Student Research Day celebrates students’ accomplishments in research, academic, and creative work. Indiana University East students participating in this year’s event gave oral presentations or poster presentations on their research projects.

All students participating in the event received a certificate commemorating their scholarship and achievement. Rodrick Landess, IU East alumnus and co-owner of the New Boswell Brewing Company, provided the keynote address on “The Art of Starting a Brewery: How research projects and a liberal arts education led me to start a business.”

Landess encouraged students to develop skills in research and to pick topics meaningful to them.

“For me this led to a focused interest in brewing. Though I studied art, I was interested in other topics that played into my interests in brewing,” Landess said. “Anthropology, history, and biology were all important but it was a chance run-in with a faculty member that led me into entrepreneurship; a topic most artists dread. Our success thus far can be attributed to the quality of our school and the broad opportunities to learn and develop while being a student here.”

Oral Presentations
Zack Bishop, Brownsville, Ind., Bachelor of Arts in English, “Looking Past Paradigms”
As part of his research project, Zack Bishop spent three months volunteering at a Wildlife Refuge in a remote area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains within the Tahoe National Forest.  For three months, Bishop lived without cellphones, fast food, or the internet. While his research was initially focused on the benefits of organic farming and adhering to a vegetarian diet, he soon discovered the benefits of reestablishing a bond with nature and the cultivation of one’s own independence from the expectations, values, and priorities of what is commonly referred to as the “modern world.”

Michael C. McCulloch, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science: Concentration in Business Administration, “A Ranking of the Top Ten Fortune 500 Companies based on Social Responsibility Performance”
The Top Ten Fortune 500 Companies are evaluated based on five factors:  charitable giving, environmental sustainability, existing or previous law suits, workplace and product safety, and how well each business is meeting stakeholder expectations.  The stakeholders are:  suppliers, employees, customers, government, stockholders, and any individual or group that is impacted by the ongoing operation of the business.  Businesses that use the “proactive” approach, integrate the stakeholders’ needs into the daily operation of their company. They anticipate responsibility and go beyond the norm to be a positive force in society.

Hamid Zakaeifar, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Nursing, “Age as a Contributing Factor to Oxidative Cellular Resistance in Domestic Dogs”
The objective of this study was to show that the increase in cellular oxidative stress resistance from large to small breed dogs correlates inversely to serum IGF-1 levels. The methods consisted of the collection of canine tissues for in vitro dermal fibroblast isolation and growth. A known Complete DMEM solution was utilized as a growth medium with a controlled temperature and CO2 environment. The results became an exploration of techniques to best stimulate fibroblast proliferation. The implications of the overall study in the cellular investigation of human aging are discussed, and further methods are suggested follow up.

Poster Presentations
Cynthia Brumfield, Connersville, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Domestic Violence: The Influence of Gender Stereotypes”
Socially constructed gender stereotypes highly influence an individual’s perception of themselves and others.  Since domestic violence continues to be a long-standing issue, this research analyzed the impact of certain gender expectations and assumptions that contribute to the often inappropriate and negligent response of members of the community to reports of domestic violence to expose the unconscious support of gender inequality present in today’s society.

Lindsey Kelly, Liberty, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Sociology, “Ethnicity Matters”
Despite the rise of mixed ethnicity dating and marriages in America, those involved in such relationships are treated as outsiders within society. This is despite the fact that as a nation we largely claim to take a colorblind approach toward everyone. However, because of the racist structure of American society, this does not seem to be possible. Articles which address issues of relationships composed of black and white partners were used in order to understand the extent to which ethnicity does and does not matter within the scope of these relationships.

Matt DeRegnaucourt, Cambridge City, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Opportunities in Education based on Socioeconomic Status”
DeRegnaucourt examined the factors which has lead to the growth of post secondary educational opportunity programs for the poor in the USA. The goal is to find the correlation between being poor and the difficulties people of low economic status suffer as they struggle to get into prestigious universities. By examining the workings of existing educational opportunity programs, he collected data to analyze the impact of such programs in changing the outcomes of the lower classes as they attempt to move up the social ladder.

Bobby Rutherford, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Early Languages Developments and How it Effects Future Social Economic Success”
A strong vocabulary is vital aspect in success in the future.  Early language development serves as the foundation for later development and individuals who live in language rich environments are more successful later in life.  Through qualitative research, Rutherford demonstrated that poor language skill in early development hinders the success in academic achievement and later in the work environment.

Vicki Colley, Milroy, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Effects of Standardized Testing on Educators”
The countries current use of standardized testing as a measure of academic success is not effective.  Testing does not consider factors affecting students’ learning processes; as such, the skills of educators cannot be determined from student scores.  This creates barriers for the educator in their immediate career goals, teaching methods and their teaching efficacy.  While most research examines student outcomes, this project focuses on the impact standardized testing places on primary and secondary level educators and examines the many influences that insist on using standardized test scores to determine the quality of educators.

Kristina Hawkey, Urbana, Ohio, Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Ethnic Names and Job Discrimination”
Hawkey examined the discrimination of ethnic sounding names in employment. Discrimination and stereotypes can influence and perpetuate the challenges that minorities face when applying for a job. Leading theories explaining how and why this discrimination occurs was discussed.  There was also discussion in regards to names, their importance, and how names can influence discrimination. An analysis of the research available in relation to minorities and how often people’s perceptions can influence discrimination was examined.

CJ Jones, Lynn, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Diversity philosophy and Religious Beliefs”
The United States is a diverse melting pot of cultures, races, and religions.  If one chooses to step back and look at society, white protestant males still hold the most power and have the most access in our society. One of the driving factors in this is conservative religious mind set.  In this study, Jones looked at four different philosophies on diversity, assimilation, tolerance, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness. He conducted a comparative study on which of these philosophies that member of the Pentecostal and Wesleyan denominations accept and/or align with most through survey.

Kathryn Dougherty, Camden, Ohio, Behavioral and Social Science: Concentration in Sociology, “Trends in Childbirth: Psychological and Sociological Factors that Influence a Women’s Choice in Birth Attendant and Location of Delivery”
This project focused on the factors influencing a women’s choice regarding birth attendant, and the location in which she gives birth. This included comparing the popularity of obstetricians versus midwives, and the growing philosophical movement to return birth to a more natural process rather than having it treated as a medical procedure. From the psychological view, there was an emphasis on the personality factors that influence a woman’s birth method decision. The sociological view focused on possible socioeconomic and cultural reasons for a women’s choice in birth attendant and location.

Andrea Lewellen, Centerville, Ind., Behavioral and Social Science major with a Concentration in Psychology, “Gingerism: Mistreatment of Redheads”
The term “gingerism” is used to describe bullying, harassment, and prejudice of redheads.  It is becoming more of an issue today, especially in the United Kingdom and other places in Europe.  Compared to the United States, these places seem to have more of a problem with gingerism.  Lewellen’s project aims to compare gingerism between the U.S. and Europe and how redheads are affected in these areas.  Why are redheads a choice of harassment and bullying, and what causes this to be such an issue in some places and not so much in others?

Stacy Smith, Straughn, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Political Science, “Multicultural Education”
This project explored different perspectives on the ways race and socioeconomic status affects the public school system. Through this research, Smith constructed a model of how the society can achieve a more equal playing field for all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. After examining the causes of this inequality the goal is to find a workable solution to make the curriculum more multicultural as well as a more equal distribution of money throughout the school districts. In trying to solve these issues there should eventually be a result of a generation socialized to accept and understand people from all walks of life.

Katie Wissel, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “The Impact Of Mental Health On Interpersonal Relationships”
Mental illness dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, as well as the lives around them. While the stigma of living with a mental illness can affect work and education, it also hinders interpersonal relationships and social connectedness. Wissel explored the impact of mental health and developing healthy relationships.

Abby Spears, Lewisville, Indiana, Behavioral and Social Science major with a Concentration in Psychology, “Stigma and Mental Illness”
The effects stigma has on mentally ill people and the commonly attributed attitudes toward mentally ill individuals will be examined by looking at the psychological and lifestyle effects these negative attitudes have on them. The pervasiveness of stigma within the criminal justice institution, and the effects stigmatization has on the opportunities for mentally ill individuals to reintegrate into society will also be examined. Current efforts to minimize stigmatization among mentally ill individuals and future steps that can be taken to help reduce stigma and promote the rights of the mentally ill will also be recognized.

Mary Spell, New Castle, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Diversity of Cancer”
In the project, different types of cancer will be looked at, cancers that primarily affect women and cancer primary affects men. The project will also to see what cancers primarily affect what sex.  Next the project will see if certain places have bigger cancer rating and why, as well as to see if there are cancers that that primarily effect members of a certain racial group.  This topic will be helpful to share the information on this disease, the preventative rate of cancer and which groups are more likely to die from cancer.

Lindsay Tuttle, West Manchester, Ohio, Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Beliefs”
Beliefs are very personal feelings that every individual holds.  These beliefs are learned by others such as parents, peers, religious leaders, etc.  White supremacists are a particular group of people who hold very strong beliefs that lead them to hate those who are different from them.  The purpose of this is to show that there is a human side of every belief, and how having absolute truths about those beliefs and fearing the unknown can lead to hatred. The goal of this project is to examine these beliefs with an eye on how to prevent them from being passed on.

Tim Weaver, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology and Bachelor of General Studies in Science/Mathematics, “Educational level and the Influence of the Perception of Sexual Norms”
It has been said that the level of education that a person has obtained reflects their perception of what is considered to be healthy sexual expression. This conclusion has been supported several times by surveys on the East and West coasts. By using a very similar survey tool, Weaver is planning to see if these same results can be duplicated in the Midwest.

Starla Wing, West Manchester, Ohio, Behavioral and Social Science: Concentration in Sociology, “How Political Policy affects Educators, Families and Students”
Wing examined the changing federal educational policies and how these affect schools and families.  During the last decade we have seen changes in funding as the result of policies.  It has made it necessary for administrators and teachers to create changes at the educational level.  These decisions had a direct impact on communities, families and students.  The focus of Wing’s project wais to look into this impact and how teachers and families of middle school students responded and factors of social economic status and different family structure varied that response.

Robin Cook, Richmond, Ind., Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: Concentration in Psychology, “Depression and Poverty”
Cook explored the relationship between socio-economic status and depression. She reviewed literature on how economic and social standing influence an individual’s chance of developing depression and getting treatment and investigated along with how quality of life is affected.

Environmental, biological, racial, societal, and locational stresses were examined as well to determine what part, if any, they played in amplifying the effects of socio-economic status in regards to depression.  Does poverty cause depression or does depression cause poverty was also questioned.