Scholars’ Day Schedule
April 12, 2023

Poster Session
4:00-5:00 PM
Friends Hall

Oral Presentations
5:00-6:30 PM
Friends Hall

Reception
6:45-8:30 PM
Student Center Alumni Lounges

Anisfield School of Business

COVID-19 Vaccine Policies and Excess Mortality

Student Presenter: Ronia Mohamed
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati

School of Contemporary Arts

Campaign Proposal: Improving Student Athletes’ Mental Health

Student Presenter: Tori A. Waschek
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta

School of Humanities and Global Studies

The Iranian Kidney Market: An Ethical Nightmare

Student Presenter: Lena Mardini
Faculty Mentor: Lisa Cassidy

School of Social Science and Human Services

Fentanyl testing strips as a harm reduction strategy: Proposal for future research

Student Presenter: Natalie Sirginano and Erin Keenan
Faculty Mentor: Timmesha Butler

School of Theoretical and Applied Science

Responses of Garlic (Allium sativum) to Elevated Levels of Salinity and Heavy Metals Presented in the Hackensack Meadowlands

Student Presenter: Michelle Gonzalez
Faculty Mentor: Yan Xu

Anisfield School of Business

Best Practices for Workplaces to Reduce Gender Inequality

Student Presenter: Faith L. Chang
Faculty Mentor: Cherie Sherman

View Poster

Bridging the Gap between Non-profits and SDGs: A Mahwah Organizational Landscape

Student Presenter: Gabriella G. Lambiase
Faculty Mentor: Rikki Abzug

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COVID-19 Vaccine Policies and Excess Mortality

Student Presenter: Ronia Mohamed
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati

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Food Authenticity and Localization as a Means of Boosting Ireland’s Tourism Industry

Student Presenter: Jessica M. Olshefski
Faculty Mentor: Susan Hangen

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Tracing and Traceability of Food Supply Chain

Student Presenter: Simon E. Palumbo
Faculty Mentor: Nikhil Varma

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Impact of Interest Rate Changes on Equity Prices: A Review

Student Presenter: Matthew Wisneski
Faculty Mentor: Jason Hecht

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School of Contemporary Arts

How to Increase Diversity and Inclusion in Campuses?

Student Presenter: Cristina Navarrete Carpizo
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta

View Poster

Fantasy and Feelings: The Geliwald Process

 Student Presenter: Danielle A. Di Pentima
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Dolak

View Poster

Boxing, Head Trauma, and Safe Boxing Practices

Student Presenter: Jacob A. LoCascio
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta

View Poster

WeeDon’t Think It’s So Bad: Destigmatizing Legal Medical Marijuana, A Campaign Proposal 

Student Presenter: Emily C. Melvin
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta

View Poster

FreeFlow.: A campaign against period poverty

Student Presenter: Angelina Reyes
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta 

View Poster

Campaign Proposal: Improving Student Athletes’ Mental Health

Student Presenter: Tori A. Waschek
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta

View Poster

School of Humanities and Global Studies 

The Iranian Kidney Market: An Ethical Nightmare

Student Presenter: Lena Mardini
Faculty Mentor: Lisa Cassidy

View Poster

Queer as Vampire

Student Presenter: Genesis Siverio
Faculty Mentor: Vassiliki Flenga

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School of Social Science and Human Services

The “Menstrual Hygiene Products Program”

Student Presenter: Ayala Ahdoot
Faculty Mentor: Eileen Kline 

View Poster

Protecting the Earth’s Resources and Environment—”Landfills and Ladders” 5th Grade Science Board Game

Student: Julie J. Greaney
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens

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Science Habitat Board Game

Student Presenter: Renee A. Hales
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens 

View Poster

Mountain Climbers—Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Game

Student Presenter: Patrick R. Kelly
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens

View Poster

Social Work in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health—An MSW Internship

Student Presenter: Elizabeth W. Mihatov
Faculty Mentor: Colleen Daly Martinez

View Poster

Fentanyl testing strips as a harm reduction strategy: Proposal for future research

Student Presenter: Natalie Sirginano and Erin Keenan
Faculty Mentor: Timmesha Butler

View Poster

School of Theoretical and Applied Science

Quantifying Avian Window Strike Mortality on Ramapo College Campus

 Student Presenter: Mahmoud Alhaddad
Faculty Mentor: Cailin O’Connor

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The Role of the Midwife: Improving Obstetric Healthcare in the United States

Student Presenter: Courtney Alonzo
Faculty Mentor: Lorraine Santangelo 

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Gamification Trends and Potential Applications in Business Education

Student Presenter: Bibhu Bhatta, Prashant Shah, and Tina Nosrati
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati

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Responses of Garlic (Allium sativum) to Elevated Levels of Salinity and Heavy Metals Presented in the Hackensack Meadowlands

Student Presenter: Michelle Gonzalez
Faculty Mentor: Yan Xu

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Noncovalent bonding in mixed monomolecular films of acrylic polymers and lysozyme and fibrinogen 

Student Presenter: Lucy MacKenzie
Faculty Mentor: Robert Mentore

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Comparison of group behaviors in the wild-type versus mutant strains of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa

 Student Presenter: Julia G. Munson
Faculty Mentor: Kokila Kota

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Exploring Gamification Platforms

Student Presenter: Tina Nostrati, Prashant Shah, and Bibhu Bhatta
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati 

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Growth Responses in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under Restricted Water and Light Conditions

Student Presenter: Geena Kye and Ekaprana Ramesh
Faculty Mentor: Yan Xu

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Auditory Processing Difference in Adults with High and Low Attentional Issues using Event Related Potentials (ERPs)

Student Presenter: Danielle V. Rosengrant, Autumn Laird, and Suzanne Zaugg
Faculty Mentor: Naseem Choudhury

 

Toward a Gamification Framework for Higher Education

Student Presenter: Prashant Shah, Tina Nosrati, and Bibhu Bhatta
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati

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Microplastic Analysis in Leukoma staminea Clams Harvested From New Jersey

Student Presenter: Chelsea de Waal Malefyt, Rachel Stone, Karolyn Garcia, and Kristina Hollosi
Faculty Mentor: Carrie Miller

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Comparison of the anti-microbial and anti-biofilm synergistic activities of the bacterial pigment Prodigiosin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Student Presenter: Mariam Tinawi
Faculty Mentor: Kokila Kota

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Examining the Role of ATF1, ATF2 & IAH1 in the Production of the Banana Aromatic, Isoamyl Acetate, During Fermentation in Brewing Yeast

 Student Presenter: Jenna Vesey
Faculty Mentor: Joost Monen

View Poster

Anisfield School of Business

Project Title: Best Practices for Workplaces to Reduce Gender Inequality

Student Presenter: Faith L. Chang
Major: Management
Faculty Mentor: Cherie Sherman
Discipline: Management
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were once considered novel and rare in the workplace, today’s Generation Z workforce expects to work in an environment with well established DEI practices. However, it is unclear to what extent we have truly achieved gender equality for women in the workplace and in particular, in the area of corporate leadership. In order to assess this, interviews were conducted with women in leadership positions. An analysis of the current state of gender inequality and the next steps to reduce this inequality were developed. Ultimately, the paper will synthesize a list of recommendations for employers on how to better their inclusivity and DEI initiatives, particularly with regard to women.

Project Title: Bridging the Gap between Non-Profits & SDGs: A Mahwah Organizational Landscape

Student Presenter: Gabriella G. Lambiase
Major: Management
Faculty Mentor: Rikki Abzug
Discipline: Management
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: This exploratory joint research project aims to provide an overview of how, and the extent to which, the populations of nonprofit organizations in both Mahwah and Hackensack, NJ are addressing the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, which aim to protect people, prosperity and the planet.

The study utilizes quantitative data analysis and data visualization to provide a snapshot of the nonprofit landscape in Mahwah and Hackensack with respect to the SDGs with the aims to identify:

1. The indicators of current comparative progress towards the SDGs in the municipalities.
2. The types and number of nonprofit organizations working towards each SDG by mapping according to the nonprofit NTEE (National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities) in each municipality.
3. The gaps (if any) between the SDG needs of the municipalities/Bergen County and the mix and missions of the local nonprofit sectors.
4. The funding levels of the local nonprofits.
5. The mission-derived service areas of the local nonprofits.

The study may have several implications for policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community members in Mahwah and Hackensack. First, it may provide a resource for policymakers to better understand the nonprofit landscape in their area and to develop policies and programs that support the work of nonprofits towards the SDGs. Second, it may provide a baseline for nonprofit leaders to begin conversations about sharing resources towards strengthening their impact with respect to the SDGs. Finally, it might provide community members with information on the nonprofits working towards the SDGs in their area, enabling them to become more engaged and informed about the issues that affect their community.

Project Title: COVID-19 Vaccine Policies and Excess Mortality

Student Presenter: Ronia Mohamed
Major: Marketing
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati
Discipline: Marketing
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: Excess mortality—the difference between reported and predicted deaths based on previous years— can be a powerful and succinct indicator of the effectiveness of a country’s pandemic response. This research explores the impact of health and governance variables on the excess mortality rates of 53 countries. Using the COVID-19 response datasets provided directly by governments that include 2 years of daily tracking data for the investigated countries, the study focuses on extracting the factors influencing excess mortality and building a predictive model to predict it.

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in four factors influencing excess mortality: vaccination policies, government investment, general health of the population, and non-vaccination government policies. Using hierarchical linear regression on these factors while controlling for GDP, showed vaccination policies as the only factor with a significant impact on predicting excess mortality. More specifically, vaccination policies include the following variables: vaccine distribution, vaccine rollout planning, vaccine availability, and vaccine financial support. It is important to note here that all of these variables have a significant statistical impact on reducing excess mortalities, which means, for example, even just the independent presence of a vaccine rollout plan notably improves the effectiveness of a country’s COVID-19 response. Using regression to explore other significant predictors for excess mortality, average life expectancy was also found to be a major contributor, with life expectancy itself being significantly impacted by both the median age of the population as well as the COVID-19 vaccination rate.

The results can guide governments and policymakers by providing recommendations for both long- and short-term strategies to control excess mortalities during a pandemic.

Project Title: Food Authenticity and Localization as a Means of Boosting Ireland’s Tourism Industry

Student Presenter: Jessica M. Olshefski
Major: International Business
Faculty Mentor: Susan Hangen
Discipline: International Business
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: This essay evaluates the evolution of Irish gastronomy after the Great Potato Famine and how it is impacting Ireland’s tourism industry. For generations, Irish food has typically been characterized by its historically subsistence-based array of potatoes and beef with little popularity or uniqueness compared to other cultures’ cuisines. While it is true that the Irish gastronomy relied primarily on beef and potatoes prior to the famine, food security concerns resulting from the famine led to an emphasis on nutrition and variety in the Irish diet, creating an expansion beyond its original standards. As variation became the norm, the impacts of increased globalization sparked a desire for a national identity enhanced from a representation through dishes incorporating authentic Irish ingredients. This emphasis was brought about from the early 1900s to the early 2000s through factors such as the emergence of diplomatic dining, the Ballymaloe House, and the Nordic Food Movement.

Within the past fifteen years, Ireland’s tourism development agency, Failte Ireland, has implemented this focus of food authenticity and localization in the country’s tourism sector. From 2007 to 2010, Ireland faced an economic downturn due to the international financial crisis, which led to cuisine being perceived as a method of reviving economic development (Quigley et al, 193). Since the tourism industry also experienced this decline, it drew upon the previous trends in food localization to establish food trails, sustainable activities, and artisanal experiences as a means of differentiating itself and increasing demand. Thus, I argue the shift in Ireland’s gastronomy from a homogeneous cuisine to one emphasizing authenticity and localization is acting as a business strategy to boost the performance of Irish tourism and build a viable brand identity.

Project Title: Tracing and Traceability of Food Supply Chain

Student Presenter: Simon E. Palumbo
Major: Accounting
Faculty Mentor: Nikhil Varma
Discipline: Accounting
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: Traceability in supply chain management is essential for ensuring the authenticity of products and mitigating risks related to fraud and counterfeiting. The current traceability solutions are limited in terms of transparency, efficiency, and security. Blockchain offers a potential solution to these limitations by providing an immutable, decentralized, and transparent platform for tracking the movement of goods in the supply chain. Traceability also increases customer confidence in the product and hence acts as a competitive advantage for companies. Several premium organizations like Luis Vuitton, De Beers, and Maersk have started implementing blockchain-based traceability.

This exploratory research will adopt a qualitative approach, by doing a literature review and also reviewing some products focused on traceability in the blockchain space. Approaches to traceability in traditional space and blockchain space will be studied and compared. The study will also look at the limitations of the current implementations. This research is expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of blockchain in enhancing traceability in the supply chain and compare it with traditional traceability methods.

The study will also highlight the benefits and limitations of blockchain technology and the factors that influence the adoption of blockchain technology for traceability in the supply chain. The research will provide a roadmap that some companies like Louis Vuitton have taken to implement traceability in the supply chain.

This research will contribute to the body of knowledge on the effectiveness of blockchain technology in supply chain management. The findings of this study will be useful for businesses and policymakers looking to improve traceability and transparency in the supply chain.

Project Title: Impact of Interest Rate Changes on Equity Prices: A Review

Student Presenter: Matthew Wisneski
Major: Finance
Faculty Mentor: Jason Hecht
Discipline: Finance
School: Anisfield School of Business

Abstract: The effect that changes in interest rates have on equity prices is a question of fundamental importance to both monetary authorities concerned with the transmission mechanism of monetary policy and to equity investors seeking to properly value equity securities. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature on the topic from the 1960s to the present day. Initial research sought to examine the effect that changes in money supply had on stock returns under the portfolio model developed by Monetarist economists. The findings that past money supply data could predict future stock returns contradicted the efficient market hypothesis and were refuted by subsequent empirical work. Later researchers employed various event study methodologies using different monetary policy indicators such as discount rate changes and Fed funds target rate changes to examine the short-term response of stock prices. Further developments in econometric techniques then enabled researchers to develop vector autoregressive (VAR) models to capture the simultaneous influence of multiple variables and examine the impact on returns over a longer time period. In addition to reviewing the most influential academic literature, I detail my attempts to replicate the empirical findings of economist and author Andrew Smithers, who found that equity prices decline in reaction to increases in interest rates during an initial 18-month period but subsequently have little effect on prices over a longer horizon. Finally, the paper examines the implications of the previously summarized literature in the context of the current 2022-2023 interest rate hiking cycle.

School of Contemporary Arts

Project Title: How to Increase Diversity and Inclusion in Campuses?

Student Presenter: Cristina Navarrete Carpizo
Major: Communication Arts (Visual Communication Design)
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: This essay will explain how changes to menus at colleges may help multicultural populations at colleges and universities. However, in my experience as the Secretary of Diversity and Inclusion for the Student Government Association, food is something that only one can enjoy when being in College or University since most do not respect religious exceptions or dietary restrictions. Therefore, I want all the students from different backgrounds to have the same gratifying College experience by adding multicultural food into college campuses and cross-contamination policies. This campaign might be complicated to solve on an individual level or institutional level after the financial consequences of COVID-19, but it is essential to complete in its totality in order to make all students, faculty, and staff have the same pleasant experience to be at a College or University.

Project Title: Fantasy and Feelings: The Geliwald Process

Student Presenter: Danielle A. Di Pentima
Major: Communication Arts (Digital Journalism and Writing)
Faculty Mentor: Kelly Dolak
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: Writing and story crafting has always been one of the best ways to process and fully understand our emotions through the physical process of putting them into clear words out of the non-legible confusion of our brains. In four months, with the help of my project adviser and utilizing planning and creative thinking methods to help craft a story, I was able to make a full-length screenplay from scratch. The plot and characters of my screenplay were drawn from my own experiences with coping with the loss of both of my grandfathers, two men who held extremely important roles in my life. This idea came to be a year ago when I imagined the scene of a young girl going into a cotton candy-colored fantasy world to battle with vicious monsters, large soldiers, and the imposing Black Farmer. I wrote a logline outlining the idea and creating the emotional layer: the fantasy world acting as an escape from her real family life and turmoil over the loss of their patriarch. From there, I developed the idea more, lying awake at night contemplating scenes and characters, discussing and going back and forth on plot progression and thematic elements, and it grew and grew to the point where I began writing the actual script, finishing a first draft in seven weeks. This work is the culmination of my college career, combining my experiences in creative writing classes and film and media critiques, and the combination of poignant occurrences from my life and the chance to put them out into the world to connect with others fulfills the most basic urge for any artist.

Project Title: Boxing, Head Trauma, and Safe Boxing Practices

Student Presenter: Jacob A. LoCascio
Major: Communication Arts (Digital Journalism and Writing)
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: Brain trauma is a topic of special and controversial interest in contemporary medical conversations and studies regarding contact sports. This is especially true for the sport of boxing. Given the medical evidence that points to a positive relationship between engaging in boxing and suffering long term brain damage, attention must be given by the boxing community towards safe boxing practices. My paper aims to first research and explain the long term health risks associated with boxing and then outline safe boxing practices that boxers and boxing gyms can implement in order to avoid these long term health effects.

Project Title: WeeDon’t Think It’s So Bad: Destigmatizing Legal Medical Marijuana, A Campaign Proposal

Student Presenter: Emily C. Melvin
Major: Communication Arts (Digital Journalism and Writing)
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: “WeeDon’t Think It’s So Bad” is a campaign proposal from the course “Global Communication Campaigns.” It focuses on expressing the benefits of federally legalizing medical marijuana and destigmatizing the plant’s harmful misconceptions. The goal is to create a comprehensive informational campaign that aims to spread awareness on the topic, which can ultimately lead to behavioral change. Because of its cultural and national relevance, now is the perfect time to conduct this campaign. With legalization and decriminalization of marijuana, the campaign aims to promote improved health benefits, lower crime rates, dispelling misperceptions and propagation of accurate information about the plant. The proposal highlights relevant and interpersonal research, outreach methods, audience analysis, anticipated programming, and grant funding, all in a persuasive and informational manner. “WeeDon’t Think It’s So Bad” presents as a real campaign proposal with the intent of raising funds and awareness about the proposed topic. This project has been accepted into The Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) 2022 Northeast Regional conference in October 2022 and the 2023 James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond Undergraduate Scholars Conference (USC), to be held at the Eastern Communication Association (ECA) annual convention in March/April 2023.

Project Title: FreeFlow.: A campaign against period poverty

Student Presenter: Angelina Reyes
Major: Communication Arts (Global Communication and Media)
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: FreeFlow. is a campaign that focuses on period poverty, a global phenomenon that physically, mentally, and emotionally affects women due to lack of resources. In the event that a menstruating person is unable to access sanitary products, hygiene facilities, clean water, education, or any other basic menstrual needs, this individual is automatically put at risk. There are various contributors to period poverty, such as economic poverty, sexism, menstrual taboos, inadequate environments for menstrual hygiene, and lack of community awareness. In fact, the lack of awareness of the very concept of period poverty contributes to the issue even more so. Menstruation is inevitable, yet people everywhere struggle to maintain their menstrual needs. It is for this reason that I have chosen to create FreeFlow. to raise awareness about and contribute solutions to the issue of period poverty. FreeFlow. sparks a discussion about period poverty and encourages community mobilization among its audience.

Project Title: Campaign Proposal: Improving Student Athletes’ Mental Health

Student Presenter: Tori A. Waschek
Major: Communication Arts (Digital Journalism and Writing)
Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
Discipline: Communication Arts
School: Contemporary Arts

Abstract: This paper proposes a hypothetical campaign regarding the quiet crisis of mental health that is going on in college athletics. My proposed campaign is meant to raise awareness for student athlete mental health on college campuses. It is called More Than Sports, because every college athlete is more than what their sport defines them as on the field. The main message of my campaign is to try and eliminate the stigma surrounding the conversation around mental health and make it a more open conversation. Research has shown that in the face of the COVID­19 pandemic, more athletes have been reaching out about their mental health battles. The NCAA found that in most cases, the rates of reporting these concerns are 1.5–2 times higher than in NCAA pre­-pandemic studies. In addition, 33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Among that group, 30% seek help, but of college athletes with mental health conditions, only 10% do. This paper discusses what causes mental health to be so stigmatized among athletes as well as the effects that neglecting mental health can lead to in the short and long term. This paper also examines certain solutions that can be implemented to help make mental health among college athletes more of a priority. The wanted results from this campaign would be that the audience would take action to strengthen, repair, or fix their mental health and change their attitudes toward how mental health is perceived to make society a better and more comfortable place for those struggling. In the most extreme cases, it would also lower suicide rates among the student athlete community. It will be an ongoing battle to destigmatize mental health not being taken seriously, but with time, resources and constant campaigning, it is possible.

School of Humanities and Global Studies

Project Title: The Iranian Kidney Market: An Ethical Nightmare

Student Presenter: Lena Mardini
Major: Philosophy, English and Literary Studies
Faculty Mentor: Lisa Cassidy
Discipline: Philosophy
School: Humanities and Global Studies

Abstract: Iran is the only country in the world which has a regulated legal system that allows for the sale of kidneys from live individuals. This solution has almost entirely eliminated the Iranian kidney shortage, but poses significant ethical concerns for vendors. Most Iranian vendors are impoverished individuals with few other options to supplement their lack of income. I argue that increased choices for impoverished individuals can actually hurt them more than help them. I favor philosopher Julian Koplin’s claim that societal “pressure with the option to vend,” allows for the coercion of individuals living in poverty. Additionally, preliminary empirical evidence from Iran shows that vendors actually suffer psychological and physical effects from vending (Zargooshi 2001). The overwhelming argument in favor of the Iranian market is that its prohibition would be rooted in misplaced paternalism. I will examine Bioethicist Erik Malmqvist’s argument that a ban on kidney sales is merely widely accepted “soft paternalism,” as it is not possible to establish that vendors act fully autonomously (Malmqvist 2014). In this paper I will argue that the legal sale of kidneys from live donors in Iran is unethical and the policy should be abandoned because it encourages the exploitation of impoverished individuals.

Koplin, Julien. 2014. “Assessing the Likely Harms to Kidney Vendors in Regulated Organ Markets.” American Journal of Bioethics 14, no. 10: 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 15265161.2014.947041

Koplin, Julien. 2018. “Choice, Pressure and Markets in Kidneys.” Journal of Medical Ethics 44, no. 5: 310-313. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26879727.

Malmqvist, Erik. 2014. “Are Bans on Kidney Sales Unjustly Paternalistic?.” Bioethics 28 no. 3: 110-118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8519.2012.01984.x

Zargooshi, J. 2001. “Quality of life of Iranian kidney ‘donors’”. The Journal of Urology 166, no. 5: 1790–1799. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(05)65677-7

Project Title: Queer as Vampire

Student Presenter: Genesis Siverio
Major: English and Literary Studies (Creative Writing)
Faculty Mentor: Vassiliki Flenga
Discipline: English and Literary Studies
School: Humanities and Global Studies

Abstract: Using ideas originated in queer theory by authors such as Jack Halberstam and Eve Kosofksy Sedgewick, the paper analyzes the underlying and even explicit queerness in vampire literature such as Carmilla (1872), Dracula (1897), I Am Legend (1954), Interview with the Vampire (1976), and the Twilight Saga (2005-). As Halberstam argues in Skin Shows, in Gothic horror, “the monster always represents the disruption of categories, the destruction of boundaries, and the presence of impurities,” (27). Because of such disruption, the vampire tradition as a genre has functioned in various ways as a metaphor for social and political afflictions. Specifically, vampires are homologues with homosexuality because they are feared by the public and involve resisting anything outside of the binary “regimes of the normal.” This paper looks at the ways in which the vampire character is “queer,” considering all the evolutions and interpretations of “queer” within cultural context and rhetoric.

School of Social Science and Human Services

Project Title: The “Menstrual Hygiene Products Program”

Student Presenter: Ayala Ahdoot
Major: Social Work
Faculty Mentor: Eileen Kline
Discipline: Social Work
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: This bill covers the unknown and taboo topic of period poverty. Period poverty is defined as “the lack of sufficient resources needed to manage menses, such as toilet, bathing, and laundering facilities; general menstrual education or information; and basic menstrual management supplies like tampons and pads.” Period poverty covers the inability to go to school, work, participate in social functions, and therefore the inability to achieve long-term socioeconomic equity because of painful periods or even worse, because of the lack of menstrual hygiene products one has.

Project Title: Protecting the Earth’s Resources and Environment—”Landfills and Ladders” 5th Grade Science Board Game

Student: Julie J. Greaney
Major: Elementary Education
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens
Discipline: Elementary Education
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: During the Fall 2022 semester, as part of my Methods of Teaching Elementary Science course with Dr. Eva Ogens, we were given an assignment to create a science board game that uses a science concept and aligns to one or more science standards.

Using the New Jersey Student Learning Standard, “5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources, environment, and address climate change issues”, I created a board game titled “Landfills and Ladders” based on the popular game “Chutes and Ladders” for fifth grade students. The following provides additional information about this board game.

Race to the top to save the environment! Action cards along the way will help players understand the rewards of reusing, reducing, and recycling. Being good stewards of the environment allows players to climb ladders while their poor choices will cause them to slide down a chute into a landfill.

OBJECT OF THE GAME
Be the first player to reach #100 and save the environment.

LADDERS: Any time a pawn ends its move on a picture square at the bottom of a ladder, that pawn must climb up to the picture square at the top of the ladder.
Climb up with a good deed!

LANDFILLS: Any time a pawn ends its move on a picture square at the top of a chute, that pawn must slide down the chute to the picture square at the bottom (a landfill).
Bad choices slide you back!

ACTION CARDS: Any time a pawn lands on a square with the symbol “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle”, the player must pick up an action card, read the fact, and follow the directions. Some cards will instruct players to move forward, and others will have them move backwards.

Project Title: Science Habitat Board Game

Student Presenter: Renee A. Hales
Major: Elementary Education
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens
Discipline: Elementary Education
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: This project is an inquiry-based board game for second grade, based on New Jersey Science Learning Standards. The board game is a journey from the start, to four different habitat homes. The habitats included the rainforest, the desert, the Arctic, and Wetlands. This project is similar to sorry, trouble, and other family board games. The student will pick an animal, start at home and make their way to their habitats. While traveling to the habitat, squares on the game board are labeled with pick a card where students will read a fact about their habitat. The first student to the end wins.

Project Title: Mountain Climbers—Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Game

Student Presenter: Patrick R. Kelly
Major: Elementary Education
Faculty Mentor: Eva Ogens
Discipline: Elementary Education
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: Students learn best when they are having fun, which is why I created a board game that allows students to explore science while having fun with peers. This activity can be utilized by teachers in grades 3-5 in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards. Specifically, the standard that the activity aligns with is NGSS4-ESS2-1, which states that students make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.

In this game, four players must race to the summit of a mountain while overcoming the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition. The instructions are as follows: Four players/partners will compete in a race to the top of the mountain. (Partners: The teacher may place students in pairs so as to emphasize the importance of collaboration and communication!) All players must first roll one die; the player with the highest roll goes first, then the order continues clockwise. Players will roll the die and move up their path the number that is rolled. If the player lands on a spot with a rectangle drawn on it, the player must take a yellow card and answer the question pertaining to weathering, erosion, and/or deposition. If the player correctly answers the question, they stay at the same spot; if they get it wrong, they must move back one spot. Also, if the player lands on the spot in the river, they must go back to the start. The first player to the final spot at the top of the mountain is the game’s winner!

The overall purpose of the game is to reinforce previously learned science concepts through a low-stakes experience in which students can have fun! Whenever fun is present in the classroom, students are naturally more motivated to learn.

Project Title: Social Work in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health—An MSW Internship

Student Presenter: Elizabeth W. Mihatov
Major: Master of Social Work
Faculty Mentor: Colleen Daly Martinez
Discipline: Social Work
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: This project will follow my internship at Leap-ei, a preschool for ages 2-5. Leap-ei was founded because of a need for an inclusive preschool when children are expelled by other preschools for behavioral or developmental issues. In the United States, more than 250 children per day are expelled from preschool (PBS NewsHour, 2014). Leap-ei offers small class sizes in a nurturing, positive environment for children of all abilities to grow and learn.

At Leap-ei, I worked with children and parents using play therapy techniques. I used two modalities, child-centered play therapy and Theraplay® depending on the specific needs of each child. This poster will provide two demonstrative case examples, the interventions, and results. In addition, the poster will illustrate possible roles for social workers in infant and early childhood mental health.

The first case worked with a four-year-old boy, Jack, who spoke with his parents at home, but did not speak with peers or others. Child-centered play therapy techniques were used to help Jack feel more empowered. Child-centered play therapy focuses on the child and not the problem. The modality is rooted in the therapist creating a relationship with the child so that the child feels safe to explore the self through playing out the child’s experiences and feelings.

The second case involved a mother and son, Stella and three-year-old Zach, in Theraplay® techniques. Theraplay® is based on attachment theory and provides opportunities for caregiver and child connection through activities that include structure, nurture, engagement, and challenge. In modern-day caregiving, many caregivers work outside of the home. In addition, technology such as smartphones can distract parents from cultivating that important bond with their child. Working with both Stella and Zach through Theraplay® techniques, the mother and son began to have a greater, more joyful connection to one another.

Project Title: Fentanyl testing strips as a harm reduction strategy: Proposal for future research

Student Presenter: Natalie Sirginano and Erin Keenan
Major: Social Work
Faculty Mentor: Timmesha Butler
Discipline: Social Work
School: Social Science and Human Services

Abstract: The presence of fentanyl is becoming more prevalent as various illicit drugs have been laced with this fast-acting opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine, making it extremely deadly due to its potency and difficulty to detect without fentanyl test strips. The purpose of this poster presentation is to discuss the need for a quantitative research study that explores if the implementation of fentanyl test strips (FTS) will decrease accidental overdoses. There have been record breaking overdose rates in NYC, most of which have been linked to unknown fentanyl consumption. Fentanyl test strips are small pieces of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in various types of drugs. The act of lacing or combining substances with fentanyl is done to bulk up supply and increase revenue. The consumer of the substance will not be aware of this change, unknowingly increasing their chances of a fatal overdose. By using these test strips as a form of harm reduction, people who use drugs (PWUD) can do so in the safest manner possible without unknowingly increasing their risk of a fatal overdose, likely decreasing the rates of accidental fatal fentanyl overdoses. In the poster presentation, we will discuss how a longitudinal study in New York City over five years can provide valuable insight into the current fentanyl crisis, with the use of FTS as an important form of harm reduction.

School of Theoretical and Applied Science

Project Title: Quantifying Avian Window Strike Mortality on Ramapo College Campus

Student Presenter: Mahmoud Alhaddad
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Cailin O’Connor
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Window strikes are among the most common causes of premature bird death, killing an estimated one billion birds per year worldwide. The presence of man-made infrastructure such as communication towers and buildings leads to harmful and fatal collisions for birds mid-flight. Especially problematic are buildings with mirrored glass in rural and suburban settings, which reflect surrounding habitat and cause birds to mistake the solid surfaces for vegetation and open air. This issue is exacerbated in areas of high-quality habitat such as Ramapo College’s forested campus, which is attractive to a wide variety of birds. A multi- year study was conducted to quantify how many birds have harmful and fatal interactions with the mirrored glass academic buildings on Ramapo’s campus. Daily surveys were conducted over several years to count dead and injured birds, noting their species and building of collision. Data show that a minimum of ~500 birds a year are killed in collisions with glass on campus, and others who survive may sustain long-term injuries. Over 70 species, including several of conservation concern, have been documented colliding with windows on campus. The most affected species are American Robins (Turdus migratorious) and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), especially young birds and those on their first migration. Even large birds such as waterfowl and hawks have died in window collisions during the study, sometimes shattering glass, which requires replacement. Collisions are most common during fall and spring migrations, when migrating birds unfamiliar with the campus stopover to refuel. Collisions are common during the breeding season, contributing to significant mortality of local breeding birds. Collisions are low over the winter, likely due to fewer species present that time of year. It is recommended that Ramapo College invest in window collision mitigation as a sustainability initiative on campus and as a means to protect local biodiversity.

Project Title: The Role of the Midwife: Improving Obstetric Healthcare in the United States

Student Presenter: Courtney Alonzo
Major: Nursing
Faculty Mentor: Lorraine Santangelo
Discipline: Nursing
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Examining midwifery scope of practice, childbirth interventions, and childbirth outcomes, while considering global implications in developed nations, clarifies the role of the midwife and shows how role expansion can improve obstetric healthcare in the United States. Comparing obstetric healthcare outcomes reveals that the United States lags behind other developed, high-income countries, with one potential explanation found through examining predominant care providers. Emphasis on midwifery care in other nations coincides with improved obstetric outcomes, such as reduced maternal mortality rates, suggesting means for improvement in the United States. Understanding midwifery scope of practice and contextualizing midwifery integration begins with separating the definition of midwifery as a philosophy from that of the midwife as a provider who carries out this philosophy. Midwifery care directly influences childbirth interventions that induce, augment, or manage the discomforts of labor. Interventions can be pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic in nature and can also become summative, forming a cascade of intervention. Resulting childbirth outcomes consist of birth experiences, maternal-specific outcomes, and newborn-specific outcomes. Internationally, emphasis lies in cesarean section overuse as a maternal-specific outcome. Current literature suggests midwifery practice as an effective means of reducing unnecessary cesarean sections. Finally, global implications for practice entail a cultural shift in which political foundations of healthcare systems in the United States embrace midwife- provided care models to the same extent as the more traditional physician-provided care models.

Project Title: Gamification Trends and Potential Applications in Business Education

Student Presenter: Bibhu Bhatta, Prashant Shah, and Tina Nosrati
Major: Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati
Discipline: Computer Science
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Traditional pedagogical methods fail to capture the attention of all students – for some students, the pace of the class is too fast, for some it is too slow, and some students are bored to pay any attention. Educators try to fix this problem by encouraging student participation and making their content as enjoyable as possible, but this solution only addresses a few students. Furthermore, there is no metric at the end of the class to review its efficacy. To mitigate these crucial issues, educators are now looking into gamification – the integration of game elements such as competition, interaction, and reward in non- entertaining contexts. However, current literature on the subject does not provide a definitive conclusion on gamification’s impacts on student learning and success. Even though it can be reasonably speculated that gamification increases student motivation and engagement and, in turn, bolsters their performance, many studies tend to shed doubt on its efficacy in achieving learning outcomes. Furthermore, studies also indicate that students, especially those in higher education who have been exposed to the traditional form of education, may not receive gamified curriculum in a positive light. Therefore, to realize the promising potential of gamification in education, it is critical to understand the current trends in gamification research. This paper analyzes and classifies existing literature on gamification in education through various criteria such as game elements, student level, course subject, effect on motivation, impact on learning achievement, application methods, and tools deployed. It also focuses on the larger picture by analyzing the evolution of gamification over the last two decades and identifying the most important insights and innovations in gamification that is relevant to business education. And lastly, it examines the use of gamification in the professional sector and suggests pedagogical strategies to prepare students for a gamified workplace.

Project Title: Responses of Garlic (Allium sativum) to Elevated Levels of Salinity and Heavy Metals Presented in the Hackensack Meadowlands

Student Presenter: Michelle Gonzalez
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Yan Xu
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: The Hackensack Meadowlands is a salt marsh, and its sediments contain high levels of heavy metals, including chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb). Exposure to excessive amounts of heavy metals may lead to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage in non-halophytic plants, which subsequently causes stunted growth, impaired protein metabolism, and altered water balance and nutrient absorption.

In this study, we quantified the inhibitory effects of salt, Copper and Zinc on garlic plants, a fast-growing culinary and medicinal species. The garlic cloves were germinated in deionized water and then treated with one of the following solutions: 1) NaCl; 2) 4 CuCl2; 3) ZnCl2; 4) CuCl2+ 2 mM ZnCl2; 5) Control (deionized water). Our results indicated that the combined “copper + zinc” treatment resulted in most growth inhibition as manifested by fewest roots, shortest and fewest leaves, and least amounts of leaf photoreceptors (chlorophylls and carotenoids). Garlic roots exposed to heavy metals had significantly lower protein contents, indicating severe damages in the roots which made it impossible for garlic to absorb the necessities to develop into a healthy plant. The protein contents in garlic leaves were not reduced, and the combined “copper + zinc” treated garlic leaves even had higher protein contents than the control plants. This result suggested that exposure to heavy metals might have stimulated overexpression of certain photosynthetic protein enzymes. Overall, our findings emphasized how exposure to high concentrations of heavy metals impaired plant growth correlating to the severity of ecological stressors.

Project Title: Noncovalent bonding in mixed monomolecular films of acrylic polymers and lysozyme and fibrinogen

Student Presenter: Lucy MacKenzie
Major: Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Robert Mentore
Discipline: Biochemistry
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Monomolecular films of methyl homologs of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates were prepared on buffered saline solutions of lysozyme and fibrinogen and their surface pressure versus area isotherms were measured and compared. Compression and expansion isotherms of the mixed films show that the protein size has a major effect on the reversibility of the binding interactions. The effect of increased flexibility along the acrylate polymer backbone on binding interactions with lysozyme and fibrinogen will be discussed.

Project Title: Comparison of group behaviors in the wild-type versus mutant strains of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Student Presenter: Julia G. Munson
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Kokila Kota
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium that is frequently found in patients with cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, and various immuno-compromised conditions. The bacterium is known to produce various virulence factors through group communication behaviors known as quorum sensing. Here we report that autolysis or self-killing is a socially beneficial behavior of the bacteria and compare the wild-type and a mutant strain (deficient in one of the transcriptional activators of quorum sensing). Some of the group behaviors that are compared in the study are the ability of the bacteria to undergo programmed cell death or autolysis, the ability of the bacteria to produce the blue-green pigment pyocyanin which is toxic to many gram-positive bacteria and animal cells and the ability of the bacteria to form biofilms. Bacterial cell death is an interesting phenomenon because it plays a crucial role in many important processes. Bacterial cell death does not just occur in the late stationary phase when nutrient limitation can lead to starvation. But instead begins in the early stationary phase for some bacteria because of the phenomenon of autolysis. Our hypothesis is that there is a direct relationship between quorum sensing and programmed cell death of the bacteria and there are community benefits of the sacrificial suicide by autolysis of the bacteria P.aeruginosa. To address this, we are comparing the wild type and the mutant strains of the bacteria in their abilities to undergo autolysis and biofilm formation (along with pyocyanin production). This study will provide a basic understanding of some of the fundamentally misunderstood concepts of bacterial behaviors. Group behaviors and community benefits are underestimated in bacteria and to this end, these studies provide an important insight into the global problem of antibiotic resistance.

Project Title: Exploring Gamification Platforms

Student Presenter: Tina Nostrati, Prashant Shah, and Bibhu Bhatta
Major: Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati
Discipline: Computer Science
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: One of the side benefits of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with all the challenges imposed by it, was forcing the traditional education system to explore the potential of using technology for education. The education system faced challenges and potentials of online tools at various levels, from course content management and communication to student evaluation and engagement. Many online platforms developed useful tools to make the student. experience more resultant. After returning to the classrooms, many instructors consider applying new approaches to their course materials or teaching methodologies. These changes aim to make the knowledge more memorable and relevant to the students who have now experienced new tools and learning environments. One of the most important outcomes of this experience is that the attitude toward how knowledge should be transferred has changed. Studies regarding new teaching methods believe that making the learning material engaging and interactive for students leads to better understanding and makes the knowledge more applicable to them (Wang, 2021).

Among more recent pedagogical approaches, gamification is getting much attention. The term refers to the “use of game mechanics in non‐gaming contexts” (Deterding, Dixon, Khaled, & Nacke, 2011). Besides this simple definition, gamification can be a controversial issue, and different types of analysis have been done to demonstrate the impact of this method on learning outcomes (Bai, Hew, & Huang, 2020). In fact, the gamification process aims to increase engagement and interaction using various tools and concepts, including points, progress bars, plots, customized feedback, and different types of collaborations. A study by Huang and Bas (2019) demonstrates that motivation in learning science increases with gamification. In general, gamification in education is mainly in four forms: classroom management, online homework platform, flipped classroom, and learning assessment tool (Lai & Hwang, 2016). As a result, a wide range of tools has been developed for applying gamification to educational content and the teaching process. A wide range of online websites and software are classified as gamification platforms. Each offers various features and tools, such as quizzes, scoreboards, collaborative boards, and interactive presentations. In addition, some of them can be merged with other learning management platforms, and some of them work individually. The main goal of this research is to explore gamification tools that are offered online and compare their features and facilities. In order to compare available tools, we reviewed more than 40 platforms based on different factors to make this comparison possible, including the target society, subjects offered, education level, tools provided, gamification features supported, and pricing by the platform.

Project Title: Growth Responses in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under Restricted Water and Light Conditions

Student Presenter: Geena Kye and Ekaprana Ramesh
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Yan Xu
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Climatic changes, like increasing global temperatures and disruptions in rainfall patterns, are affecting crop yields by impacting plants’ growth, development, and nutrient values. Among the affected crops is Brassica oleracea var. capitata or cabbage. A vegetable suited for cool seasons, cabbage needs consistent moisture, light, and temperature for harvesting. When such conditions are disrupted, the biomass and conditions can be negatively affected. Gibberellic acid (GA), a hormone that stimulates cell division and affects the growth of stems and leaves, is used by farmers to significantly increase crop yields.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of restricted water and light conditions on the growth in cabbage plants. The plants were germinated in a potting mix and established in the greenhouse on campus. They were then treated with the following solutions: 1) gibberellic acid (GA); 2) gibberellic acid inhibitor (GAI); 3) Control (water). To test the effect of restricted water conditions, each treatment group was divided into two subgroups that received one of two irrigation plans: 1) Well-watered (400 mL/week); 2) Drought (200 mL/week). To test the effect of restricted light conditions, each treatment group was divided again into two subgroups that received one of two lighting plans: 1) Full- light (100% light); 2) Shade (50% light). Our results indicate that GAI-treated cabbage plants with restricted irrigation experienced the most growth inhibition, as they had the shortest plant heights, smallest leaf sizes, and smallest number of leaves. Under the restricted light condition, GAI-treated plants had darker leaf color, smaller leaf size, and shorter height. Photoreceptors and soluble proteins in the cabbage leaves have been analyzed with colorimetric methods in the lab to reveal the mechanisms underlying the morphological changes.

Project Title: Auditory Processing Difference in Adults with High and Low Attentional Issues using Event Related Potentials (ERPs)

Student Presenter: Danielle Rosengrant, Autumn Laird, and Suzanne Zaugg
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Naseem Choudhury
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: ADHD and other related attentional disorders are some of the most common forms of developmental learning disorders that affect children, often persisting into adolescence and adulthood. Previous research has shown that difficulties in attentional processing, like those seen in patients with attention deficit disorders, are linked to disruption or atypical activation of cortical neuronal networks (Griffiths, et al. 2021). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of brain activity and analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs) can reflect patterns of early neuronal activity. ERPs, such as the P3a and mismatch negativity (MMN), are time-locked responses to stimuli and therefore the electrophysiological characteristics of these ERPs can reflect activity related to specific cognitive processes, including attention and working memory. Here, the early brain processing of auditory stimuli following an oddball paradigm, will be examined in both active and passive conditions. The overall objective of this study is to examine the characteristics, including peak amplitude and latency, of endogenous and early attention related ERPs in an oddball auditory processing task in adults with and without attentional deficits.

Project Title: Toward a Gamification Framework for Higher Education

Student Presenter: Prashant Shah, Tina Nosrati, and Bibhu Bhatta
Major: Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Fariba Nosrati
Discipline: Computer Science
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: With the development and adoption of technology by educators, they now have access to a wide range of resources for increasing student motivation and engagement. Gamification has been an effective approach among them and research shows its positive impact on student learning outcomes. Gamification is the use of game design elements in non-game contexts. However, simply incorporating game mechanics, such as a point system, does not guarantee a successful gamification system. The availability of research on gamification framework designs in education, especially IT, is very low resulting in gamification principles being applied ad hoc and making processes difficult to implement by researchers and educators. A well-designed gamification framework is essential to ensure that the system is based on psychological theories, knowledge of gaming experiences, tailored experiences, and ethical considerations. The proposed gamification design framework explains the relationships between gamification and its impacts, identifies potential issues in the system, and directs the gamification process. The framework also considers different methods of incorporating gamification in the classroom. The framework is presented in a step-by-step process, explaining the theoretical underpinnings of each element, the design process, and the potential impact on student learning outcomes. This paper presents a gamification design framework for introductory IT courses for business students that can be incorporated through different methods.

Project Title: Microplastic Analysis in Leukoma staminea Clams Harvested From New Jersey

Student Presenter: Rachel Stone, Chelsea de Waal Malefyt, Karolyn Garcia, and Kristina Hollosi
Major: Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Carrie Miller
Discipline: Environmental Science
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the water, sediments, food and organisms has gained attention in recent years and it has been suggested that humans uptake an average of five grams of microplastics a day. Microplastics are defined as plastic materials less than 5 millimeters in diameter, including particles as small as 100 nm. Microplastics are formed from the breakdown of plastic containers, bags and straws and are also found in consumer products such as cosmetics, soaps and synthetic fabrics. Microplastics end in aquatic systems leading to their accumulation in seafood, such as shellfish, that is consumed by humans. In this study, two species of clams raised at three different aquaculture facilities in New Jersey and New York were analyzed for microplastics. Two size classes (littleneck and middleneck) of Leukoma staminea raised in Little Egg Harbor Bay and the Great Sound in southern NJ and Mya arenaria (Steamers) collected from an unknown location in New York were purchased from a seafood market for analysis. The first phase of research examined different digestion and separation (filtration and density separation) methods for isolating the microplastics from the clam tissues. The most effective isolation method was a 60^oC, 10 M NaOH digest followed by density separation. We then used a microscope to view and quantify the number of microplastics in each clam. The microplastics were divided into two categories: plastic fibers and plastic particles. Preliminary studies done on little necks found more fibers than particles, with an average of about 2 particles and 10 fibers per clam. The littleneck with the highest concentration of microplastics had 10 particles and 24 fibers. Data will also be presented on the number of microplastics in middleneck clams and isolation methods for the steamer clams.

Project Title: Comparison of the anti-microbial and anti-biofilm synergistic activities of the bacterial pigment Prodigiosin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Student Presenter: Mariam Tinawi
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Kokila Kota
Discipline: Biology
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Biofilms are a hallmark feature of various pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that allow them to communicate with each other. Our current research is aimed at a long term goal of developing anti-biofilm agents targeting polymicrobial communities rather than the planktonic bacteria. Novel antimicrobial peptides and pigments isolated from various bacterial strains are gaining immense focus keeping in view of their relative ease of isolation and selective toxicity. Two such pigments that we have been studying in the lab are prodigiosin- a red colored pigment from the laboratory bacterial strain Serratia marcescens and carotenoid- a yellow colored pigment from the laboratory bacterial strain Micrococcus luteus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium that often results in serious infections in health-care settings especially in immunocompromised patients. Our preliminary results indicate that the pigments prodigiosin and carotenoid both have a broad spectrum anti-microbial activity and pre-treatment of the various gram positive and gram negative bacteria with the crude pigments resulted in an increased antibiotic susceptibility. This is especially promising for the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is resistant to many broad spectrum antibiotics. We are currently standardizing the bacterial pigment expression conditions and the pigment extraction protocols to test their bacterial inhibitory activities using the agar disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. The extracted pigments will also be tested on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s ability to form the biofilms. The research will be an important contribution to the evolving field of antimicrobial compounds targeting bacterial biofilms and bacterial quorum sensing.

Project Title: Examining the Role of ATF1, ATF2 & IAH1 in the Production of the Banana Aromatic, Isoamyl Acetate, During Fermentation in Brewing Yeast

Student Presenter: Jenna Vesey
Major: Bioinformatics
Faculty Mentor: Joost Monen
Discipline: Bioinformatics
School: Theoretical and Applied Science

Abstract: Beer has been brewed for millennia. While its ingredients have remained largely unchanged, the presence of yeast (S. cerevisiae) and its role in fermentation was discovered less than 200 years ago (Young 2022). We now know that yeast not only produce alcohol but also contribute various aromatic compounds that add to the sensory experience. Despite the numerous specific strains used for different beer styles, the understanding of the genetic differences between the yeast that contribute to these aromatics is largely unknown. Our research looks into multiple strains and their ability to produce a specific aromatic compound, isoamyl acetate, a desirable “banana aroma” in a variety of beer styles. By comparing strains that are known to produce varying degrees of banana/fruity notes, we are examining genes (ATF1, ATF2, and IAH1) that code for enzymes involved in the synthesis of isoamyl acetate to gain a better understanding of the role that they play in the production of this aromatic compound (Fukuda et al. 1998). Side-by-side mini-fermentations, pitched with various strains, were fermented at 20^oC and monitored for up to 96 hours. Samples were collected at various stages and gene expression was assessed via qPCR. There were notable differences in expression for all three genes, with strains known to produce higher aromatics, showing expression of these genes up to 4-fold greater. These data suggest that there is a correlation between gene expression and aroma. Knowing this, we can further investigate how to heighten the sensory experience by generating new strains which can be used to refine and boost the amount of aromas in beer.

Young, T. W. (2022, August 18). Beer. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/ topic/beer

Fukuda, K., et al. (1998, October). Balance of activities of alcohol acetyltransferase and esterase in saccharomyces cerevisiae is important for production of isoamyl acetate. Applied and environmental microbiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC106606/