Academic Creativity and Excellence Day
The semi-annual research colloquium at Bushnell founded by Dr. Tim Bergquist.
A Retrospective and Introspective Look at Innovation in Small Business
This project is about innovation in small business. I will look at the innovative nature of a small photography business from the 1960s and how these innovations related to its external business environment. Upon observing these innovations, I will utilize them as a model to guide innovation in small businesses today.
BUS 120, Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
Pete Diffenderfer
L204
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Building connections through blogging: Tidbits from a TCK
In this presentation I will first define the term, “Third Culture Kid” and identify obstacles they may face when transitioning to their passport country. In the remainder “Tidbits from a TCK” to connect with other third culture kids transitioning to the US. It deals with a variety of topics such as delayed milestones, anxiety over elections, new friendships, feeling like an outsider, and accepting ourselves in all the uniqueness of our experiences. Ultimately, I argue that writing is a mechanism through which we can encourage, support, and bond with others, and that by doing so in a digital space—such as a blog—these connections can span the globe.
WR 121, English Composition
Connie Diffenderfer
Pomajevich 103
10:30 – 11 AM
An Introduction to Anne Bradstreet
This presentation introduces the first American published female poet, Anne Bradstreet. It gives a brief biography of her life by looking at her education, family life, and lived experiences. It also helps give context to her work by discussing the culture that it was written in. After discussing the main themes of her poetry, it dives deeper into her wrestle with Puritanism and her faith. Bradstreet struggles with her ties to the world, namely her husband and children, that according to Puritan thinking, pull her away from the heavenly (and Godly) mindedness. After inviting the audience to wrestle with these questions as well, it is concluded that poetry can aid in this wrestling by helping you slow down, process, and formulate words for your experience and beliefs.
ENG 211, Survey of American Literature
Connie Diffenderfer
Pomajevich 103
11 – 11:30 AM
The Dangers of Selective Breeding in Horses: An Overview of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis
Impressive the Quarter Horse was not just the first Champion of the AQHA World Championship Show, but the index case of an autosomal dominant genetic disorder called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP). HYPP is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the sodium channels which replaces the normal amino acid leucine with phenylalanine. As a result, the channels occasionally become “stuck” open, leading to an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the extracellular space. HYPP causes attacks that are characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis, and involuntary recumbency. The muscle fibers become unable to maintain a stable membrane potential, though not all muscles throughout the body may be affected by an attack. Treatments focus on lowering the intake of potassium, maintaining normal exercise, and diuretics to increase the excretion of ions in the urine. HYPP can also be seen in humans with many of the same symptoms and triggers. In Quarter Horses, HYPP is paired with desirable muscle structure and traits which means a disease that could be breed out is found in almost 4.4% of Quarter Horses.
BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology 1
Tammy Bovee
Womack 100
11 – 11:30 AM
A Deadly and Particular Virus: An Overview of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is an acute, highly contagious, and lethal virus has become an epidemic across the world, targeting domestic, livestock, and wild rabbits as well as many species of hares. RHDV was first reported in China in 1984, however, there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a mutation from widespread non-pathogenic viruses. Currently, the strain RHDV2 is the most common in the US. Found in the genus Lagovirus and family Caliciviridae, RHDV is made of single-stranded RNA enclosed with an icosahedral capsid with two distinct sections: VP60 and VP10. The mortality rate of RHDV is 90-100% with rabbits dying on average 24-72 hours after the first signs of infection. RHDV impacts the ability of blood to clot and targets the liver specifically, prompting the liver cells to undergo apoptosis which creates lesions. As RHDV simultaneously spreads through contact to bodily fluid or fecal matter and is able to persist in the environment for about 90 days, controlling the virus involves biosecurity measures, slaughter of infected livestock rabbits, and vaccination developed through Medgene. Though studies are working to develop additional mechanisms for vaccination, there is no cure for RHDV.
BIOL 320, Cell Biology
Paul Allee
Womack 100
11:30 AM – Noon