Digital Commons Network^™

Third-Wave, Mindfulness-Based Therapies As Treatments For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Xander Kahle, Avery Waklatsi, Amy Pytlovany

Student Research Symposium

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe, difficult-to-treat neuropsychiatric condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. The current first-line psychotherapy for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP is effective but flawed, and researchers seek alternative OCD treatments. We examined two third-wave, mindfulness-based therapies (1) acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and (2) mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as treatments for OCD. We expected ACT/MBCT to have (1a) significantly higher OCD symptom reduction rates, (1b) higher treatment response rates, and (1c) lower dropout rates than a control (progressive relaxation training/PRT), as well as (2a) equal/higher OCD symptom reduction rates, (2b) …

Understanding Work And Sleep Through A Machine Learning Approach, Jennifer Saucedo, Josh J. Prasad, Tori L. Crain

Student Research Symposium

The present study will utilize machine learning methods to find the individual factors (e.g, demographic, lifestyle, contextual, work-related) best predict sleep. I will examine (1) whether machine learning techniques better predict sleep over linear prediction methods and (2) what factors are most important when predicting sleep. Using government-funded data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a variety of prediction methods will be utilized to evaluate and compare predictive performance across 2018, 2019, and 2020. Results found will have a variety of theoretical and practical implications for scientists and practitioners.

The Effects Of Approach And Avoidance Dispositions And Sense Of Power On Promotive And Prohibitive Voice Efficacy, Christopher J. Waterbury, Avery N. Waklatsi, Amy Pytlovany Ph.D.

Student Research Symposium

Developments in research on promotive and prohibitive voice in workplaces have important implications for organizational innovation and prevention of unethical behavior. Drawing on theory that approach and avoidance dispositions predict promotive and prohibitive voice, and mediate the effect of a sense of powerfulness or powerlessness to predict voice or silence, the proposed study hypothesizes that approach and avoidance disposition will explain differential effects of personal sense of power on an employee’s perceived efficacy of promotive and prohibitive voice. 200 front-line restaurant workers will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive a (1) powerful prime, (2) powerless prime, or (3) control …

Case Study In Activist Applied Linguistics: Working With The Oregon Judicial Department For The Accessibility Of Domestic Relations Information, Amandalyn R. Wayland, Jamal R. Ford, Abbee A. Mortensen

Student Research Symposium

How are students of applied linguistics able to contribute to community efforts in increasing access to justice? Activist applied linguistics (AAL) (Cowal & Leung, 2021) is defined as utilizing applied linguistics in coordination with community partners to address wicked problems (Rittel & Webber, 1973). AAL provides a framework for engaging university students with communities outside of their campus and has been utilized to further work in water justice (Haeffner & Cowal, 2019) and to increase the Oregon State Bar website’s comprehensibility (Anesa, Cowal, & Pulju, 2022). In this poster, we present an AAL case study in which students of applied …

Implicit Learning In Preschoolers With Developmental Language Disorder, Crystal L. Cairns, Sam Ward, Emma Duran, Molly Franz, Carolyn Quam

Student Research Symposium

We compared implicit learning in preschoolers with and without developmental language disorder (DLD), to test the procedural deficit hypothesis (PDH), which proposes that implicit learning is the core impairment in DLD. During the first experiment we tested 26 preschoolers with typical language development (TLD) and 26 preschoolers with DLD. Eligibility was determined through standardized assessment. We predicted children with DLD would show impairments in a test of implicit learning.

Using computer-based tasks, participants received training on sound discrimination in two dimensions: duration and pitch.They were tested on their ability to accurately categorize these two dimensions by mapping sounds to meaning. …

Using Digital Holographic Microscopy To Characterize Vibrio's Chemotaxis, Jacqueline Acres, Eric Valentino

Student Research Symposium

Vibrio alginolyticus is a marine bacterium that displays distinctive chemotactic behavior. Chemotaxis is the ability to move in response to a concentration gradient, either in the direction of nutrients or away from repellants. Vibrio's single, polar flagellum allows it to form a tight cloud in the presence of a chemoattractant. In this work, we experimentally characterize cloud sizes after both normal culture conditions and simulated microgravity using digital holographic microscopy or DHM. DHM allows visualization of volumetric samples by recording x,y,z and t information in holograms. Plane-by-plane reconstruction retrieves the z-plane information which can then by stitched together into hyperstacks …

Perspectives Of Special Educators And Paraprofessionals On Person-Centered Planning Tools For People Who Use Aac, Samantha K. Stidham, Brandon Eddy, Andryce Andres

Student Research Symposium

Person-centered planning (PCP) is an intervention approach for people experiencing disability. This often results in a document outlining the individual’s preferences in their care, life goals, and transitions. Some people with disabilities communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), which supplements or compensates for impairments in speech and language production often involving the use of external communication tools. Current PCP tools may not fulfill the needs of people who use AAC (PWUAAC) due to limited focus on supporting communication. No PCP tools yet exist specifically designed for PWUAAC. The purpose of this study was to inform the design of a …

Mutant Viruses From Hell: Comparing The Capsid Structure Of Vp1 Mutants To The Wild-Type, Jenni Tran, Thejanee Liyanaarachchi, Ignacio De La Higuera, Jono Abshier, Ken Stedman

Student Research Symposium

Viruses can be defined as genetic material tightly packed in a protein coat called the capsid. The spindle-shaped fuselloviruses are found worldwide in hot springs at over 80°C and below pH 4. Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1 (SSV1) is a fusellovirus known to infect the archaea, Saccharolobus solfataricus. This research will provide further insights into the survival of macromolecules, particularly proteins, that are present in extreme environments. To study the interaction of proteins within these extreme environments, we are studying the capsid structure of SSV1. The capsid of SSV1 is composed of two main proteins, VP1 (major) and VP3 (minor). There …

The Power Of The Collective: A Multi Agent-Based Modeling Approach To Nuclear Radiation Localization, Benjamin Totten, Christof Teuscher

Student Research Symposium

Gamma radiation is a very high frequency, very dangerous electromagnetic wave that has a chance of being emitted after radioactive decay. Radiation source localization, or locating the previously unknown source of nuclear radiation, in a rapid and efficient manner is critically important, but challenging. We aim to create an architecture for multiple, fully independent agents that cooperate to localize sources faster than existing single-agent architectures, without compromising accuracy. Using Agent-Based Modeling and Deep Reinforcement Learning, agents are enabled to make decisions based on other agents' behaviors while maintaining programmatic autonomy. We hypothesize that radiation sources can be localized faster using …

Using Wgcna To Examine Rnaseq Expression Data In The Annual Killifish Austrofundulus Limnaeus, Patrick Clouser, Jason Podrabsky

Student Research Symposium

Annual killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) live in ephemeral ponds of Venezuela. They have evolved a unique life history that includes experience embryonic diapause; a period of developmental dormancy and metabolic arrest that supports survival during the dry season. Developing and diapausing embryos are extremely resistant to environmental stresses; for example, they can survive for months without oxygen (anoxia). A. limnaeus’ tolerance to anoxia is an important survival mechanism as they can spend months buried in anoxic soil during development. I hypothesize that this extreme anoxia tolerance is supported by gene expression networks that are different from typical vertebrates. To evaluate this …

Research Proposal For An Assessment Of The Potential For The Arbuscular Fungi “Rhizophagus Irregularis” To Aid In Corn Uptake And Availability Of Iron, Caitlin Costello

Student Research Symposium

Global iron deficiency is one factor contributing to malnutrition and varied health conditions. This deficiency accounts for 841,000 deaths and approximately 35,057,000 “disability-adjusted life years lost” (Stoltzfus, R. J. 2003). One way to combat this is to maintain or increase the iron uptake of the globe’s major crops. Research has shown that certain types of mycorrhizal fungi can increase the nutrient uptake of plants. To further this research, we will look at the arbuscular fungi Rhizophagus irregularis and its potential relationship with a short harvest corn variety. This type of mycorrhizal fungi improves plant nutrition including the plant’s ability to …

An Investigation Of Microbial Symbiosis In Vertebrate Embryonic Diapause Using Austrofundulus Limnaeus As A Model, Jose Camara-Lavadores

Student Research Symposium

Studies emphasizing the crucial dynamic between multicellular organisms and microbes continue to broaden our understanding on how these relationships lead to pathogenicity or mutual benefit. Many studies show that microbes can aid hosts through a variety of mechanisms including: metabolism, neuro development, physical performance, and behavior. In this study we aim to characterize the microbiota of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus, and investigate the potential role that microbes may have in supporting embryonic diapause. Diapausing embryos can survive extreme environmental stresses such as anoxia, drought, and fluctuating osmolarity and pH. Understanding the potential role that microbes may play in …

Houseless Water Insecurity During Covid-19 Pandemic, Alicia N. Gamble

Student Research Symposium

Water security is of the utmost importance for the houseless population. However, little is known about how the houseless population has been resilient to water barriers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to understand houseless individuals' perceptions of public versus grassroots water sources, and the barriers and impacts of these sources. In order to understand these perceptions, individuals experiencing houselessness (e.g. living in tents, vehicles, emergency shelters, couch-surfing, or no roof) that utilize water sources in Portland, Oregon will be interviewed while walking in public areas to gain rich qualitative data, along with GPS data …

Mental Health In Student Leadership: Perceptions Of Ability, Rose M. Jardine

Student Research Symposium

This proposal aims to evaluate the relationship between perceptions of mental health and leadership ability among student leaders in university communities.

Over fifty participants, including faculty and students, from Oregon universities and community colleges are expected to contribute to this study. Participants will answer a survey and be randomly assigned to one of four situations describing a student leader’s disclosure or non-disclosure, both with and without Bipolar 1 Disorder. Bipolar 1 Disorder was chosen for this study based on its intermittence, varying severity, higher associated stigma, and symptomatology that can include externally perceived increased productivity. They will respond to this …

Hemp-Lime Insulation: A Climate Friendly Building Material, Ginger Rose Jensen

Student Research Symposium

It is critical to reduce greenhouse gas from the atmosphere to reduce the impacts of climate change. Oregon’s Climate Action Plan has established goals to reduce emissions by developing ‘Clean Buildings’ and increasing the CO₂ sequestered by the state's ‘Natural and Working Lands’. Carbon negative construction materials like hemp-lime insulation could contribute to both goals.

Hemp-lime is a non-structural insulation material made from crushed hemp hurd, a lime-based binder, and water. It is non-toxic and versatile alternative to traditional insulation materials. Hemp-lime was submitted to be added to the International Residential Codes (IRC) index in 2022. IRC approval would …

Effect Of Eosinophils In Purinergic Receptor P2x3 Expression In Mouse Sensory Neurons, Emily J. Mize

Student Research Symposium

P2X₃ purinoceptors are expressed by airway sensory neurons and activated by extracellular ATP released during periods of cell stress. In asthma, sensitivity to ATP is increased. Airway eosinophilia, which is common in a majority of asthmatics, increases airway sensory nerve density in mice and humans. Whether eosinophils increase neuronal P2X₃ expression in asthma is unknown.

P2X₃ expression was quantified in vagal ganglia from wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice with airway eosinophilia (NJ1726), systemic eosinophilia (NJ1638), and eosinophil-deficiency (PHIL) using RNAscope in situ hybridization. Images were obtained using confocal microscopy. The percentage of P2X₃ positive pixels …

How Are Changes In Temperature And Salinity Impacting Intertidal Mussels?, Casey A. Martin

Student Research Symposium

Marine organisms living within the intertidal zones, such as mussels, experience a wide range of environmental conditions every day. Due to Climate change, these environments are transforming in such a way that may impact a mussels ability to successfully reproduce, grow, and live. Previous studies have shown that successful gamete development in freshwater mussels has been linked to temperature and species behavior has been observed to be influenced by salinity levels. In order to test the impact of temperature and salinity on mussel physiology, mussels were exposed to several treatments with varying conditions. Those conditions included a combination of a …

Reduce, Reuse And Deny: How Sustainability Is Judged By Consumers, Madison E. Hill

Student Research Symposium

This research was an analysis of a series of interviews regarding what factors are considered when deciding if a given product is environmentally friendly or not. Participants were asked to select between products or practices as the generally more sustainable option, and were asked to explain their reasoning for that decision. Participants were encouraged to describe their reasoning behind each choice, but it was noted when certain choices were more challenging than others. Products that green-wash effectively generate trust between consumers trying to ‘do their part’ and industries attempting to capitalize on each side of environmental crises. Most sustainable practices …

Daily Work, Nonwork, And Stress Experiences Of Students, Erika A. Schemmel, Tori L. Crain, Rachel G. Lucas-Thompson

Student Research Symposium

A substantial body of literature exists that examines work, nonwork, and stress in employed adults. Less is known about experiences of stress in adolescents and emerging adults. The goal of the present study is to examine the association between daily activities and next day stress within a sample of students. We propose that students use their personal resources to meet school demands, and then need to replenish those resources, or stress may ensure. One aim of this study is to examine the relationship of hours of exercise and sleep with students’ reports of stress the next day. Additionally, many students …

The Effects Of Running On Arithmetic Problem Solving, Kayia C. Snyder, Nicholas Smith Dr.

Student Research Symposium

In this work, we propose to examine the effects of physical activity on academic performance as physical activity is shown to improve mood, energy levels, confidence, and memory retention. We propose to recruit a sample of 200 psychology students from Portland State University. Each student will be asked to take an arithmetic problem-solving test then asked to study the material for three weeks. Of the 200 students, 100 will be randomly assigned to a physical activity condition, in which they will be asked to run 30 minutes prior to studying, then all students will be asked to take a timed …

Exploring The Function Of Heart Regeneration In Survival Of Anoxia In Embryos Of The Annual Killifish Austrofundulus Limnaeus, Connor Taylor Kime

Student Research Symposium

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, half of which is caused by myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack. Most of the damage resulting from MI is due to oxygen deprivation that leads to cell death. The resulting cardiac scarring due to MI is chronic in humans and is not yet treatable; the only method of restoration is heart transplantation. Other organisms, such as fishes, show great cardiac regenerative capacity. The annual killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus, can survive for months without oxygen at certain developmental stages. Examining gene expression responses during anoxic exposure and recovery in …

Meeting Minutes, Wku Staff Council

Staff Council

Minutes of May 2022 meeting.

Second Reaction: Two Powerful Words: I’M Listening, Breanya Hogue

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

First Opinion: Adding Beauty And Dimension To Our World, Elizabeth Frisbie

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

Second Reaction: Share The Stories Of Change-Makers, Tj Rosa

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

First Opinion: A Great Introduction To The Lgbtq+ Fight For Equality, Amanda Christian

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

Second Reaction: I Learned Everything Was Taken Away, Ahmed Mayfield-Reinking

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

First Opinion: Challenging The Foundation Of America Is So… Un-American, Janelle Cronin

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

Second Reaction: The Mistreatment Of Humans On American Soil, Kayla Wiggins

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.

First Opinion: Who They Were Didn’T Matter, Only What They Looked Like Mattered, Jill Scott, Fuji Scott

First Opinions, Second Reactions

No abstract provided.