III IIII II I I I I I I I I III IIII II I I I I I I I I Editor Jill Singer, Ph.D. Director, Office of Undergraduate Research Cover Design and Layout: Carol Alex The following individuals and offices are acknowledged for their many contributions: Marc Bayer, Interim Library Director, E.H. Butler Library, Department and Program Coordinators (identified below) and the library staff Donald Schmitter, Hospitality and Tourism, and students and very special thanks to: in HTR 400: Catering Management Kaylene Waite, Graphic Design, Instructional Resources Bruce Fox, Photographer Carol Alex, Center for Development of Human Services Andrew Chambers, Information Management Officer Sean Fox, Ellofex, Inc. Bernadette Gilliam and Mary Beth Wojtaszek, Events Management Department and Program Coordinators for the Eighteenth Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration Lisa Marie Anselmi, Anthropology Dan MacIsaac, Physics Sarbani Banerjee, Computer Information Systems Candace Masters, Art Education Saziye Bayram, Mathematics Carmen McCallum, Higher Education Administration Carol Beckley, Theater Michaelene Meger, Exceptional Education Lynn Boorady, Fashion and Textile Technology Andrew Nicholls, History and Social Studies Education Louis Colca, Social Work Jill Norvilitis, Psychology Sandra Washington-Copeland, McNair Scholars Program Kathleen O’Brien, Hospitality and Tourism Carol DeNysschen, Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics Lorna Perez, English Eric Dolph, Interior Design Rebecca Ploeger, Art Conservation Reva Fish, Social & Psychological Foundations Stephen Saracino, Design Kelly Frothingham, Geography and Planning Lynne Scalia, Business Jason Grinnell, Philosophy and Humanities Jim Shea, Engineering Technology Carolyn Guzski, Music Christopher Shively, Elementary Education and Reading Andrea Guiati, Muriel A. Howard Honors Program Ron Smith, Communication Deborah Insalaco, Speech-Language Pathology James Sobol, Criminal Justice Lin Xia Jiang, Fine Arts Gary Solar, Earth Sciences and Science Education Michael Johnson, Modern and Classical Languages Robert Warren, Biology Jamie Kim, Chemistry Peter Yacobucci, Political Science Eric Krieg, Sociology Jo Yudess, Center for Studies in Creativity Joelle Leclaire, Economics Table of Contents Table Welcome Statements __________________________1 Recipients of Undergraduate Summer Fellowships in 2015 ________________________ 5 Abstracts Arts ____________________________________________ 15 Business and Fashion & Textile Technology ___________________ 29 Computer Information Systems and Engineering Technology _______ 36 Education ________________________________________ 43 Health, Nutrition, and Wellness ___________________________ 56 Humanities _______________________________________ 80 Physical Geography, Sciences, and Mathematics ________________ 90 Psychology and Social Sciences ___________________________ 112 I am delighted to welcome you to the 18th Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration at Buffalo State College. We have one of the longest traditions of undergraduate and graduate research in SUNY and each year our number of student researchers grows. This year we have over 450 students participating and 150 faculty mentors. This tradition provides a unique and exciting opportunity for Buffalo State students to showcase research and creative activities from all academic disciplines. During this two-day event many of our talented students will exhibit their work in a variety of venues such as theatrical and musical performances, gallery exhibits, posters, presentations and demonstrations. It is through research that we acquire new knowledge, solve many problems and discover new approaches and information. Studies have shown that research enhances what students learn in the classroom; engages their intellectual curiosity; satisfies their thirst for discovery and provides an outlet for their creativity. Much of the research allows students to apply their knowledge acquired in class work to concerns that impact, influence or celebrate community issues. We believe that many of our students also gain self-confidence and grow intellectually by engaging in research and creative activities. Additionally, research fosters meaningful and long-lasting relationships between a student and his or her faculty mentor. These relationships often extend beyond graduation and help to keep our alumni connected to the institution and returning to inspire current students. At Buffalo State we are proud of our efforts to provide stimulating and meaningful initiatives for our students to learn, grow and develop into strong leaders and solid citizens. The Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration is certainly one of our premier learning initiatives. I congratulate and commend the talented undergraduate and graduate students who are participating in this year’s celebration. I also thank the faculty mentors and advisors who work with such commitment and dedication to bring our students to this level of scholarship. Again, welcome to all. I hope that you enjoy the 18th Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration at Buffalo State College. Sincerely, Katherine Conway-Turner, Ph.D. President The spirit of inquiry permeates everything we do at Buffalo State College, and the 18th Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of students and faculty engaged in activities that demonstrate higher education at its best. Our students and their faculty mentors have put in many hours of work in laboratories, archives, studios, and out in the community to produce the projects we see today. None of this would be possible without the tireless work of Dr. Jill Singer, who is a nationally recognized leader in undergraduate research, and the many faculty, staff, and students who have contributed their talents to this signature celebration. An event of this magnitude is an exhausting labor of love, but well worth the effort to showcase the incredible work of our students. Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff whose efforts are on display here today. Melanie Perreault, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Welcome! Welcome to the 18th annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration! One of Buffalo State’s great traditions, this celebration provides an opportunity to observe and reflect on the intellectual and creative energy that radiates across the Buffalo State campus. The students presenting today have gained an appreciation of how scholarship is conducted and what it takes to contribute new knowledge or works of art. The skills they developed and honed will serve them well as they continue their education and throughout their professional careers. From first-year students to graduating seniors to students pursuing their master’s degrees, we are a community that embraces learning and delights in each new discovery. And while disciplinary discoveries are essential, it is the discoveries we make about ourselves while engaged in research, scholarly, and creative activities that over time become even more meaningful. This year we are introducing an online schedule that includes links to each abstract or artist statement. Accessible on mobile devices, the schedule not only saves printing but also includes several features that make it easier to search using presenters’ last names or keywords. This year’s celebration is the largest to date, with a program composed of 395 talks, poster presentations, and works of art. No presentation would be possible without dedicated mentors who provide guidance and encouragement to students, committed staff members across campus who help ensure that this event runs smoothly, and supportive administrators who place a premium on providing all students with high-impact learning opportunities. This is a community celebration, and I am delighted you are a part of this event. I hope you enjoy listening to and meeting the student presenters. Enjoy the program! Jill Singer, Ph.D. Professor of Earth Sciences Director, Office of Undergraduate Research 1 Our Research and Creativity Celebration showcases one of the engaged learning opportunities students have available to them at SUNY Buffalo State. The work we all enjoy during this two-day event highlights our faculty’s commitment to mentoring and our students’ commitment to learning. It vividly demonstrates the commitment to excellence characteristic of so many people on our campus. As research and scholarship are the hallmarks of a graduate education, the Graduate School is proud to support this work. I warmly congratulate all the students participating in this great weekend of intellectual and artistic expression–especially the graduate students–and sincerely thank all the faculty mentors for their contributions to student achievement. As always, we extend a special thanks to Dr. Jill Singer for her passionate leadership and for organizing the Research and Creativity Celebration, now in its 18 th year! Kevin Railey, Ph.D. Dean, The Graduate School It is my pleasure to welcome students, faculty, and staff to the 18th Annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration. The concepts and skills learned in our classes become most meaningful when students put them into action. Buffalo State takes great pride in the ways our students offer contributions to the bodies of knowledge and art that demonstrate high levels of creativity, quality, and value. This event then brings the Buffalo State Community together to engage one another about our discoveries