499 Mentored Research

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https://mcstor.library.milligan.edu/handle/11558/39

Milligan’s RISE Above (Research Increases Student Engagement) program provides opportunities for students to participate in experiences of faculty-mentored research and creative expression. Many Milligan students already conduct research, perform on stage, exhibit original artwork, present at conferences, and publish written works. Milligan’s RISE Above program provides more opportunities for students to participate in these experiences of research and creative expression.

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Addressing Post Secondary Mathematics Remediation: How to Encourage Students to Persist Despite Mathematical Deficiencies
(2022-12-07) Johnson, Alexandra; Dula, Mark
The United States job market is experiencing a shortage of mathematically qualified individuals to fill the gaps within the STEM job market. Without these individuals, the U.S. will not be able to support and keep up with the fast-paced technological advancements that have been displayed during the 21st century. The problem with the lack of mathematically inclined individuals displays its one of its root issues at the college level. There are not enough students in college taking mathematics courses at the postsecondary level, and therefore, there are not enough students earning mathematics degrees or being trained in mathematics skills. There can be many reasons for students not engaging in higher-level mathematics, ranging from mathematics anxiety to negative mathematics experiences. One of the reasons that affect students at the collegiate level is the nature of remedial mathematics courses that they are required to take. These courses can be demoralizing for students, and students have a difficult time connecting the mathematics that they are learning with their future careers. Students exit these courses discouraged and disinterested in mathematics. It is difficult to rewrite the mathematics history of students before they choose their major, and it is impossible to change the content that students are presented in remedial mathematics classes. What educators can do is determine how to motivate and encourage persistence among students inside of the remedial mathematics courses and instill an appreciation for the mathematics that they are being taught. This research is aimed at identifying factors inside of the classroom that affects the persistence and engagement of students in remedial mathematics classes. The questions that will be addressed in this study are: What factors inside the remedial mathematics classroom influence the engagement of students in the mathematics content? What factors inside the remedial mathematics classroom influence the persistence of students through remedial classes and onto more challenging mathematics courses?
Ameliorating Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil Against Oxidative Stress
(2019-04-30) Anderson, Cassidy; Mudrack, Kristen
Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, both of which lead to an interconnecting vicious cycle of cell death. Research has indicated that heavy metals found in the modern environment such as aluminum sparks some of the oxidative stress found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Other research as well as mainstream health medias postulate coconut oil as not only a preventive measure but a potential means to reduce symptoms for Alzheimer’s due to its antioxidant activity. Using yeast as the eukaryotic cell model, mitochondrial dysfunction was measured as a result of aluminum and other metals to induce oxidative stress. After mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via metals were demonstrated, the yeast was treated with coconut oil before and/or after oxidative stress to determine the ameliorating effects of this particular medium chain triglyceride. Oxidative stress was assessed via fluorochromes in order to determine the oxidative stress. Spectroscopy was utilized to determine mitochondrial activity. Coconut oil is expected to prevent and protect yeast from reactive oxygen species.
Athlete Motivation: How Can Coaches Motivate Athletes to Perform their Best?
(2015) Russell, Kylie
Attitudes Toward the Black & Blue Lives Matter Movements
(2021-03) Thomas, Alexandria; Drinnon, Joy
The Black Lives Matter movement, created in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin in order to bring awareness to police brutality and racial injustice, and the Blue Lives Matter movement, a countermovement created in 2014 with a mission to support police and their families, have been heavily politicized in the eyes of the public with little to no literature exploring the attitudes associated with either movement. We replicated a study conducted by Holt and Sweitzer (2018) but extended our measures to include the Blue Lives Matter movement. We also conducted an experiment to test reactions to bumper stickers supporting either of the two movements or the sentiment behind each movement. Our results included data from 568 participants across the United States and were consistent with previous findings. We found that Blacks and non-Whites, Democrats, and women tend to favor the Black Lives Matter movement, and those 55 and older, Republicans, and men tend to favor the Blue Lives Matter movement. Social Dominance Orientation was found to be positively correlated with support for Blue Lives Matter and negatively related to Black Lives Matter. Not surprisingly, reactions to the bumper stickers showed that people reacted more negatively toward drivers displaying the motto for either movement as compared to drivers supporting the messages of each (e.g., racial equality). However, strong support for one movement was not found to be a predictor of weak support for the opposing movement. We concluded that weak support for the Black Lives Matter movement is not so much fueled by opposition to racial justice, but instead by the belief that marginalized groups should remain lower amongst the social hierarchy, and support for these movements may not be as polarized as we think.
Attitudes Towards Psilocybin: A General Population's Opinions on Psilocybin and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapies
(2024-06-24) Simounet, Madison McKenzie Huff
In recent years, psilocybin-assisted therapies (PAT) have displayed positive effects as a treatment for several different issues including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), smoking addiction, and anxiety. As more positive benefits of psilocybin are discovered, it’s becoming more likely that psilocybin could be utilized as a treatment option. Due to this possibility, it is important to understand what people think about psilocybin and PAT. The current qualitative and descriptive study set out with the intention of understanding the relationship demographic characteristics and attitudes towards psilocybin and psilocybin-assisted therapies. An anonymous Qualtrics survey was utilized to collect the data of 198 participants. Participants filled out various survey items inquiring about demographics, knowledge about psilocybin, previous experience with psychedelics, and attitudes towards PAT. Participants with prior knowledge about psilocybin and prior experience with psychedelics had more positive attitudes towards PAT. Males, democrats, atheists, those who are not disabled had more positive attitudes towards PAT as well. Participants that were sourced from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTURK) described more positive opinions of PAT as opposed to other sourcing cites. Attitudes towards PAT were relatively positive across the overall data set. These findings provide relevant information as to the groups that may benefit from further education on PAT and it’s benefits.
Bauhaus in Modernity: Photography, AI, Gesamtkunstwerk, and Bauhaus Theory in the 21st Century
(2020-04-03) Shumaker, Amy; Brown, Arthur
Through the research gathered in this project, I examined how the methods, vision, and basic design fundamentals of the Bauhaus School have translated in twenty-first century photography. Further, these century old principles are applied in my own photography through the presentation to be shown as the second aspect. In my research, I focused on the means of communication that is photography as it was seen by the Bauhaus photography professor Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and the basics of universal communication transcribed by the foundering professors. Universal communication followed along with the role of the artist to show the reach of Bauhaus design techniques. Furthermore, this research covered driving factors of the Bauhaus photography program such as Photograms, Typography, Objectivity, and Ready-Made or Autonomous influence. Each point showed both the influence on my own work, and others work created since 1980. Lastly, the research pushed photography into the modern age as photographers found new ways to apply Artificial Intelligence to the Bauhaus model. The research addressed how the 21st century has surpassed even what Bauhaus thought possible, and how it has led to global communication.
Bumper Stickers and Helping based on Impression Formation
(2016) Gibson, Cassidy
Abstract A well-established tenet of social psychology is that our first impressions matter, and those impressions are often formed using minimal information, such as attractiveness, complexion, and mannerism (Carlston & Schneid, 2015, 95). One area that has not been investigated to date, however, is bumper stickers. In this naturalistic field experiment, we explored the relationship between bumper stickers and helping behavior. Based on previous studies of impression formation, we predicted that the presence of offensive bumper stickers would reduce the amount of help offered to a stranger. Sixty adults entering a large shopping center in Northeast Tennessee were approached at random and asked for directions to a nearby nature center. Subjects were approached by a 20 year old white female standing in front of a parked car covered with 7 hostile bumper stickers (e.g., “Watch out for the idiot behind me”) or the same car covered with 7 neutral bumper stickers (e.g., “Blessed Be”). A total of 30 adults were approached for each condition (neutral vs. hostile stickers) over the course of 6 separate days. A female confederate posing as a seated passenger unobtrusively recorded the following for each encounter: (a) level of detail in the directions given, (b) disposition of the subject, and (c) approximate distance between experimenter and subject. This confederate was unaware of the type of stickers on the car during each encounter and was, thus, blind to the conditions. The stickers were periodically changed throughout the experiment. Statistically significant differences were found for all three dependent variables. As expected, those exposed to neutral bumper stickers were more likely to give detailed directions, be friendlier, and stand closer to the experimenter than those exposed to hostile bumper stickers. Results are discussed in terms of implications and suggestions for further research.
Co-Morbidity of HIV and Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa
(2015) Blair, Courtney
HIV and Malaria remain two of the greatest risks of global health, accounting for massive morbidity and mortality rates. These diseases are of greatest prevalence in low-income and tropical areas, and overlap most significantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a review of the interactions between these infections, and their treatments. Key words used in the search include HIV and Malaria comorbidity, HIV and Malaria and Developing world, HIV and Malaria and Africa, HIV and Malaria Treatment, HIV and plasmodium falciparum. Research articles had to be published within the past 5 years and peer reviewed to be included in this review.
College Student Peer Perceptions of Alcohol Use Amid Alcohol Use Policy Changes
(2021-05-01) Terrell, Alexis; Drinnon, Joy
Many colleges, particularly religious-affiliated institutions, establish alcohol policies in order to protect students from the negative effects and consequences of alcohol use. Milligan University is a small CCCU* affiliated university in the Southern United States. In 2020, the school decided to change their student alcohol policy. The original policy ensured that Milligan students did not drink regardless of their age, while they were enrolled at Milligan. The new policy allowed students of legal drinking age to drink when they were off-campus. Using an anonymous survey of 207 students enrolled in Milligan’s undergraduate or graduate programs, this study sought to answer the question, “Has this change in alcohol policy had an effect on the use of alcohol by Milligan students?” It was hypothesized that a more permissible alcohol policy would be correlated with an increased peer perception of alcohol use associated with increased drinking among Milligan students. While students did not perceive any increases in their own drinking or those of their peers at a significant level, the relationships between student drinking and peer (friend/roommate) drinking was found to be significant for the Milligan students.
Comercios entre los Estados Unidos y países qué hablan espanõl
(2021-04) Corcoran, Austin; Martin, Allysha
El comercio es una parte importante a economía de un país. Representa y demuestra la compatibilidad y las relaciones entre países, lo que cambia, lo que es intercambio primerio de bienes y el impacto que tiene para el producto interior bruto entre los países. Voy a investigar a los Estados Unidos que tiene relaciones comerciales con muchos países de diferentes continentes como Bolivia en América del Sur, el Caribe, la República Dominicana, en Europa, España y su país limítrofe de México. Cada país tiene un fuerza y debilidad diferente. Tiene que haber una indicación de ventaja comparativa presente entre los países y Estados Unidos para tener un comercio efectivo. Ventaja comparativa explica que un país que tienen más recursos y las provisiones, pero necesita un pequeño país ser más eficiente.
Correlation Between Role Perception and Motivation in Team Athletics
(2022-11) Wright, Seth; Mills, Lori
The increase in the importance of sports and success has been widespread across the globe. A high value on performance and the role an individual plays has positively grown along with the importance of sports. This growth of sports has been even more profound at universities. Individuals are now at the center of attention for the success and performance of the team. This can create a difficult or anxious environment for athletes. Athletes can define themselves by their roles and positions on the team which can influence their performance negatively or positively. This research investigates an athlete's self-perceived level of motivation and role to determine an effect, if any, between role perception and motivation. A secondary investigation within the survey will examine if there is any interaction between the amount of play time (starter, impact player, or bench) and a self-reported desire to advance their role. A survey was created and distributed to Milligan University, Eastern Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Wesleyan University student-athletes.
Curación de la congoja: La ciencia de por qué duele y cómo recuperarse
(2020-04) Douglas, Sarah; Martin, Allysha
La congoja por la terminación de una relación se rodea con muchas estereotipadas de chicas jóvenes llorando en sus dormitorios. Sin embargo, la congoja no debe subestimarse porque las consecuencias de la congoja pueden ser extensas y causan síntomas perjudiciales como la privación de sueño, la disminución de la función cognitiva, y, en algunos casos, la muerte. Esta tesis va a enfatizar la seriedad de la congoja, evaluar los mecanismos de afrontamiento a la congoja, y explorar las maneras diferentes para aliviar el dolor de la congoja. Para abordar las síntomas serias que vienen de una congoja, esta tesis va a contestar el “por qué” detrás de los impactos negativos de la congoja por usar estudios científicos que utilizan los escaneos de los cerebros como en el estudio icónico de Helen Fisher. Otros eruditos y científicos, como Dr. Brian Earp, también usan historia evolutiva para explicar los impactos biológico y psicológico negativos de una congoja cuál va a proveer una otra faceta de estudiar en esta investigación. Esta tesis va a dar la información necesaria que personas que sienten la congoja necesitan. Por comprender por qué ellos hacen dolor, por qué este dolor es válido, y lo que hacer sobre la congoja, ellos van a empoderarse a comenzar con la recuperación y evitar las consecuencias peligrosas la congoja puede traer.
The Democratization of China: A Near Reality or a Distant Improbabilty?
(2016) Morris, Abby
China is a modernized state with a falling economy. As the economy declines, citizens have begun to question and protest the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In turn, the party has begun repressing people in order to maintain power. I predict that the CCP's deteriorating legitimacy will cause more individuals to openly criticize the regime, leading to increased repression in an unsustainable cycle. As domestic and international pressures mount, the CCP will crumble, making way for democratization.
Diffuse, Divide, Devise: An Analytical Study of Devised Theatre
(2015) DeLong, Darcie; Derrick, Adam; Evans-Shell, Tess; Mixon, Laura
Does This Bumper Sticker Make Me Look Reckless? Stereotypes About Driving Ability Based on Perceived Gender
(2021-04-28) Helton, Lydia; Drinnon, Joy
Driving has traditionally been viewed as a masculine activity, producing gender stereotypes in driving. Pravossoudovitch et al. (2015) found males were rated higher in driving skills, but females were rated higher in courtesy, risk avoidance, and law compliance. The present study attempted to analyze implicit stereotypes by examining participants’ perceptions of drivers based on gendered bumper stickers. Two hundred Amazon Mechanical Turk workers viewed a car with masculine, feminine, or neutral bumper stickers and rated the driver on law compliance, courtesy, risk avoidance, and driving skills. We hypothesized that participants would be more likely to perceive drivers with masculine bumper stickers as more reckless than drivers with feminine bumper stickers. We found significant differences between male and female drivers in risk avoidance, t(198) = -2.64, p = .009, with female drivers (M = 20.31, SD = 4.07) rated higher than males (M = 18.84, SD = 3.54). Significant interactions were found between the participants’ gender and the driver’s perceived gender in law compliance (p = .02), risk avoidance (p = .04), and courtesy (p = .05). Perceptions of drivers were also affected by participants’ reported number of traffic violations, suggesting gender stereotypes are not the only factor in risk perceptions.
Dollywood or Bust: A Theme Park and Its Community
(2016-05-01) Stephens, Micah
Dollywood has certainly made an impact on the area of East Tennessee by which it is surrounded. Some might argue that this increasingly popular tourist “trap” has turned an area, rich in Appalachian heritage, into an area of extreme commercialism based on a misrepresentation of that heritage. However, it is this same tourism that employs many of the community’s locals. This project explores not only the place of Dollywood, but the people who live and work near the park, both in research and through a photo essay. Dollywood has taken great strides to protect the heritage of the community through its many museums and shows in the park. Dolly Parton has often said of herself, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap” (N.p.), while Pigeon Forge might give the impression of “cheap” looking commercialization, it takes a great deal of funding to sustain the livelihoods of its inhabitants and to preserve their cultural heritage. This is provided by the rural tourism found in attractions such as Dollywood.
Dolphins Swimming With Sharks: A Look at Affect-Based Trust, Betrayal, and Reconciliation in an Organization
(2016-04) Foshie, Logan
Researchers (Mayer, Davis, & Schoorman, 1995; McAllister, 1995; Morris & Moberg, 1994; Robinson, Dirks & Ozcelik, 2004) have long recognized the importance of trust in the successful functioning of organizations. It is trust that enables a bond to develop between leaders and followers and creates the foundation necessary for high quality leader-follower relationships (Graen & Uhl-Bein, 1995). A trust-based relationship allows both the leader and the follower to have faith in the intentions and actions of each other, thus allowing the accomplishment of personal and organizational goals (Robinson, Dirks & Ozcelik, 2004). But what happens to the leader-follower relationship when trust is betrayed? Increasingly betrayal and violation of trust is becoming commonplace within organizations (Bies & Tripp, 1996; Robinson, Dirks & Ozcelik, 2004). What is the impact on leader-follower relationship when trust is betrayed? Will an attempt at reconciliation moderate the impact of trust betrayal on the relationship between the leader and the follower? This paper will examine the literature and propose a methodology of reconciliation to address the effects of betrayal on affect-based trust and the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) relationship in an organizational setting.
The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Reactive Oxygen Species in the Growth of Yeast
(2019-01-07) Grindstaff, Madison; Mudrack, Kristen
Artificial sweeteners have become a comparable option to sugar, especially for those who cannot tolerate sugar in their diets, such as diabetics. There have been many stated negative effects resulting from the consumption of artificial sweeteners, which may result from the metabolism of the artificial sweeteners. Research has shown that aspartame is hydrolyzed into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. Methanol is further metabolized into products that contribute to mitochondrial damage and the generation of superoxide, peroxyl, and hydroxy radicals. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial damage can lead to oxidative stress, which may trigger of apoptosis in cells and cause DNA damage. An HAO strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured and grown in glucose and other artificial sweeteners. OD600 readings were taken using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer to determine if artificial sweeteners inhibited cell growth. Absorbance was measured at 412 nm using the UV-VIS spectrophotometer and compared with the molar absorptivity of TNB to get a concentration of TNB in moles. An increase in ROS is expected in the yeast cells fed with artificial sweeteners as compared to those fed with glucose. Furthermore, due to the by-products of metabolism, Aspartame is expected to have the greatest increase in ROS.
Effects of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment on Adulthood Relationships of Minority Women: A Qualitative Study
(2024-04-26) Aguirre, Suzanne; Browning, Christine
Childhood Emotional Maltreatment (CEM) , which encompasses both childhood abuse and childhood neglect, exerts various adverse effects on brain development and response to diverse situations, particularly in relationships. Drawing from Bowlby’s attachment theory, this study investigated how relationships may be jeopardized for individuals who endured maltreatment in childhood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CEM on adulthood relationships, specifically parental and romantic relationships. Through interviews, the emotion regulation and attachment patterns of four racial/ethnic minority women aged 20 to 27 in Appalachia were explored–all of whom experienced emotional maltreatment during childhood–to discern the roles these components play in their parental and romantic relationships. On average, participants scored 6 out of 10 on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale. Qualitative research methods were utilized employing one-on-one, in-person, semi-structured interviews to collect data. Each interview lasted between 16 to 35 minutes, exploring how participants’ experiences of CEM have impacted or are impacting their parental and romantic relationships over their lifetimes. Six prominent themes emerged from the data: Inconsistent Parenting, Disconnect, Behaviors, Fears, Relationships, and Multiple ACEs. The data partially supported the prediction that participants who had experienced CEM may tend to remain in unhealthy relationships, exhibiting insecure attachment styles within relationships. Furthermore, the findings underscore the necessity for further research investigating the intersectional effects of trauma on minority women who were displaced from their home countries during childhood.
Effects of game-based learning on improvement of cognitive skills in elementary-aged children
(2021-04) Guerrero, Jasmine; Abner, John
The purpose of this study is to look at the impact of educational games upon children and how it affects their information retention and cognitive skills such as long-term memory as opposed to traditional lecture methods. The researcher devised two lessons that were equivalent (one through a game-method, one through the traditional learning method. There were two groups of students with two participants in each group.The groups proceeded to take a quiz immediately after the lessons were given and then again one week later. It was hypothesized that there would be a higher improvement of information retention when kids were given the game-based approach. There were no significant findings due to lack of sufficient resources.

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