Digital Commons Network^™

Bird Habitat Selection In A Mosaic Restoration, Sykora Smith, Claire Newton, Myah Sierens, Mark C. Myers

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Birds are known to specialize in habitats based on vegetation characteristics like litter and bare ground cover, vegetation stature, and density (Fisher and Davis 2010). On a global scale, birds reside in certain regions where the vegetation suits their needs. Habitat selection by species is influenced by many factors, including food and resource availability and vegetation structure (Gumede et al. 2022). In restored tallgrass prairie habitats, plots of different ages and management histories may have varied vegetation characteristics, resulting in a mosaic of heterogeneous patches that may influence bird habitat use and maintain grassland bird species diversity (Hovick et al. …

Compositional Shifts Of Sown And Unsown Flowering Species In Cp-42 Habitats, Greyson Brandt, Alayna Whitson, Grant Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Ai Wen

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

The Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Conservation Reserve Program Practice (CP-42), is designed to provide pollinators a diverse and season-long variety of blooming flora. Although CP-42 plantings include specific, florally rich, prescribed seed mixes, the communities that develop over time can differ from what was originally sown. Understanding how sown and unsown flowering species shift in abundance and composition is critical for evaluating the prairie quality, pollinator support, and long-term ecological outcomes.

Analyzing The Effect Of Physical And Chemical Properties On Spectral Absorption Of Hemoglobin, Anna N. Gregorsok, Carl L. Thurman

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Hemoglobin oxygen affinity is influenced by intracellular pH through the Bohr effect, making pH an important regulator of oxygen delivery throughout the body. Before oxygen-binding affinity can be quantified, the optical properties of hemoglobin under different pH conditions must first be characterized. In this study, free hemoglobin was analyzed at five physiologically relevant pH values (6.72, 7.00, 7.33, 7.63, and 7.92), representing conditions ranging from acidosis to alkalosis. Human red blood cells were lysed in hypotonic phosphate solutions, and absorbance spectra were collected using a scanning spectrophotometer. The resulting spectra establish baseline optical characteristics of hemoglobin across physiologically relevant pH …

Revised Restriction-Site Associated Dna Sequencing Protocol And Bioinformatic Analysis, Halle Hoefing, Michael Mellett, Ai Wen

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) created habitat across the US to decrease erosion and increase wildlife populations in agricultural landscapes. Its utility for wildlife is the subject of ongoing research, both the restoration and incoming habitants. We investigated the population genetic diversity of the brown-belted bumble bees in CRP sites within the agricultural landscapes in Northeastern Iowa. We generated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) data using Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq) and compared fixation indices and heterozygosity across four common SNP filtering levels. Due to sudden inadequacy of the RADSeq protocol, the final product was not resulting in usable concentrations of …

Seasonal Morphological Growth Patterns Of Cattail Taxa (Typha Spp.), Grant P. Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Greyson A. Brandt, Alayna G. Whitson, Kenneth J. Elgersma

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

While considerable research has focused on cattail ecology and invasion dynamics, less attention has been given to seasonal changes in morphology during early growth. Consequently, the extent to which morphological characteristics stabilize and can be used for accurate species identification throughout the growing season remains poorly understood. Based on our current state of knowledge, it's expected that early in the summer season, a spike in growth will occur for all morphological characteristics. These traits may eventually plateau in the later months, providing a time period of morphological stability.

Evaluating Floral Species Richness As A Predictor For Pollinator Diversity Across Crp Sites, Alayna Whitson, Ai Wen, Kenneth Elgersma, Morgan Sullivan, Greyson Brandt, Grant Van Nieuwenhuyzen

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

The Conservation Reservation Program (CRP) is the nation's largest management effort to preserve and protect fragile landscapes that have been eroded due to excessive agricultural practices.

A major consequence of vast agricultural usage includes an extreme decline in pollinators due to substantial habitat loss. In response to this crisis, a CRP incentive called CP- 42 was introduced to target habitat reconstruction through seed mixes that support these pollinators' nutritional needs. The seed mixes are made up of floral cocktails that provide an ongoing nutrient safety net from spring to fall to create a bloom cycle.

Opportunistic plants (unsown, invasive species) …

Comparison Of Passive Acoustic Monitoring And Visual Surveys On Birds At Irvine Prairie, Claire Newton, Sykora Smith, Myah Sierens, Mark Myers

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Traditional visual bird surveys performed by human surveyors include point count methods and strip transect surveys. The developing technologies of acoustic recording units are a tool for surveying bird communities by sound, reducing the hours researchers spend in the field for long-term monitoring. Passive acoustic monitoring of birds in Iowa has proven to be a valuable method of detecting species of conservation concern as well as general species richness (Dixon et al 2023; McGovern et al 2024). There is continued debate on the performance of human surveyors compared to the quickly advancing technologies for sound identification (Goodman et al 2025). …

2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Program, University Of Northern Iowa. Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium Programs

The program for the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.

Description Of Leptuca Capillosa Sp. Nov., A New Fiddler Crab Species (Crustacea, Decapoda, Ocypodidae) From The Continental Coast Of Ecuador, Carl Thurman, Mariana Capparelli

Faculty Publications

A new species of fiddler crab, Leptuca capillosa sp. nov., is described based on two preserved specimens from the U.S. National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian) as the holotype and paratype. In addition, specimens (N = 46) collected at eight locations along the Pacific cost of Ecuador were used for an anatomical description and a biometric study. Biometric relationships among major anatomical features are described by linear-regression algorithms with coefficients of correlation and determination. From a previously published DNA analysis of the new species, L. capillosa sp. nov. is related to other Leptuca species in the Gelasiminae subfamily of …

Sesquicentennial Commencement [Program], May 15-16, 2026, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

Brief History of UNI --- 2
Board of Regents --- 3
Institutional Leadership --- 3
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 4
Commencement Over the Years --- 6
University Honors Program --- 8
Graduation with Honors --- 8
Legacy Graduates --- 8
Military Science --- 9
Merchant Scholarship --- 9
Outstanding Student Leader --- 9
Commencement Student Speakers --- 9
Purple and Old Gold Awards --- 10
Lux Service Award --- 11
7 p.m. Program --- 13
College of Education --- 15
David W. Wilson College of Business --- 22
10 a.m. Program --- 29
College of Humanities, Arts & …

How Can The Endangered Species Act Critical Habitat Designation Process Be Revised To Provide Better Protection For Listed Species Today And Under Future Range Shift Scenarios Due To Climate Change?, Matt Kerber

Mary Ann Bolton Undergraduate Research Award

Humans have interacted with the flora and fauna of Earth in many ways throughout our evolutionary history. Whether that be from a place of fascination, or as a resource to be exploited, humans have relied upon the millions of species that share the Earth with them. These interactions have led humans to both destroy and degrade ecosystems, but also to conserve ecosystems so that they may continue to provide their services and intrinsic value. A major shift in exploitation of wildlife began around the advent of industrialization and the acceleration of technological advancement. The ability and rate at which species …

Considerations When Designing In Vivo Protocols For Conducting Biomechanical Research Of The Shoulder Joint In Hockey Athletes, Kylie Giesler

Honors Program Theses

While the numbers and details of hockey-related injuries are variable across sources due to variations in sample age, sex, location, and confidentiality of many large hockey leagues, a 2023 narrative review study identified more than 100,000 upper extremity injuries documented in research since 2000. Nearly half of those injuries were to the shoulder with common injuries being acromioclavicular joint sprains, shoulder instability and dislocations, labral and rotator cuff tears, and clavicle fractures. In respect to the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest level of play in ice hockey, 12% of all injuries are to the shoulder, second only to head …

College Student Perceptions Of Death, Shelby Brubaker, Melinda Heinz

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The purpose of this study was to understand college student perceptions of death. Undergraduate students were invited to participate in a focus group about their perceptions of death. Three focus groups were held and a total of nine students participated, all of whom had majors in the social sciences. All participants were women and approximately 55% were non-religious and 55% reported they were spiritual. Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic approach was used to code focus group transcriptions. Three themes were identified: 1) Family and Religious Influences: One participant said, “I think it is less of how religion has shaped …

The Impact Of Teacher Burnout On Learning Ability In Elementary Children With Aces, Kassidy Lake Patterson

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact individuals both psychologically and physically into adulthood. Children with ACEs often face challenges in learning, emotional regulation, and behavioral outbursts. Consequently, teachers supporting these students may experience Secondary Traumatic Stress and burnout. This examines the relationship between teacher burnout and students' ACEs. Using a mixed-methods approach guided by the Transactional model, the research discusses Allostatic Load and Toxic Stress theories. Teachers in the Waterloo area (n=10) completed the Professional Quality of Life Survey and the Trauma Informed Education Knowledge Survey. Findings indicate that teachers exhibit moderate burnout levels and possess high trauma knowledge, particularly those …

20th Annual Research In The Capitol [Program], March 9, 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. University Honors Program. Iowa State University. Honors Program. University Of Iowa. Honors Program.

Research in the Capitol Programs

Program of research presentations given at the Capitol by students from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.

The Global Extent Of The Grassland Biome And Implications For The Terrestrial Carbon Sink, A. S. Macdougall, B. Vanzant, J. Sulik, S. Bagchi, D. Naidu, T. O. Muraina, E. W. Seabloom, E. T. Borer, P. Wilfahrt

Faculty Publications

Land cover data are commonly used to model the terrestrial carbon (C) sink, yet these data have wide margins of error that significantly alter estimates of global C storage. Here we demonstrate this data vulnerability in grasslands, which are critical to C cycling but whose estimated distribution has varied by >50 million km² (3.5–42% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface). Comparing multiple high-resolution land cover products with expertly annotated grassland data from six continents, we show sources of mapping error and discuss C implications based on 2023 United Nations (UN) FAO estimates. Past misidentification arose from inconsistent definitions on grassland …

Social Media Usage And Its Effects On Adolescent Mental Health, Kloey K. Thill

Graduate Research Papers

As social media increasingly becomes incorporated in many daily routines of adolescents, there is a growing concern about the psychological impacts associated with problematic social media use. This research study explores the relationship between social media habits and mental health outcomes among adolescents. The research found by conducting a comprehensive literature review indicates associations between problematic social media use and mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality. Further research raises the question of whether there are different vulnerabilities and outcomes across different demographics of adolescents. Findings from this research study can be used when creating …

A Culturally And Linguistically Responsive Multi-Tiered System Of Supports For Emergent Bilingual Students With And Without Disabilities, Ben Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

A Literature Review Of Adoptive Cell Therapy (Act) In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Nsclc) With Emphasis On Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Car) T Cell And Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (Til) Therapies, Brianna Wickham

Honors Program Theses

Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer diagnoses and remains a leading cause of cancer‑related mortality despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. While immunotherapy has improved outcomes for some patients, many develop treatment resistance or experience significant toxicity, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which involves the infusion of autologous immune cells expanded or engineered ex vivo, has demonstrated substantial success in hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated for use in solid tumors such as NSCLC. This literature review examines the current state of ACT …

The Importance Of Sample Timing And Independence For Typha Species Identification, Sydney Aird

Honors Program Theses

Wetlands are essential ecosystems, playing major roles in nutrient cycling, water filtering, and erosion control, and providing important habitats for countless organisms. However, invasive species threaten their functions. One key invasive species in the Midwestern United States is Typha x glauca, a cattail species hybridized from the native T. latifolia and the invasive T. angustifolia. T. x glauca is visually intermediate between its parent species, making it difficult to identify and effectively manage. Ohsowski et al. (2024) presented a model to identify species, but due to its limited sample size (n = 33) and a high number of traits (14), …

Growth And Sustainability Of Ash Tree Replacements In Twin Lakes, Iowa, Emma Larsen

Honors Program Theses

The significant loss of mature ash trees at Twin Lakes Bible Camp (TLBC) has motivated efforts to restore green spaces by planting replacement trees. In summer 2024, 32 trees representing eight unique species were planted, and their overall health and site suitability were evaluated to inform future replanting efforts in summer 2025. The five soil series present at TLBC (Canisteo, Clarion, Webster, Okoboki, and Nicollet) were evaluated by soil chemistry testing through x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. This study presents site-specific data of tree growth measurements, visual health assessments, and soil compatibility analyses to identify practical recommendations for improving restoration success. The …

"The Queen's Grace Heartily Thanks You For The Quails:" Honor Lisle And The Role Of Gift-Giving In The Education And Preferment Of Her Children, Alexa Renee Gordon

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Characterizing Glacial Sediments From The Cincinnati, Ohio Area By Analyzing Grain Size Distribution And Elemental Composition, Laura Comstock

Honors Program Theses

Reconstructing the history of ice sheet dynamics is essential for understanding how past climate change has shaped modern landscapes. The Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced and retreated multiple times over North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. Although there is widespread sedimentary evidence for the most recent glacial episode, much of the evidence of older glaciations has been overwritten by more recent glacial advances. This study focuses on Paddison Run, an exposed Pleistocene sequence near Cincinnati, Ohio, that has previously been interpreted as Illinoian in age. Five distinct units were identified within the exposure, based on centimeter logging of this section, high-resolution …

“Crimes By The Brave”: Military Installation Impacts On Local Crime, Mara Strader

Honors Program Theses

The influence of the United States military extends beyond its primary installations, as numerous urban areas surround these bases and serve as habitats for many of our nation's heroes. These military communities have become integrated into civilian regions, leading to a confluence of military and civilian zones. Given the diverse populations within these areas, there is a corresponding increase in crime rates; however, there is a notable paucity of literature examining whether these installations affect crime in military-civilian communities.

This study uses 2023 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) incident-level arrest data, aggregated by geographic proximity to U.S. military installations, to …

The Multidimensional Impacts Of Poverty On Adolescent Outcomes, Klarence Baker

Graduate Research Papers

Poverty is a pervasive, multidimensional phenomenon that extends beyond financial scarcity to encompass a lack of both tangible and intangible resources necessary for healthy development. This research article synthesizes current literature to explore the profound impacts of poverty on adolescents specifically examining how economic hardship influences long term outcomes in financial attainment, educational success, and physical and mental health. This study investigates how cooccurring risk factors can disrupt neural development and social trajectories. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the duration and severity of poverty exposure and its lasting effects extending into adulthood. This research examines three …

General Music Methods’ Effect On Sel Development: A Review Of Literature, Tessa M. Hansen

Graduate Research Papers

In an increasingly digital world, the demand for social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom has become a priority for holistic student development. While music education is often cited as a tool for emotional growth, there is a lack of synthesized research examining how specific, established music pedagogies facilitate these competencies. This literature review investigates the intersection of five foundational music methods–Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály, Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (MLT) – and their impact on the five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Findings indicate that the Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály methods provide robust frameworks …

Commencement [Program], December 20, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

University Organization --- 2
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 3
University Honors Program --- 4
Graduation with Honors --- 4
Legacy Graduates --- 4
Order of Events --- 5
College of Education --- 6
College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences --- 12
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences --- 19
David W. Wilson College of Business --- 26
Division of Online Education & Individual Studies --- 31
UNI Alma Mater --- 34

Love, Sex, & Aging: Gendered Perspective On Relationship Desires And Satisfaction In Older Adulthood, William Henninger, Melinda Heinz, Nathan Taylor

Faculty Publications

This research explores gender differences in long- and short-term relationships and sexual satisfaction among older adults. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory posits that as people age, they prioritize immediate emotional satisfaction due to perceptions of limited time. This shift influences older adults’ romantic relationships, increasing the likelihood of seeking meaningful connections and reducing the prevalence of negative emotions. With healthy relationships linked to physical, psychological, and financial benefits, research is needed to further understand older adult romantic relationships. Older adults (n = 155) from the Seniors Together in Aging Research (STAR) completed a survey assessing relationship preferences and current and predicted sexual …

University Of Northern Iowa Graduate Studies Fifth Annual Three Minute Thesis® Competition [Program, 2025], University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate Studies.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) at UNI Programs

Graduate students engage with audience members regarding their research.

Ktrb-Mediated Alkaline Adaptation Drives Enterococcus Faecalis Persistence In The Gastrointestinal Tract Of Helicoverpa Zea, Patrick J. Hurd, Vivian Veto, Geneva Bell, Jerreme J. Jackson

Faculty Publications

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal enteric bacterium capable of surviving in extreme and diverse environments. Here, we characterized the role of the gene ntpJ, which encodes the KtrB subunit of the KtrAB Na⁺/K⁺ symporter, during the adaptation of E. faecalis to alkaline stress and persistence in Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm). We assessed growth kinetics, biofilm formation, surface adhesion, and gastrointestinal persistence in vivo using an E. faecalis OG1RF mariner transposon mutant (ntpJ-Tn). The ntpJ-Tn mutant showed delayed entry into mid-log phase growth and biofilm formation under standard and alkaline-adjusted conditions relative to the wild-type strain, while adherence …