Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of Unexpected Purple Substance Extracted From Newsprint Paper, Raquel Wilhelm

Honors Program Theses

In an attempt to extract a green dye from newsprint advertisements, it was serendipitously discovered that a purple substance can be extracted from newsprint paper using methanol or acetic acid.1 Further investigations involving blank newsprint paper showed that the purple substance was a part of the paper itself rather than a component of the ink in the advertisements. Soxhlet extraction was used on the blank newspaper print to obtain the compound. Using different analytical instruments, characteristics of the compound were determined such as potential structures, functional groups, and percent composition. The ultimate goal was to determine the compound and its …

The Effect Of Gibberellic Acid Concentration On Gentiana Andrewsii Germination, Laura Spies

Honors Program Theses

Closed Bottle Gentian, Gentiana andrewsii, is an herbaceous flowering plant found in wetland prairies. The seed is difficult to germinate, so it is not on the native seed market. This study determines the optimal concentration of gibberellic acid for this species. The results were accessed based on the morphology changes, germination rates, and survivorship after transplanting. The 50 ppm concentration of gibberellic acid resulted in the highest rate of Gentiana andrewsii germination. The number of seedlings in the experimental group exhibited only slight differences between concentrations. Transplant data shows more significant advantages in determining an optimum concentration. The 50 ppm …

Identification Of A Dna Polymerase Alpha Gene Sequence In Thermomyces Lanuginosus Fungus, Nathan Williams

Honors Program Theses

With cell growth being the main focus of our research, we chose to study DNA polymerase alpha. DNA polymerase alpha is likely to be involved in cell growth as it is the enzyme that starts DNA replication. Control of this enzyme might lead to decreased cell growth in cancer or increased cell growth in damaged spinal cord tissue. We chose the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus for the study of the enzyme due to the ability to compare the enzyme’s activity during fungal growth at different temperatures. Thermomyces exhibits rapid growth at high temperatures and slow growth at low temperatures. Studying …

Monitoring Archaeal Persistence In Cultivation, Payton Hall

Honors Program Theses

It was previously thought that microbes in the domain Archaea were only found in extreme environments such as hot thermal vents at the bottom of the ocean and hypersaline environments, but as scientists began to use environmental DNA to survey soil, they detected archaea from the phylum Thaumarchaeota in relatively benign environments including farm fields, forests, and prairies. In spite of their widespread global distribution, relatively few of these species have been grown in laboratory culture. It is now known that Thaumarchaeota play an important role in the nitrogen cycle because they can generate energy through ammonia-oxidation. To increase the …

The Impact Of Exercise On Mental Health: The Use Of Exercise As Prevention And Treatment For Mental Health Disorders, Abigail Stivers

Honors Program Theses

Mental health is one of the most crucial dimensions of well-being that is necessary for human wellness. However, it is also one of the most neglected aspects of individuals’ health, often resulting in the development of mental health disorders. There are multiple methods of treatment that can be used to support and improve mental health, one of which is exercise. While exercise is commonly prescribed as a form of prevention and treatment for physical ailments, such as hypertension and heart disease, it is often overlooked as being applicable to illnesses related to mental health. Furthermore, medications and therapy are more …

Bioactive Secondary Metabolites In Cave Dwelling Fungi, Jade Nuehring

Honors Program Theses

Water samples were collected in May 2022 from WTH lake and silent lake located in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota. From the water samples collected, 8 pure fungal colonies were isolated. All samples underwent chemical extraction, growth inhibition testing, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1H NMR), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three pure colonies also underwent DNA extraction, and sequencing of the ITS region for genus level identification. These samples were able to be identified to the genus level, and for these three samples were: Talaromyces, sp., Linnemannia, sp., and Gliomatsix, sp. The secondary metabolite that showed antimicrobial activity …

Evaluation Of Methods To Analyze Microbial Composition In Soils, Joseph Correa

Honors Program Theses

DNA testing has become a vital tool for studying microbes in their natural environments, but there is a lack of standardization in the protocols for extracting environmental DNA. Cave systems provide a special and unique area to research how life thrives in extreme environments. Many parts of caves receive no sunlight and very little nutrients yet harbor microbial communities. Previous work in our lab developed a DNA extraction protocol that works with a wide range of microbial species and with different soil types. I updated this protocol by adding a pre-lysis rinse step and tested whether it performed better with …

Preparing Students For Life After College: A Mixed-Methods Analysis, Nichole Zumbach Harken

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Institutions of higher education work to engage students in high-impact practices throughout their educational journey. Although prior research highlights the increase of stress as students near graduation, little research has explored how students manage the transition out of higher education. The purpose of this study was to investigate graduating students’ concerns, the emotional impact of those concerns, the discovery of information related to adulting practices, and the potential impact of a curriculum-infused exit program. The data were collected at a Midwest, comprehensive, liberal arts institution that confers bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees. To develop better praxis, the authentic union of …

Local Observations Of Climate Change And Impacts On Livelihoods In Kamchatka, Russia, Victoria N. Sharakhmatova, Drew Gerkey

Faculty Publications

Indigenous communities throughout the Arctic are confronting unprecedented challenges arising from anthropogenic climate change. The inextricable connections between their livelihoods and social and environmental systems, combined with a rich foundation of individual and inter-generational collective experience and knowledge, make Indigenous communities particularly adept at observing changes in climate and understanding their impacts. In this chapter, we apply the protocol from the Local Indicators of Climate Change Impacts project to document observations and impacts of climate change in Khailino, an Indigenous community on the northern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Northeast Siberia, Russia. We use individual interviews to identify what …

Development And Implementation Of A Ngss Curriculum Unit For Astronomy In Ninth-Grade Earth And Space Science, Jessica Hughes

Graduate Research Papers

Since the release of the NGSS in 2013, there has been a gap in available curricula that is aligned with the new standards. To fill this gap, I created and implemented a unit of study aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on the topic of astronomy for a ninth grade earth and space science course. Much of the available curriculum is above the level of ninth grade students. This curriculum approaches the astronomy standards at the level of ninth grade students.

The research questions were “how well does the curriculum prepare students for the disciplinary core ideas (DCIs) …

A Next Generation Science Standards (Ngss) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit, Jennifer Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

This unit is the culmination of work on taking the NGSS for weather and climate and creating an inclusive unit for third grade students. At the time this unit was started, many teachers were taking the NGSS and creating units for the classrooms. This unit integrates math, literacy, and social studies standards to help explore the NGSS for weather and climate.

After completion of this unit it was given to two reviewers in the field of teaching. They read the unit and provided feedback for improvement. After review of the feedback it was noted that adaptations for students need to …

The Influence Of Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors In A Trap-Neuter-Release (Tnr) Program And Its Effects On Urban And Rural Demographics As A Long-Term Solution For Community Cat Management, Hannah E. Litke

Graduate Research Papers

Trap-neuter-release is a humane alternative solution to aid in decreasing community cat populations. This research paper evaluates the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to successful community cat populations, including reproductive success, transmission of feline and zoonotic diseases, population size, cat immigration between colonies, food availability, and wildlife extinction. Additionally, this research paper evaluates and analyzes TNR's impacts on urban and rural demographics. Furthermore, the paper will evaluate TNR as a long-term solution and its effectiveness in decreasing community cat populations. Lastly, this paper provides suggestions for future research regarding community cat populations.

Nature-Based Education: Expanding The Walls Of The Classroom, Halle Louise Kilburg

Honors Program Theses

Are the current practices of education one that best benefits a student? Every day, millions of children go to school. While there is a wide variety of what this experience may look like, there are common factors, such as sterile classroom environments, canned experiences, and dry lectures that often contribute to leaving students feeling burnt out, exhausted, and unmotivated. The purpose of this study was to explore how various schools use Nature-Based education to run their programs and the impact of this approach on students and teachers. For this study, four educators from three various programs were interviewed and asked …

Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration Through Grassland Restoration Of Former Row Crop Fields At Irvine Prairie, Joshua Joel Mixdorf

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The sequestration of atmospheric carbon into the soil is an important mechanism to combat the current global warming trend and the depletion of soil organic matter. Plants capture carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it in the soil, where it is utilized by soil organisms; these processes increase soil organic matter, decrease the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and fuel microbial respiration that drives nutrient production needed by plants. In this study I measured the accumulation of soil organic matter on land that had been in constant row crop rotation for many years and was converted into prairie in …

Better Solutions To Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Access: Giving Away Vaccines Rather Than Vaccine Formulas, Tristen Prouse

Honors Program Theses

The debate over giving away the COVID-19 vaccine formulas is a political hot topic. Mention of a Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver proposed in early 2021 suggested violating patent law to give away the vaccine formulas. While a tempting option, many problems exist with this solution. Violating patent law to give away the vaccine formulas disincentivizes innovation, undermines confidence in vaccine safety, and harms America’s geopolitical objectives. Patent law can be inefficient and is not the only way to incentivize innovation, but it is here to stay. Instead, the United States should give away vaccines rather than vaccine formulas …

Characterizing Genetic Diversity And Testing For Fisheries Induced Evolution In Southeastern Kansas Populations Of Bluegill (Lepomis Macrochirus), Morganne C. Borsh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a popular and versatile sport fish with wide distribution. Fisheries management of the species is generally nebulous due to the additive role of environmental factors, genetics, social interactions, and alternative reproductive tactics in determining bluegill growth. Size structure could be further influenced by angling pressure: large parental males are more susceptible to harvest than smaller cuckolders. The systematic removal of large individuals through angling can result in stunted populations via fisheries induced evolution (FIE). In southeastern Kansas, bluegill from popularly fished impoundments are projected to have smaller sizes compared to isolated or inaccessible impoundments from the …

Assessment Of Conservation Reserve Program Enhancements At Contract Renewal: Impact On Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) Habitat, Tristan L. Murphy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a migratory species whose primary breeding range is the upper Midwestern United States. In 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed the monarch as endangered due to milkweed and migratory habitat loss. One of the most promising opportunities for monarch recovery is to enhance habitat quality on private land currently enrolled in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In order to qualify for re-enrollment in the program and continuation of annual government payments, farmers must show adequate habitat quality or enhance their site by overseeding after burning, herbicide application, …

Anchored To A Community: Middle School Students’ Experience Of Belonging In The Classroom: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Angela Thera Butler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A student’s sense of belonging in the classroom makes a difference. Students who experience a feeling of belonging within the learning environment are more engaged and prepared to learn and contribute. Students who do not feel this sense of belonging in the classroom often pull away from school norms, and may separate themselves from formal education entirely. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of belonging for a small group of 6th grade students from a suburban, midwestern school. Experiences and intentions of three educators who shared these students were also collected and compared to the experiences and perceptions …

The Flow Experience Of Adults Age 50 And Older In Recreational Doubles Pickleball, Glynis Worthington

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is America’s fastest-growing sport. An estimated 4.8 million players enjoyed the game in 2021, 40% greater than in 2019 (Sports & Fitness Industry [SFIA], 2022). The game is especially popular with older players when played recreationally (for fun rather than prepare for or participate in competitions) in a doubles format (four players per court) (USA Pickleball Association [USAPA], 2022). This study identifies the degree adults age 50 and older experience flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) while playing recreational doubles pickleball.

The Long Dispositional Flow Scale – Physical (DFS-2) was used to …

“I Can’T Do This Anymore, But I Have 1000 More Kids To Serve”: A Qualitative Study Of Full-Time Residential Summer Camp Staff Burnout, Sarah Cohen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Early pioneers of burnout defined it as “to fail, wear out, or become exhausted by making excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources'' (Freudenberger, 1974, p. 159; Freudenberger, 1977; Schaufeli & Enzmann, 1998). The traditional structures and activities of summer camps play a large role in creating experiences for staff and campers alike, but can lead to full-time staff working long hours with little time off and a culture of being overworked as a symbol of dedication to the program. While burnout research has become more popular over the past few decades, little is known about how burnout is experienced …

Principals’ Knowledge Of Trauma-Informed School Practices, Elsa Leyhe

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Trauma has become a larger issue in schools, and it is necessary for school administrators, specifically principals, to be fully aware of and equipped to deal with trauma in the student body. There is limited quantitative research on what principals currently know about trauma and trauma-informed practices. To help fill this need for more quantitative data, this research study surveyed principals in two Midwest states to address the following questions: To what extent do principals know about traumainformed care in schools? Did the principals receive any training on trauma-informed care in their graduate/certification programs? Did they seek training on their …

Commencement [Program], December 17, 2022, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

The program of the commencement ceremonies, including a list of institutional leadership, a list of the departments by college, awards given at the ceremonies, and a list of undergraduate and graduate degree candidates. This commencement program is not an official graduate list.

The 45th Annual Christmas Variety Show Varsity Men's Glee Club, December 2-3, 2022 [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Music Recital Programs

Program of a music recital given by faculty, students, or guest artists from the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa.

International Engagement, November 14, 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of International Engagement.

Office of International Engagement newsletter

In this Issue:

--- International Education Week 2022
--- Taste of Culture
--- Events
--- International Education Week is Here
--- OIE/CIEP Open House
--- Taste of Culture
--- International Education Week 2022 - Full Program
--- What is the Fulbright Scholar Program
--- Academic Coaching at CIEP
--- Applying for OPT
--- Coffee Hour at the Wellness and Recreational Center
--- Thinking about doing an internship?
--- Hold on Your Account?
--- F-1 Visa Work Limitations
--- What to do if you need to leave the US for an emergency
--- The Northern Iowan Hosts Coffee Hour to connect …

2022 Open Access Week Symposium [Program], University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Documents & Reports (entire collection)

No abstract provided.

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Fall 2022, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

Women's And Gender Studies Newsletter, V9, Fall 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Women's And Gender Studies.

Women's and Gender Studies Newsletter

Inside this Issue:

Director's Note --- 2
Programming News --- 4
New Fall Cohort --- 9
Second Year Cohort --- 12
Minor Student Highlight --- 14
Scholarships & Awards --- 15
Graduating Students --- 16
Affiliate Faculty Highlight --- 17
Notables & Quotables --- 20

Identification Of Nitrates Within Coldwater Cave, Blake Schany, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

Agricultural runoff has the potential to greatly damage the ecosystem of Coldwater Cave. Agricultural runoff includes elements found in herbicides and fertilizers used on crops as well as increased amounts of nitrogen in the water due to runoff from cattle sites. Identification of the presence of water soluble pollutants from cattle feedlot runoff and toxic components found in common herbicides used in maintaining cropland within the cave is needed to address the potential damage that the contaminants can do to the ecosystem of the cave. Identifying contaminants present within the cave systems using UV Vis will allow for more targeted …

Science Education News, Fall 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Science Education Program.

Science Education News

Contents:

--- A Message from the Director, Dr. Lawrence Escalada
--- Science Education Fund for Excellence
--- Faculty Profile - Jesse Wilcox
--- Science Education Happenings
--- MA Science Education
--- Yager Science Education Resources & Outreach
--- Latest in Science Education
--- Support UNI Science Education

Rhythms: Music At The University Of Northern Iowa, V41, Fall 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Rhythms: Music at the University of Northern Iowa

Contents:

From the Director . . . 2
Carillon and Campanile Updates . . . 5
New Music Ensemble . . . 6
UNI Opera . . . 7
Guest Artists . . . 8
Jazz Studies Update . . . 10
Community Outreach . . . 11
Scholarship Benefit Concert . . . 13
Student Awards and Honors . . . 15
Student Spotlight . . . 16
Recent Graduates Update . . . 17
Faculty Spotlight . . . 18
Faculty News and Activities . . . 19
Online Theory Project . . . 20
New Faculty and …