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Nov 18, 2015 - the people that are focused on in the research are Ann Frank, Primo Levi, and Elie Wiesel. The paper will discuss what they endured in this ...
The Office of Undergraduate Research Presents

PLENARY SPEAKER DONALD J. FOSS, PhD Professor of Psychology University of Houston

Don Foss received both his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. Prior to joining the University of Houston, he served on the faculties of the University of Texas at Austin (where he also was chair of the Psychology Department), and Florida State University (where he was also dean of the College of Arts & Sciences). At the University of Houston he served from 2005 - 2008 as Senior Vice President and Provost. Foss has been Editor of Contemporary Psychology and Associate Editor of the Annual Review of Psychology and the American Psychologist, as well as editorial board member for numerous psychology journals. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Psychological Science, the Psychonomic Society, and of American Psychological Association (APA). He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Executive Committee for the APA Division of Experimental Psychology; the Committee on Formula Funding of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; the cognition advisory committee of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research; the Mellon Foundation Council on Literacy; and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences. He received an all-University Outstanding Teaching Award at the University of Texas at Austin, and also an Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota. His research interests have been in cognitive psychology, specializing in language comprehension, memory, and related topics. He has published more than 50 refereed articles and book chapters, as well as written or co-edited eight books. More recently he turned his attention to the factors that determine success in college and how to instill them in college students. He has a recent book on that topic published by the APA, Your Complete Guide to College Success: How to Study Smart, Achieve Your Goals, and Enjoy Campus Life. It’s an evidence-based book providing college students with information and insights on how to succeed in college (and after).

2nd ANNUAL HUMANITIES, ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES, & EDUCATION CONFERENCE AGENDA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015 All events will be in Lucas Engineering Building, Lamar University

REGISTRATION 8:00 AM – 8:55 AM

Registration

Continental Breakfast will be served

WELCOME Room No: 119 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Kumer P. Das, Ph.D., Director, The Office of Undergraduate Research, Lamar University James Marquart, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President, Lamar University Robert J. Spina, Ph.D., Dean, College of Education and Human Development, Lamar University

KEYNOTE SPEECH Room No: 119

9:30 AM-10:20 AM

Introduction of Speaker 9:30 AM-9:35 AM

Rebecca Boone, PhD., Professor, Department of History, Lamar University ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Keynote Speaker 9:35 AM-10:20 AM

Donald J. Foss, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology , University of Houston

BREAK

10:20 AM-10:30 AM

SESSIONS 1A – Oral Presentations 10:30 AM -11:30 AM

Chair: Catalina Castillon, PhD., Associate Professor, English and Modern Languages, Lamar University Room No: 119 “Nicolas Guillen”

10:30 AM-10:50 AM

Nancy Figueroa | Department of English and Modern Languages/Spanish | Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillon, Lamar University

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “No Voice to Speak Her Dread: “The Nineteenth Century Female Aria as Aphasic and Amnesiac” 10:50 AM-11:10 AM

Casey L. Ford | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor: Dr. Sara Hillin & Dr. Amy Smith, Lamar University

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11:10 AM-11:30 AM

”Rosalia de Castro, “The Galician Poet” Vanessa Iglesias | Department of English and Modern Languages/Spanish | Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillon, Lamar University

SESSION 1B – Oral Presentations 10:30 AM -11:30 AM

Chair: Mamta Singh, PhD., Assistant Professor, Department of Teacher Education, Lamar University Room No: 113 “Cognitive Benefit of Bilingualism in Deaf Children”

110:30 AM-10:50 AM Mandane Sweeten |Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education/Psychology | Mentor: Dr. Chong Min Lee, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Identifying Cardinals’ ‘Position’ in the Cultural Highway” 10:50 AM-11:10 AM

Nirmal Chandra Gope and Ismatara Reena | Department of Educational Leadership | Mentor: Dr. Steve Jenkins, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11:10 AM-11:30 AM

“Effect of a Breastfeeding Promotion Session on Breastfeeding Benefits and Attitudes among High School Students” Ismatara Reena | Department of Food and Nutrition | Mentor: Dr. Connie Ruiz, Lamar University

SESSIONS 1C - Oral Presentations 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Chair: Beverly C. Tomek, PhD., Assistant Professor of History, University of Houston-Victoria Room No: 114

10:30 AM-10:50 AM

“Radically Untruthful” Phillip T. Gonzalez | Department of History | Mentor: Dr. Beverly Tomek, University of Houston-Victoria _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10:50 AM-11:10 AM

“The Shadows of the Holocaust” Bryce Barrett | Department of Mathematics/History | Mentor: Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer, Lamar University __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11:10 AM-11:30 AM

11:30 AM-12:10 PM 12:10 PM-12:50 PM

12:50 PM-1:30 PM

“The Texas Mission: The Roots of Texan Methodism” Jacob Melancon | Department of History | Mentor: Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer, Lamar University

LUNCH BREAK POSTER PRESENTATIONS and PICTURE SESSION

SESSION 2A – Oral Presentations Chair: Robert Worley, PhD., Associate Professor, Sociology, Social work and Criminal Justice, Lamar University Room No: 119 “Germanic Immigration, Slavery, and Secession in Antebellum Texas”

12:50 PM-1:10 PM

1:10 PM –1:30 PM

Kevin Oliver | Department of History /English | Mentors: Dr. Beverly Tomek, and Dr. Liane Tanguay, University of Houston-Victoria

________________________________________________________________________________ “Tiberius and the Roman Expulsion of the Jews” Ryanne Poole | Department of History | Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer, Lamar University

12:50 PM-1:50 PM

SESSION 2B – Oral Presentations Chair: Dr. Steven Zani, Director, Center of Teaching and Learning Enhancement & Professor, English and Modern Languages, Lamar University Room No: 113 “Literary Analysis of Gabriela Mistral’s “Pan”

12:50 PM-1:10 PM

Torrance Cobb | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor : Dr. Catalina Castillón, Lamar University

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Cutting the Cheese: An Analysis of Scorned Acts in Joyce’s Ulysses” 1:10 PM –1:30 PM

Salena Parker | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith, Lamar University

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “The Identity(ies) Within: One Voice for All” 1:30 PM -1:50 PM

Kara Timberlake | Department of English and Modern Languages/Communication | Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillón, Lamar University

SESSION 2C - Oral Presentations

12:50 PM-1:50 PM

Chair: Edythe Kirk, PhD., Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Lamar University Room No: 114

12:50 PM -1:10 PM

“Picking the Pretty One: A Qualitative Study of Toy Selection Among Girls Age 4 to 10” Savannah Anderson-Bledsoe | Department of Psychology | Mentor: Dr. Donna Sheperis, Lamar University

_________________________________________________________________________________ “The Effects of Musical Experience on Creativity” 1:10 PM-1:30 PM

Chelsea Wagner, Dennie Wagner, Hannah De Rouen, Alex Yanta, Thomas Worry, and Jennifer Worry | Department of Criminal Justice / Psychology | Mentor: Judith Mann, Lamar University

_________________________________________________________________________________ “Military PTSD Stigma Among Veterans and Non-veteran College Students” 1:30 PM-1:50 PM

Jennifer Worry, Kade Worry, Chelsea Wagner, Dennie Wagner, Hannah Derouen, Alexandra Yanta, and Tho Nguyen | Department of Psychology | Mentor: Dr. Judith Mann, Lamar University

1:50 PM-1:55 PM 1:55 PM-2:55 PM

1:55 PM-2:15 PM

2:15 PM-2:35 PM

BREAK SESSION 3A – Oral Presentations Chair: Nicki Michalski, PhD., Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Lamar University Room No: 113 “One Galaxy: A Short Story Satire” Carlos Caballero | Department of Mechanical Engineering/Physics | Mentor: Jessie Burkle, Port Neches Groves High School & Lamar University

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Business Majors Study Abroad in China” Jacob Martin | Department of Management/Entrepreneurship/General Business | Mentor: Dr. Vivek Natarajan, Lamar University

__________________________________________________________________________ 2:35 PM-2:55 PM

“The Miscommunication between Deaf Offenders and the Criminal Justice System” Ti’Asia S. Sampson | Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education | Mentor: Dr.Chong M. Lee, Lamar University

1:55 PM-2:55 PM

SESSION 3B - Oral Presentations Chair: T. J. Geiger, PhD., Assistant Professor, Department of English and Modern Languages, Lamar University Room No: 119

1:55 PM-2:15 PM

“Postmodern Parables” Jill Crosby | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor: Dr. Adrienne Blackwell-Starnes, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “Myth and Modern Poetry” 2:15 PM-2:35 PM

Casey Myers | Department of English and Modern Languages |Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2:35 PM-2:55 PM

“Fear the Walking Feminist: A Rhetorical Analysis Of “The Walking Dead’s Carol Peletier Through the Eyes of Feminist Theory” Katherine Waterbury | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor: Dr. Sara Hillin, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1:55 PM-2:55 PM

1:55 PM-2:15 PM

SESSION 3C - Oral Presentation Chair: Judith Mann, PhD., Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Lamar University Room No: 114 “Robert E. Lee: Life after the Civil War” Emily Smith | Department of History | Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer Lamar University

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2:15 PM-2:35 PM

“Among the Sawdust and Oil: The Three African American Communities that made their mark in Beaumont, TX in the early 20th Century” Ednesha Cook | Department of History | Mentor: Dr. MaryLou Kelley- Scheer, Lamar University

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “To Be Butterflies: Transformation and Female Sexual Development in Carmilla” 2:35 PM-2:55 PM

3:00 PM-3:30 PM

Lauren Schuldt | Department of English and Modern Languages | Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith, Lamar University

AWARD CEREMONY & CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Joe Nordgren, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Lamar University Room No: 119

Poster Directory Time: 12:10 PM- 12:35 PM

Assessing Effect of Technology on English Language Learners: Students in Particular Maria G Cardens Dr. Mamta Singh Department of Teacher Education Lamar University

Assessing Assistive Technology Awareness in Pre-and In-Service Teachers Shelby Garbee Department of Teacher Education Mentor: Dr. Mamta Singh

Green Energy Education Awareness among Young Children Elizabeth A Hudspeth Department of Teacher Education Mentor: Dr. Mamta Singh Lamar University

Cartosemiotics: How Maps Influence Culture and Power Paige Odegard, Department of English and modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Carroll Ferguson Nardone Sam Houston State University

Abstracts All Talks are listed alphabetically by last name of the primary presenter

Picking the Pretty One: A Qualitative Study of Toy Selection Among Girls Age 4 to 10. Savannah Anderson-Bledsoe Department of Psychology Mentor: Dr. Donna Sheperis Lamar University Children learn gender and social role types through a variety of influences including caregivers, media, and peers. Toy selection, particularly the choices of dolls by young girls, is also largely influenced by the child’s concept of beauty (Perez, 2012). Do they choose what looks most like them or what looks most like what they think is pretty? Are these the same or different concepts? Understanding the influences on preschool age girls is critical to educators working with this population. This research focused on the foundations of a qualitative study that looked into the following questions: What factors influence doll choice in girl’s age 4 to 10? If girls have access to a broad range of doll choices, will they tend to prefer a doll more similar to their ethnic or racial backgrounds or will they tend to choose the doll that is a more racially popular (i.e. socially acceptable) choice? This qualitative content analysis study derived data from interviews with 26 girl’s age 4 to 10 in southeast Texas. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes in order to determine the process used by girls to make choices about doll selection based on beauty. It was hypothesized that young girls who have access to dolls that display the diverse range of skin colors, hair types, and facial features of various racial backgrounds, are less likely to choose a doll that is more socially acceptable (i.e. one that represents a white, European racial background). The results of this study will impact social change by providing guidance to educators and caregivers who help shape the lives of female preschoolers.

The Shadows of the Holocaust Bryce Barrett Department of History/ Mathematics Dr.Marry Lou Kelley-Scheer Lamar University The Holocaust is an interesting time period filled with many different events and wrongdoings. This talk will focus mainly on the survivors who have written their testimonies and why they did so along with the museums that commemorate the events of the Holocaust. Three of the people that are focused on in the research are Ann Frank, Primo Levi, and Elie Wiesel. The paper will discuss what they endured in this dark time and what provoked them to publish their works. Also, it is to show just how inhumane these Nazi practices were. The research was gathered through the reading of autobiographies, diaries, and secondary source material in order to find clear, objective evidence. Likewise, the use of other perspectives and points of view will be taken into account to help show that the research is not biased and make the paper more enjoyable to read altogether. The results of the research thus far show that the victims wrote to make sure their story was told and that the world knew the extent of the inhumane treatment of other human beings.

One Galaxy: A Short Story Satire Carlos Caballero, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Physics Mentor: Jessie Burkle Port Neches-Groves ISD, & Lamar University In a short story satire entitled One Galaxy, I examine the complex mix of events leading to founding of the United Nations as the “World’s Peace Keeping Organization” and argue that its success is better measured by its continued existence rather than the fact that there have been roughly three wars per year or about two hundred wars since its foundation in 1945. Furthermore, I attribute the organization’s lack of success to the delicate power balance upon which it was founded and upon which its structure rests. Finally, towards the end, I concede that some of the aforementioned wars were necessary while at the same time criticize humanity’s self-interest and often unwillingness to commit to short term sacrifice for “the greater good.” The main primary sources for this satire are my own experiences as well as that of my colleagues at the time the satire was written in early 2012. During this period, President Barack Obama was seeking re-election and, thus, the fulfillment of the promises he had made, which got him elected in 2008, was being assessed by the media as well as allies and adversaries. Other primary and secondary sources, including parallel historical context, came from places such as the United Nations own website, different governmental organizations public databases (e.g. The Library of Congress), news media outlets (e.g. The New York Times), The History Channel, and the following textbooks: American History: A Survey, 10th Edition, by Alan Brinkley and Politics in America, 6th Edition, by Thomas R. Dye.

Assessing Effect of Technology on English Language Learners: Students in Particular Maria G Cardenas Dr. Mamta Singh Department of Teacher Education Lamar University Many teachers are faced with difficult challenge of teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) content and language development. Teachers are always looking for different strategies and ways to help these students, while also teaching their regular English speaking students. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if assistive technology improved ELLs in learning the English language or learning content? There have been many studies on the impacts of technology on young and older ELLs in schools. The present study is based on literature review based on secondary information. The results based on preliminary findings suggest that students improve greatly on language development and subject areas with the use of assistive technology. Although there were some adaptations and accommodations to be made, the findings suggest that assistive technology does improve ELLs’ ability to learn.

Literary Analysis of Gabriela Mistral’s “Pan” Torrance Cobb Department of English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillón Lamar University This presentation will focus on Gabriela Mistral’s poem “Pan”, published in Tala in 1938. In particular, it will examine, through literary analysis methods, the devices utilized in the work and their effect on its tone and message. This presentation will also compare the poem in its original language, Spanish, and in its translated English version, highlighting any discrepancies that alter the significance of certain phrases. The influence of Mistral’s upbringing, particularly in regard to the importance of religion, makes itself evident in anaphoras, paradoxes, and symbolism; consequently, the presentation will include biographical information and will accentuate parallels between her

personal life and her written work. Lastly, this presentation will emphasize Mistral’s literary and social influence in the Hispanic world.

Among the Sawdust and Oil: The three African American communities that made their mark in Beaumont, TX in the early 20th century Ednesha Cook Department of History Mentor: Dr. Mary Lou Kelley- Scheer Lamar University Through the sawdust from the lumber yards and the black gold from the oil fields, African Americans had better economic opportunities and founded prosperous black communities in Beaumont, Texas. African Americans were a vital part of the workforce in Beaumont. Through rigorous research of 1900-1940 census records, deed and land release records, newspapers, and oral commentaries, a new dynamic of African American society was found. Secondary sources in the form scholarly journals and books about the experiences of African American in Texas helped to explain the motivation and perseverance that Blacks embodied in Southeast Texas. Other books about Black labor unions in the area helped to explain the fight for equality in the workforce and society. Life was not easy for African Americans in the South, because of Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racism. The conclusion made from conducting research is that the three African American communities of Beaumont, Texas, had a lot to offer the blacks that resided there. The three prominent Black communities were the Charlton- Pollard community, Redtown or Northend Black community, and the Pear Orchard community. These Black communities were able to thrive. In the early twentieth century African Americans in these communities were able to establish a hospital, schools, churches, an amusement park, and prosperous businesses. Even though social and economic equality had not been achieved, African American made the best out of what they had, and established three Black communities that are still well known in Beaumont, Texas today

Postmodern Parables Jill Crosby Department of English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Adrienne Blackwell-Starnes Lamar University One social rift defining American culture in the postmodern era is that which exists between religiously conservative constituents and proponents of humanism. The problems arising from the clash between these two sects impede social progress. The teachings and values of secular humanism have been present in world literature throughout history. This presentation examines Franco-Algerian author Albert Camus’ existential philosophy in relation to secular humanism. I hope to show that Camus’ work exceeds his concern with the absurdity of suicide. I argue that two of his stories in particular — The Myth of Sisyphus and “The Guest” — are parables needed to forge solidarity in the postmodern world because each demonstrates that faith is not the exclusive territory of the religious.

Nicolas Guillen Nancy Figueroa Department of English and Modern Languages/Spanish Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillon Lamar University This presentation will focus on the life and work of the Cuban author Nicolas Guillen. I will start by giving biographical information about the author, especially concerning those events and persons which influenced his literary career. This presentation will concentrate on a poem belonging to West Indies Limited, published in 1934, titled “Balada de los dos abuelos”. I will analyze the content and form of this poem and will include a literary critique supported by other

critics’ opinions. My critique will emphasize Guillen’s contribution to the Spanish language. Lastly, I will explicate the different ideals Guillen possessed, such as justice for the exploited, abolition of slavery, and the search for a unique expression to represent the social worries of his times.

“No Voice to Speak Her Dread:” The Nineteenth Century Female Aria as Aphasic and Amnesiac Casey L. Ford Department of English and Modern Languages Dr. Sara Hillin, Dr. Amy Smith Lamar University Adorned in grandiose, stunning costumes, achieving their hearts’ desires, choosing their fates, and bursting into song with voices among the most powerful and acclaimed in the world, the heroines of the operatic stage command their audiences to believe in their authority, control, and autonomy. In fact, though, the texts of their arias, or operatic monologues, often contribute to these characters’ loss of autonomy and not their empowerment. I borrow from Roman Jakobson’s theory of two types of aphasia to discuss how the texts of arias can function as deterioration and then loss of speech, in which the character experiences a metalinguistic breakdown or becomes unable to combine linguistic units hierarchically. To discuss the ways in which a speech act can function as aphasia, I rely on Eve Sedgwick’s Epistemology of the Closet. I also use Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar’s conception of amnesia in The Madwoman in the Attic to show how these female characters suffer a specific type of memory loss due to the lifelong trauma of internalizing patriarchal expectations and structures. I argue that, being in some cases both aphasic and amnesiac, the principal female character’s aria, as she sings it, renders her alienated and essentially mute among her male counterpart(s). This paper examines the language of three arias from different periods to show how female characters utter their own objectification, demoralization, and even death at the hands of men. It then discusses how contemporary directors reimagine these characters and transform their arias into empowering feminist rhetoric.

Assessing Assistive Technology Awareness in Pre-and InService Teachers Shelby Garbee Department of Teacher Education Mentor: Dr. Mamta Singh Lamar University With a rapid change in education dynamics, teachers these days must to be prepared to teach diverse digital students. Students with various disabilities sometimes need extra support. One of the supports for the student is Assistive Technology (AT), while some of the students used the AT and improved, others abandoned it. The purpose of this study was to assess awareness of AT among in-service and pre-service teachers. The study attempted to answer three research questions: 1. What do in-service teachers think about AT? 2. Are in-service teachers prepared/trained to use it in their classroom? 3. How are pre-service teachers being trained to handle and teach AT. LU library resource was utilized to address the above research questions. Based on analysis of secondary resources, it was found that technology supports that help make the individual’s life better. AT Supports range from talking calculator to multimedia software. Teachers think AT is beneficial and necessary. Furthermore, teachers feel that they are not adequately trained to assist students with higher-tech AT. The significance of this study is to increase awareness among the educators about the AT as it will allow them to address the needs of diverse learners.

Radically Untruthful Phillip T. Gonzalez Department of History Mentor: Dr. Beverly Tomek University of Houston – Victoria In Phillip Gonzalez's report, he suggests that the proceedings of the Boston Massacre of 1770 could be attributed to the Sons of Liberty, the group of radicals in which he claims deliberately orchestrated the catastrophe. Using compelling research, such as the court reports from the trial of the 29th Regiment of British foot soldiers and an assortment of legal papers and newspapers from the period, he tries to connect the Sons of Liberty to having purposely organized the massacre in light of furthering their political agenda of separation from England. The British soldier and colonist depositions provided in this research are contextually analyzed and presented as evidence towards Gonzalez's claims. With this evidence, he sheds lights on the radical organizations strategy to use this horrific tragedy as a means to create propaganda and influence the colonist’s sentiment towards separation.

Identifying Cardinals’ ‘Position’ in the Cultural Highway Nirmal Chandra Gope and Ismatara Reena Department of Educational Leadership Mentor: Dr. Steve Jenkins Lamar University The world is becoming significantly diverse in every moment. Diversity is the strength of modern society but at the same time it is challenging too. Cultural differences sometime create conflicts. To avoid cultural conflict people have to be culturally proficient. Harris and Jenkins (2013) presented a cultural highway continuum with five locations where final destination is cultural community. The six locations of cultural highway are 1. Cultural Deficit, 2. Cultural Denial, 3. Cultural Discovery, 4.Cultural Celebration, 5. Cultural Conscience, and 6. Cultural Community. According to the study, cultural conflict happens because people are in different location in the cultural highway (Harris, and Jenkins, 2013). “Diversity is a core value” of Lamar University. To promote diversity and cultural harmony the university initiates different kinds of programs and scholarships. The purpose of the study is identifying Lamar University students’ location in the cultural highway continuum. This study is designed to understand the perception of LU students about cultural diversity. Survey questionnaire and focus group discussion will be used for data collection from Lamar University students. Collected data will be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Green Energy Education Awareness among Young Children Elizabeth A Hudspeth Department of Teacher Education Mentor: Dr. Mamta Singh Lamar University A solar electricity company in California, Sungivity, found that 88% of parents thought teaching their children about clean energy is as important as teaching them about good manners. 47% thought it was so important that it needed to be taught at age two. If we give a child a cell phone chances are they would be able to figure out how it works quicker than adult. Why is this? It is because technologies such as phones, iPads, SmartTVs, tablets are introduced to them at an early age. Because technology is now such a constant in a child’s life, they are experts at figuring out how it works. So what if we did the same thing with important concepts such as Green Energy? The present study investigated the green energy education awareness among children at early age using pre-service teachers personal experience in the classroom supported via educational research in this filed. The results suggested that at an elementary grade level, children are literally developing in their brains the ability to form memories and connections of new and old learning, therefore,

when energy concept was introduced in a kindergarten classroom, they were able to grasp the concept.

Rosalia de Castro, “The Galician Poet” Vanessa Iglesias Department of English and Modern Language /Spanish Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillon Lamar University This study analyzes a poem by 19th Century Spanish poet Rosalía de Castro. The poem’s title is “Dicen que no hablan las plantas,” and it was published in her book En las orillas del Sar (1884). I will provide background information on the life and literary era of the author in order to present a more in depth analysis of the form and content of this poem. Thus, among other topics, I will refer to the poet’s views on nature depicted in her work. Furthermore, I will also present and compare other scholars’ approaches to the literary study of Rosalia de Castro’s poetic work.

Business Majors Study Abroad in China Jacob Martin Department of Management/Entrepreneurship/General Business Mentor: Dr. Vivek Natarajan Lamar University For this research I took a very direct approach. The initial method of gathering information I took was to go on the study abroad trip myself. After going on the trip, each of us eleven students wrote down how we felt about the trip in an essay format. However the essay was meant to be conversational and almost written simply to answer direct questions about the trip. These essays were then handed to me and I used them, along with talking some of the students directly, to get a true representation of how everyone felt about the trip. Results that I was able to come up with? I was able to figure out and plan to communicate through presentation how business students feel, when traveling abroad to China. This 250 word section is not enough room to answer that adequately. My conclusion within in the study, is that business students who have traveled abroad, to China specifically, all cited near life changing experiences and a longing to tell others about it, while pushing them to go as well.

The Texas Mission: The Roots of Texan Methodism Jacob Melancon Department of History Mentor: Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer Lamar University During the American Second Great Awakening, the teachings of John Wesley’s Methodist philosophies were sweeping through the nation with evangelical fervor. The founding of Methodist conferences nationwide and the efforts of Francis Asbury and his numerous camp meetings made Methodism a prominent Christian movement during the late eighteenth, early nineteenth century. The use of the Methodist shock trooper evangelicals called the circuit riders made it possible for the territories encompassed in the Louisiana Purchase to be reached by the Methodist church. From this movement, Methodism penetrated the Spanish territory of Texas. A vibrant circuit rider in the Arkansas Conference named William Stevenson ventured south of the Red River in a small town called Pecan Point and preached the first Methodist sermon on Texan soil in a man’s house. After returning to Arkansas, he gathered more circuit riders named Henry Stephenson and Green and Washington Orr, and moved into Texas, all the while hiding from the Catholic Spanish officials. From there, Methodism expanded to every part of the territory and flourished. Through extensive research, the story of establishing the Texas Mission is unveiled. William Stevenson’s autobiography and scholarly writings from leaders in the Methodist church in Texas are used in compiling a research paper that successfully links the events leading up and following the

establishment of the Methodist church in the territory of Texas and how the Methodist has evolved through the transitional periods of Texas through Mexican independence and Texan independence.

Myth and Modern Poetry Casey Myers Department of English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith Lamar University Over the course of the past three semesters, I have been interested in correlations between myth and poetry. In a project I constructed for Dr. Amy Smith’s mythology course, I discovered that myth and poetry share a love of imaginative language, meter, and metaphor. Beyond simple structure and sounds, poetry and myth are each intimately associated with a desire for selfknowledge and representation of the areas of life that are difficult to understand and traverse. I created a website that took various characters from myth (particularly The Odyssey) and paired them with modern poems that were either about that mythical character or emulated similar experiences/identities to show this link. After completing my research regarding myth and modern poets, I registered to take an independent study course with Dr. Smith. The course consists of my writing myth-based poetry and teaching a couple of lessons in Dr. Smith’s mythology class. In regard to poetry, my area of interest has been in retelling the original stories found in Greek mythology, usually with some twist on the character of a god/hero or goddess/heroine. Not every poem contains such a twist; some instead focus on linking the characters of myth with people in my own life, or simply capturing a scene inspired by Ancient Greece’s culture. For this conference, I would like to present my past research, as well as read a couple of the poems that I have written for my independent study.

Cartosemiotics: How Maps Influence Culture and Power Paige Odegard Department of English and modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Carroll Ferguson Nardone Sam Houston State University This poster depicts how maps employ social dimensions, which can be read through a rhetorical evolution of cartosemiotics. After conducting a survey pertaining to participant reaction to the visual rhetoric of ancient and modern cartography, and extensive reading over studies in cartography, I determined that maps have evolved from documents that subjectively establish religion and exhibit culture to seemingly objective navigational tools used as an aid for direction. Ancient and present-day cartographers are rhetoricians who strive to distinguish and assign power by implementing cartographic strategies and prioritizing major rhetorical aspects; for instance, my research shows that early cartographers deemed pathos a key appeal in designing maps and present-day mapmakers focus on logos, yet similarly both are concerned with meeting audience need.

Germanic Immigration, Slavery, and Secession in Antebellum Texas Kevin Oliver Department of History /English Mentors: Dr. Beverly Tomek, and Dr. Liane Tanguay University of Houston-Victoria In “Germanic Immigration, Slavery, and Secession in Antebellum Texas,” Kevin Oliver, mentored by Beverly Tomek and Liane Tanguay at the University of Houston-Victoria, uses a variety of political, economic, and religious statistics to probe into the attitudes of German immigrants toward slavery and secession in antebellum Texas. By considering patterns of Germanic immigration, the areas and culture of immigrant residence, the duration of settlement, agricultural

production, and religion, an accurate picture of these attitudes can be formed for those Germans living in eastern and western Texas. Because of their religious faith and longer residence in an area heavily invested in the cotton economy, Germans in eastern Texas showed a higher degree of assimilation by participating in the region’s slave economy and not opposing the 1861 Secession Referendum. Meanwhile, in the more recently settled western counties of Texas, German immigrants profited from ranching and a thriving wheat trade with the U.S. Army, one which ultimately relied upon a system of free-labor. As a result, German settlers in the region tended to be opposed to slavery and secession. In conclusion, although many historians have asserted that Germans in Texas were almost universally abolitionist and Unionist in sentiment, the reality is much more complex. Indeed, socioeconomic, religious, and geographic factors, rather than common ethnic ties, contributed towards divisions on the issues of slavery and secession among German immigrants in antebellum Texas.

Cutting the Cheese: An Analysis of Scorned Acts in Joyce’s Ulysses Salena Parker English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith Lamar University There are times in a person’s life when he or she must, inevitably, cut the cheese. Whether that be through physical, emotional, or mental means, people have to engage in acts that others find distasteful to keep themselves, and their lives, balanced. James Joyce emphasizes this idea in Ulysses, a novel that takes place in 1900’s Ireland that follows the lives of Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom. Some readers might argue that the explicitly detailed acts Joyce describes are downright inappropriate; however, this paper makes the attempt to agree that these acts are necessary to the novel. They accelerate the plot, give analysis of characters, and provide a sense of relatability to readers across genres and ages. Without them, Ulysses would not be as impactful as it is in modernist literature. This argument is supported by Lindsey Tucker’s book, Stephen and Bloom At Life’s Feast: Alimentary Symbolism and the Creative Process in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”. I will use Tucker’s insight to help support my claim, specifically with the character of Leopold Bloom. This paper, along with other essays, will add onto the research that is being conducted to help analyze Joyce’s reasoning for adding these acts within Ulysses.

Tiberius and the Roman Expulsion of the Jews Ryanne Poole Department of History Dr. Mary Lou Kelley-Scheer Lamar University During the year 19 AD Tiberius, emperor of Rome, declared that all men of clear Jewish decent that fall into eligibility for the Roman army must join, otherwise face trial and execution for treason. All the remaining people of Jewish ancestry were then forcibly removed from Rome by means of an old, out dated law used for a different purpose. It is argued that Tiberius did not commit this act from malice or a personal agenda against the Jews themselves, rather he acted out the desires of those around him and members of his immediate family. Through historical research and an extensive study of Josephus, Cassio Dio, and Suetonius the argument is proved valid and true. The Roman emperor Tiberius’ decision to forcibly expel the Jewish settlers and their immediate descendants was his own.

Effect of a Breastfeeding Promotion Session on Breastfeeding Benefits and Attitudes among High School Students Ismatara Reena Department of Food and Nutrition Mentor: Dr. Connie Ruiz Lamar University The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of a breastfeeding promotion session on breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes among high school students. The effect of the session was evaluated using a randomized posttest only control group design. Participants (N = 207) consisted of male and female students enrolled in family and consumer sciences classes at two Southeast Texas high schools. A three-part questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics, breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes, and previous exposure to breastfeeding. Students in the control group (n = 105) completed the questionnaire; then the breastfeeding promotion session was conducted. Students in the experimental group received the breastfeeding promotion session; they completed the questionnaire one week later. Mean breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes scores for control and experimental groups were 83.9 and 94.6, respectively. Student’s t-test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in scores between groups. Study findings suggest that exposure to breastfeeding promotion during the teen years can have a positive impact on breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes of both male and female students.

The Miscommunication between Deaf Offenders and the Criminal Justice System Ti’Asia S. Sampson Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education Mentor: Chong M. Lee Lamar University In America today, there has been an ongoing battle between not only neighboring countries but within our own country as well. American people have been having a noticeable increase in problems with the criminal justice system. Miscommunication is an everyday occurrence for someone who is deaf but to have this kind of block in communication in high risk situations like being arrested could cost someone their freedom or even their life. The miscommunication between the Deaf and the criminal justice system all pools over into the prisons. Using twenty five participants in a qualitative grounded study I interview the participants to find out the true experiences of the deaf and criminal justice officials who have actually experienced these unique situations. This result in a clear understanding of an active issue that occurs during the arrest or incarceration of deaf offenders. The communication breakdown could be very simple or it could cost people their lives. It is significant because it will reveal the way officers of the law can handle a deaf suspect in custody. Having a full understanding of where the communication block is and how we could tear it down can only improve the relationship between the deaf and police. It also may shed light on how we can handle things when these situations arise but there is no interpreter. This research shows not only the importance of having competent interpreters but also there is hope of finding ways to improve communication between the deaf and law enforcement when the interpreter is not there.

To Be Butterflies: Transformation and Female Sexual Development in Carmilla Lauren Schuldt Department of English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Amy Smith Lamar University This essay examines the role of the eponymous vampire of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla in the life of its protagonist, Laura. Many critics identify Carmilla as a stand-in for a relationship in Laura’s life—a mother, a lover, a political alliance, etc.—but this study instead looks at Carmilla as a representation of transformation for Laura, a figure who enters her life at key developmental points, bringing change and new possibilities. In reading Carmilla as an embodiment of transformation and sexual development, this research places Le Fanu’s text within the larger context of the contemporary beliefs, understandings, and ideological constructs surrounding the female body and sexuality which were both prominent and politically influential in the Victorian setting in which it was written. Within this study is the suggestion that Le Fanu’s novel does not, as many would suggest, hinge on the homoeroticism between Carmilla and Laura; rather, it plays out the anxieties and the conflicting philosophies surrounding female sexual development as it affects women and those who surround and control her. Without rejecting the theories which address the question of homoeroticism or maternity in the book, this essay examines how Carmilla represents a process in Laura’s life and what makes that process monstrous to those who seek to destroy her.

Robert E. Lee: Life after the Civil War Emily Smith Department of History Mentor: Dr. Mary Lou Kelly Scheer Lamar University Losing the Civil War does not define Robert E. Lee. He made other important contributions to history. After the Civil War, Lee became President of Washington College. Which later on became Washington and Lee College. He made many improvements to the college. Like student enrollment and economical improvements. Evidence like biographies, a citizenship agreement, an amnesty agreements, and Lee’s personal letters show that losing the Civil War does not define him. Even though my research is not done, I believe that all the evidence that I have found will agree with my hypothesis. So far my research has shown me that being a losing general did not stop Robert E. Lee from achieving greatness.

Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism in Deaf Children Mandane Sweeten Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education/ Psychology Mentor: Dr. Chong Min Lee Lamar University It was my sophomore year of high school when I became fascinated with American Sign Language because of its uniqueness compared to all other spoken languages. The experience of learning ASL motivated me to pursue my BA study in ASL and Psychology at Lamar University. Through ASL and bilingual theories classes, I found that approximately 90% of hearing parents with deaf children do not know sign language. As a result, these children are less likely to have early language access, regardless of signed or spoken mode, like hearing children. If this issue is not addressed, the individuals effected by it will continue to fall behind academically, cognitively and linguistically. In the past, researchers believed that early exposure to sign language would impede spoken language learning. However, recent research has shown that there are benefits of bilingualism, specifically selective attention skills, problem solving, visual-spatial skills, cognitive flexibility and superior management of executive functioning. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the cognitive benefits of bilinguals in both the hearing and deaf students by conducting

the relevant literature review. Articles related to the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, neurological differences in both signers and non-signers, executive function and creativity differences in bilingual and monolingual children are analyzed. In the conclusion, the paper will discuss educational implications for teachers and hearing parents of deaf and hard of hearing children to the benefits of bilingualism academically, cognitively and linguistically.

The Identity (ies) Within: One Voice for All Kara Timberlake Department of English and Modern Languages / Communication Mentor: Dr. Catalina Castillón Lamar University This literary analysis examines how Chicana author Gloria Anzaldúa employs stylistic devices to comprehend and communicate the compound nature of identity. In the fifth chapter of her book, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, titled “How to Tame a Wild Tongue,” Anzaldúa explores her identity as a mestiza, an identity that contains its own distinctive features, including language, allowing her to connect with a wider audience. The element of language in Anzaldúa’s mestiza identity, works to demonstrate that social pressures do not limit her, transcending the restrictions placed on her by society to mold to one culture. Through the rhetorical mode of narration, Anzaldúa utilizes ethos, metaphor, and dual language, demonstrating how each particular aspect of her mestiza self contributes to her overall identity. By refusing to identify solely as an Anglo or Spanish-speaker, Anzaldúa relates to a diverse populace. Her innovative thinking allows her to cross cultural boundaries while also disintegrating preconceived notions about conforming to societal expected identities. Anzaldúa, through this perspective, enables people from various backgrounds to unite in the case of embracing plural identities without feeling pressured to yield to popular, pre-established identity roles. My research consists of analyzing Anzaldúa’s piece, using her stylistic devices to maintain my observations regarding her perspective on identity and language. In my research, I have employed literature searches, utilizing discoveries found in published scholarly articles to support and enhance my literary analysis.

The Effects of Musical Experience on Creativity Chelsea Wagner, Dennie Wagner, Hannah De Rouen, Alex Yanta, Thomas Worry, and Jennifer Worry Department of Criminal Justice / Psychology Mentor: Judith Mann Lamar University We were looking at the level of musical background and experience a person has, and whether or not that level affects their level of creativity. We put participants into different conditions: Low Experience Condition – no formal training, no proficiency in an instrument or musical area. Moderate Experience Condition – formal training and proficiency, but no music theory. High Experience Condition – formal training, proficiency, and music theory. The two hypotheses were: 1. Participants in the heavy experience condition will have significantly more creativity than participants in the moderate or low conditions of experience. 2. Participants in the moderate experience condition will have significantly less creativity than those with heavy experience and significantly more than those with low experience. Sixty Lamar students were recruited from the undergraduate Psychology and Music departments to participate. They were divided up into the three conditions based on musical experience with 20 participants in each condition. Each participant filled out a Music Experience Questionnaire to determine which condition. The participants were then given the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA). The tests are in the process of being graded by two graders for inner-rater reliability. The graders graded the test on fluency, originality, elaboration, and flexibility. The data will be analyzed using an analysis of variance.

Fear the Walking Feminist: A Rhetorical Analysis Of "The Walking Dead's" Carol Peletier Through the Eyes of Feminist Theory Katherine Waterbury Department of English and Modern Languages Mentor: Dr. Sara Hillin Lamar University Feminist rhetorics appear in perhaps the most unexpected places. Indeed, what initially appear as anti-feminist, stereotypical gender norms may be repurposed toward feminist ends. This phenomenon can be observed in the popular television series “The Walking Dead,” specifically in the character of Carol Peletier. Methodologically, I employ feminist rhetorical analysis to interpret the show. Several of the rhetoricians and theorists which we have studied this semester to the concept. Mainly, I draw on theories from Susan Bordo’ “The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity,” Eve Sedgewick’s “The Epistemology of the Closet,” and Judith Butler’s “Subversive Bodily Acts.” I argue that, through dialogue and scenes over the series’ six seasons, the show writers use anti-feminist rhetoric to actually create in Carol the ultimate feminist warrior—turning her from the meek, abused, housewife into the woman that has saved her band of survivors more than once. I will explore the progression of this character: her changing temperament, demeanor, dress, and outlook. In addition, I demonstrate how this character has shown self-awareness of her former nature and has now begun to use these stereotypes to her advantage. My main argument through this piece will be to assert that by embracing stereotypical norms, Carol has now become one of the most powerful forces on the show.

Military PTSD Stigma among Veterans and Non-veteran College Students Jennifer Worry, Kade Worry, Chelsea Wagner, Dennie Wagner, Hannah Derouen, Alexandra Yanta, and Tho Nguyen Department of Psychology Mentor: Dr. Judith Mann Lamar University The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that approximately 20% of the service members that have been deployed within the post 6 years are currently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Literature in the field of PTSD is abundant addressing issues such as assessment, treatment, and the characters people displace. There is, however, very little research addressing the stigmas associated with PTSD. The purpose of our study was to examine the stigma associated with PTSD combat veterans. It is possible that a negative stigma could be associated hindering combat veterans from seeking treatment. We are utilizing a sample size of two hundred Lamar University undergraduates, 100 veterans and 100 non-veterans, have been asked to participate in an online survey. Each participant was asked to complete a 17 item questionnaire created to evaluate stigmas related to combat veterans with PTSD. All data is being collected though Lamar’s sona system. Currently, the nonveteran data collection is complete. The stigma factors within the non-veteran data sample questionnaires will be examined.

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Dr. Kumer P. Das Director, Undergraduate Research

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2015-2016 OUR Guest Talk Landes Auditorium, 1st Floor of Galloway Building Dr. Ahsan Mian, Associate Professor Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio Wednesday, November 18, 2015 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Kendrick Aung College of Engineering Dr. Cristian Bahrim College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Peggy Doerschuk College of Arts and Sciences

OUR Faculty Talk Landes Auditorium, 1st Floor of Galloway Building Dr. Matthew Hoch, Professor of Biology Thursday, November 19, 2015 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. OUR Faculty Talk Landes Auditorium, 1st Floor of Galloway Building Dr. Amy Smith, Professor of English and Modern Languages Thursday, January 28, 2015 3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m.

Dr. T.J. Geiger College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Matthew P. Hoch College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Peter Kelleher Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Timothy Meline College of Fine Arts and Communication

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship The Office of Undergraduate Research, Lamar University Application Period: January 20 – March 1, 2016 2016 Undergraduate Research Expo Setzer Student Center Wednesday, April 20, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Jimmy Moss College of Business Dr. Mary Kelley-Scheer College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Dorothy Sisk College of Education & Human Development

2016 Texas STEM Conference October 8, 2016

Mr. Juan J. Zabala University Advancement

2016 Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences & Education Conference November 12, 2016

Dr. Weihang Zhu College of Engineering

CONTACT US: CHEMISTRY BUILDING, ROOM 115A P: 409-880-8430 E: [email protected]