Celebrating Student Research Abstracts

ANTHROPOLOGY
Title: Out in the Country: Youth, Media and Queer Visibility in Rural America
Student name: David Marshall, Jonnel Hannibal, Victoria Irizarry, Amanda Vallejo
Class standing: Senior, Junior, Sophomore, Junior
Faculty: Prof. Alisse Waterston
Department: Anthropology
Format: Poster & Scrolling PowerPoint
This is a group PowerPoint presentation that explores issues of identity, community and politics
among queer youth in America. A four-student group assignment in Applied Anthropology 212,
the project is based on Out in the Country, an ethnography by anthropologist Mary Gray. Gray‘s
story about rural queer youth provides a backdrop for exploring differences and similarities in
the lives of city and country gay youth struggling with social and political isolation and
invisibility and who are looking to combat their marginality. The project explores personal and
political dimensions of resistance. It also examines the use of online and public spaces to
educate communities about LGBT issues and to spread ―gay visibility: amidst an ignorant
conservatism. The presentation provides a multi-media account of Gray‘s book emphasizing the
ways in which her findings inform understanding of sexuality, gender, and youth, rural and urban
culture, and the role of news media in shaping personal identity and social movements. By
moving between the political and the personal, the group PowerPoint offers a creative way of
providing viewers information while raising controversial social, cultural and political issues.
ART & MUSIC

Title: The Eye Set Free: Ecological Art and Postindustrial Capitalism
Student name: Marina Leybishkis
Class standing: Junior
Faculty: Prof. Thalia Vrachopoulos
Department: Art & Music
Format: Presentation
In the presentation I will cover ecological art within the post-industrial capitalist climate today
prevalent in South Korea. I will introduce my topic by defining the meaning of this type of art
using the artists Ji Young Ho, Chondwoon Choi, U-Ram Chae, and Sung Kuen Lee as examples.
The first artist Ji Young Ho, reveals the textures ductility, and even the smell of the asphalt he
uses. It‘s quite palpable. Like nature, his forms are a mystery but never mysterious, their
physiognomy-gestural, postural, and musculoskeletal—are as evident, and revelatory, as
fabrications, though no less real for all that as imaginative events, as they would be if they were
living organisms in a natural setting which is the reason I am offering his work as exemplary of
the style. The second is Chondwoon Choi, he works with epoxy, acrylic, and other plastic resins,
PVC piping, polyurethane and multi-colored colloid gels. These are industrial materials whose
perceptual availability is strictly limited by the mundane practical objects we live but almost
never see. U-Ram Chae‘s objects have formal definition—they are after all something—but they
dawdle so perilously at the metaphysical boundary between design and sense, or meaning, that
his work gave me the uncanny experience of recognizing an object I couldn‘t identify. Sung
Kuen Lee‘s art is quite similar to U-Ram Chae but he goes further in rematerializing his objects.
The pattern of his pieces, their structure, is so dominant that their singularity makes them
incomparable—therefore everything and nothing.
Title: Green Ecology and Sustainable Design in Transportation

Student name: Jose Tavarez
Class standing: Sophomore
Today, many cultures in the world make a great influence in our lives, as a result, some of us end
up taking what is more interesting to us and make it part of our lives. In summer 2009, as
sophomore student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice I had the opportunity to be part of a
study abroad program which took place in South Korea. In the company of professor Thalia
Vrachopoulos, her assistants and friends, eight John Jay College students and I had a wonderful
time in South Korea. When I stepped out of the airplane in Incheon International Airport in
South Korea I knew I was going to have an unforgettable experience, and so I did. As a group we
visited many cities; Seoul, Incheon, Icheon, Jeonju, Ansan, Andong, Chuksan, Daegu, Gwangju,
Yeosu, Jincheon, Jeoju, Gyeongju, among others. In each of the cities we visited, we did similar
activities, yet each city had something in particular that made it special among others. For
instance, when we visited Andong, located on the eastern part of the country, the theme that
represents that city are the Hahoe masks, specifically the Yangban aristocrat, which is a national
treasure in the country. Another city where we spent most of the time was Seoul, the capital of
the country, where one of my favorite places we visited, Insadong, is located. Insadong has a
main street called Insadong-gil, which is a long market-like street that connects to many alleys
and pathways, where one can find many art galleries, antiques, artworks, souvenirs, restaurants,
sweet delicacies and many other interesting amenities that any tourist or local would find
pleasant. The food was something that at the beginning of the trip some members of the group
were not too pleased about, due to the different style of cooking and eating, however, as we
became accustomed to the seasonings and customs we ended up enjoying it as a local would just
do. Learning the language among locals was one of the greatest experiences. The locals were
always very polite and willing to help by giving directions, translating and even teaching their
language. Something that I was very pleased about in the city was the subway system. It is very
clean and tidy, their staff is remarkable, the trains and trains stations are exceptionally innovative
and safe, and the price is fair, nothing like New York City subway system which is totally the
opposite. This became my favorite mode of transportation. In the city of Yeosu, located in the
southern coast of the country, the other eight students and I were required to work on a
presentation based on ideas for a global exposition called ―Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea‖ that will
take place at that city in 2012 with the theme ―The Living Ocean and Coast‖. The area which I
was assigned to focus on is ―Green Ecology, Green Transportation and Sustainable Design‖. In
this area I came up with a project that can be used to transport guests from one facility to the
other and at the same time entertain them. It is a tunnel that is similar to that of an aquarium and
will work as a road for electric bicycle riders and a walkway for pedestrians who wish to
experience the view of the sky and marine life submerged halfway through under water. With
the ideas for the expo in Yeosu City along with many other activities in other cities, the study
abroad program became a successful experience that I am certainly positive every member of the
program will never forget.
Title: Korean Customs and Rituals

Student name: Rafalina Tineo
In June 2009 I was part of a journey that became a life time memory. I went to South Korea with
professor Thalia Vrachopoulos on a study abroad program called Korean Art and Culture of John
Jay College. After being on a plane for over fifteen hours all across the globe, then landing in
Seoul, South Korea, I became amazed with what I encountered among the people of that
beautiful country. Their art and they amazing culture left me breathless. I thought I knew
something about this culture from the previous history courses that I had already taken, but I was
wrong. When someone sets foot in a foreign land and gets to experience their living culture
everything comes more clear and lively. Koreans do not have boundaries when it comes to
kindness. I felt I was being treated as if I was from royal descent, since everywhere we were
invited we were the center of attention and everyone was always smiling and content. I retrace
my memories back when I was in South Korea and thinking about now, I feel glad I took
hundreds of pictures and they were not enough to hold on so close the unforgettable memories I
have from that beautiful land. A land where the ocean is brown and not blue I will have to say
that it impressed me tremendously. As a Latin woman coming from a country in the Caribbean,
Dominican Republic, where the ocean is blue and bright, I wandered why is the ocean of that
color in that part of our planet. The art and culture of Koreans have survived many attacks from
other countries, specially neighboring ones such as, China and Japan. Yet, they have overcome
all odds by keeping alive their traditions through their art and customs. Today, there is a strong
western religious influence among Koreans, Christianity, for instance. Nevertheless, Buddhism,
Shamanism among others beliefs have been present for a long period of time. To be able to
condense what South Korea is to me and what I learned is extremely difficult because every
individual experience made a great positive effect in my life. I had the honor to travel with
professor Vrachopoulos. Thanks to her staff and friends we were able to get the most out of our
trip.
Title: Transportation and Infrastructure

Student name: George Robles
Class standing: Senior
Today around the world many developing countries are using the Kyoto accord in which many
developing countries came to an agreement to cut down on global warming by reducing fossil
fuel consumption. The dependency on oil and coal resources to fuel the economies of many
countries in the world is threatening the very existence of all life on earth. The development of
alternative methods and the creation of a working model for countries to follow will be the theme
of the 2012 Yeosu World‘s Fair in South Korea. The city of Yeosu is located on the southern
coast of South Korea provides a unique example for many countries to see how city officials and
the government of South Korea can take a small city in a nationally preserved region of the
country where fishing and oyster beds are part of harbor activity along side of ship building and
steel making in the region. Today, Korea is heavily industrialized as well as a modern country
competing to keep up with powerful neighboring countries to the north, east and west. My
assignment on this project was to examine transportation systems and the infrastructure of the
city along with the geography of the region and to come up with eco-friendly alternatives for
minimally intrusive improvements on its roads, railways, airports, and sea ferries as an approach
to the city of Yeosu, from Incheon and Seoul
Title: Korean Dance and Music

Student name: Marie Figueroa
The decision to go to Korea and study the art and culture was an opportunity that I was not
willing to miss out on. John Jay College offered other study abroad programs that sounded
fantastic and an experience on their own. However the chance to travel half way around the
world to Asia and be in the middle of the Korean culture was what drew me to this particular
program.
One of the fist stops in our journey through Korea was in Ansung Kuksan. Where we arrived at
the Laughing Stone Dance Company; Those who were there to greet us was founder, world
renowned dancer and chorographer Sin Cha Hung. Ms. Hung is know as Korea‘s first advent-
grade dance and had received her dance master at Colombia University.
We were greeted by a community of dancers who lived on a mountain, where we were treated to
a traditional Korean dinner by Suki Bergeron. We continued up the mountain where we all
danced an Arabic dance which meaning was to introduce oneself to the group and being
welcomed into the group. Also while we were at the laughing stone we were treated to see
different modern Korean dance styles as Ms. Hung was know for her attempt to express Korean
spiritualism through contemporary western dance techniques.
The traditional styles that Ms. Hung and the dancers of her company draw their inspirations from
traditional dances that we also had the opportunity to see at the Korean House in Seoul. We were
treated to folk dances such as Poongmul Dance Nong-ak which is a strenuous from of fold dance
where dancers rotate their heads producing long spirals with the white ribbons attached to the
crown of their hats. This is a traditional former dance and in folk dances there is often vigorous
and rhythmic to that expresses the lives and emotions of the common people. We were also able
to see new traditional dance such as Buchaechum a fan dance which was created by Kim Baek-
Bong and first present in public in 1954.
Another style of dance that we were able to see was in Seoul in a Buddhist restaurant were they
had shows of Court dances. These dances designate from Confucian ritual ceremonies, Buddhist
dance and shamanism and the influences are greatly seen in the movement of these dances. We
saw a traditional Gyobang-Mu which follows the court style. Court style dances are much more
reserved a style that is often described as chong joong dong; motion within stillness. These
dances were precise and beautiful in the slow rhythm of the drums.
The music and dance of Korea was something I had never known about until our trip across
Korea. This trip not only let us see and understand the modern culture of Korea and its capital
Seoul but took us all around South Korea where we were able to see the traditional styles of this
country and the way people outside of the city live their lives.
Title: Yeosu tower of Tomorrow

Student name: Nneka Niles
The past and present failures that have led us to the Yeosu Fair denote a lack of foresight. My
effort, because I can only speak for myself, is to help change the dynamics that have governed
our long journey and the way we demonstrate our capacities, because we are capable of more.
We all are capable of more. We are. But somewhere in the course of progress, we have failed.
We have failed to recognize the human capacity to produce wondrous and beautiful things.
We've failed to recall we are a part of something larger. A larger world, a larger universe, and an
infinity beyond our capacity to imagine. And instead of conquering that, of conquering this
world, instead of tearing ourselves away from our world, destroying it as we do, as we have for
thousands of years, we should return, in every sense of the word, what this world has and does
give to each of us. As artists, architects, designers and every creative force gathered in Korea,
history tells us, again, and again, we must inspire change.
The International Exposition Yeosu, Korea 2012, should be the voice of a generation. I believe it
is the way we live which has a profound effect on our planet, and so, this generation, the Yeosu
Exposition, must meet the challenges of change in order to preserve our world, our very
humanity and oceanic harmony, in triplicate. Our duty today, and that day in Yeosu Korea, is to
protect our future and create a history that is both as contributory and individualistic as Korea.
The iconic tower of Yeosu should reflect these virtues. The virtues of a changing world and of a
new generation. My presentation will cover the ways and methods in which some of these
changes can begin to take place via design, art, and architecture.
*
Title: Untitled
Student name: Wilson Hung
Faculty: Prof. Mary Ting
Format: Sculpture
Title: Untitled
Student name: Stephany Diaz
Class standing: Freshman
Format: Sculpture
Title: Untitled
Student name: Alexander Mendez
Format: Sculpture
Title: Untitled
Student name: Mari Sugai
Format: Sculpture
Title: Untitled
Student name: Danneris Contreras
Class Standing: Sophomore
Format: Drawing
Title: Untitled
Student name: Steve Yaipen
Format: Drawing
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Title: Extremism In and Out of Prison: A Case Study Approach
Student name: Celinet Duran
Faculty: Joshua D. Freilich
Department: Criminal Justice
Format: Poster
Radicalization has been presented as a growing concern among investigators, especially with
regards to extremism. This project compares and contrasts domestic extremist groups, such as
white supremacist and Jihadist groups that (1) operate primarily in prison to (2) organizations
that operate both inside and outside of prison. A total of four case studies will be conducted as
one successful and one unsuccessful group will be selected from each of the three categories.
The study will examine the ideology, motivations, goals, structure, mobilization, recruitment,
and activities of these groups to uncover similarities and differences. The project will isolate key
factors that distinguish ―unsuccessful‖ groups from ―successful‖ organizations. Building upon
the ECDB/MAROB collaboration, ―successful groups‖ will be operationalized as organizations
that lasted for longer than three years, conducted numerous activities (both legal and illegal),
attracted a large membership and represented a threat to public security. ―Unsuccessful groups‖
will be operationalized as organizations that lasted less than two years, conducted few activities,
failed to attract large numbers of members and did not succeed in significantly harming public
safety. I will use MAROB and ECDB data to generate a listing of extremist groups in the United
States. I will draft a listing and timeline of these factors to make systematic comparisons across
the organizations. Later on, I would hope to use this information for a cross comparison of
radicalized prisoners between international borders, such as Europe for example.
ENGLISH
Title: Untitled
Student name: Emilio A. Herce
Faculty: Adam Berlin
Department: English
Format: Short Fiction Reading
My fiction is usually a study of what it means to be male in the modern world, as well as the
effects of solitude, loss, and gender roles on these young men. Some of it I draw from personal
experience, though I‘ve shied away from that recently, since it‘s too easy to write about. The one
I plan to read is a humorous, though darkly humorous, short story about what it takes to be
creative when one is saturated and sidetracked by so many stimuli.
*
Title: Highway Prayers
Student name: Stacey-Ann McAllister
Faculty: Adam Berlin
Department: English
Format: Poetry Reading
Title: Army of Roses: Female Suicide Bombers

Student name: Darakshan Raja
Class standing: BA/MA
Faculty: Toy-Fung Tung
Department: English
Format: Poster/PowerPoint
Women have been involved in terrorist organizations from Colombia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Turkey, Iran, Norway, to the United States (Cunningham, 2003). However there is an increase in
employing females in the deadliest missions undertaken by terrorist organizations. In no other
form of violence is there a higher proportion of female participation than as perpetrators of
suicide bombings (Collins, 2008). Conservative estimates of the casualties from 49 suicide
bombers is approximately 600 dead and 800 wounded (Ness, 2008). However these statistics do
not present the casualties beyond 2003. Since 2003, there has been an increase in female suicide
bombers. Therefore the presentation will briefly present the recent trends in the deployment of
female suicide bombers. The presentation will briefly look at the link between psychopathy and
female suicide bombers. Particular case-studies will focus on the Palestinian and Iraqi female
suicide bombers. Material from interviews from failed female suicide bombers will be presented
to shed light on the motivations. The conclusion of the presentation will highlight the importance
of recognizing the evolution of women from support roles to main-stream suicide bombers.
Furthermore the presentation will explore policy recommendations such as the use of female
police officers.
Title: Colonialism for Natives: A Day to Day Guide to Surviving Your Colonial Overlords
Student name: Lee Koch
Faculty: Toy-Fung Tung
Department: English
Format: Poster/Multimedia
I researched colonialism, and I wrote a paper in the form of a survival manual mocking the
various heinous acts of colonialism. The manual is called "A Day to Day Guide to Surviving
Your Colonial Overlords." I will create a poster presentation 32‖ by 22‖ showcasing various
works on colonialism. I will make copies of my manual to give out or "sell" to the crowd. All
sales will go to benefit Haiti or some other institution affected by colonialism (Nigeria,
Dominican Republic, etc). My research and subsequent manual is based on research and
literature by Aimé Césaire, Mahmood Mamdani, Chinua Achibe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,
Shakespeare, and others, and it illustrates colonialism‘s impact on the world and literature.
Depending on cost, I will print some ironic t-shirts on colonialism in modern times, maybe
showcasing political statements about Afghanistan or Iraq. Rather than just answering questions
in a plain or academic manner, I believe I can act as a used car salesman and ‗sell Colonialism‘
to the spectators. To add to this, I can make buttons that say ―Colonialism NOW!!!‖ or
―Colonies on the Moon,‖ or ―Give Colonialism a Chance.‖ I can show the ‗failed-state index‘
and give reasons as to why American support is needed in failing countries. This idea shows that
colonialism is not dead; it has just had a face lift of the economic variety. The main goal is to
offend the sensibilities without being completely offensive by using humor to realize the
absurdity of colonialism.
Title: Guinea‘s Rebirth

Student name: Kadiatou Sylla
Faculty: Prof. Melinda Powers
Department: English Department
Format: Performance
For celebrating Students‘ Research Week, I will be discussing my play Guinea‘s Rebirth, which
recently had a staged reading at La Mama Theater Company, a world famous experimental
theater company in New York. Guinea‘s Rebirth began as a project in Professor Melinda
Powers‘ Classical Literature Class. Professor Powers assigned to my group a reading of
Aristophanes‘ Frogs and asked my group to interpret the play in relation to contemporary human
conditions. Thus, Guinea‘s Rebirth is a reinterpretation of Aristophanes‘ Frogs and discusses an
unprecedented turmoil in Guinea in all its aspects. For example, unarmed civilians, despite
being massacred by Guinea‘s security forces, are marching down the streets challenging
Guinea‘s government to be accountable and responsible. They‘re asking for a democratic
government not only in theory, but also in practice. One Hundred and fifty-seven people have
been massacred by Guinea‘s security forces. The Young scholar Dika, with the help of Guinea‘s
ancestors, crosses the river separating the dead and the living searching for the renowned
Guinean writer Camara Laye. Dika wants to bring Camara Laye back to life in modern Guinea to
help solve the problems the country faces. After briefly outlining the story, I will read a scene at
Celebrating Students‘ Research Week and will discuss some of the ways I‘ll be revising the play
based on the feedback I received at La Mama reading and the play writing groups I‘ve been
attending.
HISTORY
Title: Plotting Hitler‘s Death: The German Resistance
Student name: Ravesa Bajo
Faculty: Prof. Jessica Diller Kovler
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
On July 20, 1944 a bomb exploded at Hitler's daily briefing. It was the last in a series of
assassination attempts against Hitler carried out by a group of military conspirators. Shortly
afterwards, using a legitimate military plan codenamed "Valkyrie," senior officers of the German
Home Army tried to seize power in an attempt to free Germany from the criminal Nazi regime.
But this assassination attempt, like all those before it, had failed. In consequence, within hours
orders were soon issued from Hitler's headquarters countermanding "Valkyrie." In some military
districts, such as France, the subordinate commanders were anti-Nazi and they followed the
"Valkyrie" orders without hesitation. The local Gestapo and SS were rounded up and detained.
But in other military districts, the news that Hitler had survived the assassination attempt was
sufficient grounds for disregarding "Valkyrie" and following the orders from Hitler's
headquarters instead. So the only uprising by Germans against the Nazi regime collapsed. In the
night of July 20, 1944, the first men associated with this German revolt against Hitler's
dictatorship were executed without trial. The first man to fall to the vicious Nazi retribution was
the man who had from early 1942 onwards developed and nurtured the coup d'etat plans, Plan
"Valkyrie": General Friedrich Olbricht. Thousands of other conspirators and their sympathizers
followed and were liquidated in a bloody retribution. Who were the men behind the conspiracy?
Was it really just a "tiny clique of criminally stupid officers" as Hitler claimed? And was Claus
Graf Stauffenberg - the only person named by Hitler - really the driving force behind it?
Title: The i-Cult: The Cult of the Apple Macintosh

Student name: Jazmin Johnson
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
Since when have computer systems had blogs devoted to them, fans on Facebook and people all
over the world asking the question, ―Are you a Mac or a PC?‖ From its development and
introduction in the early 1980s to the invention of apps and iPads, we have all grown to know,
love and appreciate the Macintosh Empire for its many technological contributions. It has
acquired both leaders and followers and therefore, has resulted in its own revolution. This revolt
has, in result, led to the cult of Mac. Devoted disciples have arisen, drawn in by the allure of the
instant community and acceptance. Dependency on all things Apple, has led Mac users to
anxiously await the new iProduct and even pay homage by making pilgrimages to the annual
MacWorld Expo. Does the world really need an iCult?
Title: From Albania to New York: My Experience

Student name: Ledi Lumi
Class standing:
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
During the last year I have met many different faces in CUNY, from various backgrounds, but
have also meant many from my own immediate community. Many of these individuals shared
the same story as me. Although New Yorkers, in my opinion, may not know too much about
Albania, they all seem to know a least one person from there. So in this project I want to inform
the audience about Albania, first by introducing them to Albanian history during communism
and post communism, as a cause of Albanian immigration to the States; secondly, the
immigration of Albanians to New York 1980-90s. The hardships of immigration, Albanian
communities in New York and the struggles of family, schooling and identity for first and second
generation Albanian immigrants, as well as the family and friendships system within Albanian
communities.
Title: Tammany Hall: The Power of ―Silent‖ Charlie Murphy

Student name: Timothy Murphy
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
Tammany Hall, the great political machine that ruled many aspects of New York City was like
an Octopus whose tentacles could both nurture and destroy. It has been known for under-table
dealings and general corruption, most notable from the infamous Boss Tweed. But for twenty
two years another Boss gave the public a different perception of Tammany. ―Silent‖ Charlie
Murphy was the son of Irish Immigrants; he worked his way up from a dock hand to leader of
the Gas House district and eventually became the head of Tammany Hall. He changed the
machine toward a more progressive era by pushing for labor legislation and women‘s suffrage.
His power came from a willingness to compromise and accommodate, which maybe a lesson
today‘s leaders could learn from. ―Silent‖ Charlie may not have been a saint and was the product
of growing up in a Tammany run government but he was well liked by the working class,
offering a beer and soup for a nickel.
Title: The Holocaust: Keeping Memories Alive as Survivors Dwindle

Student name: Netanella Rafeal
Class standing:
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
The Holocaust, where six million Jewish people were killed among millions of others, is not one
story; it‘s millions of individual stories. Today, as survivors are passing on, our generation must
take it upon ourselves to preserve their stories so that they will not be forgotten. With all the
Holocaust deniers and many Germans trying to disassociate themselves because of guilt, to have
survivors share their stories means a lot and so for people to hear the testimonies of living people
they get a more lasting impression then to just read a book. Through this research project I will
be exploring the live testimony of a Holocaust survivor and sharing the story with the rest of the
college community. The project will be in PowerPoint format and will include the story, clips of
the video and many pictures to help viewers connect to the survivor. As Zeida, and Israeli poet
once said, ―Unto every person there is a name.‖ These survivors are more than just numbers
tattooed onto their arms, they have individual stories and it is important for the world to hear
them.
*
Title: South Asians to the Caribbean

Student name: Naithram Singh
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
This project will discuss the migration of Indians to the Caribbean. Many Guyanese of the older
generation share that they were never really educated about how their generation‘s culture in
Guyana and throughout the West Indies. Now that my parents and many other West Indian
families have migrated to New York, the culture and many other aspects have been brought as
well. It fills me with curiosity to find out why Indians were sent west to establish new life. What
was wrong with staying in their motherland, India? It amazes me how hundreds of years later, we
still practice the same religion and traditions as hour forefathers in India. Now, it has become this
large triangle with extreme knowledge to be learned. I could also ask the monk at my temple for
some insight. He is a Guyanese born but studied religion in India for many years. I could ask him
what that experience was like and what are some similarities and differences. Another primary
source I can use for my PowerPoint would be images and videos taken either in India or Guyana
that shows some type of migration or lifestyle related.
Title: Violence in Music

Student name: Nelly Vega
Faculty: Prof. Jessica Diller Vega
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
The paper will discuss Hip Hop and its contribution to society. It will discuss the birth of hip
hop, and its formation as a culture. Through this culture, violence became a norm to those who
participated in the faction. Hip Hop originated by minorities who struggled through racism and
simple became tired of it. Through music they discussed the issues of racism, discrimination,
deprivation of economic gain, and the political abuse. The culture became a tool in
understanding one another, and started an era where music up roared the streets of the Bronx in
New York. The movement started in the early 1970‘s as what Emmett G. Price would call it the
―next generation civil human rights movement‖(Hip Hop and Culture(2006 p1). However it is
argued that Hip Hop ended up influencing violence among the youth. It is important to
understand this topic because Hip Hop is the foundation of an artistic movement relying on
music to express the feelings those within the culture.
The literature will review four books and three articles which each focus on different aspects of
Hip Hop. The paper will include four main topics about hip hop; its history, culture, influence,
and violence. The paper will conclude with the author‘s opinion that Hip Hop has created a
subculture of violence among teens today.
*
Title: Island Hopping: Analyzing MacArthur in Iwo Jima
Student name: Robert Bonilla
Faculty: Prof. Jessica Diller-Kovler
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
I want to talk about the innovation of MacArthur‘s island hopping tactics. It was something that
many thought not necessary because the most popular thought was the Japan could be bombed
out of the war since air raids like the Tokyo night raids which killed 80,000 and left a million
homeless would be enough to make the Japanese lose the will to fight, however Mac Author
wanted to be on the safe side, and after rescuing American prisoners from Bataan and manila, he
used his island hopping strategy to force the Japanese back home , and to force them into a little
pocket area of the Pacific. It was in this area that the battles of midway, the Solomon islands, the
a-toll battles, Okinawa, Iwo Jima were all fought. There is debate over what the exact turning
point of the war was, I personally believe that Midway was a huge momentum and moral boost
for America, that the real turning point was the raising of the flag on MT. Sirobochi during the
battle of Iwo Jima. That image became a source of national pride, and it was the first time in
Japanese history that an original piece of their homeland was conquered by a foreign nation.
After losing the battle of Midway, and Iwo Jima many people thought that Japan would lose the
will to fight.
This is where my last topic comes into play, on the use of the island hopping tactics which
enabled the Americans to lift the flag at Iwo Jima, which upon being conquered became a major
air force hub and aided in stops for bombing raids on all Japan one would argue was this tactic
what really won it for America?
HONORS PROGRAM
Title: How Well Do Criminological Constructs of Religiosity Reflect Theological Conceptions
of Judiasm?
Student name: Michelle Hershkowitz
Faculty: Prof. Todd Clear
Format: PowerPoint
When criminal justice theorists have examined the relationship between religion and criminal
behavior, they have tended to address religion as if it were a cultural monolith. In turn, they may
have neglected to explore the possibility that different doctrinal systems yield different beliefs,
interpretations, and views of religiosity and ethical behavior. This paper investigates whether
Judaism's traditional viewpoint on religiosity is well represented by the way religious variables
have been theorized and operationalized in contemporary criminological literature.
*
Title: The Effects of Mortality Salience and Reminders of Terrorism on Perceptions of
Interrogation Techniques
Student name: Timothy Luke
Faculty: Prof. Maria Hartwig/ Prof. Todd Clear
Department: Psychology/Criminal Justice
Format: PowerPoint
Through a novel application of terror management theory, we investigated the effect of mortality
salience and reminders of terrorism on people‘s perceptions of the effectiveness and acceptability
of interrogation techniques. A dimensional structure by which people perceive interrogation
techniques was identified. Mortality salience was found to induce higher levels of acceptance of
violent and demeaning techniques, F (2,102) = 3.105, p < .05, but no other significant effects
were found. In line with terror management theory, the effect of mortality salience on only the
perceived acceptability of violent interrogation techniques suggests that people may be
motivated to use punitive techniques against those who threaten the cultural worldview,
regardless of the perceived effectiveness of these techniques.
Title: Characteristics of Bank Robbers and Bank Robbery

Student name: Megan Maiello
Format: PowerPoint
According to the FBI, there were 6,849 bank robberies in the U.S. in 2008. The average bank
robber is often portrayed as assaulting bank tellers and bystanders, guns blazing. However, over
70% of bank robberies are non-violent. This study examines the planning and preparation of
bank robbery and the methods bank robbers use in order to commit their crime.
Title: The Effects of Colonialism on Religion and the Economy: The Case of Rwanda
Student name: Sara Moharrem
Faculty: Prof. Erica Burleigh/Prof. Todd Clear
Department: English/Criminal Justice
Format: PowerPoint
During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, Hutu militia killed almost one million Tutsis in about
100 days. What led to the division between these groups who lived together for centuries and
shared the same culture and religion? The Rwandan genocide was not the result of political
tensions. Rather, division in Rwanda arose as a result of European colonization and Europeans‘
misinterpretation of the Bible. These externally-imposed ethnic and social divisions, which were
further fueled by church leaders and church practices, in addition to Rwanda‘s post-colonial
economic instability, were main causes of the genocide.
*
Title: Examining Negative Attributional Biases toward Male Victims of Sexual Assault
Student name: Neethu Suresh
Format: PowerPoint
A considerable number of males experience sexual assault by male and female perpetrators.
However, little research focuses on male victims of sexual assault, or the potential blame
attributed to male victims. This study reviews the existing literature examining the effect of
victim sexual orientation and perpetrator gender on blame attributed to male victims of sexual
assault. Additionally, the potential sexual attraction hypothesis, which posits that victims will be
attributed more blame if their sexual orientation suggests potential attraction to the perpetrator, is
reviewed as a possible explanation for blame attributions towards male sexual assault victims.
Title: Post Mortem Interval Determination in Humans Using the Developmental Stages of the
Green Bottle Fly (Phaenicia sericata) and the Black Blow Fly (Phormia regina)
Student name: Lauren Weidner
Format: PowerPoint
Insects, especially blowflies, have become more widely used in the field of forensic science to
determine the post mortem interval. This research contains 24 series of maggots reared in a
controlled environment, with daily recording and photography of their growth and development.
The findings show that different species of maggots emerge at different times in both their egg
and pupae stages. Although maggot growth and development are temperature dependant, the
observation of 24 series allowed for the complete blowfly life cycle to be seen and recorded.
This shows how maggot specimens aid in identifying time elapsed since death.
HUMANITIES
Title: Reopening The Scarlet Letter: Puritan Values in Contemporary American Punishment
Student name: Jessica Sachse
Faculty: Prof. Bettina Carbonell
Department: English
Format: Poster
*
Title: Post 9/11 Interrogation Methods: Are they Legal? Are they Moral?
Student name: Danielle Broccolo
Faculty: Prof. Bettina Carbonell
Department: English
Format: Poster
*
Title: A Look into Mutilation and Tattooing through the Chinese Dynasties
Student name: Craig Caffrey
Faculty: Prof. Toy-Fung Tung
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: From Past to Present: Divorce Laws in China

Student name: Cathleen Delva
Faculty: Prof. Toy-Fung Tung
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Child Mortality in Edwardian England and Barrie‘s Peter Pan

Student name: Jirandy Martinez
Faculty: Prof. Allison Kavey
Department: History
Format: Poster
Title: The Islamic Revolution of 1979 and its Negative Impact on Iranian Women: An Analysis
of the Revolution, its Justification, and Consequences
Student name: Nabeela Basheer
Faculty: Prof. Erica Burleigh
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Fictionalization as a Process of Liberation and Intervention: The Rafael Leónidas Trujillo
Regime
Student name: Suleyka Canelo
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Dominican Masculinity: A ‗Gender Battlefield‘ in Junot Diaz‘s Drown

Student Name: Janice Castro
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Ceausescu‘s Trial: Between Reality and Television

Student Name: Valentin Gradinaru
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Let Me Be My Brother‘s Keeper

Student Name: Tanya Harrigan
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Gender Disobedience in Shakespeare

Student Name: Katherine Higuera-McCoy
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: The Effects of Colonialism on Religion and the Economy: The Case of Rwanda
Student Name: Sara Moharrem
Department: English
Format: Poster
*
Title: The Psychoactive Drug Industry for Children: Ethics and Benefits of Promoters
Student Name: Alexandra Nicu
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Genocide and Heart of Darkness

Student Name: Candice Persad
Faculty: Prof. Allison Pease
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Barbary Dolls

Student Name: Stephen Bruno
Faculty: Prof. John Staines
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Who are You Going to Call?

Student Name: Tynisha Robinson
Faculty: Prof. John Staines
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Otherness and the English: The Superior Subject, the Abject Other
Student Name: Berta Sandu
Faculty: Prof. Godfrey Elder
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: The Camera‘s Eye in the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth I

Student Name: Alexsandra Santiago
Faculty: Prof. Godfrey Elder
Department: English
Format: Poster & Film Clip
Title: Triumph Over Oppression in Maya Angelou‘s ‗Still I Rise‘

Student Name: Jamie Bridgewater
Faculty: Prof. Jean Mills
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: A Critical Analysis of ‗Spring and All‘

Student Name: Derek Pappas
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: A Broken World: Anti-Militarism in Virginia Woolf‘s Mrs. Dalloway

Student Name: Erica Hahn
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: An Analysis of Same-Sex Desire through Memory in Virginia Woolf‘s Mrs. Dalloway
Student Name: Rachel Ramirez
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: TBD
Student Name: Jesse Lewis
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Stirring the Pot: The controversy over marijuana legalization

Student Name: Rachel Ramirez
Faculty: Prof. Prof. Devin Harner
Department: English
Format: News Article
Title: Children‘s Theater Finds Permanent Home Near John Jay: Celebrities help The 52nd Street
Project celebrate its opening, 30 years after it was founded
Student Name: Eric Jankiewicz
Faculty: Prof. Prof. Devin Harner
Department: English
Title: Professor Jailed For Activism

Student Name: Amanda Aponte
Faculty: Prof. Devin Harner
Department: English
Title: Homeless Families Struggle

Student Name: Masoud House
Faculty: Prof. Devin Harner
Department: English
Format: Poster
Title: Hamlet and Revenge

Student name:
Class standing:
Faculty: Prof. Margaret Tabb
Department: English
Format: Video Performance
INTERDISIPLINARY STUDIES PROGRAM

Title: The Man Behind a Desk- Assemblyman Jose Peralta
Student name: Jarlene Jacome
Faculty: Prof. Susannah Crowder, Prof. Lyell Davies
Department: Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication & Theatre
Format: PowerPoint
In my film class the project was to engage in film techniques, editing, and be creative. The
project I had worked on took in total seven months to accomplish because I had to reschedule
and follow the Assemblyman in events. The editing part of the video took two months to really
edit and advance in the vision of modern and classic film techniques. I had met interesting
people and my assignment for the class was to create a film piece; I had chosen to make a
documentary film that focused on the work of an Assemblyman reaching out to the community.
Many people do not realize the type of work and Assemblyman does for their community and the
constant struggles in politics. I am proud to announce that after allowing the film to progress so
was the status of the Assemblyman in an upcoming special election. Assemblyman Jose Peralta
became Senator and Professor Crowder had encouraged me to push on in the campaign. It is a
great experience and I have learned to capture my experience through film. I wanted to educate
not only people but politics itself that life is not all about glamour.
Title: The Psychology of Guilt and Criminal Behavior

Student name: Elizabeth Morgan
Faculty: Prof. Susannah Crowder, Prof. Valerie Allen
Department: History/Interdisciplinary Studies, History/Interdisciplinary Studies
Format: PowerPoint
The purpose of this paper is to determine how guilt is related to criminal behavior. Some
criminals commit unlawful acts and show no remorse for their behaviors while others cannot
wait for an opportunity to confess to the acts they have committed. It can be assumed that the
person who confesses feels a sense of responsibility and guilt for their behavior and cannot keep
it secret anymore; and it is possible that those who show no remorse for their behaviors, feel that
their acts were somehow justified. If we were able to convince a criminal who found justification
their acts that their behavior was in all actuality, wrong; would he or she feel a sense of guilt?
Sigmund Freud explained that the Id, Ego, and Superego are the parts of our minds that make up
our personalities. The Id controls the part of our minds that seek pleasure while the ego controls
the part of our minds that attempts to benefit us in realistic ways. Sigmund and Anna Freud
explain in their writings how the Id, Ego, and Superego are connected to our feelings of guilt;
they also explain that we have certain defense mechanisms that help us overcome these feelings.
I will examine this theory in order to help my reader understand the causes of guilt and the
reasons why guilt, or the lack of guilt, plays a role in determining whether a person will engage
in unlawful behavior.
Title: Sudan Goes Nuclear: Energy Policy and International Treaties

Student name: Jessica Rivera
Format: PowerPoint
The topic I want to research is the role of nuclear energy in Sudan. In researching this topic the
two important questions I look to answer are: a) Why Nuclear Energy? And b) how does Sudan‘s
adoption of nuclear energy affect the relationships between Sudan and the rest of the world? The
reason I chose to research this topic is because I strongly believe that Sudan‘s energy needs are
far more important than, general global perception. The two treaties Sudan partakes in that
permit them to develop nuclear infrastructures are the Pelindaba and the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation treaties. The Pelindaba treaty‘s goal is to one day achieve an African Continent free
of all nuclear material. On April 11th, 1996, Sudan signed to become a member of the Treaty.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) does however; recognize the use of nuclear power
but aims to ensure that it is used strictly for environment-friendly purposes. Sudan is also a
signatory to this Treaty from December 24th, 1968. Sudan is now starting to develop nuclear
infrastructures, which is causing nations to feel apprehensive about their new energy policy.
The sources I will use to support my position are maps of the African Continent that illustrate
different energy sources used and U.N database articles that explain why Sudan chose to go
nuclear rather than, using alternative energy sources in this region. I will also use books from the
Harlem public library due to the fact that they have books specifically on the Pelindaba and the
Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaties. Having reliable sources that explain the Pelindaba and
Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaties will help my audience understand the reason why Sudan was
approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to implement nuclear
infrastructures. Lastly, I will also use news articles from the Sudan Tribune to help my readers
understand Sudan‘s energy policy on going nuclear, their reasoning in supporting this new
energy source, and how they look to assure the world that the use of their nuclear infrastructures
are strictly for environmental, research and peaceful purposes.
The reason I chose this topic is because I strongly believe it is important for students,
governments, and mainly citizens around the world understand this situation and know; Why the
Sudanese President and government officials feel that it is necessary to have Nuclear Energy in
Sudan. Also, I wish for my audience to understand how the Sudanese government and the IAEA
will look to assure nations around the world that the development of the nuclear infrastructures is
solely for energy, research and peaceful means. Finally I wish for my audience to understand,
how the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will work side by side with the Sudanese
government to assure all nations that these nuclear infrastructures will in no way, be used to
create nuclear arms. By answering these very important questions in the course of, analyzing
articles and the Pelindaba and Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaties; I look to show my audience
Sudan‘s true position on Nuclear Energy that may have not been so clear through media and or
perhaps by Sudanese government officials themselves.
Title: Looking for Mercy in the Modern American Judicial System

Student name: Karen Grant
Format: PowerPoint
The focus of the proposed study is to see whether or not Mercy, as a sub tenet of the Catholic
Virtues, plays a role in modern day Criminal Justice and how it influences decisions made in
every day facets of this field. The focus of the study will be limited to interactions in the court
room with criminals, judges, and jurors. If possible some attention will also be devoted to our
politicians and their sense of reform. In order to achieve this, I have analyzed a series of essays,
case studies, and books on the subject. Mercy is a theme that occurs in reference to criminals
often. The idea that it should be given or taken away is a dilemma that often presents itself in
many court cases. It is an aim to answer such questions as: How do current ethics rely on the idea
of mercy for their structure? How has mercy been regarded by the judicial system, criminals, and
politicians? Is mercy still a feasible virtue to rely on in reference to lawbreakers, those, in
particular, who do more damaging crimes? One significant outcome of the study is that a better
understanding of our legal system and its views concerning mercy will display itself. Also it will
be interesting to discern whether or not America which was built on this value has abandoned it.
*
Title: A Virtual Tour of Brooklyn‘s Historic Neighborhoods
Student name:
Class standing:
Faculty: Prof. Amy Green/ Prof. Richard Haw
Department:
Format: Various
Students in the ISP course, Brooklyn of the Imagination (Professors Amy Green and Richard
Haw), focused on the borough‘s diverse neighborhoods and communities through drama, film,
fiction, essays, and field trips to officially designated Historic Districts. Traveling in pairs,
students visited areas throughout Brooklyn and created visual as well as written reports on what
they found there. This exhibit will provide a virtual tour of Brooklyn‘s historic districts through
posters, PowerPoint slide shows, photo collages, and short documentaries.
Title: TBD
Student name: Francine Gallimore, Natallia Echavarria, Richard Hundertmark, Sarah Brady,
Anna Drozd, Clifton Moy, Edvard Bogouslavsky, Maricela Cano
Class standing: Freshman, Freshman, Freshman, Freshman, Freshman, Freshman, Freshman,
Freshman
Faculty: Prof. Andrea Balis
Department: History
Format: PowerPoint
LATIN AMERICAN & LATINA/O STUDIES
LAW & POLICE SCIENCE
Title: How Police-on-Police Shootings Correlate with the Shooting of Innocent Civilians
Student name: Annmarie Singh
Class standing: Masters
Faculty: Prof. Delores Jones-Brown
Department: Law, Police Science &CJA
Format: PowerPoint
On June 25, 2009, New York‘s Governor Patterson announced the establishment of the Police-
on-Police Shooting Task Force. The task force was created to evaluate law enforcement
members through a multidimensional lens, encompassing training factors, policy implementation
and social issues affecting police-on-police shootings. Since police officers enforce the law in
varied and sometimes challenging settings, perhaps it is inevitable that, in certain locations,
police responses become infected by prescribed fears or stereotypes. The current research was
undertaken to determine if police agencies that have experienced police-on-police shootings also
experience similar shootings with innocent civilians of the same race as police victims. Archival
research was conducted to determine the extent to which the risk of ―mistaken identity‖ or
―questionable‖ shootings may be shared by police and innocent civilians in some locations,
particularly when both types of victims are members of racial or ethnic minority groups. This
presentation reports the findings for each agency that experienced a police-on-police shooting
since 1994, when based on national data, considerably more minority officers began to be the
victims of ―friendly fire.‖ It also reports the efforts police agencies have made to reduce the
likelihood of such deaths.
Title: Racial Impact Statements

Student name: Dionne Aubourg
Department: Law, Police Science & CJA
Format: Poster
A study conducted by the Sentencing Project on racial disparities in prison sentences, found that
Blacks in the United States are imprisoned at a rate of 5.6 times that of Whites; for Hispanics, the
rate is 1.8. While African American youth make up only 37% of detained juveniles, they make
up 58% of youth committed to adult state prisons. After many years of advocacy around the
issue of racial disparities in the criminal justice system, the first racial impact statement
legislation was passed in 2008. Racial impact statements (RIS) are used as a tool to allow
lawmakers the opportunity to examine the potential impact of proposed legislation on people of
color before the legislation is enacted. RIS legislation is intended to minimize racial disparities
within the justice system and broader social context. The current research explores how RIS
legislation gained support, where the legislation has been adopted, the language used in such
legislation, and how the legislation is being applied.
Title: Stop, Question and Frisk Policing Practices in New York City: Inside the Numbers
Student name: Jaspreet Gill
Format: PowerPoint
Every day in New York City police officers stop, question, and sometimes frisk people as part of
their routine patrol duties. The number of these stops, as documented by the New York City
Police Department, tripled between 2003 and 2009, increasing from 160,851 to over 500,000.
These stops have become the center of considerable attention and controversy in the City. The
current research aims to illuminate how stop, question and frisk practices operate at street level
and the role of quantitative analysis in unveiling important information about: the reasons for
stops, the use of force during stops, the recovery of contraband and weapons, stop results in
terms of arrests and summonses and racial disparities among people stopped. In addition to
presenting substantive findings, this presentation seeks to elucidate the quantitative analysis
utilized in creating the Stop, Question and Frisk Primer. It will track the trajectory of the
research, addressing key issues such as: obtaining data, inputting and formatting data, using
statistical software to analyze the data, and presenting the data in an informative, aesthetically
appealing and comprehensible way.
Title: Are Hip Hop Artists Being Targeted by the Criminal Justice System?
Student name: Jonida Comashi
Format: Poster
Rap music, a component of hip hop culture, was born in post-industrial inner cities of the United
States. Since its emergence in the early eighties, and particularly following the emergence of a
version referred to as ―gangsta‖ rap, researchers have questioned rap music‘s potential
correlation to violence, especially among African American youth. Rap music has been
described as urban youths‘ art form for expressing their protest against the deteriorating
socioeconomic conditions in their communities. To many, the lyrics seem harsh, and yet they
relay cogent messages about the realities of everyday life in urban neighborhoods populated by
racial and ethnic minorities. Often the realities include experiences of racism and social
isolation, narcotics activity, poverty, stereotyped racial roles and police contact. In the current
study, archival research was used to begin an exploration of the prevalence of the association
between criminal justice processing and rap artists. To date, the research has unrevealed
information about fifty-five artists who have been convicted in thirteen states for offenses
ranging from homicide to drug possession, since the early 1990‘s. The data presented here
include the artists‘ given names and show names; the date, location and circumstances of their
arrest(s) and conviction(s); their official charge(s), the current status of their charges and their
sentences where applicable. Descriptive statistics are used to compare this sample of rap artists
to similarly situated males in the general population.
Title: New Media and the ―CriminalBlackman‖: The Shift in Racial Victimology in Police-on-
Police Shootings
Student name: Nicole N. Hanson
Class standing: Doctoral
Format: PowerPoint
In one of its more intriguing findings, the New York State Police-on-Police Shootings Task
Force recently discovered that between 1981 and 1994, the majority of police officers in the
United States that were shot by fellow officers were white. Since 1994, however, victims of
police-on-police shootings have been predominantly, minority—African American or Latino.
This raises the question: Why did the racial victimology shift so severely in the mid-1990s?
This presentation constructs a theoretical model to explain this racial shift. It draws on the
―criminalblackman‖ stereotype, long a staple of American perspectives on crime, and discusses
how that stereotype was amplified by: 1) record high crime rates and fear of crime in America in
the early 1990s; 2) the ―super-predator‖ theory made popular in the mid-1990s; and, 3) the
aftershocks of the crack epidemic and subsequent ―War on Drugs;‖ and how these worked to
solidify racialized perceptions of dangerousness in inner city communities. This amplified
racialized stereotype came to fruition just in time for the explosion of what is commonly referred
to as ―new media‖—the expansion of the Internet, both in substance and use, and the growth in
popularity of cable news and the 24-hour news cycle. It is hypothesized that these enduring
changes to American culture may have played a role in how police see criminals – and why a
Black man with a gun suddenly became a more compelling target.
MCNAIR PROGRAM
Title: The Role of Community in Addressing the Cultural Legitimization of Domestic Violence among
Indo-Caribbean Immigrant Women
Student name: Aneesa Baboolal
Faculty: Dr. Carmen Solis
Department: SEEK
Format: Poster
This study explores how the predominantly Indo-Caribbean (South Asian Diaspora) community
of Richmond Hill, Queens, addresses cultural legitimization of violence against women. Theories
of culture, identity and criminology will be used to examine what community members perceive
as the cultural attitudes of Indo-Caribbean women in Richmond Hill, Queens. Formal and
informal acceptance of domestic violence within the community will be assessed; community
perception of attitudes of Indo-Caribbean women and cultural acceptance of domestic violence
within the family will also be examined. Interviews will be conducted with female community
residents who self identify as Indo-Caribbean (Trinidadian or Guyanese of Indian origin).
Recommendations for improving acknowledgment of the issue within the Indo-Caribbean
community will be provided.
*
Title: Defensive Style and Decision Making in Substance Abusers with Co-Occuring Trauma
Symptons
Student name: Jessica Armstrong
Faculty: Prof. William Gottdiener
Department: Psychology
Format: Poster
This study will examine the use of defense mechanisms and the processes of decision making in
100 inpatient substance abusers with and without co-occurring trauma symptoms. The substance
abusers will be inpatients at a rehabilitation treatment facility located within a hospital in New
York. Defense style, processes of decision making, and trauma symptoms will be assessed using
a self-report questionnaire methodology.
Data will be assessed using quantitative analyses. This study may offer further support for the
Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance Use Disorders.
Title: Community Attitudes and Perceptions toward Sex Offenders

Student name: Susann Cortes
Faculty: Prof. Elizabeth Jeglic
Format: Poster
Sex offenders evoke strong sentiments from the community who influence the development of
public policy and legislation. However, attitudes toward sex offenders differ depending upon the
characteristics of the victim and the type of sexual offense. In an effort to better understand this
phenomenon; this study will examine public attitudes and perceptions toward sex offenders.
Undergraduate students will complete an online survey assessing attitudes toward sex offender
sentencing and treatment and how a history of sexual victimization can influence those attitudes.
These results will be discussed as they pertain to sex offender legislation and supervision.
Title: Transnational Motherhood: An Examination of the Latina Immigrant Mothers Sense of

Resiliency and Protective Factors
Student name: Denise Mieses,
Faculty: Prof. C. Jama Adams
Department: African American Studies
Format: Poster
The purpose of this study is to identify resiliency, coping and protective factors that Latina
immigrant mothers experience during a separation from their child(ren) when the mother decides
to immigrate to the United States. The aim is to examine how the conceptual framework of
motherhood has been modified to accommodate living and working apart from their children.
An examination of protective factors that contribute to the resiliency that has helped these
women cope with the distance between themselves and their child(ren) will also be examined.
The cases of Latina immigrant mothers in New York will be utilized to explore historical events
and the diverse economic and familial circumstances that have given rise to a reorganization of
productive and reproductive tasks both at the local and the global level.
Title: An Examination of the Impact of Delayed Gratification on Smokers

Student name: Nelly Pimentel
Faculty: Prof. William Gottdiener
Format: Poster
The proposed project aims to determine the effects of nicotine and frustration on the capacity to
delay gratification in smokers. Sixty nicotine abusers will first smoke a cigarette and then be
randomly assigned to complete a solvable (control) or unsolvable anagram
(experimental/frustration). Then the delay discounting task (a measure of delay of gratification)
will be administered. I predict that delay of gratification capacity will be significantly reduced
in participants in the unsolvable condition. The study findings could provide important
knowledge about factors that reduce the capacity to delay gratification in smokers—a
considerable problem for them (Gottdiener, et al. 2008).
Title: Violence, Political Instability and the Trafficking of Women in Colombia

Student name: Lina Rojas
Faculty: Prof. Carmen Solis
Department: SEEK
Format: Poster
According to the Survivors‘ Rights International organization (2003), human trafficking is the
third most lucrative global enterprise behind the arms and narcotics trades. Approximately two
million women have become victims of trafficking. Colombia has been engaged in political
struggles and violence for half a century. The social, political, and economic situation in
Colombia has facilitated opportunities for human trafficking. This project seeks to analyze the
trafficking of women during the armed conflict situation in Colombia. Drawing on violence,
peace and feminist theories the study will assess the relationship between the violence in
Colombia and the trafficking of women. The document analysis will focus on archival data and
scholarly journals provided by NGOs‘ annual reports and data from international agencies
attained via internet.
Title: Democracy vs. Military Rule in Guinea: An Examination of the type of Government and
its Impact on Emigration
Student name: Kadiatou Sylla
Faculty: Prof. Zelma Henriques
Department: Law & Police Science
Format: Poster
Following the death of Sekou Toure, President from 1958-1984, the military took over Guinea
by coup and continue to rule despite the ―democratic‖ election that was conducted in 1993. The
aftermath brought confrontations between the military and the civilians which resulted in the
death, torture and jailing of many Guineans. This study will examine how this phenomenon has
impacted the emigration of Guineans. A qualitative analysis featuring focus group interviews
with Guineans who have relocated to New York will be used to test the relationship between the
1993 election in Guinea and emigration.
Title: Examining College Students‘ Perceptions on Sex Offender Policies

Student name: Ysaeric Taveras
Faculty: Prof. Zelma Henriques
Department: Law & Police Science
Format: Poster
This project addresses college students‘ (ages 18-24) perceptions and knowledge of sex offender
policies in their communities. The purpose of this research is to figure out how informed people
are about the policies created and how it can affect them. This data for this research has been
collected through surveys given to a sample of college students living in New York. It is
hypothesized that the students will be supportive of the disclosure of information on registered
sex offenders.
Title: The Impact of Drug Trafficking in West Africa on Political Stability in Liberia
Student name: Sekou Kesselly
Class standing: Graduate
Faculty: Prof. Rosemary Barberet
Department: Sociology
Format: Poster
The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of West African cross border drug
trafficking on drug use and crime in Liberia. This is important because research is needed to
examine this issue, particularly since it has the potential to undo the fragile peace in the region.
Secondary and historical sources will be used to conduct this research.
Title: Unmasking Masculinity and Wartime Rape: A study of Hegemonic Hyper Masculine
Behavior and Systematic Rape in the Former Yugoslavia
Student name: Trisha Gangadeen
Faculty: Prof. Gail Garfield
Format: Poster
While engendering masculinity may differ depending on region, religion and culture, inherent in
hegemonic masculinities is the practice of dominance and control over oneself and others
(Connell, 2005). Because gender is constantly transforming, as it is a social construct (Kimmel,
1994) and therefore subject to different conceptualizations, there is room for examining
masculinity in war situations. This research examines the role masculinity plays in a systematic
rape during war and armed conflict. Focusing on the Former Yugoslavia, where systematic rape
was uncovered to be integral to Serbian Policy (Salzman, 1998), and through an analysis of court
documents from rape cases tries at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former
Yugoslavia, I hope to uncover beliefs and attitudes inherent in hegemonic hyper masculinity and
military culture that facilitate systematic rape.
Title: Nigeria‘s Development Paradox

Student name: Victoria Oyaniran
Faculty: Prof. Rosemary Barberet
Format: Poster
My paper explores the effect of the IMF and World Bank leading policies on Nigeria, and how
these policies and the corruption of Nigerian government officials have contributed to
underdevelopment. Past and current conditions of Nigeria‘s education, health, and economic
growth, policies are explored. This study contributed to the body of existing literature on the
IMF and World Bank‘s policies in Nigeria, as well as corruption, and underdevelopment in the
areas of education, health, and economic growth. Archival sources are used to investigate the
effect of corruption and multilateral lending policies on Nigerian underdevelopment. The
findings of this paper indicate that SAP‘s austerity package in Nigeria adversely affects people‘s
living condition. SAP also weakens the authority of the state, and furthers political impasses and
economic instability. Corruption of the Nigerian government halt investments and job creation
thus engenders poverty.
PSYCHOLOGY
Title: Witness Descriptions: Is there a Cross-race Effect for Hair?
Student name: Yinglee Wong
Faculty: Jennifer Dysart
Format: Poster
Previous literature on eyewitness descriptions has affirmed that eyewitness descriptions represent
a critical role in the investigation of any crime. Descriptions are circulated among the police and
broadcast to the public to narrow the search for possible suspects. Empirical studies investigating
perpetrator descriptions primarily focuses on general features (e.g., gender, age, height, and
physical build), but there are no studies examining witness accuracy in labeling and describing
hair and hairstyles. This study investigated how accurate people from different racial groups
(White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian) are when asked to label, describe, and recognize hair and
hairstyles from different racial groups. Participants (N=104) viewed 50 photos of common
White, Black, and Hispanic hairstyles and provided a label and description for each. Results
showed significant differences in accuracy of labeling between groups. Black and Hispanic
participants were more accurate at labeling and describing Caesar hairstyles from their own
group. Most participants labeled cornrows and dreadlocks accurately. White, Black, Hispanic,
and Asian participants were less accurate at labeling Caesar, shaggy/layered, faux hawk and buzz
cut hairstyles worn by White individuals. Distinct hairstyles such as long dreadlocks with gold
ends were accurately recognized. However, hairstyles with minor differences such as a change in
cornrow styles were incorrectly identified as previously viewed hairstyles by all racial groups.
Implications for eyewitness accuracy and police procedures are discussed.
Title: Empathy Levels for Victims of Hate Crimes Versus Non-hate Crimes: The Effects of
Victim, Participant, and Hate Crime Characteristics
Student name: Katie Griffin
Faculty: Professor Kevin Nadal
Format: Poster
.
Research has begun exploring the various aspects of hate crime including the impact on its
victims, the subsequent hate crime legislation and victim/perpetrator blame (e.g., McDevitt,
Balboni, Garcia & Gu, 2001; Cogan, 2002; Marcus-Newhall, Blake & Baumann, 2002).
Previous research has suggested that hate crime victimization specifically produces more
damaging psychological effects than that of non-hate crimes (e.g. McDevitt et al., 2001).
Furthermore, research has found prejudicial and/or racial attitudes, protected groups, and
political ideology to be influencing factors on individuals‘ attitudes toward hate crime legislation
(e.g., Quist & Wiegand, 2002; Johnson & Byers, 2003). Finally, research has demonstrated that
individuals are, on average, likely to attribute more blame to the perpetrator and less to the
victim of a hate crime than to that of a non-hate crime (e.g., Rayburn, Mendoza & Davison,
2003; Saucier, Brown, Mitchell & Cawman, 2006). However, there is a lack of research
assessing the differences in empathy levels individuals report for victims of hate crimes and non-
hate crimes.
The purpose of this study, therefore, was to expand on the knowledge relating to hate crime, as
well as attitudes toward this type of crime and its associated legislation by examining the role of
empathy. It was hypothesized that individuals will report higher levels of empathy toward
victims of hate crimes than toward victims of non-hate crimes and that those with such a pattern
will be most supportive of hate crime legislation. Case vignettes and questionnaires were
utilized to assess participants' empathy levels and levels of support of legislation. Results
suggested that the type of hate crime and religion each played a role in the extent to which
individuals empathized with hate crime victims. Furthermore, gender and type of crime had an
interaction effect on empathy as did gender and religion. Limitations and suggestions for future
research were discussed.
*
Title: Restorative Justice in Jamaica: Current Attitudes and the Way Forward
Student name: Chenelle Taylor
Faculty: Professor Mark Fondacaro
Format: Poster
Principles of restorative justice involve central themes of accountability among all stakeholders,
rehabilitation for offenders and providing a medium for victims to express their concerns.
Research suggests that the inability of current justice methods (retribution) to deter offenders, the
neglect of victims‘ rights and the need for offenders to be held accountable, provide a compelling
argument for what restorative justice seeks to achieve (Umbreit, 1998). The prevalence of crime
in Jamaica can be considered a result of these deficits in the retributive system. Studies show that
although people are primarily concerned with punishing the offender, they also opt for victim
and community restoration (Gromet & Darley, 2009; Umbreit, 1998; Zehr, 2002). Furthermore,
researchers contend that the question ―what do citizens believe will best achieve justice?‖ must
be answered in the attempt to achieve social justice integrity (Roberts and Stalans as cited in
Gromet and Darley, 2006). Findings suggest that restorative justice can be applied to serious
crimes, and both offenders and victims report satisfaction with these procedures (Daly, 2006;
Strang et al, 2006; Umbreit, 1998). Additionally, studies have indicated a relationship between
religiosity and the principles of restorative justice that appeals to the moral sensibilities of the
society (Hadley, 2001). In light of these findings and recent efforts by the Ministry of Justice
(Jamaica) in conjunction with the Canadian International Development Agency (Parker, 2002),
practical considerations are needed in order to make restorative justice useful in the general
justice system of Jamaica. The current study seeks to examine attitudes towards restorative
justice among a sample of Jamaicans from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the
religious based Northern Caribbean University (NCU). A cross-sectional design will be used to
assess attitudes towards restorative justice in comparison to retributive procedures.
Title: First Impressions of a Psychopath

Student name: Xem Bui
Faculty: Diana Falkenbach
Format: Poster
Psychopathy is a personality disorder marked by callousness, superficial charm, untruthfulness,

and a lack of remorse (Cleckly, 1941). The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare,
1991) can reliably detect the construct and has an underlying two-factor structure composed of
an affective/interpersonal factor (Factor 1) and an antisocial lifestyle/behavioral factor (Factor 2)
(Harpur, Hakstian, & Hare, 1988). Detection of psychopathy is important as psychopaths
present a greater tendency toward criminal behavior and recidivism (Hart, 1998; Hare & Wong,
1998). A study by Fowler, Lilienfeld & Patrick (2009) found that lay raters who were shown
brief interview clips of at least 5 seconds could predict which inmates were psychopathic and
which inmates were characterized by Factor 1/ Factor 2 traits, possibly relying on interpersonal
behavioral cues. Certain atypical behaviors have indeed been observed in psychopaths
(Gillstrom & Hare, 1988; Lee, Klaver & Hart, 2008).
Despite lay raters‘ accurate first impressions of psychopathy, studies suggest that psychopaths
possess a superior ―theory of mind,‖ or ability to interpret others‘ thoughts and feelings
(Premack & Woodruff, 1978), which allows for successful manipulation of others (Book,
Quinsey, Langford, 2007). In addition to this advantage, those with a prior history of
victimization and low assertiveness, a correlate of victimization history (Corbin, Bernat, &
Calhoun, 2001), express certain nonverbal behaviors that may attract predators (Wheeler, Book
& Costello, 2009). This study will evaluate the effects of prior victimization and low
assertiveness on the detection of psychopathy through certain behavioral cues that are more
pronounced in psychopaths.
Title: Influence of Mass Media on the Use of Household Substances as Drugs

Student name: Leslie Borbon, Diana Hristova, Diorkiris Reynoso
Faculty: Justyna Zapolska
Format: Poster
It is well documented that mass media has an impact on our society. The media constantly
exposes us to a wide range of information on which we rely to live our daily lives. Its impact can
have a positive or negative effect on our decision-making as well as on our attitudes and
behaviors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that the mass media has on the use
of household substances as drugs (consciousness altering). Prior research demonstrated that the
internet can have an enormously positive influence on the attitudes and behaviors of adolescents,
reducing the initiation and use of common psychoactive substances: such as illicit substances,
over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals (Boyer, Shannon & Hibberd, 2005). Since the
use of household substances as drugs may be less self-evident it is possible that mass media may
actually encourage the use of household substances as drugs.
We will sample 90 respondents from the New York/ New Jersey area ranging in age from 18 and
older. We will use a questionnaire comprised of open-ended, multiple-choice, and Likert-type
questions. The study aims to assess whether the respondents‘ exposure to mass media and its
contents is correlated with increased use of household substances as drugs. We hypothesize that
the findings will confirm our hypothesis that being exposed to the mass media encourages the
use of household substances as drugs.
*
Title: The Effects of ―The Truth‖ Anti-Smoking Campaign Advertisements on Adults in New
York City
Student name: Denia Descartes, Anthony Chillemi and Antole Thelwell
Class standing: Junior, Senior, Junior
Faculty: Justyna Zapolska
Format: Poster
Tobacco growth is a multi-billion dollar industry, targeting individuals old enough to have access
to all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, hookahs and snuff. In the same way that
tobacco companies have advertised their products in an effort to encourage smoking, a new
campaign began in February 2000, called ―The Truth‖, which describes the physical damage that
smoking can cause and advises against smoking. Similar campaigns followed. Prior research
addressing the effectiveness of these campaigns has led to mixed results. A decline in youth
smoking prevalence between 1999 and 2002 (Farrelly, et al, 2005), was followed by reports that
no further reduction was noted between 2004 and 2005 (Ellis, et. al, 2007). Given the mixed
results on the effectiveness of the media campaigns it is not clear whether the campaigns, which
continue to be shown, remain a useful deterrent to smoking. This study aims to determine how
the media campaigns continue to influence the rates of smoking and continue to play a role in
individuals‘ smoking habits. In order to answer these questions we designed a survey which will
be administered to 100 individuals, both male and female, smokers and non-smokers, age 18 and
above. We anticipate that this study will show that during the past twelve months the media
campaigns still had an impact on audiences and have played a big part in educating the public
about tobacco use and health risks which may have led to a decrease in or prevention
of smoking among individuals.
Title: Gender and Ethnic Differences in Coping Styles

Student name: Gina Pagano
Faculty: Prof. Maureen Allwood
Format: Poster
Previous literature indicates that coping strategies differ for males and females as well as across
different ethnocultural groups. For example, research has indicated that males tend to endorse
problem focused coping while females tend to endorse emotion focused coping (Renk &
Creavey, 2003). Research concerning ethnocultural differences has shown that African
Americans cope most frequently through spirituality and social support such as activism, cultural
pride, and reliance on kinship ties (Davis, 2005). Mexicans have been shown to endorse high
rates of positive reframing, denial, and religion, regardless of immigration status while non-
Hispanic whites have been shown to endorse high levels of substance abuse and self-distraction
as a means of coping (Farley, Galves, Dickinson, & Perez, 2005). The present study examines
coping strategies among a diverse group of urban college students. The study examines sex and
racial differences in coping strategies. This study also examines how coping strategies may
differ based on life experiences, such as exposure to adverse events and trauma.
Title: Identifying ―Successful‖ Psychopaths from the Community

Student name: Samantha Lin
Faculty: Prof. Diana Falkenbach
Format: Poster
The recent examples of gross financial and ethical misconduct in corporate America have led to
the revelation of the wrongdoings of several high ranking executives; men whose positions
granted them unlimited power and ultimately, the ability to ruin the prosperity of innumerable
individuals. Leading psychologists in psychopathy and industrial & organizational psychology
hypothesize that people similar to these executives, who exhibit flagrant behavioral deviances in
modern corporations, may, in fact be psychopaths. Psychopathy is a personality disorder where
individuals exhibit Factor 1 interpersonal, affective deficits and/or Factor 2 impulsive, antisocial
behaviors. Deviant executives may be examples of ―successful‖ psychopaths who possess core
psychopathic traits but refrain from blatant criminality or arrest. Within the field of psychology
the primary focus of psychopathy research has been the assessment of incarcerated, criminal
samples, a population that is an obvious source of societal harm but excludes ―successful‖
psychopaths.
The current study proposes to address psychopathy within the corporate environment, targeting
non-criminal subjects whose psychopathic personalities may be inconspicuous, but detrimental
to a corporation. Previous attempts to identify non-criminal psychopaths yielded poor results.
This study aims to recruit students on the corporate path from competitive finance, business, and
law schools to examine whether or not they possess higher rates of psychopathy than a standard
university sample. The study will also assess whether or not this group has a higher Factor 1
than Factor 2 score, and look for the presence of moderator variables, such as intelligence and
socio-economic status.
Title: Race and Ethnicity in Psychopathy: An Exploratory Meta-analysis

Student name: Karla Sevilla
Faculty: Prof. Diana Falkenbach
Format: Poster
Psychopathy is a personality disorder consisting of a constellation of interpersonal, affective and

behavioral symptoms (Cleckly, 1976). In our current criminal justice system, those with
psychopathic traits present a greater risk of community aggression, criminal behavior,
recidivism, institutional infractions, and poor response to treatment (e.g., Edens, et al., 2001;
Hart & Hare,1997; Hemphill, et al.,1998; Skeem & Mulvey, 2001; Skeem, et al., 2003). Because
psychopathy plays an important role in legal decisions with mplications for sentencing,
conditional release, treatment, indefinite confinement or the death penalty, precision in the use of
this diagnosis is both a legal and ethical imperative (Edens & Petrila, 2006). However, despite
global utilization with diverse criminal justice populations, the majority of research does not
consider several factors that mediate the relationship between psychopathy and recidivism (e.g.,
age, gender, institutional setting, race, and country) (Douglas, Vincent & Edens, 2006). Often the
resolution to the complication of the reporting of race and ethnicity has been to ignore
heterogeneity within racial and ethnic minority populations through the use of overly broad
categories that may compromise generalizability (Delgado-Romero et al., 2005). Because ethnic
and racial minorities are grossly over represented in the U.S. criminal justice system (Skeem et
al., 2006), the current study is meta-analysis that examined race and ethnicity in the psychopathy
literature and determined that psychopathy articles are very broad; failing to assess important
information about both variables (e.g. country of origin, native language, generational status,
multi-ethnic background). Most importantly, the racial and ethnic composition of the
psychopathy research population differs significantly from that of the population of the
correctional system creating concerns about appropriate utilization of psychopathy measures
within legal settings.
SCIENCE
Title: DNA Adducts Formed by Activation of Mitomycin C with Thiols
Student name: Stephanie Watson
Faculty: Prof. Elise Champeil
Department: Science
Format: Poster
The alkylation of calf thymus DNA by Mitomycin C involves the analysis the DNA treated with
Mitomycin C (MC). MC is an antitumor antibiotic. It has been used in the United States since the
mid 1970's to treat breast cancer, rectal cancer and bladder tumors. One distinctive property of
MC is its ability to alkylate DNA both mono and bifunctionally to create monoadducts and cross
linking. When MC does either of the two with DNA it creates six major MC Deoxyguanosine
adducts of known structures both in vitro and vivo. Several methods have been used to create
these MC DNA adducts in the past such as borohydride or sodium dithionite which are reducing
agents. Recently a safer and more direct assay for these adducts were discovered which involves
the use of thiols. Dr. Paz (Professor of organic chemistry, University of Scurtioger de
Compostella, Spain) has developed a new way to activate MC using the thiols. Dr. Paz has
prepared samples of the DNA treated with MC under various conditions where the
concentrations and nature of the thiols varied. Each sample sent in from Spain had to be prepared
for analysis on the HPLC. To prepare the samples an enzymatic digestion was done. Using
HPLC analysis, the amount of DNA which was successfully alkylated could be measured. The
peak area percent values were calculated and each varied as follows among the nucleosides: dC
(3.44% - 6.2%), dG (0.0439% - 2.815%), dT (0.0513% -3.2525%) and dA (0.0308% -
2.0441%).The results obtained allowed for conclusions to be made about the concentrations used
for the sample preparation and for improvements for the future.
Title: Determination of trace metals in Beer using inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Student name: Nazia Mahmood
Faculty: Prof. Yi He
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Determination of trace metals in beverage samples is important in forensic toxicology analysis

since essential ―finger print‖ information can be derived for unknown identification and
individualization. Beer is a popular and largely consumed alcoholic beverage all over the world.
This study was designed to quantify eighteen common trace metals in commercially available
beers purchased in New York City. These metals are Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Beryllium
(Be), Bismith (Bi), Cesium (Cs), Cobalt (Co), Cadmium (Cd), Indium (I), Molybedenum (Mo),
Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Selenium (Se), Uranium (U), Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), Nickel
(Ni), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn). Forty beer samples were categorized into alcoholic and
nonalcoholic groups based on their alcohol content and analyzed. Beer samples were digested
with optima grade nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide prior to analyzing by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). All the elements were quantified by external
calibration method and a NIST multi-element standard (SRM 1643E) was frequently checked to
validate the analysis.
Title: Pharmaceutical Pollutants in Water Samples

Student name: Dominika Mucha
Department: Science
Format: Poster
A method was proposed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with
Ultraviolet (UV) Detectoion for the detection of eight acidic over the counter drugs. The
analysis of ibuprofen, naproxen, meclizine, acetyl salycilic acid, omeprazole, clotrimazole,
loratadine, and doxylamine succinate were all confirmed according to their literature λmax values
on the Ultraviolent (UV) instrument. Concentration samples of 1ppm dissolved in methanol
were analyzed for the above acidic drugs: ibuprofen (263 nm), naproxen (260 nm) meclizine
(232 nm), acetyl salycilic acid (295 nm) omeprazole (290 nm) clotrimazole (252 nm)
doxylamine succinate (265 nm) and loratadine (278 nm)respectively. The results obtained
demonstrated a λmax which were successfully applied to the HPLC‘s parameters for the
corresponding drugs. A liquid-liquid-liquid micro-extraction (LLLME) will be optimized for
enrichment purposes. The method will be further applied to water samples from rivers, lakes,
and sewage plants for the determination of drug contamination.
Title: Genomic Identification of Putative Sko1 Promoters and Development of Low Copy
Protein Extraction Protocol for Candida albicans
Student name: Chantel Amarillo
Faculty: Prof. Jason Rauceo
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus, which resides throughout the human body. The cell
wall is fundamental for maintaining fungal homeostasis, cell shape, and interaction with the
external environment. The broad aim is to understand the mechanism of maintaining cell wall
integrity upon anti-fungal drug treatment. We have previously identified the novel Psk1-Sko1
cell wall damage signaling pathway, which maintains dynamic cell wall structure in response to
the anti-fungal drug caspofungin. Our current objective is to determine molecular mechanisms
that underlie the Psk1-Sko1 cell wall damage signaling pathway. Two separate strategies have
been employed to explore the interactions of Psk1-Sko1 components. First, in silico analysis
was used to identify a putative Sko1 DNA – binding sequence in Sko1-target gene promoters.
Using the web resource Regulatory Sequence Analysis tools (http://rsat.ulb.ac.be/rsat/), we have
identified the binding sequence T(G/T)ACGT(A/C)A in 60.95% of Sko1 dependent genes.
Conservation of the aforementioned promoter sequence in the baker‘s yeast Saccharomyces
cerevisiae suggests a conserved Sko1-DNA binding interaction. Second, a novel protocol was
developed to extract low copy proteins from C. albicans’ cells. Previous attempts to extract low
copy proteins utilized harsh and time-consuming methods. Our strategy uses a commercially
available mild detergent (Y-PER yeast protein extraction reagent Pierce) reagent.
Immunoblotting tests show Transcription factor Sko1p was extracted in yields comparable to
other traditional protocols. Ongoing experimentation will evaluate the efficacy of the developed
protocol upon extraction of other low copy transcription factor and kinases predicted to be part
of the Psk1-Sko1 signaling pathway
Title: Mercury Emissions from Sand and Soil Surfaces in Response to Precipitation Events
Student name: Christina Hui
Faculty: Prof. Anthony Carpi
Department: Science
Format: Poster
In the past, increases in Hg emissions have been observed to occur following natural and
artificial water addition to soil surfaces. To investigate the source of those increases, individual
experiments were performed. Soil and sand samples were agitated with a Teflon rake and later
had Millipore water added in a separate experiment. The Hg sample emissions were monitored
using individual dynamic flux chambers (and Tekran Mercury Vapor Analyzer unit). Before
each experiment, samples were allowed to reach a ‗steady state‘ of mercury flux prior to being
kept in a 24hr dark period (with following light exposure). The agitation of the samples was
performed to investigate a formerly suggested hypothesis that increases in Hg emissions (result
of natural/ artificial irrigation) was due to the release of interstitial soil gas. The result was an
increase of mercury emissions from 0.684 to 14.26 ng/m2/hr for the soil sample. The irrigation of
the samples using Millipore water in the second experiment (30ml/100g sand) initially increased
Hg emissions from 0.51998 to 21.730 ng/m2/hr for the soil samples within the 24hr dark period.
This flux then decreased until light was introduced. Following this, an immediate increase in
emission readings from 12.514 to 816.66 ng/m2/hr was observed for the soil sample. It is
possible that many mechanisms including the release of interstitial soil gases contributed to the
large Hg emission increase seen as a result of the water addition. The exact sources however,
cannot be concluded from the results obtained and further experiments will be necessary.
Title: Construction of Expression Vectors for the Candida albicans Cell Wall Protein Als1p
Student name: Leonid Sukala
Faculty: Prof. Jason Rauceo
Department: Science
Format: Poster
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans can exist as a benign yeast in healthy
humans as well as a deadly pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Adherence and
colonization of C. albicans to host surfaces is the initial critical step in pathogenesis. Our broad
interest is to understand the roles of adhesion proteins in C. albicans survival and pathogenesis.
The ALS family of cell-surface glycoproteins mediate adhesion and yeast cell–cell aggregation
between C. albicans and host surfaces. Further, Als adhesins are involved in pathogenesis,
biofilm formation, and also co-aggregate with other microbial pathogens to mediate
polymicrobial infections. Our previous studies showed that that Als5p-mediated microbial
adherence and cellular aggregation on mammalian surfaces has amyloid-like properties. Here,
we seek to address whether such mechanisms are consistent in Als1p. To meet this goal, we are
creating a series of plasmid expression vectors that will produce various domains of Als1p. We
have successfully amplified the ALS11-1325 gene fragment using PCR. Several attempts to clone
ALS11-1325 into the yeast expression vector pYes2.1-His-TOPO (Invitrogen) showed that the
ALS11-1325 insert is unstable, despite the fact that ALS5 is stable in this vector. We were able to
subclone ALS11-1325 into the non-expression vector pYES- TOPO blunt (Invitrogen) to create
plasmid pSR01. We are currently, using pSR01 as a template to shuttle ALS11-1325 into the stable
expression plasmid vector pYF5 using directional –based cloning. Future studies will
functionally characterize Als1p1-431 in adhesion assays.
Title: Fingerprinting Analysis with an Automated Identification System : AFIX

Student name: Roselynn Cordero
Faculty: Prof. Gloria Proni
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Currently on the market, there are many programs used for fingerprint analysis.These programs
are branches of the IAFIS, the fingerprint database used in the FBI. It is of vital importance to
determine how reliable each system is. A PC-based system called AFIX-TrackerÂ®, a minutiae-
based fingerprint identification system developed by AFIX Technologies, is used in this research
project. The present investigation aims to understand if the AFIX Tracker, Version 5.7.3
performs better during the fingerprint matching after a manual or an automatic minutiae
extraction and to compare the results with the ones obtained with the previous version (4.0) of
the software. In particular, I am focused on searching 1000 rolled prints against a database of
pressed fingerprint; in this analysis the minutiae will be extracted manually or with the help of
the Smart Extract feature included in the software package. A biographical and a latent prints
databases which are uploaded with 1,000 fingerprints are used in this investigation. Pressed
prints will be used to imitate latent prints while rolled pressed will be used to populated the
biographical database. The results obtained from version 4.0 found that the manually extracted
minutiae provided better results than the smart extract feature.
Title: Analyzing the Role of Alpha-Synuclein and Dopamine Transport in the Toxic Effects of
Dithiocarbamate Compounds on Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells
Student name: Carlos Cuellar
Faculty: Prof. Shu-Yuan Cheng
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Studies have shown that exposure to fungicides such as dithiocarbamate compounds can
potentiate the effects of neurotoxin 1- methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on
dopaminergic neurons in mice which can eventually lead to neurodegeneration and develop
parkinsonism syndrome. Dopamine transporter (DAT) is a protein known to play a role in
MPTP‘s toxicity by transporting MPP+, the metabolite of MPTP, into dopaminergic neurons.
Alpha-synuclein, a DAT-interacting protein, can mediate the recruitment or maintenance of DAT
on the cell surface, and may be critically involved in the toxic effects of dithiocarbamate
compounds. Our preliminary data from Cheng‘s Lab demonstrate that maneb (MB) and
mancozeb (MZ), the Mn-containing dithiocarbamates, enhance MPP+-induced cell death in
Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells. However, the neurotoxic molecular mechanisms
involved in the action of these dithiocarbamate toxins are still not clear. Our hypothesis is that
MB and MZ increase the interaction of DAT and alpha-synuclein followed by increasing cell
surface DAT expression which in turn enhances MPP+ uptake and cytotoxicity. Co-
immunoprecipitation/Western blot analyses were performed to study this interaction of alpha-
synuclein and the dopamine transporter on HEK293 cells. Cells were treated with 20µM of MB
and MZ and 75µm of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) for 1 hour at 37 C/5% CO2. After treating
the cells with the fungicides, cell lysates were subjected for co-immunoprecipitation by anti-
DAT antibody. Co-immunoprecipitated proteins were separated on SDS-PAGE and then
transferred to nitrocellulose membrane for Western blot analysis. Western blot showed an
increased in the interactions of alpha-synuclein and DAT after MZ treatment.
Title: The Potential Role of Silicon Dioxide as an Oxidizing Surface in Strong Sunlight: Studies
on Mercury Behavior
Student name: Amora Mayo-Perez
Department: Science
Format: Poster
As part of an ongoing multi-year study at the Blackrock Research Forest in Cornwall, NY we

have identified an atypical response of mercury deposited to pure silicon dioxide sand surfaces in
strong sunlight. Pure laboratory sand was pre-cleaned by baking the surface to 300°C and then
placed outdoors under a transparent Teflon roof to study the dry deposition of mercury to this
surface. Typically, mercury from natural surfaces demonstrates increased emission to the
atmosphere in strong sunlight, with the response trending toward deposition after sunset (Carpi
& Lindberg, 1998). Over a thirty-day period during March and April 2007, our sand surface
displayed ten days of irregular flux patterns. The study shows consistent negative fluxes until
mid afternoon and positive fluxes from approximately sundown until midnight. The process is
not fully understood. Negative fluxes are attributed to greater mercury concentrations in the
environment compared to the surface of the sand. Positive fluxes are representative of mercury
emissions from the surface of the sand compared to the surrounding mercury concentrations.
The irregular flux patterns occur on ten separate days with corresponding trends at the same
times-of-day. Data from The International Research Institute of Climate and Society, which
monitors atmospheric trends in the Blackrock Forest, is being used to determine the association
between barometric pressure, precipitation, temperature fluctuations, sunlight, and
uncharacteristic mercury fluxes.
*
Title: The Characterization of the Various Forms of Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP)
Student name: Katherine Reynoso
Faculty: Prof. Diana Friedland
Department: Science
Format: Poster
This study aims to characterize the differences in the various Pokeweed Antiviral Protein‘s
(PAP) isoelectric, SDS, and Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic behavior. Different forms
of PAP are produced by Phytolacca americana, the plant from where PAP is extracted. These
various forms of PAP are produced in numerous plant compartments of Phytolacca americana,
such as in the stems, seeds, leaves, and the roots, during diverse stages of its growth cycle.
Several forms of PAP are also seen when Pokeweed undergoes preprocessing cleavage in order
to become fully functional and acquire its toxicity to cells, and as these toxins are being stored in
cell walls and P-bodies in order to be allowed into the plant cells of Phytolacca americana. It is
hypothesized that even within a single compartment, at any stage of the plant‘s development,
PAP is expressed in diverse forms depending on what type of pathogen the plant has been
exposed to. These pathogens include fungi, bacteria, virus, and/or pests. The physical
characteristics of each form of PAP will be explored in purified mixtures since these may vary
even within the same year‘s harvest. Once the isoelectric behavior of PAPs have been completed,
their equilibrium binding properties with RNA caps and mRNA such as the Tobacco Etch Virus
(TEV RNA) structural variants, which may be capped or uncapped will also be examined. These
are known ligands for PAP.
Title: Zinc Porphyrin Tweezer in Host-Guest Complexation: Absolute Configurational

Assignment of a Self Assembling Light Harvesting Porphyrin by Circular Dichroism.
Student name: Eugene Gonzalez-Lopez, Irving Campoverde
Class standing: Junior, Junior
Faculty: Prof. Gloria Proni
Department: Science
Format: Poster
In order to trap the energy from sunlight antenna plants construct chlorophyll group from
chemical self assembly in a highly ordered manner. 10,20-bis(3,5 di-tert-butyl-phenyl-15-acetyl-
5-(hydroxyethyl)-porphyrin 1 is a ―synthesized‖ compound tested for harvesting solar energy as
an alternative to silicon-based photovoltaic devices. The determination of its absolute
configuration is of academic and practical importance. The absolute configuration determination
could be achieved by means of a supramolecular approach developed in the last decade. The
protocol relies on a host-guest complexation mechanism between an opportunely derivatized
chiral substrate ("guest") and a dimeric zinc porphyrin host that acts as a "receptor". The two
porphyrins in the complex adopt a preferred helicity related to the substrate‘s absolute
configuration. The relation between the absolute configuration of the substrate and the inter-
porphyrin helicity is predicted by molecular modeling studies.
Specifically, porphyrin derivative 1, needs to be coupled with a bidentate carrier to form the
bifunctional amide conjugate 2. Once the conjugate molecule is complexed with the achiral CD
sensitive host, the Zn porphyrin tweezer, it yields a host-guest complex that exhibits intense
negative or positive exciton-coupled CD in accordance to the absolute configuration of the
substrate.
Title: Fluorescence Studies of Suicide Drugs Interactions with DNA

Student name: Alicia K. Williams
Faculty: Prof. Ekaterina Korobkova
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Statistical studies over the last three decades have shown that psychiatric drugs are responsible for a
significant percentage of death cases when taken in overdose. Drug related death reports in USA, Canada,
and Scotland have identified some antidepressants and analgesic as the highest percent suicidal drugs.
However, psychiatric drugs taken in low doses under normal therapies may already influence cellular
processes and cause various side effects, such as, for example, DNA damage. The interactions of drug
molecules with DNA were detected through changes of fluorescence intensity of a blue dye, TO-PRO-3
(TP3). TP3 is an intercalator for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In the presence of DNA, TP3 fluoresces
significantly. (λex = 642nm, λem = 661nm) Binding of a drug molecule to dsDNA displaces TP3 molecule
from the double helix, which leads to the decrease in fluorescence intensity of TP3. Monitoring the
decrease of the TP3 dye fluorescence intensity with different concentration of the drug molecule allows
assessing the binding affinities of the drugs to dsDNA. We performed experiments, which demonstrated
that tricyclic antidepressant such as imipramine, quenches fluorescence intensity of TP3 bound to DNA.
This result indicates that imipramine has a significant potency for DNA binding, and may cause DNA
damage.
Title: In-vitro Studies of DNA Damage Caused by Tricyclic Antidepressants; Role of

Peroxidases
Student name: William Ng
Faculty: Prof. Ekaterina Korobkova
Department: Science
Format: Poster
The root causes of depression include genetics, the environment and chemical imbalance.
Chemicals called neurotransmitters send messages through the synapse which is a gap between
the neurons. The onset of depression occurs when the improper amount of neurotransmitters are
released. Antidepressants are used to correct the abnormality by increasing the brain chemicals
or enhancing the strength of the receptor sites to process signals. Mild side-effects are associated
with most medications like dry mouth, drowsiness, loss of appetite. In present work we focused
on DNA damage caused by more serious effects of the medications. We studied the potential
DNA damage caused by imipramine, amitriptyline, opipramol, and protryptyline. Agarose gel
electrophoresis experiments indicated that reactions between DNA and imipramine catalyzed by
horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide have led to complete
disappearance of the DNA band. This effect was due to the displacement of ethidium bromide
from the DNA double helix. Incubation of HRP in the presence of excess of H2O2 led to the
formation of purple color and the absorption spectrum with the maximum wavelength at 522nm.
The spectrum grew with time. We suggest that this spectrum is due to the presence of
imipramine radical formed during HRP catalysis. No DNA band disappearance or purple color
was observed in the case of the three other drugs. This reactive intermediate species probably
forms covalent complexes on DNA, which may prevent DNA from normal functioning.
Title: Understanding the Depth Profile of Elemental Mercury Emissions from Sand & Soil
Systems and Its Relevance to Long-Range Environmental Effects
Student name: Jason L. Quinones
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Mercury emissions from natural and anthropogenic sources pose a global problem. As a result,
mercury contamination is the number one cause of fishing advisories in the United States. Once
emitted to the environment, mercury enters into a complex biogeochemical cycle. Elemental
mercury (Hg0) can be oxidized in the atmosphere and deposited to soil and aquatic systems after
being transported over long distances Novoa-Munoz et al. [2008]. Mercury in soil and water
surfaces can be reduced to Hg0 and re-emitted to the atmosphere Wood [1974], Schlüter et al.
[1998]. One major factor that appears to play a dominant role in the soil reduction process is
light energy Carpi & Lindberg [1997], and Gustin et al. [2002]. Because the penetration of light
into soil systems could have a significant effect on how much mercury is reduced to its volatile
form, understanding the depth profile of mercury reduction is critical to understanding its
mechanisms. Mercury treated sand samples and untreated soil samples of varying depths (2
mm – 15 mm) were measured under a dynamic flux chamber to determine the affect of surface
depth on mercury emissions. Mercury emissions showed an increase with depth for sand
samples between 0.5 mm and 1.3 mm, but increasing depth had no affect on mercury emissions
above 2 mm. No relationship between depth and average flux was found with soil samples, with
all samples showing equivalent emissions regardless of depth (1.97 mm- 15.51 mm). This work
suggests that the mercury emissions process is limited to the upper surface of soil systems, thus
supporting the role of light as a dominant factor in the reduction process.
Title: Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Pesticides on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium

(MPP+) cytotoxicity & Evaluating their Effects on Cell Surface Dopamine Transporter
Protein Expression in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC-12) Cells
Student name: Jason L. Quinones
Faculty: Prof. Shu-Yuan Cheng
Department: Science
Format: Poster
MPP+, the active metabolite of neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine

(MPTP), is known to induce toxic insult to dopaminergic neurons located in the Substantial
Nigra region of the midbrain. Dopamine transporter (DAT) required for dopamine (DA) re-
uptake is important for MPTP toxicity. When DAT is expressed on the surface of neuronal cells
at physiological levels, MPP+ follows dopamine entry into the cytosol where it then causes
oxidative stress via disruption of complex I in the electron transport chain of mitochondrion
leading to cellular apoptosis. Several pesticides such as maneb (MB), mancozeb (MZ) and
diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) have been shown to be neurotoxic as well, resulting in the
characteristic depletion of dopaminergic neurons observed with MPP+ toxicity. The deleterious
effects on dopaminergic neurons posed by these pesticides are consistent with physiological
manifestations seen in the CNS of individuals with Parkinson‘s disease. In this study, several
pesticides were evaluated for their potential to combine synergistically after treatment with non-
toxic dose of MPP+. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were determined using trypan blue exclusion
and MTT assay. Protein isolation was conducted with collected cell lysates followed by
biotinylation of cell surface proteins. After isolation of biotinylated proteins, Western blotting
was performed to detect differences in the cell surface DAT expression for DDC, MB and MZ
treated samples. Results showed that all three pesticide administrations were synergistically
cytotoxic with non-toxic dose of MPP+ and lead to an increased expression of cell surface DAT,
with MZ treated groups displaying the highest degree of cell surface DAT expression.
Title: The Role of MZF-1 as Part of a Signaling Mechanism for the Endocytosis of CTGF by
Thrombocytes
Student name: Richard Piszczatowski
Faculty: Prof. Nathan Lents
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) is a protein encoded by the CTGF gene. CTGF plays
a critical role in cell adhesion and proliferation, which explains its abundance in thrombocytes,
also known as blood platelets. Blood platelets are created by megakaryocytes located in the bone
marrow, and have been found to contain abundant amounts of CTGF while in the blood.
However, current research shows that when blood platelets are created by megakaryocytes, they
do not initially contain CTGF, nor do the megakaryocytic cells produce CTGF. Thus, blood
platelets must acquire CTGF from an external source via endocytosis, and the megakaryocytes
must provide some sort of signaling mechanism to initiate the production and excretion of CTGF
by nearby cells.
This research project will attempt to show that MZF-1 (myeloid zinc finger-1), a protein made by
megakaryocytes that acts as a transcription factor to affect the production of various genes,
affects the fabrication of CTGF at the transcription level of cells in the vicinity of
megakaryocytes. MZF-1 may be a possible contributor to the communication between
megakaryocytes and other bone marrow cells to produce and provide the CTGF protein to
thrombocytes. Identification and confirmation of MZF-1 as a transcription factor of the CTGF
gene may open the door to a new look at the development of blood platelets, as well as entire
blood clotting cascade. Results from this research project may have clinical implications as well,
as MZF-1 may provide a new outlook on how to approach poorly acting blood platelets as well
as a possible factor in the maintenance of proper hemostasis.
*
Title: Using Unique DNA Sequences to Identify Pathogens
Student name: Andrew J. Schweighardt
Faculty: Margaret M. Wallace
Department: Science
Format: PowerPoint
Biological pathogens that could potentially be used by a bioterrorist have historically been
identified by light microscopy. Although such identifications may be somewhat accurate, they
are also tedious and time consuming. Traditional methods of identification such as microscopy
may also lack specificity because closely related pathogens are often indistinguishable due to
shared characteristics. Microscopy and other conventional identification methods provide little
more than a presumptive identification because of an inability to distinguish one pathogen from
another closely related pathogen. A more accurate and rapid method of identification is sorely
needed. To that end, many recent propositions have focused on DNA-based methods of
identification. Genetic techniques have the greatest potential to make rapid and accurate
identifications because they rely on analyzing certain sections of DNA that are very unique from
organism to organism. These techniques are also amenable to real-time, field deployable
analyses because they involve rapid and semi-automated detections on instruments that are semi-
portable. This presentation will focus on a DNA-based method of identification that involves a
new technology called bead-based liquid arrays. This technology relies on small beads to which
a unique piece of DNA has been attached. Identification of the unknown (i.e., maliciously
introduced pathogen) is facilitated by binding of the unknown pathogen‘s DNA to the known
strands of DNA on the beads. This binding is made evident by a fluorescent emission that is
detected inside an instrument called the Luminex 100. Research results from specificity,
sensitivity, and mixture studies will be briefly discussed.
Title: Environmentally Friendly Forensics: The Characterization of Eco-Fibers

Student name: Brooke W. Kammrath,
Faculty: John Reffner
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Eco-fibers are now a growing sector in the fabric and textile industry. They claim to be the next
step in moving towards a healthier, sustainable global environment. Examples of eco-fibers are
rayon made from bamboo, polylactic acid from corn, lyocell from seaweed, azlon from milk
proteins and soybeans, recycled polyester, and the more commonly used organic cotton, organic
linen and organic wool. Eco-fibers are currently being used in the manufacturing of clothing,
footwear, handbags, toys, pillows, beddings, carpets, furnishings, and many other every day
products. As a result of this world wide green movement, it is inevitable that eco-fibers will
come across the lab bench of trace evidence examiners. In addition, eco-fibers are becoming the
fabric choice of conscientious consumers, and as a result a method must be developed for the
identification of counterfeits such as those selling cotton under the guise of organic cotton.
Although the forensic characterization of eco-fibers has begun, there is no large-scale collection
of microscopical, spectrophotometric, or chromatographic data of eco-materials. This research
focuses on the collection, analysis and characterization of several different eco-fibers. The
chemical characterization of these eco-fibers will be completed by polarized light microscopy,
micro-melting point analysis, chemical staining, microscopical IR spectrophotometric analysis,
micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier Transform (FT) IR spectroscopy, FT Raman
spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The best discriminatory
method and combination of methods for the characterization and differentiation of eco-fibers will
be determined.
Title: Raman Spectroscopy of Pigmented Fibers

Student name: Shay M. Smith
Faculty: Prof. John A. Reffner
Department: Science
Format: Poster
In this research, pigments (small particles suspended in a medium in which they are insoluble)
have been identified using a combination of Raman and IR techniques. Standard pigment
samples in powder form were obtained from manufacturers and used to verify the method of
identification. Pigmented fiber samples have been obtained and analysis using the same method
has begun. These fibers‘ spectra will be compared to spectra of non-pigmented fibers and
spectra of the powdered pigments in order to identify the pigments used to color the fibers.
Fibers are a type of trace evidence sometimes found at crime scenes. Analysis and
characterization of these fibers may be pertinent to an investigation. Dyed fibers have been
successfully analyzed using techniques such as microspectrophotometry and thin-layer
chromatography. However, a successful technique for analyzing pigmented fibers has not been
established.
When completed, this research will show that Raman spectroscopy combined with FT-IR is a
successful method for identifying pigments used to color some fibers.
Title: Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) Exhibits Variable Binding Affinity to Uncapped
mRNA with Differing Structural Elements
Student name: Alexandra Toney
Faculty: Diana Friedland
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) exhibit N-glycosidase activity by depurinating a surface

exposed adenine of the α-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of the large rRNA, ultimately causing cell
death. They are found in numerous plant, fungi, and bacterial species and are powerful antiviral
agents. PAP is a single-chain RIP and also possesses mRNA recognition, cap binding, and
depurination activities that are novel to RIPs. PAP‘s recognition of certain secondary structural
elements of uncapped mRNA are of key interest in elucidating its enzymatic mechanism.
Here, constructs of tobacco etch virus (TEV) mRNA, each containing specific structural
elements, were used to study equilibrium binding. Steady state fluorescence spectroscopy was
used to study binding between PAP and three distinct mRNA constructs. The Kd values for the
TEV mRNA constructs are given here: Full length 5‘-leader (3 pseudoknots) (FL) = 63nM, PK1
(pseudoknot 1) = 183nM and S2-3 (a mutation in PK1) = 85nM.
These results suggest that PAP recognizes specific structural elements within the mRNA for
binding. The data here will be compared to equilibrium binding between PAP and FL, PK1, and
S2-3 capped TEV mRNA. This will show whether the cap structure recruits PAP at a higher
affinity than the uncapped mRNA in order to place PAP within the molecular reading frame for
scanning and possibly subsequent depurination.
Title: Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP): Mutations Effects on mRNA Recognition &
Depurination
Student name: Shari Maltz
Faculty: Prof. Diana Friedland
Department: Science
Format: Poster
An experimental plan for elucidating the effects of different amino acid mutations on Pokeweed
Antiviral Protein (PAP) mRNA recognition and subsequent depurination will be described. PAP
is a type I, toxic ribosomal inactivating protein (RIP). PAP has been shown to bind to the
sacrin/ricin loop of ribosomal RNA and subsequent depurination of the RNA results in the
termination of protein synthesis (the canonical RIP enzymatic activity). The ability to terminate
protein synthesis has resulted in characterizing PAP as an important antiviral agent. The
mechanism describing PAP‘s ability to inhibit protein synthesis is currently being studied. PAP
has been shown to bind to capped and uncapped mRNA and inhibit its transcription – a novel
RIP enzymatic activity. Some experts believe that initiation factors normally used to initiate
transcription are utilized in binding PAP to uncapped mRNA. Uncapped mRNA forms
secondary structures, which may facilitate PAP‘s selection of depurination sites on the RNA.
These secondary structures are different among various mRNA molecules and so it is likely PAP
has an affinity for some forms over others. Several mutations of PAP have been cloned and
overexpressed, such as C-terminal deletions, an N-terminal point mutation, and binding site
mutations. A histidine tag was incorporated during the mutagenesis to allow for subsequent
purification of these proteins. His-tag affinity chromatography will be utilized to separate the
target mutant proteins from other cellular proteins during the purification process. Once the
mutant proteins are isolated and checked for impurities using gel electrophoresis, steady state
fluorescence spectroscopy will be performed to measure the equilibrium association of the
proteins with capped and uncapped mRNA.
Title: The Role of RTP801 in Maneb- and Mancozeb- Induced Cytotoxicity

Student name: Seon Oh
Faculty: Shu-Yuan Cheng
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson‘s disease (PD). Manganese (Mn)-containing
ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate compounds, maneb (MB) and mancozeb (MZ), have been
extensively used for pesticides over the past 50 years. Exposure to MB lowers the threshold for
dopaminergic damage triggered by MPTP, which is a human Parkinson‘s disease inducing
neurotoxin. Preliminary data from Cheng‘s lab demonstrate that MB and MZ enhance 1-methyl-
4-phenylpyridium (MPP+)-induced cell death in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. However,
the neurotoxic molecular mechanisms and the signal transduction pathways involved in the
action of these dithiocarbamate toxins in PD are still not clear. Neuron death, regardless of
initiating causes, generally requires proapoptotic gene activation. Studies using serial analysis of
gene expression (SAGE) showed RTP801 is the most induced by stresses. Several PD mimetics
(6-hydroxydopamine, MPP+, and rotenone) induced RTP801 in neuronal cells. A sequential
mechanism (induction of RTP801, suppression of mTOR signaling, and then depletion
phosphorylated/activated Akt) has been suggested to be the mechanism of neurotoxins-induced
cell death. This proposed project will to explore the role of RTP801 and it subsequent signaling
mechanism in maneb- and mancozeb- induced neuronal cell death. Several biochemical and
molecular biological techniques, such as Western blot analysis, RT-PCR, and shRNA knock-
down, will be used to study this project. Uncovering the toxic mechanisms of Mn-containing
dithiocarbamates will provide a detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of PD and help
develop new therapeutic or prevention strategies for PD.
Title: Are you there eIFiso4e? It‘s me, PAP

Student name: Jacqueline Chaparro
Faculty: Diana Friedland
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) depurinate ribosomal RNA (rRNA) disrupting the
synthesis of proteins. This activity causes the cell to die imparting the toxicity that RIPs possess.
Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) is a type I RIP purified from the leaves of Phytolacca
Americana and has been found to depurinate the conserved α-sarcin/ricin loop of the large
ribosomal subunit in plant viruses. It has also been found that PAP depurinates capped and
uncapped messenger RNA (mRNA) indicating a specific site on the mRNA that PAP can bind to
and possibly use as a mechanism to interfere with protein synthesis. PAP‘s depurination of
uncapped mRNA, in some cases requires the presence of certain eukaryotic initiation factors
(eIFs). eIFs are a class of proteins that are involved in the initiation phases of both cap and cap-
independent protein synthesis. We are investigating the roles of eIFs in PAPs mRNA recognition
and depurination. The eukaryotic initiation factor eIFiso4e is the cap binding protein directly
initiating cap-dependent protein synthesis.
We have purified eIFiso4e, from Escherichia coli and the wheat gene is cloned into the pET-3d
vector. We have also fluorescently labeled PAP (PAP*) using an NHS-Fluorescein Antibody
Labeling Kit and determined that the degree of labeling of PAP to fluorophore is 1:1. Steady
state fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study the interaction between PAP* and eIFiso4e.
The Kd value for this interaction is 30nM. These results indicate a protein-protein interaction.
Title: Quantitative Determination of Gamma Butyrolactone in Beverages by Colorimetric

Method
Student name: Teehshavi Narayne
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is determined quantitatively in beverages by colorimetric method.

UV/VIS spectrometer is used to analyze the purple ferric ion complex that was the product of the
reaction of GBL with hydroxylamine-HCl and ferric chloride in samples. The main goal of the
research will be to quantitatively determine the concentrations of GBL in each sample using the
generated calibration curve. A stock solution of the wine beverages will be at 1500mg/l using
33ul of GHB solution in 25ml of ultra high purity water. From this stock solution there will be
various serial dilutions made from 1400mg/l to 300mg/l or 400mg/l depended on the relative
standard deviation values for the lowest concentration created. A relative standard deviation of
the lowest concentration should be above 10% to ensure a proper R-squared value, and above 5%
for the preceding concentrations. The stock solutions of the wine have been altered from the
original procedure due to various interferences due to the deep rich color of red and some white
wines. The values of the concentrations versus the absorbance averages will be plotted on a
linear curve and the R-squared values will be calculated to ensure efficiency and accuracy of the
method. The analysis results showed good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.995) and precision (RSD ≤ 5% )
sensitivity of the method.
Title: A Microscopical Study of the Impact of Gunpowder Particles to Nylon Fabric

Student name: Dale K. Purcell
Faculty: Prof. John A. Reffner
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Microscopical examinations of nylon material were performed to determine if propellant/GSR

particles had fused or adhered to the fibers or whether changes to the birefringence of the fibers
had occurred, which may be attributed to the impact and thermal effects of interaction with the
propellant particles. Nylon fabric targets were impacted at various distances by commercially
available ammunition (Speer Lawman, Winchester) from a Glock Model 23, 40 S&W. Some of
these propellant particles may have contained enough energy to introduce an additional strain
birefringence at locations of particle impact where they did not adhere to the fiber or, conversely,
the change in birefringence may be the result of relaxation in the polymer orientation at locations
where the hot propellant particle impacts the fiber, but did not have the heat capacity to actually
fuse to the fiber or yarn. Polarized light microscopy with elliptical compensation was used to
measure the relative difference in birefringence at these locations. Thermal analysis of fibers
and propellant was investigated and the results of this study will be presented and discussed.
*
Title: Statistical Analysis of Screwdriver Toolmarks

Student name: Loretta Kuo
Faculty: Nicholas Petraco
Department: Science
Format: Poster
Toolmark analysis involves the examination of a toolmark to determine if it was made by a
particular tool and only that tool. The NAS report contends that ―much forensic evidence –
including, for example, bite marks and firearm and toolmark identifications – is introduced in
criminal trial without any meaningful scientific validation, determination of error rates, or
reliability testing to explain the limits for the discipline‖ (p. 3-18). The experiment we are
conducting will seek to develop a statistical foundation for assessing the likelihood one tool is
the source of the toolmark to the exclusion of all other tools by examining CMS of screwdriver
marks. This will be done by analyzing CMS pattern agreement between questioned toolmarks
with test toolmarks.
SOCIOLOGY
Title: Program Evaluation and Recommendations for the NYPD Auxiliary Police Program
Student name: Hideki Aida
Faculty: Prof. Andrew Karmen
Format:
The NYPD Auxiliary Police have been providing volunteer police services to the City of New
York since the inception of the program in the 1950s; it is the largest auxiliary police program in
the U.S. (approximately 4500 members as of 2008). Auxiliary officers are issued the standard
NYPD uniform and equipment, with the exception of minor differences including adding
―AUXILIARY‖ on all patches, a star-shaped badge, and approval to carry only a department
issued wooden baton for protection. Auxiliaries perform many functions within the NYPD
including neighborhood patrols, traffic/crowd control, crime prevention initiatives, and special
details (for example, parades, street fairs, and concerts). Perhaps due in part to a lack of interest
in the field of part-time volunteer police officers, save for a few incidents, neither the media nor
social researchers have expressed much interest in the Auxiliary police force. As a result,
relatively few citizens are aware of the NYPD Auxiliary Police program and what the volunteer
police officers do for their communities.
This research will reveal the virtually unknown volunteer police program within the NYPD
including the subcultural traits of the program, the independent rules and regulations, the roles
and authorities, the major legal issues involving the auxiliary police, auxiliary police unions and
their agendas, internet based communications among auxiliary police and regular police officers,
and auxiliary police use for anti-terrorism initiatives. Finally, a discussion regarding both the
expansion and marginalization of the NYPD Auxiliary Police program will be presented.
Title: In-prison Transitional Programs: Strategies for Success

Student name: Justin Lee
Faculty: Douglas Thompkins
Format: PowerPoint
In-prison transitional programs are essential for the successful reintegration of former prisoners
into society. However, due to the limited and outdated information and resources provided, upon
their release, prisoners participating in many of these programs lack the services, skills, and
information that could contribute to a more successful process of reintegration. Problems
associated with in-prison transitional programs could be in part a result of allowing long-term,
high-status prisoners to manage these programs. Due to the fact that these prisoners have yet to
reintegrate themselves, they lack the proper training, as well as access to the resources and
information needed to facilitate a successful program. Data collected from a larger study suggest
that strategies for success might include the implementation of a central program coordinator,
mandating that the transitional programs be supervised and managed by a person trained to do
so, centralizing information so that prisoners receive current information and leads that actually
exist, and the development of curriculum which emphasizes the unaddressed needs of prisoners,
such as communication skills (written, verbal, and body language), banking skills, vocational
skills, available housing, and information about how to reunite with a community that may not
want them back.
*
Title: It‘s All About Who You Know: Increased Resident Organization During the
Gentrification Process
Student name: Joshua Eichenbaum
Faculty: Douglas Thompkins
Format: PowerPoint
This paper focuses on the organization of residents during the gentrification process. The
suggestion being made is the gentrification process will support increased organization amongst
members in the community who have resided in the neighborhood for a over a decade.
Specifically, this study looks at members of the community identified as ‗old-timers‘ and their
ability to develop stronger bonds amongst one another. This paper suggests the disruption of
their day-to-day structure assists in developing a new social identity of community members.
The social identity reinforces their purpose in the community and serves to further strengthen
bonds amongst those residents. This research is part of a larger study looking at the relationship
between informal social controls and public safety.
Title: Juvenile Delinquency: Crime, Theory, and Policy

Student name: Justine Lee
Faculty: Mia Green
Format: PowerPoint
The purpose of this study is to investigate the disproportionately high arrest rate of larceny-
among juveniles in New York. In addition, several theories will be used to explain how and why
this crime occurs. More specifically, this study will examine the social demographic and
environmental factors (education, family, community, peers, and employment) that contribute to
juveniles‘ involvement in such criminal behavior. This ongoing research seeks to discover
juveniles‘ perceptions and ideas regarding possible solutions to this phenomenon. The findings
of this study will contribute to the existing literature regarding how environmental factors relate
to or cause crime. The findings obtained will identify environmental factors that contribute to
larceny-theft, which will initiate the development of policies, designed to prevent crime. In
addition, the respondents‘ suggestions will be considered to better formulate such policies.

Student name: La‘Donna Foreman
Class standing: Faculty: Mia Green
Format: PowerPoint
There are many problems associated with violent crimes appear to have a great impact on
parental control, some families simply do not care about their youths and other teens are being
verbally and physically abused at home. The aggression that teens face in society is a cause for
their outburst. The violence can be the result of a combination of all these factors including
family, school, peers, weapon availability, money, drugs and racial discrimination combined
with internal triggers such as stress and anger to cause young people to turn to violence.
Parenting classes should also be offered because often time‘s situations arise in the home and
parents do not know how to deal with it. In this presentation, I recommend a series of solutions
that to help assist teens and their families so that they can be steered in the right direction.
*

Student name: Lashaunna White
Class standing: Faculty: Mia Green
Format: PowerPoint
Teen pregnancy is a growing problem among adolescences today, it can lead to truancy, the
inability to complete primary education and obtain sufficient employment. Without these basic
accomplishment these adolescences begin to participant in delinquent behavior to make ends
meet or to cope. Solutions to this rapidly growing problem will require parents, ands schools to
educate the youth starting in junior high school on the consequences of becoming a teen parent,
also provide adequate information about the prevention methods available to young men and
women.
*

Student name: Jarred Beckwith
Faculty: Prof. Mia Green
Format: PowerPoint
Arson is an increasing problem amongst juveniles. In this presentation I plan to address the
arson problem in Philadelphia. There are eight theories that apply to juveniles who commit
arson. In this presentation I will primarily address the learning theory. The learning theory
consists of four parts these include imitations, definitions, differential association, and
differential reinforcement. In this presentation I will address a few of the most damaging arson
cases in Philadelphia and how juveniles were used to commit these actions. I will also address
what the primary reasons are for juveniles to commit arson. I will propose a series of
interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of arson.
Title: Terrorist Act or Ordinary Crime?

Student name: Diana Rodriguez
Faculty: David Green
Format: Poster
The social construction of terrorism by the media is important because it affects both how the
public perceives and responds to terrorist incidents. This case study first considers varying
definitions of terrorism as they relate to two recent crimes with ideological motivations—the
murder of George Tiller by anti-abortionist Scott Roeder and the deadly attack by Nidal Malik
Hasan, an army psychiatrist, at Fort Hood, Texas. The study then analyses and compares
mainstream press coverage in the New York Times and the Washington Post in order to
investigate whether and why the incidents were characterized as terrorist acts or as ordinary
crimes, and to identify the claims-makers who made these distinctions.
*
Title: COMPSTAT Comes to New York City Department of Probation
Student name: Iris M. Hill
Faculty: Prof. Andrew Karmen
Format: PowerPoint
The New York City Department of Probation conducts a monthly session that is very similar to
the New York Police Department‘s COMPSTAT. The session is called STARS, which stands for
the Statistical Tracking Analysis and Reporting System. STARS gives the Department the ability
to track compliance with fulfilling their critical tasks of preparing investigation reports for the
Court and supervising probationers in the community with the goal of reducing the likelihood of
the recidivism. STARS also standardized the collection and reporting of key performance
indicators, which helped to improve accountability at all levels of management and provided an
incentive for staff to excel in the managing of their operations.
Each month one borough is selected to present. The Assistant Commissioner and Branch Chiefs
and his/her management team are called on to report before the Commissioner and the Executive
Directors of the agency. The Assistant Commissioner and Branch Chiefs are asked to explain
various trends noted in his/her borough and to discuss what remedial steps and/or solutions were
implemented to address these trends. STARS gives the managers and the staff the chance to be
recognized for their successes and to identify areas where changes and/or improvement is
needed.
*
Title:
Student name: Kritsyn Fiorni
Class standing:
Faculty: Prof. Mia Green
Format:
Childhood sexual exploitation/abuse had become an insidious global phenomenon occurring at

every societal level, affecting members of both sexes found in both the developed and
developing countries. Sexual exploitation ―is a contemporary form of slavery where a multitude
of children are caught in the web of sexual bondage and has become increasingly complex due to
its transnational scope‖ (Fontana, pg. 1982). A major form of child sexual exploitation is sex
trafficking. Child sexual exploitation is affecting the lives of many children worldwide.
Southeast Asia is one of the largest countries contributing to this global phenomenon. Victim-
Precipitation Theory has been looked at in an effort in understanding this growing problem. I
plan to explore this topic and to provide solutions to reduce its prevalence.

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