College of Science

and Technology

Research and

Scholarship Day

Hartline Science Center

Ground Floor

3:00 p.m.

Friday, December 5, 2014

WELCOME Jonathan M. Lincoln, Ph.D.

Acting Dean, College of Science and Technology

I am pleased to welcome you to our Fall Research and Scholarship Day.

Discovery is the cornerstone of knowledge in science. Undergraduate and graduate research

experiences in science, mathematics and technology engage students in ways that allow them to

discover new knowledge and to evaluate existing knowledge critically and rigorously. Research

experiences allow our students to pursue personal interests related to their disciplines, to hone problem-solving skills and to chal-

lenge themselves in new ways. Research experiences remind students to keep an open mind and to be ready to absorb, process

and analyze new information. Students learn about more than just their research topic through these experiences: they develop

time management skills; they learn how to bridge classroom learning and application; they learn patience; and they develop the

ability to adjust and work through unforeseen events or outcomes.

Undergraduate and graduate research experiences help prepare our students for future success, whether they intend to pursue

graduate work or to enter the work force. Many of the students presenting today will also present their research at regional or

national meetings, publish their research in a journal within their discipline, or gain admission to prestigious graduate programs;

others will find that the skills they acquired through participation in a graduate or undergraduate research experience will tip the

scales in their favor during a critical job interview.

The research presented today is the result of many hours of hard work by our students. However, these students were also sup-

ported by dedicated faculty, staff and sponsors who contributed many hours of their time or financial resources. I sincerely thank

all of those individuals whose contributions make these research experience possible for our students.

SCH

EDU

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G38 G40 G42

3:oo Dr. Jonathan Lincoln

3:15 Hansal Jani; BAHS Ian Maize/ Michael Ashton;

Physics and Engineering Kirk Jeffreys; Chemistry

3:30 Martina Drew; BAHS Melissa Miller/

Amanda Davis/ Nam Dang; IT Zachary Rhoden; Chemistry

3:45 Sean Hartzell: BAHS Caroline Toomey; Nursing Sawyer Davis; Chemistry

4:00 Anthony DiBiase; EGGS

POSTER SESSION

Eric Thompson; Chemistry

4:15

POSTER SESSION

Jocelyn Legere; Chemistry

4:30

POSTER SESSION 4:45

5:00 Dr. Swapan Mookerjee/

Dr. Helmut Doll; ExSci/IT

5:15 Amanda Pritzlaff; EGGS/Chem Kayla McHale; ExSci Franklin Rodemer; Chemistry

5:30 Gessica Barry; EGGS

Hanna Jarsocrak/ Ramesh

Muthukumarana/ Jordan

Orzokel/ Ryan Zimmerman; IT

Teresa Grimes; Chemistry

5:45 Christopher Rosengrant;

Chemistry Kelly Barko; Chemistry

Physics and Engineering Technology Construction of Zeeman Slower and Ultra High Vacuum System

Nicholas Hitcho and Joshua Halbfoerster

Laser cooling and trapping involves slowing down atoms to sub microkelvin temperatures using a counter-propagating laser beam,

and trapping a cloud of atoms in a magneto optical trap. Future experiments in this lab will have applications in atomic clocks,

quantum computing, and general physical understanding of quantum mechanical systems. This research was sponsored by an

Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research was presented at the Susquehanna

Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium in Summer 2014, and at the American Physical Society Mid-Atlantic Conference at

Penn State University, Pennsylvania in Fall 2014.

Dr. John Huckans

Tuning and Locking of a Diode Laser for a Magneto-Optical Trap

Rachel Livingston and Matthew Gift

Laser cooling is a frontier field of study in atomic physics which allows us to explore the quantum mechanical properties of

atoms once they have been cooled to microkelvin temperatures. Our UltraColdBloom team has taken a ground-up approach to

the construction of a functioning magneto-optical cloud within a vacuum system. The process of tuning and locking the diode

lasers used for this experiment is one of endless opportunities this project provides for physics and engineering students to

exercise their knowledge in optical, quantum, and atomic physics. This research was sponsored by an Undergraduate Research,

Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research was presented at the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research

Symposium in the Summer 2014, and at the American Physical Society Mid-Atlantic Conference at Penn State University,

Pennsylvania in Fall 2014.

Dr. Ju Xin and Dr. John Huckans

Working Toward a Kepler Pipeline

Michael Torch, Collin Shoop and Andrew Stacy

Analyzing data sets a common problem. In Kepler 1, NASA preprocessed data used by the Kepler Aster seismic Consortium

(KASC) which studies variable stars in support of Kepler’s primary mission to find earth-like planets around other starts. In Kepler

2, funding for the preprocessing is no longer there. The KASC community is developing its own pipeline. We are working on our

own unique contribution.

Dr. Nada Jevtic

Nursing Music-based Interventions to Improve Behavior in Students

Abigail Brown

This project investigates the concept of using music as a means to improve focus and behavior in classrooms. The use of

music in this regard has the potential to benefit both teachers during their instruction and students of any age seeking to

better self-regulate.

Dr. Mindi Miller

Environmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences Assessment of Changes in a Salt Marsh Near Wallops Island, Virginia, Following Hurricane

Sandy and Irene

Matthew Mattesini

I am investigating whether shifts in salt marsh vegetation can be detected and quantified using satellite imagery and GIS. If so,

this may provide an important tool to detect effects of both coastal storms and sea-level rise. This research was presented at the

Atlantic Estuarine Research Society Meeting at Stockton College, New Jersey on October 31, 2014. This research was sponsored

by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant, and a Margin of Excellence Grant to Drs. Cynthia

Venn and Jennifer Whisner.

Dr. Michael Shepard, Dr. Cynthia Venn, and Dr. Jennifer Whisner

Exploration of the Subsurface Through Ground Penetrating Radar at Baptist Cemetery,

Berwick, Pennsylvania

Aaron Pysher

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses the physical properties of electromagnetic waves and the ground to see under the

subsurface without harming the ground. Using GPR is essential to exploring the subsurface for buried materials and finding

things without disturbing the ground.

Dr. Michael Shepard

Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics Difference Equations and the Class of Periodic Left Nested Radicals

Devyn Lesher

Since the time of the ancient Greeks, mathematicians have been fascinated with nested radicals. I will provide a variety of

examples of left and right nested radicals as we present a brief history of this topic and illustrate its connection to difference

equations. I will also provide the formal definition of a left and a right nested radical as I present several new results about the

class of periodic left nested radicals. This research was sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative

Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research has been presented at the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Meeting in Greensboro,

North Carolina and at Bloomsburg University as a Mathematics and Computer Science Seminar this Fall.

Dr. Chris Lynd

Arduino Liquid Volume Sensor

Sadan Mallhi

The goal is to create an automated liquid volume sensor. This sensor could be calibrated to any linear water container to show

the current volume inside the container. Applications would consist of automated greenhouse setups, water reservoir tanks,

petroleum filtration tanks, brewery’s, etc. This research has been sponsored by Bloomsburg University.

Dr. Samuel Gross

Lecture Hall G38 Timekeeper: Dr. William Schwindinger and Dr. Cynthia Venn

3:15 Gene Expression in Macronutrient Pathways During Acute Ethanol Intoxication of

Honey Bees

Hansal Jani, Biological and Allied Health Sciences

Honey Bees and humans share the behavior of self-administering alcohol. Previous research by our group shows that

honey bees and humans exhibit similar behaviors while intoxicated: poor locomotor coordination, aggression, blood

alcohol content time course, poor decision-making, and disrupted communication. Both the honey bee and human

genomes have been sequenced, allowing us to investigate how gene expression changes macronutrient pathways in the

bee brain during ethanol intoxication. In comparison, similar studies in humans would be unethical. This research has

been sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Research and Scholarship Grant and has been submitted to the journal of

Insects for possible publication.

Dr. John Hranitz and Dr. Charles Abramson (Oklahoma State University)

3:30 Factors Influencing Bird to Window Collisions on Bloomsburg University Campus

Martina Drew, Biological and Allied Health Sciences

My research project is to identify factors that may influence bird -window collisions on the Bloomsburg University

campus. This project is part of an international collaboration with the Ecological Research as Education Network, and will

also bring awareness of bird conservation needs to Bloomsburg University so that it can become a more bird friendly

campus. This research was sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant.

Dr. Amber Pitt and Dr. Clay Corbin

3:45 The Historic Distribution of the Eastern Hellbender Salamander (Cryptobranchus

alleganiensis alleganiensis) in the Susquehanna Drainage of Pennsylvania

Sean Hartzell, Biological and Allied Health Sciences

The Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) is a large aquatic salamander which is imperiled due

to a variety of anthropogenic factors. We compiled records of hellbenders within the greater Susquehanna River drain-

age in Pennsylvania in order to map out their historic range in Pennsylvania. This will provide a basis to compare current

and future assessments of hellbender populations in the Susquehanna River drainage of Pennsylvania. This research was

sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Research and Scholarship Grant.

Dr. Amber Pitt

Lecture Hall G38...continued Timekeeper: Dr. William Schwindinger and Dr. Cynthia Venn

4:00 A Geographical and Sociological Study of Parking Patterns in Bloomsburg,

Pennsylvania

Anthony DiBiase, Environmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences

Some people feel that there is not enough parking in the downtown area in Bloomsburg. The goal of this study is to find

out if existing parking is being used effectively and if additional parking is needed. This research was sponsored by the

Bloomsburg University Foundation, and has been presented at the Pennsylvania GIS Conference in Spring 2014 as well

as the Pennsylvania Geographical Society (PGS) Annual Meeting in Fall 2014 where it won the undergraduate paper

completion.

Dr. Jeffrey Brunskill

5:15 A Profile of Metal Bioaccumulation in Selected Invertebrates From the Eastern and

Western Shores of the Susquehanna River Near Hummel’s Wharf, Pennsylvania

Amanda Pritzlaff, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Patterns of metal accumulation within the tissues of invertebrates, which were collected from sites along a transect of

the nearby Susquehanna River, were examined. River and environmental enthusiasts are especially suggested to come

to this talk, as the bioaccumulation of metals within tissues can give us a long-term idea of the presence of these toxic

substances in the environment. This research was sponsored by the Degenstein Foundation and an Undergraduate

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research will be presented at the 249th American

Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in Denver, Colorado in Spring 2015.

Dr. Christopher Hallen and Dr. Cynthia Venn

5:30 A Guy, a Beer, and a Dream: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems to Design

Distribution Routes for Rusty Rail Brewing Company

Gessica Barry, Environmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is designed to be used by anyone to solve geographic problems. For

example, in this project the class analyzed factors such as product wait, driving time, and wait time to model optimized

delivery routes for a local business, the Rusty Rail Brewing Company.

Dr. Jeffrey Brunskill

5:45 Water Quality Analysis of Fishing Creek; Has Fracking Impacted Bloomsburg’s

Water Supply?

Christopher Rosengrant, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Hydraulic fracturing has been known to release some unwanted materials into local water supplies. This study is meant

to compare the current water quality of Little Fishing Creek to a previous study to see if the recent opening of a fracking

pad has caused any long term differences for the drinking water in Bloomsburg. This research was sponsored by the

Degenstein Foundation, and has been presented at the Susquehanna Undergraduate Research Symposium and the 9th

Annual Susquehanna River Symposium.

Dr. Christopher Hallen

Investigation of the Interactions of Synapsin I rab3a Within the Presynaptic Axon Terminals

of the Mouse Neuromuscular Junction

Jessica Willis

This study will provide insight into the proper neurotransmitter release that requires the concerted action of many proteins. The

research investigates the interactions of two key proteins found in the presynaptic terminal of neuron, synapsin I and rab3a at the

neuromuscular junction. This research is sponsored by the Bloomsburg University Thesis Research Grant.

Dr. William Coleman

Chemistry and Biochemistry Hybrid Pincer Complexes of Rh(I): Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Catalytic

Transfer Hydrogenation

Teresa Grimes

Catalytic research is a valuable approach to discover pathways that will reduce energy input as well as waste output. This research

was sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, Creative Activities (URSCA) Grant and will be presented at the National

American Chemical Society Meeting in Denver, Colorado in Spring 2015.

Dr. Philip Osburn

A Study of the Organometallic Synthesis of Imipramine

Zachary Rhoden

Organometallic chemistry allows for the synthesis of large, complex organic molecules with relatives ease. This synthesis route of

imipramine is more direct and efficient than the current route.

Dr. John Morgan

Microsatellite DNA Analysis of Pacific Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna

Shana Wagner

This research will contribute to the existing knowledge of genetic differentiation not only between Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

(Thunnus thynnus) and Western Pacific Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) populations but also more geographically localized

populations. Knowledge of population genetics is essential for the long-term, sustainable management of these important

food species. This research was presented at the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium on August 5, 2014,

and will also be presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting and Exposition in Spring 2015. This research

was sponsored by the Bloomsburg University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and an Undergraduate Research,

Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant.

Dr. Michael Pugh

POSTERS Biological and Allied Health Sciences

Differential Methylation of GNG7 in Normal B6 Mouse Tissues

Jeffrey Dailey and Ali Hussain

Down regulation of GNG7 in humans has been observed in cancers including pancreatic, gastrointestinal, esophageal and head

and neck tumors, however, epigenetic regulation of GNG7 has not been studied in normal mouse tissues to determine the role

of methylation on its expression. This study explores the possibility that methylation in normal tissues has a tissue specific effect

on expression. This research was sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Faculty Research and Scholarship Grant, and an

Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research was presented at the 17th Annual

Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland in Baltimore on

October 18, 2014 and won Second Place.

Dr. William Schwindinger

Effects of Temperature on the Levels of Heat Shock Protein 70 in Black Worms

(Lumbriculus varriegatus)

Jacob Morton and Blake Shoemaker

This study investigates the cellular responses of black worms to heat stress. Black worms are an integral part of aquatic food

chains and are useful as a bio indicator to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. This research was sponsored by Cherokee

Pharmaceuticals, a Bloomsburg University Collaborative Research Grant, and a Bloomsburg University Special Initiatives Grant.

This research will be presented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Biologists (CPUB)

Meeting in Spring 2015.

Dr. John Hranitz and Dr. Cynthia Surmacz

Relative Population Density and Behavioral Time Budgets of Seaside Dragonlets

(Erythodiplax Berenice) in Impaired and Intact Salt Marsh Habitats

Alan Newnham

Seaside dragonlets are a common and conspicuous species of salt marsh habitats of the east coast. The data collected found the

same numbers of individuals per area in degraded and intact habitats. However, those in the degraded habitats are quiescent.

Degraded habitats may serve as an ecological sink. This research was sponsored by the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops

Island, Virginia.

Dr. Clay Corbin

Lecture Hall G40 Timekeeper: Dr. Nathanial Greene and Dr. Joseph Andreacci

3:15 KEPLER: To K2 and Beyond

Ian Maize and Michael Ashton, Physics and Engineering Technology

This presentation will discuss KEPLER Background and its original purpose, with its accomplishments. Methods used for

noise reduction to improve results of data analysis. This research was sponsored by Bloomsburg University.

Dr. Nada Jevtic and Dr. Peter Stine

3:30 Quad Graphic-Point Kiazen Events

Melissa Miller, Amanda Davis and Nam Dang, Instructional Technology

Exploring and understanding adult learning. How technology can elevate the learning experience.

Dr. Timothy Phillips

3:45 Identification of Values Associated with Excellence, Ethics, and Engagement in an

Outpatient Hospital Work Environment

Caroline Toomey, Nursing

The purpose of this study was to understand staff members’ perceptions of their work in the Department of Urology

at Geisinger Medical Center in terms of the essentials of Good Work, which include excellence, ethics, and engagement.

Methods used in this study can be applied to studies in other professional settings by highlighting the potential of

using the Appreciative Inquiry framework to identify values associated with excellence, ethics, and engagement in an

individual’s work. This research was sponsored by the Bloomsburg University Honors Program and was presented at the

Geisinger Nursing Research Conference, and the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Fall 2014.

Dr. Joan Miller

5:00 Development of a Computerized App for Assessment in a Wellness Course

Dr. Swapan Mookerjee and Dr. Helmut Doll,

Exercise Sciences and Instructional Technology

A computerized app was developed using a mobile website, which sent data to MySQL (an open source database), using

PHP (a scripting language) middleware. A sample-specific, normative database was generated and incorporated into the

app. This app records fitness test performance and determines norm– ranked fitness status based on these cores. This

research was sponsored by a Bloomsburg University Teaching and Learning Enhancement Center (TALE) Award and has

been presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Mid Atlantic Region Annual Meeting in Fall 2014. Graduate

student Valerie Handy assisted in the research and development of this app.

5:15 The Validation of Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance Analyzers for the Assessment of

Body Composition in Adults

Kayla McHale, Exercise Science

Understanding body composition: It’s more than just weight. This research was sponsored by an Undergraduate

Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant and was presented at the 62nd Annual American College of

Sports Medicine National Conference in Spring 2015.

Dr. Joseph Andreacci

Lecture Hall G40...continued

5:30 IRBManager Online Tutorial: How to Answer Questions Asked in the IRBManager

Hanna Jarsocrak, Ramesh Muthukumarana, Jordan Orzolek and Ryan Zimmerman

The IRB process is something that many students and faculty will experience during their time at Bloomsburg University.

Our new tutorial ws designed to help guide students and faculty through this new online process.

Dr. Timothy Phillips

Lecture Hall G42 Timekeepers: Dr. Gregory Zimmerman and Dr. Bruce Wilcox

3:15 Spectral Analysis of Cytochrome c, a Precursor in the Biochemical Pathway for

Apoptosis

Kirk Jeffreys, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Cytochrome c plays a crucial role in the initiation of apoptosis. Apoptosis is activated by the release of cytochrome c

from the inner mitochondrial membrane to the cytosol. Spectral analyses were used to characterize and examine

cytochrome c localization under different cellular stressors. This research was sponsored by the Department of

Biological and Allied Health Sciences at Bloomsburg University.

Dr. Michael Borland

3:30 A Study of the Organometallic Synthesis of Imipramine

Zachary Rhoden, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Organometallic chemistry allows for the synthesis of large, complex organic molecules with relative ease. This synthesis

route of imipramine is more direct and efficient than the current route.

Dr. John Morgan

3:45 Prediction of Equivalent Conductance for Ions at Infinite Dilution and High

Temperatures and Pressures

Sawyer Davis, Chemistry and Biochemistry

The purpose of the sought after equation, and the center of the research that was done, was to predict the equivalent

conductance of ions at high temperatures and pressures. These values can then help prevent pipe corrosion in

pressurized water reactors, increasing their lifespan and the safety of all workers in the power plant. This research was

sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant. This research will be

presented at the National American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference in Denver, Colorado in Spring 2015.

Dr. Gregory Zimmerman

4:00 Determination of the Limiting Equivalent Conductivity and Thermodynamic

Equilibrium Constant for the Formation of the LaCl(2+) Ion-Pair in Water

Eric Thompson, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Conductance of solutions of LaCl3 and mixtures of LaCl3 and HCl in increasing concentrations were measured and fit

to the Turq-Blum-Bernard-Kunz model. The ion-pairing constant for LaCl(2+) was calculated as well as the conductivity

at infinite dilution, which, unusually, was found to be higher than that of just the lanthanum ion. This research was

sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (URSCA) Grant, and was presented at the

Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium in Summer 2014.

Dr. Gregory Zimmerman

4:15 A Pincer Supported Iron Compound for the Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Methanol

Jocelyn Legere, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Due to the unsustainable consumption of fossil fuels scientists are trying to find an alternate energy source. One source

that can be taken advantage of is hydrogen due to the clean hydrogen combustion in a fuel cell, however, hydrogen

is difficult to store and transport. Recently, a pincer-supported iron compound, in combination with a Lewis acid

co-catalyst, has been shown to dehydrogenate organic liquids with very high turnover numbers. This research was

presented at the National Leadership Alliance Symposium in Fall 2014.

Dr. Eric Hawrelak

5:15 A Quantitative Study of Incoming Poly-Alcohol and Isocyanate Samples Using

Auto-Titration

Franklin Rodemer, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Isocyanate and polu-alcohol are two common reactants in the production of polyurethane foam having several

applications in the auto industry. This summer study focused on these incoming raw materials from a quantitative

standpoint via programmable auto-titration. This research was sponsored by Autoneum North America, Inc., and

was presented to Autoneum in Fall 2014.

Dr. Mark Tapsak

5:30 Hybrid Pincer Complexes of Rh(I): Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation

Teresa Grimes, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Catalytic research is a valuable approach to discover pathways that will reduce energy input as well as waste output.

This research was sponsored by an Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities (URSCA) Grant.

This research will be presented at the National American Chemical Society (ACS) Meeting in Spring 2015.

Dr. Philip Osburn

5:45 Synthesis of Organics

Kelly Barko, Chemistry and Biochemistry

The use of organic molecules can be used for industry purposes. In industry, the more efficient a reaction can be made

the better.

Dr. Philip Osburn