage in these industries' life cycles generates environmental and health hazards. Adoption of sustainability practices in these industries' supply chains has become necessary to stay ahead in today's competitive globalized market. This research evaluates and understands each industry's history and their respective impacts to the consumers. A survey was conducted to gauge at consumers' knowledge of these topics and industries and were analyzed and compared to show how consumers are unknowingly contributing to worldwide pollution and highlight what consumers can do to demand or demonstrate that change is wanted. This research will provide organizations and stakeholders in these industries with an understanding of their status and potential areas of improvement as perceived by consumers. Ultimately, this work aims to encourage consumers to adopt a more sustainable behavior towards these industries.

Michael J. Morell

Major: Economics

Honors

in Economics

Supervisor: Dr. Isaac Loh

Private vs. Public: Which Type of Funding Produces More Economic Output from MLS Stadiums

This project looks at the rapidly expanding MLS in the United States. With new teams joining the league, stadiums are designed and built in cities across the country. In order to develop these stadiums, ownership groups need to generate funds either privately or publicly to build the stadium. Within this paper, we take a look at which type of funding generates more economic output within the cities that these stadiums reside in. I utilized a panel linear model with an event study along with Synthetic Controls to determine the effects of building an MLS stadium with private and public funding. Ultimately the addition of stadiums failed to yield any significant change in real GDP per capita leading to the conclusion that neither form of funding produces a change in real GDP per capita.

Scott Finnis

Major: Coastal Engineering

Minors: Mathematics

University Honors with Honors in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography

Supervisor:

Dr. Joe Long and Dr. Greg Williams

Evaluation of Bald Head Island’s Terminal Groin in Stabilizing the Shoreline

This paper examines the effectiveness of the terminal groin constructed on Bald Head Island, North Carolina in stabilizing the south-facing shoreline. It compares the south-facing shoreline change rates for a five-year period before (2010 to 2014) and after (2016-2020) terminal groin construction to evaluate the impact of the engineered structure. Rates of change in sediment volume on the beach and in the nearshore were also examined for both time periods. Regression rates along the south and west facing shorelines show positive trends in shoreline width and subaerial beach volume. East of the terminal groin, 86% of alongshore locations experience sub aerial volumetric change rates indicating erosion of more than -150 ft2 per ft a year. Overall, erosion rates have decreased because of construction of the terminal groin in combination with routine beach nourishments.

Margaret M. Campe

Majors: Exercise Science

Minors: Biology University Honors with Honors in Exercise Science

Supervisor:

Dr. Wayland Tseh

The Efficacy of a 12-week Exercise Program on The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which consists of 6 events, is an assessment implemented by the Army to mimic the stressors that soldiers in combat must deal with. This study aims to determine the efficacy of a 12-week virtual TRX exercise program on overall ACFT scores. Thirteen soldiers from the Army-National Guard volunteered to complete three sessions. In Session 1, baseline height, body mass, body composition, and initial ACFT scores were collected. Session 2 was a TRX tutorial where participants received an ACFT Kit and the virtual training program. In Session 3, the same measurements from Session 1 were assessed. There were no changes in mean body mass, however, there was a substantial reduction in mean percent body fat. The overall mean ACFT scores also displayed significant improvements. As a result, this TRX Kit should be distributed to all Army recruiting offices to help recruits train for the ACFT.

John S. Delgado

Major: Exercise Science

Minor: Spanish University Honors with Honors in Exercise Science

Supervisor: Dr. John

Lothes

The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Internal and External Perceptions

Mental health has become a topic of interest for many researchers in the health field and public concern. One practice that is often referenced when speaking about mental health is meditation. This study will focus on the implementation of a mindfulness meditation routine and how it may bring about positive changes in the participants' perception within a 12-week period. With this recent emphasis on whole-body holistic care, one may wonder about the potential benefits associated with mindfulness meditation and how this practice fits into holistic care ideals. This article will serve to explore the psychological and physiological impact of mindfulness meditation on university students in terms of perspective, dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. This study also aims to explore any changes participants may report in levels of mindfulness, productivity and optimism over the course of the twelve weeks.

Ashton Simon

Majors: Exercise Science

Minors: Biology

University

Honors with Honors in Exercise Science

Supervisor:

Dr. Lisa Sprod

Barriers Within the Fitness Industry Faced by the Transgender Community and Development of Normative Fitness Data

Transgender and gender nonconforming people face daily challenges in higher education institutions due to the lack of gender inclusive resources. This shortcoming is rooted in the minimal knowledge of what barriers affect this population. This study aims to identify the barriers faced by the transgender community and develop interventions to put in place at higher education facilities to combat them.

William A. Becker

Major: Film Studies University Honors with Honors in Film Studies

Supervisor: Dr. Granetta Richardson

Like A Drug: The Subjective Fluidity of Pornography

Pornography, like comedy, horror, or melodrama, only functions entirely as a genre through its masturbatory qualities that requires a physical response from the viewer. The culmination of the project and subsequent findings are based both around the cultural values surrounding porn and what society as a whole can gain from an understanding of porn. Even though sexuality, for all of its complexity and nuance, is nearly universal, the expression and even definition of sexuality could not be more subjective. By steeping both porn and expressions of sexuality in shame, an opposite, polarized reaction has been created that has turned pornography into a perceived counter-culture that is somehow simultaneously universal and also removed entirely from public discourse. Porn is rarely addressed with any kind of maturity and the few scholarly dialogues that engage with it are doused in sensationalism and shock factor.

Christopher G. Canny

Major: Spanish, Public Health

Minor: Biology University Honors with Honors in Interdisciplinary Honors

Supervisor: Dr. Jake Warner

A Developmental Imaging and Analysis of the Diploblastic Psuedodiploria Clivosa

Corals have been the focus of much research in recent years regarding their unique embryological development and contribution to some of the largest biological structures on Earth. Further research is required regarding the unique embryological development of corals, due to their status as diploblasts and lack of a mesoderm that is highly unique in the animal kingdom. The present study established an imaging timeline of Pseudodiploria clivosa, a colonial stony coral, to characterize its embryonic development. Additionally, RNA was extracted from the study species as a part of ongoing research into related gene expression. Pseudodiploria clivosa was found to be most in line with a complex model of development due to its lack of pseudoblastospore and characteristic elongation during mouth formation. Furthermore, gel electrophoresis revealed that the extracted RNA was of a high integrity and appropriate for further experimentation.

Amanda B. Leahey

Majors: Communication Studies

Minor: Spanish University Honors with Honors in Interdisciplinary Honors

Supervisor: Dr. Francisco Brignole

The stubborn persistence of traditional gender roles in television commercials: A cross-cultural comparison between Argentina and the United States

Inspired by the work of Erving Goffman, this thesis analyzes the portrayal of gender roles in two samples of television commercials originating in Argentina and the United States. It builds on Goffman’s categories of analysis as laid out in his influential book Gender Advertisements, and adapts the model he applied to print media so as to better account for the representation of gender in television. This study identifies and codes several additional variables to determine the extent to which the commercials under consideration adhere or not to traditional gender roles in their representation of men and women. The results show that women do appear foregrounded as main characters in most of the commercials analyzed. However, other important findings suggest that their actual portrayal does little to dislodge or challenge longstanding traditional gender roles.

Hayley C. Urbanek

Major: Mathematics

Minor: Statistics

University Honors with Honors in Mathematics

Supervisor: Dr. Russell Herman

The Figure Eight Knot Complement

We discuss general knot theory with a focus on investigating the geometry of the figure eight knot complement. We discuss what makes the figure eight knot unique from other knots using geometric knot invariants. We determine distances, angles, and volumes in two and three dimensional hyperbolic spaces. With this background we can compute the volume of the figure eight knot complement using the Lobachevsky function to derive a convergent series that allows us to use the dihedral angles of a simplex in H3 to compute volumes of hyperbolic knot complements. Finally, we will describe the deconstruction of the figure eight knot complement into two ideal hyperbolic tetrahedra.

Apollo Kepler

Major: Psychology

University Honors with Honors in Psychology

Supervisor:

Dr. Carrie Clements

IPV Perpetrator/Non-Perpetrator Differences in Affect and Aggressive Responding Following Control Loss

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a disturbing social problem. For decades, researchers have suggested that perpetration occurs due to issues related to power and control, but definitions of control vary and are poorly specified (Becker et al., 2021; Felson & Messner, 2000; Hamberger et al., 2017). A recent experimental investigation demonstrated that perpetrators show greater negative affect in response to control loss than non-perpetrators (Ogle & Clements, 2007). We replicated this study and extended it to aggressive responding. IPV perpetrators who experienced control loss responded with greater anxiety than perpetrators who didn’t experience control loss. Perpetrators were more aggressive overall than non-perpetrators. Results were discussed in terms of clinical and research implications.

Danielle S. Essex

Major:

Public

Health

Minors: English, Biology University Honors with Honors in Public Health Supervisor: Dr. Michelle

Cathorall

A Study on Injury Prevention Measures in Women's Collegiate Gymnastics

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the most common injuries incurred in NCAA women’s gymnastics, how those injuries happened, and what preventive measures are being taken in individual institutions. An anonymous 25-question electronic survey was distributed to all women’s gymnastics teams in the United States. Results from participants (n=12) indicate that “ankles” were the most frequently injured body part and “sprain” was the most common type of injury to the most injured body part. “Landing” was the most common way for an athlete to injure themselves. Participants were asked if training included light and heavy training days and conditioning practices were examined based on method of implementation and days performed during the week. Other findings have also shown that collegiate women’s gymnastics teams experience high levels of injuries. Thus, more preventative measures need to be implemented amongst NCAA women’s gymnastics to help prevent more female gymnasts from sustaining injuries.

Liezel A. Koellner

Major: Chemistry with Biochemistry Concentration

Honors in Chemistry

Supervisor:

Dr. Christopher J. Halkides

Synthesis of covalent inhibitors and Trojan horses against aspartate beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase

The synthesis of vinyl sulfones and vinyl acrylamides that will target the enzyme aspartate β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) that is present in bacterial or fungal species was initially developed due to docking studies that predicted an irreversible inactivation of the enzyme. The vinyl sulfones have been tested against CalASADH resulting in an irreversible enzyme inhibition. Syntheses were performed to alter the substituent of the inhibitor to resemble the substrate - aspartyl phosphate, to increase the rate of inactivation and specificity of the inhibitor against ASADH. Transport molecules in the form of glycosides or galactosides were coupled to the vinyl sulfones to determine whether the inhibitors will access the cell membrane through biological transport versus simple diffusion.

Zachary J. Feinmel

Major: Economics

Honors in Economics

Supervisor: Dr. Allison Witman

Analyzing the Impact of Economic Fluctuations on the Prostitution Labor Market

This paper analyzes the effects of various economic factors including Real State Gross Domestic Product, the State unemployment rate, and annual average State wages on the prostitution labor market as measured by the number of incidents between law enforcement officers and sex workers. I controled for state-level economic and sociodemographic factors using control variables and a fixed effects regression model containing controls for both state and year effects. I found no significant relationship between either the unemployment rate or wage levels and prostitution incidents, however I found that a 1% increase in State GDP led to a 2% decrease in prostitution incidents, ceteris paribus.

Rebecca L. Lanier

Majors: Environment Science

Minors: Marine Biology

Honors in Environmental Science

Supervisor:

Dr. Devon Eulie

Occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances in Sporobolus alterniflorus

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of compounds that have been ubiquitously used and found in the environment across the globe. In the past decade, more studies have published research suggesting that PFAS compounds can bioaccumulate (accumulation from sediment) and bioconcentrate (accumulate from water) in plants and the environment. This poses a significant risk to human health as well as serious implications to the environment. This study sampled Sporobolus alterniflorus at the Center for Marine Science along the Intracoastal waterway. This study aimed to explore PFAS occurrence in a typical marsh plant in Eastern North Carolina. The results of this study showed that not only do S. alterniflorus bioaccumulate PFAS in the shoots, but they accumulate in very high concentrations compared to previous studies (Zhang et al., 2019). The study tested against 21 different PFAS compounds and found that short-chain compounds were most readily accumulated in the shoots. The results illustrate a pattern between increasing concentration with a decreased carbon chain length of compounds. Results also showed that PFOS was more readily accumulated in the shoots compared to PFOA. Marsh grasses have been previously studied with the aim of phytoremediation potential. This study gives a small glimpse into the accumulation of PFAS compounds in contaminated Eastern North Carolina salt marsh ecosystems.

Scott

L. Gere

Major: Chemistry and Computer Science

Minors: Mathematics

Honors in Interdisciplinary Honors

Supervisor: Dr. Antje

Almeida

Automation and Preliminary Validation of a Cost-Effective Langmuir Trough

A cost-effective Langmuir trough was developed in the Almeida lab at The University of North Carolina Wilmington. Preliminary validation of the device has shown that it can read the intermolecular pressure of a lipid monolayer between 0 and 80 mN/m with an R-squared of 0.9997. It is also capable of consistently compressing, or allowing for the expansion of, a lipid monolayer over the region necessary to produce a useful surface pressure isotherm. Isotherms produced by the device were found to closely match those from multiple literature sources. The computer application developed for the device allows for calibration of its components, user specification of important sampling parameters, and the automatic generation of data sets representing isotherm plots.

Claire Ostadi

Major: Exercise Science, Allied Health Concentration

Minor: Yoga Studies

Honors in Interdisciplinary Honors

Supervisor:

Dr. Yea-Jyh Chen

Biofeedback Responses between Reiki and Sound Therapies in Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the stress related biofeedback responses in breast cancer survivors using Reiki and Sound Healing (RH & SH) therapies as a complementary health approach. RH and SH therapies are known to reduce stress and improve overall health; however, the most effective complementary modality remains inconclusive in breast cancer care. This perspective, randomized control trial was conducted to enroll breast cancer survivors to either the RH group (n=6) or the SH group (n=7). The before-and-after biofeedback outcomes measured included heart rate variability (HRV) and body energy levels. Compared to the SH group, the RH participants who had higher baseline stress showed a positive increase in HRV and body energy post-Reiki. Overall, RH has a potential positive effect on HRV and energy levels in comparison to SH. This preliminary data provides initial insight into biofeedback changes, but further research is needed.

Tessa L. Rogers

Major: Biology

Honors in Interdisciplinary Honors

Supervisor:

Dr. Larry Cahoon

Analyzing the application of nuisance and trespassing laws to pollution

Common law concepts, such as nuisance and trespass, have been around since the early 1100s and many of their basic principles still hold true; one cannot interfere with another’s right to enjoy their property. Today, almost every person in America is subject to pollution. Pollution is the harmful and unwanted presence of discharges onto a person's land or into their water and air. So where is the disconnect? Why should we be subject to any company's pollution without our consent? While statutory law acts to protect citizens, there are still some great discrepancies; nuisance can fill that void. After examining the history of nuisance cases and precedents related to pollution, it is clear that nuisance has a place in the fight against pollution

Morgan L. Penrose

Majors: Marine Biology

Honors in Marine Biology

Supervisor: Dr. Troy Alphin

Comparing historic and modern abundance and spatial distribution of Sciaenidae in the Cape Fear River Estuary

Estuaries are important sites of suitable habitat for fish during their juvenile life stage. They can be a refuge from predators and supply food for juveniles. A Partnership for Sustainable Fishery Management, funded by the NCDMF Coastal Recreational Fishing License program, seeks to better understand the habitat utilization of juvenile fish species in the Cape Fear River Estuary. This study looks to compare historic and modern spatial distribution and abundance of two Sciaenidae species Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker) and Leiostomus xanthurus (spot). The juvenile life stage is crucial as it can be a significant indicator for the overall health of the fisheries. Findings indicated a significant difference in abundance among the three sampled sites. Further analysis highlighted a low abundance of Sciaenids in upper, oligohaline estuarine waters, suggesting the distribution of Sciaenids in the CFRE is concentrated in the middle to lower regions of the estuary where salinity ranges from ~5-30%

Savannah K. Simpson

Majors: Marine Biology

Honors in Marine Biology

Supervisor:

Dr. Stephanie Kamel

Characterizing Behavior: The Effect of Individual Personality on the Response to Environmental Stimuli of the Blue Crab, Callinectes Sapidus

Behavior plays a key role in organismal fitness. Animal personality, individual differences in behavior over time, is important in shaping interspecies interactions, many of which have considerable impact on community dynamics. Individuals may also exhibit behavioral plasticity, differences in their response to changing environmental conditions. Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, are ecologically important benthic crustaceans that inhabit salt marshes, a highly variable environment. This species is noted for their aggressive tendencies; however, variation of individual aggression has not been extensively studied. Here we assess a) if blue crabs exhibit individual differences in levels of aggression (i.e., personality) and b) if personality influences behavioral plasticity in the presence of varying environmental stimuli (olfactory cues from conspecifics and prey). We found that individual crabs consistently vary in their levels of aggression, exhibiting distinct personalities. We also found variation in behavioral plasticity, with aggressive crabs being less responsive to cues from conspecifics and more responsive to cues from prey. This work provides insights into the behavioral interactions occurring between predators and prey that are foundational members of salt marsh ecosystems.

Awards & Honor

Undergraduate Research Scholars

UNCW Undergraduate Research Scholars have not only completed coursework to prepare them to be researchers in their disciplines, but they have also “taken the next step” to present their scholarly work to an off-campus audience. Recognition as a Distinguished Undergraduate Research Scholar reflects additional achievements, such as recognition by an external audience. Students must apply to be considered and the distinction is conferred by the Faculty Board for the Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CSURF).

Wilmington Fellows

Students selected for this mentoring program are Honors College students who commit to research engagement early in college and position themselves to be competitive for postgraduate fellowships, scholarships, and graduate school.

UNCW Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CSURF), a unit of the Honors College, invites applications for the UNCW Undergraduate Research Fellowships competition each spring. The aim is to stimulate original research among undergraduate students at UNCW. Each student must have a faculty sponsor who serves as an advisor and assists in selecting a project. The student presents the proposal to an interdisciplinary committee as a written paper and an interview. Fellowship winners receive a tuition stipend.

Presented by Dr. Nathan Grove, Director of the Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships UNCW

Honors Global Citizens

With the Office of International Programs, we offer the Honors Global Citizen Recognition to honors students who demonstrate active engagement with global issues, foreign language competency, and study abroad

This event is sponsored in part by the Offices of the Chancellor and Academic Affairs.

Thanks to

Nathan Grove

Katherine Liu

Peggy Styes

Robyn Smith

Nathan Ragain

Jessica Rost

John D. Helbig

Aramark Catering Staff

The Registrar’s Office

Faculty Mentors and Committee Members

Honors Student Staff & Graduate Assistants: Jordan Altic, Hailey Deese, Kris Mosher-Gomez, Morgan Nunez, Samuel Shores

Burney Center Staff

Campus Life Reservations & Event Services

Coastal Engraving