10th Annual
A.R.C.H. Symposium
PROGRAM OF PRESENTERS APRIL 28, 29 & 30, 2022
A.R.C.H. Symposium, Oral Presentations Boreham - 204 April 28, 2022 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Student: Ingrid ‘Andrea’ Alonzo Martinez Project Title: Self-Esteem, Anxiety and Career Decision-Making at UofO Discipline: Psychology and Business Administration Mentor: Dr. Isaac Hunter Presentation Time: 6:30 – 6:50 p.m. Abstract: The present study at the University of the Ozarks aims to measure students’ general feelings about themselves as well as some values that gide them through their career decision-making. By the end of the study, we will have determined students’ self-esteem and anxiety levels, and the impact of group differences for gender, international status, and class standing. Some of the goals of the study are to answer and explore the following: i. Does college impact Self-Esteem or Anxiety levels? ii. Are there group differences in the likelihood of seeking a job, career, or calling? iii. Do anxiety and self-esteem impact values that might affect career decisipmmaking? Student: Sara Ambrocio Paque Project Title: Comparison of eukaryotic soil algae in Warren Prairie Natural Area Discipline: Biology Mentor: Dr. Marvin and Karen Fawley Presentation Time: 6:50 – 7:10 p.m. Abstract: Warren Prairie Natural Area (WPNA) located in southeast Arkansas is a mosaic area of saline slicks that form flat, crusty depressions with few rare angiosperms, and outer zone of cyanobacteria. The edges of the saline slicks are home to the rare, diminutive vascular plant, Geocarpon minimum Mackenzie (Caryophyllaceae), which is a federally protected threatened species. Because the Warren Prairie slicks are home to many rare and unusual vascular plants, we hypothesized that the soil algae community will also comprise many unusual species. The main objective was to characterize and compare the soil crust eukaryotic algal communities in Site 1 (saline slick) and Site 2 (surrounding area) in WPNA using morphological and molecular techniques. We focused on the 10 species of the green algal genera Coelastrella, Cylindrocytis, Myrmecia, and Diplosphaera that were previously isolated from a saline slick in WPNA. We used light microscopy for morphological characterization of each strain and DNA sequences (barcoes) from loci appropriate for species-level identification (tufA; ITS; rbcL). Coelastrella strains from Site 1 were identical to a strain previously described from a slick in WPNA. In contrast, Site 2 had a unique strain similar to Coelastrella yingshanensis. Cylindrocytis strains were present in the Site 1, but were not present in Site 2. Myrmecia was not found from Site 1 or Site 2, whereas Diplosphaera strains were found in both sites. Our results show that most of the species of green algal genera examined were different between the soil from saline slicks and soil outside the slick.
Student: Laura Bruce Project Title: Fish Diversity in the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park Discipline: Environmental Studies Mentor: Dr. Yassine Dguidegue Presentation Time: 7:10 – 7:30 p.m. Abstract: Located in the northwest of Panama, the Bocas del Toro Archipelago constitutes a 'coral reef-seagrass-mangrove system.' After the collapse of the fish stocks during the late 1990s, the federal government implemented strategies to market Bocas del Toro as a touristic destination including the establishment of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park (BINMP) as a tropical 'paradise' for national and international visitors. Human activities, such as unsustainable fisheries, agriculture, and tourism have exacerbated the effects of climate change on coral reefs in the archipelago. For example, the intense bleaching events have caused die-off to reef structures. Moreover, the loss of coastal habitat for the construction of businesses has altered the nurseries (seagrass meadows and mangroves) of reef fishes. The data of this study was obtained while snorkeling the coral reefs and mangroves inside and outside the BINMP. The results and discussion include habitat assessment and fish surveys to discuss the effectiveness of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park in preserving biodiversity and suggest a holistic approach for the expansion of the park. In addition to that, trip journals around Colón Island and Ngäbe Indigenous communities enhance insight into the issues concerning tourism development. Student: Lily Hart Project Title: Treating Depression by Balancing Hormones with Diet Discipline: Psychology Mentor: Dr. Karen Jones Presentation Time: 7:30 – 7:50 p.m. Abstract: Between the ages of twenty-one and thirty, males and females begin to experience rapid hormone fluctuations leading to hormonal imbalances that have been directly linked to clinical depression, which surges during this period of adulthood. Poor diet is a leading cause of hormonal imbalances, and while other studies have made the connection between a healthy diet and mental health, there is a gap in research that leaves out using diet as a treatment for balancing hormones rather than using pharmaceuticals to manage and treat depression. This project attempts to fill the gap in the literature that omits data that a personalized diet can be effectively used as a treatment for depression by balancing hormones. Another gap is the lack of data to identify how many males and females between the ages of twenty-one and thirty are affected by hormone imbalances. This experiment design takes a holistic approach and attempts to fill the gaps by finding measurable dietary outcomes and conducting a study with sixty participants, males and females between the ages twenty-one and thirty, for fourteen weeks who have received a clinical diagnosis of depression in the past six months. All sixty participants will keep a mindfulness diet journal, submit a weekly vlog including real time, video documented answers to a questionnaire. The researcher will provide tools and an online support network to facilitate connection and support with other participants in the group. This will allow participants and the researcher to track progress, encourage them as they consume a personalized diet, and report their progress via a daily diet journal, a weekly vlog, and a weekly questionnaire.
Student: Maryfer Perez Project Title: Gratitude among college students Discipline: Psychology and Business Administration Mentor: Dr. Isaac Hunter Presentation Time: 7:50 – 8:10 p.m. Abstract: This paper analyzes gratitude among college students from University of the Ozarks, whether or not they are aware of this practice, if they believe would have positive impact, and if they would be interested in practicing it. From the 900 students enrolled, a third of the students participated in the survey. The survey was divided into two sections, the first one had the gratitude questionnaire by Most students reported that they are interested in this practice, they would benefit from it but they did not know how to begin practicing gratitude, something the school could help them with. The implications in the project suggest that the school could further help them with this practice. Student: Misael Perez-Medina Project Title: A Cross-Sectional Study of Subjective Happiness and Screen Time Discipline: Psychology and Mathematics Mentor: Dr. Karen Jones Presentation Time: 8:10 – 8:30 p.m. Abstract: This paper is part of my research experience class designed to gain experience in doing research, learning to collect data, perform statistical analysis, and interpret results. My research question asks if there exist any correlations between screen time (ST), physical activity (PA), sleep, and subjective happiness (SH) among students at a small private university. Many studies show that there is an association between SH, ST, and PA in children and adolescence, and the combination of those variables. However, some findings are not congruent. Some studies show that PA is more positively associated to SH than lower ST is associated to SH. In this study, data was collected regarding demographics, ST, SH, PA, and sleep using google forms and will be analyzed to determine if there is a statistical significance between the different variables.
Student: Holly Paige Vire Project Title: Student Impact Project: Printmaking Gyotaku Discipline: Art Education Mentor: Professor Doris Metz Presentation Time: 8:30 – 8:50 p.m. Abstract: My student impact project will focus on the importance of connecting projects and activities with learning goals to deepen understanding. Through the clear explanation and repetition of learning goals of a project, students will be more likely to be driven and motivated to achieve that specific goal. Therefore, without clear expectations and goals being outlined so that students are aware of the meaning of the lesson, students might misunderstand and become unable to reach the actual learning objectives of the lesson. The goal of a lesson should be what drives the instruction and assessments, as well as the projects that the teacher creates so that the students are on a path to success. Additionally, due to the fact that my art classroom includes students who are integrated as well I wanted to evaluate the success rate of utilizing these techniques across students of all abilities. My unit focused on printmaking where the students were first introduced to the idea of printmaking and the reason it was created which included vocab words such as the names of the tools utilized. After the discussion, the students were required to record key ideas, vocab words and one question that stuck out to them to further engrain the information and overall meaning of the lesson in their minds. From there the students were able to experience the most common type of printmaking which was the creation of a chop which is a stamp that printmakers use to sign their work while creating Gyotaku fish prints. They were able to use the tools discussed in the pre-test and experience how to create a successful print from their stamp. Next, the students had to create practice prints of gyotaku fish which will result in giving them the ability to create three successful identical prints called an edition. After their edition was finished, they retook the pre-test, evaluated their edition development, and assessed themselves on the lesson objective checklist to finish the unit.
A.R.C.H. Symposium, Visual Arts Presentations Walton Fine Arts Center, Lobby April 29, 2022 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Student: Aaliyah Knowles Project Title: “Da Sun on My Skin” Discipline: Art Mentor: Professor Harrington Presentation Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Abstract: My art embodies the tropical scenery, culture and island life of The Bahamas. These functional vessels were created to complement the food that is imbedded within it. A plate, mug and bowl, shaped with curves and subtle edges to fit comfortably in the user’s hand. The surface designs are a combination of natural colors that reflect the Bahamian landscape. The Cape Santa Maria Beach collection has blue hues that depicts that oceanfront on a calm Sunday afternoon, when the wind is lightly dancing through the trees and the waves gently crash into the fine beige sand. This set reminds me of a time of ease and relaxation through as the clay body and glazes work in harmony with each other. These dinnerware vessels bring loved ones together over a meal and once completed they’ll lay in admiration of the scenery just discovered. Student: Project Title:
Isabella Olarte “If the stars were made to worship so will I” “If the wind goes where You send it so will I” Discipline: Art and Psychology Mentor: Professor Harrington Presentation Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Abstract: My artwork represents the testimony of the infinite love that God has for us. It is meant to depict how His character, heart, intentions, will and steadfast/never failing love reflects in our lives. As we follow a journey guided by Him towards freedom, forgiveness, and the most meaningful relationship we will ever have (with Him). It is a gift that is encoded within creation handcrafted for each one of us to live a life where we are whole, to ultimately enjoy external life.
Student: Alaura Streithorst Project Title: Euphoric Moments Discipline: Art Mentor: Professor Harrington Presentation Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Abstract: My eyes have always been drawn to landscapes especially spaces next to water sources. The quality of light, as it hits the water, enhances textures and color. In addition the geometry of architectural structures contrast with the organic forms of the landscapes. My small scale paintings consist of landscapes from various areas in Arkansas that hold special memories for me. Arkansas is my home and i want the viewer to experience the beauty from these unique spaces. My work is an expressive interpretation and captures the environment through my eyes. My paintings all focus on the light and in the way it can change the perspective like dawn and dusk. The idea of having nature, which in itself is unique, but then to have the man made elements which do not change like the seasons so they remain the same. (When I click on the Visual art display it also puts a check mark on the poster presentation. I am only doing a visual art display) Student: Holly Vire Project Title: Thalassophile Discipline: Art Education Mentor: Professor Harrington Presentation Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Abstract: My artwork focuses on the importance of ocean conservation and the threat to marine life utilizing a mixture of medias which includes printmaking, pastel and mixed media works. My printmaking pieces embody the distress that ocean life must encounter as a result of human impact and the contrast of pollution tormented waters with the soothing waves of unobstructed water. I created the pastel pieces with the intent to capture feelings upon paper. Finally, my mixed media pieces utilize both sculpture and two-dimensional works to educate and articulate achievable resolutions to prevent these tragedies. These works combine my two motivations which are to raise awareness and convince the viewers to reduce their contribution to pollution. I incorporate a variety of different sized artworks to express my personal connection to the ocean. My black and white intaglio prints focus on detail and texture to represent ocean creatures in their distressing reality in contrast to the naïve perception of the public. The prints juxtapose against the pastels which play off color and pattern to describe the ocean in its many forms through the simplified vibrancy of the diversity of the colors in the ocean. Finally, my mixed media pieces consist of monotype prints woven with informative text as well as ceramic pieces mixed with reality to offer solutions within ourselves. I have chosen one pastel piece, Serene, as well as one of my printmaking intaglio pieces, Erroneous Resplendency, to present for this submission.
Student: Masey Wilson Project Title: The Field Collection Discipline: Art and Communication Studies (Radio/TV/Video) Mentor: Professor Harrington Presentation Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Abstract: My series The Spark captures a moment in time for college students following their passion. These photographs contain a variety of individual students at a point of growth and when a spark has taken place in their field of study. These students come from a variety of areas like art, media production, psychology, business, biology, soccer, music, and swimming. The photographs are a small to medium size to create a more immediate connections between the viewer and the subject. The photographs are taken at an eye level perspective to further enhance the connection between the viewer and the subject. The pieces consist of a variety of close-up and full figure poses. The close-ups focus on a more engaging interaction between the student and the props/other people. The full figure compositions show the figure in more action oriented poses that are immersed in the space around them. Since these are portrait photographs it is important that the face is clearly visible and the expression shows confidence and motivation.
A.R.C.H. Symposium, Digital Story Telling Walker Hall - 133 April 29, 2022 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Student: Melvin Mendoza Project Title: Dignify Storytelling: Ethical Dilemmas on the Border Discipline: Communication Studies Mentor: Professor Edens Presentation Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Abstract: What I was expecting to be just a fun college-sponsored spring break trip to the Bordertown of El Paso, turned out to be more than just a trip; it became an eyeopening experience. On this trip, I faced no only the dilemma of whether or not to film but also confronted a river of new information about how to approach and share delicate topics, such as “The Border” issue. So, everything comes down to sharing stories while respecting the dignity of those who are involved in them. As a communication student, I felt compelled to share what I learned on that immersive trip. It is not my goal to try to change the situation on the border, but to learn from it. Some of the topics I will be sharing in my project are: my position as a communication student in this new environment, as well as the perspective of the religion, some historical background on the immigration situation, and a call on reflection on the topic overall. Student: Cristhian Rodriguez Project Title: New Beginnings Discipline: Communication Studies Mentor: Professor Edens Presentation Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Abstract: The music video relates the experience of an international student and the adventure that starts when he has to leave his family and friends and get used to a whole different environment in order to start living a new life far from home.
Student: Sade Seymour Project Title: Through Our Lens Discipline: Communication Studies Mentor: Professor Edens Presentation Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Abstract: Being a producer is so much more than live-streaming or creating content, it is truly a lifestyle. There is so much passion and excitement in watching something you have mentally conceptualized come to life and make an impact on others. Generally, most people do not understand the constant whirlwind of logistics and research that goes into a project before a producer can even start production. From creating running orders and scheduling sports commentators, to studying the weather and external environments, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. ‘Through Our Lens’ takes student producers at University of the Ozarks from behind the camera as they share their passion and love for the field of multimedia as well as what it takes to thrive in such a fast-paced and sometimes unforgiving world. Student: Johnathan Smith Project Title: Off the Backboard Discipline: Business Administration Mentor: Professor Edens Presentation Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Abstract: University of the Ozarks basketball team just came off a championship run during the year after COVID hit the world. In the process, they found a way to hit the world back with determination and dedication. Now we have a new group of individuals looking to take on the task of repeating and proving the doubters wrong of what they accomplished last season. Only problem is there are only four returnees and at least ten freshman hungry for some playtime. On this journey, they will experience the ups and downs of emotions and the process of learning each other. Towards the end of the season, it begins to feel like they have to get a rebound off the backboard and put it back up with three defenders surrounding them.
A.R.C.H. Symposium, Poster Presentations RCC – Taylor Room April 30, 2022 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Student: Project Title:
Andrew Duncan Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation on Mechanotransduction-associated Targets Discipline: Health Science Mentor: Dr. Steven Machek Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Abstract: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training and betaine supplementation both possibly facilitate myofibril-level mechanotransduction via intracellular cell swelling. PURPOSE: To explore a potential extra-to-intracellular fluid flux-mediated BFR-betaine synergistic effect on intramuscular phosphorylated signaling targets. METHODS: Eighteen resistance trained men (23±5y) visited the laboratory after supplementing with either 6g/day betaine anhydrous (BET) or equivalently-dosed placebo (PLA) for 14-days. Subsequently, all participants performed six sets in randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover fashion of either high-load (HL; 70% one-repetition maximum [1RM]) or low-load BFR (LL-BFR; 20%1RM) leg press exercise. Participants underwent vastus lateralis muscle biopsies before and 30-minutes post exercise to assess phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAKTyr397), insulin receptor substrate 1 (PanTyrIRS1), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6KThr389) via ELISA. Several hydration parameters (whole-body intra-and-extracellular water, as well as muscle tissue-specific ∆Wet-to-Dry weight), exercise condition load-volume, and phosphorylated signaling target changes from baseline were assessed via separate two-way mixed model repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of p<.05. RESULTS: Analyses revealed no significant main or interaction effects for any hydration parameter and singularly observed a significant main exercise condition effect for load-volume, whereby HL accumulated a higher load-volume versus LL-BFR (p<.001). Furthermore, analyses failed to detect any main nor interactions for FAKTyr397 or PanTyrIRS1. While no significant exercise condition or interaction effects were observed, p70S6KThr389 was significantly (p=.030; ηp2=.262) elevated in BET (11.93±12.29 to 20.58±17.30abs/ng/mL) versus PLA (7.35±0.63 to 7.52±0.81abs/ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Although the present findings do not support an extra-to-intracellular fluid flux-mediated BFR-betaine synergy, they further substantiate the efficacy of either distinct modality.
Student: Bertram Gibson Project Title: New Species of the Green Algal Genus Myrmecia from Arkansas Discipline: Biology Mentor: Dr. Karen and Marvin Fawley Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Abstract: Myrmecia is a green algal genus that is often found in soil crusts. Warren Prairie Natural Area, located in southeast Arkansas (Bradley County and Drew County), is a mosaic of saline slicks, pine barrens, pine woodlands, and bottomland hardwood forest communities. There is little research on soil algae in Arkansas. The main objective of this study was to characterize the soil algal communities from Warren Prairie Natural Area. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and plastid rbcL gene show that several of our Myrmecia strains from Warren Prairie are different from previously characterized species of Myrmecia, such as M. israelensis. Light microscopy was used to characterize the strains morphologically. Our results show both morphological and phylogenetic differences between the strains of Myrmecia from Warren Prairie Natural Area, and indicate the presence of three new species. Student: Project Title:
Twanesha Lightbourn Rediscovery and Phylogeny of the Eustigmatophyte Genus Botryochlorops Discipline: Chemistry Mentor: Dr. Karen and Marvin Fawley Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Abstract: The eustigmatophyte genus Botryochloropsis was described in 1989 by Preisig and Wilhelm. The vegetative cells of Botryochloropsis are small (4-6 micrometers), spherical in shape and form irregular colonies surrounded by mucilage. This organism reproduces by autospores (non-motile) and zoospores (two emergent flagella). The type strain and only described species of this genus, Botryochloropsis similis, has been subsequently lost. The purpose of this study was to determine if the eustigmatophyte strain BogD 8/9 T-4m from Itasca State Park, MN, USA is a member of the genus Botryochloropsis. The strain was characterized using light microscopy and sequences of the nuclear 18S rDNA and plastid rbcL genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences showed that BogD 8/9 T-4m is allied with UP3 5/31-6m, an algal strain that also has characteristics similar to Botryochloropsis similis. For both these strains, light microscopy showed the lack of a pyrenoid, zoospores with 2 flagella, presence of a mucilage layer surrounding aggregated vegetative cells, and a parietal chloroplast. However, the 2 strains differed from the description of B. similis in the size of the cells and the shape of the zoospores. Our results indicate that these strains are two new species of the genus Botrychloropsis.
Student: Project Title:
Maria Fernanda Navarette Maltez Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation on Exercise-Associated Hormones Biology Discipline: Dr. Steven Machek Mentor: Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Abstract: Betaine supplementation may augment blood flow restriction (BFR) training-mediated metabolic stress and mechanical tension via osmolyte-associated protein protection and attenuated fatigue. PURPOSE: to compare the impacts of a potential BFR-betaine synergy on circulating post-exercise GH and IGF-1 concentrations. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally trained males (25±5y) were randomized in double-blind fashion to supplement 6g/day of either betaine anhydrous (BET) or identically dosed cellulose placebo (PLA) for 14-days. Subsequently, all subjects performed four standardized sets of one-leg press and two additional sets to muscular failure on both legs in a counter-balanced and crossover design. Specifically, one leg performed standard high-load (HL; 70%1RM) exercise and contralateral limb underwent BFR (LL-BFR; 20%1RM) training at 80% arterial occlusion pressure. Serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations were analyzed before (PRE) and 30-minutes post-exercise (POST30M), subsequently quantified via ELISA. The changes in serum hormones from baseline (∆GH and ∆IGF-1) were assessed via separate two-way mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures at a significance level of p<.05. RESULTS: Analysis failed to detect any main or interaction effects for ∆GH. Despite statistically equivocal main exercise condition and interaction effects, the supplement-specific change from baseline in serum IGF-1 was significantly (p=.042; ηp2=.247) higher in BET (105.4± 34.0ng/mL to 114.6±32.6ng/mL) versus PLA (136.6±45.1 to 129.1±37.7ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Although these data fail to support a BFR-betaine synergy, they otherwise support BFR as a viable training modality and further substantiate the growing literature regarding betaine’s ostensibly anabolic potential. Student: Project Title:
Maria Reyes Peralta Two New Species of the Algal Genus Characiopsis (Eustigmatophyceae) Discipline: Biology Mentor: Dr. Karen and Marvin Fawley Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Abstract: Characiopsis is a genus in the algal class Eustigmatophyceae, which is a group of mostly freshwater algae that are related to other algal groups like brown seaweeds and diatoms. Organisms in the genus Characiopsis are unicellular, yellowgreen, and vary in shape from spherical to ellipsoidal. These cells often possess an attaching structure called a stipe, which is an extension of the cell wall. Two potential Characiopsis strains were isolated from a dystrophic bog in Itasca State Park, Minnesota. We used light microscopy and DNA sequencing of the nuclear 18S rDNA and the plastid rbcL genes to characterize these algal strains. Our results clearly indicate that these two strains are new species of the genus Characiopsis.