Welcome to St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
At St. Mary’s we are all learners, dedicated to creative and intellectual exploration in a community revolving around our students. We invite you to engage fully in the exciting academic life that we create together and to challenge yourself to work toward excellence in all that you undertake. My staff and I wish to provide you with the support you need to be successful in your endeavors. Don’t hesitate to call on us.
- Larry Vote, Provost
Computer Science
Mentor: Sterling, Ivan
Completed: SP 2004
One of the hottest current trends in computer science is that of creating WebApps, or applications that are interactive with or accessible through the World Wide Web. Using software such as Maya and Macromedia Director, it is possible to create detailed scenes containing buildings, landscapes, sky, etc. and to publish these scenes to the Web to capitalize on this trend. There is great potential for economic and aesthetic uses for such projects, especially for an organization like St. Mary�s College. For my SMP, I have created a virtual scene containing a representation of the yet to be built new boathouse and its surrounding area. This project has been a long and arduous process, but overall has proved an invaluable learning experience. In this paper, I will be sharing my experiences, trials, and tribulations incurred while working on the virtual boathouse for approximately the past year.
Human Studies
Mentor: Kosarych-Coy, Janet M.
Completed: SP 2003
This research investigates what major role accommodations play in the success of college students with Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactive (ADHD). It examines connections between public school systems� accommodations provided to secondary students in preparing them for post-secondary education and actual accommodations provided at the post-secondary level. Available websites for all public and private colleges and universities throughout the state of Maryland, both 2- and 4-year institutions, were examined to ascertain the types of support offered to students with ADHD. My hypothesis: Other services in addition to accommodations are being provided to students with ADHD to help them be a success in college, especially their first semester if not the entire first year. Previous research also shows that students fail at the post-secondary level because they lack skills in time management, organization, long-term memory revival, planning, prioritization, and follow-through.
Dramatic Arts
Mentor: Ellis-Tolaydo, Michael
Completed: SP 2005
[The project] is about what actors do in their day-to-day life, to keep themselves oiled and ready to audition at a moment's notice or to accept a part they are offered. I call it an actor's toolbox because for me, that's exactly what it is. It is a box of tools, of technique, theory and practice that you carry around with you in your head. Like any tool box, all tools are not created the same. You have your workhorses, the ones you pull out every day. Then you have your specialty tools that only come out for certain things, once in a while. There are also tools you buy and find that they aren't worth the price, are in fact extremely overrated �. This project is not meant to be a definitive work on acting technique. This project is my attempt to begin my toolbox, using as a starting point my role as the title character in The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wilde by Paul Zindel. It is a record of how I, or any actor, can go about setting up their own toolbox- an overview of the research and the practice. Represented in my research is just a fraction of the books and articles out there on acting technique and style. What has worked for me may not work for someone else. But this is a record of the work of an actor, something that others rarely see. I am interested in documenting the process, in reviewing what I have learned for others to observe. In other words, in opening the door to that small room and letting you in. [from introduction]
Psychology
Mentor: Kosarych-Coy, Janet M.
Completed: SP 2004
Chances are that there is more than one person that you know that has gone through some type of divorce or separation, or has had to deal with single-parenting, remarriage, or the emergence of a new stepfamily unit (whether it be a stepfather, stepmother, or stepsiblings). The fact of the matter is that divorce has skyrocketed in the last 20-30 years, has plateaued recently, but is still on an upward trend. Nowadays 50% of all marriages are likely to end in divorce, and these percentages are between 55%-60% for the United States (Amato, 1994). Amongst those currently divorced, 75% will involve children, and 60% of these that involve children result in single-parent families (Hetherington, 1988). In addition, 1/3 of the children that experience their parent�s divorce will experience their remarriage as well, and even more alarming is that 62% of these remarriages appear destined to end in divorce too (1988). Equally as distressing is that those remarriages that involve children from previous marriages are at a 50% higher risk for dissolution than those remarriages that don�t involve stepchildren (1994). There is clearly a need to become more aware of the problems that these children involved in stepfamilies face; perhaps more importantly, a means to more effectively help these children adjust to their new circumstances. Throughout this review, I will go into great detail about the types of outcomes that can result from a divorce, how children and parents involved in a divorce can be affected, and how adolescents in particular are affected. After I draw upon this basic research, I will go into further detail as to the negative and possible positive effects divorce and remarriage can have on adolescent males, and then hope to correlate the types of adjustment patterns with a specifically tailored therapeutic intervention. I will also extract more salient parts of my interviews to add to the past research that has been done surrounding these topics. [from introduction]
Psychology
Mentor: Kosarych-Coy, Janet M.
Completed: SP 2003
The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate the content patterns of seven commercial magazines directed towards the female adolescent consumer. Eleven categories were used to code the articles of each magazine. These magazines had a high content percentage of articles about improving a female adolescent�s fashion sense, physical appearance, and advice on how to look like various featured celebrities. The magazines in this study had a low content percentage of articles about education and careers, family, health, and friendship. This research was done to add to the previous knowledge that media targets adolescent females by influencing them to create the perfect body image.
Psychology
Mentor: Lasane, Terell P.
Completed: SP 2004
[abstract not available]
Physics
Mentor: Adler, Charles L.
Completed: SP 2003
[no abstract]
Economics
Mentor: Nguyen, Ho
Completed: SP 2005
[no abstract]
Psychology
Mentor: Kosarych-Coy, Janet M.
Completed: SP 2004
Mentoring is a highly important task to take on; it requires tremendous dedication and time. This paper looks at the importance of mentoring and its personal meaning to the writer. In addition, a general overview of mentoring is given to help provide a better understanding of this helping mechanism. Understand the general terms such as: mentor and mentoring, effective communication and population are discussed in depth to give the reader a general view of what takes place in any type of mentoring program. The overall purpose of this project was to demonstrate the importance of mentoring minority youth and the detail the distinct difference between mentoring minority youth in comparison to other youth. To do this African-American youth were used as a catalyst to express this view. Two mentoring programs dedicated to mentoring minority youth were interviewed and surveyed so to analyze the individual programs. In conclusion, the two programs were compared and used as tools to further stress the importance of mentoring African-American youth through incorporating a strong sense of culture into the program and the mentor-mentee relationship.
Psychology
Mentor: Bailey, Aileen M.
Completed: SP 2005
The California sea lion is a species which lives in large colonies, resulting in a complex social structure which can be characterized by the animal�s social affiliation as well as stereotypical and hierarchical aggression. The purpose of the present study was to identify and examine several behaviors within the two behavioral categories of affiliation and aggression while additionally examining when vocalizations occur across these categories. Data was collected over a period of 13 days through behavior sampling and instantaneous scans of a sample in their natural environment. Results showed that the sea lions vocalized significantly more during a social interaction than during non-social behavior. When social interactions were categorized, results showed that vocalizations occurred significantly more often during aggressive behavior than affiliative behavior and significantly more often during neutral behaviors than affiliative behavior, but there was no significant difference between vocalizations during affiliative and neutral behaviors. Lastly, it was found that the sea lions engaged in significantly more physical contact during affiliative behavior than during aggressive behavior. Findings of this study were consistent with previous research on the topics but invite more investigation in several behavioral aspects of the species.
Biology
Mentor: Hatch, Walter I.
Completed: SP 2002
Many studies have examined alarm signaling in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Both vertebrate and invertebrate species have successfully evolved alarm signaling systems which serve to warn conspecifics of impending danger. Chemical alarm signaling as an effective means to predatory defense in the aquatic environment has been the recent focus. Studies have tended to concentrate on the interactions between vertebrates rather than invertebrates. The Cnidarians are one fascinating phylum of invertebrates that appears to successfully use a chemical alarm system. Alarm signaling systems have proven to be both present and successful in the anemones (Actinaria) and in the soft corals (Alcyonacea). In addition, it was recently discovered that the zoanthids (Zoanthidea) respond similarly to the presence of injured conspecifics, suggesting the presence of a chemical alarm signaling system. Experiments were conducted to test for a conspecific and a heterospecific alarm signaling system in the zoanthids. In order to test for this system, each colony of zoanthids was sealed off in an isolation chamber and was exposed to extracts of its conspecific and various heterospecifics. The response was then observed and recorded. The concentration of extract causing the initial response, and the concentration causing a full response was recorded, as was the time for recovery. Results of these experiments indicate that some species are capable of both conspecific and heterospecific communication, while several other species are not.
English
Mentor: Clifton, Lucille
Completed: SP 2005
For my St. Mary�s Project, I have written a book of original poetry titled Album. The first semester of the project, I spent writing and finding a theme within my writing that would lend itself to a book. The theme became apparent immediately, most of the poems in the book are about my family: biographical and occasional poems that I feel show a moment in a person�s life that is indicative of that person�s character and nature. While the first semester was reserved mostly for writing and light editing, the second semester was where the majority of the editing took place. Throughout the year I met with Lucille Clifton on a weekly basis. In the second semester, I decided which of the poems I had written was going to thematically fit within the book and also how the book was going to be sectioned, the names and themes of the two sections, �us� and �we,� and which poems should be delegated to the two parts, one regarding family and the other pertaining to the life of a woman, my life. In conclusion, I wanted to write something that would matter. With the brilliant editing suggestions of Ms. Clifton and the inspiration that comes from family, I have done something that I think at least in a small way does matter. The epigraph to the book is a quote by Jackie Robinson, �A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.� I�d like to think that my St. Mary's Project exemplifies that statement through the small moments into a character�s humanness.
Economics
Mentor: Stabile, Donald R.
Completed: SP 2002
[This project] includes the business plan that was completed in Fall 2001 and the marketing plan that was completed in Spring 2002. Ale�N Swan is a fictitious business located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The business and marketing plan is completed as though the business were really going to be implemented as a new business. Included in the business plan are all the start-up costs associated with the business under the assumption that a particular piece of property will be purchased which includes the building, equipment, and liquor license. Included in the marketing plan are sample menus and a sample flyer for the Grand Opening.
Art
Mentor: Caldwell, Colby
Completed: SP 2005
In this gallery is a type of shorthand for something I want to continue to be mesmerized by for the rest of my life. It represents all the days after my dream and it represents all the years after your birth and the lives that have come before and the cycles that will continue long after we do. It is not just me or you and it is all of me and you. It represents something we all have, we all experience. It is a tension between the delicate and the steadfast, the new and the decaying, and it is a tension between the nostalgic and the hopes and reassurances of things to come. But more importantly, it is a combination of our dreaming and waking lives in which we allow ourselves to experience all these things. I could not tell you what to feel or how to experience it, but I ask you to start by being a witness like me. [from statement]
Biology
Mentor: Myerowitz, Rachel
Completed: SP 2005
Microarrays are a technique for visualization of gene expression across hundreds or thousands of genes. This study focused on visualizing the changes in gene expression when Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae were treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics, streptomycin and kanamycin, which were chosen for study fall into the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics. This class of antibiotics functions within the cell by changing protein translation through mistranslation. By treating bacterial cells with antibiotics, isolating their mRNA, reverse transcribing the mRNA to cDNA and then hybridizing the labeled cDNA to a microarray, the changes in gene expression can be measured. A few genes such as those regulating the heat shock response are widely known to be altered upon treatment with the aminoglycosides. The heat shock genes were the most commonly altered genes in this study but there are a few other genes which exhibited changes in gene expression.
Psychology
Mentor: Platt, Richard D.
Completed: SP 2003
A brief philosophical review of the notion of altruism is offered in the present paper, as well as an extensive psychological literature review of altruism, volunteerism, and particular personality correlates. Upon reviewing literature on altruism and volunteerism, the present study hypothesized that extraversion, openness, and preference for loosely structured volunteer experiences would positively correlate with measures of altruism amongst college student participants who were currently or recently had been involved in some type of volunteer endeavor. Three modes of measuring altruistic motivation (both explicitly and implicitly) in a questionnaire series were designed. All three altruistic motive measures correlated positively with one another. As predicted, there was a significant positive correlation between altruistic motivation and openness, as well as a significant positive correlation between altruistic motivation and a preference for loosely structured volunteer experiences. There was no significant correlation between extraversion and altruistic motivation. Unexpectedly, there were strong positive correlations between principalistic motives and all three measures of altruistic motivation.
Psychology
Mentor: Finkelman, David G.
Completed: SP 2002
In this work, I shall review the literature that assesses psychological and biological gender differences related to the Feminist, Social Learning, and Sociobiological perspectives of rape, as well as Psychoanalysis. I also conducted a study (which is contained in the contents of the Social Learning discussion) entitled, The Effects of Fraternity-like Membership and Gender on Rape Myth Acceptance. Using the �short-form� of the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance scale (IRMA-SF) I compared the degree of rape myth acceptance given by members of a fraternal-like organization to that given by a general St. Mary's College population. I also assessed any gender differences between females and males within each condition (general population and fraternal-like population) as well as between the total population of females and the total population of males. From St. Mary�s College of Maryland 120 students (57 male and 63 female) between the ages of 18 and 22 participated. The findings from this study suggest that males are more accepting of rape myths than are females. However, the results do not support the hypothesis that fraternal-like organizations are more accepting of rape myths than are general populations. To explain rape I suggest a diathesis-stress paradigm (if you may) in which a males predisposition to be inherently more aggressive is only reinforced by environmental factors and cultural beliefs. Thus, from the literature reviewed in this work I believe that the sociobiological and social learning perspectives best explain the prevalence of rape. As for an answer to how we should combat rape, I believe that education is vital.
Political Science
Mentor: Hall, Gregory O.
Completed: SP 2003
The main objective of this essay will be to illustrate how the Bush Administration�s label, �War On Terror,� can potentially involve the United States in matters that extend beyond extinguishing immediate threats and, instead, focus on eliminating all threats, no matter how serious or trivial they are. Consequently, a case will be made that the United States should, at very least, leave Iraq out of the �War On Terror� rhetoric�distinguishing the two conflicts from one another. The majority of the essay will be devoted to present-day issues regarding the �War On Terror� and the Iraqi invasion, though an examination of political philosophy will be drawn from theorist, John Locke (1632-1704) and historical examples will be utilized from as far back as the middle of the twentieth century. Parallels to the U.S.� �War On Terror� will be revealed in China and Russia, while examples of successful economic partnerships, as an alternative to war, will be highlighted with Brazil and Germany. The majority of the essay�s research will be derived from scholarly journals in the political and economic arenas, though interviews from prominent politicians will be incorporated, in addition to various U.S. government resources from the Internet. [from Introduction]
International Languages and Cultures (French)
Mentor: Ojo-Ade, Femi
Completed: SP 2003
[no abstract]
English
Mentor: Wilson, Bruce M. and Chambers, Samuel A.
Completed: FA 2002
My St. Mary�s project explores the hit Showtime series Queer as Folk. This project focuses exclusively on the first season of the American version of the show. In my research I have explored what this phenomenon is, and how it is informing our culture on gay and lesbian issues that are being fought over in the political arena as we speak. Given the nature of the issues explored in the series, and the variety of thoughts and opinions in our culture that surround these issues, it can be expected that a series which explores the lives of gay and lesbian people would be a source of vast debate and criticism. It is this criticism, under the assimilationist and separatist debate set forth by Andrew Sullivan and Michael Warner respectively, that this project explores.
Biology
Mentor: Crawford, Karen
Completed: SP 2002
Amphibians are considered by the scientific community to be the early warning system for problems in the environment. They are very sensitive to contaminants and changes in their surroundings because their eggs lack protective shells, they have semi-permeable skin, and most have an aquatic stage during development. Recent reports of declining populations and site specific extinction events are cause for concern. I performed a literature review of the research into possible causes of these population declines. In this paper I site specific examples of the present lines of research, outline some of the current theories to explain these population declines, and discuss the possible implications for global environmental problems.
Psychology
Mentor: Platt, Richard D.
Completed: SP 2003
Analogical transfer in problem solving occurs by means of mapping a transfer problem onto the elements of a base analogue. Transfer often fails to occur at any significant rate in experimental designs unless the subject is explicitly directed to use the base analogue to solve the transfer problem. Herein is a literature review of articles focused on various domains in the realm of analogical problem-solving. Various explanations for the cause of transfer failure are offered, as well as solutions for improving transfer. The theoretical basis for these potential solutions and the means by which they were tested are delineated. Limitations and implications of these solutions are discussed.
Biology
Mentor: Crawford, Karen
Completed: SP 2004
Although it is still relatively unexplored as a research organism, Loligo pealei has recently begun to gain attention in developmental literature. Well-researched models, including Xenopus, zebrafish, and sea urchin have been studied to gain insight into the pathways that direct patterning in deuterostome development. Studies have focused on tubulin, a cytoskeletal element involved in early cytoplasmic and cellular rearrangements, and B-catenin, a transcription factor in the dorsal specification process and a regulator of cell-cell adhesion. Research into the presence and activity of these proteins in squid development could characterize similarities between the expression and possible roles of these molecules, allowing researchers to explore the concept of conservation of developmental molecular mechanisms among unrelated species. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis of tubulin in squid embryos allowed us to visualize a layer of mesenchymal cells in the blastoderm that may be ingressing from the overlying epithelial layer to form the mesendodermal germ layer. Staining for tubulin and B-catenin revealed similarities in the expression of these proteins in squid as compared to zebrafish, Xenopus, and sea urchin embryos. These results provide incentive and direction for further exploration into the conservation of developmental pathways involving these molecules.
Political Science
Mentor: Smith, Nancy P.
Completed: SP 2004
When looking back at the history of the United States there has been an issue that has plagued the country for quite sometime. The notion of gun control has made political officials� heads spin because they cannot find a way to please people who believe that civilians should be able to bear arms and those that feel the opposite. Gun control is a term that refers to the attempt to reduce violence caused by firearms through regulating their sale, ownership, and use. Political official�s try to think of ways that they could help gun controls progress by passing laws through the local, state, and federal levels that they feels the majority of citizens will abide to. Their main goal is to restrict or forbid ownership of certain firearms in today�s society. Obviously it has become a very heated topic in American society, a topic that dates back to the very founding of this nation. The right to own and use firearms is considered by some to be granted to the American people in the Second Amendment of the Constitution. It reads: �A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.� This is giving citizens the right not only to form militias but also to personally arm themselves. Some people think that if we had really followed this amendment the terrorist attacks on September 11th would have never happened, because the people on the planes could have protected themselves with firearms. The Amendment says that in a time where your homeland security is being threatened, people will have the right to bear arms and that right will not be infringed. Much like most of the Constitution, the wording of the Second Amendment is a much debated topic. There are people who feel that the amendment does not actually grant the right to bear arms. These people feel that the amendment allows for citizens within militias to arm themselves, not for ordinary citizens to bear arms. You will be seeing throughout this paper that opinions play a very important role, especially after 9/11, in what the public perceives as the right type of gun control. [from introduction]
Anthropology/Sociology
Mentor: King, Julia A.
Completed: SP 2004
This paper examines the types, quantities, and distributions of marked and decorated white clay tobacco pipes from four 17th century archaeological sites located along the lower Patuxent River in southern Maryland. Although marked pipes often account for a relatively small percentage of total pipe assemblages, important patterns in both their temporal and spatial distribution are clearly evident. For example, even though records indicate that Bristol pipemaker Llewellin Evans was working from 1661 until 1689, preliminary analysis suggests that, at least along the Patuxent, Evans' pipes are found primarily in post-1680 deposits. This paper discusses Evans' pipes and other marked and decorated pipes in the Patuxent River assemblages.
Psychology
Mentor: Koenig, Cynthia S.
Completed: SP 2005
In the first section of this paper, I describe the most popular theories concerning bargaining and the decision-making process and the corresponding bargaining personalities. This will be followed by an examination of the factors, which can alter and be used to manipulate a person�s bargaining behavior. The third section of the paper will analyze if the social constructs of personality, gender, age, and culture have any influence over bargaining behavior. The various empirical studies discussed will provide a scientific framework and will support or contest the validity of the various negotiation theories. I will also relate the current empirical research to the three current leading texts on the subject; Robert Mnookin's Beyond Winning: Negotiating to Create Value in Deals and Disputes (2000); Roger Fisher and William Ury's Getting to Yes (1983); and Herb Cohen's Negotiate This! (2003), in order to formulate a conclusion on the most effective bargaining strategy.
Political Science
Mentor: Smith, Nancy P.
Completed: SP 2005
On April 4, 1968, the culture of the civil rights movement would be irrevocably changed when its most prominent and thoughtful leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated while standing on the second floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Almost a decade before his death the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began a surveillance file on Dr. King and his group, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and then following the assassination, the FBI was charged with the task of investigating the murder. The focus of this paper is largely on the legislation and congressional committees that examined the assassination of Dr. King and the surveillance and investigation by the FBI that took place before and after his death. The assassination of Dr. King reveals irresponsibility and intentionally devious actions undertaken by the FBI and the Department of Justice. It is of crucial importance that citizens of the U.S. educate themselves about the abuses of the past to prevent future damage done to other groups and individuals in crisis in this country. The truth must be revealed in order for those in power to feel the repercussions of government errors and to curtail future abuses. Although they may be pejoratively dubbed �conspiracy theories,� many truth seeking investigations are a chance for citizens to take back their rights and ensure that there are no future encroachments on the civil and private rights of all citizens or persons in the U.S. as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. [from introduction]
Art History
Mentor: Brown, Rebecca M.
Completed: SP 2002
This project will discuss the fantasy coffins created by Kane Kwei, Ghana�s most noted fantasy coffin maker. His works are vibrant example of contemporary African art that are significant within the international art arena as well as in the social and cultural contexts of Ga and Akan mortuary practices. The coffins are colorful and powerful artistic objects that celebrate the lives of the clients. Traditional coffins have been modernized into fantasy coffins in an effort to keep pace with the changing cultural conditions in contemporary Ghana. In addition this functional art becomes a constant remainder of the discovery of a distinct post-colonial Ga identity amongst the working class in Ghana. [from introduction]
Biology
Mentor: Crawford, Karen
Completed: SP 2003
This study examines the toxicity of the active ingredient (n-phosphonomethyl glycine) found in many popular herbicides on the animal-model system Lumbriculus variegatus. Lumbriculus, a common oligochaete, was selected as the animal model because it is inexpensive, requires little maintenance, and most importantly, is known to demonstrate consistent patterns of regeneration. Normally, this worm undergoes fragmentation, its primary mode of reproduction, followed by regeneration. A new head forms from the anterior wound site and results in the formation of a seven or eight segment head. The posterior wound site forms growth zone that continues to add segments until fragmentation occurs again. In this experiment, worms were decapitated and then exposed to solutions containing glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, or its soil metabolite, aminomethyl-phosphonic acid. The worms were cultured in a range of concentrations spanning 5 to 100 parts per million (ppm) to determine the lethal and sub-lethal concentrations, and whether disruption of regeneration occurs in a dose dependent manner. Many different experimental parameters were explored in an attempt to assess the toxicity of glyphosate on Lumbriculus variegatus. Inconsistent results do not show a definitive link between the worms� ability to regenerate a normal head and concentration of glyphosate.
Biology
Mentor: Paul, Robert W.
Completed: SP 2003
A large volume of studies has been focused on the relationship between species diversity and environmental conditions. The relationship between vegetation composition and environmental factors such as climate, topography, and soil has been a great source of interest for those studying forest succession in the eastern deciduous forests of the United States. Geographic Information System (GIS) has also been used as tool by scientists to study ecological phenomena, especially with spatial interactions. The objective of this study were to study the possible relationship between soil type and woody species composition in 4 wooded areas on the property of St. Mary�s College of Maryland. GIS technology was used to create vegetation maps of growth patterns and abundance of woody species in these wooded areas. In addition, tree maps of more than 1000 campus trees were created. The results showed that forests of St. Mary�s College are in various stages of succession. While there are similarities between the vegetation layers of all the forests studied, species richness and diversity vary based on soil type. These are due, in part, to land-use history and differences in soil properties. The campus tree maps show that the species composition is a mixture of native and nonnative species. More work needs to be done with the quantitative aspect of this project in order to improve our understanding of species-environment interactions in the St. Mary�s County forests. The campus GIS and tree maps are a valuable tool for a variety of uses including tree management and education.
Anthropology/Sociology
Mentor: Hicks, Louis E.
Completed: SP 2005
This paper examines theft and destruction of property crime at St. Mary�s College of Maryland as part of a St. Mary�s Project in Sociology. Using Donald Black�s theory of law, the paper provides an analysis of crime on one college campus. Although the findings here are quite limited, the paper, and project it details, begin to fill a void in current research about campus crime.
Biology
Mentor: Tanner, Christopher E.
Completed: SP 2005
Phenolic compounds are an important component of both terrestrial and aquatic plants. These acids have various functions within the plant, and their concentration varies depending on numerous factors including plant age, season, and environmental growing conditions. This study aimed to analyze the amount of phenolic compounds present in the different life history stages of Zostera marina (eelgrass). Many theories have been hypothesized in order to explain the variation of phenolic compounds in terrestrial plants. One such theory, the protein competition model, developed by Jones and Hartley (1999), predicts phenolic concentration to be inversely related to protein concentration and that phenolic concentration would be higher in the later developmental stages where phenolics are needed for structural support and to aid in protection and defense. In this study, more phenolics were found in the mature stage compared to the younger developmental stages. These results support the protein competition model. An increasing trend of the ferulic and p-coumaric acids, which are precursors to lignin, was observed as the grasses aged. From these results, we can theorize that as the plants mature, more phenolic compounds are needed for structural support. Understanding at what stage in their life cycle eelgrass produce the most phenolic compounds can help us understand when they are most protected from such factors as disease agents and wave action.
Philosophy
Mentor: Taber, Michael S.
Completed: SP 2005
Sharing many commonalities with its ancient predecessor, America is often cited as the modern day reincarnation of ancient Greece. This is a fair comparison since much of America�s philosophy, art, and politics are reflective of the Greeks� ingenious contributions. Indeed, the foundation of American moral thought is heavily dependent on the work laid down by the Greeks. However, the basic presumption of individual human value that guides the application of American military power was not prevalent in ancient Greek society. These underlying values span across many chasms of what modern Americans consider basic human rights, such as freedom from slavery, gender equality, and the just treatment of enemy non-combatants and their property. While each of these areas is worthy of its own investigation, the intention of this thesis is to consider primarily the military aspect of these two societies. In particular, it will investigate the application of military ethics used by the governments, generals, soldiers, and citizens of both the Greeks and the modern Americans. The differences are stark and it will be argued that the Americans have morally advanced over their Greek predecessors. However, this project should not be taken in the context of using the Ancient Greeks as a moral �punching bag.� While much progress has been made in the way of moral growth, it is also undeniable to posit that modern society would not be where it is now (morally, philosophically, or physically) if it were not for their fabulous contributions. The world owes them much. This paper will need to undertake an explanation of certain ideals. In particular, an investigation into the moral realm of war is necessary. In order to do this, a consideration of the basic tenets of what the governments, and subsequently, the people behind the governments, deem valuable in regards to the actual purpose of the state. [from introduction]
Psychology
Mentor: Koenig, Cynthia S.
Completed: SP 2004
Anger has become an increasingly prevalent issue for young children in today�s society. Research conducted by Kenneth Dodge (2002) and his colleagues suggests that in every social situation there is a cognitive process that every individual unconsciously experiences, which Dodge labels the Social Information Processing Model. According to this model, social information processing appears to occur in six steps, namely, encoding, interpretation, goal setting, strategy development, strategy evaluation, and enactment of behavior. Dodge and his colleagues suggest that when a step in this process is skipped or is misinterpreted, excessive anger or aggression may result. In order to help young children learn to properly process social information to prevent anger and aggression, an anger management curriculum, which includes activities and programs focused on reflection, meditation, physical activity, social skills training, physiological awareness, and positive reinforcement was developed for use by teachers, counselors, and administrators, with first and second graders.
Anthropology/Sociology
Mentor: Roberts, William C.
Completed: SP 2005
The subculture that revolves around Japanese animation, or the anime subculture, has received very little academic scrutiny thus far. This ethnography will examine, through participant observation and exploratory interviewing, the individuals, subgroups, and overlapping subcultures that come together to form the anime subculture in the United States. It will also explore how anime subculture is created, why people are attracted to it, how the subculture can become an identity, how those within the subculture have come to view themselves, and the dominant culture�s role in shaping this view.
Philosophy
Mentor: Norlock, Kathryn J.
Completed: SP 2002
Health care ethics has traditionally seen consent as the autonomous decisions of choosers who act intentionally, with rational understanding, and without external coercive influence determining their actions. I argue that this conception of autonomy and consent is inadequate for several reasons. First, it denies the process of autonomy in which man does not simply transform from a non-autonomous being to an autonomous one without extensive and complex development. Second, it fails to acknowledge the fundamental sociality of humans and the significance of their relationships with others. Finally, it maintains a strict dichotomy between reason and emotion, favoring the former at the expense of the latter, and hence denying a significant portion of human consciousness. In this paper I argue instead that autonomy is a process linked to human identity and self-understanding. This identity includes emotion as well as reason and is co-arisen within relationships that impact and constitute the self. Taking all this into account leaves us with a more inclusive understanding of autonomy as a process �.
Biology
Mentor: Byrd, Jeffrey J.
Completed: SP 2002
Chemicals known as secondary metabolites have been isolated from marine organisms such as sponges, algae, and coral. It has been shown in many studies that secondary metabolites isolated from these marine organisms are capable of inhibiting bacterial growth. Secondary metabolites are thought to play important roles in the survival of corals, specifically the class Octocorallia. They possibly function in defense, competition, reproduction, and communication. In this particular study the antimicrobial effects of a compound (s) isolated from a soft coral, Xenia elongata, were examined. Previous studies have shown that compounds isolated from X. florida inhibit the growth of S. aureus and those isolated from X. elongata have exhibited ichythotoxic activity. This species has been remarkably successful in the SMC wet lab and it has been observed that dead polyps of this species do not degrade over a period of several weeks, even when sitting out in the open environment. In the summer of 2001, bacterial infections occurred in the SMC wet lab tanks. Many of the coral died due to the microbial surface overgrowth but the X. elongata remained uninfected. Twenty-one marine bacteria, all but two found to be gram-negative rods, were isolated from the infected coral. The other two marine bacteria were gram-negative, filamentous bacteria. An attempt was also made to determine which of the marine isolates may be pathogenic to soft corals. This study found that the concentrated ethyl acetate extract of the X. elongata compound was capable of inhibiting the growth of 5 of the 7 gram-positive non-marine bacteria tested, 0 of the 6 gram-negative known microorganisms tested, and 5 of the 21 gram-negative, marine bacteria tested. Five of the isolated marine bacteria were found to be potential pathogens that may have been responsible for the soft coral infections in the SMC wet lab. Further experimentation could lead to more conclusive evidence.
History and English
Mentor: Adams, Christine M.
Completed: SP 2004
[no abstract]
Biology
Mentor: Byrd, Jeffrey J.
Completed: SP 2002
Many varieties of packs are commonly used by students, hikers, and the military to carry heavy loads. The traditional rucksack, the double pack, the internal frame backpack, the external frame backpack, the one-strapped backpack, the satchel, and hand-carrying methods are studied and their effects on the body are examined to determine which method of carrying is preferable for the students of today. The traditional rucksack is the most economical means of carrying loads due to its minimal effects on oxygen uptake, heart rate, muscle activity, spinal structure, and walking patterns. Carrying loads by hand produces maximum effects on each of these physiological and structural changes. Physiological and structural changes affecting the student may potentially induce back pain. Gender, age, participation in certain sports, and inactivity are contributing factors that can further affect the prevalence of back pain. Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development that is interrupted by carrying heavy backpacks. Students can help prevent and reduce back pain by wearing a backpack that fits properly and comfortably, by reducing the amount of time they carry heavy loads, by reducing the amount of weight carried in the backpack, by engaging safely in activities and sports, and by living a healthy lifestyle.
Economics
Mentor: Nguyen, Ho
Completed: SP 2004
Throughout the course of civilization, it has come to be widely acknowledged that history often has a tendency of repeating itself. Whether it is in small matters or large, it has become a generally accepted reality. The research in this project intends to question and explore whether history could again repeat itself with the unification of two countries that have conflicting political and economic systems: capitalism and communism, as well as market economy and planned economy, into one peaceful nation. This research examines whether or not the countries of North and South Korea are repeating history and are becoming a modern-day East and West Germany. This paper observes the economic conditions during the reunification of East and West Germany in the late 1980�s and early 1990�s for both countries and compares those observations with the current environment in the Korean Peninsula regarding North and South Korea. It also aims to show some of the evident similarities and differences between the two situations through a historical analysis of the state of affairs with each of the Germanys and couple it with a gathering of information related to the circumstances in the Koreas �. The major focus of this paper will be to judge whether or not the economic conditions of these two Koreas are similar enough to East and West Germany to pose some possible reunification scenarios for them. And as has already been alluded to in this introduction, this research intends to show that Korean unification is possible, given current understanding of the situation, and through the research provide arguments for and against the possibility of a unification and scenarios where that unification could be accomplished as peacefully and successfully as possible. [from introduction]
Anthropology/Sociology
Mentor: Osborn, Elizabeth A.
Completed: FA 2003
I examined the difference between the rules and expectations set in 3 different elementary school classroom settings: public, private, and Montessori. I wanted to see if these rules and expectations under each setting benefit some children more than others. By observing these differences, I hoped to come to a conclusion about whether there are varying degrees of equality for elementary school children based on the rules and consequences practiced in these specific classroom settings. My hypothesis is that some schools treat children more fairly when it comes to the rules and consequences than other types of schools. Often, this difference in treatment in regard to the rules and consequences is influenced by factors such as race, class, and gender. To reasonably test my hypothesis, I conducted intensive interviews with 11 children and 9 adults. From the responses, I was able to conclude that there are differing levels of equality in the three school settings as far as disciplinary policies. These are important findings considering that most parents and children have no idea that there are classroom settings that do treat children more fairly than others. Increased awareness of this problem could better enable parents and teachers to work together to reduce or alleviate this inequality.
Biology
Mentor: Rhode, Jennifer M.
Completed: SP 2002
[no abstract]
Art History
Mentor: Lucchesi, Joseph E.
Completed: SP 2002
The process by which imagery becomes incorporated into the public�s general consciousness is a phenomenon that intrigues me as an art historian. Images become so much a part of daily life that they are incorporated into objects that are used in daily life. Images that were once revered for their unique qualities of design and innovation are replicated onto everything from the typical poster print to a night-light. The question is whether or not the images loose something in the transition. This process, which I have analyzed both anthropologically and art historically, creates images where the original is no longer of consequence. Not to say that the original does not retain some dignity in the world of museums and originals, however, it is to say that the original is no longer necessary for people to understand and recognize the image. The appropriation of images has become commonplace in the world and the commodification of images from the art world into popular culture is no longer a rare occurrence. In order for images to become a part of the general social conscience they must go through the process of becoming more than just paintings on the wall, the images have to incorporate themselves into popular culture.
Religious Studies
Mentor: Schroeder, John W.
Completed: SP 2005
I�ll never forget the first time I read about Tara. A female Buddha? Originating from an advanced female practitioner? A vow to continue rebirth in a woman�s body? Do I sense some feminism lurking in those musty pages of ancient texts? Needless to say, I was intrigued by Tara and to the principles she had to offer �. Through the course of my research and the composition of my treatise, it became quite clear that I could not isolate Tara (or her influence) from the numerous roles she plays. Therefore, for this reason, my work has taken what I initially only saw as �Tara� and expanding it, rather than concentrating solely on the perceptions practitioners might have of her. Thus, I offer this opus as a focus on Tara as a whole�who she is, what she�s here to represent, and what some people have to say about her. It is my hope that I present my findings in as nonbiased a way possible; I intend not to redefine or �fix� Tibetan Buddhism, but, rather, to gain an understanding of identity; that of the female deity and that of the practitioners who worship her. Moreover, as my examination progresses, it is with a feminist eye that I will scrutinize these findings. In Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh writes, �Buddhism, in order to be Buddhism, must be suitable, appropriate to the psychology and culture of the society what it serves� (Thich Nhat Hanh 1997: 84). In this sense, what does Tara offer to Buddhism that addresses the needs of its followers, most notably, female practitioners? Feminism and Buddhism are two paths that work to alleviate suffering, yet in light of the realities of the conventional world versus the ultimate, what influence can they have on one another? And where does Tara fit in with all of this? [from preface]
Human Studies
Mentor: Johnson, Angela C.
Completed: SP 2003
In this study, four high school biology classes were utilized to assess the efficacy of and the attitudes toward educational technology. Student biases toward/against vertebrate dissection were also measured. Two of the classes were honors level biology and two of the classes were �standard-level�/remedial (non college prep) classes. Pre-and post-activity content-based exams were given in addition to attitude surveys which assessed student views on dissection�s usefulness, moral/ethical value, and use of educational technology. This researcher hoped to show that technology based resources were equally as or more effective as traditional dissection activities as shown by post test scores. It was found that while students who used the virtual dissection program had significantly higher written test scores than the students who performed the traditional dissection, the latter students performed significantly better than the former on the frog practical. Attitudes in general became more positive toward dissection and technology in general after the activity. There were no significant results particular to the standard/remedial level students; however, the honors level students had the highly significant results reported in the areas of test scores and attitudes.
History
Mentor: Kang, Xiaofei
Completed: SP 2004
This essay focuses on the historical process of identity construction among the Uyghur peoples of Xinjiang Province in northwest China. Xinjiang is home to eight million Uyghurs, who comprise approximately forty-seven percent of Xinjiang�s total population. Xinjiang is the only province in China in which Han Chinese are not the majority of the population. Unlike Tibet, Xinjiang is important to China due to its valuable fossil fuel deposits .� Like Tibet however, separatist aspirations of Xinjiang�s large ethnic population challenges the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party�s power. If any one of China�s peripheral territories�Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and in some ways Taiwan�were able to slip away from China, the rhetoric of a unified China would dissolve. While the situation of China�s 4.6 million Tibetans is well documented in Western media, and the Dalai Lama is frequently labeled as a �splittest� in Chinese Communist propaganda, few outside of China realize there are 20 million Muslims in China and that Uyghur unrest in Xinjiang presents more of a threat to Chinese unity then does Tibetan political agitation. This essay shall explore the politics of Uyghur identity construction in relation to ethnicity, nationalism, power politics, economics, and state needs. [from Introduction]
Psychology
Mentor: Hopkins, J. Roy
Completed: SP 2002
This study was designed to compare first and fourth graders� relationships to their teachers in terms of attachment, interpersonal connection, and dependence. Participants included 19 first graders (7 male, 12 female) and 16 fourth graders (10 male, 6 female). It was hypothesized that first graders would be more attached than fourth graders, fourth graders would be more connected than first graders, and girls of both ages would be more attached and connected than boys. A factor analysis of the data revealed the created measure had three factors: lack of interpersonal connection, difficult child, and dependence. No significant differences were found on any factor. The limitations of the study as well as the possibilities for the future are discussed.
Psychology
Mentor: Kosarych-Coy, Janet M.
Completed: SP 2001
It has been said that the problem with today�s youth is that there are not enough caring adults in their lives to provide the guidance and support that is necessary for children to reach their full potential. Children are also faced with many other stresses in today�s society; homes where there is substance abuse or domestic violence, poverty, poor education, lack of supervision, the negative influences of the media, etc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland, Inc. (BBBS) ameliorates those stresses on children by providing volunteer mentors who help to broaden children�s resources and confidence. Many of the children in the BBBS program come from single parent homes, where they have experienced abandonment by the absent parent, who are not usually positive role models. [from introduction]
English
Mentor: Hammond, Jeffrey A.
Completed: SP 2004
This series of four related essays examines the influences my Mother�s life and death has had on several lives. The work is non-fiction. The details have been obtained through personal remembrance and interviews. In keeping with the nature of memory, the essays are not strictly narrative. I connect small stories, images and thoughts through association and mood. The style and construction of the project aims to organically negotiate contradictions I�ve experienced in understanding myself and the people I love. The first essay, �Weighs of Thinking� revolves around the paradox between my Father�s love of life and his depression. Next, �Milo Otis on Damascus� examines the nature of insecurity and youth in high school. The interactions between Atheism, the Baha�i faith and Christianity are revealed in Religion and Grant T. Riggle. Although all four contain my mother�s perspective and influence, �My Mother�s Presence� deals most directly with the memories of my Mother, specifically, those brought about by a conversation between my Aunt and me.
Biology
Mentor: Tanner, Christopher E.
Completed: SP 2002
In Twin Cays, Belize, the subtidal epibiont community of Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove) is dominated by sponges. Previous studies show that the presence of live sponges on R. mangle prop roots increases root biomass relative to spongeless roots. As red mangroves along the fringes of the cays are severely nitrogen limited, the increase in root mass could be due to nitrogen-fixing processes mediated by symbiotic microbes within the sponge. In preliminary investigations of this hypothesis, epibiont sponges were sampled from red mangrove prop roots along nitrogen-enriched and control transects for symbiont characterization and stable isotope analysis. The bacterial community of Haliclona implexiformis, one of the most abundant members of this sponge community, was characterized using the molecular methods of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to determine the similarities and differences in microbial community composition between the water column and the sponge samples and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) to compare the community composition of bacteria in the interior and exterior of the sponge. RFLP analysis revealed twenty-five haplotypes in the sponge samples, two of which occurred with a relative frequency > 50% of the total. The abundance of specific microbial species within the sponges suggests that these are symbionts of the sponge. Stable isotope analysis of ?15N signals for seven sponge genera occurring on the prop roots of R. mangle was used to determine if N-fixation was occurring in epibiont sponges. Only one of the seven sponges had a signal that suggested the presence of nitrogen fixation. 13C signals were also analyzed and were in the range of -13 to -14 � for all seven sponges, consistent with literature values for heterotrophic filter-feeders. The results of this study suggest that H. implexiformis contains at least two species of symbiotic bacteria. However, isotopic signatures of several epibiont sponge species do not support the hypothesis that nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria is common. Further studies are needed to definitively determine the role that these sponges and their symbiotic microbial communities play in the mangrove ecosystem.
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