Fall 2019 Profiles
Anghelo Gangano
“Study on the Bacteria Present in an Aquaponics Startup”
This study involves growing walleye alongside lettuce and certain bacteria in a closed aquaponics system. Bacterial samples are being collected at specific stages of the project and having their DNA amplified and sequenced so that their identity can be recorded for future hydroponic startups.
Ethan Boester
“Synthesis of [{MoO(O2)2}2(μ-O)]2- Analogue”
As a homogenous catalyst, removal of [{MoO(O2)2}2(μ-O)]2- from the reaction matrix can be difficult and catalyst is often lost due to the weak electrostatic anchoring. In order to covalently tether this complex, an analogue to the [{MoO(O2)2}2(μ-O)]2- catalyst with a carbon tether and a primary amine is being explored. With this carbon chain bonded to the molybdenum catalyst, the catalyst can be bonded to a silicon via amide bond formation. This is hypothesized to solve the problem of the weak electric charges that currently hold the molybdenum catalyst allowing leakage.
Isaiah Mudge
“A Novel Homocysteine Metabolite in Urine”
Patients with renal dysfunction are at high risk for atherosclerosis and have above-average concentrations of the amino acid homocysteine (a known risk factor for atherosclerosis) in their blood, but low concentrations in their urine. It is possible, however, that homocysteine is present in urine as an amino acid-fatty acid conjugate. The purpose of my project is to synthesize a homocysteine-arachidonic acid standard to verify whether it is actually present in human urine.
Jenna Loefer
“Raman Spectroscopy Building and Application”
Raman spectroscopy is a tool used to detect various vibrational modes in molecules and solutions. A Raman spectrometer was built, analysis of organic acids with increasing R groups in a solution of water was performed to see the effort on the hydration shell, and the data was compared to a recently published experiment. Next steps include analysis of how water-solute interactions differ for aldehydes compared to carboxylic acids.
Madalyn Fields
“The Effect of Silver Infused Clothing on Bacterial Viability”
Many clothing companies infuse their garments with silver particles and clam their silver-based technology can prevent bacterial growth and lead to odor-free garments. Our research will analyze how effective silver particles embedded in clothing garments are in disrupting bacterial growth. Silver nanoparticle and silver chloride fabric technologies will be tested using two antimicrobial susceptibility assays. The findings of our research will be presented at Concordia Student Scholars Expo in May 2020.
Emily Torres and Iliana Lambert
“The Process of Undergraduates Advancing in Behavioral Coding Research”
The purpose of our project is to complete a review of the literature, learn about behavioral coding as a research methodology, and reliably identify preterm infant feeding cues. During this process we have learned about modifying behavioral coding schemes, inter-rater reliability, and have gained experience using NOLDUS Observer Software. The Goal for this project is dissemination at the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association Convention in February 2020.
Samuel Wilger
“ACS Philadelphia Conference March 2020”
Sulfones are an important part in Julia-Kocienski Olefination, which can be used as an alternative to the Wittig reaction which used hazardous reagents such as potassium tertbutoxide to achieve the same outcome. Sulfones can be synthesized a number of ways. And one of the best ways is by using a hydrogen peroxide catalyzed reaction. The [{MoO(O2)2}2(𝜇-O)]2- catalyst used in this reaction has shown to be very efficient, low cost, robust, clean, and very convenient to sue to synthesize the sulfones required for Julia-Kcienski Olefination.
Irene Bolis
“The Impact of Lower Extremity Flossing on Pain, Range of Motion, and Vertical Jump Power in Individuals with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome”
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of lower extremity flossing on leg pain, active ankle plantarflexion and dorsifleion range of motion (flexability), and vertical jumping abilities in individuals with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS, i.e. shin splints).
Christina Erdmann
“Effects of Fractionated Piper methysticum (Kava) Extracts on the Viability of Various Human Cancer Cell Lines”
The root of the plant Piper methysticum (Kava) is commonly consumed as a sedative beverage by the people of the South Pacific. Despite high tobacco use, the South Pacific islands are characterized by low lung cancer rates. Research suggests that kava may play a role in this phenomenon and several components of kava are currently under investigation for their anti-cancer properties. This study aimed at testing the effect of fractionated kava on human breast and cervical cancer cells as well as healthy human fibroblast cells to determine if these portions of kava specifically prevented the growth of cancer cells compared to non-cancer controls.
Anghelo Gangano
“The Synthesis of Piperazine-Based CB1R and D4R Dual-Acting Antagonists”
Common medications for schizophrenia function by blocking D2 dopamine receptors, and there are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating the substance abuse of methamphetamine or cocaine. However, CB1 cannabinoid receptor blockers have been shown to block cocaine reinstatement in rats. The laboratory of Dr. Christopher Cunningham recently discovered the first two compounds that antagonize both cannabinoid and dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic system (pleasure center). The purpose of this project was to synthesize analogs of these dual-action compounds with a more balanced binding affinity than the initial compounds.
Jenna Loefer
“Building a Raman Spectrometer”
Over the summer, a raman spectrometer which is used to detect vibrational frequencies was designed, built, and calibrated. The spectrometer is now being used to investigate the solvation of non-polar moieties by water.
Israel Mitchell
“Mainstream Print News Framing Coverage of NFL Concussions”
This study will analyze mainstream newspaper articles about NFL concussions to categorize how journalists write about this topic, including the issues they report about, the sources they use, and the length of the stories.
Isabella Soltwedel
“Evaluation of MPD Program Marketing Strategies via Various Social Platforms”
This project's goal is to help promote the Masters of Product Development (MPD) program in the School of Pharmacy. This is a unique program that is not offered in many other places, and there is not much marketing for it. This project aims to use a variety of social media platforms to help market the program and attract possible candidates. The project would consist of starting various social media accounts such as facebook, instagram, and possibly others, as well as create a website and/or for the program itself. The various social media accounts will be analyzed to determine how to reach people best using different hashtags, photography styles, and captions. The accounts will also be used to target a certain spectra of people who may be interested in this program.
Vanja Anderson
“Sulfide oxidation for the removal of refractory sulfides from model oils via oxidative desulfurization with various polyoxometalates”
Ms. Anderson will travel to the national ACS conference and will present on her research involving molybdate, vandate, and tungstate based catalysts.
Angeli Austin
“An Exploration of the Asian/Asian American Presence in American Film, TV, and Stage”
Ms. Austin will research and experience the Asian culture as well as understand why the presence of Asians and Asian-Americans is not as prominent as the presence of Caucasians in film, TV, and stage.
Abby Boeck
“Models and Modeling in Chemistry Education”
Ms. Boeck’s project focuses on scientific modeling and creating a common language to be used in models.
Kathryn Deheck
“ACS National Conference Undergraduate Research Presentation”
Ms. Deheck will attend the National ACS Conference, where she will present a poster on oxygenation of sulfides into sulfoxides and how sulfomes are important for chemical syntheses in pharmaceutical applications, detoxification of chemical warfare agents such as mustard gas, and the desulfurization of fuel for environmental health.
Jenna Loefer
“Models and Modeling in Chemistry Education”
Ms. Boeck and Ms. Loefer’s project focuses on scientific modeling and creating a common language to be used in models
Nathaniel Louisignau
“Comparative Study of Japanese & United States Music Education”
Mr. Louisignau traveled to Tomisato, Japan as an ESL teacher, where he conducted studies and research on the music education system that Japan operates during their school year.
Emily Hardwood
“Antibiotic Activity Studies of Essential Oils Mixture and the synergistic effects when combined with known antibiotics against Candida albicans, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – Common Infections in Burn Patients and Bacterial Vaginosis”
Ms. Hardwood researched the excessive use of antibiotics and anti-infective agents, which has resulted in the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Silas Hasselbrook
“Synthesis of Expected Metabolic Derivatives for Benzylideneoxymorphone”
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Stephanie Johnston
“JBolt injury reduction shoe”
Ms. Johnston will test fifty participants in shoes that are currently on the market and determine which shoe creates the lowest ground force reaction and which shoe allows for the best biomechanics of the foot. She will then work towards designing and creating a shoe that would reduce the number of injuries due to impact forces and improper movement of the foot within a shoe.
Matthew Korman
“Julia-Kocieński Olefination of Oxymorphone: Experimental and Computational Study”
Mr. Korman will travel to the national American Chemical Society conference, where he will disseminate his work on the energetics and reaction mechanism of methylenation of the simplest ketone and apply what is learned to the methylenation of oxymorphone.
Jonathan Pfeilstifter
“FRET-detected Catalysis as a Method to Study RNA Folding”
Mr. Pfeilstifter will travel to the national American Chemical Society conference where he will disseminate his research results via a poster presentation to other scientists.
David Schreurs
“Utilizing a Simple Molybdate Catalyst, [{MoO(O2)2}2(μ-O)]2-], for the α-Oxygenation of Ethers”
Mr. Schreurs’ project focuses on the successful and efficient selective oxidation of ethers under aerobic conditions using { Mo0(02) 2}2(µ -0)]2- as a catalyst.
Analeah Schwind
“Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and the Evaluation of Mitomycin Drug Concentrations using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)”
Ms. Schwind researched HIPEC, a procedure where heated chemotherapy is circulated within the peritoneal cavity after cytoerduction of macroscopic tumor.
Social Work Group
“Program Evaluation”
These students will travel to Waukesha, Wisconsin where they will participate in on-site observations and interviews of five of Lutheran Social Service’s programs.
Cassandra Sprotte
“Service Learning”
Ms. Sprotte’s project will focus on evaluating students’ viewpoint of service learning projects conducted in the Fall semester of 2017. Specifically, Ms. Sprotte will study how students viewed service pre and post project, stereotypes, and bias, the integration of faith, and application of faith and classroom learning to the project.