Thank you for your interest in the URC Valentine Research Grams! Funds raised will support club members’ research initiatives, including conference presentations.
Please choose your preferred method of payment:
Digitally purchase research grams by clicking on this link
Cash can be given to any member of URC, and you can schedule a pickup for cash or checks by emailing acwiek1@students.towson.edu
Checks should be made out to Towson University with “Undergraduate Research Club” on the memo line. Mail checks to Dr. Alison McCartney, Towson University; Dept of Political Science; 8000 York Rd; Towson, MD 21252.
Refer to the Research Gram Menu below
Select who you would like to present their research to and to whom.
We will begin delivering grams on TBD.
Research Grams can be ordered using the Microsoft Form: Click on me.
Do Current Water Standards Make a Splash?
By: Alyssa Geddie
This project navigates the current science education implemented in public schools through three different lenses: national standards and how those efforts compare to other countries which experience water scarcity or a push for additional water education, the local Maryland water curriculum to compare to national standards or Next Generation Science Standards, and what these standards mean for Maryland schools and the different activities or perspectives to teach water education. Throughout this project, the idea of biases and stakeholders can bring new insights to the discussion of whether standards should be amended and whether there is a difference between what the national standards require versus what Maryland schools will implement.
Agree to Disagree on Women’s Healthcare
By: Ashton Washington
This study examines the influence of party identification, religion, gender, and age on abortion attitudes in the United States. The two initial findings aren’t particularly surprising, it indicates that party identification is the most significant predictor, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing abortion rights compared to Democrats. Religious attendance also plays a substantial role, with frequent religious service attendees more likely to hold pro-life views. On the other hand, the results on gender and age present mixed and complex conclusions. Neither gender nor age alone can consistently predict abortion attitudes. It’s not surprising that religious attendance can predict one’s party identification, but this study explains the origin of this phenomenon. Starting in the late 70s, party polarization solidified abortion as a partisan issue. Political leaders began aligning their platforms with pro-life or pro-choice movements. Additionally, as parties became more definitive about their stance on abortion, religious individuals followed and picked a side. This contributes to the idea we know today that party identification and religion coincide. Living in a post-Roe society, it is important we study opposition to abortion to address misinformation and educate people about why banning abortion could be detrimental to women’s health.
Using Data Science to Fight Crime in Baltimore
By: Audrey Knight
My current research is focused on creating a mobility model for human travel paths in Baltimore City using cell phone data and open-source mapping utilities. I am interested in identifying the most popularly traveled paths in Baltimore City and understanding how human movement relates to crime. I also want to take into account that people do not always travel the most efficient route to arrive at their destination.
Lost and Transcribed: Finding Novel Small RNA (sRNA) Candidates in the Leptospira interrogans Genome
By: Chinenye Ofor
Small RNAs are often difficult to detect, as they are rapidly degraded in the cytoplasm, and their associated protein products are difficult to identify. By leveraging molecular biology and bioinformatics tools, including RNA sequencing data, 3’ termination sequencing data, and genome browsers, I identified a potentially functional sRNA candidate in the Leptospira interrogans genome. This discovery could provide insights into gene regulation in L. interrogans, potentially contributing to a better understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms.
Thirst Trap!: How Socially Driven Bottled Water Consumption Impacts Women’s Reproductive Health
By: Chinenye Ofor
Targeted marketing and socialization often promote bottled water as a symbol of health while also creating negative views of tap water. This has lead to disproportionately higher bottled water consumption among women. In fact, women are 132% more likely to use bottled water as a primary drinking source in comparison to men. This increased consumption exposes women to higher levels of microplastics which have been shown to overlap with emerging women’s health issues including preeclampsia, uterine fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
E. coli’s Nightmare: CRISPR-Hacked Slime Mold Fights Back
By: Daniel Sackey
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be troublesome, primarily caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Although antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat these infections, their overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, resulting in recurrent infections and increased healthcare expenses. Exploring alternative approaches to address these infections could provide effective solutions and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Enter the fascinating world of Dictyostelium discoideum! This little cellular superstar may lack traditional Toll-like receptors (TLRs), but don’t be fooled—it’s got some tricks up its sleeve! With proteins akin to the Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, our slimy friend has a knack for recognizing pathogens. One standout character in this microbial drama is TirC, which really gets busy when the cell is engulfing other tiny foes through phagocytosis. Yet, like a mysterious superhero, its exact powers are still under wraps! Building on previous research with another TIR hero, TirA, we’ve decided to unleash our secret weapon: CRISPR-Cas9! This exciting research not only sheds light on immune responses but also explores how crafty bacteria slip under the radar.
Redefining Water Allocation: The Case for Transitioning from Public Good to Economic Good
By: David Rosa Da Costa
Water is an essential part of life. How water is given and divided between people, businesses, agriculture, and other sectors and groups becomes a hotly contested political and human rights issue due to its heavy implications for all aspects of life and society. This paper looks at three main systems of allocation: a top-down government system of allocation, a cap-and-trade permit system of allocation, and a pricing system that follows supply and demand laws of allocation. When comparing all systems, this paper finds that the most beneficial system of allocation is a pricing system that follows supply and demand laws of allocation, and argues for changing water from a public good to an economic good. Implications drawn at the end show how when water is treated as an economic good and priced accordingly in that system of allocation, it allows for a more efficient and equitable distribution of water for all.
The Impact of Elite Signaling on Public Opinion of Bush v. Gore
By: Henry Donoughe
The Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore (2000) resulted in a ruling that decided a presidential election. Following the case, there was a significant increase in public favorability of the Court among Republicans, yet there was no shift among Democrats. This increase among the political right wing of America is due to the public’s acceptance of the Court as a partisan actor, specifically the partisan favor shown in winning the election for their party. Because of this, the lack of change in favorability among the political left is unexpected, given that the Court acted against their desired candidate. My research found that elite signaling negated any possible shift, as a message of acceptance and patriotism was stressed by prominent Democratic figures. This, in turn, shaped the opinion of the Democratic public into neutrality.
An Analysis of Fascist Rhetoric In Speeches Given by Vladimir Putin
By: Jordan Jess
Do Low HDI States Foster Environments Conducive to Radicalization?
By: Leah Collidge
Roman Religion and the Gendered “Other”: Faith and Gender Constructs in the Ancient Roman World
By Lilly Norbeck
The Roman Empire encapsulated notable religious diversity and plurality. Religious ideologies were woven into every aspect of life. Accordingly, both pagan and later Christian traditions defined cultural norms and perceptions, including gender constructs. Though the Roman world operated on a strict gender binary consisting of men and women, instances of gender ambiguity (potentially constituting a third or “other” gender category) were created and shaped by religious contexts. Such individuals included eunuchs in pagan and Christian groups in addition to divine or semi-divine figures. This opens the door to a discussion on how the rise of Christianity impacted extant gender norms and perceptions, particularly pertaining to the existence of a third, “other” gender group.
Hydration and Cognitive Performance
By: Lizzie Urdaneta
Hydration is an essential yet often overlooked factor in maintaining cognitive performance. While the physical effects of dehydration have been extensively researched, there is a gap in public knowledge about the cognitive effects of dehydration. Research demonstrates that even mild dehydration can impair significant executive functions such as decision-making, flexible thinking, and memory recall. These findings become especially pertinent when considering vulnerable populations, such as children and older adults, who are susceptible to chronic dehydration and heightened risks in response to dehydration; research findings underscore that hydration is crucial for maintaining and optimizing cognitive efficiency and quality of life.
Gone but Never Forgotten
By: Maggie Ballman
The S.S. General Slocum Disaster marked an important event in our history which contributes to our knowledge of maternal health and neonatal development in the early 20th century. However, this disaster destroyed countless lives, and although it is left in the past, this paper wished to bring to light the lessons learned and the lives impacted. This paper discusses how trauma such as that of a shipwreck is detrimental to pregnancy outcomes and neonatal development in the long term and provides a detailed analysis and comparison of the perceptions of women’s health and various medical systems and practices which existed at the time versus the present. Ultimately, this comparison shows advances in women’s health today, the evolution of medical practices, and how these changes are now used as systems of assessment and sources of treatment.
The Protection of Local Migrant Rights and Well-Being: Comparing Successes, Challenges, and Recommendations from Baltimore and Philadelphia’s Government and Nonprofit Sectors
By: Nikki Golemboski
Migration has emerged one of the largest issues currently facing international politics within our increasingly globalized society because it has exposed a wide array of political, legal, economic, cultural, and political barriers to safe movement. This research will compare the nature of migration issues as they manifest in the greater Baltimore and Philadelphia communities to identify areas in which local organizations succeed in navigating challenges to human mobility, as well as expose those areas in which protection gaps persist. Revealing trends in the efficacy of local migration governance schemes will then allow for the revelation of short-term and long-term solutions that could best guarantee the human security of local communities and their immigrants.
Will it Cleave? How Lipopolysaccharide Structures Affect Complement Activation
By: Rachel Kramer
Methamphetamine Use and its Impact on Cognitive Function
By: Rorie Anderson
Classical to Contemporary Ballet: Essential Elements and Influential Pioneers
By: Téa Costello
Contemporary ballet is an umbrella term that continues to expand as the dance world grows. This project identified the key characteristics of contemporary ballet from the pioneers of the genre; George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Alonzo King, and Dwight Rhoden, which I then investigated and implemented through my own artistic contemporary ballet piece. I used the information I gained through research and personal embodied experience attending contemporary ballet summer intensives to create the choreography. I integrated these new ways of moving in the contemporary ballet style to be presented at the Towson Dance Department Senior Seminar Fall and Spring Concerts. My original choreography applies the key elements of contemporary ballet: fast footwork, off-balance movements, authentic interpretation of the movement, and fusion of dance styles with new applications and understandings in the creative process. I combined my classical training with research and contemporary experiences to create original choreography to represent my personal artistic expression.
Disney and World War Propaganda
By: Tiara Aragon
This research explores how World War I influenced Walt Disney’s own propagandic sensibilities growing up, and how Disney films of World War II reflect themes of Unity, Dehumanization, and Democracy in reflection of the war prior. This research analyzes various WWI propaganda pieces and WWII Disney films in order to highlight Disney’s function as a propagandistic tool.