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The Wright Message, 2011-2012, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Mathematics.

The Wright Message

Inside this issue:

-- Dear Department Alumni and Friends
-- Around Wright Hall
-- New College
-- Programs Revision
-- Math ≠ 800
-- Baumler Mathematics Education Scholarship
-- Two Retire
-- Putnam Exam
-- Math Ed Lab - Then and now
-- 2011 - 2012 Tenure-Stream Faculty
-- Making an Impact
-- The Question
-- Spotlight on Undergraduates
-- Projects and Grants
-- P.S.M. Program in Industrial Mathematics
-- Actuarial Science Alumni
-- Department of Mathematics Contribution Form
-- Department of Mathematics Funds

Biology News, Winter 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Biology.

Biology News

Contents:

-- Greetings from the Department of Biology
-- Focus on UNI Biology Alumni
-- Let us hear from you...
-- Twenty Second North American Prairie Conference: Restoring a National Treasure
-- Faculty and Staff News
-- Summer Research
-- Trip to West Virginia's eastern panhandle was a success
-- Thurman on PDA in Brasil
-- Taiwan Exchange Program
-- Climate change impacts report
-- Focus on UNI Biology Students
-- Student Clubs
-- Pre-Physical Therapy Club
-- Faculty Changes - Retirements
-- You make a difference! Message from our donors
-- Why support undergraduate biological research at UNI
-- …

Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders [Program, 2011], Iowa Conference On Communicative Disorders

Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders Programs

The Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders provides continuing education activities in speech- language pathology that are acceptable to the State of Iowa and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Areas of emphasis include adults and pediatrics.

A Vitalist Perspective On Nature Journals, David M. Grant

Faculty Work

This paper argues that journals do more than simply record individual observations. Using a vitalist conception of writing – one that explicitly acknowledges writing as an ecological act – journals are formed from what literacy theorists call the “scene” of writing. This paper forwards an expanded conception of journal writing, the pedagogical uses of journals, and ways we see all writing, not just journals, as participations with the natural world.

Barriers To Professional Education And Practice In Disseminating Fertility Awareness Methods In The Cedar Valley, Jamie J. Rathjen

Graduate Research Papers

Birth control plays a significant role in family planning within the United States and in the world. Due to the highly used and accepted forms of hormonal, barrier, and surgical birth control methods, a natural means of birth control known as fertility awareness is being overlooked. An overview of literature, supplemented by phone interview results of seven medical professionals in the Cedar Valley, were utilized in this study to understand the extent of knowledge, comfort, skill, and perceived effectiveness health professionals possess regarding fertility awareness methods (FAM). The medical professionals interviewed were employees from one of five randomly selected clinics …

The Partnership Pursuit: Discovering The Best Strategies In Cross-Sector Relationships, Constance M. Grimm

Graduate Research Papers

The focus of this research was to identify the foremost elements in the rich landscape of nonprofit-business partnerships. Understanding these unique relationships is of critical importance in the nonprofit sector. Cross-sector relationships are on the rise and fast becoming essential strategic tactics which may ultimately determine the life expectancy of a nonprofit organization during challenging economic times. In addition, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to create and maintain partnerships that are mutually beneficial in order to survive in an increasingly competitive environment. The purpose of this study was to reveal commonalities of successful cross-sector partnerships in order to avoid and/or …

Life Of Chaos, Life Of Hope: Dystopian Literature For Young Adults, Lisa Newgard

Graduate Research Papers

As dystopian literature grows in popularity, teacher librarians many not fully understand the themes found within this new subgenre. The purpose of this research was to describe the themes in positively reviewed dystopian literature for young adults. Themes found during the research included: resilience of the protagonist, survival, government control, social conformity, and love between the protagonist and another young adult. Novels from 2001-2010 were analyzed for themes and lessons for young adults. Thirteen positively reviewed novels were chosen, read, and coded by the researcher. After the first reading of the novels, one novel was eliminated, leaving 12 novels to …

Supporting Student Learning Through Scientific Inquiry, Allison J. Barness

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to identify the kind(s) of early childhood science instruction and learning environment that best supports student learning in science. The research examined focused on teacher actions and pedagogy, which also addressed student learning as outcome of the different studies. In addition, the research analyzed both the physical and the psychological environments, as both are important aspects which support student learning in science. A variety of sources were used and synthesized to provide the reader with informational data and recommendations.

Teaching Poetry Writing In The Primary Grades, Staci Cramer-Wilkinson

Graduate Research Papers

This project examines the use of poetry to teach writing and the impact this instruction has on the primary classroom. The purpose of this project is to explore poetry instruction, examine how it has traditionally been taught, and provide professional development to classroom teachers that focuses on the effective use of poetry instruction in the classroom. The professional development sessions include Power Point presentations, small and large group discussions, and practical classroom application. Benefits and challenges of poetry instruction are also provided.

Homework : Burden Or Benefit?, Mandy Glawe

Graduate Research Papers

Homework has been a controversial topic in the education world since the 1880's. Researchers and educators argue whether the burdens of homework outweigh the benefits it offers. With the No Child Left Behind Act in place and the amount of pressure it is putting on schools and teachers, it is imperative that teachers find the best practices for helping students achieve academic success. This paper describes the benefits and burdens of homework. Also, it explains the importance of a strong parent-teacher relationship, differentiating homework, how technology is changing traditional homework, alternatives to traditional homework, and options for how to assess …

Social Discourse Of Literature Circles With A Focus On Gender, Laurie Hornor

Graduate Research Papers

This research study examined the social discourse of literature circles with a focus on gender within a fifth-grade regular education classroom. The researcher examined the nature of social discourse that was held by students and examined whether gender appeared to influence social discourse. The results from this study showed that gender did have an impact on how students responded to literature within discussion groups. Two main gender-related characteristics of the discussions were noted. The first characteristic was that males and females did hold beliefs that paralleled culturally-determined gender roles. These beliefs had an impact on how students responded to literature. …

Engaging Emergent Writers With Anchor Lessons, Jamie Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

This research project focused on the creation of writing curriculum for emergent writers aged 5 to 7 years old. The purpose of this study was to research how beginning writers can be scaffolded in their attempts to learn how to write. This study also examined how emergent writers can be engaged in developmentally appropriate ways, what writing concepts to expect from young writers, and how to motivate young children to write. Anchor lessons were developed that connect children's literature to writing concepts and engagement. Results illustrate that children need to be taught in the zone of proximal development, use materialization …

Student Motivation : Encouraging Children To Read In School, Kelly White

Graduate Research Papers

Teaching students how to read, comprehend,. and enjoy text are goals that many teachers make in their classrooms each year. Yet, the biggest challenge that goes along with these goals is often student motivation. Motivating students happens in many forms in classrooms around the world. There are research-based techniques for males and females, English speaking and English language learners, each of the multiple intelligences, and overall individual student needs. There is no one proven catchall method for motivating students in the classroom. Instead, teachers are encouraged to find the motivation strategies and techniques that work for specific individuals. This paper …

Creating A Successful Volunteer Board Of Directors, Julie Hering Kent

Graduate Research Papers

Most nonprofit organizations depend on the volunteers who serve on their board of directors to guide them and help carry out their mission. The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics which make these leaders effective in their roles. The study will also look at the volunteers' responsibilities to the organizations which they serve. Finally, organizations need to be aware of what motivates these volunteers and how they can use these motivations to their advantage. To have a successful board of directors, executive directors must understand how to effectively identify, recruit and train the individuals who serve on …

Are Students Ready For Post-Secondary Research?, Paula Winward

Graduate Research Papers

According to faculty interviews, entering college freshmen frequently did not exhibit consistent knowledge of information literacy skills needed to be successful. Schools have increasingly used models of team teaching between librarians and professors to ensure students have information literacy skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the expectations and deficiencies in information literacy skills of entering college freshmen. The researcher questioned professors about (1) what skills they expected college freshmen to have, (2) students dispositions and responsibilities, (3) research inadequacies of students, and (4) the effect they felt using embedded librarians would have in other college departments. The …

Homework : Providing Quality Activities That Engage The Students And Extend The Learning From The Classroom, Angella M. Blatz

Graduate Research Papers

Many teachers require homework to be done to extend the learning from school to home. Homework expectations vary from elementary school to high school. This review attempts to look at the benefits of homework and also the issues that assigning homework brings. The review includes samples of variety of homework activities that are student-centered, developmentally appropriate, along with authentic, experiential, and challenging. It discusses ways to motivate students to complete homework and the need for teachers to assign more purposeful and creative activities. This review attempts to involve the parents also as partners in the education of their child as …

Connecting Children's Quilt Literature With The Iowa Core Curriculum Social Studies Standards, Suzanne D. Burris

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to identify themes found in children's quilt picture books that could connect to the Iowa Core Curriculum Social Studies Standards. Elementary teachers could utilize the quilt picture books to teach the elementary social studies curriculum. This researcher analyzed 15 quilt picture books with a copyright of 1994 and newer that were in the Wilson Children's Core Collection. The themes that emerged from the content analysis of children's quilt picture books were generosity, slavery, multicultural, generational, and westward expansion. This researcher found that the books could be used to teach essential skills in …

A Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade Information Literacy, Library, And Technology Curriculum Delivered On A Fixed Schedule For Library And Computer Facility Access, Brenda Husak

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the project was to develop a Kindergarten through fifth grade information literacy, library and technology curriculum for the South Tama School District. There was little research available to direct creation of this type of curriculum. However, the Iowa Core Information Literacy Standards and the American Association of School Librarians Standards for the 21st-Century Learner provided guidance for this project. The Mankato Public School District Curriculum, the Iowa City Public School Technology Plan, and the Iowa City Public School Library Curriculum were consulted for additional information. The South Tama K-5 Information Literacy, Library and Technology Curriculum was designed …

A Textual Analysis Of The Portrayal Of Female Athletes In Young Adult Literature, Casey Smelser

Graduate Research Papers

The role of women in sports has changed dramatically in the last forty years. The civil rights movement and Title IX legislation have provided opportunities for women to compete in a wide range of sports, and female athletes are much more visible in the media today. The purpose of this study was to examine recent portrayals of female athletes in young adult sports fiction to determine whether they are represented authentically. This researcher analyzed how female athletes are portrayed in sports fiction, the characteristics of an authentic female athlete, and whether female athletes are stereotyped in this genre of young …

The Effects Of Sex-Segregation On Physical Education Fitness-Testing Results, Kelly Papesh

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine how sex-segregated fitness-testing impact PACER scores.

Synthesis, Characterization, And Reactivity Of A Di-T-Butyl Dicyclopentadienyl Ligand, Regina Rose Reinig

Honors Program Theses

The ligand 4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-tetrahydro-s-indacene(l) has been synthesized and complexed to the metal center ruthenium. However, the abilities of these metal complexes to achieve a C-H bond activation have been limited. It was hypothesized the metal complex's exceedingly low solubility in the solvent, which also serves as the substrate, was the reason for this low conversion. The synthesis of2,6-ditert-butyl-4,4,8,8,tetramethyl-1,4,7,8-tetrahydro-sindacene (2) by the addition oft-butyl groups to ligand 1 should confer greater hydrophobic properties on the analogous metal complexes making them more soluble in the nonpolar solvent. 2 was successfully synthesized by the reaction of dilithium 4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-1,4, 7,8- tetrahydro-s-indacene-1, 7-diide with Ni(dppf)Br2 and …

A Statistical Analysis Of The Factors Affecting University Endowments, Lisa M. Stoecken

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to discover which, if any, institutional characteristics had a significant impact upon a university's endowment size. This study further explored whether the success of a university's athletic program had an impact on endowment size. The results from the study indicated two variables, operating revenues and student selectivity, were significant at a 99 percent confidence level; and, two additional variables, appropriations and a binary research university variable, were significant at a 95 percent confidence level. The results indicated that an additional one million dollars in total operating revenues and appropriations would decrease the endowment size …

Girl's Basketball In Iowa: The Game Of Six-On-Six And Its Impact On The State's Athletic Culture, Sarah Gronemeyer

Honors Program Theses

Since the beginning of civilization, sporting activities have played a role in the lives of people. Whether it was the ancient Greek Olympics, or the Native-American game of lacrosse, people found time to participate in athletic endeavors, whether it be for competition or friendly play. While this was originally limited to men, women also found time to participate in sporting activities, although on a more limited basis that reflected their "delicate" nature. 1 As in most other social areas, women were limited to only those sports and leisure activities that were deemed "ladylike", since physical exertion and competition were too …

Differences In Depression Levels Among Tenors, Baritones, And Basses, Rhiannon Jane Talbot

Honors Program Theses

Music and speech are closely related to one another. Both have specific elements, such as average fundamental frequency, pitch variation, and speed, to accurately communicate emotion. Some emotions have characteristic speech patterns; in the case of sadness, a low mean fundamental frequency, slow speed of speech, and minimal pitch variation are common. Both music and speech also utilize physical metaphors (up/down, high/low, etc.) to express positivity and negativity. The study was intended to determine whether male vocal register correlated with levels of depressive symptoms. Specifically, tenors were expected to have lower levels of depression than baritones and basses. Participants (16 …

Music Videos As Social Commentary: A Sociological Analysis Of Lady Gaga, Jacob Allen Everett Rudy

Honors Program Theses

Since the television channel Music Television (MTV) aired its first music video on August 1, 1981, music videos have come to serve as vehicles for music artists from all genres. Using these productions as a way to simultaneously promote a song and a particular artist has proven to be successful means with which to build a career in the American music industry. However, as with all cultural artifacts, music videos contain much more information than simply visual interpretation of songs. They are rich in sources with which sociologists can further understand social norms and institutions. Through the analysis of music …

Social Media Marketing: Facebook And The Effect Of Coupons On Customer Loyalty Among College Students, Ciara Pearce

Honors Program Theses

Research for this honors thesis involved social media marketing (SMM), which is the utilization of social media channels to engage with online communities by building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. SMM exists as a subset of the field of integrated marketing communications (IMC). The primary goal of IMC is to synchronize marketing communications from all platforms to create a consistent and strong message. The inclusion of social media marketing in corporate IMC plans is occurring more and more often, as participation in social media sites continues to rise. According to a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, …

Sacred Stones For Sacred Structures: An Examination Of Patterns In The Temples And Twin Complexes At Tikal And Palenque, Meredith Mae Hild

Honors Program Theses

Extensive work in uncovering and reconstructing Classic Maya temples has been completed while the importance of Maya studies has increased during the past centuries. Little has been done, however, in the interpretation of certain Maya structures within the context of Maya thought. That context includes an understanding of the Maya interpretation of their place within the cosmos, an aspect of Maya culture that dictated every individual's daily actions. Researchers have tended to focus on architectural analyses that describe the dimensions and building materials of temples and other monumental structures. This leads to interpretations that are lacking in cultural significance. While …

Violent Crime And Drug Use: The Relationship Between Drugs And Types Of Crime, Richard William Fortney

Honors Program Theses

Previous research shows us that there is a relationship between drugs and crime (Chaiken and Chaiken 1990; Dawkins 1997; Goldstein 1985; Harrison and Gfroerer 1992; Inciardi and Pottieger 1994; French, McGeary, Chitwood, McCoy, Inciardi, and McBride 2000). This paper seeks to determine whether there is a relationship between the types of drugs an individual uses and the types of crimes that they commit. There have been studies that researched similar relationships, such as French et al 2000, but they did not look at the differences in types of drugs used by individuals. Instead, they focused on simply finding a relationship …

Raising Good Soviets: Media Depictions Of Soviet Life And Upbringing Under Khrushchev, Chelsea Miller

Honors Program Theses

Policies on education and upbringing affected almost every individual in the Soviet Union, from the youngest child to the oldest pensioner. These policies reflected the current ideological path of the party and the need to train the children to accomplish the country’s goals. On a more personal level, these policies helped the children evolve into successful adults able to easily enter the workforce. When the public saw that these policies were not being enforced or implemented, they expressed their dissatisfaction. These individuals were able to safely voice their criticisms by pointing out the educational system’s failures within the ideological framework …

Interface Design To Support Situation Awareness In Virtual Puppetry, Keisha Joy Harthoorn

Honors Program Theses

"Virtual Heritage" is the use of digital media to reconstruct cultures and cultural artifacts as they are today or as they might have been in the past. The central element is usually a threedimensional computer model of a person, place, or thing. Frequently, these are ancient monuments, temples, homes, and other social spaces (Jacobson, 2008). The goal of Virtual Heritage is to draw viewers into the virtual world and allow them to directly experience the overall context of the environment. This phenomenon is known to researchers as “presence.” It is a long held belief that the increased presence yields better …