Photos from the 2010 Student Symposium

Sponsored Programs Office Director, Kristi Koriath, talks with Christopher Harrison about his project,Designing Double-O Seven: A Critical Analysis of the Architecture of James Bond 

Emily Murray (Secondary Copper Sourcing in the Green Bay Lobe of Wisconsin) and Nicholas Serrano (Generative Urbanism: A New Civic Plaza Impels Downtown Vitality) discuss their projects

Sarah Robinson, Kimberly Johnson, Jennifer Reitz, & Megan Bruns - Design for Sustainability-Government Design

Kyle Barrett discusses his project, Sustainable Food Cities

Justin Rego, Wynn Jones, Peter Jones, & Matt Burton - Power Conservation Strategies for On-Campus Computers at Ball State Universities

Undergraduate Winners: Brian Main, Matt Crosley, and Lisa Bourdon

Lisa Bourdon, Biology
The Influence of Testosterone and Estrogenic Compounds on Microbial Activity
Faculty Mentor: Melody Bernot

Abstract
Estradiol, estrone, and testosterone are pharmaceutical compounds that are commonly excreted and released into waterways where their fate is largely unknown. This study quantified the effect of these three compounds on microbial activity in freshwater sediment. Increasing estrone concentration significantly decreased microbial activity when compared to controls. Thus, current hormone concentrations could be adversely affecting freshwater integrity.

Matt Crosley, Chemistry
Exfoliation of Atomic Layers from Synthesized MoS2 and WS2 Nanoparticles
Funded by: Department of Chemistry, Ball State University
Faculty Mentor: Tykhon Zubkov

Abstract
Sheets of several atomic layers of molybdenum sulfide and tungsten sulfide can be exfoliated using intercalation with n-butyllithium followed by reaction with water. This work explored this method’s ability for producing nanosized sulfide sheets from sulfide nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of 10-25 nanometers were synthesized using Mo(CO)6 or W(CO)6 with sulfur.

Brian Main, Landscape Architecture
The Mexican Chinampa, Understanding a Culture
Faculty Mentor: Rob Benson

Abstract
The Mexican Chinampa, Understanding a Culture looks to showcase historic agricultural techniques while portraying the rich contemporary design styles present in Mexico today. As a demonstration garden the project explores innovative material use and planting design through a carefully choreographed experience of spaces.

Graduate Winners: Staci Weaver, Kamal Prajapati, and Scott Dueball

Scott Dueball, Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
The Effect of Height on Musculoskeletal Injury While Performing Drop Landings
Funded by: BSU Aspire Faculty Mentor: Henry Wang

Abstract
Between 2% and 12% of U.S. military recruits will suffer a stress fracture. The high incidence of this phenomena is the motivation for this study. The study uses musculosketal models to simulate the response to impact forces on the tibia. This methodology is non-invasive which is more desirable in research.

Kamal Prajapati, Biology
Abolishing Multi Drug Resistance in Cultured Lung Cancer Cells Using RNA Interference
Faculty Mentor: Carolyn Vann

Abstract
RNA-mediated interference is used to decrease cox-1 expression in multi drug resistant lung cancer cells to restore their drug susceptibility. Results of confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and RT-PCR will be presented. Thus, cancer cells can be altered to become susceptible to chemotherapy, an important finding for treatment of cancer patients.

Staci Weaver, Biology
Investigating the Role of Brain Glycogen after Acute Seizure Activity in Mice
Funded by: IUSM Research Enhancement, BSU Aspire, and the National Institutes of Health
Faculty Mentor: Bart Pederson

Abstract
Brain glycogen metabolism is being investigated in wild type mice and mice lacking brain glycogen during acute seizure activity. Brain glycogen and glucose are biochemically measured during and at various time points following the induced seizure. Comparisons between the two genotypes help elucidate the importance of brain glycogen during seizure activity.