2024 Graduate Research Achievement Day
UND School of Graduate Studies
Wednesday, February 28
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Judging Session and Public Viewing
1:00 p.m. | Awards Ceremony
Graduate Research Achievement Day (GRAD) is an annual celebration in which graduate students from all disciplines present their work to faculty and community judges. Cash prizes are awarded to those students whose work and presentation are deemed best.
More info: https://und.edu/gradschool/grad
Show Posters:
000 - Awards Ceremony - Starts at 1:00 p.m. on February 28
UND Graduate School of Studies
Abstract
Come join us to celebrate the winners of GRAD Virtual!
Please click "chat with the presenter" at 1 p.m. to join the Zoom meeting.
Please click "chat with the presenter" at 1 p.m. to join the Zoom meeting.
Presented by
UND Graduate School of Studies
01V - Teacher Diversity in International Schools: How Truly International Are International Schools?
Abstract
Teachers as individuals are at the very heart of educational system, school, and students’ experiences. They face many challenges in recognizing and addressing biases, fostering inclusive classrooms, and integrating multicultural perspectives into their teaching practices. They have to navigate within the complex system of norms, policies, and cultural expectations. While international schools offer opportunities for cross-cultural learning and global perspectives, they often grapple with issues of cultural homogeneity among their teaching staff. To enhance the quality of international education, schools must prioritize the recruitment and retention of diverse teachers. There is a continual need for inclusive pedagogies, such as Asset-Based and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, and policies that prevent various forms of oppression. By prioritizing teacher diversity and implementing multicultural education practices, K-12 international schools can take significant strides towards promoting social justice and equity in education.
Presented by
Vesna Radivojevic
04V - Satellite-Based Spectroscopic Identification of Nanoplastics in Phytoplankton
Abstract
Nanoplastics pose a significant ecological risk, particularly to marine phytoplankton—the base of the aquatic food chain. This study harnesses advanced hyperspectral imaging sensors on Planet Labs' satellites to monitor and quantify nanoplastic contamination in phytoplankton from low Earth orbit. The sensors' high resolution and extensive spectral range, paired with water samples from across the planet and using Thermo Fisher Scientific/Invitrogen Red Dye, distinguish unique spectral fingerprints of plastics. Preliminary findings reveal a widespread presence of nanoplastics, underscoring the inadequacy of current water filtration systems and highlighting potential risks to higher trophic levels and human health. This research, leveraging NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's sensor technology, provides critical insights into the pervasiveness of nanoplastic pollution and its possible ecological disruptions.
Presented by
Dennis Terry Trevino
07V - A New Bioecological Model of Human Development
Abstract
A new framework may help faculty to reflect on effective teaching and learning practices. The present framework is a custom lens designed to explore a teacher’s learning environment in support of a “self-directed” mindset within a traditional school setting. This framework includes elements organized into five overlapping layers: culture, values, competencies, characteristics, and personality (meta)traits. These layers are intended to highlight the specific traits and characteristics in a school’s leadership, teaching staff, and students in a way that supports the development of social and emotional competencies within defined elements of culture and shared values. This allows school leadership teams and teaching staff to reflect on how elements of culture and shared values may require socioemotional competencies that can often look different depending on the characteristics and traits of the school’s leadership, staff, and students.
Presented by
Greg Mullen
08V - Advanced Motor Control using Machine Learning
Abstract
This work explores the viability of reinforced machine learning (RML) based motor control systems in industrial settings. Focusing on the limitations of traditional rule-based approaches in handling complex and nonlinear relationships in electric motor control, the study delves into RML's potential to optimize real-time performance, adapt to dynamic conditions, and reduce energy consumption. The existing literature on RML-based motor control systems scrutinizes various approaches and applications across industrial domains. The research involves reviewing an RML-based motor control system, assessing its real-time optimization capabilities, and comparing its performance against traditional methods in a simulation environment. The work also identifies challenges in implementing machine learning in industrial contexts and proposes potential solutions. Anticipated outcomes include a deeper understanding of the advantages of ML-based motor control systems, modifications to enhance RML-based systems and an evaluation of their effectiveness in practical scenarios.
Presented by
Muhammad Azam
09V - Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening of adults by nurse practitioners
Abstract
Childhood events may affect a patient’s adult health status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood at any time from birth to 17 years of age. The list of potential traumatic events that can encompass ACEs is extensive. Examples of ACEs can be experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; having a family member attempt or die by suicide; living in a home environment that can undermine a child’s sense of stability; growing up in a household with substance use problems; or facing economic hardships, parental separation, or household members being in jail or prison (CDC, 2021).ACEs have long term mental, physical and cognitive impact on adult patients’ healthcare. All patients should be screened for ACEs. This poster presentation will highlight the impact of an ACEs educational tool kit with online survey on licensed nurse practitioners. An attempt will be made to make a difference in nurse practitioners’ knowledge, awareness and attitude related to childhood trauma screening among their adult patients
Presented by
Kaushiki (Kelly) Kapoor
10V - Circadian Rhythms and Time Management: Building a Better Clock for Deep Space Missions
Abstract
Modern space agencies utilize an Earth-centric 24-hour time system which supports human biology and social norms that have evolved over 2 million years to synchronize with the Sun, our most powerful zeitgeber. However, this time system is arbitrary for deep-space exploration where rotation periods will be different on other celestial bodies or absent all together. In this study, an extensive literature review was conducted to determine the most natural human circadian rhythm for use in development of an optimized clock which could be used to minimize performance and health issues caused by circadian rhythm disruption. Research revealed that humans will adopt an ~24.83-hour “free-running” endogenous cycle in the absence of time cues without ill effects. This was used to design a new space “day” period and became the basis of a new space time system built on the mercury ion-199 frequency standard utilized in NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock.
Presented by
Beth Klingele
11V - Evaluation of Free School Meals in Southern Minnesota
Abstract
This purpose of this research is to design an evaluation plan for the Free School Meals Program by identifying evaluation criteria and methods for determining the need, success, and sustainability of the program after 2025. In March of 2023, the Free School Meals Bill was passed in Minnesota. Starting in the 2023-2024 academic year, children in high school and below in Minnesota now have access to free or reduced-price school meals with no income or categorical requirements to qualify. The program is intended to reduce hunger for children in Minnesota and reduce stress and financial strain for families. This policy reimburses schools for free and reduced-price meals served to students after all federal reimbursement has been applied. Funding has been appropriated for the Free School Meals Program in Minnesota through Fiscal Year 2025.
Presented by
Kelsey Odegard
12V - Likelihood of the Destiny Universe: An Analysis Using Contemporary Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Abstract
Since its release in September 2014, the universe of the Destiny video game franchise has captivated the minds of players across the globe. Its design, set in a futuristic fiction of the Solar System, takes human scientific achievement to the extreme, with some assistance from a paracausal entity called “The Traveler”. However, one must ask the question: is this possible? The presence of anti-gravitational person vehicles and mind-blowing terraforming is ever-so-fun to virtually explore, but does modern science support these feats of engineering, physics, and planetary science? The following will explore the Destiny universe’s non-Earthen celestial bodies, their characteristics in reality and in-game, and how they may be able to exist with current or proposed terraforming techniques. Out of the eleven worlds researched, the following are the most favored for real-life development: Earth’s Moon, Venus, Mars, Europa, and Titan.
Presented by
Morgan Craver
13V - Real Individuals Striving for Excellence (RISE): An occupation-based life skills re-entry program for rural jail facility
Abstract
The U.S. criminal justice system detains over 2 million individuals, with jail incarceration rates fluctuating (Zeng, 2022). Recidivism remains a significant issue, prompting the development of the Real Individuals Striving for Excellence (RISE) program to be completed within a correctional facility. RISE employs occupational-based learning sessions to equip participants with essential skills for successful community reintegration. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation [MOHO] (O’Brien, 2017), the program addresses facility and individual needs through a comprehensive needs assessment. Although the role of occupational therapy (OT) in criminal justice is emerging, research suggests its benefits due to the unique scope of practice. RISE, created in collaboration with Natrona County Department of Corrections, aims to reduce re-arrest and recidivism rates by fostering holistic, client-centered occupational programs. By utilizing OT principles, the program encourages positive lifestyle changes, enhances well-being, and raises awareness of community resources for those involved in the criminal justice system.
Presented by
Kennedy Tooke
14V - Characterizing the risk of meteoroid ejecta for future lunar surface operations
Abstract
The lunar surface poses a potential risk from meteoroid ejecta for future lunar surface operations. The safety ramifications of long-term crewed missions for the Artemis program, NASA’s lunar program, are being investigated or reconsidered from the previous Apollo program. Recent studies (Robinson et al., 2015) observed ejecta debris from meteoroid impacts, traversing over greater distances than originally postulated in this current geological epoch. Two end-member ejecta types that are the most hazardous are: (1) iron lithic fragments, and (2) impact feldspar spheres. A series of hypervelocity impact tests using a two-stage light gas gun (2SLGG) were conducted against a set of proposed materials that are likely to be used for lunar surface operations. A terrestrial simulant for lunar regolith, LHS-1, resulted in the best type of shielding for low-depth penetration. This implies that using in-situ lunar regolith would be optimal shielding for fixed structures on the lunar surface.
Presented by
Jacob Yates
15V - Apple Cider Vinegar and Improved Urogenital Health
Abstract
Decreased circulating estrogen following menopause results in friability of vaginal tissues creating an environment ripe for acquisition of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Escherichia Coli (E. coli) is the primary causative organism in 80% of all cases (Lupo et al., 2021). The prevalence of bacterial colonization creates the basis for current prescribing practices that promote antibiotic resistance, altered urogenital health, and carry a substantial social and economic burden. This literature review seeks to understand the effectiveness of current treatment guidelines and prophylactic practices. While research on rUTI is wide-ranging, few have investigated the prophylactic benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). In vitro studies using ACV demonstrate inhibition of resistant E. coli strains comparable to several prophylactic methods presently employed (Yagnik et al., 2023). The results of this review support the use of ACV as a daily method of UTI prophylaxis and provide a cost-effective, alternative for post-menopausal women.
Presented by
Andria Kaplan
16V - Underwater High-Frequency (HF) Amateur Radio Operations for Future Outer Space Applications
Abstract
Designed a hardwired, cable-based communication system to operate in an underwater habitat. High-frequency (HF) amateur radio is an invaluable medium for communication. Unfortunately, HF cannot penetrate through the water. This experiment had the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Adventure, Exploration, Research, and Outreach (AERO) team design a radio communication setup that could operate while underwater. This experiment provides a foundation for future robotic space exploration of liquid-based environments. On January 5-6, 2024, three AERO divers spent 24 hours underwater at Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida. A typical radio layout features an antenna, a connection cable, and a transceiver radio. This experiment used two separate antennas: a land-based Chameleon Antenna and an experimental floating antenna built using an MFJ Ham Stick. DXE-400 Max coaxial cable was then run from the active antenna 25-feet down and into the underwater habitat. Successful HF operation was achieved using the land-based antenna.
Presented by
Rachel Jones
17V - Evidence of Preparedness of Teacher Preparation Program Completers
Abstract
Teacher preparation programs play a crucial role in shaping education and the level of student achievement. Darling-Hammond (2000) states, “substantial research evidence suggests that well-prepared, capable teachers have the largest impact on student learning.” Effectiveness of teacher preparation programs is key in producing high-quality teachers. This study focuses on teacher preparation program completers at a rural, public university in West Virginia. The study will answer the following: 1) After a year of teaching, to what extent do teacher preparation program completers feel prepared to teach and positively impact student learning in P-12? and 2) After a year of teaching, to what extent did supervisor evaluations of teacher preparation program completers indicate strengths or weakness in their teacher preparation program in areas of impact on student learning and application of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions that preparation experiences were to achieve? Multiple measures including qualitative and quantitative data will be employed.
Presented by
Brenda Epling
18V - The Impact of Culturally Relevant Engineering Design on Student Outcomes and Engagement
Abstract
Embedding a culturally relevant approach into classroom instruction and pedagogy allows Native American middle school students to experience learning that is purposeful and meaningful while simultaneously giving them voice, thus impacting engagement along with outcomes. Within science classrooms, learning is enhanced for all students when Indigenous and Western science are integrated and when learning is connected to place, community, and the local cultural context. When teachers plan an engineering design task, while it has benefits in that it is fun, exciting, hands-on, and allows for interdisciplinary opportunities, is it culturally relevant? The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the impact of integrating a Culturally Relevant Engineering Design (CRED) framework on students’ experiences with engineering. Findings from this study, gleaned through student interviews and surveys, focus on the student influence when these practices are implemented. Implications may suggest teaching practices that support students across a breadth of cultural communities and groups, with a special focus on Native American tribes (2021).
Presented by
Cortney Shuley
19V - Conducting an International Engineering Project under the Innovation-Based Learning Model
Abstract
This article describes how the Biomedical Engineering Department has implemented the Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) model. IBL provides students with meaningful and applicable and equips students with the skills and mindset essential for success in dynamic and rapidly evolving environments. IBL teaching emphasizes a hands-on, project-based learning model. Students will engage in collaborative and synchronous teamwork on an engineering project. Project team members can be students from different BME courses, undergraduate or graduate, and in-person or online (remote) from other cities. However, the IBL international collaboration faces language barriers, local resource management, device setup, hardware and software integration, calibration variance across multiple test setups, and higher reliance on individual skill sets. This article documents the challenges faced using IBL methods, cooperating across multiple continents to design and build a Med-IoT biomedical device. The authors will explain how to conduct a design-build-test research project for Med-IoT and how they overcame the challenges.
Presented by
Victor Tsui
20V - Benefits of Addressing Immunizations by Health Care Providers
Abstract
The research presented will demonstrate the impact of addressing routine immunizations with clients who suffer from Severe Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder, while visiting an outpatient mental health clinic. I will discuss different health care disparities affecting immunization rates, as well as demonstrate the benefits of healthcare providers addressing immunizations with clients during their appointments.
Presented by
Stacy Johnston
21V - Association between religious service attendance and perinatal outcomes in the United States: a secondary analysis of the Future Families & Child Wellbeing Study
Abstract
Background. Increasing evidence suggests that religious involvement may be associated with improved health outcomes. However, few studies have examined maternal religiosity as a protective factor for perinatal outcomes. We explored the association between frequency of maternal religious attendance and risk of various perinatal outcomes. Methods. Data were drawn from the Future Families & Child Wellbeing Study’s first and second waves (n=2320). Religious attendance and outcomes of prenatal care, low birthweight, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and pregnancy loss were drawn from survey responses. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Models were adjusted for sampling weights and confounding variables. Results. Compared to those who reported no religious attendance, women who attended services once a week or more (OR:3.89;95%CI:1.07,14.10) or several times a month (OR:6.98;95%CI:1.15,42.37) had higher odds of not experiencing pregnancy loss. Discussion. Results suggest that maternal religious attendance frequency may be a protective factor for pregnancy loss.
Presented by
Stacie Shropshire
22V - Branching out: An isochrone map of Quercus alba migration
Abstract
A changing climate requires knowledge of species expected and potential migratory patterns in order to determine best practice for preparing and assisting survival of species. Plant species and other sessile species are especially slow to migrate due to migration only occurring across generations, especially the oak tree family. Quercus alba (white oak) migratory patterns were predicted for one tree in a western suburb of Chicago. The results show a need for assisted migration of the species due to extremely slow migratory patterns as witnessed in the created isochrone map.
Presented by
Allison Hinton
23V - An examination of the relationship between vaccinations and autoimmune disease
Abstract
Vaccines have changed the health of the world by preventing massive casualties due to devastating infectious diseases. However, vaccines are in fact drug-like compounds with inevitable adverse events. There are compounds added to vaccines that have both intentional and unintentional side effects. While the primary objective of a vaccine is to stimulate an immune response through the production of antibodies, the development of an autoimmune disease is unsurprising. This project aims to address the following question. In patients who have received immunizations recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is there evidence that suggests vaccinations, as compared to individuals who are not vaccinated, result in dysfunction of the immune system? The medical literature will be summarized to create an educational resource for primary care providers who have patients with questions regarding vaccine safety.
Presented by
Anna Wiemken
24V - What a Study on Near Midair Collision Events Has Shown Us About Safety
Abstract
The effective management of aviation safety relies on the collection and analysis of data from safety management system (SMS) components, including voluntary safety reporting. The purpose of this research was to utilize a survey to gather insights from a diverse sample of pilots across the United States. The survey garnered significant participation (n=529), showcasing a notable gender balance among respondents. The findings revealed a concerning trend, with a substantial proportion of pilots (67%) failing to report high-risk safety events through any SMS channel. Interestingly, the data indicated that female pilots were more inclined to utilize SMS compared to their male counterparts. While this research indicates that the Aviation Safety Reporting System is trusted by pilots, these insights underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance awareness and understanding among pilots regarding the importance and mechanisms of safety reporting, promoting a proactive safety culture, thereby enhancing aviation safety.
Presented by
Heather McNevin
25V - Piko to Piko - Growing Kalo on the Continent
Abstract
Cultivation of kalo (taro) is essential to Native Hawaiian identity. As an increasing number of Native Hawaiians live on the continent, we developed a community-academic hui (partnership) that aims to understand the health benefits of growing, preparing and consuming kalo on the continent and how growing kalo on the continent can nourish Native Hawaiians living in diaspora. After gaining permission from the Indigenous community in Oregon, our hui supported two māla kalo (cultivated fields for kalo) growing over 600 pounds of leaves with 200 volunteers since 2021. Preliminary findings indicate the māla kalo offers a space to promote mental and physical health through talk story, connecting with the land, sharing cultural knowledge and language, and feeding the community with traditional foods. Building on this work, we aim to use community-led research and culturally appropriate evaluation practices to understand and disseminate the health benefits of growing kalo on the continent.
Presented by
Nicole lee Ellison
26V - Occupational Therapy in Adolescent Mental Health: The Need and Value of Services
Abstract
Across the United States, there is a reported increase in children and adolescents facing mental health challenges, with more than half not being able to receive services. Long-term impacts of untreated mental illness include higher unemployment trends, not completing higher education, being more likely to isolate socially, and having unmanaged symptoms impacting the ability to participate in meaningful activities. As mental health agencies evaluate gaps in services, solutions may be addressed by occupational therapy. The purpose of this project was to highlight ways occupational therapy can fill the gaps through (a) evaluating the individual and their interactions within their environment, (b) assisting in community mental health programming, (c) utilizing the adolescent’s meaningful occupations for developing the necessary skills, routines, motivation, and confidence to support mental health and wellbeing.
Presented by
Jadalyn Wagner
27V - The Neglected Mental Health Challenges of First Generation College Students
Abstract
First generation college students (FGCS) face obstacles in academia that are unique to their lived experiences that lead to struggles with mental health and seeking support. FGCS are those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Research demonstrates that the struggles faced by FFGCS are complex including dealing with potential racial identity challenges, a lower socioeconomic status, isolation, and survivor's guilt. These factors lead to decrease mental health that often goes unmanaged by FGCS's. This research is a literature review analyzing the existing research on mental health regarding FGCS and the lack of support provided to this population. It highlights the gap in this research area and underscores the need for programs that uniquely support the mental health needs of FGCS to increase academic and transitional outcomes.
Presented by
Colin Wong
28V - Transition Programming for Students Classified with Emotional Disturbances in Mid-Western Rural America
Abstract
North Dakota state data indicates a need to investigate the graduation rates and transition planning for students classified with emotional disturbances. Since 2020, the graduation rates of students classified with an emotional disturbance has declined significantly. There is a similar downward trend regarding appropriate secondary transition service planning for students (aged 16 and above) receiving special education services. This presentation includes a dissertation topic proposal designed around the following research questions:
1) How do primary special education and secondary special education teachers perceive the delivery of transition planning services as it relates to the planning processes, instructional practices, and collaboration? 2) How do special education teachers who specialize in ED perceive the delivery of transition planning services as it relates to the planning processes, instructional practices, and collaboration verses special education teachers who do not specialize in ED?
1) How do primary special education and secondary special education teachers perceive the delivery of transition planning services as it relates to the planning processes, instructional practices, and collaboration? 2) How do special education teachers who specialize in ED perceive the delivery of transition planning services as it relates to the planning processes, instructional practices, and collaboration verses special education teachers who do not specialize in ED?
Presented by
Maire Brandenburg
29V - Modeling the Architecture and Water Content of Exoplanet Systems by Pebble Accretion: The PPOLs Model
Abstract
A key area linking frontier observational capabilities to theoretical questions of exoplanet system architectures is the transport and evolution of water in planet-forming disks and mechanisms that tune its incorporation into planets. This research develops a pebble accretion model of planet formation (“the PPOLs Model”) that self-consistently handles the drift and accretion of rocky/icy pebbles around stars ranging from late M-dwarfs to early A-stars. The model grows multiple protoplanet cores simultaneously and evolves the snowline position consistently with evolving disk conditions. The combination of growing multiple cores while evolving the snowline allows for a prolonged period of growth and delivery of icy pebbles to the inner disk. Results explore water content in the habitable zone across the stellar mass range, and under which conditions systems resemble the Solar System or Kepler systems, ultimately connecting the formation conditions of stellar/disk properties and seed mass distribution to system architectures
Presented by
Sean McCloat