THE RUHLMAN RUHLMAN RUHLMAN CONFERENCE

A CELEBRATION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

APRIL 26, 2017

CONTENTS

Biography of Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’54 1

The Ruhlman Conference 2017 2

A History of the Conference 3 By Lee Cuba and Adele Wolfson

Conference at a Glance 4

Conference Schedule 6

Frequent Sources of Support for Student/Faculty Research 20

Conference Planner 21

Abstracts 22

Student Index 63

Faculty Index 65

BIOGRAPHY BARBARA PETERSON RUHLMAN ’54

Barbara Ann Peterson was born to Thomas and Ethel Peterson in 1932 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and lived there for her first nine years. The family moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio, where Barbara graduated from Laurel School before enrolling at Wellesley in the class of 1954. A psychology major, Barbara lived in Homestead and Severance before spending her junior and senior years in Claflin Hall. Of her time at Wellesley, Barbara wrote in 2004, “Fifty-four years ago when I entered Wellesley, it was a dream come true…Four years at Wellesley were wonderful, rewarding, but not without their ups and downs, and much hard work, which helped me become a stronger, more confident person.” Barbara deployed her psychology degree as a hospital social worker before marrying former Air Force lieutenant Jon Ruhlman in 1955. Jon was a graduate of Purdue University with a graduate degree from the University of Colorado. Together, Jon and Barbara raised two sons, Robert and Randall, while Jon pursued a career in business. Barbara took on numerous volunteer leadership roles in the arts, education, health care, and more in her community. Barbara and Jon avidly pursued their loves of sailing, global travel, and spending time with their two grandchildren together. Sadly, Jon passed away in 2004. To this day, Barbara remains closely connected to Wellesley College through her philanthropy, her volunteer service, and her participation in class reunions and mini- reunions, of which she has written, “I have enjoyed reconnecting with classmates I knew years ago and meeting some for the first time…I treasure my new friends, and those I have had for many years, as they provide a great source of strength and stability.”

#RUHLMAN2017 1 THE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the 2017 Ruhlman Conference. Made possible by the Barbara Peterson Ruhlman Fund for Interdisciplinary Study, the Ruhlman Conference is intended to foster collaboration among students and faculty across the disciplines and to enhance the intellectual life of the College. The event provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, friends, family, and alumnae to come together in celebration of student achievement.

The Ruhlman Conference celebrates intellectual life by sponsoring a communal, public event where students have an opportunity to present their work to an unusually wide audience. By providing an opportunity for public presentation of what is often a private, isolated activity, the conference demonstrates that research can be part of the ongoing conversation in a community of scholars.

Attentive to the diversity of student interests and accomplishments, the Ruhlman Conference includes a variety of formats for the presentation of student work: papers, panels, posters, exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, interactive teaching presentations, and readings of original work. Representing the work of nearly 350 Wellesley students, the Ruhlman Conference is organized around three major themes: Humanities, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences.

We invite you to celebrate the 21st annual Ruhlman Conference by experiencing the scope and richness of student achievement at this year’s conference. We wish to express our thanks and congratulations to all students and alumnae, near and far, for their participation in this special event.

The 2017 Ruhlman Conference Committee Members

Scott Gunther Joanne Murray ’81 Andrew Shennan French Department Albright Institute for Global Affairs Office of the Provost

David Hawkins Anthony Pires Yuichiro Suzuki Geosciences Department Composers Conference Residential Biological Sciences Department

Margaret Keane Christina Pong Sophia Temkin Psychology Department Communications & Public Affairs Class of 2017

Jessica May Elizabeth Robichaud Sally Theran Office for Resources Albright Institute for Global Affairs Psychology Department

Andy Mowbray Orit Shaer Sierra Weingartner Art Department Computer Science Department Class of 2017

2 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 A History of the The first Ruhlman Conference was held on the afternoon of May 1, 1997. Looking back on that Conference day, the 150 students who volunteered to participate in the inaugural conference—and the more than 50 faculty who served as their advisors—were creating a new Wellesley tradition. In the By Lee Cuba and months preceding the conference, members of the program committee had worried that it might be Adele Wolfson difficult to recruit students to participate in this ambitious communal experiment. Indeed, that was the question on Barbara Ruhlman’s mind throughout much of the year. Once the day of the conference arrived, however, a new question came to occupy their minds: What if no one attended? The conference had been organized into concurrent sessions scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and, because no change to the class schedule was made that day, late-afternoon classes overlapped with the first block of conference presentations. At a place already over-populated with lectures, performances, and other community events, who would be interested in attending yet another optional event?

Many were. The student, faculty, and staff turnout that afternoon was respectable, if not large, and faculty and staff outnumbered students in most sessions. Of greater significance, participants and attendees of the first conference left with the impression that they had participated in something special, urging those in charge of planning the conference to find ways to increase involvement among all constituencies of the College. The following year the conference was scheduled for a day on which no classes would be held, the number of blocks of concurrent sessions was increased, and a community-wide lunch was added. The number of students presenting at the conference rose to 250, and the number of faculty and staff advisors doubled (to 100), as did the number of sessions. In the years to follow, the conference would consistently attract between 250 and 300 student participants sponsored by well over 100 faculty and staff, representing virtually every academic department and program of the College.

Why was the Ruhlman Conference such a success? A student on the first program committee provided insight into the answer when she suggested that “Wellesley was a very academic place, but it wasn’t as intellectual as it might be.” By that, we believe she meant that Wellesley students set high academic standards for themselves and their peers, that they worked hard to achieve those standards—but that they spent more time talking about how hard they worked than about what they were working on. Although the Ruhlman Conference provided a venue to applaud and celebrate the hard work necessary to produce excellent projects, its focus was on the results of that hard work—the knowledge, understanding, and joy that comes through serious intellectual engagement.

As we celebrate the 21st annual Ruhlman Conference, it is hard to imagine Wellesley without it. The conference is built into our calendar and our consciousness. Students look forward to their presentations as they plan their research projects. Faculty mark the years by remembering which students participated in a Ruhlman panel or poster session. Deans describe the conference to candidates for faculty positions as one of the great selling points of the institution. Other colleges planning student research conferences look admiringly at the structure we have built. Part of the joy of the day is the way in which traditional divisions are broken down. Science talks happen in Pendleton, poetry readings in the Science Center. Panels are created that cross disciplines and make new connections; their audiences are filled with staff, faculty, and students interacting with the presenters and with one another in new ways. And part of the joy comes from Barbara Ruhlman’s obvious delight in her creation. The gratitude that flows back and forth between her and the students adds to the special nature of the day and is a manifestation of the connections among generations of Wellesley alumnae. It is not difficult to see why the Ruhlman Conference has become such a valued Wellesley tradition.

Lee Cuba is professor of sociology and former dean of the College. While associate dean, he worked with Barbara Ruhlman to develop the plan for the Ruhlman Conference and chaired the program committee from 1997–1999. Adele Wolfson is the Nan Walsh Schow ’54 and Howard B. Schow Professor in the Physical and Natural Sciences. She was associate dean of the College from 2004–2010 and chaired the program committee.

#RUHLMAN2017 3 Conference at a Glance

Themes 9:15–10:25 a.m. 10:45–11:55 a.m. Lunch* 1:30–2:40 p.m. 3:00–4:10 p.m.

Humanities Lighting a Candle for Hemingway in His Sacred Landscapes: A The Danger of a Single Story: Portraits of Immigration “To Till and Keep”: Creating Environmental Paradigms of Dominion and The Selfie in American Life (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-128 Pamela Daniels Fellow Project (On-Location Presentation) Houghton (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-126 Sustainability from Genesis (Interactive Teaching Presentation) FND-102 Exploration of the Book from Manuscript to Print (On-Location Presentation) Chapel An Artist’s Botany, a Botanist’s Art: Botanical Watercolors in the Together, Restoring Their Names: Humanizing Women’s Experiences from Clapp Library Special Collections, 4th Floor Forbidden Love and Conservative Romanticism: Brahms’ Piano Collection of Helen Frances Ayres at Wellesley College the Holocaust (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-120 Beyond Simba and Hakuna Matata: A Great Journey in Tanzania (Pre-formed Quintet in F Minor (Long Performance) PNW-201 (On-Location Presentation) SCI-155 The ascenDance Experience: Dance at Wellesley and Student-Run Dance Panel Discussion) FND-120 The Artist and the Craftsman (On-Location Presentation) Od: The Animated Thesis (Film Screening) Collins Cinema (Long Performance) PNW-201 The Usual Suspects, Unusual Influences (Talk) PNW-001 Green Beach Dueling Influences (Talk) FND-120 Looking Across the Globe (Talk) SCI-396 Bark and Metal (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-102 Videnda: An Exploration of Visual Storytelling (Exhibition) Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind: Revealing Hidden Communities Two Halves Make a Whole? (Talk) SCI-264 Knapp Media Center (Talk) FND-102 Snapchat @ Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-277 Tell Me a Story (Talk) FND-102 Who Tells Your Story? Narratives Reclaimed (Talk) SCI-396 Saving History, Recording Our Presence (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239

Value Systems Time After Time (Talk) FND-120

Science and Women Who Will Farm: A Proposal to Cultivate a Sustainable Food Exploring the Relationship Between the Innate Immune System and System at Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-277 Adult Neurogenesis in the Brains of Procambarid Crayfish Technology (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-256 Exploring the Landscape of an Ancient Supercontinent Using Wait, You Made That?: Making and Fabrication at Wellesley College Comparative Studies of a Novel Anti-Cancer Agent Targeting Pancreatic Microscopic Grains of “Sand” Does Developmental Pollen Stress Affect the Performance of (Exhibition) Knapp Fabrication Lab, 1st Floor Clapp Library Cancer (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-E-111 (Interactive Teaching Presentation) SCI-278 Inspector Honey Bees? (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-E-211 Investigating Cardiac Potassium Channels in a Heterologous System EcoLab: Studying the Impact of Climate on Ecosystem Feedbacks Chemistry’s Next Top (Computational) Model: Optimize Your Way to Masses of Gases: Using Inorganic Gas Tracers to Examine Oceanic (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-278 the Top! (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-225 Processes (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 Cancer from Different Points of View (Talk) FND-126 Seeking Environmental Justice in a Modern Urban Context: All Things Biomolecular Damage and Bacterial Interactions: A Sampling of The Haines Lab: Applications of Organic Chemistry to the Interdisciplinary (Interactive Teaching Presentation) SCI-104 Biochemistry Research (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-396 Development of Novel Therapeutics Blue Planet and Beyond (Talk) FND-128 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-264 Raging Hormones and Mutants (Talk) SCI-264 Brainy Science (Talk) SCI-392 Perspectives on STEM Education (Talk) SCI-E-111 Climate Change and Collateral Damage (Talk) SCI-277 Sleep and (Altered) Consciousness (Talk) FND-207 Design for Engagement and Inclusion (Talk) FND-307 Mighty Microbes (Talk) FND-207 Data and Learning (Talk) SCI-E-111 Shining Light on Dark Matter (Talk) SCI-278 Cells that Make Bread and Beer (Talk) SCI-E-211 Chemistry at Different Scales (Talk) SCI-E-111

Developing Minds Want to Know (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239 Give and Take: Compromise in Times of Crisis (Talk, Fowler Presentation) Perspectives from the Freedom Project I: Geopolitics After Trump Calderwood Seminars in Public Writing: Engaging Interviews Social Sciences PNE-239 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239 Perspectives from the Freedom Project III: Exploring Threats to Free Elections (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Perspectives from the Freedom Project IV: Thinking Outside the (Urban) Box The Economics of Gender and the Family (Pre-formed Panel Mellon Mays Research Imperatives I (Talks) SCI-274 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Discussion) SCI-264 The History and Future of Wellesley’s Asian-American Studies (Pre-formed Economics of Finance (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-392 Panel Discussion) SCI-104 Perspectives from the Freedom Project V: Clashing Definitions of Freedom Data for Social Justice: Creating Boston’s First Report on the Perspectives from the Freedom Project II: Barriers to Economic and and Their Policy Implications (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-127 Status of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (Pre-formed Panel Economics of Incentives (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-207 Personal Freedoms in Latin American Authoritarian Regimes (Pre- Discussion) SCI-274 Sed Ministrare: Becoming a Teacher at Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Mellon Mays Research Imperatives II (Talks) SCI-274 Discussion) SCI-268 From Glyphs to Bytes: Ancient Egypt and the Future of Digital Shaping One’s Self: Early Cultural Experiences (Talk) SCI-270 Dual Language, Dual Lives? (Talk) FND-225 Humanities (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-307 China Beyond Its Borders (Talk) SCI-274 Changing Minds, Growing Minds (Talk) SCI-104 More Than Empathy: Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Reflecting Backward and Forward: Identity in a Time of Change (Talk) Understanding How Big Personalities Get to the World Stage (Talk) SCI-277 (Talk) SCI-270 SCI-268 Aging Across Contexts (Talk) SCI-278 A Child’s Mind: Imagination and Intelligence in the Early Years (Talk) SCI-104

Intimate Conversations: Shedding Light on Closed-Door Discussions (Talk) SCI-270

Key: FND—Founders Hall PNE—Pendleton East PNW—Pendleton West SCI—Science Center

4 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Lunch* 1:30–2:40 p.m. 3:00–4:10 p.m.

“To Till and Keep”: Creating Environmental Paradigms of Dominion and The Selfie in American Life (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-128 Sustainability from Genesis (Interactive Teaching Presentation) FND-102 Exploration of the Book from Manuscript to Print (On-Location Presentation) Together, Restoring Their Names: Humanizing Women’s Experiences from Clapp Library Special Collections, 4th Floor the Holocaust (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-120 Beyond Simba and Hakuna Matata: A Great Journey in Tanzania (Pre-formed The ascenDance Experience: Dance at Wellesley and Student-Run Dance Panel Discussion) FND-120 (Long Performance) PNW-201 The Usual Suspects, Unusual Influences (Talk) PNW-001 Looking Across the Globe (Talk) SCI-396 Bark and Metal (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-102 Two Halves Make a Whole? (Talk) SCI-264

Snapchat @ Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-277

Wait, You Made That?: Making and Fabrication at Wellesley College Comparative Studies of a Novel Anti-Cancer Agent Targeting Pancreatic (Exhibition) Knapp Fabrication Lab, 1st Floor Clapp Library Cancer (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-E-111

Investigating Cardiac Potassium Channels in a Heterologous System EcoLab: Studying the Impact of Climate on Ecosystem Feedbacks (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-278

Cancer from Different Points of View (Talk) FND-126 Seeking Environmental Justice in a Modern Urban Context: All Things Interdisciplinary (Interactive Teaching Presentation) SCI-104 Blue Planet and Beyond (Talk) FND-128 Raging Hormones and Mutants (Talk) SCI-264 Perspectives on STEM Education (Talk) SCI-E-111

Design for Engagement and Inclusion (Talk) FND-307

Developing Minds Want to Know (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239 Give and Take: Compromise in Times of Crisis (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239 Perspectives from the Freedom Project III: Exploring Threats to Free Elections (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Perspectives from the Freedom Project IV: Thinking Outside the (Urban) Box (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 The History and Future of Wellesley’s Asian-American Studies (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-104 Perspectives from the Freedom Project V: Clashing Definitions of Freedom and Their Policy Implications (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-127 Economics of Incentives (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-207 Sed Ministrare: Becoming a Teacher at Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Mellon Mays Research Imperatives II (Talks) SCI-274 Discussion) SCI-268 Dual Language, Dual Lives? (Talk) FND-225 China Beyond Its Borders (Talk) SCI-274 More Than Empathy: Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Understanding How Big Personalities Get to the World Stage (Talk) SCI-277 (Talk) SCI-270

Aging Across Contexts (Talk) SCI-278

* All members of the Wellesley College community are invited to enjoy lunch on the Wang Key: FND—Founders Hall Campus Center lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the lunch will remain in the same PNE—Pendleton East tented service location with the Campus Center and Alumnae Hall as indoor rain locations. PNW—Pendleton West Lunchtime entertainment will be provided by the Blue Notes, the Tupelos, and the Wellesley SCI—Science Center Widows, in the vicinity of the lunch tent.

#RUHLMAN2017 5 Conference Schedule

8:45–9:15 a.m. Refreshments served in the Breakfast Science Center Leonie Faroll Focus

9:15–10:25 a.m. Lighting a Candle for Hemingway in His Sacred Landscapes: Humanities A Pamela Daniels Fellow Project Houghton Chapel Connie Chen ’17, English

Forbidden Love and Conservative Romanticism: Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor (Long Performance) PNW-201 Julia F. Wells ’17, Physics; Sharon S. Kim ’18, Computer Science; Alice Z. Xu ’17, Economics; Yu Hui (Yuna) Gan ’20, Undeclared; Yuriko A. Fukumura ’19, Neuroscience

The Artist and the Craftsman (On-Location Presentation) Green Beach Christine J. Galloway ’17, Art Studio

Videnda: An Exploration of Visual Storytelling (Exhibition) Knapp Media Center Michelle Gao ’17, Media Arts and Sciences; Ruby Feng ’17, Media Arts and Sciences

Tell Me a Story (Talk) FND-102

“Ovid, God, and Gilgamesh Walk Into a Bar...”: On the Comparison of Mythological Literatures Austen N. Aquino ’17, Classical Civilization/Comparative Literature

Cuando se te esponja el arroz: Tradition, Modernity, and the Identity of Mexican Women Johana C. Mata ’17, French/International Relations-History

Child’s Play?: Researching and Writing a Children’s Novel Isabelle A. Chen ’17, English/French

Accessing Myth in the Modern Day: The Odyssey and YA Magical Realism Allyson F. Larcom ’17, Classical Civilization/English and Creative Writing

Saving History, Recording Our Presence (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239

The Values of Architecture Angela M. Sun ’17, Architecture/Philosophy

Creating a Photographic Memory Doris Li ’20, Undeclared

Guns and Grits: Black Womanhood and Radical Self-Preservation in the Black Panther Free Breakfast Program Meredith J. Wade ’17, Environmental Studies/History

Classical Antiquities at Wellesley College Margaret A. Justus ’17, Art History/Classical Civilization

Value Systems Time After Time (Talk) FND-120

Medical Ethics in Islam: Theory and Practice Julide E. Iye ’18, Middle Eastern Studies

The Degraded Regimes in Plato’s Republic Peiying (Peggy) Zhu ’17, Philosophy

6 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Unstable Warps: Contested Visions of Empire in Agostino Brunias’ Market Scenes Rebecca E. Selch ’17, Art History/Sociology

Science and Technology Women Who Will Farm: A Proposal to Cultivate a Sustainable Food System at Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-277 Sarah H. Koenig ’17, Environmental Studies; Clara (Clare) C. Sachsse DS, Environmental Studies; Heike H. Jacob ’17, Architecture/Environmental Studies; Alysha E. Cross ’17, Environmental Studies; Leila-Anne B. Brusseau DS, Environmental Studies

Exploring the Landscape of an Ancient Supercontinent Using Microscopic Grains of “Sand” (Interactive Teaching Presentation) SCI-278 Disha C. Okhai ’17, Geosciences

Chemistry’s Next Top (Computational) Model: Optimize Your Way to the Top! (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-225 Shi Hui (Fiona) Ng ’17, Biological Sciences; Carla P. Perez ’18, Chemistry; Rachel Kim ’19, Undeclared; Alexandria Guo ’19, Undeclared

Biomolecular Damage and Bacterial Interactions: A Sampling of Biochemistry Research (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-396 Leah M. Furman ’17, Chemistry/French; Lucia J. Ortega ’17, Spanish; Dania M. Figueroa ’17, Biochemistry; Margaret (Maggie) A. Klureza ’17, Chemistry

Brainy Science (Talk) SCI-392

Conductive Polymer Fiber Mats for Both Stimulating and Measuring Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Differentiation Alexis L. Lowe ’17, Neuroscience

Breeding for the Brain: A Look into Huntington’s Disease, Decision Making, and Selective Mouse Models Ruth H. Vorder Bruegge ’18, Neuroscience; Serena K. Bourque ’19, Undeclared

The Effect of Glutamate Transporter Deletions on Receptor Distribution in the Caenorhabditis elegans Synapse Andrea M. Bejar ’19, Undeclared

Glutamate Transporters in Caenorhabditis elegans: The Implications of Transporter Deletions on Behavior, Learning, and Memory Moriah R. Harling ’17, Chinese Language & Culture/Neuroscience

Sleep and (Altered) Consciousness (Talk) FND-207

Dissecting the Origins of the Primary Somatosensory System (S1) Resting State Functional Connectivity (RSFC) in the Rat Brain Jiyoung J. Lee ’17, Neuroscience

Psychiatric History and Problematic Cannabis Use Emily Nip ’18, Neuroscience

The Neuroscience of Consciousness: Can We Have Attention Without Consciousness? Shivani A. Dayal ’18, Neuroscience

Automatic Detection of Sleep Spindles in Simultaneously Acquired EEG-fMRI Data Kanupriya Gupta ’18, Neuroscience

#RUHLMAN2017 7 Data and Learning (Talk) SCI-E-111

Improving Dynamic Data Race Detection with Reprivatization Analysis Samuila (Sam) Y. Mincheva ’17, Computer Science

Predicting Churn in Massive Open Online Courses Nancy Ho ’18, Computer Science/Mathematics

Singing in the Brain: The Contribution of New Neurons to Behavioral Plasticity in the Zebra Finch Brain Rebecca B. Jennings ’17, Biological Sciences

Introducing Mobile App Development to Youth in Burundi Belyse Inamahoro ’19, Media Arts and Sciences

Cells that Make Bread and Beer (Talk) SCI-E-211

Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Characterize S. pombe Cell Wall Synthase-Deficient Cells Kathryn M. Barth ’17, Biochemistry

Characterizing Protein Interactions Responsible for the Spatial and Temporal Regulation of Cytokinesis in Fission Yeast Ruby Ye ’17, Biochemistry

Evaluating the Localization Interdependence of Blt1p, Gef2p, and Rng2p in S. pombe Alexis D. Crayton ’17, Biological Sciences/Chinese Language & Culture

Social Sciences Perspectives from the Freedom Project I: Geopolitics After Trump (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Kaila L. Webb ’20, Undeclared; Cassandra M. Allen ’18, International Relations-Economics; Sabrina Liang ’19, Political Science

The Economics of Gender and the Family (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-264 Leah A Plachinski ’17, Economics; Clio B. Flikkema ’17, Economics/Russian Area Studies; Madeline E. Stern ’17; Economics/Mathematics

Data for Social Justice: Creating Boston’s First Report on the Status of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-274 Tanvee Varma ’18, Economics; Linda W. Zhou ’18, Chinese Language & Culture/Political Science; Cordelia Zhong ’17, Psychology; Riann K. Tang ’19, Computer Science/Political Science; Diana Lam ’20, Undeclared; Grace R. Ming ’18, Media Arts and Sciences; Heng (Amber) Qin ’18, Political Science; Jennifer Mou ’18, Economics/Psychology; Lydia Guo ’20, Undeclared; Tanvi Kodali ’20, Undeclared

From Glyphs to Bytes: Ancient Egypt and the Future of Digital Humanities (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-307 Isabel A. Staccuneddu ’17, Economics/Women’s and Gender Studies; Sarah N. Michelson ’18, Art History/English; Kate E. Kenneally ’18, Computer Science; Paola M. Favela ’19, Anthropology

Reflecting Backward and Forward: Identity in a Time of Change (Talk) SCI-268

Adulting Is Hard: Anxiety and Insecurity in the Millennial Generation’s Coming-of-Age Process Amy L. Johnson ’17, Sociology/Spanish

Aesthetics, Memes, and Social Justice: Identity Formation and Political Engagement on Tumblr Julia J. Chmyz ’17, Computer Science/Sociology

African Ancestral Knowledge and the Black Identity Camille C. Stovall-Ceja ’17, Individual-Peace & Justice Studies/Psychology

8 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 A Child’s Mind: Imagination and Intelligence in the Early Years (Talk) SCI-104

Toy Stories: Children’s Use of Gender Stereotypes in Making Social Judgments Zichun (Michelle) Wang ’18, Psychology

Pretend Play Diary Study Madison M. Flowers ’17, American Studies/Psychology

Benefits of Consensus Liliana Mayorga ’19, Psychology

Examining Children’s Conceptualization of Separateness in Imaginary Companions Kiera M. Parece ’17, Political Science/Psychology

Intimate Conversations: Shedding Light on Closed-Door Discussions (Talk) SCI-270

Young Adults’ Reflections on Abstinence Messages in School Lauren I. Mostrom ’18, Classical Civilization/Economics

In Conversation with Donor-Conceived Teenagers Jacqueline (Jackie) G. McGrath ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies

The New Muslim Woman Amina Ziad ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies

10:25–10:45 a.m. Break Refreshments served in the Science Center Leonie Faroll Focus

10:45–11:55 a.m. The Danger of a Single Story: Portraits of Immigration (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-126 Humanities Arianna G. Regalado ’18, Religion; Emerson S. Goldstein ’18, American Studies/Political Science; Esther A. Miller ’18, Art Studio; Faiza S. Aslam ’19, Sociology

An Artist’s Botany, a Botanist’s Art: Botanical Watercolors in the Collection of Helen Frances Ayres at Wellesley College (On-Location Presentation) SCI -155 Ningyi Xi ’17, Art History/Classical Civilization

Od: The Animated Thesis (Film Screening) Collins Cinema Katherine H. Roche ’17, Classics/Media Arts and Sciences

Dueling Influences (Talk) FND-120

Piratical Debauchery, Homesick Sailors, and Nautical Rhythms: Sea Shanties in Classical Music Pallas C. Riedler ’17, English and Creative Writing/Music

“History Has Its Eyes on You”: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Interpretation of Hip-Hop Culture in Hamilton Maleah P. Maxie ’18, Cognitive & Linguistic Sciences/Music

This Isn’t Even My Final Form: Techno-Orientalist Women Who Will Claire S. Shin ’17, American Studies

Scholasticism and Clerical Authority in The Canterbury Tales Nikita R. Nagras ’17, Economics/English

Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind: Revealing Hidden Communities (Talk) FND-102

The Social Worlds of Beijing’s Electronic Underground Juliet Y. Liu ’17, Anthropology/History

#RUHLMAN2017 9 Still Here, Still Queer: Activism in the Postcolonial South Asian Diaspora Dharani A. Persaud ’17, International Relations-Political Science

In-Between: Narratives of Identity and Community by Chinese-American Adoptees Isabelle L. St. Clair ’17, Peace & Justice Studies

Touching Base: Isolation and Community on Maine’s Islands Ruth E. Weschler ’17, Anthropology/Biological Sciences

Who Tells Your Story? Narratives Reclaimed (Talk) SCI-396

Voice, Silence, and Testimony: Recovering Feminist Voices in Italian Poetry and Autobiography Cat Yoke ’17, Italian Studies/Women’s and Gender Studies

A Study of Female Agency in The Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Accompanied by Lithographic Illustrations Virginia G. White ’17, Classical Civilization

Hemingway and Elizabeth Edith (Edie) M. Sharon ’17, Chemistry/English

Jet Lag: Narrating a 21st-Century South Asian Experience in the United States and Abroad Kanika A. Vaish ’17, English/Political Science

Science and Technology Exploring the Relationship Between the Innate Immune System and Adult Neurogenesis in the Brains of Procambarid Crayfish (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-256 Megan E. McNeil ’17, Biochemistry; Anushree Dugar ’18, Neuroscience; Kara M. Banson ’17, Neuroscience

Does Developmental Pollen Stress Affect the Performance of Inspector Honey Bees? (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-E-211 Anita M. Yau ’17, Biological Sciences; Anne H. Shen ’17, Biological Sciences; Clare Auld-Brokish ’19, Biological Sciences/Chinese Language & Culture

Masses of Gases: Using Inorganic Gas Tracers to Examine Oceanic Processes (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 Alice Zhou ’17, Chemistry; Haley M. Pleskow ’17, Economics; Brenda Y. Ji ’18; Biochemistry; Katherine Chan ’18, Chemical Physics; Helen Alt DS, Chemistry; Charli Klein ’19, Chemistry; Marissa Menzel ’18, Geosciences and Enviromental Studies

The Haines Lab: Applications of Organic Chemistry to the Development of Novel Therapeutics (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-264 Laura M. Bancroft ’17, Chemistry; Lazel M. Pineda ’17, Biochemistry; Gwendolyn Towers ’17, English; Christina E. Lepore ’17, Biochemistry; Sara M. Eslami ’17, Biochemistry

Climate Change and Collateral Damage (Talk) SCI-277

Exploring the Epigenetic Reasons Behind Invasive Species Mary Kate Dornon ’17, Biological Sciences

Bugs and Biodiversity: How Climate Change Is Affecting Arthropods in Northern Hardwood Forests Jennifer (Jenn) E. Harris ’19, Biological Sciences; Emma D. Scalisi ’17, Anthropology/Biological Sciences

Monkeys Need the Forest for the Trees: Assessing the Impact of Deforestation on Bornean Primate Behavior Kylie M. Sorenson ’17, Biological Sciences

10 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Mighty Microbes (Talk) FND-207

Estradiol Differentially Alters Gut Microbiota Response to Diet Change Manjot K. Nagyal ’17, Biochemistry

Examining the Innate Immune Response to Influenza Virus Sara H. Shin ’19, Undeclared

Exploring Anaerobic Microbial Communities Capable of Oxidizing Manganese Sophia (Sophie) B. Rowland ’17, Biological Sciences/Classical Civilization

Characterization of CpClec, a C-Type Lectin of the Parasite Cryptosporidium parvum that Mediates Infection in Vivo Katherine (Olivia) J. Yanes ’17, Biochemistry

Shining Light on Dark Matter (Talk) SCI-278

From Silence to Signal: The Story of :neta: Catherine R. Nicoloff DS, Physics

Galactic Halo Model Selection in Directional Dark Matter Detection Louisa Huang Ruixue ’19, Physics

Lunar Laser Ranging: Testing Gravitation to the Moon and Back Else P. Schlerman ’17, Physics

Around the Sun We Go!: Modeling the Earth-Moon Distance for Different Theories of Gravitation Sanaea C. Rose ’17, Astrophysics

Chemistry at Different Scales (Talk) SCI-E-111

A Story in Sediment: Uncovering the History of Walden Pond Melanie (Mel) T. Passaretti ’18, Geosciences

Regioselective Synthesis of Pyrazole Derivatives Natalie J. Norman ’18, Chemistry; Diane Cheon ’17, Chemistry

The Role of Low-Energy (<20 eV) Electrons in Astrochemistry Subha Baniya ’19, Biochemistry; Rhoda Kesewaa Tano-Menka ’19, Chemistry

Social Sciences Calderwood Seminars in Public Writing: Engaging Interviews (Pre-formed Panel Discussion, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239 Clio B. Flikkema ’17, Economics/Russian Area Studies; Sarah H. Koenig ’17, Environmental Studies; Zahra K. Pirani ’17, Biological Sciences; Amal W. Cheema ’17, Biochemistry/Political Science

Mellon Mays Research Imperatives I (Talks) SCI-274

“That Old Threadbare Lie”: Women, the NAACP, and the Sexual Politics of Lynching 1909–1939 Imara McMillan ’17, History/Education Studies

Examining the Ever-Evolving Intersectional Identities within LGBTQIAP+ Autobiographical Writing(s) in the 21st Century Gabriela Asnaran ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies/American Studies

Black Women and Perceived Masculinity in the Media Brianna Ruffin ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies

#RUHLMAN2017 11 Community College Student Experiences: A Winding Path through Higher Education Christina Phelps ’17, Sociology

In Defense of Lucretian Symmetry Adele Watkins ’17, Philosophy

Creating from the Margins: Exploring Asian-American Activism and Art Ally Ang ’17, Sociology

Economics of Finance (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-392 Lilian Ma ’17, Computer Science/Economics; Katharine Y. Liang ’17, Economics; Michelle F. Namkoong ’17, Economics; Mingfei Li ’17, Economics

Perspectives from the Freedom Project II: Barriers to Economic and Personal Freedoms in Latin American Authoritarian Regimes (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Eliana (Ellie) T. Chalphin ’19, Economics/Religion; Samantha Ostenso ’19, Economics; Hannah Jacobs ’19, Biochemistry

Shaping One’s Self: Early Cultural Experiences (Talk) SCI-270

Simulating a Third-Culture Kid Experience to Enhance Friendship Prospects in Early Interactions Meltem Ozcan ’17, Psychology

Impact of Child-Care Policies on Satellite Babies: Chinese Immigrant Families’ Access to Early Child Care and Education (ECE) Programs in Massachusetts Lucia Tu ’19, Music/Psychology

Subjective Social Status in Minority Children: How It Is Understood and How It Affects Their Development Michelle M. Wang ’17, Psychology

Changing Minds, Growing Minds (Talk) SCI-104

Fairness of Feedback: Psychology Research on Feedback Style Jung Hyun Choi ’18, Economics/Psychology; Kariely Reyes ’17, Psychology; Nicole E. Anderson ’18, Psychology

Wellesley AWARE: From University to Liberal Arts College Cordelia Zhong ’17, Psychology

Benefits of a Brief, Youth-Directed Growth Mindset Intervention for Family Functioning and Parental Depression Manaswi Kashyap ’19, Psychology

12:00–1:30 p.m. (Served on Alumnae Hall Lawn) Lunch

1:30–2:40 p.m. “To Till and Keep”: Creating Environmental Paradigms of Dominion and Sustainability from Genesis Humanities (Interactive Teaching Presentation) FND-102 Emma G. Brewer-Wallin ’18, Religion/Individual-Peace & Justice Studies; Ciaran L. Gallagher ’17, Individual- Environmental Chemistry

12 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Together, Restoring Their Names: Humanizing Women’s Experiences from the Holocaust (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-120 Callie Kim ’18, Philosophy; Arianna G. Regalado ’18, Religion; Samantha M. Stewart ’19, International Relations/Economics

The ascenDance Experience: Dance at Wellesley and Student-Run Dance PNW-201 (Long Performance) Zoe M. Iacovino ’17, Political Science; Nhia M. Solari ’19, Geosciences/Philosophy; Melanie (Mel) T. Passaretti ’18, Geosciences; Kendra Cui ’18, Economics/Theatre Studies

Looking Across the Globe (Talk) SCI-396

Iceland Outfitted: The Impact of Globalization on Reykjavik Fashion Kaylee (Amelia) A. Rodriguez ’19, Undeclared

Retelling the Story of Development: Through an Anthropological Lens Kavindya Thennakoon ’19, Anthropology/Cinema and Media Studies

The Ambassadors of Dreams: Russian Innovation and the Exploration of Humanity and Soul Laura Zawarski ’18, Russian Area Studies

Two Halves Make a Whole? (Talk) SCI-264

Mind Over Matter? An Inquiry Into the Materiality of the Conceptual Art Object, Focusing on Realization, Display, and Conservation in the Work of On Kawara Aisha Lovise Maud Bornoe ’17, Art History

Cartesian Dualism and Women’s Right to Education Sirui (Chloe) Xiao ’17, International Relations-Political Science/Philosophy

Investigating Aristotelian Dualities in Quattrocento Florentine Painting: Woman’s Place on the Left- Hand Side of Man Hannah K. Augst ’17, Art History

Examining the Relationship Between Identity Power and Knowledge Fani Ntavelou-Baoum ’17, Philosophy

Snapchat @ Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-277 Rhea Mehta ’20, Undeclared; Emily A. Pearson ’20, Undeclared; Katie K. Sidhu ’20, Undeclared; Aurora (Rory) S. Fernandez ’20, Undeclared; Ngozi C. Ogho ’19, Economics; Emilia A. Ball ’19, Mathematics; Doris Li ’20, Undeclared

Science and Technology Wait, You Made That?: Making and Fabrication at Wellesley College (Exhibition) Knapp Fabrication Lab, 1st Floor Clapp Library Havannah C. Tran ’19, Media Arts and Sciences; Anna M. Pfoertsch ’17, Media Arts and Sciences; Kaylie M. Cox ’18, Classics; Michelle Lu ’18, Media Arts and Sciences; Kamile Lukosiute ’19, Physics; Aubrey E. Simonson ’19, Undeclared

Investigating Cardiac Potassium Channels in a Heterologous System (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 Medeea C. Popescu ’17, Biochemistry; Emily J. Whitehead ’18, Biochemistry; Stephanie S. Kim ’18, Biochemistry; Myfanwy C. Adams ’17, Biochemistry

#RUHLMAN2017 13 Cancer from Different Points of View (Talk) FND-126

Understanding Cancer: From the Woes of NGOs Chika D. Egbuzie ’19, International Relations-History

Designing Combination Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Haoling (Holly) Zhu ’18, Mathematics

Analysis of Childhood Cancer Survival Rates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Eliana Marostica ’18, Computer Science

Blue Planet and Beyond (Talk) FND-128

Southern Ocean Acidification: Setting the Stage Katherine Chan ’18, Chemical Physics

KELT: The Hunt for Exoplanets and the Importance of Ground-Based Exoplanet Surveys Casey A. Melton ’19, Undeclared

What Happens in the Thermosphere if the Stratosphere Is Strongly Disturbed? Jolene W. Fong ’17, Astrophysics

Perspectives on STEM Education (Talk) SCI-E-111

Analysis of First-Year Mentors’ and First-Year Advisors’ Effects on Wellesley College Majors Kelly C. Kung ’17, Mathematics/Economics

Learning Progressions from Introductory Chemistry through Biochemistry Charlotte R. Reed ’19, Spanish

Effectiveness of Reflection Questions in Establishing Greater Understanding in CS111 Jessica (Jess) R. Abramson ’19, Computer Science/Psychology; Khonzodakhon (Khonzoda) Umarova ’20, Undeclared

Design for Engagement and Inclusion (Talk) FND-307

Understanding and Supporting Web Literacy Skills in the Social Web Marissa (Claire) C. Beyette ’19, Computer Science/English; Adrianna L.Tan ’19, Computer Science

Behind the Camera: Inclusivity in Design Katharine P. Hyslop ’17, Media Arts and Sciences; Jalena A. Keane-Lee ’17, Cinema and Media Studies/Political Science

HoloMuse: Enhancing Engagement with Archaeological Artifacts through Gesture-Based Interaction with Holograms Whitney C. Fahnbulleh ’17, Media Arts and Sciences; Jasmine N. Davis ’17, Media Arts and Sciences

Nanomedicine: Out of the Lab and Into the Body Amal W. Cheema ’17, Biochemistry/Political Science

Social Sciences Developing Minds Want to Know (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239

Creativity as a Route to Attitude Change: Collage-Making and the Elaboration Likelihood Model Agnes (Aggie) G. Rieger ’17, Psychology

Let’s Talk About Sex: How Parents’ Conversations with Teens About Sex Change Over Time Lisa J. Jenkins ’17, Psychology

14 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Theories of Intelligence in Early Childhood Elizabeth A. Rizzoni ’18, Psychology; Alejandra I. Escamilla Saldaña ’18, Psychology

Perspectives from the Freedom Project III: Exploring Threats to Free Elections (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Samantha (Sam) M. Churchill ’20, Undeclared; Daniela (Danni) Ondraskova ’18, Economics/Russian Area Studies; Ninan S. Pollack ’20, Undeclared

The History and Future of Wellesley’s Asian-American Studies (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-104 Ha Jin Park ’17, Psychology; Aya N. Ross ’19, American Studies/East Asian Studies; Rebecca T. Leu ’19, Neuroscience; Alice S. Li ’19, Computer Science

Economics of Incentives (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-207 Sheridan L. Rogers ’17, Economics/Mathematics; Isabella Rosenberg ’17, Economics; Evan C. Williams ’17, Economics; Vivien Lee ’17, Economics/Psychology

Mellon Mays Research Imperatives II (Talks) SCI-274

Divided Families and Cubanidad Tory Roth ’18, American Studies

Understanding Community Building and Identity Formation in Cyber Spaces Budnampet Ramanudom ’18, Computer Science

The Possession Rite of Erzulie: The Conjuring of Black Womanhood in Renée Stout’s Erzulie’s Mirror Jordan Mason Mayfield ’18, Art History/Media Arts and Sciences

From Drillinois to Chiraq: The Rise of Drill Music on the South and West Sides of Chicago and Beyond Serenity Hughes ’18, Africana Studies

Dual Language, Dual Lives? (Talk) FND-225

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Emotional Conceptual Metaphors: Is Love Translatable? Xueni (Emily) Jin ’17, Comparative Literature/Psychology

Dual Language Learners: The Perspective of the Teacher Diana M. Castillo ’17, Sociology/Spanish

English or Nah?: School Choice in Bangladesh and the Role of Language and British Imperial Legacy Lamisa S. Hossain ’17, Economics/Political Science

The Effects of Early Bilingualism on Asymmetry in the Mental Lexicon: A Pilot Study Rebecca B. Farkas ’17, Cognitive & Linguistic Sciences

More than Empathy: Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (Talk) SCI-270

Responding to Reports of Sexual Violence: Victim Service Professionals’ Testimonies on Challenges Faced with the Criminal Justice System, Assessment of Victims’ Needs, and Future Recommendations Monica M. Naranjo DS, Psychology

#RUHLMAN2017 15 Testing for Answers: Examining the Role of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Among College-Aged Women Cassandra M. Allen ’18, International Relations-Economics

Alternative Paths to Healing from Gender-Based Violence Ananya M. Ghemawat ’17, Political Science/Women’s and Gender Studies

Aging Across Contexts (Talk) SCI-278

Vulnerable and Ignored: Exploring the Unique Needs and Ethical Considerations of the Aging U.S. Prison Population Shreya Thatai ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies

The Effect of Social Security on Savings Rose Burnam ’17, Economics

Immigration and the Elderly: How Immigrants Influence the Living Arrangements and Health Care Outcomes of Elderly Individuals in the U.S. Kelsey C. Moran ’17, Economics

Beyond My Mother’s Story: Examining the Quality of Long-Term Care Facilities Ju (Julie) Y. Kim ’17, Political Science

2:40–3:00 p.m. Break Refreshments served in the Science Center Leonie Faroll Focus

3:00–4:10 p.m. The Selfie in American Life (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-128 Humanities Kayli J. Balin ’20, Undeclared; Caroline B. Taylor ’20, Undeclared; Sarah A. Yan ’20, Undeclared; Imogen Y. Yih ’20, Undeclared; Anissa Sonthalia ’20, Undeclared; Hunter M. Sessa ’20, Undeclared; Megumi Murakami ’20, Undeclared; Rhiannon L. Mulligan ’20, Undeclared; Roshni M. Madhu-Sudan ’20, Undeclared; Suyoung Choi ’20, Undeclared; Kathryn J. Cross ’20, Undeclared; Nedda Bozorgmehri ’20, Undeclared

Exploration of the Book from Manuscript to Print (On-Location Presentation) Clapp Library Special Collections–4th Floor Sophia O. Tew ’18, English/Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Beyond Simba and Hakuna Matata: A Great Journey in Tanzania (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-120 Sophia S. Abdelrahman ’20, Undeclared; Belyse Inamahoro ’19, Media Arts and Sciences; Caitlynn Douga ’20, Undelcared; Aida El Kohen ’19, Economics; Monica P. Groth ’20, Undeclared; Sandra Ohemeng ’20, Undeclared

The Usual Suspects, Unusual Influences (Talk) PNW-001

The Secret Life of Plants: An Exploration of Pattern in Natural Forms Elle D. Friedberg ’17, Art Studio/Chemistry; Some M. Louis ’17, Art History/Art Studio

From Chaucer to Shakespeare: An Analysis of the Humanistic Pessimism that Links Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde to Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida as well as Romeo and Juliet Juliette C. Mann ’17, English

“What Is the Final Product?”: Investigating Process Art and the Individual Some M. Louis ’17, Art History/Art Studio; Elle D. Friedberg ’17, Art Studio/Chemistry

Bark and Metal (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) FND-102 Charlotte Z. Yu ’17, Architecture; Xiaorong (Sharon) Liu ’17, Art History/Mathematics; Virginia G. White ’17, Classical Civilization; Ningyi Xi ’17, Art History/Classical Civilization

16 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Science and Technology Comparative Studies of a Novel Anti-Cancer Agent Targeting Pancreatic Cancer (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-E-111 Milica Markovic ’17, Biochemistry; Elisa J. Wang ’18, Biological Sciences; Emma E. Goodman ’17, Biological Sciences; Jennifer C. Chang ’17, Biochemistry; Martha K. Aywa ’17, Biochemistry

EcoLab: Studying the Impact of Climate on Ecosystem Feedbacks (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-278

Drought, Hurricanes, or Snowmageddon? What Can You Expect from Climate Change? Caroline J. Harper ’17, Biological Sciences; Sarah J. Russell ’17, Biological Sciences

Trees as Storytellers: Analyzing Tree Rings to Understand Climate in the Past, Present, and Future Emma M. Conrad-Rooney ’20, Undeclared; Irina Chen ’18, Biological Sciences

Wet or Dry: How Soil Respiration Adapts to Precipitation Variation Amandine M. Fromont ’17, English/Environmental Studies; Prapti Koirala ’19, Undeclared

Seeking Environmental Justice in a Modern Urban Context: All Things Interdisciplinary (Interactive Teaching Presentation) SCI-104 Lucy A. Wanzer ’19, Geosciences; Hannah L. Oettgen ’17, Geosciences; Sarah M. Smith-Tripp ’19, Geosciences; Thessaly McFall ’19, Geosciences; Brianna N. Love ’19, Architecture; Amanda B. Hernandez ’18, Environmental Studies; Emma X. Jackman ’19, Geosciences; Alexis M. Corcoran ’18, Biological Sciences; Meredith J. Wade ’17, Environmental Studies/History; Kimberly Chia Yan Min ’19, Environmental Studies/South Asian Studies

Raging Hormones and Mutants (Talk) SCI-264

The Role of Patellin 1/2 in Vascular Development of Arabidopsis thaliana Anna C. Hakes ’17, Biological Sciences

The Genetic Basis of a Heat Shock Inducible Color Change in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta Surisadai Aquit ’18, Biological Sciences

Hormonal and Nutritional Regulation of Ecdysteroidogenesis in Manduca sexta Lily C. Xu ’19, Biological Sciences; Akiho Saito ’17, Biological Sciences

Hormonal Regulation of Insect Reproduction Isabella R. McDonald ’17, Anthropology/Biological Sciences

Social Sciences Give and Take: Compromise in Times of Crisis (Talk, Fowler Presentation) PNE-239

Stumbling Into Progress: Military Learning in Disaster Relief Operations Caroline R. Bechtel ’17, Middle Eastern Studies/Political Science

Stand Down for What: An Assessment of the U.S. Military’s Use of Force During Operation Iraqi Freedom Lizamaria Arias ’17, International Relations-Political Science

Seize the Window: Targeted Killing’s Uses and Limitations in Counterterrorism Strategy Jillian L. Kutner ’17, International Relations-Political Science

Germany’s Recovery from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis: Benefits of a Flexible Labor Market and Strong Export Sector Zainab Younus ’17, International Relations-Economics

Perspectives from the Freedom Project IV: Thinking Outside the (Urban) Box (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-139 Madelena H. Collins ’18, Individual-Peace & Justice Studies; Jeane-Yve Z. Daniel ’17, Sociology; Mary R. Meisenzahl ’19, History

#RUHLMAN2017 17 Perspectives from the Freedom Project V: Clashing Definitions of Freedom and Their Policy Implications (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) PNE-127 Cassandra A. Cronin ’19, Individual-Peace & Justice Studies/Spanish; Caroline R. George ’19, Environmental Studies/Music; Sophia Leung ’19, Computer Science/Political Science

Sed Ministrare: Becoming a Teacher at Wellesley (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) SCI-268 Helen C. Colby ’17, Japanese Language & Culture; Charlotte J. Weiss ’16, Spanish; Rebecca R. Van Dusen ’17, Psychology; Megumi E. Takada ’17, Neuroscience; Morgan L. Millon ’17, Political Science; Jekia Brockman ’17, Psychology; Katharine A. Aoki ’17, Religion

China Beyond Its Borders (Talk) SCI-274

Mao in America: The Publication, Influence, and Dissemination of Quotations from Chairman Mao in the United States, 1965-1980 Annie Wang ’17, History/Media Arts and Sciences

Effectiveness and Feasibility of a National Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in China: Examined through the Lens of the Guangdong Pilot ETS Karen X. Ni ’18, International Relations-Economics

A Poker Face No More: Japan’s New Engagement in the South China Sea Sabrina Liang ’19, Political Science

Understanding How Big Personalities Get to the World Stage (Talk) SCI-277

When Personalities Dominate, Stability Fails: Great Britain’s Shifting North American Military Strategy, 1768-1775 Anna S. Page ’17, History

Entrepreneurial Personality in Early-Stage Ventures: Some Theory and Findings on Firm Founders at Cambridge Innovation Center Margaret G. Dalton ’17, Economics/Spanish; Tina Y. Xu ’17, Undeclared

The Meaning of “Make America Great Again,” Along Party Lines Katherine (Katie) J. Madsen ’19, English

18 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Jacqueline Loewe Fowler ’47 Prize in Public Speaking

This year’s Ruhlman Conference will host the Maurer Public Speaking Program’s third annual Jacqueline Loewe Fowler ’47 Prize in Public Speaking competition. The prize honors Mrs. Fowler’s support of public speaking at Wellesley through her substantial contributions to the public speaking program established by Anne E. Maurer ’51 and her husband, Gilbert, in 2012.

The five finalists, listed below, will be presenting throughout the day in PNE-239, and their talks can be viewed online at www.wellesley.edu/live.

Finalists (in schedule order)

9:15–10:25 a.m. Angela M. Sun ’17 Architecture/Philosophy Advisor: Erich Matthes, Philosophy “The Values of Architecture”

10:45–11:55 a.m. Amal W. Cheema ’17 Biochemistry/Political Science Advisor: David Lindauer, Economics “Calderwood Seminars in Public Writing: Engaging Interviews”

1:30–2:40 p.m. Agnes (Aggie) G. Rieger ’17 Psychology Advisor: Beth Hennessey, Psychology “Creativity as a Route to Attitude Change: Collage-Making and the Elaboration Likelihood Model”

Lisa J. Jenkins ’17 Psychology Advisor: Jennifer Grossman,Wellesley Centers for Women “Let’s Talk About Sex: How Parents’ Conversations with Teens About Sex Change Over Time”

3:00–4:10 p.m. Caroline R. Bechtel ’17 Middle Eastern Studies/Political Science Advisor: Paul MacDonald, Political Science “Stumbling Into Progress: Military Learning in Disaster Relief Operations”

#RUHLMAN2017 19 Frequent Sources of Support for Student/Faculty Research

Brachman Hoffman Fund

Elizabeth Davis Cook Student Research Fund

Pamela Daniels ’59 Fellowship

Educational Research and Development Committee

Virginia Fiske Fund

Fund for Summer Research in the Social Sciences

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

IBM Research Fund

Amabel Boyce James Fund for Summer Research in the Sciences

Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium Grant

Sara Langer Fund for Research in Geosciences

John and Elizabeth Alden Little Science Fund

Janina A. Longtine Fund for Summer Research in the Natural Sciences

Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium Grant

Georgeanne Miller Mulhern Fund for Faculty/Student Research in the Sciences

National Buchet Fellowship

National Institutes of Health

National Science Foundation

Office of the Provost and Dean of the College

Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’54

Jerome A. Schiff Fellowships

Joan and Herbert Schilder Student Research and Travel Fund

Staley Fund for Cancer-Related Research

Robert and Karl Staley Fund

20 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Conference Planner

Presentation 1 Presentation 2 Presentation 3 Presentation 4

9:15–10:25 a.m. Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s):

Location: Location: Location: Location:

10:25–10:45 a.m. BREAK 10:45–11:55 a.m. Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s):

Location: Location: Location: Location:

12:00–1:30 p.m. LUNCH 1:30–2:40 p.m. Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s):

Location: Location: Location: Location:

2:40–3:00 p.m. BREAK 3:00–4:10 p.m. Topic: Topic: Topic: Topic:

Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s): Presenter(s):

Location: Location: Location: Location:

Please note that people will be leaving or entering the rooms between or even during presentations.

#RUHLMAN2017 21 Abstracts

9:15 – 10:25 a.m.

Humanities of his contemporaries, he continued to write are left to draw their own conclusions about chamber music for small ensembles. His the story and the people involved. music is reminiscent of historical forms and Lighting a Candle for devices, especially those of Bach, a composer Tell Me a Story Hemingway in His Sacred he was keenly interested in. However, the FND-102 (Talk) Landscapes: A Pamela Daniels sentiments and romanticism conveyed “Ovid, God, and Gilgamesh Walk Fellow Project through his music are of his time, and are into a Bar...”: On the Comparison of Houghton Chapel expressed vividly through his Piano Quintet Mythological Literatures Connie Chen ’17, English in F Minor, Op. 34. Our presentation will Austen N. Aquino ’17, Classical Civilization/ ADVISOR: William Cain, English, Mary Jewett discuss the historical context and musical Comparative Literature Gaiser Professor structure of the piece, followed by a ADVISOR: Edward Silver, Religion Experience the power and meaning of full performance. In the mythological literature of the religion in Hemingway’s work with me in The Artist and the Craftsman ancient Near East and Augustan Rome Houghton Chapel. My thesis examines there can be found striking motivic and Green Beach Hemingway’s conscious religious design thematic similarities, such as stories (On-Location Presentation) in The Sun Also Risesand The Old Man of the Great Flood, that are present in Christine J. Galloway ’17, Art Studio and the Sea. With the generous support The ADVISOR: Andrew Mowbray, Art ancient Mesopotamian texts like of the Pamela Daniels ’59 fellowship, I Epic of Gilgamesh, in Biblical texts like retraced Hemingway’s religious pilgrimage, During the past six months I have been Genesis, and Roman texts like Ovid’s following his footsteps to the places where building an 11' 6" Wee Lassie cedar strip Metamorphoses. This Great Flood story he lived, worshiped, and wrote faithfully. I canoe. This process has accompanied my is ubiquitous, emerging in literatures visited 30 cathedrals in France and Spain, personal exploration of the concepts of craft, spanning thousands of years, across the and immersed myself in the landscapes craftsmanship, and the craftsman through Mediterranean and beyond, and vast and cultures that shaped and influenced the course of my honors thesis. Where does cultural and linguistic barriers; yet, the Hemingway. I recognized as I looked craft fit into the context of contemporary stories have numerous and fascinating up at the stained glass windows in Leon art? How do gender and class fit into the thematic parallels and motivic overlaps that Cathedral, as I felt the indentations on discourse around them? I welcome you to invite comparison. Even more compelling the stones formed by centuries of pilgrims join me on the shore of Lake Waban for a is the fact that the Flood story is not a in Santiago de Compostela, how little discussion around skill, labor, and value in solitary conundrum—this phenomenon is I knew about the subject I have been the context of craft, as well as explanations also present in Creation mythologies and actively pursuing in my thesis. During my and anecdotes regarding the building stories of theoxeny (divine beings receiving presentation, I will share how the depth process of the Wee Lassie. hospitality from mortals). So, how do we of faith in the geography, the people, best approach the task of making sense Videnda: An Exploration of and the background helped me to gain of the obvious similarities between texts Visual Storytelling a deeper and more sensitive insight into that seem tenuously connected at best? Hemingway’s work. Knapp Media Center (Exhibition) Can these similarities be understood only Michelle Gao ’17, Media Arts and Sciences; Forbidden Love and within the larger context of cross-cultural Ruby Feng ’17, Media Arts and Sciences contact? If so, how do we avoid sidelining Conservative Romanticism: ADVISOR: David Olsen, Art textual analysis in favor of historical Brahms’ Piano Quintet in For our thesis, we decided to make a multi- inquiry; and, even more importantly, F Minor media exhibition that explores different how do we avoid falling into the realm of PNW-201 (Long Performance) ways of storytelling. We created paintings, harmful diffusionist models of thinking Julia F. Wells ’17, Physics; Sharon S. Kim ’18, 3D models, and an interactive piece based and imposing false cultural hierarchies? At Computer Science; Alice Z. Xu ’17, Economics; on a fantasy world using programs that the other end of the spectrum, how can we Yu Hui (Yuna) Gan ’20, Undeclared; Yuriko A. include Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, focus on the textual similarities without Fukumura ’19, Neuroscience and the Unity game engine. Videnda is devolving into universalist tendencies? The ADVISOR: Jenny Tang, Music the interactive portion of our thesis, which act, and the art, of literary comparison During the Enlightenment era of is centered on the idea of environmental involves walking a tightrope between these 18th-century Europe, the power of the storytelling within a fantastical setting. extremes; and ultimately it is impossible for Christian church and aristocracy were in The title of the piece comes from the us to satisfactorily answer these questions. decline, replaced by logic and reason rather word “videnda,” which means something Nevertheless, the salient similarities between than dogma and divine right. This ethos that should be observed or visited. In this these texts compels many a comparativist permeated many aspects of life, including piece, viewers can travel back and forth to approach this problem anyway, which is music. Composers wrote music according between landscapes that represent different what I am trying to do in my senior thesis to their personal inclinations, resulting in a characters through either virtual reality project. I have chosen a purely literary very emotionally intimate approach to their (VR) or a more traditional computer setup. approach for my comparison, with no music. One of these composers is Johannes Every object in the space is symbolic of a historical presuppositions or theories of Brahms (1833–1897). In contrast to many character’s traits and persona, but viewers hypothetical cultural contact. My method

22 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. of comparison, which is based upon and likely connections to the Salem witch the differences between good architecture the structuralist tradition, particularly trials. As Sophie’s friendship with this and good art, and between good architects the work of Levi-Strauss, is a tabular, boy develops, she must learn how to come and good artists. Ultimately, I show that text-focused analysis that allows me to to terms with the seemingly significant reflecting on the values of architecture clearly see the patterns of convergence and differences between them. In this instead of elite museum art can provide a divergence between my chosen texts despite presentation, I will discuss how my research, new way of approaching aesthetic objects their distance from each other. In this writing, and editing processes have come that explains how they can be valuable to us presentation, I will discuss my comparative together in this thesis project to retell the in our everyday lives. methodology, why I chose this approach Salem witch trials in a way that presents in contrast to previous approaches, and their essential questions of difference, Creating a Photographic Memory illustrate the application of my method acceptance, and community in a context Doris Li ’20, Undeclared ADVISOR: Alison Hickey, English with examples from Flood, Creation, and familiar to a young audience. theoxeny literatures. We upload 350 million pictures to Facebook Accessing Myth in the Modern Day: a day, post 2.5 million Instagram photos per Cuando se te esponja el arroz: The Odyssey and YA Magical Realism hour, and share 8,796 snapshots on Snapchat Tradition, Modernity, and the Identity of Allyson F. Larcom ’17, Classical Civilization/ every second. The result? We’ve created an English and Creative Writing Mexican Women extensive, complex set of recollections on ADVISOR: Susan Meyer, English Johana C. Mata ’17, French/International our public profiles. We’ve created an ability, Relations-History Stories of myth and legend hold a different and perhaps a need, to document our lives ADVISOR: Nancy Hall, Spanish sort of power in the modern day. Creating a in photographs, constructing synthetic Mexican women both shaped and were novel that utilizes these stories and remains photographic memories to supplement our th shaped by forces of change in the late 19 relevant and engaging to a contemporary natural recall systems. It’s become a way th and early 20 centuries. The modern era’s teenage audience is challenging. In this of life—a way of remembering life, that is. economic and educational opportunities, presentation, I will be reading selections Researchers at Microsoft have made this however, were often in direct conflict from Seafarer, a YA magical realism novel process automatic, creating a camera that with the essential proscription of Mexican based on The Odyssey, and discussing the can document virtually every moment of womanhood. Tradition placed her in the process of retrofitting a myth to the modern every day without user interference—a real kitchen and defined fulfillment as marriage, day, the significance of queer stories for a YA game-changer. The Microsoft SenseCam is motherhood, and homemaking. How did age group, and the function and importance a wearable camera designed to take photos the women of Mexico evolve and adapt of YA as a genre. when it senses significant changes in light when educational access and jobs outside and body heat. The result? Up to 300 photos Saving History, Recording Our the home became possible? My presentation per hour of your life can be preserved will explore the broad strokes of Mexico’s Presence through this device. In what ways does our development as a modern nation in order to PNE-239 (Talk, Fowler Presentation) use of Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat examine how technological innovation, and The Values of Architecture parallel the process of a SenseCam? How in particular, the creation of tortilla-making Angela M. Sun ’17, Architecture/Philosophy heavy is our reliance on photographs for machines, redefined age-old concepts of ADVISOR: Erich Matthes, Philosophy memory? And how does such a reliance identity for the women of Mexico, and help or hurt our internal memories? Most What is architecture, and what makes how technology continues to influence the important, regardless of whether we it good or bad? Because the Western art perception of Mexican womanhood in the are using devices such as SenseCam or tradition classifies architecture as a fine present day. applications such as Snapchat, what can art alongside painting, sculpture, music, and should we do with all of the data we Child’s Play?: Researching and Writing and literature, such questions are typically have generated? a Children’s Novel subsumed under more general questions Isabelle A. Chen ’17, English/French about what art is and what makes art good Guns and Grits: Black Womanhood and ADVISOR: Susan Meyer, English or bad. Philosophers search for definitions Radical Self-Preservation in the Black For my honors thesis in the English of art rather than of individual art forms, Panther Free Breakfast Program department, I am writing a novel for and propose all-encompassing theories Meredith J. Wade ’17, Environmental Studies/ middle-grade readers entitled The Metas of artistic value rather than independent History of Salem. The book tells the story of timid theories of sculptural value, musical value, ADVISOR: Brenna Greer, History, Knafel Assistant Professor of Social Sciences Sophie Shilas, who, during the summer etc. Architecture, however, is fundamentally before middle school, makes it her mission unlike the other fine arts. It is public, site- In May 1969, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover to survive summer camp and make at least specific, constrained by functionality, and alerted the bureau to “the greatest threat to one friend. Her summer takes an unexpected immersed in everyday life—characteristics efforts by authorities to neutralize the Black turn, however, when she befriends a boy that challenge the applicability of a unified Panther Party”: the free hot breakfasts the with supernatural powers, and proceeds framework of art to architecture. My Panthers served to schoolchildren each day. to become involved with an underground research examines the aesthetic and moral Through the Free Breakfast for Children, group of people with superhuman abilities implications of thinking about architecture volunteers enacted the Black Panthers’ ethos in isolation from the broader arts. I address

#RUHLMAN2017 23 9:15 – 10:25 a.m.

of radical self-determination and community Muhammad, which Muslims have of justice relate to the degradation of other care. Black women within and outside interpreted in various ways. Interpretations virtues in the city and the soul? the party provided crucial emotional and of the ethical guidelines set forth by these physical labor to the Panther breakfasts, texts have been formulated over centuries in Unstable Warps: Contested Visions of yet they are glaringly absent from the several branches of knowledge or discourse, Empire in Agostino Brunias’s Market Scenes historical record. We will trace both their including jurisprudence (fiqh). Medical Rebecca E. Selch ’17, Art History/Sociology contributions and their continued erasure ethics sets forth principles and judgments ADVISOR: Elizabeth Oliver, Art through oral histories, Panther-produced regarding the practice of medicine, but more media, and hundreds of letters condemning specifically, health, healing, and mental When Mary Prince (c. 1788–c. 1833), the breakfast program. Follow an Afro- and physical wellness. In my research, I a freed West Indian slave, described Haitian dance teacher, an Irish Catholic will examine the wealth of information and being sold in her 1831 autobiography The priest, and countless anonymous black revelation from religious texts and tradition History of Mary Prince, she disclosed that women in their struggle for survival, quality with special attention to medical decisions her mother dressed her in “osnaburg” to of life, and self-expression through food. and medical practice. The presentation ready her for the slave market. Readers of will investigate and draw from a variety of the time would have recognized Prince’s Classical Antiquities at Wellesley perspectives ranging from scholars to health message, as the coarse linen she mentions College professionals to patients to gain insight on commonly dressed enslaved people in the Margaret A. Justus ’17, Art History/Classical the development of these principles and the Americas. Following Prince, I discuss four Civilization transition to how Muslims incorporate them 18 th-century paintings of West Indian ADVISOR: Kimberly Cassibry, Art into real-life practice. linen markets by Italian-British painter Inspired by prior coursework and the recent Agostino Brunias (c. 1730–1796) to reinstallation of the Davis Museum, last The Degraded Regimes in Plato’s explore the myriad meanings inscribed in fall I conducted an independent study Republic representations of cloth. I argue that Brunias (advised by Prof. Cassibry) on the history Peiying (Peggy) Zhu ’17, Philosophy presents a fantasy of colonial life imbued of classical antiquities at Wellesley College. Advisor: Corinne Gartner, Philosophy with ambiguity reflective of conflicting My preliminary research over the summer In the Republic, Books 4, 8, and 9, Plato anxieties and desires of free and enslaved life resulted in an interactive digital timeline discusses five types of regimes: aristocracy, in the West Indies. By considering the role of classical and neoclassical elements of timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and of cloth and its trade, I explore how colonial our campus (generously supported by the tyranny, which are described in order by conquest and the agency of free and enslaved Classics Department’s Miranda Marvin their degree of justice. Each regime after women of color in the 18th century were Memorial Fund Award). The independent aristocracy occurs as the result of the bound together in gendered, sexualized, and study during the following fall semester inevitable degradation of the precedent. The racialized networks. resulted in a more comprehensive website. I discussion about the five regimes takes place collected, synthesized, and contextualized within the bigger context of his argument Science and Technology existing records and conducted oral about justice. Plato argues in the Republic interviews to create a new, multi- that being just is more beneficial than dimensional body of evidence. These were being unjust. To demonstrate his point, he Women Who Will Farm: great opportunities to explore my interest in compares the unjust life with the just life, A Proposal to Cultivate a this topic while also testing the applications and argues that the latter is better than the Sustainable Food System of new digital humanities tools. Since the former. Plato’s comparison between justice at Wellesley founding of the College, classical antiquity and injustice is carried out on two levels, SCI-277 (Pre-formed Panel has been part of campus life, from the Davis the individual and the city, for he believes Discussion) to the dorms, in ways both explicit and that the characteristics of a city are mirrored Sarah H. Koenig ’17, Environmental Studies; Clara (Clare) C. Sachsse DS, Environmental implicit. I am excited to share this new body in its citizens. Therefore, the just city, Studies; Heike H. Jacob ’17, Architecture/ of evidence with the Wellesley community. Kallipolis, which exemplifies aristocracy, Environmental Studies; Alysha E. Cross ’17, It’s my hope that the audience, regardless and the corresponding just citizen, the Environmental Studies; Leila-Anne B. of major or field, will leave my presentation aristocrat, are the happiest. The degree of Brusseau DS, Environmental Studies with a new understanding and appreciation happiness declines as the city degrades. ADVISOR: Monica Higgins, Environmental of antiquities on campus. The purpose of the current research is to Studies yield a holistic account of the degradation In recent years, Wellesley College and Value Systems Time After Time of the five regimes based on a rigorous and its dining services have made strides in FND-120 (Talk) original interpretation of Plato’s Republic. sustainability through initiatives for Questions to be answered include: Why Medical Ethics in Islam: Theory and composting, local purchasing, and food does each regime decline? What’s bad about Practice waste reduction. However, there are still the degraded city? Does this account of Julide E. Iye ’18, Middle Eastern Studies major improvements to be made. This year’s ADVISOR: Louise Marlow, Religion degradation apply to both the city and the Environmental Studies capstone class is soul of its citizen? How does the degradation Islamic ethics draws on the sacred sources, reimagining what a sustainable food system the Qur’an and traditions of the Prophet could look like at Wellesley College. With

24 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. an examination of the Regeneration student the prize protein, but it will take more than Brainy Science farm on the North 40 as a starting point, CHARMM to make it in this industry. SCI-392 (Talk) we will offer a proposal for food system Will they hold up to the test? In differently Conductive Polymer Fiber Mats for improvements that prioritize our whole solvated systems, populated with water Both Stimulating and Measuring community’s health and well-being. Our molecules, pushy macromolecular crowders, Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell aims are to maximize the environmental and competitive promiscuous proteins, Differentiation sustainability, student health, accessibility only the most favorable binding energy Alexis L. Lowe ’17, Neuroscience and equity, academic integration, and can prevail. ADVISOR: Deborah Bauer, Neuroscience economic viability of the College’s food system. Biomolecular Damage and In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Bacterial Interactions: A an autoimmune response destroys the Exploring the Landscape of an Sampling of Biochemistry critical myelin sheath of the central nervous Ancient Supercontinent Using Research system (CNS). Normally, myelin insulates Microscopic Grains of “Sand” SCI-396 (Pre-formed Panel neuron axons to promote fast transmission SCI-278 (Interactive Teaching Discussion) of action potentials, and it is produced by Presentation) Leah M. Furman ’17, Chemistry/French; Lucia glial cells called oligodendrocytes. After Disha C. Okhai ’17, Geosciences J. Ortega ’17, Spanish; Dania M. Figueroa ’17, a demyelinating event, oligodendrocyte ADVISOR: David Hawkins, Geosciences Biochemistry; Margaret (Maggie) A. Klureza ’17, progenitor cells (OPCs) in the adult Chemistry CNS can differentiate into myelinating Two hundred and eighty million years ago, ADVISOR: Megan Nunez, Chemistry in the Late Paleozoic era, the Earth was oligodendrocytes to promote repair. dominated by the supercontinent Pangea. This panel highlights four senior Unfortunately, this process of remyelination Our knowledge of Pangea’s landscape is biochemistry research projects that is not efficient enough to return all axons based on the distribution of rocks that investigate the effects of damage in to their fully myelinated state. There are formed from sediment deposited in different biomolecules and biomolecular interactions currently no FDA-approved remyelination environments such as deserts, shallow with bacteria. The first two projects drug therapies for MS patients. In our lab, seas, rivers, or deltas. The provenance of explore the spirominodihydantoin (Sp) we hypothesize that this drug-discovery sediment—where it came from—can help lesion, a product of oxidative damage in process is hindered by the primitiveness of determine the relative locations of ancient DNA. One of these projects creates the the available platforms for studying OPC mountain ranges, river flow direction, and Sp lesion by oxidizing DNA with iridium differentiation in vitro. OPCs are often even prevailing wind direction. Minerals, and then utilizes high-performance liquid cultured on stiff, flat polystyrene dishes, such as zircon, which are about 0.1 mm chromatography (HPLC) to probe the which could not be more different from their in length, store age and geochemical formation of the lesion. The other studies in vivo environment. Myelin production and information within their structures that the effects of the Sp lesion on nucleosome wrapping is impossible to effectively observe can help determine the provenance of a formation. A third project uses DNA on a flat surface. Our work focuses on the sedimentary unit. The goal of this study hairpins to characterize the structural development of axon surrogate structures was to compare hundreds of zircon grains repercussions of DNA lesions, revealing around which differentiating OPCs can from a preserved delta, currently exposed the similarities and differences between begin to myelinate. Specifically, we aim to in the Guadalupe Mountains of West the effects of base-pair mismatches and produce electrically conductive fibers using Texas, to hundreds of zircon grains from oxidative lesions on overall helix stability. biocompatible, conductive polymers. This potential source rocks thought to be exposed The last project employs biomolecules, in cell seeding platform allows us to observe in an ancient mountain range in the this case histone-derived antimicrobial OPC differentiation while cells are adhered Late Paleozoic. peptides (HDAPs), as an alternative to to a fibrous substrate and are stimulated replace more traditional antibiotics. The by electric fields. In addition, we aim to Chemistry’s Next Top project has developed gram-positive cell-wall measure whether or not cell growth and (Computational) Model: deficient bacteria as a tool to enhance the myelin production changes the electrical Optimize Your Way to the Top! characterization of HDAPs through confocal properties of the substrata. In doing so, we FND-225 (Pre-formed Panel microscopy. provide evidence as to whether electrically Discussion) conductive fiber substrata can stimulate Shi Hui (Fiona) Ng ’17, Biological Sciences; OPC differentiation; and, in addition, Carla P. Perez ’18, Chemistry; Rachel Kim ’19, whether the property changes of the Undeclared; Alexandria Guo ’19, Undeclared substrate can provide a high-throughput ADVISOR: Mala Radhakrishnan, Chemistry readout for drug screenings. Elmore and Radhakrishnan Modeling & Co. are looking for chemistry’s next top model. Or someone to manage them, at least. Computational representations of DNA, buforin, imatinib, and ponatinib all think they have what it takes to take home

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Breeding for the Brain: A Look into elegans will be mated to create a strain with Sleep and (Altered) Huntington’s Disease, Decision a GLT-4 deletion and a GFP tag on the Consciousness Making, and Selective Mouse Models glutamate receptor GLR-1. Once obtained, FND-207 (Talk) Ruth H. Vorder Bruegge ’18, Neuroscience; our goal is to subject the GLR-1:GFP; Dissecting the Origins of the Primary Serena K. Bourque ’19, Undeclared GLT-4 strain to learning tasks to determine Somatosensory System (S1) Resting ADVISOR: Leif Gibb, McGovern Institute for if the GLT-4 deletion affects receptor Brain Research, Neuroscience State Functional Connectivity (RSFC) in redistribution on the neuron. The presence the Rat Brain The Graybiel lab researches the role of of the GFP tag will be confirmed using Jiyoung J. Lee ’17, Neuroscience striosomes, specialized structures of fluorescence microscopy, and a PCR protocol ADVISOR: Michael Wiest, Neuroscience the striatum, in rodent behavior and is being developed to confirm the GLT-4 decision-making processes, and explores deletion. Protocols are being developed to Resting state functional connectivity the relationship between striosomes and mate worms, test for the GLT-knockout (RSFC) is the presence of synchronized diseases of the basal ganglia. Huntington’s using PCR and gel electrophoresis, and neural activity observable in the form of disease, for instance, is an inherited image the C. elegans nerve ring. distinct functional networks when the neurodegenerative disease known to animal is awake but inactive. However, there cause movement, cognitive, and mood Glutamate Transporters in is still much that is not known regarding impairments, eventually resulting in death. Caenorhabditis elegans: The RSFC, including the origins of these Implications of Transporter Deletions Over the past year, we have collected networks. This research project utilizes an on Behavior, Learning, and Memory preliminary data supporting the hypothesis awake-paralysis fMRI method to examine Moriah R. Harling ’17, Chinese Language & that Huntington’s disease model mice the origins of resting state functional Culture/Neuroscience connectivity in one of the most extensively may have impaired cost-benefit conflict ADVISOR: Deborah Bauer, Neuroscience (CBC) decision making and increased studied areas of the brain, the primary perseveration. Since it has previously been Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved somatosensory cortex (S1). In particular, it found that striosomes are involved in CBC in cognition, memory, and learning. If looks at the effect that the thalamus, the decision making, we have helped create transporters do not remove excess glutamate primary afferent input to the S1, plays on the complex Huntington’s disease model mice from the synapse, cell death occurs due S1 RSFC. with selective striosomal expression based to excitotoxicity. Research on the role of on the birthdate of striosomal neurons glutamate transporters and basic behaviors during embryonic development. By using has been conducted by comparing the optogenetic manipulation and calcium behavior of wildtype Caenorhabditis elegans imaging with these “birthdating mice,” we to that of glutamate transporter deletion hope to achieve a better understanding of mutants. Basic behaviors tested include how striosomes are implicated in this deadly measuring how long the worms spent disease, perhaps facilitating the development moving in various directions; response to of new treatments and helping in the search contact with a foreign object or a bad smell; for a cure. and chemotaxis either toward or away from a chemical that is attractive or repulsive. The Effect of Glutamate Transporter More complex tests include habituation Deletions on Receptor Distribution in and associative learning. Preliminary the Caenorhabditis elegans Synapse data suggest that basic behaviors may rely Andrea M. Bejar ’19, Undeclared on different glutamate transporters and ADVISOR: Deborah Bauer, Neuroscience their respective locations more learning The amino acid glutamate is a major and memory. Research is currently being excitatory neurotransmitter and is necessary conducted to examine addiction as a type of for cognition, learning, and memory. memory and the ability for different mutant Glutamate concentrations in the synapse are strains to express drug-seeking behavior. therefore tightly regulated by transporters in order to maintain signal specificity and prevent cell death due to excitotoxicity. Once in the synapse, glutamate binds to receptors to transmit various signals throughout the body. It has been shown that glutamate receptors redistribute about the neuron when new tasks are learned and memories are formed. In Caenorhabditis elegans, GLT-4 is the only glutamate transporter that can be found on the neurons. This semester,C.

26 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 9:15 – 10:25 a.m.

The Neuroscience of Consciousness: Data and Learning network, decision trees, and random forests. Can We Have Attention Without SCI-E-111 ( Talk) Additionally, we implemented multiple Consciousness? mathematical ranking methods to rank Improving Dynamic Data Race Shivani A. Dayal ’18, Neuroscience the “top churners.’’ Our results indicate Detection with Reprivatization Analysis ADVISOR: Claudia Carrara-Augustenborg, that a combination of machine learning Neuroscience Samuila (Sam) Y. Mincheva ’17, Computer Science algorithms and mathematical ranking The relationship between attention and ADVISOR: Benjamin Wood, Computer Science methods offers improved performance over consciousness is not yet understood. using machine learning methods or ranking However, there is a consensus that spatial Concurrency and parallelization lie at methods individually. We propose how these attention is a critical evolutionary tool that the core of modern-day computing. In new techniques can be applied to prepaid allows humans to maintain awareness of the multithreaded programming model, customer churn predictions at Huawei their surroundings by allowing a choice in different threads within the same process can Technologies Co. Ltd. what to pay attention to and by protecting run concurrently and access the same data, Singing in the Brain: The Contribution from information overload. Previous which makes multithreading a powerful tool of New Neurons to Behavioral Plasticity experiments have shown that unconscious for the parallelization of large-scale systems. in the Zebra Finch Brain erotic stimuli can guide spatial attention; However, the presence of shared data leaves Rebecca B. Jennings ’17, Biological Sciences however, the degree to which spatial programs vulnerable to various concurrency ADVISOR: Sharon Gobes, Neuroscience attention can be guided by unconscious errors. Data races are errors in which two or stimuli is unknown. In this study, we more threads access and modify the same In humans, the left hemisphere is dominant investigate whether attention can be guided shared data at the same time with no proper for language production and perception in by incremental differences in location synchronization. Such errors often result in monolinguals. It is unclear how learning between a conscious and an unconscious incorrect data being stored and used, which more than one language affects the stimulus. The ultimate question is whether could have dire consequences in systems hemispheric dominance in language-related attention and consciousness share (or have that handle sensitive data, such as online brain regions. Zebra finches Taeniopygia( distinct) underlying neural mechanisms. voting systems and banking applications. guttata) learn their song from their father This research has significant implications Because of the nondeterministic nature of (tutor), like humans learn speech from their for both our daily lives and the study of multithreaded program execution, however, parents. Similar to humans, zebra finches consciousness itself. data races are insidious and hard to detect. that have been exposed to one song tutor This project explores the ways in which during development show activity in the Automatic Detection of Sleep Spindles reprivatization analysis and other techniques left hemisphere in response to tutor song. in Simultaneously Acquired EEG-fMRI for filtering unnecessary run-time checks can When zebra finches are first exposed to one Data improve the performance of existing data tutor early in development and a second Kanupriya Gupta ’18, Neuroscience race detection tools. tutor later on in development, they are able ADVISOR: Laura Lewis (MIT, Health Sciences to imitate this second song, just like humans and Technology), Neuroscience Predicting Churn in Massive Open are able to learn a second language. For these Online Courses Sleep spindles play an important role in Nancy Ho ’18, Computer Science/Mathematics birds, greater retention of first-tutor song is memory and cognition. In this study, we ADVISOR: Brian Tjaden, Computer Science correlated with increased right dominance, compare an automated method for detecting while a greater retention of second-tutor song sleep spindles in EEG and EEG-fMRI data. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) is characterized by more left dominance. Sleep-scored EEG data were obtained from have become a popular way to learn for This indicates that the left hemisphere the preexisting DREAMS Sleep Spindles many people. Although MOOCs draw in is more flexible in its ability to acquire Database, while EEG-fMRI data were many to their resources, they also face a new song memories. The current study collected from two subjects. First, stage two high dropout rate from users, otherwise investigates whether individual variability EEG data was filtered and then subjected known as customer churn. Users churn in neurogenesis, the process by which new to a Hilbert transform. Then, spindles were when they stop using or subscribing to a neurons are born and added to the brain, can detected by locating peaks that were above service. To investigate churn in MOOCs, explain variability in learning outcomes for a set threshold, and then compared to we used a dataset about users from a first- and second-tutor song acquisition. spindles detected manually. We found that Chinese MOOC site, XuetangX, in order sleep spindles in the DREAMS database to apply machine learning algorithms were detected with 55 percent sensitivity and mathematical models to gain new and 43 percent precision. Using EEG-fMRI insights about MOOC users. We first data, we detected spindles with 54 percent cleaned up the data and constructed sensitivity, but only 26 percent precision. several features for each user such as, but While the sensitivity of the spindle detector not limited to, number of sessions, month was not affected in EEG-fMRI data, its the user started, and the last time a user precision decreased. Therefore, future work logged in. We then used our features with will address artifact cleaning approaches to several machine learning algorithms in improve these results. R and Python: logistic regression, neural

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Introducing Mobile App Development be weaker, as the glucans are still be to protocols that enable us to purify proteins to Youth in Burundi synthesized and added. Additionally, cells of interest from cells and evaluate any in Belyse Inamahoro ’19, Media Arts and Sciences with mutated forms of glucan synthases vivo binding partners. Using this approach, ADVISOR: Eniana Mustafaraj, Computer Science should have reduced cell wall stability due we will characterize binding affinities Due to the rise of accessible and affordable to the altered composition. This strength and map interaction domains among the mobile phones, technology is changing can be directly measured by calculating proteins of interest. This project provides people’s lives in many developing countries, the force that the cells can withstand using insight into the mechanisms by which Blt1p especially in Africa. However, the lack an atomic force microscope (AFM), which and Gef2p work to regulate cytokinesis of computer science education and the applies pressure to the cell surface and through localization of the Sid2p/Mob1p existence of online materials and tools measures the resulting resistance. In this kinase complex. This in turn contributes to mostly in the English language limit the study, I characterize cell wall strength in a better understanding of the underlying students’ ability in countries like Burundi normal fission yeast cells and cells with mechanisms of contractile ring constriction, to embrace the technological revolution as defective synthases. I then investigate how cytokinesis, and successful completion of creators instead of consumers of technology. these synthase enzymes are transported to cell division. To support students who have an interest in the sites of active remodeling within the cell, Evaluating the Localization tinkering with technology, especially mobile where they function via intracellular vesicles. These vesicles are tethered to sites of activity Interdependence of Blt1p, Gef2p, and app development, as part of my independent Rng2p in S. pombe at the cell membrane by a protein complex study, I am developing, translating, and Alexis D. Crayton ’17, Biological Sciences/ called the exocyst. When components of the distributing instructional materials in our Chinese Language & Culture national language, Kirundi. Using MIT exocyst complex are removed, the function ADVISOR: John Goss, Biological Sciences App Inventor (a platform to create Android of the synthase Bgs1p and the stability of the A model organism, Saccharomyces pombe, mobile apps), I am learning to develop cell wall are both impacted. Understanding or fission yeast, boasts a fully sequenced life-changing mobile applications and the mechanism by which the glucan genome and short generation period. Using transfer that knowledge to my community. synthases are transported and function tetrad dissection and confocal microscopy, Join me in my efforts to make mobile during cytokinesis will provide valuable I observed the interdependence of three key app development possible to the youth in insight into how membrane remodeling at proteins—Blt1p, Gef2p, and Rng2p—in S. my country. the division site contributes to successful cell separation. pombe, and how they collectively affect the Cells that Make Bread and Beer recruitment of the Sid2/mob1 in vivo. Gef2p Characterizing Protein Interactions SCI-E-211 (Talk) is a regulator of division plane specification Responsible for the Spatial and and contractile ring function in late Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Temporal Regulation of Cytokinesis in cytokinesis. Blt1p is a tetramer that stabilizes Characterize S. pombe Cell Wall Fission Yeast the nodes formed during interphase. Rng2p Synthase-Deficient Cells Ruby Ye ’17, Biochemistry is a multidomain adaptor protein that is Kathryn M. Barth ’17, Biochemistry ADVISOR: John Goss, Biological Sciences localized in the nodes during interphase. ADVISOR: John Goss, Biological Sciences Cytokinesis, the final stage in cell division, It is speculated that the Sid2p- and In order for cells to successfully divide is the process through which one cell is Mob1p- mediated phosphorylation events into equal and identical daughter cells, separated into two daughter cells through that take place late in the SIN pathway it is necessary for cytokinesis, the final the constriction of a contractile ring. allow for the final output of pathway. stage in cell division, to occur at the right Defects in this process can lead to a variety Since key genes, signaling pathways, and time and in the proper location within the of diseases such as neurological disorders, regulatory mechanisms are conserved among cell. Improper cellular division can lead diabetes, and cancer. However, we have an eukaryotes like S. pombe and humans, the to neurological disorders, diabetes, and incomplete understanding of the regulatory results of the research that I am conducting cancer. In order to determine how failure in mechanisms that control this essential for my thesis will hopefully allow us to cell division contributes to these disorders, process. Recently two regulatory proteins, better understand how the protein homologs it is necessary to study the mechanisms Blt1p and Gef2p, have been identified in humans lose function. and processes of cytokinesis. One of the as spatial and temporal regulators of key components of cytokinesis in fission cytokinesis. Both are known to localize yeast is the formation of the septum, or to the division site in dividing cells where the combination cell membrane and cell they contribute to timely recruitment wall that extends to separate the two cells. of the Sid2p/Mob1p protein kinase The cell wall of fission yeast is composed complex, which is involved in initiating of sugars, which are synthesized by the cytokinesis. However, the biochemical enzymes a- and b-glucan synthases (ags and interactions between these proteins have bgs). When these enzymes are mutated, not been characterized. In order to explore the integrity and stability of the cell wall is interactions between Blt1p, Gef2p, and the compromised. In regions of high synthase Sid2p/Mob1p complex, we have developed activity we predict that the cell wall will and optimized immunoprecipitation

28 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 9:15 – 10:25 a.m.

Social Sciences access to prenatal genetic diagnostic tests From Glyphs to Bytes: for Down syndrome on test utilization and Ancient Egypt and the Future of corresponding birth outcomes. Digital Humanities Perspectives from the FND-307 (Pre-formed Panel Freedom Project I: Data for Social Justice: Discussion) Geopolitics After Trump Creating Boston’s First Isabel A. Staccuneddu ’17, Economics/Women’s PNE-139 (Pre-formed Panel Report on the Status of and Gender Studies; Sarah N. Michelson Discussion) Asian-Americans and Pacific ’18, Art History/English; Kate E. Kenneally Kaila L. Webb ’20, Undeclared; Cassandra M. Islanders ’18, Computer Science; Paola M. Favela ’19, Allen ’18, International Relations-Economics; SCI-274 (Pre-formed Panel Anthropology Sabrina Liang ’19, Political Science Discussion) ADVISOR: Elizabeth Minor, Anthropology, ADVISOR: Joshua McCabe, Sociology Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow Tanvee Varma ’18, Economics; Linda W. Zhou The recent election of President Donald ’18, Chinese Language & Culture/Political Interested in ancient Egypt? Digital Trump weighs heavily on the minds of Science; Cordelia Zhong ’17, Psychology; Riann humanities and bridging the divide between many Americans. Trump’s rhetoric and early K. Tang ’19, Computer Science/Political Science; “hack” and “yack”? Join ANTH 246: From actions suggest he will pursue substantial Diana Lam ’20, Undeclared; Grace R. Ming ’18, Glyphs to Bytes: Ancient Egypt and the domestic changes on a sweeping scale. Media Arts and Sciences; Heng (Amber) Qin ’18, Future of Digital Humanities in discussing Political Science; Jennifer Mou ’18, Economics/ Internationally, the waters are churning digital Egyptological resources, both abroad from the potential impacts of his political Psychology; Lydia Guo ’20, Undeclared; Tanvi Kodali ’20, Undeclared and at our own Davis Museum. We will agenda, with countries as large as China ADVISOR: Stephen Chen, Psychology also be showcasing the beta versions of and as small as Taiwan struggling to react our final projects. Come interact with our to the repercussions of his actions at home Accessibility of data is a social justice issue contributions to the field of open-source and abroad. This panel will explore the because data can quantitatively highlight digital humanities! We’ll be gathering user present and prospective consequences of the issues facing marginalized communities feedback as part of our iterative project Trump administration’s foreign policy on and allow these communities to use data as design process. In our content, we’ll be East Asian countries, with a focus on how a tool to advocate for reform. Data can be answering and asking questions about American policies might affect access to even more important for Asian-American advanced media visualization, data analysis, critical resources, including food, energy, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities 3D modeling, visual reality, and more! and minerals. because data can help dispel the model minority myth and highlight the many Reflecting Backward and The Economics of Gender and disparities within the AAPI community. Forward: Identity in a Time the Family As a result, many cities and states across of Change SCI-264 (Pre-formed Panel the United States make it a point to create SCI-268 (Talk) Discussion) a report on the status of Asian-Americans Adulting Is Hard: Anxiety and Insecurity Leah A. Plachinski ’17, Economics; Clio B. and Pacific Islanders in their regions. Boston in the Millennial Generation’s Coming- Flikkema ’17, Economics/Russian Area Studies; creates no such report. In collaboration of-Age Process Madeline E. Stern ’17, Economics/Mathematics with Boston’s Mayor’s Office, our group is Eric Hilt, Economics Amy L. Johnson ’17, Sociology/Spanish ADVISOR: spearheading the creation of the first report ADVISOR: Thomas Cushman, Sociology, Our three thesis projects are connected on the status of Asian-Americans and Pacific Deffenbaugh de Hoyos Carlson Professor by a desire to apply economic tools to Islanders in Boston. The report will include investigate the patterns of opportunity comprehensive information on topics such Although ubiquitous in the media, and discrimination present in the lives of as income, education, health, violence and sociological analyses of the millennial modern-day women. Madeline Stern ’17 crime, immigration, and other information generation are sparse. This thesis places investigates whether professional women relevant to the AAPI community in Boston. millennials at the intersection of modernity face assumptions of lack of competency AAPI data will be presented alongside and generational theories by analyzing the and dedication by employers, and how data from other racial groups to highlight generational identity and coming-of-age those assumptions may lead women to disparities. In addition, this report will processes of modern young adults in invest less in their careers and damage their highlight disparities within the AAPI conjunction with the anxieties, insecurities, prospects for promotion to top positions. community by examining data based on and existential concerns that accompany Clio Flikkema ’17 uses observational data country of national origin. The goal is to be their transition into adulthood. Data was and a targeted experiment to examine a resource for AAPI organizations in Boston collected in northern California using the discussions that take place behind and policy initiatives that seek to empower in-depth interviews with 25 young adults closed boardroom doors, hoping to gain Boston’s AAPIs. between the ages of 17 and 27. Despite insight into whether women’s ideas are being members of the same generation, their systematically undervalued and ignored. experiences are not easy to generalize due Leah Plachinski ’17 utilizes vital statistics to the increasing importance of identity of birth data from 1989 to 2002 to quantify factors such as race, gender, and social the effect of older women’s differential class. Their present life stage—existing between adolescence and adulthood—and

#RUHLMAN2017 29 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. upbringing within the fluid context of African Ancestral Knowledge and the comparing preschool children from the modernity have led to anxieties, concerns, Black Identity U.S. (n = 40) with preschool children and fears regarding the uncertainty of their Camille C. Stovall-Ceja ’17, Individual-Peace & from China (n = 21). We replicated Study future. These concerns are exacerbated Justice Studies/Psychology 1 and added an additional component by the constant presence of social media, ADVISOR: Ophera Davis, Africana Studies to examine if preschool children relied which leads to comparison and fosters Inspired by the African ancestral curiosity on gender stereotypes when evaluating a insecurity, competition, and envy. To cope catalyzed by Alex Haley’s Roots, this research playmate. According to previous research, with the anxiety and insecurity of this examines the social-psychological impact of Chinese preschool teachers often conveyed life stage, many millennials participate in ancestral knowledge. Due to the history of traditional Chinese gender values through modern therapeutic culture by prioritizing slavery and erasure of African identities in their repeated use of gendered routines in and openly discussing their emotions. America, most Black Americans are unable the classroom to reinforce gender stereotypes Furthermore, parents play a key role by to trace their ancestry through and prior to (Chen & Rao, 2010). Thus, we predicted creating a “safety net” that millennials the era of slavery. As scientific technology that Chinese preschool children would be believe they can fall into, thereby assuaging advances, Black Americans are being given more likely to use gender stereotypes than some of the fear of failure. Millennials are further access to develop their ancestral American preschool children when making distinctly modern: They engage in reflexivity, knowledge through DNA tests. However, social judgments. understand their identity both subjectively access is still limited to those with the Pretend Play Diary Study and socially, and prioritize individualism financial means necessary to purchase these Madison M. Flowers ’17, American Studies/ and diversity. tests. Black-identifying students at Wellesley Psychology College were given a survey, modeled by Aesthetics, Memes, and Social Justice: ADVISOR: Tracy Gleason, Psychology the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity Formation and Political Identity, to examine the many facets of Black Pretend play is a quintessential part of child Engagement on Tumblr American identities. This was compared with development. The act of pretending allows Julia J. Chmyz ’17, Computer Science/Sociology children to practice skills or take on roles ADVISOR: Markella Rutherford, Sociology the students’ breadth of knowledge of their own African ancestral lineage. The results they may use later in life. One form of play is Though they originally created accounts aim to encourage an understanding of the the creation of imaginary companions (ICs). for fun, fandom, or fashion, many users importance of ancestral knowledge among During childhood and into adolescence, of the blogging website Tumblr now use displaced peoples. about 65 percent of children create ICs, the site to gain information about social which can be in the form of either invisible and political issues and current events. A Child’s Mind: Imagination and companions or personified objects. While Through a survey of over 250 Tumblr users, Intelligence in the Early Years traditional pretend play can take on many computational analysis of the contents of SCI-104 (Talk) forms, including role-play, make-believe hundreds of blogs, and in-depth interviews play, and sociodramatic play, interactions Toy Stories: Children’s Use of with users, my thesis seeks to uncover how with ICs are similar to social exchanges, and Gender Stereotypes in Making Social and why these conversations—about sexual children treat their IC as people. Parents Judgments orientation, gender identity, mental health, of 45 preschool-age children were asked to Zichun (Michelle) Wang ’18, Psychology race, social movements—occur on Tumblr, ADVISOR: Tracy Gleason, Psychology keep diaries of their children’s pretend play and the differences in the way these topics for approximately two weeks, and these are approached offline and on other social Preschool children emphasize social diaries were compared to existing diaries networks. Structural features of the website categories, such as gender, in making of children’s interactions with ICs. We create circumstances where users are exposed judgments. For example, young children predicted that children’s interactions with to content they are not actively searching prefer same-sex over expert informants ICs would occur in the stream of the child’s for, while the anonymity of Tumblr creates (Boseovski, Hughes, & Miller, 2016). ongoing reality and would not be distinctly a space in which users feel comfortable However, children also attend to individual different from interactions with real people exploring facets of their lives that they may differences; they support pursuit of counter- in the child’s life, while pretend play would not discuss offline or in more public online stereotypical interests (Conry-Murray & occur separately from reality and would be spaces. In the context of increasingly insular Turiel, 2012). In Study 1, we investigated acknowledged by all involved as play. online political discussion, the features whether 33 3- to 5-year-old children would of Tumblr that promote discovery of new actively prioritize categorical (i.e., gender) Benefits of Consensus viewpoints provide an alternative to filter over individual (i.e., interests) information Liliana Mayorga ’19, Psychology ADVISOR: Tracy Gleason, Psychology bubbles. Analysis of Tumblr as a society when predicting hypothetical peers’ with an explicit structure in the form of web preferences. Results suggest that preschool Can parents influence a child’s memory of design and algorithms also offers new insight children use individual-level information the child’s internal imaginative play? There into the sociological debate of structure in making social judgments, and that use have been studies about the importance and agency. of this information is not compromised by of consensus between children and their conflict with categorical information. In parents. People have investigated consensus Study 2, we examined the role of culture between parents and children because the in children’s use of gender stereotypes by amount of consensus has been correlated

30 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 9:15 – 10:25 a.m. with the child’s social and emotional separate, independent entity and the type of deepen the conversation/analysis when the well-being. Yet few studies have examined IC possessed by the child (personified object interviewee declared that the situation was child-parent consensus on a particular or invisible friend). I expect to find that “just weird.” “Weird” is a placeholder word issue at different points in development. children who possess invisible friends will be that kids use to indicate uncertainty and Will children later agree with their parents more likely to convey a sense of the IC as a limit of understanding. Although these about memory of their imaginative play separate individual than those children who moments were casual, they proved to touch or will the parents have no effect on the possess personified objects. Additionally, on important themes of donor conception children’s perspective? Certainly, the child’s the relationship between children’s and kids’ constructions of family. In this perspective will change with development, conceptualization of the IC as a separate presentation I will present the four themes but how it might do so in relation to the individual and the type of relationship I identified in usage of “weird” and connect parent’s perspective is unclear. This question between a child and an IC (egalitarian or it to our larger research. The presentation is important because if adolescents lean hierarchical) will be examined. I expect will demonstrate different aspects of towards the parent’s perspective more than to find that children who have egalitarian conducting interviews, coding data, and they did in childhood, we can begin to find relationships with their ICs will be more forming analyses. ways for parents to positively affect their likely to exhibit a sense of their IC as child’s memory of imaginative play. I will separate than children with hierarchical The New Muslim Woman be investigating the correlation of consensus relationships to their ICs. Amina Ziad ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies ADVISOR: Charlene Galarneau, Women’s and between parent and child perspectives on Gender Studies the child’s imaginary companion. I will Intimate Conversations: primarily focus on the physical description Shedding Light on Closed-Door My thesis explores past and current of the imaginary companion, and the type Discussions meanings of modesty within Islam, and of play done with the imaginary companion. SCI-270 (Talk) how these meanings relate to the lives of Muslim-American women today. Islamic Lastly, I will compare consensus in early Young Adults’ Reflections on childhood to consensus in adolescence, Abstinence Messages in School meanings and interpretations of modesty roughly 10 years later. I expect that since Lauren I. Mostrom ’18, Classical Civilization/ have changed over time. Hijab, or headscarf, imaginary companions are internal creations Economics for many women, is a religious obligation; of the child, children will be the experts on ADVISOR: Wendy Robeson, Wellesley Centers for however, other women understand wearing their own imaginary companions, but will Women hijab as a subversive political statement. To explore such meanings of hijab and modesty, have a harder time keeping all the details of Many high schools in the United States still I utilize a mixed-methods approach that the imaginary companions clear over time. teach abstinence-centered messages to their incorporates analyses of religious texts (both The parent’s perspective will be seen when students at the expense of a more realistic Qur’an and Hadith), contemporary academic the consensus will increase between the approach that prioritizes health and safety. scholarship, and qualitative data collected via parent and child. In order to assess not only the physical a focus group and interviews. In doing so, health outcomes of these students, as is Examining Children’s I gain and present an understanding of the discussed at length in existing literature, Conceptualization of Separateness in multiple ways in which Muslim-American but also their emotional responses to these Imaginary Companions women live out their modesty. Kiera M. Parece ’17, Political Science/Psychology abstinence programs, a survey was created ADVISOR: Tracy Gleason, Psychology and distributed to young adults aged 18 to 24 (n=342). The findings in this study This study will explore the extent to indicate a statistically significant difference which children conceptualize imaginary During the first session in the in feelings of sex-negativity. companions (ICs) as separate, distinct “ library about the history of individuals. Participants consisted of In Conversation with Donor-Conceived Wellesley, I was fascinated by 41 preschool-aged children with ICs, Teenagers 20 with invisible friends and 21 with Jacqueline (Jackie) G. McGrath ’17, Women’s the presentation, which was personified objects (imaginary companions and Gender Studies excellent … that are manifested in objects such as ADVISOR: Rosanna Hertz, Women’s and Gender stuffed animals or dolls). Over the span Studies, Class of 1919 Professor ” of two weeks, parents recorded the daily Over the past three years I have been a –Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’54 interactions between children and their research assistant on a study of donor- imaginary companions, documenting conceived families. My presentation for the nature of these occurrences. Diary the Ruhlman Conference is based on entries will be coded for the degree to my work last semester, which focused on which children demonstrate a sense of analyzing kids (ages 10–20) who were donor- the IC as a unique individual, separate conceived. I focus on the frequent use of the from themselves. Upon completion of this word “weird,” which emerges frequently in coding, comparisons will be made between the in-depth interviews. During interviews children’s conceptualization of the IC as with teenagers it was often difficult to

#RUHLMAN2017 31 10:45 – 11:55 a.m.

Humanities For my research project for ARTH 318: New Dueling Influences England Art and Architecture, I have been FND-120 (Talk) able to piece together a rough outline of the The Danger of a Single Story: Piratical Debauchery, Homesick life of Helen Frances Ayres, although many Sailors, and Nautical Rhythms: Sea Portraits of Immigration questions remain unanswered and await Shanties in Classical Music FND-126 (Pre-formed Panel further investigation. Her gift was perhaps Discussion) Pallas C. Riedler ’17, English and Creative intended to strengthen Wellesley’s robust Arianna G. Regalado ’18, Religion; Emerson S. Writing/Music botany program for women who shared Goldstein ’18, American Studies/Political Science; ADVISOR: Gurminder Bhogal, Music Esther A. Miller ’18, Art Studio; Faiza S. Aslam her passion for plants. Most importantly, her botanical illustrations were not only an This presentation is an exploration of how ’19, Sociology classical composers have been influenced by ADVISOR: Soo Hong, Education artistic endeavor, but incorporated a spirit of scientific inquiry as well. Ayres’ combined music from the maritime cultures of Western In EDUC 334: Understanding Education interest in art and botany also reflects Europe. I evaluate the use of sea shanties Through Immigrant Narratives, we study important trends in 19 th-century American and “pirate songs” in classical music written immigrant youth and families’ experiences society, namely the diminishing acceptance between 1689 and 1951. My thesis draws in educational spaces. As a method of of botany as a subject fit for women and the on a range of musical compositions while qualitative analysis, we use portraiture growing prestige and popularity of botany exploring the impact of maritime music in to explore the complex lived realities of in the country at that time, especially in the intellectual life of this broad time period. immigrants in the United States. We will New England. In order to determine the extent to which discuss portraiture as a methodology to the traditional sea shanty form has been address the following questions: How does Od: The Animated Thesis altered to fit a classical framework, I focus on critical race theory help us conceptualize Collins Cinema (Film Screening) the most piratically imbued, shanty-riddled the framework of portraiture as a research Katherine H. Roche ’17, Classics/Media Arts and “classical” works of music in terms of their tool? What can we learn from including a Sciences historical contexts, harmonic characteristics, variety of narratives in our understanding of ADVISOR: David Olsen, Art and thematic contents. education? How does sharing others’ voices The graphic image has come a long way emancipate and empower? In our exploration “History Has Its Eyes on You”: since the days of crude figure on cave walls. of several individuals’ educational Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Interpretation of As a classics/media arts and sciences double Hip-Hop Culture in Hamilton journeys, we debunk the myth of the single major, I have always been fascinated by Maleah P. Maxie ’18, Cognitive & Linguistic story—that is, that there exists only one the act of storytelling and the process of Sciences/Music immigrant experience. Chimamanda Ngozi animation. For the past year, I have spent ADVISOR: Lawrence Rosenwald, English, Anne Adichie confronted the danger of this myth every day imagining, reinventing, creating, Pierce Rogers Professor in her 2009 TED Talk, saying, “Stories designing, and animating one of my favorite matter. Many stories matter. Stories have Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton (2014) has ancient stories: The Odyssey. Though the been used to dispossess and to malign, but been praised for being a new approach to the narrative I wove does not directly resemble stories can also be used to empower and American musical. As the show continues the ancient epic, the path to making it more to humanize.” Through our work, we will to grow in popularity, it also illuminates closely follows the essence of the story: the humanize the experiences of immigrants the history of hip-hop culture in the United story behind the story. Odysseus passed in U.S. schools with the ultimate goal of States. While there are moments in Hamilton though many mouths, mediums, and molds exploring the multidimensional relationship that were undeniably used by prominent before he ever reached his home. Do you of immigration and education. hip-hop artists first, Miranda also included really think the story we know today was more obscure references to artists, from the An Artist’s Botany, a Botanist’s the one Homer told thousands of years ago? manifestations of characters in the musical Art: Botanical Watercolors in Come be part of the ancient and traditional to the music’s lyrics and chord progressions. the Collection of Helen Frances process of trans-media storytelling and However, many viewers of the musical do Ayres at Wellesley College rediscover the well-known tale as it not immediately realize the lesser known, yet passes from Greek text to storyboard to SCI-155 (On-Location Presentation) unequivocal connections between Miranda’s animated film. Ningyi Xi ’17, Art History/Classical Civilization Hamilton score and artists such as Tupac or ADVISOR: Martha McNamara, Art Jay Z. To demonstrate the historical hip-hop influences throughoutHamilton , I will Hanging quietly in the corridor leading to examine the references Lin-Manuel Miranda Wellesley College’s greenhouses are 1,349 explicitly employs that connect the musical watercolor studies of plants by various to hip-hop culture, music, and history. artists. Very little is known about these botanical illustrations or the artists. The only information in the archives is that they were given by Helen France Ayres, of Medford, Mass., to the Department of Botany in 1907.

32 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 10:45 – 11:55 a.m.

This Isn’t Even My Final Form: Techno- Does the Man of Law’s pomposity entail a to address the gaps in dialogue that have Orientalist Women Who Will satire of clerical and scholastic authority? been neglected in order to analyze how the Claire S. Shin ’17, American Studies Does the Wife of Bath’s irreverent tone South Asian diasporic queer community ADVISOR: Elena Creef, Women’s and Gender highlight women’s supposed inability has contributed to resistance culture and Studies to engage in exegesis or undermine the how their involvement has been affected by This presentation is based on the foundation of the Catholic Church? I argue their identity. independent research that I conducted that Chaucer uses his collection of tales In-Between: Narratives of Identity and in fall 2016 and into spring 2017 on the for a more literary, rather than political, Community by Chinese-American topic of techno-Orientalism, which is the purpose: His deft subversion of scholastic Adoptees phenomenon of imposing cybernetic and language undermines conventional authority Isabelle L. St. Clair ’17, Peace & Justice Studies and contemporary language itself, though steampunk elements within the context of ADVISOR: Catia Confortini, Peace & Justice interactions between the Western world and it doesn’t necessarily offer a rigid stance on Studies Asia. In this presentation, I will introduce heresy or the church. the cultural phenomenon that is techno- Chinese-American adoptees’ lived Orientalism and explain it in relation to Out of Sight, But Not Out experiences provide a unique lens through Asian-American cultural relations. Topics of Mind: Revealing Hidden which to view and understand Asian- that will be covered here are the events Communities American identity and U.S. race relations. that happened between the U.S. and the FND-102 (Talk) Chinese adoptees are transnational, transracial adoptees who have crossed East Asian countries—of China, Japan, The Social Worlds of Beijing’s borders of nationhood, culture, race, and Korea; from these shared histories, Electronic Underground ethnicity, and class, as most are adopted the cultural perceptions that arise are Juliet Y. Liu ’17, Anthropology/History into white, well-off families. Yet even vital to the creation and surge of techno- ADVISOR: Justin Armstrong, Writing Program Orientalism and techno-Orientalist cultural though all these “border crossings” take Electronic music, an art form that has works. Many clips and images of popular place, it remains uncertain as to how the existed in dynamic states since the 1970s, is techno-Orientalist themed works, such as adoptees fit into the image of the U.S. rapidly moving from the underground to the the futuristic sequences in a neo Korea in and negotiate their multiple, in-between mainstream all across the globe. Electronic the filmCloud Atlas or choice shots from identities. In this presentation and for music—as a phenomenon, a cultural the filmDeus ex Machina, will be alluded my senior thesis, I explore how adoptees practice, a lifestyle, a broker of community, to in this presentation. There will be many situate themselves within the United States, and an aesthetic—deserves significant mentions and references to popular culture within Chinese-American communities, cultural analysis in various global contexts. pieces that contain techno-Orientalist and within the adoptee community. I share Specifically, there is a noticeable dearth themes, such as the anime that will be their stories, as well as mine, to elevate the of ethnographic explorations of electronic localized into a Hollywood film, Ghost in voices of Chinese adoptees, voices often music and art in China. Over the course of the Shell, and video games such as Final marginalized or unheard in Asian-American three weeks, I conducted anthropological Fantasy. This presentation will tie the past and adoption literature. fieldwork in China to better understand to the present as the mechanized perceptions the social worlds, aesthetic impulses, and Touching Base: Isolation and of Asia have persisted in newer works such musical philosophies of electronic producers Community on Maine’s Islands as the television show Westworld. This in Beijing to better understand global Ruth E. Weschler ’17, Anthropology/Biological presentation will examine cultural sources circuits of cultural exchange, concepts of Sciences in order to explain the broader aspects of ADVISOR: Justin Armstrong, Writing Program cultural authenticity, and the fluid concept techno-Orientalism and how Asia is viewed of “cool.” Despite existing on the periphery of through a Western lens. Furthermore, this mainland society, most people on the will delve into the intersection between race Still Here, Still Queer: Activism in the islands of Matinicus and Monhegan seem and gender and how techno-Orientalism Postcolonial South Asian Diaspora to operate in their own sociocultural is applied to Asian and Asian-American Dharani A. Persaud ’17, International Relations- microcosms. For my senior thesis I wanted women in the cultural works that Political Science to investigate the workings of these small reproduce them. ADVISOR: Pashington Obeng, Africana Studies communities, specifically how they sustain Scholasticism and Clerical Authority in Over the course of the semester, I have their population and encourage growth. This The Canterbury Tales been doing research on the history of South ethnographic study examines interpersonal Nikita R. Nagras ’17, Economics/English Asian queer involvement in activism during interactions as well as anthropological ADVISOR: Cord Whitaker, English the postcolonial era. The queer community engagements with space and place in these in the South Asian diaspora is often isolated environments to better understand Medieval experts have long debated Geoffrey erased from historical narrative because how they maintain a vibrant and viable Chaucer’s personal stance toward the church of cultural taboos, so my presentation community. These two remote, unbridged and contemporary heretical movements. The seeks to explore the untold aspects of how islands operate in different cultural modes Canterbury Tales, while rich in its nuanced queer activism relates to broader activism despite their similar geographic locations. In depiction of medieval society, contains no within postcolonial communities. I aim an era of ever-increasing globalization and straightforward answer to the question.

#RUHLMAN2017 33 10:45 – 11:55 a.m. interconnectivity, members of these small of self-representation; in other words, this will discuss this content and also address the isolated communities are often “othered” thesis will analyze not just what women are foundations and development of my subject. and romanticized in a way that negates the saying in their writing but also how they embedded struggle of everyday island life. work both with and against conventional Jet Lag: Narrating a 21 st-Century South Here, they have (sometimes begrudgingly) and disciplined forms in their attempt to Asian Experience in the United States and Abroad come to rely on one another in their tight- offer life testimonies. These texts, whether Kanika A. Vaish ’17, English/Political Science knit communities with little outside help. in the form of poetry or various types of ADVISOR: Octavio Gonzalez, English autobiography, can and often have been for Who Tells Your Story? women a site of personal, social, and political Through this collection of short stories, I Narratives Reclaimed resistance. In reading these texts with the aim to contribute to South Asian diaspora SCI-396 (Talk) objective of discovering a feminist voice, it is literature, pay tribute to my extended family members by immortalizing their sacrifices Voice, Silence, and Testimony: possible to identify and recognize moments Recovering Feminist Voices in Italian in which Italian women, not merely and and achievements through a written work, Poetry and Autobiography no longer passive recipients of oppression, and create a distinct, second-person voice Cat Yoke ’17, Italian Studies/Women’s and actively reflect, anticipate, and create the for my own alter ego. In Jet Lag, I make Gender Studies various “feminisms” of their era. a conscious decision to keep Hindi words ADVISOR: David Ward, Italian Studies unitalicized. By doing so, I express agency A Study of Female Agency in in preventing Western tradition from It is no secret nor a provocative assertion The Homeric Hymn to Demeter, dictating my experience. I also alienate the that men’s voices, primarily white, male, Accompanied by Lithographic reader, at times, by sporadically including European, have prevailed throughout Illustrations non-Western language, still expecting the history. These voices tend to represent the Virginia G. White ’17, Classical Civilization reader to keep up with the pace of this inventors, the geniuses, the colonizers, the ADVISOR: Catherine Gilhuly, Classical Studies nonchronological, geographically diverse conquerors, the artists, the poets, and so The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is a 500-line series. Rather than allowing this language much more. They are voices so loud and poem detailing the union of Hades, Lord of to be exoticized or othered by non-Indian so pervasive that they effectively drown the Dead, and Persephone, daughter of the audiences, I choose to italicize instant out any evidence of an utterance made by agriculture goddess, Demeter. The essence of messages, creating an alternative foreign a subordinate “other.” But just because the myth lies in Demeter’s unwillingness to tongue that is similarly inaccessible. In this these voices and their narratives have bless her daughter’s marriage, which began presentation, I will share excerpts from my been suppressed by the persistent noise of in rape, sanctioned by Zeus. Demeter’s work and engage in discussion with the dominant institutions of power and their defiance and its consequences raise questions audience on the material. associated discourses does not mean that about female subjectivity in ancient Greece they cease to exist and to matter. In fact, it and suggest a Panhellenic interest in how has been the mission of many contemporary Science and Technology rulers divide their power. While this idea feminist literary critics, working in a can be explored verbally, there are certain variety of ways and drawing on a variety nuances that can only be expressed through Exploring the Relationship of discursive spheres, to identify, recover, images. The lithographic illustrations Between the Innate Immune and remember female and minority voices. illuminate patterns and symbols that are System and Adult Neurogenesis Two such critics cited in this thesis are often lost in academic writing. in the Brains of Procambarid Adriana Cavarero and Leigh Gilmore; while Crayfish Cavarero offers a feminist reading of classic Hemingway and Elizabeth SCI-256 (Pre-formed Panel philosophical texts and concepts, Gilmore Edith (Edie) M. Sharon ’17, Chemistry/English Discussion) explores the construction and perception of ADVISOR: William Cain, English, Mary Jewett Megan E. McNeil ’17, Biochemistry; Anushree autobiography as a genre and the subsequent Gaiser Professor Dugar ’18, Neuroscience; Kara M. Banson ’17, ways women have been both included and This presentation deals with my thesis work Neuroscience excluded from the literary discipline. Both in the English department surrounding ADVISOR: Barbara Beltz, Neuroscience, Allene scholars are chiefly concerned, in notably connections between Ernest Hemingway Lummis Russell ’46 Professor different and interesting ways, with the and Queen Elizabeth I. Hemingway’s Adult neurogenesis, the lifelong process concept of female voice. Extending the second novel, A Farewell to Arms, is named by which new neurons are produced in arguments of Gilmore and Cavarero to the after an Elizabethan poem. Looking at the adult brain, occurs in both vertebrate world of Italian poetry and autobiography, his work as an abstract representation of and invertebrate species. It is thought it is possible to recover strong, creative, Elizabeth and her era provides new insights that neurogenesis in mammalian systems and female voices that have been silenced regarding the major themes of the novel. is regulated by self-renewing neural for centuries. Other texts and scholars This interpretation also allows for further precursors; however, neural precursor cells referenced in this analysis will attempt to exploration of Hemingway’s fascination with found in the crayfishProcambarus clarkii analyze the ways in which women have gender roles, an idea that coincides with are not self-renewing and instead must be exercised their agency, self-expression, and the necessity of balancing gender roles for replenished by an extrinsic source. Recent political and social existence within genres Elizabeth as queen. In my presentation, I studies suggest that blood cells generated by that have traditionally disciplined forms

34 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 10:45 – 11:55 a.m. the immune system are neural precursors. Masses of Gases: Using active site structure cannot be elucidated In an attempt to better characterize this Inorganic Gas Tracers to through X-ray crystallography. We intend relationship between adult neurogenesis and Examine Oceanic Processes to improve current understanding of the immune system at a physiological and SCI-268 (Pre-formed Panel GLP-1R by chemically modifying T-0632, molecular level, our aims include: 1) defining Discussion) one of the non-peptide small molecule the electrophysiological properties of cells in Alice Zhou ’17, Chemistry; Haley M. Pleskow antagonists for GLP-1R, in order to alter the brain that are derived from blood cells; ’17, Economics; Brenda Y. Ji ’18, Biochemistry; its interactions with the GLP-1R active 2) determining whether immature immune Katherine Chan ’18, Chemical Physics; site. To accomplish this, members of the cells can be biased toward a neural fate in Helene Alt DS, Chemistry; Charli Klein ’19, Haines lab are taking two different synthetic vitro; and 3) identifying the neurogenic roles Chemistry; Marissa Menzel ’18, Geosciences and approaches. The first involves producing a of the immune-derived proteins astakine 1, Environmental Studies T-0632 analog in which an amine group a cytokine, and crustacean hematopoietic ADVISOR: Rachel Stanley, Chemistry is inserted at the standard carboxylic acid factor, an anti-apoptotic agent. Climate change has affected our oceans locus. This alteration is expected to change globally, resulting in record-low sea ice the interactions between T-0632 and the Does Developmental Pollen extent, increasing rates of warming, and GLP-1R. Short peptide GLP-1 mimetics Stress Affect the Performance significant ocean acidification. Oceans will be added to the T-0632 amine in order of Inspector Honey Bees? currently represent the largest active to promote GLP-1R activation. The second SCI-E-211 (Pre-formed Panel carbon sink on Earth, absorbing over 25 approach involves adding photolabile Discussion) percent of anthropogenic CO2. Without groups to T-0632 in order to spatially map Anita M. Yau ’17, Biological Sciences; Anne H. this mitigation, the magnitude of climate the active site of GLP-1R. Specifically, we Shen ’17, Biological Sciences; Clare Auld-Brokish change would be more severe and its effects will modify T-0632 through synthesis of ’19, Biological Sciences/Chinese Language & more rapidly felt. It is thus crucial to aromatic iodides, which are precursors to Culture understand the ocean’s role in and response photoreactive aryl azides that can be used ADVISOR: Heather Mattila, Biological Sciences to climate change. The Stanley lab relies for binding studies. The second project in One of the most important jobs of a honey on mass spectrometry to measure naturally the Haines lab involves antibiotic resistance. bee worker is to collect food from flowers to occurring inorganic gases—particularly Developing methods of prevention feed its colony. Pollen in particular serves as the noble gases—and uses them as tracers and intervention of bacterial infection, bees’ primary source of essential proteins, to characterize climate-relevant processes. specifically due to methicillin-resistant lipids, vitamins, and minerals, especially Our panel will cover the theory and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has become during larval development. However, instrumentation behind these measurements, critical in recent years. Dolosigranulum colonies can become pollen stressed, and discuss several projects involving their pigrum, a gram-positive firmicute found and workers under these conditions rear applications in the field. Research topics will within human nasal passages, has undernourished larvae. Work in our lab has include quantifying biological production demonstrated a negative correlation with shown that limited access to pollen during in the Arctic Ocean, gauging the effects S. aureus colonization. Antibacterial larval development results in adult workers of ocean turbulence on phytoplankton substance(s) can be extracted from D. pigrum who are relatively poor foragers compared productivity, and establishing a baseline liquid culture through organic extraction. to workers who had adequate access to pH in the Southern Ocean to improve Current research focuses on the purification pollen-based foods during development. In biogeochemical models. of these extractable inhibitory compound(s) the present project, we attempted to quantify via chromatography and bioassay-guided the effects of pollen stress on inspector The Haines Lab: Applications fractionation. Subsequent characterization foragers, workers who independently revisit of Organic Chemistry to of these inhibitors will be accomplished via known food sources to reactivate their the Development of Novel MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and NMR. nestmates to these sites if they begin to yield Therapeutics food once more. Our study examines one SCI-264 (Pre-formed Panel Climate Change and Collateral of the ways that pollen stress can impair the Discussion) Damage ability of honey bees to take up specialized Laura M. Bancroft ’17,Chemistry; Lazel SCI-277 (Talk) foraging tasks. M. Pineda ’17, Biochemistry; Gwendolyn Towers ’17, English; Christina E. Lepore ’17, Exploring the Epigenetic Reasons Biochemistry; Sara M. Eslami ’17, Biochemistry Behind Invasive Species ADVISOR: David Haines, Chemistry Mary Kate Dornon ’17, Biological Sciences ADVISOR: Andrea Sequeira, Biological Sciences The Haines lab members are focusing on two medical subfields. The first of these Invasive species threaten global diversity involves Type II diabetes research on and impact both the native species glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and surrounding ecosystem. Upon the which is implicated in the pancreatic introduction of nonindigenous species, the signaling pathway responsible for insulin introduced species often undergo genetic secretion. Due to its seven transmembrane events causing a loss of genetic variation domains, a nuanced model of the GLP-1R and reduced genetic diversity. Yet the spread

#RUHLMAN2017 35 10:45 – 11:55 a.m. of invasive species persists, presenting a sampling sites. These results indicate that weight gain and obesity. To investigate the genetic paradox: If introduced populations forest food webs have changed significantly effects of diet change on the gut microbiota undergo such drastic genetic events, how during the past 40 years and suggest that in the presence of estradiol, we analyzed are they able to acclimate so successfully climate warming may have contributed to the fecal gut microbiota from 14 adult to new environmental conditions? To these population shifts. C57BL6 mice that were ovariectomized understand the reasons for the ecological and subcutaneously implanted with Monkeys Need the Forest for the Trees: success of species introductions, our capsules containing either 17β-estradiol or study examines the introduction of North Assessing the Impact of Deforestation oil (control). All mice were fed a standard on Bornean Primate Behavior American Naupactus weevils. We propose rodent diet for 10 days and then switched to Kylie M. Sorenson ’17, Biological Sciences that introduced populations of Naupactus a high-fat diet for 25 days. To identify and ADVISOR: Adam Van Arsdale, Anthropology, weevils experience shifts in gene expression Whitehead Associate Professor compare microbial community composition associated with their introduction and of samples across treatments, we analyzed establishment. In particular, differentially Habitat loss and deforestation are some the longitudinal 16S rRNA gene data expressed genes may be in response to the of the greatest challenges for biodiversity from fecal pellets. Additionally, to assess variation in host plant availability and conservation today. This is a particular the role of estradiol on the gut microbiota overcoming new host defenses. We compare concern for primates, as more than 60 independent of the host, we supplemented the intensity and diversity of gene expression percent of primate species are threatened enrichment slurries containing fecal pellets between native and introduced species with extinction, mainly due to habitat loss. with different concentrations of estradiol. In populations to explore the transcriptome As our closest relatives and indicators of my presentation, I will present how estradiol signal of species introductions. our evolutionary past, primates have long affects the dynamics of the female mouse been the objects of fascination and research gut microbiota undergoing a diet change. Bugs and Biodiversity: How Climate within biology and anthropology. Their I will also present the direct influence of Change Is Affecting Arthropods in behavior has been the subject of short- and estradiol on the gut microbiota and discuss Northern Hardwood Forests long-term field research over the past 60 the possible implications of the microbe– Jennifer (Jenn) E. Harris ’19, Biological years. However, while it is agreed that the estradiol interactions on women’s health. Sciences; Emma D. Scalisi ’17, Anthropology/ behavior of this order is highly varied and Biological Sciences plastic, the degree to which environmental ADVISOR: Nicholas Rodenhouse, Biological change such as deforestation impacts Sciences primate behavior is less well understood. Climate change can affect ecosystems in This presentation will explore the patterns of a variety of ways, including decreasing deforestation in central Kalimantan, Borneo, community productivity and biodiversity. over the past 30 years. It will assess the ways Generally, climate change is associated with that these patterns have altered and will effects on macrofauna, while in reality it continue to alter primate behavioral diversity may disrupt all aspects of food webs. Here, and will offer solutions for mitigating as a contribution to further understanding negative behavioral change and promoting changes in temperate deciduous forests primate conservation. in New England, two long-term datasets of insect abundances were analyzed. One Mighty Microbes dataset was generated by capturing flying FND-207 (Talk) insects with Malaise traps and examines Estradiol Differentially Alters Gut trends across multiple orders of arthropods, Microbiota Response to Diet Change while the other focuses on families of Manjot K. Nagyal ’17, Biochemistry beetles from the forest floor sampled using ADVISOR: Vanja Klepac-Ceraj, Biological window traps. We tested for trends in Sciences relative abundance and diversity compared Postmenopausal women have an increased within and between years as well as across an risk of developing metabolic disorders, elevation gradient. We relate, to the extent such as obesity and Type II diabetes. possible, these trends with differences in Estradiol, a type of estrogen, which is climate and weather patterns within the primarily produced by ovaries and declines Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New in postmenopausal women, protects against Hampshire. Initial data evaluation reveals diet-induced obesity in women and female noticeable decreases in abundance across mice. However, the mechanisms by which taxa, with some groups disproportionately estradiol prevents diet-induced obesity are affected. Additionally, populations were not completely understood. Diet has been higher at greater elevation, where mean shown to shape the collection of microbes in annual temperature is about two degrees the gut, called the gut microbiota. Both diet Celsius cooler than at the low-elevation and the gut microbiota have been linked to

36 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 10:45 – 11:55 a.m.

Examining the Innate Immune H2S and isolate individual microbes. patterns at various life stages. Confirmation Response to Influenza Virus We characterized the composition of the of CpClec’s role in infection in in vivo and Sara H. Shin ’19, Undeclared microbial communities by extracting copies in vitro models further strengthens the ADVISOR: Yuichiro Suzuki, Biological Sciences of a specific gene, 16S rRNA, which is a importance of this protein as a potential Considering the need for potent drugs highly conserved gene and standard species- target for drug or vaccine development against influenza virus, current research identifying sequence. Communities grow against Cryptosporidium. focuses on identifying host cell factors that only in the presence of light and obligately Shining Light on Dark Matter the virus co-opts to propagate. By depleting anaerobic green sulfur bacteria from the these factors, drugs can then obstruct stages phylum Chlorobi are the only phototrophic SCI-278 (Talk) of the viral life cycle. To develop such organisms. A species of Chlorobi identified From Silence to Signal: antivirals, a comprehensive understanding as Chlorobium phaeobacteroides was isolated The Story of :neta: of the body’s innate immune response to on an agar medium enriched with H2S as Catherine R. Nicoloff DS, Physics influenza virus is crucial. Previous studies the electron donor and characterized by ADVISOR: James Battat, Physics sequencing nearly the entire 16S rRNA reported that a phosphorylated gene complex Galactic rotation curves and models of gene. This organism matches the most was primarily responsible for stimulating galaxy formation predict that our galaxy abundant Chlorobium sequence from the body’s immune response. However, our is surrounded by a spherical halo of dark the Mn-oxidizing enrichments. In my current study refines the previous theory by matter. This halo is theorized to be made presentation, I will talk about how the demonstrating that the late expression of up of weakly interacting massive particles communities utilize manganese over time an unphosphorylated complex prolongs the (WIMPs). As the Earth moves through and in varying concentrations of H S and body’s immune response. The appearance 2 this halo, WIMPs stream through us like Mn2+. I will also discuss the implications of of a phosphorylated complex was confirmed an invisible wind. Directional dark matter these findings on the environmental cycling 12 to 24 hours after infection. But the detectors seek to measure the direction of of sulfur and manganese and photosynthesis elevated expression of the unphosphorylated WIMP-induced nuclear recoils. The angular on the early Earth. complex from 48 to 72 hours post-infection distribution of these recoils provides a was more significant since it inhibited viral Characterization of CpClec, a C-Type unique signature of galactic dark matter that transcription, and thus reduced infection Lectin of the Parasite Cryptosporidium is not mimicked by any known background by 70 percent. Future studies will examine parvum that Mediates Infection in Vivo population. Low-pressure gas time immune responses in in vivo models and Katherine (Olivia) J. Yanes ’17, Biochemistry projection chambers (TPCs) have a long and apply such findings to drug discovery. ADVISOR: Yuichiro Suzuki, Biological Sciences successful history in directional dark matter Exploring Anaerobic Microbial Cryptosporidium presents a large burden searches. The benefit of the low-pressure gas Communities Capable of Oxidizing on the human population by causing target is that the nuclear recoils from dark Manganese the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. matter extend several millimeters—long Sophia (Sophie) B. Rowland ’17, Biological Previous work done with Cryptosporidium enough to be reliably reconstructed—but Sciences/Classical Civilization parvum shows that a C-type lectin protein the low-density target necessitates larger ADVISOR: Vanja Klepac-Ceraj, Biological known as CpClec is expressed on the detector volumes. It is critical to maximize Sciences surface of sporozoites, the life stage of the detector’s WIMP sensitivity per unit The metabolic pathway of oxygenic Cryptosporidium that invades host epithelial detector volume to keep the volume as low photosynthesis is fueled by sunlight and cells in the intestine. CpClec has also been as possible. It is also necessary to minimize the oxidation of water; oxygen is produced found to be important for attachment and diffusion in order to improve the accuracy of as a waste product. Before the rise of invasion of host cells by attaching to host the recoil tracks. This makes the choice of fill oxygenic phototrophs, microbes utilized glycosaminoglycans. In order to further gas important. This past year, we developed anoxygenic photosynthesis to form organic determine the function of CpClec, our lab :neta:, a prototype directional dark matter carbon compounds using electron donors has developed two novel transgenic strains detector that uses a Micromegas for gas such as iron (Fe2+) and reduced sulfur using CRISPR/Cas9 technology: one amplification with orthogonal strips for compounds. We study enrichment cultures expressing a CpClec-HA tag (HA) and one charge signal readout. We began the initial of microorganisms driven by anoxygenic with a CpClec gene deletion (KO). Using commissioning with an electron drift gas photosynthesis to determine whether and a mouse model infected with HA-tagged and recently made the challenging switch to how they use another possible electron and KO CpClec oocysts, CpClec was found a negative ion drift gas. Its design, function, donor, manganese (Mn2+). Cultures to play a role in infection. These results and recent commissioning data taken in a surface laboratory will be summarized. reduced with sulfide (H2S) and enriched were confirmed through quantification of with Mn2+ as a potential electron donor infection levels by analyzing 18s gene levels oxidize Mn2+ and form various manganese in stool samples via quantitative PCR. oxide minerals in the presence of light. Additionally, immunofluorescence assays To further characterize these anaerobic were used to determine that the localization microbial communities and the role of of HA-tagged parasites throughout the manganese, we grow the cultures on Cryptosporidium life cycle in intestinal different concentrations of Mn2+ and epithelial cells appears to follow specific

#RUHLMAN2017 37 10:45 – 11:55 a.m.

Galactic Halo Model Selection in work centered around making improvements well as composition as smear slides. These Directional Dark Matter Detection to one component of the ACS, the laser slicer environmental proxies demonstrate dramatic Louisa Huang Ruixue ’19, Physics board (LSB), which acts as a very fast on/off changes around the time the Walden Pond ADVISOR: James Battat, Physics gate for light from the ACS calibration laser. area became populated by European settlers. Research in cosmology has predicted that The data from sediments of the last four Around the Sun We Go!: Modeling dark matter makes up more than 20 percent centuries will be compared to pre-European the Earth-Moon Distance for Different sediments across all three basins in order of the mass-energy content of the universe. Theories of Gravitation to examine the environmental history of However, because dark matter does not Sanaea C. Rose ’17, Astrophysics Walden Pond through the last 1,500 years. interact with electromagnetic radiation, ADVISOR: James Battat, Physics it is essentially invisible, making its direct Regioselective Synthesis of Pyrazole detection and determination of its identity Einstein’s theory of general relativity (GR) remains the foremost theory of gravitation. Derivatives long-standing challenges. Weakly interacting Natalie J. Norman ’18, Chemistry; Diane Cheon massive particles (WIMPs) are leading Experimental tests of this theory rely on the interactions of massive objects. One ’17, Chemistry candidates for dark matter whose signals are ADVISOR: Adrian Huang, Chemistry being actively searched for. In theory, due to such test, lunar laser ranging, measures the Earth’s motion through the dark matter the transit time of a laser pulse from an Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs surrounding our galaxy, we as earthbound observatory to a corner cube retroreflector (NSAIDs) are the most common class observers would experience a “WIMP wind,” on the moon, installed by Apollo astronauts of painkillers, and they act through the an anisotropy in velocity distribution that is and Russian rovers. This transit time gives inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, or both. unique to WIMPs. To capture this signature the Earth-moon distance with millimeter Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor of dark matter, researchers around the world precision. Successive measurements indicate that reduces inflammation and pain while are developing directionally sensitive dark the evolution of the Earth-moon distance minimizing the side effects associated with matter detectors. Data from such detectors as the two orbit the sun and can constrain nonselective NSAIDs. Common methods to would not only confirm the existence of theories of gravitation, including GR and synthesize Celecoxib yield two regioisomers, WIMPs, but also give us insight into its alternative theories called parameterized the N1 and N2 isomers. Since only the other properties. In this project, I simulated post-Newtonian (PPN) frameworks. N1-pyrazole is biologically active, costly and WIMP signals expected from directional I present simulations in Python of the tedious separations of these regioisomers detectors and applied statistical inference motion of the Earth, moon, and sun, are needed. The Huang lab aims to develop methods to study how the quality and which elucidate the expected evolution regioselective methodologies to synthesize quantity of detector data affect our ability of the Earth-moon distance for different celecoxib and similar derivatives. We have to pinpoint the velocity distribution of dark gravitational frameworks. since achieved selective N-1arylation of matter in our galaxy. 3-substituted pyrazoles and have made Chemistry at Different Scales strides towards the halogenation of C-5. Lunar Laser Ranging: Testing SCI-E-111 ( Talk) Our current focus is synthesizing various Gravitation to the Moon and Back A Story in Sediment: Uncovering the pyrazole derivatives with similar properties Else P. Schlerman ’17, Physics History of Walden Pond to celecoxib and eventually testing their James Battat, Physics ADVISOR: Melanie (Mel) T. Passaretti ’18, Geosciences pharmacological activities. ADVISOR: Katrin Monecke, Geosciences Capable of testing Einstein’s theory of The Role of Low-Energy (< 20 eV) general relativity, lunar laser ranging Most commonly known as the title Electrons in Astrochemistry measures the orbit of the moon around the location of Henry David Thoreau’sWalden , Subha Baniya ’19, Biochemistry; Rhoda Kesewaa Earth by pulsing laser light from a telescope Walden Pond provides evidence of a turn Tano-Menka ’19, Chemistry to lunar reflectors installed by Apollo from an entirely natural landscape to an ADVISOR: Christopher Arumainayagam, astronauts in 1969. One such operation, environment populated by an industrialized Chemistry APOLLO (the Apache Point Observatory society. The logging of the surrounding In the interstellar medium, UV photolysis Lunar Laser-ranging Operation), has forest in the 17th to 19th centuries, the of ice mantles encasing dust grains is achieved millimeter precision in its construction of a railroad in 1844, the thought to be the mechanism that drives measurements of the Earth-moon distance, industrialization of the northeastern United the synthesis of “complex” molecules. The allowing for 10 times more precise States, and heavy recreational use since the source of this reaction-initiating UV light constraints of gravitational parameters. 1920s significantly altered sedimentation is assumed to be local because externally However, while APOLLO has made great in Walden Pond. This project focuses on sourced UV radiation cannot penetrate leaps in terms of precision, until recently discovering possible markers of human the ice-containing dark, dense molecular there was no way to assess the measurement activity and natural processes in sediment clouds. Specifically, high-energy cosmic rays accuracy. In order to test gravitational cores from Walden’s three basins reaching penetrate and ionize the molecular clouds, models with greater accuracy, APOLLO depths from 16m to 30m. Each core was generating secondary electrons. Hydrogen implemented the absolute calibration system examined for sedimentary characteristics, molecules, present within these dense (ACS), an internal calibration laser, which such as magnetic susceptibility, grain-size molecular clouds, are excited in collisions pulses light at a frequency stable at the part distributions, and physical properties, as with these secondary electrons. The UV per trillion level. For my thesis research, my

38 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 10:45 – 11:55 a.m. light emitted by these electronically excited Social Sciences pollution, through the reintroduction of hydrogen molecules is generally thought oyster beds. Oysters are a key ally in her to photoprocess interstellar ice mantles to work. As filter feeders, oysters remove excess Calderwood Seminars in Public generate “complex” molecules. In addition nutrients from water and improve water to producing UV light, the large numbers Writing: Engaging Interviews quality so that harbor conditions are more of low-energy (< 20 eV) secondary electrons, PNE-239 (Pre-formed Panel conducive to life. Discussion, Fowler Presentation) produced by cosmic rays, can also directly Clio B. Flikkema ’17, Economics/Russian Area initiate radiolysis reactions in the condensed Zahra Pirani: Characterized by their Studies; Sarah H. Koenig ’17, Environmental phase. We hypothesize that cosmic-ray unspecialized identity, stem cells have the Studies; Zahra K. Pirani ’17, Biological Sciences; potential to be reprogrammed to treat induced low-energy electron processing Amal W. Cheema ’17, Biochemistry/Political diseases caused by pathogenic cells that of interstellar ices may occur via three Science mechanisms: 1) the interaction of cosmic ADVISOR: David Lindauer, Economics, Stanford have developed in the body. This fall, I had rays with gaseous molecular hydrogen Calderwood Professor the opportunity to interview Dr. Maya producing low-energy electrons that can Mitalipova, director of the Human Stem Amal Cheema: Bioethics examines the interact with the surface (top few molecular Cell Lab at MIT’s Whitehead Institute, who norms that influence society in the context layers) of cosmic ices; 2) the interaction of has spearheaded numerous breakthroughs of medicine. These norms often constitute cosmic rays with molecules within cosmic in how stem cells help us better understand the Western value system. During my ices generating a cascade of low-energy neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Calderwood experience in law, medicine, electrons that can interact with the surface and Alzheimer’s. Mitalipova highlighted and ethics, I interviewed Islamic bioethicist and the bulk of the ice mantles; and 3) the not only the complexity of studying Aasim Padela. An emergency medicine interactions of the cosmic rays with the dust human diseases with stem cells, but also physician, Padela directs the initiative on grain beneath the ice mantle engendering the interconnected roles that patients, Islam and medicine at the University of low-energy electrons that can interact with physicians, and basic science researchers have Chicago. In our interview, we discussed the bottom ice layers in contact with the in propagating these discoveries. the mutually informing and contradictory dust grain. The goal of our studies is to aspects of Islam and medicine’s Mellon Mays Research understand the low-energy, electron-induced value systems. Imperatives I processes that occur when high-energy SCI-274 (Talks) cosmic rays interact with interstellar Clio Flikkema: When I set out to find a ices. Using post-irradiation temperature- specialist in the combined fields of Russian “That Old Threadbare Lie”: Women, programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared area studies and economics to interview the NAACP, and the Sexual Politics of reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), for my Calderwood seminar, Advocating Lynching 1909–1939 we have investigated the radiolysis initiated for Other Cultures, I was not sure such a Imara McMillan ’17, History/Education Studies by low-energy (5–20 eV) electrons in person existed. Fortunately, I was mistaken. ADVISORs: Tracey Cameron, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator; condensed methanol, ammonia, and water Elizabeth Brainerd, professor of economics Ryan Quintana, History at ~ 90 K under ultrahigh vacuum (1×10−9 at Brandeis University, also pursued this Torr) conditions. Our experimental results double major as an undergraduate and In 1893, Ida B. Wells published Southern suggest that low-energy, electron-induced now investigates topics such as sex-selective Horrors, a pamphlet laying bare the condensed phase reactions may contribute abortion in the Russian Caucasus and hypocrisies surrounding the more common to the interstellar synthesis of “complex” divorce rates in pre-revolutionary Russia. terror tactic of white supremacy—lynching. molecules previously thought to form In our conversation, she highlighted the Two decades later, she spearheaded the exclusively via UV photons. importance of language education to movement to create an anti-lynching branch promote cultural understanding among of the NAACP. My research explores academics in all disciplines and drew the early role black women played in the my attention to the exceptional value of anti-lynching movement, a role that lay the interdisciplinary research. groundwork for unrealized federal anti- lynching legislation, as well as a curtailment Sarah Koenig: For my interview of the violence that took the lives of over 100 assignment in Environmental Synthesis African-American people each year during and Communication, I explored newly that time. established oyster reefs in Boston’s harbor with Anamarija Frankic, a marine scientist at UMass Boston. As part of her Green Harbors Project, she is using biomimicry—the application of nature- inspired solutions—to restore Boston’s coastal ecosystems, long degraded by urban

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Examining the Ever-Evolving Community College Student Creating from the Margins: Exploring Intersectional Identities within Experiences: A Winding Path through Asian-American Activism and Art LGBTQIAP+ Autobiographical Higher Education Ally Ang ’17, Sociology Writing(s) in the 21st Century Christina Phelps ’17, Sociology ADVISOR: Tracey Cameron, Mellon Mays Gabriela Asnaran ’17, Women’s and Gender ADVISOR: Tracey Cameron, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator Studies/American Studies This project explores the role of art (in ADVISOR: Octavio González, English Community colleges affect millions of particular, visual art and poetry) in In recent decades, the autobiography and students who navigate those institutions in contemporary Asian-American activism. memoir have emerged as lasting voices search of themselves, their career paths, and Can art be considered a form of activism? and tools used in the practice of recording a secure future, all while in the period of How are artists and activists pushing back (personal, collective, cultural) histories, and life termed “emerging adulthood.” Current against the stereotype of Asian-Americans as in the case of LGBTQIAP+ communities literature understands that higher education the passive, apolitical, “model minority”? By whose shrines may go unworshipped and both responds to and reinforces emerging interviewing contemporary Asian-American genealogical trees uprooted far too soon, text adulthood as a period of life (Stetterson, artists whose work has a political focus, holds an even greater power and potential. 2015). Yet the role that community colleges as well as conducting my own in-depth The queer autobiography and memoir play for students in emerging adulthood analyses of poetry and visual art by these shifts from its complicated beginnings as is not thoroughly understood. My thesis same artists, I will explore the relationship a pathologized and criminalized subject, seeks to understand how community college between art and activism for Asian- before beginning to move toward political students make meaning of their circuitous Americans today. I will also contextualize explorations, until finally sprouting into its route through higher education, and the role the current wave of Asian-American activism intersectional, identity-focused present. As that community college plays for emerging within the history of Asian-American these writings begin to move beyond the adults. How does higher education allow identity and the Asian-American movement closet and into the clinic, the streets, and the them to navigate this period in life, marked that began in the 1960s. home, it is vital to examine and explore these by the need to manage uncertainty and be ever-evolving steps towards a queering of interdependent? My thesis also explores Economics of Finance genre and history. students’ agency in the face of uncertainty, SCI-392 (Pre-formed Panel their willingness to trust the community Discussion) Black Women and Perceived college as an institution that structures Lilian Ma ’17, Computer Science/Economics; Masculinity in the Media their lives, and their overall aspirations, Katharine Y. Liang ’17, Economics; Michelle Brianna Ruffin ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies F. Namkoong ’17, Economics; Mingfei Li ’17, hopefulness, and confidence. ADVISOR: Tracey Cameron, Mellon Mays Economics Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator In Defense of Lucretian Symmetry ADVISOR: Eric Hilt, Economics Black women in the United States have Adele Watkins ’17, Philosophy Senior honors students from the economics traditionally been seen as less feminine and ADVISORs: Corinne Gartner, Philosophy; Mary department employ economic analysis more masculine than other women because Kate McGowan, Philosophy to study optimal behavior by agents they do not meet the ideals of hegemonic In De Rerum Natura, Lucretius argues that participating in the financial markets and femininity. In addition, their blackness is prenatal and postmortem nonexistence are overall aggregate outcomes of economies. often seen as a masculine trait that overrides metaphysically symmetrical and, given this, Mingfei Li examines the influences of traditional markers of femininity. In recent we should have the same attitude toward country-specific factors and global factors years, a stereotype about black women’s postmortem nonexistence that we do toward in portfolio investment from advanced perceived masculinity has taken on a life of prenatal nonexistence. Given that we do not economies to emerging market economies. its own, distinct from other common media regret not having been born sooner, that is, Lilian Ma investigates how the presence of stereotypes such as the Sapphire, Mammy, we do not regret our prenatal nonexistence, unsophisticated investors in the financial and Jezebel. This new stereotype—the we should not lament impending market affects the market portfolios investors Serena—is routinely applied to black women postmortem nonexistence; we should not choose. Using firm-level data and modern on the basis of their blackness. Through fear death. I argue in defense of Lucretius, theories of financial panics, Katharine Liang textual analysis and historical research, I refuting arguments that prenatal and seeks to make sense of numerous competing investigated how the media representation of postmortem nonexistence are asymmetrical. theories on the causes of the Panic of black women as masculine has increased in In defense of Lucretius, I argue that prenatal 1837. Michelle Namkoong analyzes what order to uplift black men, white women, and and postmortem nonexistence are relevantly determined the quality of financial reporting members of other marginalized groups and symmetrical and that we ought to have done by NYSE-listed firms in the early to assuage anxieties about racial progress. the same attitude toward postmortem 20th century, given the lack of regulation to nonexistence as we have toward prenatal protect investors. nonexistence.

40 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 10:45 – 11:55 a.m.

Perspectives from the Freedom skip small talk and disclose emotional Professor Stephen Chen’s Culture, Family, Project II: Barriers to Economic or personal information early on in and Development Lab. and Personal Freedoms in friendships. In Study 1, TCK and non-TCK Latin American Authoritarian samples were compared on relational and Subjective Social Status in Minority Children: How It Is Understood and Regimes residential mobility, open-mindedness, How It Affects Their Development cultural empathy, and their approaches to PNE-139 (Pre-formed Panel Michelle M. Wang ’17, Psychology friendships. TCKs were found to be more Discussion) ADVISOR: Stephen Chen, Psychology Eliana (Ellie) T. Chalphin ’19, Economics/ welcoming of potential friends broaching Religion; Samantha Ostenso ’19, Economics; intimate topics in early conversations than Labeling one’s social class is often difficult. Hannah Jacobs ’19, Biochemistry non-TCKs. In Study 2, participants will be Although social class consists of both ADVISOR: Joshua McCabe, Sociology primed for open-mindedness and a shared objective socioeconomic status (SES, measured with some quantification of Oppression in Latin America, specifically understanding of norms in an attempt to family income, parental education, and in Cuba and Venezuela, is nothing new accelerate friendship formation in non- occupational prestige) and subjective for their citizens. These regimes regulate TCKs. It is expected that being put in a social status (SSS, measured by one’s personal, political, and economic freedoms, mindset similar to that of TCKs will make perception of his/her social standing in but these freedoms are not mutually higher intimacy disclosures more acceptable relation to others in society), previous exclusive. Even though the United States and mitigate the negative effect such a norm studies have solely focused on researching has political and economic freedom, it does breach could otherwise have on liking. SES in children. While these studies reveal not grant its citizens other “freedoms” such Impact of Child-Care Policies on important relationships between SES and as social mobility, better health outcomes, Satellite Babies: Chinese Immigrant child developmental outcomes, they do or overall happiness. Similarly, people in Families’ Access to Early Child Care not provide any information on the child’s authoritarian regimes can potentially lead and Education (ECE) Programs in understanding or experience of social class. happier lives, even without having political Massachusetts Furthermore, given that several adult studies freedoms. Authoritative regimes in China Lucia Tu ’19, Music/Psychology have suggested SSS might also be a better and Russia, for example, have provided ADVISOR: Nancy Marshall, Wellesley Centers predictor of child developmental outcomes economic freedoms. Why can’t Latin for Women than SES, especially for minority children, American countries do the same? How Immigrant children are a highly vulnerable this study aims to research 1) how minority do other freedoms, such as economic and population. They are more likely to face children understand and experience political, positively or negatively impact a circumstances such as low family income, social class, and 2) how SSS affects their citizen’s health? Sam Ostenso will analyze low parental education, and language development. To do so, we collected data why there isn’t more economic freedom barriers than children with native-born from children and their parents on their SSS, in Latin American authoritative regimes parents, which in turn places them at risk of SES, perceptions and racial representations and how this lack of freedom negatively developmental delay and academic struggles of children of high/low social class, impacts a country’s GDP. Hannah Jacobs once they enter the school system (Karoly attributions to high/low social class, and will look at how the U.S. embargo affects & Gonzalez, 2011). Although participation preferences for children of high/low social Cuba’s access to health care and how Cuba’s in early childhood care and education class. We also ran correlations between strict regulations prevent scientific freedom. (ECE) programs has been shown to have SSS/SES and three child developmental Ellie Chalphin will explore the relationship substantial benefits for immigrant children, outcomes—child loneliness, social between Latin American authoritative they have lower rates of participation than competence, and child behavior problems— regimes’ treatment of women and their level children with native-born parents (Karoly to examine if SSS is a better predictor of freedom. & Gonzalez, 2011). This presentation will than SES for these three developmental Shaping One’s Self: Early discuss a research project on the impact outcomes. By researching SSS, this study Cultural Experiences of early childhood care and education also aims to shed light on how potential policies on Chinese-American families’ biases and stereotypes associated with social SCI-270 (Talk) access to ECE programs in Massachusetts, class develop. Simulating a Third-Culture Kid with a focus on how accessibility (or lack Experience to Enhance Friendship thereof) to these programs contributes to Changing Minds, Growing Minds Prospects in Early Interactions families’ decisions to send their children SCI-104 (Talk) Meltem Ozcan ’17, Psychology back to family in China “satellite babies.” Fairness of Feedback: Psychology ADVISOR: Angela Bahns, Psychology The presentation will examine policies on Research on Feedback Style This research project investigates whether three separate levels: the local community Jung Hyun Choi ’18, Economics/Psychology; beginning interactions with potential level (Boston, Quincy, Malden), the state Kariely Reyes ’17, Psychology; Nicole E. Anderson friends at a higher level of intimacy can level (Massachusetts), and the national/ ’18, Psychology benefit relationships. Third-culture kids federal level. In addition, the presentation ADVISOR: Angela Bahns, Psychology will incorporate interviews with Chinese (TCKs), individuals who experience high Feedback is such an important part of peer immigrant families, conducted by mobility and multicultural exposure to peer interactions that finding a way to in their developmental years, tend to improve feedback delivery may improve

#RUHLMAN2017 41 10:45 – 11:55 a.m. 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. feedback outcomes. Through this study, intervention that teaches growth personality Humanities we wanted to find a relationship between mindsets (the belief that one’s personality is feedback type and the opportunity to malleable) reduces parental depression and “To Till and Keep”: Creating respond. More specifically, we examined family dysfunction in families of 96 youths whether people perceive peer feedback, with elevated internalizing difficulties. Environmental Paradigms of whether verbal or written, as more fair if Compared to a supportive-therapy control, Dominion and Sustainability they have an opportunity to respond to it. the intervention predicted three-month From Genesis The connection between how fair someone reductions in family dysfunction and FND-102 (Interactive Teaching perceives feedback to be and the type of parental depression. Increases in youth Presentation) feedback they are given has been made growth mindsets mediated these effects. Emma G. Brewer-Wallin ’18, Religion/ before, but previous research did not find a Individual-Peace & Justice Studies; Ciaran connection between feedback type and the L. Gallagher ’17, Individual-Environmental ability to respond. Our study sought to fill Chemistry a gap in the research of feedback by relating ADVISOR: Edward Silver, Religion feedback type in conjunction with response Climate change and environmentalism are styles, with perceptions of feedback fairness. politicized and associated with religious The Ruhlman is truly a belief, and the Judeo-Christian creation Wellesley AWARE: From University to accounts in Genesis 1–2 are often used as Liberal Arts College “ magical, inspirational day justification. The interpretations of this Cordelia Zhong ’17, Psychology text have produced contrasting theological ADVISOR: Stephen Chen, Psychology that is hard to describe, but is better experienced frameworks of dominion, stewardship, and AWARE, or the Asian Women’s Action for nurture, which lead to divergent perspectives Resilience and Empowerment, was originally in person. on climate change and environmental use. an intervention created by Professor Chris ” An exploration of the Genesis creation Hahm (Boston University) to address the accounts and interpretations—from a variety mental, sexual, and physical health of –Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’54 of sources, including Calvin, ecofeminists, Asian-American women. A pilot version and Pope Francis—exhibit how contrasting of the intervention has been brought to theological and ecological conclusions stem Wellesley College as a response to a growing from the same biblical text. Emma, a future need for mental health support for the minister, and Ciaran, an environmental Asian-American students on campus. This chemist, will lead a discussion on Genesis presentation will focus on the process of 1–2 and how it has been used to justify adapting the intervention from its original varying interactions with the Earth. format within Boston University, a large We will reflect on these interpretations research institution, to one that would through discussion, and we will create better fit Wellesley College, a small liberal concept maps in small groups, which will arts college. allow further analysis of the interplay between Judeo-Christian scripture and Benefits of a Brief, Youth-Directed environmental understanding. Growth Mindset Intervention for Family Functioning and Parental Depression Together, Restoring Their Manaswi Kashyap ’19, Psychology Names: Humanizing Women’s ADVISOR: Robin Akert, Psychology Experiences from the Holocaust Youth anxiety and depression have FND-120 (Pre-formed Panel shown consistent associations with both Discussion) psychopathology in parents and increased Callie Kim ’18, Philosophy; Arianna G. family dysfunction, and research suggests Regalado ’18, Religion; Samantha M. Stewart that these effects are bidirectional. Previous ’19, International Relations-Economics studies have found that multisession ADVISOR: T. James Kodera, Religion youth-focused cognitive behavioral therapy A group of Wellesley students embarked (CBT) for anxiety disorders improved on a service trip to Berlin, Germany, to global family functioning; however, it is restore the forgotten voices of women in the unclear whether very brief youth-focused Holocaust. They spent time exploring Jewish interventions directed toward improving life in Berlin before and after the Holocaust, youth mental health can have positive, engaging in memory work, and confronting sustained effects on overall familial stress. the painful heritage of Germany. Through To investigate this possibility, we examined this presentation, these students will whether a single-session, youth-directed delve into the lessons they learned about

42 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. the importance of studying gender in the a combination of spoken introduction approach obscures a realistic understanding Holocaust and bringing women’s voices and a number of dance performances of the intricacies and complexities of the out of the dark to recognize them as part in varying styles, this presentation will human experience. I studied several failed of the greater narrative of the Holocaust. highlight the dancers’ diverse interests and development interventions to illustrate These students learned how women’s abilities, and showcase work from rehearsal the manner in which the overreliance voices are often left out of the picture and to performance. on traditional methods of quantitative how that construes and misguides the research leads to life experiences, cultural holistic conceptualization of that point Looking Across the Globe complexities, and local ways of life being in time because sources are missing vital SCI-396 (Talk) reduced to mere binaries. I also explored components: women’s voices. In addition Iceland Outfitted: The Impact of concepts such as the“passive recipient versus to memory work, they visited the German Globalization on Reykjavik Fashion active participant” rhetoric, the role of local Federal Foreign Office and met with key Kaylee (Amelia) A. Rodriguez ’19, Undeclared culture within development interventions, figures in the fight against anti-Semitism in ADVISOR: Justin Armstrong, Writing Program and how traditional methods of research Europe, such as the deputy federal foreign are incapable of recording and analyzing The Iceland of the tourist imagination office special representative for relations with these subtle yet significant intricacies. is a natural paradise untouched by the Jewish organizations and issues relating to Through my presentation, I will draw from struggles of the modern world—an idealized anti-Semitism. They also visited the Israeli my personal experiences and also share landscape that is readily reflected in the embassy to meet with the head of public my findings on how storytelling through hiking clothes and practical parkas that diplomacy to discuss the evolution of Jewish visual and collaborative ethnography could are the hallmarks of foreign visitors. The life in Europe. In the presentation, they will fill in the gaps left by an overreliance on young Icelanders of today, however, are discuss their reflections on these matters quantitative hard data. I evaluate its ability enamored with “fast fashion” brands like and speak to how they memorialized the to connect macro-level policy making with H&M and Zara and do much of their narratives of several women who fought grassroots realities, its untapped potential in shopping abroad. The Reykjavik resident’s against Nazism, who remained strong, and helping design development projects that are adoration of inexpensive, trendy clothing who resisted. community-owned, participatory, effective, reflects a departure from the staunch and sustainable, and in doing so to foster traditionalism that Americans might The ascenDance Experience: a more constructive relationship between attribute to Iceland’s people, but H&M’s Dance at Wellesley and anthropology and development. Student-Run Dance purported commitment to sustainability is in keeping with the country’s environmentally PNW-201 (Long Performance) The Ambassadors of Dreams: Russian conscious reputation. Through street-style Zoe M. Iacovino ’17, Political Science; Nhia Innovation and the Exploration of M. Solari ’19, Geosciences/Philosophy; Melanie photography, interviews, and participant Humanity and Soul (Mel) T. Passaretti ’18, Geosciences; Kendra Cui observation during a two-week field trip Laura Zawarski ’18, Russian Area Studies ’18, Economics/Theatre Studies to Iceland, I explored the tourist gaze of ADVISOR: Diego Arciniegas, Theatre Studies ADVISOR: Phyllis McGibbon, Art, Elizabeth Iceland, the country’s desire to “catch Something incredible is happening in Christy Kopf Professor up” culturally in a globalized world, Moscow. As part of the 25th year in the Although there is no unifying dance and ultimately, what clothes can say longest continuous cultural exchange program at Wellesley, there are many active about the people wearing them from an between the United States and Russia, a dancers across the campus. These dancers anthropological perspective. group of American students arrived at the are engaged in a number of different styles, Retelling the Story of Development Moscow Art Theater School this fall in the from ballet to hip-hop to Chinese traditional through an Anthropological Lens midst of an artistic Russian renaissance. dance, and each dance community creates Kavindya Thennakoon ’19, Anthropology/ Finding roots in the sudden fusion of opportunities for performance every Cinema and Media Studies mass theatrical literacy with the incredible semester. ascenDance is Wellesley’s ballet Advisor: Justin Armstrong, Writing Program capabilities of the contemporary Russian and contemporary dance company on actor, the most recent wave in Russia’s long- Last year I carried out a semester-long campus. As a group, ascenDance works to standing tradition of theatrical innovation independent study with Professor Justin provide rehearsal performance opportunities changes everything we know about the Armstrong with the aim of unpacking for any member of the Wellesley community exploration and representation of soul. the development world through an who is interested in dance. Members In their search for understanding of the anthropological lens. The study gave me the range from beginning dancers to those human experience, Moscow theaters have opportunity to reflect back on my personal with an extensive and diverse dance developed a new language for the expression experiences of working with the United background, and are committed to creating of the intangible. Nations for two years, and to then contrast a strong community of dancers from all this encounter with my work with grassroots different styles on campus. This Ruhlman organizations and social enterprises. The presentation is organized by ascenDance, main aims of my study were to critically and offers a look at the student-run dance analyze the gaps left over by the development community at Wellesley through the eyes world’s dependence on quantitative data of active members of the community. In and to then explore the extent to which this

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Two Halves Make a Whole? long argued along this line of objection One way humans can be wronged is by SCI-264 (Talk) by examining gendered traits within the having their capacities unjustly limited Western cultural context, which dates back or disrespected. For example, they can be Mind Over Matter?: An Inquiry into to ancient Greece and the Middle Ages. In wronged as social beings by being deprived the Materiality of the Conceptual the second part of my presentation, I shall of social interaction or by being unjustly Art Object, Focusing on Realization, Display, and Conservation in the Work explicate the objection outlined above, socially rejected. My thesis examines how of On Kawara and offer the two opposing stances from individuals can be wronged in another Aisha Lovise Maud Bornoe ’17, Art History the first two sections in order to raise a distinctly human capacity: as subjects of ADVISOR: Patricia Berman, Art, Art History, question: Why is the influence of dualist knowledge. I argue that when people are Theodora L. and Stanley H. Feldberg Professor rhetoric on women’s right to education so not recognized and treated as knowers and/ of Art paradoxical? In the third part, I will propose or are prevented from creating and sharing an answer by briefly looking at oppressions knowledge, they are suffering a kind of The work of art is often synonymous with particularly pertaining to the female body injustice. I will refer to it as “epistemic the cult object. Greatly revered and valued throughout history— and men’s general injustice,” i.e., an injustice specifically in by humankind, these works of art are lack of understanding thereof—and tie it relation to knowledge. This presentation will deemed important for perpetuity and worthy back to both Descartes’ works and recurring focus on how the distribution of social power of preservation for future generations, often themes/struggles in feminist waves in more leads to inequalities related to knowledge. due to their material ability to transport contemporary settings. I shall conclude my I will consider questions such as: Are men human expression across time and space. presentation by then hypothesizing that better able to share knowledge because they However, certain artworks reject objecthood we, as a society, need to broaden tools for are seen as more rational, and hence, better in favor of conceptualism, where a material our acquisition of knowledge to include knowers? Do white Westerners create and body is unnecessary or ancillary to the culturally feminine traits, in order to impose social meanings? How are these work itself. This senior thesis explores the broaden the answer to “who is capable of inequalities generated and sustained by conceptual art object’s dissonance between thinking?” oppressive social structures? conceptualism and cult objecthood through an exploration of the oeuvre of Japanese Investigating Aristotelian Dualities Snapchat @ Wellesley artist On Kawara (1933–2014). The work in Quattrocento Florentine Painting: SCI-277 (Pre-formed Panel of Kawara, whose conceptualism is deeply Woman’s Place on the Left-Hand Side Discussion) entwined with materiality, is approached of Man Snapchat @ Wellesley through a triad of approaches mapping Hannah K. Augst ’17, Art History Rhea Mehta ’20, Undeclared; Emily A. the life of the conceptual art object as it is ADVISOR: Jacqueline Musacchio, Art Pearson ’20, Undeclared; Katie K. Sidhu ’20, realized in the studio, enters the market and This presentation will investigate the ways in Undeclared; Aurora (Rory) S. Fernandez ’20, museum, and transitions to an afterlife. which an association between the female sex Undeclared; Ngozi C. Ogho ’19, Economics; Emilia A. Ball ’19, Mathematics; Doris Li ’20, Cartesian Dualism and Women’s Right and the left side originated in ancient texts Undeclared to Education by Aristotle and existed as a cultural topos in 15th- and early 16th-century Florence. It ADVISOR: Heather Bryant, Writing Program Sirui (Chloe) Xiao ’17, International Relations- will look at examples from three categories The seven of us are the Snapchat reporters Political Science/Philosophy of Florentine paintings that demonstrate this ADVISOR: Julie Walsh, Philosophy for Wellesley. We work for the Department association by portraying the female figure of Communications and Public Affairs, How has Descartes’ dualist thinking on the left-hand side of the male figure, and our main role is to use Snapchat as a influenced women’s right to education? exploring how an affiliation with the left side platform to interact and engage with our Women’s right to education is never a topic communicated woman’s sexual inferiority. It Wellesley sisters. Snapchat is a great way in Descartes’ writings, but his revolutionary will conclude with a discussion on how these for prospective students to see what it is th mind-body dualism in 17 century Europe paintings were used to confine Renaissance like to study in one of the finest women’s has nonetheless offered his contemporaries women to domestic roles in a Florentine colleges and get a glimpse of daily life at a powerful theoretical justification for patriarchal society. Wellesley. Snapchat and other forms of social women’s equal access to education. I will media like Instagram, Facebook, etc., are Examining the Relationship Between analyze primary texts on Descartes’ dualist great tools use to to interact with a younger Identity Power and Knowledge system and his contemporaries’ discourses audience in an effective and engaging Fani Ntavelou-Baoum ’17, Philosophy on the subject of female education in manner. We hope to share our experiences ADVISOR: Helena de Bres, Philosophy the first part of my presentation, then I as Snapchat reporters and as users of the shall present a compelling objection to I will present the results of my independent various other forms of social media with all Cartesian feminists. Descartes’ dualism is research in the comparative literature of you! an extreme, indeed revolutionary, form of department as an extension of the course masculinization of thought, a term that CPLT 209: Literature on the Brain: no longer pertains to femininity in the age Introduction to Cognitive Poetics. of Cartesian dualism. Scholars viewing dualism as a setback for feminism have

44 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 1:30 – 2:40 p.m.

Science and Technology channel function lead to heart attack and year, I have been working in the Letai lab cardiac arrhythmias. at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, trying to build upon these findings by using a Wait, You Made That?: Making Cancer from Different Points of dynamic BH3-profiling assay to ask whether and Fabrication at Wellesley View combining BH3 mimetics with standard- College FND-126 (Talk) of-care chemotherapy drugs or targeted st Knapp Fabrication Lab, 1 Floor agents can enhance their efficacy. Findings Clapp Library (Exhibition) Understanding Cancer: From the Woes from this study will hopefully validate Havannah C. Tran ’19, Media Arts and of NGOs dynamic BH3 profiling as an effective tool Sciences; Anna M. Pfoertsch ’17, Media Arts and Chika D. Egbuzie ’19, International Relations- for identifying combination targeted cancer Sciences; Kaylie M. Cox ’18, Classics; Michelle History therapies, and lead to a more optimistic Lu ’18, Media Arts and Sciences; Kamile ADVISOR: Catia Confortini, Peace & Justice prognosis for AML patients. Lukosiute ’19, Physics; Aubrey E. Simonson ’19, Studies Undeclared Analysis of Childhood Cancer Survival ADVISOR: Jordan Tynes, Technology Support In this project, I had the opportunity to Services learn about advocacy and outreach efforts Rates in Low- and Middle-Income of Nigerian breast cancer organizations Countries As part of the Knapp Center internship, and their relationships with international Eliana Marostica ’18, Computer Science interns use cutting-edge technology for Adam Matthews, Biological Sciences global health organizations. Through my ADVISOR: pedagogical and creative purposes. Projects work as a sophomore research assistant, I Approximately 84 percent of the world’s interns have worked on include 3D scanning transcribed interviews with breast cancer childhood cancer cases occur in low- and and printing Grecian artifacts, recreating dig NGOs, and classified these NGOs in terms middle-income countries (LMICs). As sites through virtual reality technology, and of their funding sources, focus, services, childhood mortality due to infections modeling and printing Gameboy Colors and advocacy, and outreach efforts. I then decreases and many LMICs contemplate game design weapons using CAD software. imported and learned to code data using a the implementation of universal health Investigating Cardiac qualitative analysis software called Nvivo, care coverage, the need to address death Potassium Channels in a which also allowed me to import data from due to, and advocate to invest in the care Heterologous System the social media platforms used by these of, childhood cancers becomes increasingly NGOs. In this presentation, I discuss some important from a public health perspective. SCI-268 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) of the results of this research, including A key underpinning of this investment Medeea C. Popescu ’17, Biochemistry; Emily J. problems that some of these organizations case is an analysis of current LMIC Whitehead ’18, Biochemistry; Stephanie S. Kim face concerning awareness raising, funding, childhood cancer survival rates. Over ’18, Biochemistry; Myfanwy C. Adams ’17, cultural stigma surrounding breast cancer, the past year, I have been working in the Biochemistry and stigma that international NGOs have Frazier lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, ADVISOR: Louise Darling, Biological Sciences, towards Nigerian NGOs. systematically assembling statistics from the Biological Chemistry, Knafel Assistant Professor/ current literature to more accurately estimate Natural Sciences Designing Combination Therapies for the present state of LMIC childhood cancer Acute Myeloid Leukemia The human heart is fundamentally an survival. These estimates should serve Haoling (Holly) Zhu ’18, Mathematics electrical pump, whose action is driven and as a valuable supplement to the existing ADVISOR: Adam Matthews, Biological Sciences modulated by a variety of ion channels. The knowledge available from the Concord-2 research of the Cameron and Darling labs Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a study and the Institute of Health Metrics focuses on two types of cardiac ion channels: blood cancer that results from the rapid and Evaluation’s current estimates of voltage-gated and ATP-sensitive. These proliferation of the myeloid lineage of cancer mortality. channels are critical for repolarization of the cells. There are approximately 20,000 cases heart and its response to low oxygen levels. of the disease diagnosed in the United Following artificial introduction of human States every year, with the occurrence genes encoding such ion channels into a of disease increasing with age. Despite heterologous system, we utilized a diverse advancements in treatments, most AML range of techniques—including molecular patients will nevertheless develop resistance cloning, electrophysiology, biophysical to chemotherapy and eventually die from imaging, and protein biochemical assays—to their disease. Therefore, there is a need establish and characterize our model cell for improved AML therapy. Venetoclax system. In studying these channels, we have (ABT-199) is a BH3-mimetic that has been made progress in assessing their interactions, shown to target and inhibit BCL-2, an inherent characteristics, and regulation anti-apoptotic protein that AML cells are at the molecular level. The importance dependent on for survival. However, despite of cardiac ion channels in normal heart its efficacy in treating other leukemias, function is self-evident: Mutations, drugs, ABT-199 has shown a heterogeneous and reduced oxygen conditions that alter response in AML patients. Over the past

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Blue Planet and Beyond major component of my research, besides Perspectives on STEM FND-128 (Talk) observing, is analyzing and interpreting Education data for the KELT science team to use in Southern Ocean Acidification: Setting SCI-E-111 ( Talk) determining whether a star may be hosting the Stage Analysis of First-Year Mentors, an exoplanet. In this process, I select stars in Katherine Chan ’18, Chemical Physics and First-Year Advisors’ Effects on the field to check for variance and generate ADVISOR: Nikki Lovenduski, Atmospheric and Wellesley College Majors a light curve of the brightness of the target Oceanic Sciences Kelly C. Kung ’17, Mathematics/Economics star. Once I interpret the data, I send it to Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels ADVISOR: Cassandra Pattanayak, Quantitative the team for further use. Although ground- Reasoning, Guthman Director of Quantitative cause the ocean to become more acidic, based exoplanet surveys have obvious Analysis Institute thereby disturbing marine ecosystems. limitations, projects such as KELT allow Although Wellesley College is a liberal Ocean acidification is projected to for detailed follow-up on exoplanets, which arts institution, approximately one-third have the most significant impact in the furthers our knowledge of exoplanets and of Wellesley College students have majors Southern Ocean because of its natural can in turn allow us to better understand in the STEM field. There have been many undersaturation in calcium carbonate, a our own solar system. mineral used by many organisms to form previous studies on the choice of major based shells. Historically, data from the Southern What Happens in the Thermosphere if on factors such as the student’s interests, Ocean have been difficult to collect because the Stratosphere Is Strongly Disturbed? the student’s previous courses, and the of turbulent waters. Previous attempts have Jolene W. Fong ’17, Astrophysics outlooks of the potential jobs. In this study, utilized hydrographic cruises or collected ADVISOR: Larisa Goncharenko, Atmospheric I analyze the effects of first-year mentors and underway surface measurements. Recently, Sciences first-year advisors on the students’ majors. In the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate We investigate the possible stratosphere- particular, with this analysis, we can answer Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) thermosphere coupling at high latitudes, questions such as how to pair first-year project deployed a series of floats that where the cusp of the Earth’s magnetic fields students with mentors and advisors so that autonomously collect biogeochemical data. lie, using Sondrestrom Winter Ionosphere we can encourage more women in STEM. This project seeks to analyze SOCCOM pH Model (SWIM) and Sondrestrom Learning Progressions from data in order to establish a baseline pH for Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) data from Introductory Chemistry through the Southern Ocean. The pH data generated the last 15 winters (2001–2016). This Biochemistry from this analysis will be compared with position is of particular interest because Charlotte R. Reed ’19, Spanish previous estimates of pH in the Southern of the ionosphere’s strong dependency on ADVISOR: Adele Wolfson, Chemistry, Education Ocean. Establishing a baseline pH will be solar and geomagnetic activity, as well as Studies, Nan Walsh Schow ’54 and Howard B. vital in accurately modeling the acidification its proximity to the stratospheric polar Schow Professor in the Physical and Natural of the Southern Ocean. vortex. After using the model to remove Sciences and Professor of Chemistry daily variations, seasonal variations, and KELT: The Hunt for Exoplanets and the My group is working to develop learning variations due to solar flux and geomagnetic Importance of Ground-Based Exoplanet progressions from introductory chemistry activity, anomalies in the data were Surveys through biochemistry, i.e. pathways through Casey A. Melton ’19, Undeclared compared to anomalies in stratospheric a concept or discipline such that students ADVISOR: Kim McLeod, Astronomy winds and temperatures. Our results so gain successively deeper, more sophisticated far show a possible dependency between understanding of the topic. Ideally, new Since its inception over a decade ago, the ion temperature and stratospheric winds, Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope concepts should clearly build upon previous with higher correlations found during the ones. To improve student learning, we must (KELT) project has been surveying the skies daytime. This dependency is intensified with its two wide-angle telescopes in Arizona discover how and when students master during years of Sudden Stratospheric important topics, so that we can delineate and South Africa, looking for evidence of Warnings (SSWs), where sudden changes extrasolar planets (exoplanets). With the which topics should be introduced and in the winter hemisphere westerly winds reinforced at each level of the chemistry poor resolution of these two telescopes, can result in an increase in stratospheric the KELT project requires follow-up from curriculum. To accomplish this, we are temperatures and sometimes even reversal assessing students’ understanding and larger telescopes around the world, one of of the polar vortex. Studying the connection which is at Whitin Observatory at Wellesley confusion in introductory, organic, and between these anomalies can help us bio- chemistry through interviews and College. With our 24-inch telescope, we can link stratospheric events to ionospheric resolve the stars in fields that have shown surveys. We interviewed Wellesley College disturbances, and therefore help us chemistry faculty about which concepts evidence of exoplanet transits and more predict the state of the ionosphere using accurately assess the possible cause of the they targeted in their classes and how they meteorological events, which we currently assessed their students. We then interviewed change in brightness of the star. Aside from know up to several days in advance. an exoplanet transit, other possible causes students who had completed at least one for brightness changes are when the star biochemistry course, after they completed a is variable or an eclipsing binary system, short survey assessing their understanding two common false-positive scenarios. A of pH, kinetics and thermodynamics, and free energy. We found some gaps in

46 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. understanding of fundamental concepts Design for Engagement and HoloMuse: Enhancing Engagement and realized that we needed more precise Inclusion with Archaeological Artifacts through questions to assess understanding along a FND-307 (Talk) Gesture-Based Interaction with learning progression. We focused on three Holograms Understanding and Supporting Web essential concepts: acid/base equilibria, Whitney C. Fahnbulleh ’17, Media Arts and Literacy Skills in the Social Web kinetics and thermodynamics, and energetics Sciences; Jasmine N. Davis ’17, Media Arts and Marissa (Claire) C. Beyette ’19, Computer within the cell. To do this, we created a Sciences Science/English; Adrianna L. Tan ’19, Computer ADVISOR: Orit Shaer, Computer Science, Class of survey with 26 progressively more complex Science 1966 Associate Professor questions and included a scale for students ADVISORS: Eniana Mustafaraj, Computer to rank how confident they felt about each Science We present HoloMuse, an AR application answer. The survey was taken as a pre- and for the HoloLens wearable device, which Developing and practicing web literacy skills post-test in biochemistry classes at a large allows users to actively engage with is increasingly important in our digitally research university and as post-test in several archaeological artifacts from a museum mediated society, with the prominence of the chemistry courses at Wellesley College. Our collection in ways that are otherwise not web as an unregulated information delivery results show that progression is not linear, in possible. We designed HoloLens to facilitate platform. The recent events involving the that students may master complex concepts learning and engagement with museum spread of fake news on the web can be while not understanding more basic ones collections without taking away from the attributed to the lack of mechanisms to and/or experience losses in understanding experience of viewing an original artifact validate the credibility of information, from course to course. However, the within the context of an exhibit. HoloMuse putting that burden on the users. Our greatest increases in understanding can be used inside the gallery or in the research focuses on developing tools to after biochemistry correspond to those classroom. It enables users to pick up, rotate, support users as they consciously evaluate areas of greatest emphasis in the course. scale, and alter a hologram of an original the information they consume on Facebook. Student confidence also grew steadily with archeological artifact using in-air gestures. We seek to bridge the gap between web each course. Users can also curate their own exhibit literacy skills taught in classrooms and the or customize an existing one by selecting Effectiveness of Reflection Questions application of these skills to web content artifacts from a virtual gallery and placing in Establishing Greater Understanding encountered by users when browsing social them within the physical world so that in CS111 media, by encouraging users to question they are viewable only using the device. We Jessica (Jess) R. Abramson ’19, Computer Science/ who generates the content that appears on intend to study the impact of HoloMuse on Psychology; Khonzodakhon (Khonzoda) Umarova their news feeds. Our tools are a work in learning and engagement with college-level ’20, Undeclared progress that are iteratively designed through art history and archeology students. ADVISOR: Eniana Mustafaraj, Computer Science prototyping and user studies. An additional CS111: Computer Programming and goal of our work is to gain insight into how Nanomedicine: Out of the Lab and Into Problem Solving is the introductory users consume and evaluate web-based the Body course in the CS major at Wellesley information sources. Amal W. Cheema ’17, Biochemistry/Political College. The course has seen significant Science Behind the Camera: Inclusivity in ADVISOR: Nolan Flynn, Chemistry growth in enrollment recently as well as Design greater variation in student backgrounds Nanomedicines, using materials with at Katharine P. Hyslop ’17, Media Arts and and aptitude. To accommodate these Sciences; Jalena A. Keane-Lee ’17, Cinema and least one dimension on the billionth of developments, the course has undergone Media Studies/Political Science meter scale, vary in their applications: changes in pedagogy, including the ADVISOR: David Olsen, Art bioimaging, drug delivery, and therapeutics. introduction of regular quizzes and Within the field, scientists increasingly Kat Hyslop and Jalena Keane-Lee partnered reflections about problem sets. We analyzed leverage gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for to redesign camera equipment to fit the data from an end-of-semester student survey their unique physicochemical properties. female body. During the previous summer, and reflection responses, grades, partner Despite comprehensive research on AuNPs’ Keane-Lee filmed a documentary and choices, and demographics to examine the synthetic identity, nanoscientists have much learned firsthand that current camera effectiveness of the reflections in improving to learn about the interaction of AuNPs support systems are tailored only to male students’ learning of course content. with the human body. This thesis talk bodies. Most rigs rely on the chest as the Reflection questions of appropriate difficulty focuses on assessing what happens when central place of support and are therefore do provide greater insight to students. AuNPs are exposed to bloodstream-like inconvenient and physically uncomfortable Different groups of students showed environments. To understand how behavior for women. These limitations illustrated preference for different types of reflection and identity differ between lab solutions and the lack of gender diversity both behind the questions depending on their depth of bloodstreams, we examine the interaction camera and at the design table. Utilizing understanding of course material. The of AuNPs with human blood proteins. We classic product design methodology, Hyslop aspects of the course that students reported use a variety of biochemical and chemical and Keane-Lee have modeled a product that most contributed to their learning differed technique to probe the “protein corona” that can be adapted to any body. depending on their standing in the class. forms around AuNPs. Come learn about AuNP synthesis, investigate AuNP-protein interactions, and explore the nanoworld!

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Social Sciences reasons for their conversations change as political contributions are not protected their children age. “speech” and makes the case for publicly funded campaigns. Danni Ondraskova Developing Minds Want to Know Theories of Intelligence in Early examines the Russian government’s PNE-239 (Talk, Fowler Presentation) Childhood illicit cybersecurity activities as they Elizabeth A. Rizzoni ’18, Psychology; Alejandra Creativity as a Route to Attitude seek to influence elections in central and I. Escamilla Saldaña ’18; Psychology eastern Europe. She goes on to examine Change: Collage-Making and the ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology Elaboration Likelihood Model the implications of Russia’s activities on Agnes (Aggie) G. Rieger ’17, Psychology Studies have been conducted on theories of the traditional Atlanticist alliance and ADVISOR: Beth Hennessey, Psychology intelligence in children, and studies have present suggestions for U.S. policy. Finally, been conducted on perseverance in preschool My senior thesis in the psychology Samantha Churchill reconsiders the idea children, but connecting these areas of department combines research on creativity of children’s suffrage, arguing that minors research has not yet been attempted. In and attitude change. These two fields are have the capacity, and therefore should have this study, we examined how the implicit very important to psychology, yet—to the right, to participate in the democratic theory of intelligence would influence our knowledge—have not been combined processes that fundamentally shape the perseverance of preschool children. in an experimental study. In this study, their lives. We hypothesized that those children who I hypothesized that participants would were primed for the incremental view of The History and Future be more likely to change their mind after intelligence would exhibit more perseverance of Wellesley’s Asian- receiving a persuasive message (about than children who were primed for the American Studies non-academic internet use) if they were entity view. Thirty-one children aged 51.16 encouraged to creatively explore the SCI-104 (Pre-formed Panel months (SD = 6.05) who attend a laboratory persuasive information afterwards. My Discussion) preschool on a college campus were primed thesis research involved conducting a Ha Jin Park ’17, Psychology; Aya N. Ross ’19; for either the entity or incremental theory of literature review, designing the study, American Studies/East Asian Studies; Rebecca T. intelligence. Next, the children were timed running a pilot study, slightly modifying the Leu ’19, Neuroscience; Alice S. Li ’19, Computer as they attempted to complete a puzzle with Science design, conducting the main investigation, missing pieces. Perseverance was coded as ADVISOR: Yoon Lee, English, Mildred Lane analyzing data, and writing up the results. their time spent on this puzzle task. No Kemper Professor This thesis project is the perfect capstone to significant results were found, although my Wellesley career. After all, my Wellesley Did you know it took 10 years of student marginally significant post hoc results education itself has been all about creativity activism to get an Asian-American studies emerged when the data was split by gender. and changing my mind, thinking more minor at Wellesley? Did you know we are These marginal findings are consistent critically, and being open to possibilities. still fighting for a permanent professor? In with pre-existing literature on the implicit 2013, Asian-American studies (AAS) was Let’s Talk About Sex: How Parents’ theory of intelligence, and are worthy of established as a minor under the American Conversations with Teens About Sex further study in a larger sample to confirm studies department. Three years later, AAS Change Over Time or deny, with better certainty, the influence still has no budget or administrative assistant Lisa J. Jenkins ’17, Psychology of theories of intelligence and gender on and has had to rely on visiting professors to ADVISOR: Jennifer Grossman, Wellesley Centers perseverance in preschool children. teach classes for the minor. In the coming for Women fall, a postdoctoral fellow will be joining Perspectives from the Freedom Talking with parents about sex is important AAS, but will leave after two years. Before Project III: Exploring Threats to for teens’ sexual health. As their children AAS can become a major, we first need a Free Elections get older, parents talk with them in tenure-track professor, but there are no still different ways about sexual topics, but PNE-139 (Pre-formed Panel signs that AAS will have one any time soon. Discussion) few longitudinal studies have examined In this panel presentation, we will discuss Samantha (Sam) M. Churchill ’20, Undeclared; the change in parent-teen communication Daniela (Danni) Ondraskova ’18, Economics/ the history of AAS at Wellesley and our regarding sex and relationships over time. Russian Area Studies; Ninan S. Pollack ’20, hopes for its future. This exploratory qualitative study used Undeclared Economics of Incentives interviews with 24 parents at two time ADVISOR: Joshua McCabe, Sociology points: when their teens were in seventh and FND-207 (Pre-formed Panel Free elections are the foundation of liberal 10th grades. It examined the ways in which Discussion) democracies, yet history reveals that their parents’ experiences of these conversations Sheridan L. Rogers ’17, Economics/Mathematics; integrity is systematically compromised Isabella Rosenberg ’17, Economics; Evan C. and how they talk about sexual topics, such time and again. This panel will explore three Williams ’17, Economics; Vivien Lee ’17, as readiness for sex, and teens’ social media such threats and their possible remedies. Economics/Psychology use, changed from middle school to high Ninan Pollack discusses the increasingly ADVISOR: Eric Hilt, Economics school. This study may be useful to better undemocratic nature of U.S. elections due understand the challenges parents face Our presentations focus on how incentives, to the relaxation of once-stringent campaign when they try to talk to their kids about sex or disincentives, influence the choices finance laws. She argues that monetary and how their motivations and underlying that people make in their everyday lives.

48 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 1:30 – 2:40 p.m.

Sheridan Rogers, with advisor Patrick story of divided family. In both there exists a From Drillinois to Chiraq: The Rise McEwan, will present her thesis entitled fundamental conflict between political and of Drill Music on the South and West “A- or B+: The Impact of the Grade in familial obligations, but only one name is Sides of Chicago and Beyond Econ 101 on Whether a Student Majors known to the world. Serenity Hughes ’18, Africana Studies in Economics.” In Sheridan’s thesis she ADVISOR: Michael Jeffries, American Studies; examines how the signal of the letter grade a Understanding Community Building Noah Rubin, Education and Identity Formation in Cyber Spaces student gets in the introductory economics Since the early 2010s, drill music has been Budnampet Ramanudom ’18, Computer Science/ course, Econ 101, rather than the student’s in the spotlight. Drill music, and drill Women’s and Gender Studies ability influences her future choices. Vivien ADVISOR: Linda Charmaraman, Wellesley subculture, has been characterized as a Lee will present her thesis, “Addressing Centers for Women genre of gangsta rap that is “dark, grim, and the Racial Divide: The Effect of Police lyrically violent.” My research focuses on Diversity on Minority Outcomes,” with Social networking sites allow for the creation the impact drill music and drill subculture advisor Kartini Shastry. She uses affirmative of communities that transcend physicality have on teenagers living on the south and action litigation to examine how police (time zones! hemispheres!), forever changing west sides of Chicago. Through the lens of diversity affects certain causes of death the way that people communicate. More drill artists, I examine the oppressive social, for minority civilians. Isabella Rosenberg, than just a medium for new memes, viral political, and economic institutions that with advisor Sari Kerr, will present her news articles, or videos, social networking influence the lives of African-American thesis, “Spatial Determinants of Immigrant sites and the dissemination of all kinds youth in Chicago. I aim to humanize drill Entrepreneurship.” In Isabella’s thesis she of information by the users on them have artists and drill subculture by showing that explores differences among states’ shares the potential to affect “real life,” or what the rap lyrics they spew are a clear indication of new businesses founded by immigrant happens in the physical spaces these users of the impoverished environments they and native-born entrepreneurs. Our final occupy. Utilizing the preliminary findings are forced to live in. My research looks at presenter is Evan Williams, with advisor from my role as an intern for Linda the ways in which the Chicago Housing Akila Weerapana. She will talk about her Charmaraman at the Wellesley Centers for Authority, the Chicago public school system, thesis, “The Guns vs. Butter Tradeoff in Women, a survey of literature within social and segregation in Chicago neighborhoods Life: Reactionary Firearm Purchases and network analysis and internet studies, and contributes to high levels of violence. Consumer Expenditures.” Evan uses FBI my personal data-mining projects, I will be firearm purchase background checks and exploring how social media plays a role in Dual Language, Dual Lives? consumer expenditure data to analyze spikes people’s lives in regards to political activism, FND-225 (Talk) social justice, and identity formation. in demand for firearms and their impact on A Cross-Cultural Comparison of households’ spending on other goods. The Possession Rite of Erzulie: The Emotional Conceptual Metaphors: Is Love Translatable? Mellon Mays Research Conjuring of Black Womanhood in Renée Stout’s Erzulie’s Mirror Xueni (Emily) Jin ’17, Comparative Literature/ Imperatives II Jordan Mason Mayfield ’18, Art History/Media Psychology SCI-274 (Talks) Arts and Sciences ADVISOR: Elizabeth Young, Classical Studies, Divided Families and Cubanidad ADVISOR: Nikki A.Greene, Art Knafel Assistant Professor/Humanities; Stephen Chen, Psychology Tory Roth ’18, American Studies In this presentation, I analyze connections ADVISOR: Tracey Cameron, Mellon Mays between African diasporic religious forms The theory of conceptual metaphor, Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator and black female identity in Renée Stout’s inspired by cognitive linguistics, proposes One way of becoming a scholar-activist Erzulie’s Mirror from the Davis Museum’s that metaphors are not simply formalistic involves elevating the personal to the permanent collection. Stout employs the techniques but conceptual categories that academic by placing the stories of ordinary presence of Erzulie in this mixed-media structure our understanding of the world. people into a broader narrative. Primary piece to metaphorically explore the history They help to explain abstract concepts, sources such as letters have long been of enslaved African women during the such as emotions, by comparing them prized as vital information in social science transatlantic slave trade. Although she to tangible elements that echo physical research. However, the importance of these originates from the Yoruba orisha Oshun, human experience. My senior honors thesis, documents often hinges on their proximity Erzulie is a deity unique to Haitian Vodun bordering both the fields of comparative to noteworthy historical events. The Elian and the experiences of enslaved women of literature and psychology, aims to answer Gonzalez case in 2000 was one such event African descent in Haiti. I employs a formal three questions: How does the same that, due to the international controversy analysis of Stout’s Erzulie’s Mirror and conceptual metaphor vary when it is present it sparked, brought to light long-standing research on the effects of the transatlantic in two distinct cultural environments? When contradictions within the Cuban-American slave trade on black women and Haitian we are translating one language into another, community. And yet, Gonzalez was far from Vodun in order to investigate the irreversible do culturally specific conceptual metaphors the only child to be separated from his father legacy of hypersexuality forced onto enslaved carry over as well? Finally, research has during the U.S. embargo of Cuba. Letters African women and the complexities of always examined conceptual metaphors as exchanged between my mother’s stepfather, black womanhood. linguistic constructs, yet could conceptual Gilberto Azcuy Sr., and his son, Gilberto metaphors also manifest in other literary Azcuy, Jr., over a 20-year period tell a similar forms? Ultimately, through presenting this

#RUHLMAN2017 49 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. thesis, I wish to illustrate the results of a trap, and identify influences on parental More than Empathy: liberal arts education—understanding the decision making regarding their children’s Responding to Sexual and interchangeability of the humanities and education. Key factors include the impact Gender-Based Violence the sciences. of the British imperial legacy, as well as the SCI-270 (Talk) long-term economic returns to different Responding to Reports of Sexual Dual-Language Learners: The language-based education streams. Perspective of the Teacher Violence: Victim Service Professionals’ Testimonies on Challenges Faced Diana M. Castillo ’17, Sociology/Spanish The Effects of Early Bilingualism on with the Criminal Justice System, ADVISOR: Wendy Robeson, Wellesley Centers Asymmetry in the Mental Lexicon: A Assessment of Victims’ Needs, and for Women Pilot Study Future Recommendations This project explored the effects of the Rebecca B. Farkas ’17, Cognitive and Linguistic Monica M. Naranjo DS, Psychology implementation of the dual-language Sciences ADVISOR: Linda Williams, Wellesley Centers ADVISOR: Angela Carpenter, Cognitive and program in a large school district in Illinois. for Women Linguistic Sciences The study focused on the impact of the Literature review indicates that the The mental lexicon is the mechanism dual-language program on the language and aftermath of a sexual assault has an impact through which humans store and access literacy skills of elementary-level students. on the likelihood of continued cooperation their knowledge of words. The increased A district-approved survey was sent to all of by the victims and the conviction of their interest in bilingualism has inspired greater the elementary-level dual-language teachers perpetrators. Victim service professionals study of bilingual mental lexicons that in the district. All dual-language teachers play an important role during post-assault contain the knowledge of more than one in grades K–6 were invited to participate. care and in seeking justice for survivors. language. Many models and studies focus The survey asked teachers about their To learn how to achieve justice in cases of on proficiency, often disregarding age of observations and opinions of the classroom, sexual assault, this research will analyze acquisition of the second language. This family involvement, standardized testing, data from two focus groups in which victim approach is problematic because several Common Core standards, personal student services personnel discuss the relationships studies have found marked differences in motivation, and student proficiency in both of different departments in the handling of the brains of late bilinguals, who acquire English and Spanish. The teachers’ point sexual assault cases. They discuss the main a second language later in life, and early of view was prioritized because they have issues victims face at the time of reporting, bilinguals, who learn both languages from direct contact with the students involved which services are provided to them, which early childhood. My pilot study expands on in this program and they see the academic need to be improved, and how to overcome earlier bilingual mental lexicon research by progress of the students firsthand. Results barriers for the arrest and prosecution using cross-linguistic priming to examine and conclusions of the survey based on the of perpetrators. Finally, they provide asymmetry in the mental lexicons of early teachers’ beliefs about program goals and suggestions that they believe will better and late English-Spanish bilinguals of cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors will help victims of sexual assault. Focus group higher and lower proficiency. Asymmetry be discussed. transcriptions will be coded and common refers to the varied strengths of language themes identified using NVivo (a qualitative English or Nah?: School Choice in connections, in this case the strength of data analysis computer software package). Bangladesh and the Role of Language priming in either the English>Spanish Key themes and recommendations will and British Imperial Legacy direction or the Spanish>English direction. be presented. Lamisa S. Hossain ’17, Economics/Political My hypothesis was that early bilinguals Science would have less priming asymmetry than Testing for Answers: Examining the ADVISOR: Nadya Hajj, Political Science late bilinguals with a similar level of Role of Sexual Assault Evidence A wide variety of schooling option is proficiency. Although not reaching the level Collection Among College-Aged available to children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. of significant effects, my results support Women Classes are primarily taught in two the trends present in earlier research, where Cassandra M. Allen ’18, International Relations- Economics languages: Bengali and English. Public early bilinguals had on average shorter ADVISOR: Linda Williams, Wellesley Centers schools provide only Bengali-medium response times than late bilinguals of the for Women education. Choosing to enroll a child in same level of proficiency, all participants had a public school is associated with a range faster response times for related word pairs Given the prevalence of sexual violence on of sociocultural benefits and economic than for unrelated word pairs, and within college campuses, this presentation seeks to incentives, such as free textbooks. However, related word pairs all participants had faster examine the preparation of sexual assault there is a persistent demand for English- responses to translation word pairs (e.g., DNA evidence kits among college-aged medium education as well. Unfortunately, gato-cat) than to semantically related word women. Drawing from a sample of six police high-quality English-medium education is pairs (e.g., gato-dog). jurisdictions, in which 40 percent of the filed accessible to only the elite classes, leading sexual assault claims were made by women to an education-based poverty trap for ages 17–25, we seek to answer the question those at the lower end of the socioeconomic of what factors predict sexual assault kit hierarchy. My research aims to understand evidence collection among college-aged the long-term repercussions of this poverty women. We will examine the process of

50 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. sexual assault kit preparation and identify Aging Across Contexts data with information on different forms of key factors that could influence the decision SCI-278 (Talk) private savings. made by a victim to have a kit prepared. Vulnerable and Ignored: Exploring Such factors could include the nature of Immigration and the Elderly: How the Unique Needs and Ethical the assault, whether the perpetrator was Immigrants Influence the Living Considerations of the Aging U.S. Arrangements and Health Care known by the victim, and whether alcohol Prison Population Outcomes of Elderly Individuals in the was involved. We hope to illuminate what Shreya Thatai ’17, Women’s and Gender Studies U.S. factors encourage kit preparation so as to ADVISOR: Lee Cuba, Sociology Kelsey C. Moran ’17, Economics better understand how college-aged women The exponential growth of the U.S. prison ADVISOR: Kristin Butcher, Economics, Marshall can best be supported in instances of I. Goldman Professor sexual trauma. population over the past three decades has created an extremely vulnerable population: As advances in medicine decrease mortality Alternative Paths to Healing from aging prisoners. Inmates over the age of 55 rates and the population of the U.S. ages, Gender-Based Violence comprise over 10 percent of the imprisoned the number of people over the age of 64 Ananya M. Ghemawat ’17, Political Science/ population, yet there is scant research on continues to increase rapidly. This aging Women’s and Gender Studies the needs of this group. Older inmates population carries substantial social and ADVISOR: Irene Mata, Women’s and Gender are a unique high-risk population with economic costs, as many elderly individuals Studies specific needs related to their physical and must seek out assistance with long-term In fall 2016, I created a manual aimed mental challenges. This presentation will medical and custodial care due to higher to help survivors heal from sexual and begin by situating the growth of the aging rates of difficulties and disabilities. Parallel gender-based violence. I discussed alternative prison population within the context of to the percentage of elderly individuals, the methods of healing that do not rely on the legal reforms that led to the expansion of prevalence of immigrants in the U.S. has criminal justice system or the legal system, the carceral state. Next, it will explore the also been rising in recent years. Given their and outlined ways in which communities unique needs of older prisoners, examining dominance in the health-care and home can address harm internally and how policies and restrictive funding that production fields, this study examines how accountability and justice can be found. This impact their health care and quality of life. immigrants impact the health-care and research is important because, for myriad Finally, the presentation will examine the housing outcomes of elderly individuals. reasons, many individuals choose not to increasingly common experience of older By examining census and vital statistics interact with the criminal justice system inmates dying in prison and the ethical mortality data, I analyze the influence to address harm that has occurred. In fact, considerations associated with this trend. of immigrants on elderly lifestyles and many advocates contend that involving law emphasize how understanding the role The Effect of Social Security on enforcement officials is not the best way of immigrant labor in health-care and Savings to address sexual violence. Furthermore, home production may help us make Rose Burnam ’17, Economics because of the stigma associated with better policy decisions as we confront the ADVISOR: Daniel Fetter, Economics gender-based violence, there is a lack of aging population. discussion around these issues, and many One of the major public policy issues of individuals do not want to identify as being our time is Social Security reform. Social Beyond My Mother’s Story: Examining the Quality of Long-Term Care Facilities a survivor or victim of violence. However, Security is the largest source of income for Ju (Julie) Y. Kim ’17, Political Science given that, according to Rape Response retired Americans—60 percent of recipients ADVISOR: Tom Burke, Political Science Services’ National Statistics, one in two derive half of their income from Social women and one in five men will experience Security, and 30 percent of recipients derive The World Health Organization’s definition sexual violence in their lifetime, this a 90 percent of their income from Social of health is as follows: “Health is a state widespread social and health issue that needs Security. Empirical evidence about the of complete physical, mental, and social to be addressed. After considering alternative relationship between Social Security and well-being and not merely the absence of forms to heal from gender-based violence private savings is a crucial part of the reform disease or infirmity.” In this project, I look and to seek justice and accountability, my debate, but because Social Security is a at the quality of long-term health-care manual ends with preliminary steps to end universal program, it is rare to find variation facilities by asking a variety of questions gender-based violence. in benefits, so establishing a causal effect such as: What are the particular standards of Social Security on savings is difficult. nursing homes must abide by? Is there a To approach this question, I investigate quality gap between Medicaid and non- the effect of Social Security on personal Medicaid nursing facilities, and if so, how savings behavior using the large historical wide is it? Why do certain people end up in expansion of the program over the 1950s lower-quality nursing homes while others are and 1960s that affected people differently placed in better ones? These questions will based upon their state of residence and be answered both through the lens of experts occupation. Along with this variation, I use and scholars in the area of long-term care as data on individuals’ savings from the Survey well as anecdotes of families who have gone of Consumer Finances, a rich source of through the daunting process of trying to

#RUHLMAN2017 51 1:30 – 2:40 p.m. 3:00 – 4:10 p.m.

find a quality nursing home. The project Humanities Beyond Simba and deliverable will be in the format of a podcast Hakuna Matata: so that it is accessible to a wider range of A Great Journey in Tanzania The Selfie in American Life the public. FND-120 (Pre-formed Panel FND-128 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) Discussion) Sophia S. Abdelrahman ’20, Undeclared; Sandra Kayli J. Balin ’20, Undeclared; Caroline B. A. Ohemeng ’20, Undeclared; Belyse Inamahoro Taylor ’20, Undeclared; Sarah A. Yan ’20, ’19, Media Arts and Sciences; Monica P. Groth Undeclared; Imogen Y. Yih ’20, Undeclared; ’20, Undeclared; Aida El Kohen ’19, Economics; From all reports, this year’s Anissa Sonthalia ’20, Undeclared; Hunter M. Caitlynn Douga ’20, Undeclared Sessa ’20, Undeclared; Megumi Murakami ADVISOR: Geofred Osoro, Africana Studies “ Ruhlman was the best! I’ve ’20, Undeclared; Rhiannon L. Mulligan ’20, had letters from classmates, Undeclared; Roshni M. Madhu-Sudan ’20, Last Wintersession, the Swahili class took a Undeclared; Suyoung Choi ’20, Undeclared; trip to the great country of Julius Nyerere, alumnae, faculty, and others Kathryn J. Cross ’20, Undeclared; Nedda Tanzania, and to one of the most beautiful about how outstanding Bozorgmehri ’20, Undeclared islands in the world: Zanzibar. Located the girls’ work is and how ADVISOR: Heather Bryant, Writing Program in the eastern part of Africa, Tanzania excellently presented. It has Writing 155, Section 1 has a population of 49 million and is also In our current political climate, many are the home to Africa’s highest mountain, been very heartwarming looking toward websites such as GoFundMe Kilimanjaro. From Dar es Salaam to Stone for me. for some extra help on medical bills. In order Town, we enjoyed exquisite Zanzibarian ” to gain more attention (more likes, more cuisines, historical museums (including the shares, more apathy), its not enough just to former slave market), the spice tour, and –Barbara Peterson Ruhlman ’54 be sick anymore—are you also interesting? a taste of Tanzania’s rich traditions and Kayli will be the student leader on this cultural heritage. From Moshi to Arusha, we project. cherished our time in the Ngorongoro crater, Writing 155, Section 2 a World Heritage site with more than 25,000 Selfie culture, the art of capturing the self, wild animals. Lions, elephants, gazelles, has allowed women to express who they giraffes, and so many other animals offered really are. Selfies allow for a different kind of us a glimpse of the Tanzanian wildlife. mirroring, a mirroring that has far-reaching During the trip, we also visited schools, ramifications into how we all live our lives. young entrepreneurs, and one of the most Megumi will be the student leader on prestigious STEM institutes in the region. this project. Beyond all that, we joined the 140 million Swahili speakers and would love to share Exploration of the Book from with everyone the meaning and the origin of Manuscript to Print the phrase hakuna matata. Clapp Library Special Collections— 4th Floor (On-Location Presentation) The Usual Suspects, Sophia O. Tew ’18, English/Medieval and Unusual Influences Renaissance Studies PNW-001 (Talk) ADVISOR: Ruth Rogers, Library & Technology Services The Secret Life of Plants: An Exploration of Pattern in Natural Forms Join the students of ARTH 299: History Elle D. Friedberg ’17, Art Studio/Chemistry of the Book in Special Collections for a ADVISOR: Phyllis McGibbon, Art, Elizabeth visual survey of rare books from manuscript Christy Kopf Professor to print, examining their meaning as Nature often functions on predictable material objects and as a reflection of rhythms, cycles, and patterns. Plants changing culture. This lecture will not in particular exemplify notable visual only explore these materials in their arrangements of structure and growth. Just contemporary context, but also contemplate think about the branching symmetry of the importance of the physical book in our leaves on a stem or the whirling spirals of evolving digital world. flower buds. As an artist and scientist, my working process involves close observation and note taking. Whether through line drawings in my sketchbook or through words and numbers in my lab notebook, I am interested in recording and synthesizing

52 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 3:00 – 4:10 p.m. information from the world around me. “What Is the Final Product?”: III, Milano, Untitled, Wild Spot, and their This principle has been the focus of my Investigating Process Art and the plant neighbors: oak trees, ginkgo trees, year-long studio art thesis exploration in Individual birch trees, katsura trees, and the linden pattern and pattern making. Through the Some M. Louis ’17, Art History, Art Studio tree. In each talk, sculptures and trees support of the Suzanne Kibler Morris ’44 ADVISOR: Phyllis McGibbon, Art, Elizabeth are thoroughly researched to provide an Fellowship, I have had the opportunity to Christy Kopf Professor interactive presentation to the Wellesley collaborate with both the Wellesley College The process of creating a work of art is not community. The Ruhlman presentation Botanic Gardens and the Wellesley College always visible. Often, artworks are seen will include the program’s overview and its Art Department in developing a site-based as finished projects, rather than a series of impact as well as the presenters’ insights and art installation. Using my sketches of the steps or development. However, there is an a discussion with the audience about the plants in the greenhouses as inspiration, I extensive history of artwork that has been program’s future. have created printed sculptural forms that created with the concept of a visible process are my response to the ways of nature. By as the primary objective. These works of Science and Technology introducing the artwork within the collected “process art” present concepts of personal ecosystem of the greenhouse, it is my hope artistic relevance for public viewing. My Comparative Studies of a Novel that visitors will gain an appreciation for the Ruhlman presentation addresses this complexities of the natural world. concept of process art through my studio Anti-Cancer Agent Targeting art thesis project. This installation-based Pancreatic Cancer From Chaucer to Shakespeare: An project examines my individual method for SCI-E-111 (Pre-formed Panel Analysis of the Humanistic Pessimism creating artwork, with a focus on testing and Discussion) that Links Chaucer’s Troilus and organization, through the use of handmade Milica Markovic ’17, Biochemistry; Elisa Criseyde to Shakespeare’s Troilus and J. Wang ’18, Biological Sciences; Emma E. paper, prints, drawings, and mixed-media Cressida as well as Romeo and Juliet Goodman ’17, Biological Sciences; Jennifer C. Juliette C. Mann ’17, English experimentation. It contextualizes Chang ’17, Biochemistry; Martha K. Aywa ’17, ADVISOR: Cord Whitaker, English process art through research and written Biochemistry investigations. While this project is certainly ADVISOR: Dora Carrico-Moniz, Chemistry Although Chaucer and Shakespeare lived an investigation of process art in relation to Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal and wrote roughly 200 years apart, they my own personal work and developing style forms of human cancer with a low five-year both produced works that set the precedent as an artist, it also presents contemporary art survival rate (7.7 percent) due to difficulties for tragedy and romance. Respectively, in context to previous, relevant art historical in early detection and aggressive metastasis. they became lauded as the greatest poet movements, particularly process art and Additionally, pancreatic malignancies show and playwright of their times. In regards to minimalism. This project addresses the resistance to current chemotherapeutic their depth and influence, the two authors personal act of production and the public act treatments, although combination therapies resemble each other more closely than they of viewing, concepts that are relatable both are showing more promise. The Carrico- resemble any other poets or playwrights in within the world of art production and the Moniz laboratory seeks to identify and English literature. However, the problem outside world of art appreciation. remains that a strategy of analysis that relies develop novel pharmacological treatments too heavily on proving correlation tends to Bark and Metal for pancreatic cancer through the synthesis ignore larger implications of causation. The FND-102 (Pre-formed Panel and biological evaluation of novel organic stories of Troilus and Criseyde and Romeo Discussion) compounds derived from natural product and Juliet were first made popular by the Charlotte Z. Yu ’17, Architecture; Xiaorong scaffolds. Previously, our lab developed a Italian author Boccaccio and Arthur Brooke, (Sharon) Liu ’17, Art History/Mathematics; series of isoprenylated coumarin derivatives respectively. Thus, their stories were known Virginia G. White ’17, Classical Civilization; based upon the natural product angelmarin, before Chaucer or Shakespeare took them Ningyi Xi ’17, Art History/Classical Civilization which exhibit selective cytotoxicity against on, leading us to place even further attention ADVISOR: Kristina Jones, Director, Wellesley pancreatic cancer under nutrient-deprived on the authors’ choices in development College Botanic Gardens; Adjunct Assistant conditions. Current studies aim to: 1) and, in the case of Troilus and Cressida, Professor of Biological Sciences elucidate the biochemical target of our the specific changes Shakespeare made We live and work on a campus imbued with lead compound DCM-MJ-I-21; 2) assess to Chaucer’s own adaptation. Notions of nature and art, but many fine features go its relative potency in 2D and 3D in vitro religious salvation that pervade Chaucer’s unnoticed as we hustle past them every day. PANC-1 cell cultures; and 3) compare the work are present only in the form of hope Founded by Ningyi Xi, Sharon Liu, and chemotherapeutic efficacy of commercially and belief in love in parallel scenes within Charlotte Yu in fall 2014 to direct attention available anti-cancer agents gemcitabine, Romeo and Juliet, and are entirely absent to elements in the campus environment, 5-fluorouracil, and etoposide in combination within Troilus and Cressida, indicating a “Bark and Metal” is a talk series on outdoor with DJM-MJ-I-21 versus monotherapy. shift, not only in Shakespeare’s writing, but sculptures and trees, a Friends of Art Student also in the way he read Chaucer. Initiative Program of the Davis Museum in collaboration with Botanistas Tree Mob Series. Past talks have covered the sculptures Shechinah Temptations, Upsurge, Mozart

#RUHLMAN2017 53 3:00 – 4:10 p.m.

EcoLab: Studying the Impact will help us predict how trees will respond to diversity helps us to approach problems of Climate on Ecosystem future changes in climate and environmental from multiple unique perspectives. We Feedbacks stress. use a systems-based approach to ensure all SCI-278 (Pre-formed Panel critical relationships are addressed in method Wet or Dry: How Soil Respiration Discussion) development and experimentation. We want Adapts to Precipitation Variation to use this opportunity to share our research Drought, Hurricanes, or Amandine M. Fromont ’17, English/ group approach and share our research on Snowmageddon? What Can You Expect Environmental Studies; Prapti Koirala ’19, geochemistry as it relates to environmental from Climate Change? Undeclared Caroline J. Harper ’17, Biological Sciences; ADVISOR: Jaclyn Matthes, Biological Sciences justice and partnering with communities. Sarah J. Russell ’17, Biological Sciences During our panel, we will introduce the Over the last century, precipitation patterns ADVISOR: Jaclyn Matthes, Biological Sciences goals behind our research group and our in the Northeast have become more projects. Participants will be involved in a The average global temperature is increasing intense but less frequent, partly as a result project gallery walk. We plan to have an at an unprecedented rate, but here in of climate change. In adapting to these interactive workshop that will integrate New England, we still experience extreme changes in precipitation, soil microbes experiences and explore how to transfer cold and snowfall. Why is this? As global might modify their respiration rates to our lab’s approach to flexible project design temperature rises, extreme climate events better survive extreme stress conditions. and workflow. become more frequent, but different regions Our current research builds on the experience different types of extreme climate results from an experiment conducted in Raging Hormones and Mutants events. This semester, we layered long-term summer 2016, which examined how soil SCI-264 (Talk) climate data on top of the National microbial respiration varied in response to The Role of Patellin 1/2 in Vascular Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) the timing and intensity of experimental Development of Arabidopsis thaliana ecoregions of the U.S. to determine what precipitation pulses. Collecting soil samples constitutes an extreme climate event for each Anna C. Hakes ’17, Biological Sciences from Northeastern forests, we tested their ADVISOR: T. Kaye Peterman, Biological Sciences, region. With decades of data providing us adaptability to different water moisture Susan M. Hallowell and Ruby Frances Howe with climate trends, we are constructing a conditions, from drying to flooding. Farwell Professor of Biological Sciences model that predicts the frequency of extreme Previous results indicated that microbes The growth and maintenance of vascular climate events in the future. can acclimate to extreme precipitation plants relies on the transport of water and conditions. We are now extending this Trees as Storytellers: Analyzing Tree nutrients by the vascular tissue. According experiment to measure microbial adaptation, Rings to Understand Climate in the to the auxin canalization hypothesis, not only to precipitation variation, but also Past, Present, and Future development of this vascular tissue is to changes in soil oxygen levels. Broader Emma M. Conrad-Rooney ’20, Undeclared; induced by the unidirectional flow of applications of our research will enhance Irina Chen ’18, Biological Sciences the phytohormone through channels of our understanding of soil adaptability and ADVISOR: Jaclyn Matthes, Biological Sciences cells. This unidirectional flow of auxin is help to inform the discussion about whether established by the polar localization of an Have you ever stopped to look closely at ecosystems will be resilient to climate auxin efflux carrier, PIN1, within the plasma the trees on the Wellesley campus? There change. are layers of history just waiting to be membranes of these cells. PIN1 polarity is unpacked! Dendrochronology is the study Seeking Environmental Justice established and maintained by an endosomal of tree ring growth. Studying tree rings can in a Modern Urban Context: All recycling pathway. Within this pathway, not only tell us the age of trees, but can also Things Interdisciplinary vesicle formation off the trans-Golgi network give us insight into the climate patterns SCI-104 (Interactive Teaching is mediated by the coordinated actions of of the past and present. Every growing Presentation) VAN3, VAB, CVP2, and CVL1. In order season, a new tree ring is set. Seasons with Lucy A. Wanzer ’19, Geosciences; Hannah L. to determine if Patellin 1/2, two Sec14-like favorable growing conditions will create Oettgen ’17, Geosciences; Sarah M. Smith- proteins, play a role in the same pathway Tripp ’19, Geosciences; Thessaly McFall ’19, wider tree rings, while abiotic stress (e.g., as these previously characterized vascular Geosciences; Brianna N. Love ’19, Architecture; climate change) and biotic stress (e.g., insect Amanda B. Hernandez ’18, Environmental proteins, p1p2vab, p1p2cvl1, p1p2cvp2, and outbreaks) create thinner rings. By obtaining Studies; Emma X. Jackman ’19, Geosciences; p1p2cvl1cvp2 mutants were generated, and tree cores from hemlock trees and deciduous Alexis M. Corcoran ’18, Biological Sciences; their vascular patterns analyzed. Similarly, trees on the Wellesley campus, we can Meredith J. Wade ’17, Environmental Studies/ we sought to identify further functional create snapshots of tree history and come History; Kimberly Chia Yan Min ’19, redundancy in the patellin gene family to understand their life stories. Comparing Environmental Studies/South Asian Studies in vascular development through the tree ring widths to past and present climate ADVISOR: Daniel Brabander, Geosciences phenotypic characterization of p1p2p6 and data will help us draw connections between Our research group focuses on p1p2p4 mutants. how environmental conditions, such as interdisciplinary projects that aim to temperature and rainfall, affect yearly address modern environmental challenges. tree growth both in individuals and larger Our lab attracts people from a variety of communities. Ultimately, this information majors—both STEM and humanities. This

54 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 3:00 – 4:10 p.m.

The Genetic Basis of a Heat Shock Hormonal Regulation of Insect warfighting mission, without the pressure of Inducible Color Change in the Tobacco Reproduction war? In this talk, I will discuss my research Hornworm, Manduca sexta Isabella R. McDonald ’17, Anthropology/ on this topic and findings. Surisadai (Suri) Aquit ’18, Biological Sciences Biological Sciences ADVISOR: Yuichiro Suzuki, Biological Sciences ADVISOR: Yuichiro Suzuki, Biological Sciences Stand Down for What: An Assessment of the U.S. Military’s Use of Force The phenomenon of phenotypic plasticity, Hormones are known to play major roles During Operation Iraqi Freedom during development and reproduction. common in insects, occurs when one Lizamaria Arias ’17, International Relations- genotype results in different phenotypes However, the evolution and development of Political Science due to environmental changes. Genetic endocrine glands and hormone biosynthesis ADVISOR: Paul MacDonald, Political Science accommodation occurs when these are not well understood. Ventral veins environmentally induced phenotypes lacking ( Vvl) has recently been shown to As a liberal democracy, the U.S. military are selected over multiple generations play a critical role in endocrine regulation has set rules that govern the use of force and lose their dependence on or become during larval development and endocrine in combat. Despite these measures to hypersensitive to the initial environmental gland development in holometabolous ensure that the use of force is employed cues. While the process of genetic insects. In this study, the role of Vvl on judiciously, the line between acceptable and accommodation has been demonstrated reproduction and embryogenesis was unacceptable is often blurred by the strains through artificial selection experiments, the examined in the hemimetabolous milkweed of combat. What, then, causes a military genetic basis underlying this process remains bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Silencing the unit to violate these rules and deviate from unclear. Previous studies have shown expression of Vvl led to reduced egg accepted conduct during war, and why does that polyphenisms might evolve through production, which could be rescued by this matter? Atrocities are, unfortunately, genetic accommodation. In this project, exogenous juvenile hormone treatment. still a part of modern combat, and Operation a polyphenic strain was evolved through Analysis of gene expression patterns indicates Iraqi Freedom (OIF) was no exception. selection for heat shock induced green color that Vvl likely regulates the formation How can we place these deviations into a in a normally black mutant M. sexta strain. of endocrine glands as well. Given that broader context? Through an examination The expression of hormonal biosynthesis and in mammals, mutations in the vertebrate of instances of military misconduct during response genes, specifically in the ecdysteroid homolog of Vvl, POU3F2, can lead to OIF, my research seeks to distill what factors and juvenile hormone (JH) signaling hypogonadism, the role of Vvl in endocrine play a role in causing these violations and pathways, were analyzed in heat shocked gland formation and reproduction may be an evaluate whether, based on these factors, it is and non-heat shocked selected animals. ancient evolutionarily conserved process. possible to assess whether a particular unit is These studies will help us better understand at risk for committing an atrocity. polyphenisms at the molecular level and Social Sciences Seize the Window: Targeted ultimately allow us to determine whether Killing’s Uses and Limitations in genetic accommodation occurs in nature. Counterterrorism Strategy Give and Take: Compromise in Jillian L. Kutner ’17, International Relations- Hormonal and Nutritional Regulation of Times of Crisis Political Science Ecdysteroidogenesis in Manduca sexta PNE-239 (Talk, Fowler Presentation) ADVISOR: Nadya Hajj, Political Science Lily C. Xu ’19, Biological Sciences; Akiho Saito ’17, Biological Sciences Stumbling Into Progress: Military Since the beginning of the war on terror ADVISOR: Yuichiro Suzuki, Biological Sciences Learning in Disaster Relief Operations in 2001, the United States has employed Caroline R. Bechtel ’17, Middle Eastern Studies/ a plethora of methods to destroy terrorist Metamorphosis is characterized by Political Science organizations, ranging from conventional dramatic morphological changes during ADVISOR: Paul MacDonald, Political Science war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to the life cycle of an organism. In many The U.S. military has long been able to play espionage and, more recently, cyber warfare. insects, metamorphosis is triggered by a a critical role in responses to international However, with the advent of drones, the size-dependent mechanism, which involves natural disaster. Its forward-deployed United States has increasingly relied on one the interaction of ecdysone and juvenile resources, manpower, and other unique particular strategic tool for fighting global hormone (JH). However, how these capabilities make it a critical asset for the terror: targeted killing: the assassination of a endocrine regulators interact to influence larger disaster relief community. Since leader or key member of a terrorist group to the transcriptional regulation of hormone the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, the disrupt or destroy the organization. Though production remains unclear. Thus, the military has responded to about one or the effectiveness of targeting has improved expressions of the transcription factors and two international disasters per year. Has in recent years, strategic options regarding cytochrome P450 genes in the prothoracic the military improved at disaster relief how to capitalize on instances of success glands of Manduca sexta were evaluated in responses? How much, and how has it have not. My research attempts to fill this hormone-treated and starved animals. Our learned? The literature on military learning policy void by asking two central research findings suggest that nutrition and hormones generally agrees that the pressure of war is questions. First, does targeted killing reduce affect the transcription of the ecdysteroid largely the force that compels change; so the rate of terrorist attacks post-targeted biosynthesis genes in Manduca. We discuss how effectively does the military learn and killing? Second, what can be done to further how these gene expression profiles relate to improve in operations divergent from its reduce terrorist attacks post-targeted killing? known body size thresholds in Manduca.

#RUHLMAN2017 55 3:00 – 4:10 p.m.

To evaluate these questions, I use a multi- Perspectives from the Freedom policy created the illusion that the United method analysis combining a quantitative Project IV: Thinking Outside the States was taking a stance for the personal analysis of the frequency of terrorist attacks, (Urban) Box freedoms of Cubans, but that it did little to as well as a qualitative, comparative analysis PNE-139 (Pre-formed Panel improve the lives of the Cubans impacted of a variety of case studies on targeted Discussion) by the embargo. Caroline George will killings from numerous terrorist groups and Madelena H. Collins ’18, Individual-Peace interrogate policies banning burqas, niqabs, geographic areas. Using the examples of & Justice Studies; Jeane-Yve Z. Daniel ’17, and other traditional Islamic head coverings Osama bin Laden, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Sociology; Mary R. Meisenzahl ’19, History in public spaces. She will argue that such and Saleh Shehadeh, I argue that, while ADVISOR: Joshua McCabe, Sociology policies emerge from clashing definitions of targeted killing is ineffective in terms of Many of today’s discussions concerning religious freedom, freedom of expression and destroying or permanently debilitating inequality and their potential solutions women’s rights/freedoms, and not simply the terrorist organizations, this strategy does are framed in such as way that they are wish for public safety. manage to create a six-month reduction incompatible with basic realities for the in attacks. Even so, targeted killing will nearly 20 percent of Americans who live Sed Ministrare: Becoming a not reach its greatest potential until policy in rural areas of the United States. This Teacher at Wellesley makers stop simply moving to the next panel will explore the basic infrastructural SCI-268 (Pre-formed Panel Discussion) target, and instead find a way to better differences rural Americans face when Helen C. Colby ’17, Japanese Language and capitalize on the benefits it can provide. confronted with what pundits often assume Culture; Charlotte J. Weiss ’16, Spanish; Rebecca are uniquely urban issues. This discussion Germany’s Recovery from the 2008 R. Van Dusen ’17, Psychology; Megumi E. will focus on three issues in particular: Global Financial Crisis: Benefits of Takada ’17, Neuroscience; Morgan L. Millon housing and its impact on migratory patterns a Flexible Labor Market and Strong ’17, Political Science; Jekia Brockman ’17, in the rural South; techno-geographic Export Sector Psychology; Katharine A. Aoki ’17, Religion Zainab Younus ’17, International Relations- infrastructure and its consequences on ADVISOR: Noah Rubin, Education rural economies; and school choice and Economics Common Core, charter schools, its viability as an option for rural schools. ADVISOR: Igor Logvinenko, Political Science standardized testing, Betsy DeVos. We hope to illuminate important gaps in Education policy and reform is at the With the crash of the U.S. housing market policy discussions as well as the necessity of forefront of national debate, but for the in 2008, the global economy entered a considering novel options for tackling issues seven students of Wellesley’s elementary period of economic turmoil that would come related to education and social mobility, teacher certification and preparation to be known as the global financial crisis. which can open more choices to an often program, the debate is transformed into the Numerous countries’ economies contracted forgotten population. as unemployment levels rose. While the daily practice of supporting the academic GDP of the United States recovered rather Perspectives from the Freedom and socioemotional growth of children. robustly, many European economies have Project V: Clashing Definitions Learn about the requirements of the not been as successful. In 2015, the United of Freedom and Their Policy program, the varied experiences of student Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany Implications teaching, and what inspired these students to become educators themselves. The program were the only economies to have reached PNE-127 (Pre-formed Panel close to pre-crisis levels, whereas Spain, Italy, Discussion) will also include a demonstration of Open and Greece are continuing to struggle. Why Cassandra A. Cronin ’19, Individual-Peace & Circle, a social and emotional learning has the recovery process been so divergent? Justice Studies/Spanish; Caroline R. George ’19, curriculum developed by the Wellesley This presentation focuses on the most Environmental Studies/Music; Sophia Leung ’19, Centers for Women. successful example of post-crisis recovery: Computer Science/Political Science China Beyond Its Borders Germany. In particular, it considers two ADVISOR: Joshua McCabe, Sociology SCI-274 (Talk) points of interest. First, an analysis of labor This panel will explore how conflicting market policies offers some insight into definitions of freedom affect public policy Mao in America: The Publication, Germany’s unemployment rate. Second, the through case studies in Chinese economic Influence, and Dissemination of relationship between the current account policy, Cuban immigration, and regulation Quotations from Chairman Mao in the and GDP provides further explanations of women’s religious garments. Sophia Leung United States, 1965–1980 as to why Germany weathered the crisis will explore how reformist and conservative Annie Wang ’17, History/Media Arts and relatively well. groups within the Chinese government Sciences C. Pat Giersch, History have shaped the country’s economic policy ADVISOR: since 1978. While economic liberation Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung is is often viewed as China’s unified state one of the most prolifically printed books policy, she argues that this mandate has in modern history, allegedly rivaling the varied depending on current officials in print numbers of the Bible. A compilation power. Cassandra Cronin will discuss the of over 300 quotes from the late Chinese controversial “wet-foot, dry-foot” policy Communist Party leader that was first for Cuban refugees. She will argue that the published in 1964, this book was soon

56 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 3:00 – 4:10 p.m. translated and distributed worldwide with Sea (SCS), an area where $5 trillion of the strength of England’s economy from the intention of swaying foreign hearts commerce passes through annually. The 1768–1775, the nuances of the causes of and minds in favor of Maoism. One such Southeast Asian nations bordering the warfare are discussed. target was the United States. Americans region worry that Beijing’s militarization from a variety of different backgrounds of these artificial islands will impede free Entrepreneurial Personality in were exposed to and drew influence from navigation of sea lanes, access to the area’s Early-Stage Ventures: Some Theory and Findings on Firm Founders at the “Little Red Book,” ranging from artists natural resources, and regional stability. Cambridge Innovation Center who used the Quotations’ text in drama to However, this growing security dilemma Margaret G. Dalton ’17, Economics/Spanish; satirists who used the Quotations’ unique also involves other sovereign players, such Tina Y. Xu ’17, Undeclared style to lampoon unpopular politicians. The as Japan. Since 2010, the year in which ADVISOR: Sari Kerr, Wellesley Centers for Women Little Red Book thus became an imported China’s economy surpassed Japan’s in size, media tool through which Americans shaped Japan has become increasingly engaged in Entrepreneurship is a risky endeavor their understanding of China, Mao, and SCS politics. From greater economic aid to with extremely long work hours and low ultimately themselves during one of the most ASEAN nations to more defense cooperation probability of success. Yet every year, we see tumultuous periods of modern history, one agreements, Japan has adopted a multi- countless new ventures opening and large that continues to influence the American pronged, proactive approach to counter amounts of money and time being invested political landscape today. China’s “unilateral” interests in the area. in them. Who are the entrepreneurs behind My research thus focuses on how Japan, those ventures, and why do they pursue Effectiveness and Feasibility of a in the diplomatic, economic, and military entrepreneurship, despite the odds often National Emissions Trading Scheme dimensions, has become more engaged in being stacked against them? We provide (ETS) in China: Examined through the the SCS to protect and enhance its regional some findings based on a comprehensive Lens of the Guangdong Pilot ETS and international standing. literature survey and a closer look at Karen X. Ni ’18, International Relations- local founders housed at the Cambridge Economics Understanding How Big Innovation Center who responded to a Kyung-Hong Park, Economics ADVISOR: Personalities Get to the World large-scale survey on their business goals and China announced the establishment Stage personality traits. of a national carbon emissions trading SCI-277 (Talk) system in 2017. This emissions trading The Meaning of “Make America Great scheme (ETS) will be the largest of its When Personalities Dominate, Stability Again,” Along Party Lines kind in the world, and has the potential to Fails: Great Britain’s Shifting North Katherine (Katie) J. Madsen ’19, English ADVISOR: Linda Charmaraman, Wellesley tremendously reduce the country’s CO American Military Strategy, 1768–1775 2 Centers for Women emissions levels. Empirical analyses of Anna S. Page ’17, History Katherine Grandjean, History the Guangdong pilot ETS show that ETS ADVISOR: Donald Trump ran his presidential in the province will significantly lower History may be written by the victors, campaign on the slogan “Make America total emissions levels without significantly but war is not a solo act. Yet the narrative Great Again.” Republicans often regarded shocking the economy. As Guangdong’s surrounding the American Revolutionary this idea wistfully, yearning to return to the pilot has shown great environmental and War makes it seem as though the other post-World War II era of manufacturing economic potential, it could greatly help major actor in the conflict, Great Britain, and social cohesion. Conversely, Democrats inform the design and implementation of only reacted to the events in her North viewed this as a call to regress to a time the anticipated national scheme. Empirical American colonies and yielded no when people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ research suggests that a nationally binding personal motives to ultimately declare war. people were second-class citizens. To gain ETS would continue to be a cost-effective Responsibility for deciding to go to war in a greater understanding of this divide, we tool for carbon abatement; however, specific 1775 is essentially removed from British surveyed nearly 2,000 participants from design issues of the Guangdong scheme will pre-war political and military leaders. No almost all 50 states, gauging their feelings need to be taken into consideration before discussion is held about the exogenous about the election results and which issues the national program can proceed. Finally, factors that would have influenced British were most important to them. In addition, a stakeholder analysis shows that private decision makers. This presentation, however, we asked them what they thought Donald enterprises and individuals employed in tells an alternative story to the conventional Trump meant with his slogan “Make energy-intensive steel and iron sectors will be history of the coming of the American American Great Again.” The presentation most negatively impacted by the creation of a Revolutionary War. Starting in 1768 when will focus on the answers to this question, national scheme. the first schooner, packed with British looking into participants’ voting habits and military forces, arrived in Boston Harbor, social identities to uncover the intricacies of A Poker Face No More: Japan’s New this thesis assesses how and why Great this seemingly black-and-white issue. Engagement in the South China Sea Britain’s North American military strategy Sabrina Liang ’19, Political Science evolved the way it did. Through three ADVISOR: M. Taylor Fravel, Political Science– chapters looking at the important English MIT personalities in charge of the military In December 2016, China militarized decision-making process, the actions of the Spratly Islands in the South China Great Britain’s neighboring countries, and

#RUHLMAN2017 57 POSTER PRESENTATIONS SCIENCE CENTER FOCUS AREA: 1:30–2:40 P.M.

58 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Is the Mammalian Presternum Sensory Processing Alterations showing only the suspect, only the police, or Composite?: Evidence from in Adults with ADHD both. Participants then rated the guilt of the Giant Ground Sloths Noor Adra ’18, Neuroscience suspect, and the responsibility of the police Asher Feldman ’17, Biology ADVISORS: Michael C. Wiest, Neuroscience; Eve and suspect for the outcome of the scenario. ADVISOR: Emily A. Buchholtz, Biology M. Valera, Psychiatry - MGH/Harvard Medical School Effects of Anxiety on Executive The shoulder girdle of living placental Functioning mammals is reduced relative to that of fossil Studies suggest that children with ADHD exhibit more symptoms of sensory processing Diederique B.W.P. van der Knaap ’18, Cognitive mammals and living egg-laying mammals and Linguistic Sciences dysfunction (SPD) compared to healthy (monotremes). This reduction could be the ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology product of either element loss or fusion. We children. However, sensory processing has ask if the presternum of the giant ground not yet been measured in ADHD using Every day, we must perform cognitively sloth (Paramylodon harlani) from the La subscales for different sensory modulations demanding tasks in stressful environments Brea Tar Pits is a single element homologous (e.g., over-, under-sensitivity), studied in such as school and work. Does a tendency to that of monotremes or a fused composite adults with ADHD, or examined in relation toward anxiety hinder performance equally of the ancestral manubrium, interclavicle, to brain volumes. Therefore, we assessed in all groups, or does it impact distinct and/or adjacent elements. The presterna SPD in ADHD adults and looked for groups differently? For example, past show external and (via CT scanning) relationships between SPD subscales and research has found that women tend to be internal bone texture transitions indicating brain volumes. Relative to healthy controls more anxious than men—how does this composite organization. All four specimens (HCs), subjects with ADHD scored higher affect their capacity to selectively attend to also have discrete bilateral components on the sensory seeking (SS) and sensory one thing while ignoring others? Here, we reminiscent of short rib homologs bridging under-responsivity subscales, with a trend use the Stroop Task, a well-known measure the gap between the first sacral vertebra toward higher values on the sensory over- of selective attention, to ask whether anxiety and ilium. These components suggest a responsivity (SOR) subscale. These data level affects selective attention differently developmental mechanism for integrating suggest that adults with ADHD exhibit in different individuals and what factors disparate tissues into one bony element. increased symptoms of sensory processing may explain these differences. We utilize Our results strongly imply that the P. dysfunction across all domains compared data from a smaller sample of 40 Wellesley harlani presternum is a composite structure to HCs. Additionally, the amygdala volume students and a larger sample of Amazon produced by evolutionary fusion of the correlated with SS total score, and the Mechanical Turk participants. This study interclavicle and the ancestral manubrium. ventral diencephalon volume negatively will enhance our understanding of the correlated with the SOR total score in effects of anxiety on selective attention. Surfing the Sky with ASTR 206 subjects with ADHD. Implications of these Understanding the Effect of Madeleine Beck ’19, Physics/Mathematics; findings will be discussed. Casey Melton ’19, Astrophysics; Emily Yax ’19 DesHDAP1 Residue Identity on Astronomy; Cassie Miller ’19, English; Jolene Police Body Camera Antimicrobial Activity Fong ’17, Astrophysics/Geoscience; Sara Vannah Perspectives, Race, and Shelby N. Kranc ’19, Chemistry ’17, Astrophysics; Julissa Sarmiento ’17, Physics/ Aggression ADVISOR: Donald E. Elmore, Chemistry Classics Carina Y. Chen ’17, Psychology; Meredith Early findings of antimicrobial peptides ADVISOR: Kim K. McLeod, Astronomy N. Clark ’17, Psychology/Education Studies; (AMPs) have found encouraging results Armed with a semester’s worth of new Alejandra I. Escamilla Saldaña ’18, Psychology/ regarding their ability to kill bacteria. Education Studies; Sharon H. Wu ’17, knowledge and Wellesley’s Sawyer 24 The peptides may either permeabilize or Psychology/Economics inch telescope, students in ASTR206: translocate across the membrane, which ADVISOR: Linda Carli, Psychology Astronomical Techniques carried out kills the bacteria. Past Elmore lab research a variety of individual and group term Police body cameras have been proposed as studied histone-derived antimicrobial projects. Some students observed a Koronis a means of increasing police accountability peptides (HDAPs); the findings indicate family asteroid (3032 Evans) and generated in interactions with civilians. The research that of the two positively charged residues, light curves, which they used to determine considers a potential weakness of body arginine increases peptides’ antimicrobial the asteroid’s rotational period. Others did cameras: any recording would focus activity. DesHDAP1 contains four arginine a more observationally intense project and solely on the suspect and exclude police. residues and two lysine residues. Previous created a beautiful color mosaic image of the We hypothesized that when a suspect is experiments showed that arginine-rich Wizard nebula (NGC7380). Two students the only person seen on a recorded body mutants of Des1 have a higher antimicrobial tested the limits of our telescope and imaged camera image, he/she would be judged more activity. In order to explain this observation, gravitational lensing in the galaxy cluster responsible or guilty than when both the this study employed a computational Abel 370, something never done before here police and the suspect are seen, and that model, specifically, molecular dynamics. at Wellesley. Finally, one student joined the when the police, but not the suspect, are In this study, we performed simulations of KELT team of “planet hunters” and used visible in the recording, the suspect would DesHDAP1 in its wild-type, arginine-rich, the transit method to search for exoplanet be seen as less guilty. Participants were and lysine-rich forms interacting with candidates. Come learn more about their shown video clips that depicted interactions lipid membranes. Peptide stability and hard work and exciting results! between a police officer and either an interactions with the membrane were African-American or white American analyzed. Current analysis indicates that the civilian. The camera perspective varied, arginine mutant interacts with the lipid

#RUHLMAN2017 59 membrane more than the lysine mutant, ob mice, which are obese, as compared to correlate with each other. To help elucidate which supports previous findings of the control mice. Immunohistochemistry was factors that influence time perception, we are arginine mutant’s higher antimicrobial used to label NTR1 in the ventromedial gathering demographic information to see activity. hypothalamus of estradiol- and vehicle- if more regimented sleep schedules, better treated ob/ob and control mice. Using punctuality, and rural childhood residence The Effect of Estrogens on confocal microscopy, cells expressing NTR1 will correlate with better performances on Neurotensin Expression in the in the hypothalamus of these mice have been our time perception tasks. We hope this test Brains of Obese Female Mice quantified. Investigating this relationship will contribute to a better understanding of Priyanka Ram ’17, Neuroscience between estrogens and neurotensin receptor time perception. ADVISOR: Marc Tetel, Neuroscience expression in an obese mouse model is It is estimated that over 60 percent of essential to better understanding the role of Further Investigation of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. NT in regulating obesity. NT may provide Bilingual Advantage in Task Moreover, obesity and its associated diseases a prognostic marker for future obesity and a Switching contribute to approximately 2.5 million potential target for prevention and treatment Catharine Hemp ’18, Psychology; Jennifer Mou deaths annually in the U.S. Leptin, a of metabolic disorders in women. ’18, Economics/Psychology ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology hormone produced by fat, is important in regulating appetite, body weight, and energy Data Exploration and R Shiny Some studies, but not others, suggest that expenditure. Recessive mutations in the Hannah Murphy ’19, Computer Science those who learn a second language may gene that encodes for leptin, the ob gene, ADVISOR: Alden Griffith, Environmental Studies be able to switch attention more rapidly. result in leptin deficiency and cause excessive Independent exploration of data is essential Here, we attempt to replicate the finding obesity in humans and rodents. Estrogens, to any quantitative science class. Over the of a bilingual advantage in switching while a class of ovarian steroid hormones, regulate course of last year, Professor Alden Griffith asking whether such an advantage may metabolism and modulate feeding, body developed a web-based R Shiny application depend on the age and setting in which weight, and energy expenditure in females. to aid students in exploring data collected one learned a second language. In our Estradiol (E2), one type of estrogen, acts as during lab experiments in ES101. This study, participants complete three types an anorectic and increases activity levels in semester, I joined Professor Griffith’s project of sorting tasks that involved switching humans and rodents by binding primarily to as a Guthman Fellow for the Quantitative dimensions. We expect that those who are the estrogen receptor subtype ERα. Recent Analysis Institute. I am working to expand bi/multilingual will switch more rapidly work from our lab and others reveals that the Data Explorer application and create and/or accurately than monolingual E2 protects against high-fat, diet-induced more functionality in the app. I am also individuals, and that those who learned their obesity in female mice. This effect of working to make the code base of the app other language(s) earlier in life will perform estrogens can also be seen in postmenopausal more modularized and mutable, so that better than those who learned their other women who have a decline in estrogens, future programmers can customize the language(s) later on in life. Moreover, we which results in weight gain. Early studies app to meet their needs without too much believe that the bi/multilingual advantage indicate that the hypothalamus, a brain additional effort. This poster will provide in task switching will generalize to everyday region that expresses high levels of ERα, is information on the data explorer itself, as life, with bi/multilingual individuals being the primary region for regulating food intake well as the R Shiny programming platform able to adapt more easily and effectively to and body weight. Neurotensin (NT) is a and an overview of the app-building process. new situations. peptide localized predominantly in the small intestine that is associated with obesity and Time Perception: What Factors Mental Rotation Test: A diabetes. NT-deficient mice are unable to Affect Performance on Time Measure for Spatial Aspects of absorb fat from food and are protected from Awareness Tasks? Intelligence obesity and insulin resistance associated with Lingjun (Lotus) Xia ’18, Psychology/Economics; Lingjun (Lotus) Xia ’18, Psychology/Economics a high-fat diet, suggesting that NT increases Maya Muldowney ’18, Neuroscience ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology fat absorption. NT is also expressed in the ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology Spatial processing skills predict science and brain, and its expression decreases in the Do you struggle to keep track of time? math performance, and they are trainable ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus Despite extensive research on time (Tarampi, Heydari & Hagarty, 2016). Here, (VMH) in obese male rats as compared perception, many aspects remain a mystery, we develop a new web-based mental rotation to their lean counterparts. The effects of because methods used to assess time test (MRT) and assess its sensitivity and NT are mediated through three receptors: perception vary (Grondin, 2010). To provide validity as a measure of spatial processing. NTR1, 2, and 3. NT binds to NTR1 a comprehensive assessment, we developed We administered our MRT along with in the hypothalamus. ERα and NT are a test to measure different aspects of time other reliable, well-validated tests to 80 coexpressed in the VMH, and E2 increases perception: estimating time interval, participants from Amazon Mechanical Turk NT expression in lean female mice. Based comparing time interval, and determining with different backgrounds. Two major on these findings, this study investigates the time of day. We will report the results findings emerged. First, MRT dissociated the effect of estrogens on NTR1 expression of two studies, the first with Wellesley strongly from measures of visual attention in the VMH of female mice lacking students, and the second with a more (r = 0.13) and processing speed (r = 0.04), leptin (ob/ob) and fed a high-fat diet. It is representative sample through the Amazon indicating a remarkable cognitive specificity. hypothesized that E2 treatment will increase Mechanical Turk. We hypothesize that the Second, MRT associated strongly with the expression of NTR1 in the VMH of ob/ three aspects of time perception positively matrix reasoning (r = 0.59), documenting its

60 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 validity as a measure of spatial processing. would differentially impact semantic versus perspectives, we can better understand Taken together, these findings suggest that physical humor perception, that humor another’s motivations and world view. MRT be considered a sensitive measure for preferences would be mediated by age and isolating spatial aspects of intelligence. education level, and that participants who Evidence of Ancient Plate found the videos funnier would report a Tectonics in Microscopic The Bilingual Mind and Decision better mood. Crystals of Zircon (ZrSiO4) Making Isabelle Herde ’17, Geosciences Naomi Smith ’17, Cognitive and Linguistic Exploring the Universe with the ADVISOR: David Hawkins, Geosciences Sciences; Rachel Kwon ’17, Cognitive and 24-Inch Telescope Plate tectonics shape the evolution of Linguistic Sciences Maggie Zarlengo ’18, Geosciences continents through continental rifting ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology ADVISOR: Kim McLeod, Astronomy and continent-continent collision. These As the world becomes more multilingual, The Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope tectonic processes generate molten magma the need to understand the multilingual (KELT) survey searches for exoplanets with chemical characteristics imparted mind becomes more pertinent. Past studies orbiting stars. This survey requires on the resulting igneous rocks and their have shown that when a multilingual follow-up research from larger telescopes constituent minerals. Over time, the igneous person makes decisions in a nonnative to confirm the transits of these exoplanets rocks weather and erode, decomposing most language, they show less loss aversion around candidate stars. Wellesley’s 24-inch minerals in these rocks and thereby erasing and more unbiased decisions (Keysar telescope is active within the KELT key evidence of ancient plate tectonics. et al., 2012). Here we will attempt to Follow-Up Network. We spend many hours However, some minerals survive as sediment. replicate that finding while going one step observing stars to record the transits of their One such mineral is zircon, a particularly further to ask if culture may also impact exoplanets, which yield data that we then durable mineral that records isotopic loss aversion. Bilingual Korean-English process and send to the KELT team to help information about its age of formation and speaking participants will answer questions confirm or rule out an exoplanet. In this chemical information reflecting its origin. concerning losses and gains in either Korean 350 project, I have learned about Wellesley’s The goal of this study is to evaluate the or English. They will report their cultural part in the Follow-Up Network, made and following question: Does zircon composition background and lifestyle habits. We predict analyzed observations that were submitted reflect the tectonic setting of its source rock? that participants’ decision making in both to the KELT team, and created resources Preliminary results suggest that zircons that their nonnative language and their nonnative to teach future students who continue formed from continent-continent collisions culture will show less loss aversion. Such this research. are chemically distinct from zircons that a phenomenon could have substantial formed from continental rifts. Such chemical implications if people who constantly make The Morality of Plurality: discrimination may provide a new tool decisions in their nonnative language and Empathy in Moral Decision for reconstructing the tectonic history of culture are less biased in important life Making ancient continents. decisions involving, for example, savings, Jasmine Kaduthodil ’18, Neuroscience investment, or retirement. ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology Comparing Reduction Methods of Nitrate to Nitrite for The Influence of Physical When assessing the effect of empathy on morality, the effect of empathy on emotion- Spectrophotometric Analysis of Response on Types of Humor based versus reason-based morality is not Soil Samples Perception examined. Here we ask whether empathic Mia T. Tuccillo ’20, Undecided Kyla Petrie ’17, Psychology; Sahar Moheize ’17, ADVISOR: Alden Griffith, Environmental Studies Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences individuals lean more toward reason-based ADVISOR: Jeremy Wilmer, Psychology or emotion-based moral decision making, The use of vanadium (III) in place of and whether one’s cultural background cadmium has been proposed as a suitable Research has shown that when the significantly influences moral decision alternative for the reduction of nitrate expression of humor is suppressed, people making. We have created a test modeled to nitrite during spectrophotometric are less likely to find stimuli funny (Korb, after the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test determination of soil nitrate. There are 2012). Further research has dichotomized to measure empathy, and compiled a series several compelling aspects of the vanadium humor into two groups: physical and of moral dilemmas divided into depersonal/ method (e.g., cost, toxicity); however, its semantic (Baldwin, 2007). Good sense of personal situations to test for a tendency accuracy and consistency when analyzing humor has been associated with overall toward reason-based versus emotion-based soil extracts (in KCl) is less known. To mood stability (Cann, 2014). However, morality. Participants will be recruited using compare their discrepancies and similarities, no research to date has investigated these Amazon Mechanical Turk. We predict identical soil extracts were reduced by three concepts simultaneously in the same that empathic individuals and individuals both methods, including varying filtering participants. We developed a new measure from cultures emphasizing group over techniques (in preparing extracts) and to better understand the impact of physical self will have a stronger tendency toward recovery tests after spiking samples by a responses on humor perception. Participants, emotion-based morality versus logic-based known amount of 1 ppm nitrate stock placed in either a control or a suppression morality. Morality and empathy are not solution. While filtering technique did group, were shown videos of semantic and interchangeable; by analyzing the effects affect results, it does not seem to interact physical humor and asked to rate how funny of empathy on varying levels of moral with reduction method and efficiency. The the videos were, along with current mood. decision making and integrating cultural vanadium (III) method consistently resulted We hypothesized that suppressing responses in lower and less accurate nitrate

#RUHLMAN2017 61 concentrations, especially for samples with plastic takeout containers and bottles and its what is now West Texas, where sand eroded low initial concentrations of nitrate, and also implications on plastics sustainability. from the continent was deposited in a series has a lower recovery of spiked samples. of deltas. Modern studies of these deltas 2. From previous projects that measured lead concluded that the sand was deposited by a Herbicides and Women’s levels in Boston compost, we aim to track river sourced in the ARM. The goal of this Health: Analysis of Three changes in compost lead concentration over study is to test that hypothesis by examining Tampon Brands for Glyphosate time, to identify lead signatures in different the age and chemical composition of Contamination compost samples, and propose reasons microscopic crystals of the mineral zircon, Alexis Corcoran ’18, Biological Sciences; Amanda behind trends observed. ZrSiO4, preserved in the delta deposits. Hernandez ’18, Environmental Studies; Sarah Preliminary results suggest that most of the 3. Tar Creek, a federal Superfund site, Koenig ’17, Environmental Studies zircons in the deltas may have been derived ADVISOR: Dan Brabander, Geosciences contains heavy metal waste from a century from sources to the west rather than from of mining. Our work examines the Glyphosate, commercially known as the ARM to the north. Roundup, is one of the world’s most speciation and transport pathways of lead, ubiquitous pesticides and has been zinc, and cadmium in soil and plant samples The Development and associated with numerous negative health collected from this site. Application of Genetic Tools for Systematic Dissection of outcomes, including kidney failure and Biogeochemical Trace Element Cortical Circuits and Brain cancer; however, there is little research Profiles of Urban Fruit Trees: on the potential presence of glyphosate in Networks in Mice A Resource to Increase Food commercially produced cotton products Ying (Alyssa) Li ’19, Biochemistry Security such as tampons. This study seeks to use ADVISORS: Martina Königer, Biological Sciences; Ciaran Gallagher ’17, Independent- chemical tracers to better understand the Mark F. Bear, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Environmental Chemistry; Hannah Oettgen ’17, MIT transport mechanisms of glyphosate to Geosciences cotton products. Three brands of tampons ADVISOR: Dan Brabander, Geosciences Many theories of memory posit that were analyzed with phosphorus and nitrogen highly plastic brain regions such as the Urban fruit trees are being rediscovered as indicators of the herbicide. Organic hippocampus encode and store information across the U.S. as a source of seasonal cotton was soaked in varying concentrations transmitted from primary sensory cortices. fresh fruit for primary consumption and of the herbicide and analyzed to model the However, there is increasing consensus canning. Little is known, however, about concentrations that might be present in that these cortical regions can undergo fate and transport of trace elements in the tampons. dramatic experience-dependent plasticity, urban environments with inventories of likely supporting memory formation. legacy pollutants like lead. We partner Environmental Geochemical For instance, stimulus-specific response with the League of Urban Canners in Investigations: Examining potentiation (SRP) is a rapid, long-lasting the greater Boston area to quantify trace- Mobility of Toxins, Identifying form of plasticity observed in the primary element concentrations in urban fruit. Exposure Pathways, and visual cortex of mice. Animals repeatedly Over 200 samples of urban fruit have been Linking Biogeochemistry exposed to a stimulus exhibit an increase collected, as well as commercial samples for to Public Health and of visually evoked potential (VEP) comparison. Samples were blended, dried, Environmental Justice amplitude. Given the complexity of SRP, we and analyzed using X-ray fluorescence. Nisreen Abo-Sido ’18, Environmental Studies; postulate that SRP is mediated by complex Preliminary analysis shows low lead Kimberly Chia Yan Min ’19, Environmental neural networks that exceed the tuning concentrations and high concentrations of Studies/South Asia Studies; Amanda Hernandez of individual neurons. To systematically ’18, Environmental Studies; Gabrielle Jerz DS, some micronutrients. GIS analysis indicates dissect this circuitry, we selectively disrupt Chemistry; Liani Lye Olin ’17, Individual- that these urban fruit trees have the potential cells in visual cortex layers 2/3, 4, 5, or 6 Robotics; Alissa Makligh ’19, Geosciences; to increase food security. Our research can using NMDA-receptor genetic knockouts Thessaly McFall ’19, Geosciences; Hannah inform planting initiatives to optimize access or diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation. Oettgen ’17, Geosciences; Melanie Passaretti to fresh produce through collaboration with Here we present histology data associated ’18, Geosciences/English; Sarah Smith-Tripp urban planners. ’19, Geosciences; Emma Van Scoy DS; Maggie with each approach. These approaches will Zarlengo ’18, Geosciences Using Microscopic Grains of allow us to evaluate the contribution of ADVISOR: Dan Brabander, Geosciences “Sand” to Trace an Ancient canonical cortical organization to visual After learning analytical techniques in the River on the Supercontinent recognition memory. classroom and lab, students in GEOS315: Pangea

Environmental Geochemistry have applied JoNan C. Bilodeau DS, Geosciences our collective geochemical toolbox to ADVISOR: David P. Hawkins, Geosciences examining new and ongoing projects During the Late Paleozoic Era, 280 million addressing real-world environmental issues: years ago, Earth’s land masses occurred as the supercontinent Pangea. The region 1. Single-use plastic containers are often of Pangea that we know today as the reused and reheated, potentially leading to southwestern United States was dominated leaching of toxins into food. Using ICP, by mountain ranges, the Ancestral Rocky XRF, and GC/MS, we aim to understand Mountains (ARM), and a shallow sea in transport mechanisms of potential toxins in

62 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Student Index

Abdelrahman, Sophia S...... 16, 52 Cui, Kendra ...... 13, 42 Jackman, Emma X...... 17, 54 Abo-Sido, Nisreen ...... 62 Dalton, Margaret G...... 18, 57 Jacob, Heike H...... 7, 24 Abramson, Jessica (Jess) R...... 14, 47 Daniel, Jeane-Yve Z...... 17, 56 Jacobs, Hannah ...... 12, 40 Adams, Myfanwy C...... 13, 45 Davis, Jasmine N...... 14, 47 Jenkins, Lisa J...... 14, 19, 48 Adra, Noor ...... 59 Dayal, Shivani A...... 7, 27 Jennings, Rebecca B...... 8, 27 Allen, Cassandra M...... 8, 16, 29, 51 Dornon, Mary K...... 10, 35 Jerz, Gabrielle ...... 62 Alt, Helene ...... 10, 35 Douga, Caitlynn ...... 16, 52 Ji, Brenda Y...... 10, 35 Anderson, Nicole E...... 12, 41 Dugar, Anushree ...... 10, 34 Jin, Xueni (Emily) ...... 15, 50 Ang, Allyson E...... 12, 40 Johnson, Amy L...... 8, 29 Aoki, Katharine A...... 18, 56 Egbuzie, Chika D...... 14, 45 Justus, Margaret A...... 6, 24 Aquino, Austen N...... 6, 22 El Kohen, Aida ...... 16, 52 Aquit, Surisadai (Suri)...... 17, 54 Escamilla Saldaña, Alejandra I...... 15, 48, 59 Kaduthodil, Jasmine ...... 61 Arias, Lizamaria...... 17, 55 Eslami, Sara M...... 10, 35 Kashyap, Manaswi ...... 12, 42 Aslam, Faiza S...... 9, 32 Keane-Lee, Jalena A...... 14, 47 Asnaran, Gabriela C...... 11, 40 Fahnbulleh, Whitney C...... 14, 47 Kenneally, Kate E...... 8, 29 Augst, Hannah K...... 13, 44 Farkas, Rebecca B...... 15, 50 Klein, Charli ...... 10, 35 Auld-Brokish, Clare...... 10, 35 Favela, Paola M...... 8, 29 Kim, Callie ...... 13, 42 Aywa, Martha (Khalayi) K...... 17, 53 Feng, Ruby ...... 6, 22 Kim, Ju (Julie) Y...... 16, 51 Fernandez, Aurora (Rory) S...... 13, 44 Kim, Rachel ...... 7, 25 Balin, Kayli J...... 16, 52 Figueroa, Dania M...... 7, 25 Kim, Sharon S...... 6, 22 Ball, Emilia A...... 13, 44 Flikkema, Clio B...... 8, 11, 29, 39 Kim, Stephanie S...... 13, 45 Bancroft, Laura M...... 10, 35 Flowers, Madison M...... 9, 30 Klureza, Margaret (Maggie) A...... 7, 25 Baniya, Subha ...... 11, 38 Fong, Jolene W...... 14, 46, 59 Kodali, Tanvi ...... 8, 29 Banson, Kara M...... 10, 34 Friedberg, Elle D...... 16, 52 Koenig, Sarah H...... 7, 11, 24, 39, 62 Barth, Kathryn M...... 8, 28 Fromont, Amandine M...... 17, 54 Koirala, Prapti ...... 17, 54 Bechtel, Caroline R...... 17, 19, 55 Fukumura, Yuriko A...... 6, 22 Kranc, Shelby N...... 59 Beck, Madeleine ...... 59 Furman, Leah M...... 7, 25 Kung, Kelly C...... 14, 46 Bejar, Andrea M...... 7, 26 Kutner, Jillian L...... 17, 55 Beyette, Marissa (Claire) C...... 14, 47 Gallagher, Ciaran L...... 12, 42, 62 Kwon, Rachel ...... 61 Bilodeau, JoNan C...... 62 Galloway, Christine J...... 6, 22 Bornoe, Aisha Lovise Maud ...... 13, 43 Gan, Yu Hui (Yuna) ...... 6, 22 Lam, Diana ...... 8, 29 Bourque, Serena K...... 7, 26 Gao, Michelle ...... 6, 22 Larcom, Allyson F...... 6, 23 Bozorgmehri, Nedda ...... 16, 52 George, Caroline R...... 17, 56 Lee, Jiyoung J...... 7, 26 Brewer-Wallin, Emma G...... 12, 42 Ghemawat, Ananya M...... 16, 51 Lee, Vivien ...... 15, 49 Brockman, Jekia ...... 18, 56 Goldstein, Emerson S...... 9, 32 Lepore, Christina E...... 10, 35 Brusseau, Leila-Anne B...... 7, 24 Goodman, Emma E...... 17, 53 Leu, Rebecca T...... 15, 49 Burnam, Rose ...... 16, 51 Groth, Monica P...... 16, 52 Leung, Lok Sze ...... 17, 56 Guo, Alexandria ...... 7, 25 Li, Alice S...... 15, 49 Castillo, Diana M...... 15, 50 Guo, Lydia ...... 8, 29 Li, Doris ...... 6, 13, 23, 44 Chalphin, Eliana (Ellie) T...... 12, 40 Gupta, Kanupriya ...... 7, 27 Li, Mingfei ...... 12, 40 Chan, Katherine ...... 10, 14, 35, 46 Li, Ying (Alyssa) ...... 62 Chang, Jennifer C...... 17, 53 Hakes, Anna C...... 17, 54 Liang, Katharine Y...... 12, 40 Cheema, Amal W...... 19, 39, 47 Harling, Moriah R...... 7, 26 Liang, Sabrina ...... 8, 18, 29, 57 Chen, Carina Y...... 59 Harper, Caroline J...... 17, 54 Liu, Juliet Y...... 9, 33 Chen, Connie ...... 6, 22 Harris, Jennifer (Jenn) E...... 10, 36 Liu, Xiaorong (Sharon) ...... 16, 53 Chen, Irina ...... 17, 54 Hemp, Catherine ...... 60 Louis, Some M...... 16, 53 Chen, Isabelle A...... 6,23 Herde, Isabelle ...... 61 Love, Brianna N...... 17, 54 Cheon, Diane ...... 11, 38 Hernandez, Amanda B...... 17, 54, 62 Lowe, Alexis L...... 7, 25 Chia, Yan Min Kimberly ...... 17, 54, 62 Ho, Nancy ...... 8, 27 Lu, Michelle ...... 13, 44 Chmyz, Julia J...... 8, 30 Hossain, Lamisa S...... 15, 50 Lukosiute, Kamile ...... 13, 44 Choi, Jung Hyun ...... 12, 41 Huang Ruixue, Louisa ...... 11, 38 Choi, Suyoung ...... 16, 52 Hughes, Serenity D...... 15, 49 Ma, Lilian ...... 12, 40 Churchill, Samantha (Sam) M...... 15, 48 Hyslop, Katharine P...... 14, 47 Madhu-Sudan, Roshni M...... 16, 52 Clark, Meredith N...... 59 Madsen, Katherine (Katie) J...... 18, 57 Colby, Helen C...... 18, 56 Iacovino, Zoe M...... 13, 42 Makligh, Alissa ...... 62 Collins, Madelena H...... 17, 56 Inamahoro, Belyse ...... 8, 16, 28, 52 Mann, Juliette C...... 16, 53 Conrad-Rooney, Emma M...... 17, 54 Iye, Julide E...... 6, 24 Markovic, Milica ...... 17, 53 Corcoran, Alexis M...... 17, 54, 62 Marostica, Eliana ...... 14, 45 Cox, Kaylie M...... 13, 44 Mata, Johana C...... 6, 23 Crayton, Alexis D...... 8, 28 Maxie, Maleah P...... 9, 15, 32 Cronin, Cassandra A...... 17, 56 Mayfield, Jordan M...... 15, 49 Cross, Alysha E...... 7, 24 Mayorga, Liliana ...... 9, 30 Cross, Kathryn J...... 16, 52 McDonald, Isabella R...... 17, 55

#RUHLMAN2017 63 McFall, Thessaly ...... 17, 54 Ram, Priyanka ...... 60 Vaish, Kanika A...... 10, 34 McGrath, Jacqueline (Jackie) G...... 9, 31 Ramanudom, Budnampet ...... 15, 49 van der Knaap, Diederique B.W.P...... 59 McMillan, Imara H...... 11, 39 Reed, Charlotte R...... 14, 46 Van Dusen, Rebecca. R...... 18, 56 McNeil, Megan E...... 10, 34 Regalado, Arianna G...... 9, 13, 32, 42 Van Scoy, Emma ...... 62 Mehta, Rhea ...... 13, 44 Reyes, Kariely ...... 12, 41 Vannah, Sara ...... 59 Meisenzahl, Mary R...... 17, 56 Riedler, Pallas C...... 9, 32 Varma, Tanvee ...... 8, 29 Melton, Casey A...... 14, 46, 59 Rieger, Agnes (Aggie) G...... 14, 19, 48 Vorder Bruegge, Ruth H...... 7, 26 Menzel, Marissa ...... 10, 35 Rizzoni, Elizabeth A...... 15, 48 Michelson, Sarah N...... 8, 29 Roche, Katherine H...... 9, 32 Wade, Meredith J...... 6, 17, 23, 54 Miller, Cassie ...... 59 Rodriguez, Kaylee (Amelia) A...... 13, 43 Wang, Annie ...... 18, 56 Miller, Esther A...... 9, 32 Rogers, Sheridan L...... 15, 49 Wang, Elisa J...... 17, 53 Millon, Morgan L...... 18, 56 Rose, Sanaea C...... 11, 38 Wang, Michelle M...... 12, 41 Mincheva, Samuila (Sam) Y...... 8, 27 Rosenberg, Isabella ...... 15, 49 Wang, Zichun (Michelle) ...... 9, 30 Ming, Grace R...... 8, 29 Ross, Aya N...... 15, 49 Wanzer, Lucy A...... 17, 54 Moheize, Sahar ...... 61 Roth, Victoria (Tory) E...... 15, 49 Watkins, Adele M...... 12, 40 Moran, Kelsey C...... 16, 51 Rowland, Sophia (Sophie) B...... 11, 37 Webb, Kaila L...... 8, 29 Mostrom, Lauren I...... 9, 31 Ruffin, Brianna D...... 12, 40 Weiss, Charlotte J...... 18, 56 Mou, Jennifer ...... 8, 29, 60 Russell, Sarah J...... 17, 54 Wells, Julia F...... 6, 22 Muldowney, Maya ...... 60 Weschler, Ruth E...... 10, 33 Mulligan, Rhiannon L...... 16, 52 Sachsse, Clara (Clare) C...... 7, 24 White, Virginia G...... 10, 16, 34, 53 Murakami, Megumi ...... 16, 52 Saito, Akiho ...... 17, 56 Whitehead, Emily J...... 13, 45 Murphy, Hannah ...... 60 Sarmiento, Julissa ...... 59 Williams, Evan C...... 15, 49 Scalisi, Emma D...... 10, 36 Wu, Sharon H...... 59 Nagras, Nikita R...... 9, 33 Schlerman, Else P...... 11, 38 Nagyal, Manjot K...... 11, 36 Selch, Rebecca E...... 7, 24 Xi, Ningyi ...... 9, 16, 32, 53 Namkoong, Michelle F...... 12, 40 Sessa, Hunter M...... 16, 52 Xia, Lingjun (Lotus) ...... 60 Naranjo, Monica M...... 15, 51 Sharon, Edith (Edie) M...... 10, 34 Xiao, Sirui (Chloe) ...... 13, 44 Ng, Shi Hui (Fiona) ...... 7, 25 Shen, Anne H...... 10, 35 Xu, Alice Z...... 6, 22 Ni, Karen X...... 18, 57 Shin, Claire S...... 9, 33 Xu, Lily C...... 17, 55 Nicoloff, Catherine R...... 11, 37 Shin, Sara H...... 11, 37 Xu, Tina Y...... 18, 57 Nip, Emily ...... 7, 26 Sidhu, Katie K...... 13, 44 Norman, Natalie J...... 11, 38 Simonson, Aubrey E...... 13, 44 Yan, Sarah A...... 16, 52 Ntavelou-Baoum, Fani ...... 13, 44 Smith, Naomi...... 61 Yanes, Katherine (Olivia) J...... 11, 37 Smith-Tripp, Sarah M...... 17, 54, 62 Yau, Anita M...... 10, 35 Oettgen, Hannah L...... 17, 54, 62 Solari, Nhia M...... 13, 42 Yax, Emily ...... 59 Ogho, Ngozi C...... 13, 44 Sonthalia, Anissa ...... 16, 52 Ye, Ruby ...... 8, 28 Ohemeng, Sandra A...... 16, 52 Sorenson, Kylie M...... 10, 36 Yih, Imogen Y...... 16, 52 Okhai, Disha C...... 7, 25 St. Clair, Isabelle L...... 10, 33 Yoke, Cynthia C...... 10, 34 Olin, Liani Lye ...... 62 Staccuneddu, Isabel A...... 8, 29 Younus, Zainab ...... 17, 56 Ondraskova, Daniela (Danni) ...... 15, 48 Stern, Madeline E...... 8, 29 Yu, Charlotte Z...... 16, 53 Ortega, Lucia J...... 7, 25 Stewart, Samantha M...... 13, 42 Ostenso, Samantha ...... 12, 40 Stovall-Ceja, Camille C...... 8, 30 Zarlengo, Maggie ...... 61, 62 Ozcan, Meltem ...... 12, 41 Sun, Angela M...... 6, 19, 23 Zawarski, Laura ...... 13, 43 Zhong, Cordelia ...... 8, 12, 29, 41 Page, Anna S...... 18, 57 Takada, Megumi E...... 18, 56 Zhou, Alice ...... 10, 35 Parece, Kiera M...... 9, 31 Tan, Adrianna L...... 14, 47 Zhou, Linda W...... 8, 29 Park, Ha Jin ...... 15, 49 Tang, Riann K...... 8, 29 Zhu, Haoling (Holly) ...... 14, 45 Passaretti, Melanie (Mel) T...... 11, 38, 62 Tano-Menka, Rhoda Kesewaa (Rhoda) .... 11, 38 Zhu, Peiying (Peggy) ...... 6, 24 Pearson, Emily A...... 13, 44 Taylor, Caroline B...... 16, 52 Ziad, Amina ...... 9, 31 Perez, Carla P...... 7, 25 Tew, Sophia O...... 16, 52 Persaud, Dharani A...... 10, 33 Thatai, Shreya ...... 16, 51 Petrie, Kyla ...... 61 Thennakoon, Kavindya ...... 13, 43 Pfoertsch, Anna M...... 13, 45 Towers, Gwendolyn ...... 10, 35 Phelps, Christina I...... 12, 40 Tran, Havannah C...... 13, 44 Pineda, Lazel M...... 10, 35 Tu, Lucia ...... 12, 41 Pirani, Zahra K...... 11, 39 Tuccillo, Mia T...... 61 Plachinski, Leah A...... 8, 29 Pleskow, Haley M...... 10, 35 Umarova, Khonzodakhon (Khonzoda) .... 14, 47 Pollack, Ninan S...... 15, 48 Popescu, Medeea C...... 13, 45 Qin, Heng (Amber) ...... 8, 29

64 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 Faculty Index

Akert, Robin ...... 42 Haines, David ...... 35 Park, Kyung-Hong ...... 57 Arciniegas, Diego ...... 43 Hajj, Nadya ...... 50 Pattanayak, Cassandra ...... 46 Armstrong, Justin ...... 33, 43 Hall, Nancy ...... 23 Peterman, T. Kaye ...... 54 Arumainayagam, Christopher ...... 38 Hawkins, David ...... 2, 25, 61, 62 Hennessey, Beth ...... 19, 48 Radhakrishnan, Mala ...... 25 Bahns, Angela ...... 41 Hertz, Rosanna ...... 31 Robeson, Wendy ...... 31, 50 Battat, James ...... 37, 38 Hickey, Alison ...... 23 Rodenhouse, Nicholas ...... 36 Bauer, Deborah ...... 25, 26 Higgins, Monica ...... 24 Rogers, Ruth ...... 52 Bear, Mark F...... 62 Hilt, Eric ...... 29, 40, 49 Rosenwald, Lawrence ...... 32, 49 Beltz, Barbara ...... 34 Hong, Soo ...... 32 Rubin, Noah ...... 49 Berman, Patricia ...... 43 Huang, Adrian ...... 38 Rutherford, Markella ...... 30 Bhogal, Gurminder ...... 32 Brabander, Daniel ...... 54, 62 Jones, Kristina ...... 53 Sequeira, Andrea ...... 35 Bryant, Heather ...... 44, 52 Shaer, Orit ...... 2, 47 Buchholtz, Emily ...... 59 Keane, Margaret ...... 2, 26 Silver, Edward ...... 22, 42 Burke, Tom ...... 51 Kerr, Sari ...... 49, 57 Stanley, Rachel ...... 35 Butcher, Kristin ...... 51 Klepac-Ceraj, Vanja ...... 36, 37 Suzuki, Yuichiro ...... 2, 36, 37, 55 Kodera, T. James ...... 42 Cain, William ...... 22, 34 Königer, Martina ...... 62 Tang, Jenny ...... 22 Cameron, Tracey ...... 39, 40, 49 Tetel, Marc ...... 60 Carli, Linda ...... 59 Lee, Yoon ...... 49 Tjaden, Brian ...... 27 Carpenter, Angela ...... 50 Lewis, Laura ...... 27 Tynes, Jordan ...... 44 Carrara-Augustenborg, Claudia ...... 27 Lindauer, David ...... 19, 39 Carrico-Moniz, Dora ...... 53 Logvinenko, Igor ...... 56 Valera, Eve M...... 59 Cassibry, Kimberly ...... 24 Lovenduski, Nikki ...... 46 Van Arsdale, Adam ...... 36 Charmaraman, Linda ...... 49 Chen, Stephen ...... 15, 29, 41, 50 MacDonald, Paul ...... 19, 55 Walsh, Julie ...... 44 Confortini, Catia ...... 33, 45 Marlow, Louise ...... 24 Ward, David ...... 34 Creef, Elena ...... 33 Marshall, Nancy ...... 41 Ward, Honorine ...... 37 Cuba, Lee ...... 3, 51 Mata, Irene ...... 51 Whitaker, Cord ...... 33, 53 Cushman, Thomas ...... 29 Matthes, Erich ...... 19, 23 Wiest, Michael ...... 26, 59 Matthes, Jaclyn ...... 54 Williams, Linda ...... 51 Darling, Louise ...... 45 Matthews, Adam ...... 45 Wilmer, Jeremy ...... 48, 59 Davis, Ophera ...... 30 Mattila, Heather ...... 35 Wolfson, Adele ...... 3, 46 de Bres, Helena ...... 44 McCabe, Joshua ...... 29, 40, 48, 56 Wood, Benjamin ...... 27 McGibbon, Phyllis ...... 42, 52, 53 Elmore, Donald E...... 59 McLeod, Kim ...... 46, 59, 61 Young, Elizabeth ...... 50 McNamara, Martha ...... 32 Fetter, Daniel ...... 51 Meyer, Susan ...... 23 Flynn, Nolan ...... 47 Minor, Elizabeth ...... 29 Fravel, M. Taylor ...... 57 Monecke, Katrin ...... 36 Mowbray, Andrew ...... 2, 22 Galarneau, Charlene ...... 31 Musacchio, Jacqueline ...... 44 Gartner, Corinne ...... 24, 40 Mustafaraj, Eniana ...... 28, 47 Gibb, Leif ...... 26 Giersch, C. Pat ...... 56 Nunez, Megan ...... 25 Gilhuly, Catherine ...... 34 Gleason, Tracy ...... 30, 31 Obeng, Pashington ...... 33 Gobes, Sharon ...... 27 Oliver, Elizabeth ...... 24 Goncharenko, Larisa ...... 46 Olsen, David ...... 22, 32, 47 Gonzalez, Octavio ...... 34, 39 Osoro, Geofred ...... 52 Goss, John ...... 28 Grandjean, Katherine ...... 57 Greene, Nikki ...... 49 Greer, Brenna ...... 23 Griffith, Alden ...... 60, 61 Grossman, Jennifer ...... 19, 48

#RUHLMAN2017 65 The Wellesley College Guild of Carillonneurs

The Wellesley College Guild of Carillonneurs is a student-run organization whose members provide the trademark music of chiming bells on campus. Active members of the Guild receive weekly lessons and perform regularly on the carillon during the school year. The Guild also hosts open tower events and concerts open to the entire Wellesley community. Housing 32 bells, the Wellesley carillon was installed in Galen Stone Tower above Green Hall in 1931. The tower is 182 feet tall from the ground to its highest finial. Aside from a few years during World War II, Wellesley students have performed on the carillon since its installation.

FEATURED CARILLONNEURS PLAYING DURING TODAY’S RUHLMAN CONFERENCE:

10:25 – 10:45 a.m. 2:40 – 3:00 p.m. Emma Postel ’18 Kelly Navickas ’19

“Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Remembrances of J. S. Bach,” J. S. Bach Willem Creman “Land of Rest,” “Reflection from Ludus Modalis,” arr. Percival Price Geert D’hollander “Old Kentucky Home,” “Traumerei,” arr. Florence Risley Robert Schumann “Davy Jones Plays his Organ,” “Breathe” from In the Heights, arr. Amy Allport arr. Kelly Navickas “Close Your Eyes,” arr. Emma Postel “Consolation,” Felix Mendelssohn 12:00 – 12:20 p.m. Margaret Liu ’17 4:10 – 4:30 p.m. Kim Asenbeck ’17 “Marche en Rondeau,” Marc-Antoine Charpentier “Praeludium from Cello Suite in G,” “A Mighty Fortress,” J. S. Bach arr. Katie Musgrove “Gymnopedie,” “Campane a Sera,” Eric Satie Nino Rota “Opening from Glassworks,” “How Far I’ll Go,” Phillip Glass, arr. Kim Asenbeck arr. Margaret Liu “Praeludium in C from WTC Bk. I,” “Spring Morning,” J. S. Bach Geert D’hollander “Bouree from English Suite No. 3,” J. S. Bach

66 WELLESLEY COLLEGE RUHLMAN CONFERENCE 2017 The 2017 Ruhlman Conference Committee gratefully acknowledges faculty and staff in the following departments and facilities for their commitment to the Ruhlman Conference: Archives, Campus Police, Communications and Public Affairs, Computer Science, Custodial Services, Grounds, Library and Technology Services, Mail Services, Motor Pool, Physical Plant Administration, Science Center, Special Events, and The Wellesley College Club. www.wellesley.edu/ruhlman #Ruhlman2017