2023-2024 OSR Exhibition

Title: Creative Approaches in Counseling Asian Americans

Student: Amanda Aird

Major: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Debolina Ghosh

Abstract: Building upon the previous work on this project by a previous OSR student, this student researcher interviewed three clinicians to obtain information from them about creative, original approaches to attracting Asian Americans to therapy and providing services to them. The researcher quantified the data and presented the findings.

Title: “This literature is not pushing any beliefs on anyone”: Pre-Service Teachers Lean on “Knowledge” as a Contributing Factor for Including LGBTQ+ Children’s Literature in K-6 Classrooms

Student: Sophie Barrett

Major: General Studies

Faculty Mentor: Dr. A’ame Joslin

Abstract: The objective of this study is to further explore data obtained through a 2022-2023 OSR project. What factors impact pre-service teachers’ decisions for including LGBTQ+ children’s literature in the K-6 classroom? Dr. Joslin and the student researcher sent out a survey across the state to pre-service teach programs, and they will be examining this data further.

Title: VRetail: Bridging the Gap between Target and Amazon Go in the Metaverse

Student: David Blankman

Major: Business Management

Student: Benjamin Fricke

Major: Business Management and Finance

Student: Jackie Mouser

Major: Business Management and Finance

Student: Angie Guzman Presenda

Major: Business Management and Marketing

Student: Jason Stratton

Major: Business Management and Marketing

Student: Sydni Young

Major: Business Management

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kevin Jones

Abstract: The goal for this project was to create a retail store design prototype that could be replicated in a virtual reality setting. The students studied Amazon Go stores and used what they learned in the Organizational Change course to incorporate a prototype virtual reality store for the Target Corporation. Objectively, they wanted to learn how the internal and external analysis of the company could help them create a better experience for customers in an Amazon Go type store.

Title: Using Chitin to 3D Print

Student: Molly Brandes

Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. James D. Mendez

Abstract: This project used ground cicada shells to get chitin for the 3D printing material. Printing with this inexpensive and abundant material also has biocompatibility. The printed objects were tested for durability and strength.

Title: Relationships throughout Life

Student: Jazmine Castillo

Major: Psychology; Minor: Sociology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kimdy Le

Abstract: Relationships throughout Life looks at attachment through adolescence to adulthood. This study examines attachment through adolescence to parents and peers and its effect on relationship factors (alienation, communication, and trust) and then its effect on attachment through adulthood to parents and peers.

Title: Stitching the Narrative: Domestic Craft as a Rebellion against Domestic Abuse

Student: Nevie Henderson

Major: Marketing; Minors: Digital Writing and Literature

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julie Goodspeed-Chadwick

Abstract: In a previous narrative review, the student explored how, even in jus ta small sampling of literature by women that is thematically tied to domestic violence, victims of domestic abuse find a method of rebellion and even survival through domestic craft. This project expands upon that research and extends its scope to the personal narratives of real victims and considers how domestic craft plays a part in personal and literary narratives.

A version of this project was presented at the Indiana University Undergraduate Research Conference on December 8, 2023.

Title: Josephine’s Clinic Fundraiser for Survivors of Human Trafficking and Violence

Student: Sierra Huffman

Major: Criminal Justice; Minor: Psychology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Scott Desmond

Abstract: This fundraiser project, informed by research, raised funds for Josephine’s Clinic through a rummage sale, raffle, and t-shirt sale. The project relied on community outreach and support to achieve the goal of $1,000; the donations collected have been used to start a fund for a mobile clinic for survivors of human trafficking and violence. The project has positively impacted multiple communities and made a meaningful change.

Title: Opioid Destruction and its Economic Effects in the United States

Student: Siddhant Jain

Major: Business

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ryan Brewer

Abstract: This research project aimed to analyze and communicate the comprehensive economic damage caused by the ongoing opioid epidemic worldwide, with a focus on U.S. state-specific and nationwide assessments. The study sought to answer key questions regarding the economic impact of opioid destruction in Indiana and the United States as a whole, dating back to the beginning of 2003 and through 2021. The research underscores the importance of opioid prevention in mitigating economic harm and builds upon previous work conducted in Indiana.

This project was presented at the Indiana University Undergraduate Research Conference on December 8, 2023.

Title: The Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation In-Vitro on Intracellular Peroxide Levels and Average Life-Span of HepG2 Cells

Student: Bryce Malan

Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sharon Bloch and Dr. Barbara Hass-Jacobus

Abstract: The student researcher supplemented human liver cells (HepG2) with varying concentrations of vitamin E and tested its effects on the levels of peroxide in the cell. Peroxides are formed during normal metabolism and act as non-radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) that rapidly react to form hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which can then induce cellular damage. Vitamin E has been shown to increase the degradation rate of peroxide levels in cells. The student researcher attempted to discover the optimal concentration of vitamin E that leads to the lowest intracellular peroxide levels. Finally, the student researcher used this concentration when testing the effects it might have on delaying cellular senescence and increasing life-span.

Title: The Effects of Guided Meditation on Teaching Stress and Burnout Levels

Student: Rachel Rucker

Major: Psychology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth daSilva

Abstract: This study hypothesizes that teachers who follow guided meditation twice a week for four weeks will have decreased stress and burnout levels compared to teachers in the control group who engaged in weekly reading. The study will also look at any correlation between the number of years spent teaching and how that affects stress and burnout survey scores.

Title: What Are the Legan Rights and Responsibilities Surrounding Teachers’ Religious Expression in the Classroom?

Student: Kaitlyn Sprague

Major: Elementary Education

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Serriere

Abstract: The student researcher reviewed Indiana and federal legislation as well as related and precedent-setting court cases regarding the legal rights and responsibilities surrounding teachers’ religious expression in the classroom. The student researcher shared the findings with peers by creating and displaying a poster that addresses the research question.

Title: Inquiry into English Teacher Professionalism

Student: Kirsten Van Winkle

Major: Education and English as a New Language Certification

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura B. Liu

Abstract: This OSR project consists of a literature review on the conceptions of teacher professionalism in the U.S. and China and around the world. This OSR project aimed to support the student researcher as an IU Columbus English as a New Language (ENL) teacher candidate in preparing to develop and implement a shared inquiry project in collaboration with Beijing Normal University teacher candidates as part of an intensive 3-week teacher inquiry course, also an IU Columbus ENL Licensure course (L490/M401). This course was taught in May 2024, including hybrid virtual learning and study abroad. The objectives for this OSR project overlap with the faculty mentor’s research exploring how professionalism is conceptualized and assessed in the U.S., China, and around the world, particularly through the lens of teachers, teacher candidates, and teacher education faculty and researchers.

Title: Investment Options for Individuals

Student: Armahn Vedadi

Major: Supply Chain Management

Faculty Mentor: Title: Mr. William Haeberle

Abstract: This project will help individuals formulate a plan for their personal investments. The project covers asset types and investment accounts.

Title: Additive Manufacturing of Wind Turbine Blades Using Continuous Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Enhanced Performance

Student: Brooks Wathen

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor: Dr. M. Noor-A-Alam

Abstract: For this project, the student researcher 3D printed a scaled wind turbine. The student researcher used a fan to simulate wind that the turbine would see and tested factors like energy output.