presents the 5th annual
Medaille Student Research, Scholarship Creativity Day
&
M AY 6 , 2 0 2 2
Medaille College is pleased to present our fifth annual Student
Research, Scholarship & Creativity Day, a symposium of presentations and posters that showcase undergraduate and graduate student scholarship, research and creativity. This event is sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Honors Program.
SCHEDULE 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Welcome (Dr. Carmen Wilson) & Prelude
10:00 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Concurrent Session I
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Concurrent Session II
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker, Toni L. Vazquez, MBA Artistic Displays & Research Posters
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session III
K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R | Toni L. Vazquez, MBA Toni Vazquez is Vice President and founder of G-Health Enterprises, a conglomerate of various companies, including GBUAHN (Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network) and Urban Family Practice. All of which have been recently acquired by CINQ Care Medical. GBUAHN is an organization that assists persons with Medicaid who have two or more chronic illnesses. The Health Home initiative is part of the Affordable Care Act. The idea is to combat the Social Determinants of Health and minimize misuse, abuse, and duplication of services through care coordination for the ‘whole person.’ Urban Family Practice is a ‘State of the Art’ medical facility located on the westside of Buffalo, which services over 14,000 patients annually. Mrs. Vazquez and her husband (Dr. Raul Vazquez) co-founded GBUCBO (Greater Buffalo United Community Based Organization), formerly known as The Raul and Toni Vazquez Foundation. She is most proud to be a philanthropist and a faithful servant to her family and community. She has served on various committees and boards, including Visit Buffalo/Niagara and the Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center. She is currently a trustee of Medaille College, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, The Western New York Women’s Foundation, and the Buffalo Zoo. Mrs. Vazquez also served as an elected member and former president of the Williamsville Central School District Board of Education. Mrs. Vazquez was a member of the Higher Heights Founders Circle. Higher Heights seeks to elevate the voices of women of color in an attempt to shape and advance progressive policies and politics Vazquez earned her Six Sigma certification from Villanova University. She is a graduate of the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Medaille College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mrs. Vazquez is currently a doctoral candidate in Health Administration at D’Youville University. Mrs. Vazquez and her husband are proud parents of four children Raul III, Nadia, Nina, and Saul.
W E LCO M E A D D R E S S & P R E LU D E 9:00 A.M. - 9:50 A.M. | LEC TURE HALL
Welcome Address CARMEN WILSON, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Kailin Auman and Aidan Isbrandt, Junior and Senior, English Prelude Prelude is Medaille’s literary magazine, showcasing student creativity across the Medaille campus. Every year students hold a class in which they publish a book featuring student work, including poetry, short story and prose writings, photography, and art. Students will present this years’ issue of the Prelude at the symposium
CONCURRENT SESSION I | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM SECTION 1 | LECTURE HALL FACILITATOR: ELIZABETH KINAN, PH.D. Timothy Arent, Graduate Student, CMHC The Use of Logotherapeutic Interventions and Education to Enhance and Improve the Psychological Outlook of Federal/State Inmates While Also Reducing Rates of Recidivism This presentation purports that logotherapeutic interventions and education of varying degrees could markedly enhance and improve the psychological outlooks of certain federal and state prison populations. Furthermore, it contends that the same logotherapeutic interventions and education referenced above could also serve to reduce the potential for recidivism: convicted offenders reengaging with the criminal justice system again after their release as a result, of yet again, breaking a particular law. Cambria Daniels, Graduate Student, CMHC Differential Influence of Violent Media Stimulus on Adolescent Aggression The research project proposal is an experimental quantitative analysis, which seeks to examine a differential influence of violent media stimulus versus violent videogames on youth aggression. For the purpose of this study, the extent to which the type of violent media influences youth aggression are of interest.
SECTION 2 | MAIN 200 FACILITATOR: BERNADETTE CLABEAUX, PH.D. Alexa Walkowiak, Freshman, Biology BIO 498 Bioaccumulation of Organic Contaminants Arie’a Garrett, Freshman, Biology The Effects of Bioaccumulation Originating from Marine Life to Terrestrial Animals I will be presenting a digital and oral presentation, on the effects of bioaccumulation on animals that are present in fish water environments and land animals. From my presentation, my audience will also learn about how humans are affected by bioaccumulation as well. Katarina Ewing, Senior, AS Vet Tech/BS Biology Controlling the Spread of Invasive Species, How Is Biological Control Effective? Invasive species should be regulated using biological controls as invasive species leave behind devastating effects on the environment, deplete resources that in turn effect the economy, and can be a health hazard to animals and humans. Yet, there is some controversy as to how effective biological controls are in the treatment and prevention of invasive species. SECTION 3 | MAIN 215 FACILITATOR: NICOLE JOWSEY, PH.D. Parker Ribbeck, Junior, Biology Alternative Energy: The Solar Energy Solution My project discusses the advantage of using solar energy as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Morgan Foster, Senior, Biology and Vet Tech This is Our Pandora: A Mirror of Humans’ Disconnect from Nature through the Film Avatar and What it Means for the Future of Our Own Planet I have been analyzing the ecological themes in the film, Avatar, and the subsequent feelings of depression dubbed the “Avatar Blues” that impacted some viewers. I have been looking at the possible connection between this depression, the lack of connection humans feel with our own Earth, and what addressing this connection may mean for the future of environmental conservation. Megan Sherlock, Senior, Biology The Effects Global Warming Has on the Coral Reefs My project discusses the effects global warming is having on the oceans and how the coral reefs are negatively affected. The project also goes into detail on all the side effects of the coral reefs dying.
Cambria Daniels, Graduate Student, CMHC Differential Influence of Violent Media Stimulus on Adolescent Aggression The research project proposal is an experimental quantitative analysis, which seeks to examine a differential influence of violent media stimulus versus violent videogames on youth aggression. For the purpose of this study, the extent to which the type of violent media influences youth aggression are of interest. SECTION 4 | MAIN 233 FACILITATOR: LESLEY CAPUANA, PH.D. Kelsey Matuszak, Senior, Psychology Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) In my presentation, I will discuss the effects of ACEs on long-term health and what can be done to combat such ACEs. Sabrina (Ophelia) Banoo, Junior, Criminal Justice and Psychology Justice-Involved Trauma Trauma within Justice-Involved adolescents can be best understood by analyzing the neurodevelopment of the brain when such adolescents are trauma-exposed as children, leading to psychological responses towards environmental stressors. Trauma does not occur in a specific set of actions, but a combination of complex situations, neurodevelopment, psychological responses, and societal influences. Understanding the complexity of trauma within those who are justice-involved, can help bring awareness and provide potential effective intervention to aid in the hidden epidemic of trauma neglect and decrease recidivism rate. Alexis Grawe, Senior, Biology Memory: Castle or Dungeon? The effects of childhood trauma on the body are manifold. This research project provides insight into the specific effects of childhood trauma on memory. Although the topic is not well studied, survivors of childhood trauma will have a better understanding of why their memory may be working against them. SECTION 5 | MAIN 234 FACILITATOR: DANIEL KOTZIN, PH.D. Nicole Gorny, Junior, International Studies Empress Matilda: A Modern Perspective Empress Matilda is a controversial female figure from medieval history. In my presentation, I will examine contemporary perspectives of her and talk about how it relates to, in particular, her controversial standing now: is she the first female monarch of England?
Byanca Temmons-Barnwell, Senior, International Studies Elvish: How Norse Mythology, World Language, and Tolkien Created a Strong Linguistic Culture In my presentation, I will be diving into the Elvish Language in order to discover its’ creation, origin, and where it stands now in today’s society. SECTION 6 | MAIN 100 FACILITATOR: KRISTY TYSON, MBA Sadie Penwright, Junior, Business Administration Women in Business: The Still Prevalent Struggles Women still face many hardships in the American workforce. Once they gained a foothold during the time period of World War II, the hardships still faced in present time are the gender pay gap, race discrimination, and piercing the notion of the glass ceiling. Amber DeVantier, Senior, Communications Representation of Gender in Media and its Influence on Stereotypes Media continues to be very influential and has created and added to gendered stereotypes and inequality that we continue to deal with today. This project examines how media has added to the problem by looking at different types of media and their impact. Haley Nason, Junior, Biology and Vet Tech Censorship throughout the Centuries My project will discuss how censorship has progressed throughout the centuries and the harmful effects it has on society.
CONCURRENT SESSION II | 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM SECTION 1 | LECTURE HALL FACILITATOR: ELIZABETH KINAN, PH.D. Timothy Arent, Graduate Student, CMHC The Importance of Meaning/Purpose in Life to Adults at Different Life Stages and its Therapeutic Application The intention of this project is to determine not only how important meaning/ purpose in life is to adults at different life stages, but also to discover whether meaning/purpose enhances or diminishes as one grows older. Investigating meaning/purpose in existence with subjects of varying ages, comparing and contrasting their answers-this feedback will allow a greater understanding of the importance of meaning in existence throughout the age continuum, while also serving to enhance efficacy in the treatment of clients of varied ages.
Orincia Brooks, Graduate Student, CMHC The Relationship between Economic Status and Health Outcome This project is a showcase demonstrating the relationship between poverty, race, access to resources, and how it impacts health/wellness. SECTION 2 | MAIN 200 FACILITATOR: BERNADETTE CLABEAUX, PH.D. Morgan Foster, Senior, Biology and Vet Tech The Importance of Apex Predators I have been researching the importance of apex predators in their respective ecosystems. This research has focused mainly on the consequences of their removal on both their prey and other predators in their food webs. Kelsey Voss, Senior, Biology and Vet Tech Wild Horse and Burro Overpopulation in the United States This project is an overview of the environmental, ethical, and financial issues affecting wild horse and burro populations in the United States. It will discuss how these issues are contributing to the overpopulation of the mentioned species, the negative impacts of overpopulation, and potential solutions. Samantha Ehrenberg, Senior, Vet Tech The Negative Effects of Deforestation on Wildlife While deforestation is typically followed by urbanization, which contributes to the growth of human populations as well as increasing business and traffic in the area, there are multiple negative effects on wildlife that can be seen. Deforestation has been shown to decrease populations of multiple wildlife species, create a lack of biodiversity in the environment, and in turn create a lack of food sources for both wildlife as well as humans. SECTION 3 | MAIN 215 FACILITATOR: JEFF FAUNCE, PH.D. Hope Ignaszak, Junior, Early Childhood/Childhood Education Virtual Education Did Not Work for Students with ADHD During the Pandemic Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder were unsuccessful with virtual learning during the pandemic. This is due to the distractibility they faced, the loss of socioemotional connection they had with peers, and the lack of preparedness of teachers to effectively educate all students online prior to remote instruction.
Priyanka Prasad, Graduate Student, Education Engaging Split Level Grades in Social Studies My project is a learning segment on the grade 4 and grade 5 social studies curriculum, which I carried out in my student teaching placement, with great success. It examines the organizational components needed to balance the two different curriculum, while bridging student connections in one classroom where grade levels are combined and several students have IEPs. SECTION 4 | MAIN 233 FACILITATOR: LESLEY CAPUANA, PH.D. Gabrielle Presutti, Senior, Psychology The Effect of Postpartum Depression on Early Childhood Development There is a negative effect between mothers suffering from PPD and early childhood developmental milestones. Ariana Tschip, Senior, Vet Tech Addiction and the Link to Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma such as abuse, neglect, maltreatment and more that occurs within the adolescent age gap creates a direct relationship between addiction and other mental health disorders. Haleigh Renaud, Junior, Biology Autism My project describes the societal pressures put on people with Autism Spectrum Disorder to assimilate into a neuro-typical culture and environment. It will discuss the problems and how it can be harmful to individuals with ASD. SECTION 5 | MAIN 234 FACILITATOR: DANIEL KOTZIN, PH.D. Gay Doh Htoo, Junior, International Studies The Refugee Journey, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services Refugees are people who lost everything you can think of as important in life, such as their families, home, and properties. Refugees are primarily a humanitarian concern. They get help to avoid human suffering rather than economic, political, or other gains. What do you understand by membership in a particular social group? Commonly, sexual orientation. When we talk about immigrants in the U.S., mostly we are referring to economic migrants, and these groups are not refugees.
Olivia Anderson, Junior, International Studies Refugee Experiences in America: How does America Challenge Refugees? The United States is commonly viewed as a nation who assists refugees, as the country takes in the most refugees of any nation. However, the American immigration system challenges refugees on their journey for success in multiple areas. This paper examines how the immigration system challenges refugees before arrival, while adjusting to life in America, and on their educational journey. SECTION 6 | MAIN 100 FACILITATOR: MARY BETH SCUMACI, M.S.ED. Erin Hardick, Junior, Sport Management Inequities in Sports This paper aims to discuss the issues that women in sport face today, and in the past. The gender inequities in the sports industry have been widespread throughout events such as the Olympic Games and March Madness tournaments, violations of Title IX, and the portrayal of female athletes in the media. Audra Marley, Junior, Sport Management and Applied Math COVID-19 in College Sports Negative effects the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on college sports and its athletes. Timothy Spengler, Senior, Sport Management Preventing Football Injuries Football has been a very popular sport but there also many injuries throughout all leagues, from children’s leagues to professional leagues; Can these athletes be safe and keep their careers alive? Trevor Young, Junior, Sport Management NBA Draft Eligibility I will be discussing the NBA’s current and past rules on an athlete’s eligibility to enter the NBA draft. I will also discuss the impact of college sports for athletes coming directly out of high school.
CONCURRENT SESSION III | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM SECTION 1 | MAIN 200 FACILITATOR: BRIDGETTE SLAVIN, PH.D Sesilleya Slade, Senior, Psychology Online Counseling Online counseling is becoming more prevalent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation aims to answer: Is online counseling effective for college students? Jason McCarthy, Junior, Vet Tech and Biology Mental Health: The Differences Between Men and Women There are a significant number of differences between men and women’s mental health because men are the ones who have a hard time talking about their feelings due to toxic masculinity which leads to higher suicide rates, and substance abuse. Women are allowed to talk about their feelings/mental health issues, more naturally, meaning they have an easier time speaking to others about their problems (e.g., therapists, friends, family). Daniel Alvarado, Senior, Biology/Pre-Med The Effect of Neuroactive Steroids and Their Mechanisms in the Human Body and Brain This project consists of introducing what and how specific steroids can be used for new ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. SECTION 2 | MAIN 215 FACILITATOR: GAUTAM SARKAR, PH.D. Paula Kuminski, Junior, Biology and Vet Tech The Hidden World inside Zoos Zoo habitats are not up to the best of standards, including lacking space, enrichment, and adequate social contact, and visitors are impacting the animals. As a result, zoos are having an overall negative effect on the welfare of their animals, including, abnormal repetitive behaviors and physical health effects, due to the animals not being happy and not being able to adjust to their habitats. Madison Zimmerman, Junior, Bio/Pre-Vet Animal Testing: A Moral Dilemma in the Medical Field Animal testing should only be used when absolutely necessary, because it has helped the medical field but does not guarantee the same results on humans. It is unethical because there are alternatives available, and the way animals are perceived has changed.
Rebecca Leon, Junior, Vet Tech Breeding Practices: Impacts on Health and Preservation of Our Purebred Dogs Unsafe and unhealthy dog breeding can lead to an overabundance of dogs, with very serious health issues that can affect their quality of life, and possibly endanger our chance of keeping certain dog breeds. Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs and English bulldogs, have suffered years of backyard breeding to achieve an entirely new look to them, compared to their 1900’ standard. Not only do these breeding practices pose serious health issues, but they also raise ethical and welfare concerns within these breeding facilities, and the positions of those in the veterinary field, regarding these debilitating changes in their appearances. SECTION 3 | MAIN 233 FACILITATOR: TIM MCCORY, PH.D. Tabitha Peterangelo, Junior, Criminal Justice Positive Effects of Orders of Protection in Intimate Partner Relationships I will be discussing the positive effects of an Order of Protection and how they outweigh the negative effects in an intimate partner relationship. Dakara Davis, Senior, Criminal Justice The History of Slavery is Behind Police Brutality While some Americans outright deny police brutality or ascribe it to just a few ‘rotten apples’, this phenomenon is a reality and negatively impacts communities of color, particularly African Americans. There are many theories and thoughts on why police brutality is so evident is today’s society such as racism or discrimination-maybe even the rotten apple theory or is it just an individual’s personality? Through this research, it will show that all of these are contributing factors, and also suggest what needs to be done to stop it.
RESEARCH POSTERS Sarah Olejniczak, Freshman, Biology and Pre-Vet Bioaccumulation of Metals in Avian Tissue Samples Studying the effects of bioaccumulation of toxic metals in avian tissue including how it correlates to age, gender, and sub group of birds. Hannah Mahnke, Senior, Biology Axolotl Regenerative Properties are Working Towards Medical and Health Enhancements Ambystoma mexicanum, commonly known as the Mexican axolotl, is one the most widely used specimens for research. Though endangered in their natural habitat, the axolotl is one of the most advanced models of regeneration scientist currently have to gain information on how to harvest this property and put it towards the good of human medicine.
D I S P L AY S O F C R E AT I V E W O R K Tyler Hassell, Sophomore, Liberal Studies Inside vs Outside: Showcase of My Life I chose to show my world outside and inside closed doors. I chose to show what I do in my life. Gillian Allport, Senior, Psychology Happy Birthday Shadow (2006-2021) on his fifteenth birthday. Abbigail Doherty, Senior, Psychology Life by Design Example of digital imaging created in Photography and Perception class this spring 2022. I will be creating a digital image of my family tree using the photoshop skills that I have learned in class. Adriana Espada, Senior, Communications Harajuku Adriana X Naruto For this project, I aspired to input myself into my favorite anime; Naruto. I wanted to strongly emphasize the surrealism aspect of this assignment, specifically coordinating characters who don’t necessarily go together along with personally emulating Naruto’s signature ‘sexy jutsu’ by inputting myself as an anime character (located on the right of the frame, on Gamabunta’s left arm). Julia Patterson, Senior, Psychology Happily Ever After The book is about love and marriage. It is based on my parents in which they have been married for 29 years. Also, it incorporates the happy times as a family. Zenaiya Gray, Freshman, Psychology In the Wind, Let’s Go Outside A series of photos taken outside from my point of view of me walking around. Kara Braun, Freshman, Adolescent Education Nature throughout Buffalo The photo book is about the nature around Buffalo. The pictures are from various places within Buffalo from Delaware Park to Medaille’s campus. Isabella Finley, Sophomore, Sport Management Oh the Places I’ve Gone My book is a series of photos showing places I’ve gone and the people who came on these journeys with me.
Meylianelle Cruz, Sophomore, Vet Tech Life on Varian Lane Life on Varian Lane is a photobook that explores the wonders of living on a cul-desac while mixing fantasy with reality. Come along on the journey of experiencing nature from an entirely different perspective! Tobias Onabule, Junior, Psychology Bombs Away This project is based on release, freedom, and going for what you truly desire. Corissa Wagner, Senior, Sport Management Break of Dawn A picture that takes place over the ocean waves where the sun is just starting to rise. A crisp line forms across the horizon, with an orange glow to show the start of another day. Tarin Parker, Senior, Vet Tech Diverse Creatures are Not So Different This Photobook project showcases many different species of animals, all from around Buffalo, N.Y. Although these animals may all look very different, I wanted to show that they can also be quite similar to one another. Camryn Adimey, Sophomore, Sport Management Spontaneous My project is photos of the places and special people I’ve been with over the pandemic, as well as what I did when the pandemic “ended.” Kayla Carl, Sophomore, Biology Scales and Tales: A Visual Book of Discovery It is a 20-page colored photography book about reptiles, fish, and similar creatures. Kimberly Proudman, Sophomore, International Studies Reach for the Truth That’s Seen Gothic acrylic painting on canvas, dark yet shows reflection of the soul. Kaitlyn Bickley, Senior, Criminal Justice Alrighty Aphrodite My project is a digital photograph of myself. I photo-shop flowers to make it look like it’s coming out of my head. Ryan Scumaci, Sophomore, Esports Management Medaille’s Esports Beginning A collection of pictures with the teams and players who took Medaille’s first steps into the world of Esports.
Elijah Shahied, Junior, Sport Management Ball is Life This photo book will represent how I think basketball is a representation of life and is a way of life. I just want to show that to everyone. Austin Domanowski, Junior, Criminal Justice Chrome and Muscle My project will show pictures of the different parts of my motorcycle. Showcasing the chrome and the different types of fun that riding a motorcycle can bring. Javon Howard, Sophomore, Criminal Justice My Art 260 My project shows photos of my turtles in action, giving the impression that they are in space. The photos I took create a cool look that stands out to me. Taria Peeler, Junior, Psychology Blooming Season Blooming Season is 16” x 20” digital image, created by using skills I’ve Learned in Photography and Perception class, in the Spring of 2022. Karina DeJesus, Junior, Communications My Creative Mind Example of digital imaging created in Photography and Perception class, in the Spring of 2022. Kyle Lazarou, Sophomore, Vet Tech Dog Days I have created a small square 20-page photo book that is about my two dogs Stella and Willow. The book shows them as they grow up from being puppies. Akar Kyaw, Sophomore, Criminal Justice Materials around My Work This series represents material and equipment I use at my workplace. Christopher Castroblanco, Junior, Education Reflections of the Great Outdoors: Perspectives from the Open Air “Reflections of the Great Outdoors: Perspectives from the Open Air”is a photobook about the scenic views that one might find in urban or natural environments outside of the artificial structures that we confine ourselves to.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS Much appreciation to the faculty and staff mentors and session chairs, and to the following faculty and staff who planned and organized the event: Michelle Bogdan Ray Drecshel Bridgette Slavin Hannah Taylor Linda Wach
MISSION The mission of Medaille College is to educate and develop empowered individuals for academic achievement, career success and civic engagement, thereby contributing to a healthy, diverse democracy.
VISION Medaille College will be known as a leader in providing inspiration and opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community by supporting academic development, positive personal transformation and a strong sense of civic-mindedness.
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