The Augustana Symposium Saturday, April 16, 2005
Student Presentations 2003

Ingrid Arneson, "Aristotelian observations on human fulfillment" (Michael Waddell); Session 3 (Madsen Center 201, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

Humans seem to have a natural propensity to seek meaning and fulfillment
outside of themselves (e.g., in relationships or in mass movements).
Why is this? I will address this question by drawing on the theory of
human nature operative in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as well as
certain metaphysical observations found in his De Anima.

Ali Ashraf, "Seasonality" (Dan Swets); Session 2 (Madsen Center 202, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

We have a prototype product that smooths noisy signals derived from satellite imagery, then uses this to generate seasonal metrics about what the satellite images are showing for applications such as land cover analysis, global warming studies, drought analysis, a famine early warning system, and urbanization. This has several components: (a) Java Interface programming that can be used for setting up parameters, viewing results, and launching server-side (or local) program(s). (b) Speed analysis. Which runs faster: plain C, object-oriented C++ (with and without the STL), Java, Java compiled to native code? Which storage structures make code run faster: local storage, global storage, automatic variables, dynamic variables, objects? Which platform/compiler gives faster results: Windows98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Solaris, Linux? What about I/O? (c) Efficient implementation of the prototype software. The prototype has proven the concept for some approaches, but now we want to eliminate all the redundancy and inefficiencies in the implementation.

Kelsie Betsch, "Creating the building blocks for possible new antibiotics" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner); Session 6 (Madsen Center 201, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

Numerous large cyclic compounds are biologically active in the selective trapping and transport of sodium or potassium ions. We are interested in the synthesis of possible building blocks (monomers) to be used in the production of new, large, cyclic compounds. A generic building block would consist of a five-membered ring with an oxygen atom as one member, and our research has been focused placing various carbon chains in different locations on the ring. been made, they will be tested for any biological properties. Linking the monomers together would result in a large cyclic compound, which is hoped to exhibit ion transport capabilities. Research methods include some journal research, but mostly elementary laboratory methods.

Sean Corum, "Quantum mechanics and Aristotelian metaphysics" (Michael Waddell); Session 4 (Madsen Center 255, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

Among scientists, Aristotle's science and metaphysics are regarded as antiquated precursors to modern science. Indeed, it is taught in virtually every introductory physics class that Aristotle's conceptions of the natural world were replaced by the scientific developments of the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Modern Eras. As such, it is often assumed that philosophical interpretations of modern physical theory, especially those of quantum mechanics, are at odds with Aristotelian form/matter metaphysics. However, this assumption is unfounded and requires further analysis. In this paper, I explore Aristotle's metaphysics in relation to modern quantum mechanical theory with the goal of demonstrating to scientists and others that Aristotelian metaphysics is actually complimentary to quantum mechanics.

Katharyn Derr, "Effects of different fire intensities on understory vegetation diversity in the Jasper burn area of the Black Hills" (Steven Matzner); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

Fire has become an increasingly important issue in western states because of the frequency and severity of many recent wildfires. Years of fire suppression policy have resulted in higher fuel loads that cause fires to burn more intensely. This paper presents a study on the effects of different fire intensities on the understory vegetation at the Jasper Burn Area in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was hypothesized that high intensity fires would be more damaging to forest understory recovery, while low intensity fires might lead to increased diversity by stimulating the growth of more fire tolerant native species. It was also hypothesized that the low intensity burn sites would have fewer invasive species compared to the high intensity burn or unburned sites. The results however did not conform to our original hypotheses. Species richness and diversity were not significantly different between high and low intensity burn sites. In fact, the unburned sites had significantly higher species richness and diversity compared to either the low or high intensity burns. Analysis of individual species changes revealed that fire of any intensity resulted in the loss of fire intolerant species, but that fire did not appear to be stimulating growth of fire tolerant native species. The absence of an increase in fire tolerant natives may be due to a lack of seed source or individuals to resprout. Recovery of natives in this system may occur more slowly than originally thought and may require additional burn events before recovery is complete.

Anne Dykstra and Amy Lems, "Progress toward identifying genes regulating transcription of the HMW glutenins in wheat" (Michael Wanous); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

The objectives of this project are to identify, map, and study the genes that regulate the expression of the high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin genes in bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L. The HMW glutenins play a key role in wheat baking quality. They also represent a valuable model system for studying the regulation of orthologous and paralogous genes in polyploid species, and the evolution of the regulatory systems controlling these genes. This project represents the first comprehensive search of the wheat genomes for genes regulating the transcription of the HMW glutenin genes. Using ditelosomic lines in Chinese Spring background and the normal Chinese Spring genotype, wheat endosperms containing zero and three doses for each of the 42 chromosome arms in wheat are being created. For chromosome arms where no ditelosomic lines are available, tetrasomic versus normal comparisons will be used. Total RNA was isolated from the endosperm tissue and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) will be performed on the RNA samples. Amplification of the four HMW glutenin gene transcripts present in Chinese Spring wheat will allow the transcription of these genes to be accurately measured. Comparisons of gene expression between the zero and three dose levels for each chromosome arm will indicate which chromosome arms contain regulatory loci that modulate the expression of each of the HMW glutenin genes. For each regulatory locus found, the chromosome arm location, direction of effect (positive or negative), and relative strength of the effect will be determined.

Gina Furman and Heather Reber, "Body weight, serum leptin, and ovulation rates in lethal yellow and mahogany mice" (Maureen Diggins); Session 3 (Madsen Center 201, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

The lethal yellow mouse (Ay/a) exhibits adult onset obesity. Coupled with the increasing body fat is a decrease in fertility. Mahogany (mg/mg), a more recently discovered mutation, appears to modify the effects of the lethal yellow mutation, reducing the degree of obesity. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, becomes elevated in obesity and can lead to the development of leptin resistance.

Four genotypes were used in this study: lethal yellow (+/+ Ay/a), black controls (+/+ a/a), mahogany yellow (mg/mg Ay/a), abd mahogany black (mg/mg a/a). All mice were females and 150 days of age, the time at which obesity and the decline in fertility become apparent in the lethal yellow mice. Average body weights were 25g for black control mice, 42g for lethal yellow, 30g for mahogany yellow, and 27g for mahogany black. Leptin levels were 2.8ng/ml for black controls, 28.9ng/ml for lethal yellow, 10.6ng/ml for mahogany yellow, and 2.9ng/ml for mahogany black mice. Thus the mg/mg Ay/a mice had significantly reduced obesity and serum leptin levels compared to the +/+ Ay/a mice but still had greater obesity and serum leptin than mg/mg a/a and +/+ a/a controls.

Ovulation rates were identical in all four genotypes with an average number of oocytes at the 9-10 per ovulation. Thus the infertility apparent in lethal yellow mice at 150 days of age is not due to decreased rates of ovulation. A more plausible cause may be reduced egg and embryo viability in the lethal yellow mouse, perhaps due to excess serum leptin and consequent leptin resistance in cells of the ovarian follicles. Undergraduate participation in this study was funded by the NIH-BRIN grant to the University of South Dakota School of Medicine.

Allyson Graham, "The tragedy of culture and Martha Stewart" (Carolyn Dunham); Session 6 (Madsen Center 201, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

The sociologist Georg Simmel (1858-1918) posited that the tragedy of culture in the modern world is that the things a society produces (objective culture) expand and increase at a rate greater than society's ability to understand what it has created (subjective culture). Consider Martha Stewart, who has created and sustains a definitive lifestyle industry that seems to overshadow creativity and individualism, making "beauty" and "good things" easy for everyone to achieve. Simmel would suggest that in today's world, Martha Stewart is reified, giving her and all she has created an existence that seems to prevail, and recreate itself making all other forms of domesticity unimportant. Over time, Simmel might argue, as Martha Stewart's lifestyle industry becomes more defined and complex, the products and services of her enterprises will become increasingly trivial and crude.

Matthew Grandbois, "Isolation of intermediate compound further solidifies theory" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner); Session 2 (Madsen Center 202, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

The isolation of a suspected intermediate compound in the synthesis of a proposed antibiotic was observed this past summer at Augustana College. This observation further proves the existence of the mechanism of reaction for the proposed synthetic strategy. The isolated compound was determined through spectrographic means, namely, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies. Completion of the synthesis was accomplished by further reacting the isolated intermediate compound. Further study of this phenomenon will help predict future reactions and help the scientific community understand the mechanisms of similar reactions.

Kylene Guse, " Exploring multi-cultural conflict in contemporary Ireland: The costs of the Celtic tiger" (William Swart); Session 1 (Madsen Center 255, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

Once a bastion of ethnic homogeneity, the Republic of Ireland has experienced a tremendous influx of immigrants and refugees in the wake of recent and sustained economic growth. This paper explores the growth of multiculturalism in Ireland and the problems it has presented to this once homogeneous population. We argue that the growth of multicultural conflict in Ireland has been spurred by a multifaceted relationship between economic growth and identity politics. First, we explore the rise of "difference" in Ireland as a function of economic growth under the EU. Second, we theorize the interrelationship of increasing labor market competition and ethnic myopia in Ireland, and use this theoretical foundation to examine the surge in ethnic conflict in Ireland over the past decade. Finally, we explore attempts by the Irish government to curb increasing rates of ethnic conflict among the Irish population.

Jana Hanson, "Is a woman's place still in the kitchen?: An implicit attitudes approach" (Martin Dennis); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

This research focuses on the question of whether our implicit attitudes are consistent with our explicit attitudes. More specifically, we ask the question relating to gender-typed housework. This research examines students' attitudes toward the division of labor between indoor and outdoor tasks. First, is there a way to measure implicit attitudes? Researchers have recently begun to use an Implicit Attitudes Test (IAT) to measure people's attitudes and stereotypes. The IAT is composed of items that require participants simultaneously to categorize stimuli on different dimensions (e.g., male name versus female name, indoor chore versus outdoor chore). If the chores are gender-typed, responses to categorize matched stimuli (e.g. female names and indoor chores) should be faster than responses to mismatched stimuli (e.g. male names and indoor chores). A questionnaire was also designed to establish explicit attitudes. The results from the questionnaire have shown a difference between male and female responses. Males indicated more extreme gender-typing of domestic chores than did females, although overall participants' endorsed clear gender-typing of housework. Through these two types of measurements we are able to compare responses on the questionnaire to those on the IAT.

Keith Hartman, "Tethered lipid layers: Optimization for biosensor applications" (Gary Earl); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

One of the most active areas of research is that of biosensors, in particular, detection methods for proteins. In-situ study of cell membranes and proteins is currently impossible due to the complexity of these interactions. Beginning to learn about these relationships requires the synthesis of a membrane tethered to a solid supported surface. This research explores the use of a novel molecule to create a lipid membrane on a thin gold surface. After successful construction of this membrane, a trans-membrane protein was incorporated into the bilayer and its ion-transfer characteristics studied. Throughout these procedures, several surface and electrochemical techniques were used to study the membrane and the incorporated protein.

Amanda Johnson, "A voice wanting to be heard" (Julia Pachoud and Richard Swanson); Session 4 (Madsen Center 255, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

Women's narratives and stories are rich in meaning and emotion and are often overlooked or even ignored. From a feminist perspective, I began looking at women's narratives through a different lens. Living in an androcentric society, women's voices are often quieted, sometimes violently. This presentation is an attempt to unleash these women's stories and allow their voices to be heard. Since Christianity has been male-dominated for centuries, the majority of my narratives are taken from scripture. In order to add a more universal, contemporary voice, I employed two Irish women, as well. The sources that I relied on for much of my compilation were Ellen Frankel's The Five Books of Miriam, Carol Newsom and Sharon Ringe's The Women's Bible Commentary, Phyllis Trible's Texts of Terror, and Only the Rivers Run Free (a collection of Irish women's narratives). With this presentation, I hope to raise awareness of women's oppression and forced silence. By applying my understanding of feminist hermeneutics, I hope to alter the view in which we read biblical and secular stories. New understandings and perspectives can be achieved by giving women their voices back.

Sally Kessler, "Searching for new antibiotics" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner); Session 1 (Madsen Center 255, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

The possibility for the formation of a new antibiotic was studied. The basic structure of the antibiotic would be ring-shaped, which would facilitate in moving targeted ions into bacteria cells (ion-transfer). This would "overload" the cells with the ions. A type of alcohol involving a nitro (-NO2) group was studied in the laboratory using a method called the Henry Addition. Another substance involving a nitro group and a triple-bonded carbon atom was also made using a process called the Grignard Reaction. These compounds would be starting material for the possible new antibiotic.

Kurt Krallman, "Flashbulb memories of September 11, 2001" (Martin Dennis); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

How accurate are vivid memories of a significant event that have strong emotional ties, otherwise known as flashbulb memories? Prior research on flashbulb memory has focused on important events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the space shuttle Challenger explosion, and the O.J. Simpson verdict. This previous research has found flashbulb memories to be fairly distorted. Students from Augustana College were given a questionnaire three days after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The questionnaire elicited students' personal details of the context (such as where they were, what they were doing, and who told them) in which they first heard of the terrorist attacks. Fourteen months later, some of the same students volunteered for a follow-up study. The participants in the follow-up study were given a questionnaire similar to the one filled out earlier. The questionnaires were accompanied by a cognitive interview, which is a set of questions that are intended to elicit further details from memory. The accuracy of the memories was determined by comparing the responses from the initial questionnaire to the responses from the second questionnaire. The accuracy of the personal memories in the present study was surprisingly high, in light of past research. In addition to the personal memories, the participants' "historical knowledge" of the event was tested by asking them to order six events from the morning of September 11, 2001 in the correct timeline.

Carly LaCroix, "Model reactions for building macrocycles" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner); Session 5 (Madsen Center 202, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

We are interested in producing a compound with a ring shape that may exhibit antibiotic properties. This compound is divided into several repeating ring parts called monomers. We were focused on reactions that represented these monomers. Each monomer that was in the process of being produced had a similarity in that it contained what is called an ????unsaturated system. An unsaturation point is represented by the presence of a double bond between carbon atoms or a carbon and an oxygen atom. An ????unsaturated system is a molecule that has two of these unsaturation points adjacent to each other. The final macrocycle could possibly be an antibiotic by acting as an ionophore, which is a molecule that selectively traps potassium or sodium ions in it cavity.

Amy Lems, see Anne Dykstra and Amy Lems

Brendon Plack, "New crises calls for new crisis management" (Trygve Fredrickson); Session 2 (Madsen Center 202, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

Business leaders must rise to the challenges of a new world confounded with the threats of terrorism and corporate corruption. CEOs will rethink traditional crisis management techniques to conform to today’s business environment. This new crisis management must be built on proactive measures that are well communicated and intended to build the trust of consumers and employees alike. Small business owners, the backbone of our economy, can learn from CEOs of larger corporations to achieve similar ends.

Jacqueline Pogue, "Landscape of our souls: A discussion of spirituality and geography" (Ann Pederson); Session 6 (Madsen Center 201, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

Ortega y Gasset, the Spanish philosopher, once said, "Tell me the landscape in which you live and I'll tell you who you are." The connection between landscape and our life experience is often ignored in our increasingly mobile, urban, disconnected society but can offer valuable insights into our experiences. How do landscape and place influence our spiritual lives? This paper will explore spiritual geographer Belden Lane's construction of habitat and habitus, the connection between where we live and how we live. Special attention will be given to the narratives of Kathleen Norris, author of Dakota: A Spiritual Geography and Terry Tempest Williams, author of Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place. Through exploration of their associations of physical and spiritual, along with drawing from theology of the early desert apophatic tradition, Cappadocians, the Incarnation, and vocation discernment, implications and challenges for our personal lives will be offered.

Heather Reber, see Gina Furman and Heather Reber

Cody Reis, "Satellite sensor cross calibration" (Dan Swets); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument, which was launched aboard the Terra satellite platform in December 1999, is designed to observe and monitor the surface of the Earth. A second MODIS instrument was launched on the Aqua platform in April 2002. This instrument is designed with a wide spectral range (36 channels), moderate spatial resolution (250m, 500m, 1km) and near daily global coverage, which makes it the leading edge of global observation technology. The MODIS instrument and later follow-on satellite sensors (e.g., NPP, VIIRS) represent the best technology for further observations of global change, land use/land cover change, and for global mapping.

However, the value of MODIS data is currently somewhat limited for applications related to global change and land surface monitoring due to the limited time-series of data (3 years) that we now hold. The satellite sensor that serves as the precursor to MODIS is the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), which has 1km resolution and near-daily global coverage. The USGS EROS Data Center (EDC) has an archive of AVHRR data covering the conterminous United States dating from 1989 to present. Linking the AVHRR heritage data to the ongoing MODIS and future MODIS-like sensors would provide a historical context (an additional 10 years) for change and monitoring studies.

One of the primary derivative products from AVHRR and MODIS data is the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). This index has been shown over the years to be related to a number of important vegetation biophysical parameters that are essential to understanding and measuring global change (Goward and others, 1985, Tucker and Sellers, 1986, Malingreau and others, 1989; Townshend and others, 1994; Loveland and others, 1991). However, there are several key differences between the sensors that make direct comparison difficult and a transition from AVHRR to MODIS a challenge. These differences include band width of the red and near infrared bands that are input to the NDVI calculations, atmospheric corrections, time of overpass, locational geometry, and others. For this project, we propose research that will result in an understanding of the differences between AVHRR and MODIS and provide a statistical basis for a smooth transition between the two.

The data sets that are key to establishing a relationship between AVHRR and MODIS NDVI are 1) a set of specially processed AVHRR 16-day NDVI composites, and 2) 16-day MODIS composites covering the conterminous US. Data set 1 has been collected since 2001 in anticipation of an application such as this one, while data set 2 is being specifically constructed at EDC for this comparison. This project uses competing techniques to develop a transform from the AVHRR data to the MODIS data. We investigate which parameters on the models can be used to accomplish the transformation. Establishing a link between past and present data sets supports the NASA Earth Science Enterprise, which endeavors to document climate and environmental change. Extending the utility of past data sets adds significant value to the data sets of both today and tomorrow.

Ann Elizabeth Rosendale, " Friendship With God: An examination of the Christian ideal in the context of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics" (Michael Waddell); Session 2 (Madsen Center 202, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

In books eight and nine of his Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle states that friendship between "unequals" is impossible. This suggestion is problematic for the Christian notion of having a "personal relationship" with God. My paper will examine these two, apparently contradictory, claims in an attempt to answer the question: Is friendship with God possible? Special consideration will be given to human motives for desiring a friendship with God.

Karin Shafer, "Modernizing a traditional qualitative analysis course" (Duane Weisshaar); Session 3 (Madsen Center 201, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

In order to introduce a modern instrumental method into a traditional inorganic qualitative analysis course, an ion chromatography method was developed to separate the thirteen anions encountered in that course. Although complete separation of all thirteen anions was not achieved, the combination of chromatographic data and wet chemistry (chemical reactions) allowed students to readily identify the ions in their unknowns and to observe the strengths and drawbacks of both methods. The final method employed inverse UV detection at 270 nm using a Hamilton PRP X-100 anion exchange column and a sodium benzoate eluent at pH 8-10 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.

Jessica Skyberg, "Testing the Elaboration Likelihood theory" (Elizabeth Tolman); Poster Session (Madsen Center Rotunda, 2:45-3:30)

I have previously conducted research testing the Elaboration Likelihood Theory, I originally began this research because of a class that I was taking during Interim called Communication Theory. In order to test this theory I created a total of three surveys that I administered to the Augustana Choir. The first two were designed to look the same, but they contained slightly different information. Both of the surveys stated that the Augustana Choir was considering adding Friday rehearsals to their practice schedule in the fall as well as the spring semesters. One survey consisted of a high-credibility source, weak arguments supporting the theory, and a statement that suggests that the change will not take place until the fall of 2007. While the other consisted of a low-credibility source, strong arguments supporting the theory, and a statement that suggests that the change will take place in the fall of 2003. Both contained open-ended questions concerning what people thought of the possible change. I randomly placed the two surveys in choir member's campus mailboxes. Each member was told to fill out the survey and bring it to the afternoon rehearsal. At the rehearsal I explained that the content of the survey was not "real" and that I was only using the survey to conduct an experiment. Secondly, I administered a follow-up survey to individuals that brought their original questionnaire to the rehearsal. Those surveys were intended to measure the participant's motivation in the topic, the effect of the diversity of the arguments, and their ability to think critically.

Adam Smith, "Re-examining standards of morality in foreign policy" (LaMoyne Pederson); Session 5 (Madsen Center 202, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

In the past twenty years the International community has changed dramatically, yet our Foreign Policy seems to be stuck in the past. During the Cold War we devoted our efforts to maintaining multi-lateral treaties with countries in an effort to contain the communists, but after the fall of the Soviet Block we are now wondering the benefits of such multi-lateral entities, like NATO. The threat of multi-lateral retaliation is trivial to the rogue nation or terrorist cell that is merely out to prove a point. To survive in this new era America needs to re-examine it's own foreign policy goals. It also must answer the question of what is more important, the well being of its own citizens or the well being of the citizens of the world. By removing the Idealism that, as George Keenan writes, "perverts" our Foreign Policy goals, we should look to Utilitarianism as the best way to avoid conflict and maximize our gains. To prevent war, which is the ultimate goal of foreign policy, will require certain measures that may push the conventional definitions of morality…i.e. Removing humanitarian aid, stiffer economic sanctions, or even something as medieval as poisoning the well.

Jaclyn Sutton, "An examination of the impact of diversity on communities of friendship" (Michael Waddell); Session 1 (Madsen Center 255, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

Is it possible for community to exist in the midst of diversity? In
this paper, I will examine several issues from Aristotle's treatise on
friendship (books 8 and 9 of the Nicomachean Ethics) with an eye toward
understanding their implications for the relationship between diversity and
community.

Mitchell Swanson, "Contested waters: Animal rights groups, environmentalists, and Norwegian whaling" (Troy Storfjell); Session 3 (Madsen Center 201, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm)

Anti-whaling organizations have increased in influence over the past decade and continue to gain support from many people. This rising influence has caused a good deal of debate on whether whaling in Norway is legitimate and essential to its peoples or if it is unethical and endangering to whale populations. Animal rights groups' intentions to save whale populations may actually be misguided and prove to be counterproductive to their own cause. These animal rights activists have come to dominate the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and in doing so have rendered the Commission biased, overlooking of hard scientific evidence, and bowing to social, political, and emotional pressures.

Scott Thalacker, "What's a little separation between friends? Levinas and Aristotle's friendship" (Michael Waddell); Session 5 (Madsen Center 202, 3:35 pm -5:00 pm)

Both Aristotle and Emmanuel Levinas generated philosophies that revolve around social interaction. While Levinas thought that separation is the ground of human relations, Aristotle thought that friendship is grounded in similarity. In this paper, I explore both the tensions and the complementarities that exist between these philosophies, attempting to provide a coherent analysis of how community can arise both despite and because of separation and unity.