Florida Gulf Coast University AquilaThe FGCU Student Research Journal
VOLUME II / APRIL 2016 Copyright © 2016 Aquila – The FGCU Student Research Journal Aquila - The FGCU Student Research Journal
Table of Contents
President’s Message 3
Provost’s Message 5
Editorial Page 6
Editorial Board Message 7
Acknowledgements 8
Articles
Biases Trump Evidence in Beliefs About Animal Welfare Jessica Baker 9
Assassins Do Not Wear Battle Bikinis: The Case Against Gender Inequality and Female Specific Hypersexualization in Video Games Mary-Cecile Gayoso 17 The Function and Efficacy of Civil Disobedience Alexander Sell 23 Rise of Papal Administration: Apostolic Authority in the Context of Crusading Noah Anderson 29 Malory’s Gawain: Characterizing Fragmentation and Unification Susan Rojas 33 Dropping Acid: Global Warming’s Equally Evil Twin Ocean Acidification in Estero Bay, Florida Marshall Nathanson 41 Student Achievements 45
Short Communications
Improving an e-Bike: Riding with “Christina” Gabriella Giliberti, Ardit Dervishaj, Rishabh Rawal, Christian Bokrand, Joseph Simmons, Ph.D., Joseph Cuiffi, Ph.D. 49 Comparative Gait Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality Headset Josiah Keime, Kristin Ladia, Jay Shah, Derek Lura, Ph.D. 53
1 FGCU makes valuable discoveries daily using Southwest Florida as a lab for learning.
From marine sciences and biotechnology to sustainability, entrepreneurship and physical therapy,
FGCU faculty and students partner with local people and businesses in ways that benefit all, putting our region in a class of its own.
Inspiring those who inspire others. THAT’S THE FGCU EFFECT. Florida Gulf Coast University fgcu.edu
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A Message from the President I am pleased to introduce the first printed edition of Aquila, a journal showcasing the research, creative, and scholarly work of students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Thanks to the efforts and encouragement of Professors Foote, Gunnels, and Demers, an online version of Aquila first appeared in November, 2014. The journal now has a student editorial board and is advised by Professors Reuter and Eichbauer. Both the online and printed versions of Aquila are designed to highlight that, in addition to being a first-class teaching institution, FGCU offers its undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to actively participate in the thriving research and creative activities of the faculty.
As an undergraduate student, I was given the opportunity to work in the laboratory of one of my professors. This experience was the beginning of me earning a Ph.D. in psychobiology and having a rich and rewarding academic and research career. As you will read in this and future editions of Aquila, FGCU students are involved in stimulating work with their professors which has the potential of shaping their futures. I trust you will read this inaugural print edition of Aquila with great interest and that you will look forward to learning more about how our students are involved with the research and creative activities of FGCU faculty. Enjoy!
Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D. President
3 FGCU Honors Program The Honors Program at Florida Gulf Coast University provides student scholars the opportunity, mentoring, and resources to fully realize the potential of their university education. Through small classes filled with inquisitive students, one-on-one mentoring by outstanding professors, and innovative curricular experiences, Honors students graduate prepared for academic and professional success.
• Study Abroad • Early Registration • Smaller Class Sizes • Honors Housing • Honors Events • Honors Advising • Service Opportunities • Scholarships and Grants • Research Experiences • Mentor Program
Admission to the Honors Program: When a student applies to FGCU, they are automatically considered for admission to the Honors Program based on their weighted High School GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Current FGCU students and Transfer students with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and between 12 and 60 completed credit hours are also invited to apply each Spring and Fall semester.
Automatic Admission: Invitation to Apply: 3.9 Weighted High School GPA 3.5 Weighted High School GPA 1850 SAT OR 28 ACT 1700 SAT OR 25 ACT Invitation mailed to home address Invitation emailed to email on record
PILLARS OF HONORS
Leadership Academic Achievement Cultural Exploration Personal Transformation Service
Questions? Contact Us!
Honors Program Office: Reed Hall - 155 M-F 8am-5pm phone: 239-590-7490 email: [email protected] www.fgcu.edu/honors
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A Message from the Provost
Since first opening its doors in 1997, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has grown into a thriving living, learning community, focused on fostering the scholarly development of its talented students. The printed articles you will observe in Aquila demonstrate the academic excellence and diversity of our students and faculty. The first printed edition of Aquila also marks a milestone for our institution, as we are now the only university in the Florida State University System with a printed student research journal This important milestone further proves that, though we may be young, Florida Gulf Coast University is making strides in the field of student research that rival those of our fellow Florida institutions.
Aquila highlights FGCU’s success in the creation of a stimulating research community for undergraduate and graduate students, thanks in part to the outstanding faculty who go above and beyond to encourage and develop the academic growth of the university’s student body. These faculty work closely with our students, providing inspiration and cultivating their lifelong passion for research. Additionally, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the Whitaker Center for STEM Education, and the Honors Program have all played a vitally important role in the development of our students, and as a result, the first printed edition of Aquila.
The opportunity to publish, especially as an undergraduate student, is a rare and extremely satisfying experience. I still remember my very first publication that came as a graduate student. For me, it symbolized that I was, at that point in time, an active member of a larger global, scholarly community. I am thrilled that our dedicated students at FGCU whose scholarly activities are featured in this first printed edition of Aquila get to experience that same thrill and sense of accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing many more great things come from our remarkable student body.
Ronald B. Toll, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
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