University of Nevada, Reno/McNair Scholars Alumni!

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Scholar: Karl Francois Serafico Agcaoili
Major: Accounting
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Metts
Research Topic: “Feasibility of a 'Tax Shift' in the United States: An Environmental Tax Reform”
Abstract: (Not Available)

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2007

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into George Washington University Fall 2007, Masters of Public Administration.

Scholar: Chandler Allen
Major: Medicine
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Perrino
Research Topic: "Determination of the G-protien Couples Pathway Involved in PGEZ Medicated Relaxation of Murine Proximal Color Circular Smooth Muscle"

Abstract: Prostaglandin, PGE2, relaxes circular smooth muscle cells of the colon. The relaxation of vascular smooth muscle by PGE2 has been shown to be mediated by a G-protein, Gsa, and adenylate cyclase activation. This relaxation mediated by PGE2 has not yet been shown directly to be mediated by adenylate cyclase activation. The main question to be addressed is to determine whether PGE2 relaxes colonic smooth muscles by activating adenylate cyclase. The adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 will be used to determine whether adenylate cyclase activation is involved in PGE2 mediated relaxation of proximal colon circular smooth muscle contractile activity. CD-1 and CF-1 adult mice will be euthanized according to University of Nevada, Reno protocol, and proximal colon tissue will be surgically removed. After the mucosa and submucosa layers are removed, the tissue will be rolled to isolate the circular smooth muscle contractions. The tissues will be hung in a Krebs solution on a Fort 10 isometric strain gauge. The tissues will equilibrate and then be exposed to various solutions. The tissue contractions will be recorded and analyzed throughout the various cycles.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2006

Scholar: Carol Bishop
Major: Conservation Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christopher J. Lortie
Research Topic: “Using Spatial Pattern Analyses to Test for Shrub-Shrub Interactions within Atriplex Confertifolia”
Abstract: Atriplex confertifolia or shadscale is an important shrub in salt desert areas of the Great Basin. There is recent evidence of extensive die-off, and many possible causes have been investigated. Previous research has not investigated whether there are shrub-shrub interactions that are further modifying its abundance and limiting its recruitment. By studying shadscale’s spatial relationships using size specific analyses, we will be able to infer if these relationships are influencing its life cycle. Both grid and transect measurements were taken in four study sites: two in unburnt areas and two in burnt areas. All size classes of shrubs were significantly clumped under both fire histories. Hence, there is no evidence of negative shrub-shrub interactions detected using spatial analyses tested at multiple scales. Interestingly, the strong spatial aggregation of shadscale detected at all scales suggests positive interactions may be occurring and this may be particularly important in burnt areas.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2006

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Research & Applied Economics at UNR in the fall of 2006.

Scholar: Amy Carl
Major: Wildlife

Ecology &

Conservation
Faculty Mentor:

Dr. Sudeep Chandra

& Chris Jannusch
Research Topic:

"Characterizing

Temporal and

Spatial Variability In Water Chemistry and Invertebrate Community Assemblage Within And Among Three Great Basin Sub-montane Streams"
Abstract: Benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities and water chemistry data were collected at sites above and below two beaver impoundments in Big Creek, in the Toiyabe Mountain Range of central Nevada. The purpose of this research was to characterize the impact of geomorphologic disturbances created by beaver impoundments on stream health. Stream health was assessed by estimating the level of organic pollutants in reaches of Big Creek above and below beaver impoundments using Hilsenhoff’s Family Biotic Index (FBI). Using this index family level invertebrate taxa are assigned tolerance values from 0 to 10 (intolerant to tolerant). Healthy streams are generally comprised of intolerant assemblages of invertebrates. FBI data revealed slightly impaired stream condition downstream of beaver impoundments (at α =0.10). In addition site specific diversity, dominance values, and distribution of functional feeding groups suggests slightly impaired stream health downstream of beaver impoundments. The findings of this research appear to be due to the greater abundance of pollution intolerant species at upstream sites compared to downstream sites rather than the presence of pollution tolerant species downstream of impoundments.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2007

Scholar: Mary Czerwinsky
Major: Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Margaret Ferrara
Research Topic: “Resiliency in Native Americans: A Case Study”
Abstract: Native Americans have the highest dropout rate of any ethnic or racial group in the United States, twice that of the national average. This is a case study on a Native American college students and a closer look at educational resiliency in the Native American community. The case told through the eyes of a Native American college student investigated the following question: 1. What made this student more resilient than his counter parts? 2. Is resiliency promoted in Native Americans the same way that it is promoted in all students? 3. What can instructors do to better support Native Americans on their educational path? The study will conclude with a comparison to data that are currently available on Native American resiliency and higher education.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2005
Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Literacy Studies at UNR in the spring of 2008.

Scholar: Consuelo Fajardo-Mendoza

Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alan Fruzzetti
Research Topic: “College Adjustment in First-Year Students Based on Parental Education and Perceived Parental Support”

Abstract: (Not Available)

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2005

Nalleil

Scholar:

Nalleli Herrera
Major:

Civil Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Zong Tian
Research Topic: “Safety Implications and Driver’s Understanding of Special Time-of-Day Protected/Permitted Left-Turn Signal Display in Las Vegas”
Abstract: A comprehensive assessment of the special time-of-day protected/permitted left-turn control display being used in Las Vegas was performed considering drivers’ understanding and safety implications. Driver understanding was assessed through an in class survey and safety implications that may be presented by the display were assessed through the collection of onsite traffic data and crash data. The study results indicate that the time-of-day display being used in Las Vegas is well understood by drivers. Also, there was inconclusive data to indicate that the safety implications presented by the Las Vegas display are cause for concerns.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2007

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Civil Engineering at UNR in the spring of 2008.

Scholar: David Hillis

Major: Civil Engineering/Honors Program
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Saiid Saiidi, Professor
Research Topic: "Seismic Modeling of Bridge Components with Conventional and Innovative Design"

Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy’s (SMA’s) form a group of metals that display two distinguishing characteristics, pseudo-elasticity and shape memory effect. There are many applications of these metals ranging from eyeglass frames that will return to their original shape after being bent to orthodontic wires. However, consider utilizing this material in a bridge column located in an earthquake prone region of the country. The result would be a bridge that could withstand large deformations and could potentially return to near its original position. The focus of this research was to explore the results of SMA being placed in the plastic hinge region of a reinforced concrete column to reduce the residual displacement due to seismic loading. Shake table tests have already shown that SMA bars reduce permanent column displacements. Computer modeling is being used to simulate a seismic test on a single column bent with and without SMA in the plastic hinge region to determine if the SMA bars can also reduce the permanent displacement when the earthquake load is impulsive, a feature of earthquakes in the vicinity of faults. Performance will be evaluated based on the position of the top of the column after various seismic ground motions. The same near-fault ground motion has been used in all simulations, increasing in magnification for eleven consecutive runs. The computer modeling is conducted using the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees). OpenSees was chosen for its advanced modeling of nonlinear systems. The poster will present a summary of the study and the results obtained thus far.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2007

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering at UNR in the spring of 2008.

Scholar: Marti Howell
Major: Journalism
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Doncia Mensing
Research Topic: “Letters to the Editor: Serial Killers and Their Correspondence to Newspaper Editors and Staff”
Abstract: As journalists are attracted to stories of serial murder, so are some serial killers compelled to communicate with the media. This study will examine cases of newspapers in receipt of materials from alleged serial murderers. Using a qualitative approach to individual case studies, this paper will include cases spanning four decades. This paper will provide background information on standard editorial policy and will note ethics theory pertaining to the receipt of materials sent to editors of American newspapers. This paper will look at publication decisions in each of the case studies and attempt to illustrate factors that dictate those decisions.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2004

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Graduated with at Master's Degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno in Spring 2007. Accepted into Syracuse University for her Doctoral Degree in Journalism Fall 2007.

Scholar: Ching-Chu Huang
Major: Business
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Judy Strauss
Research Topic: “The Beliefs, Practices, and Perceived Solutions Concerning Academic Dishonesty Among Business Students at a Middle Sized University”
Abstract: While academic dishonesty is a widespread problem, past research has indicated that the problem is more severe in business schools and may cause an adverse impact on the future of business. This study will focus on a comprehensive study of academic dishonesty among business students concentrating on their beliefs, reasons, practices, and perceived solutions. To obtain special insights on issues concerning academic dishonesty among business students, ten in-depth interviews were conducted, and a questionnaire drawn from the interviews and the literature was administrated to 223 students in 11 undergraduate business classes at a middle sized university. Results were analyzed by using SPSS application to show business students’ views toward academic misconduct along with their rating, their level of practice in such misconduct, and their reason for it. In addition to quantitative questions, the survey include three qualitative questions asking what instructors, administrators, and students can do to minimize academic dishonesty.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2005

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Graduated with a Masters of Business Administration from UNR in the Spring of 2007. Continuing on at UNR in the Spring of 2008 to obtain a Masters of Science in Finance.

Scholar: Steven La Fleur
Major: Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brendon Nagle
Research Topic: “Introduction to the Probabilistic Method in Discrete Mathematics”
Abstract: Combinatorics, Graph Theory and Number Theory are littered with examples of problems that cannot be solved using ordinary analysis techniques. In these situations, probabilistic methods can be used to prove these elusive theorems. This study will investigate random arguments of several mathematical theorems including Ramsey Theory and prime number counting. To study these arguments, discrete expectation and variance will be examined. Expectation determines what should happen in a given random environment. We use variance with certain inequalities such as the accordance with the expectation in general. The Cherinov Inequality will also be discussed; however, its use is limited due to the binomial distribution constraint.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2006

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Mathematics at UNR in the fall of 2006.

Scholar: Adriana Marin-Herrera
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Brussard
Research Topic: “Diurnal Butterfly Inventory at Monte Alto Natural Reserve, Costa Rica”
Abstract: This research study involves traveling to Monte Alto Natural Reserve in Costa Rica to do an inventory of diurnal butterflies within a period of 16 days. This reserve did an inventory during the dry season of 2002 and found 91 species of butterflies. The objective of this research study was to see how many of those species were still there and if any new species would be found. Butterflies were captured using a net and/or by taking digital pictures. Thirty-nine species were found, including twenty-one new species that had not been previously recorded. This study will help the Monte Alto Natural Reserve shape its future conservation plans.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2005

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Educationat UNR in the spring of 2007.

Scholar: Melissa McGovern
Major: Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen Rock
Research Topic: "Perceptions of Special Education Teachers"

Abstract: (Not Available)

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2006

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Human Development & Family Studies at UNR in the fall of 2006.

Scholar: Mebrat Mebrahtu
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Grant Mastick
Research Topic: “Netrin Regulates Longitudinal Axon Guidance”

Abstract: The growth of axons to their target is believed to be guided by the diffusible chemotropic factors produced by target cells. There are two types of axonal growth, longitudinal and commissural. Commissural axons grow towards the midline and cross the midline to connecting the two sides of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Commissural axons have been studied extensively and these studies have led to the discovery of numerous essential guidance cues, and to the understandings of their mechanism at a cellular and molecular level. On the other hand, the second type of axon is the longitudinal axons that grows longitudinally towards the anterior brain or posterior spinal cord, eventually connects areas within the CNS. The majority of long axons projections in the CNS are forms of longitudinal axons. However, when it comes to the guidance mechanism, much less is known about longitudinal axon pathways. One of the most known cues or protein in the field of axon guidance is Netrin. Previous studies revealed Netrin-1 and Netrin-2 have out growth-promoting activity for commissural axons. To investigate the role of Netrin in longitudinal axon guidance we performed chick embryo electroporation and antibody labeling. Our study shows that Netrin is involved in the guidance of the first longitudinal tracts of the brain.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2007

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Pharmacology Program at Oregon State University in the fall of 2007.

Scholar: Olga Mesina
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alan Fruzzetti
Research Topic: “Effects of Acculturation and Time on Family Bonding in

Mexican-American Families”
Abstract: This study intends to add to the current body of knowledge on Mexican-Americans, regarding the most recent immigrants and second-generation immigrants, in the Reno-Sparks area. This study addresses three major questions dealing with the family’s cohesion, length of time in the United States, and finally, parenting style. The first hypothesis is how do recent immigrant Mexican-American families differ from second-generation families on family structure and cohesion? The second hypothesis of this study postulates that families with more recent immigration to the United States from Mexico will report a higher cohesion than second-generation families. Lastly, the study hypothesizes that recent immigrant families may report a greater authoritarian family structure than in second-generation families.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2005
Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in College Student Development at UNR and plans to graduate spring of 2008.

Scholar: Aaron Modica
Major: Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Johnson W. Makoba
Research Topic: “Deindustrialization and the Outsourcing of American Jobs”
Abstract: While U.S. blue-collar manufacturing jobs continue to be sent overseas, the outsourcing of white-collar jobs has begun to draw concerns from professionals and politicians alike. This paper argues that the recent outsourcing trend of U.S. service sector jobs in fields such as telecommunications and data processing, while qualitatively different from deindustrialization and the export of manufacturing jobs, is fundamentally similar in that it is a consequence of the search for cheaper labor and a more favorable investment climate overseas. This paper provides a brief discussion of the different approaches to understanding and explaining outsourcing and its relation to deindustrialization, a historical background of deindustrialization and the export of jobs, a discussion of current outsourcing of service jobs, and finally looks at the role of the state in protecting outsourcing practices by large U.S. Transnational Corporations.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Summer 2004

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Graduated with a Master's Degree in Sociology from UNR in the spring of 2007.

Scholar: Amanda Morrissey
Major: Speech Pathology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ann Tyler
Research Topic: “Speech and Language Goal Attack Strategies Follow-Up Study”
Abstract: The purpose of the Speech and Language Goal Attack Strategies Follow-Up Study is to perform follow-up assessment of speech, language, and literacy skills in children who participated in an early intervention study as preschoolers with speech and language delays. This will allow determination of present levels of performance, as well as preschool levels of performance that predict later language and literacy performance. With respect to clinical usefulness, this study should help to identify early predictors of later performance in children who have both speech and language learning difficulties.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2006

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Speech Pathology at UNR in the fall of 2006.

Scholar: Diego Pulido
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Webster
Research Topic: “Anxiety and the Perception of Facial Expressions ”

Abstract: Previous research involving face perception indicates that there are special mechanisms for coding faces in our brain. This research project examined the level of trait anxiety of the participants and their classification of anger and fearful facial expressions. It is predicted that when confronted with an ambiguous face composed of two emotions (angry/happy or fear/happy) the more anxious the participant is, the more that he/she will judge an ambiguous face differently to a low-anxiety participant.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2005
Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into a Master's Program in Human Computer Interaction at Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis in the fall of 2006.

Scholar: Mark Rincon
Major: Geography
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kate Berry
Research Topic: "The History of Irrigating the Kings River Valley, Nevada using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)"

Abstract: The goal of this research project is to evaluate the history and geography of water usage and water rights in the Kings River Valley during the 20th century. The Kings River Valley is located northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada and is primarily in Humboldt County. Before the 1950’s, the Kings River Valley was mainly a sheep and cattle ranching area, though this has changed. More specifically since 1956 ranchers have developed irrigated croplands within the valley. In this project Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is developed to analyze change over time in water usage and water rights. This paper will describe how the GIS is developed through usage of different layers on digital terrain, springs, rivers, wells, water rights and patterns of water use. This paper will conclude with a discussion about approaches using GIS for water management and more specifically suggest further avenues for research within the Kings River Valley.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2007

Scholar: Chariell Smith
Major: Health Ecology Minor: Music
Faculty Mentor: Dr.Louis Niebur
Research Topic: “Introduction: Hip Hop-The Indestructible Industry"
Abstract: Over 30 years, Hip Hop has shown itself to be an industry dominated by masculinity. However, artists like Queen Latifah, Tonya Winley, Sista Soljah, and MC Lyte were female exceptions to the rule who managed to gain success in Hip Hop during its earlier years. This project will explore the careers of several female Hip Hop artists and analyze how they were able to achieve success in a male dominant industry. It will also look at the apparent theme of female empowerment expressed by Hip Hop’s early female artist and how it has evolved into a message of present day exploitation.

Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2007

Scholar: Nhit Vong
Major: Business
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mike Reed
Research Topic: “The Inflows of Foreign Direct Investment in China”
Abstract: There is a qualitative research analyzing secondary data. The purpose of this paper is to examine the inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China and an attempt to answer three questions: Is there a shift in the inflows of FDI into China? What incentives does China offer to its foreign direct investors? And who benefits and loses from China’s inflows of FDI? In the first findings, my research suggested four changes took place in the inflows of FDI: China’s traditional FDI suppliers have shifted since 1979. The FDI types have also changed from Equity Joint Venture and Contractual Joint Venture to Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises, and that multinational corporations also began their investments into capital-intensive activities. The second findings suggested that China provides many incentives to foreign investors: High GDP growth rate, large pool of skilled labor, large untapped market, low wages, and undeveloped industries that allow for potential profit. The last findings indicated that Chinese consumers, workers, and foreign invested enterprises benefit from the abundant inflows of FDI at the potential expense of its neighboring countries.
Graduated With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2005

Scholar: Gene Wong
Major: Professional Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Frost
Research Topic: “Synthesis And Characterization Of A Novel Chiral Bidentate Phosphine”
Abstract: The upper rim of 1, 3,

5-triaza-7-phosphaadamatane (PTA) has been modified for the first time via lithiaton of PTA. The addition of n-butyl lithium to PTA resulted in deprotonation of an a-phosphorous methylene and formation of 1, 3, 5-triaza-7-phosphaadamatane-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA-PPh2). The first upper rim PTA derivative was synthesized by reacting PTA-Li with C1PPh2 resulting in the chiral phosphine 6-(diphenylphophino) - 1, 3, 5-triaza-7-phosphaadamatane (PTA-PPh2). PTA-PPh2 has been fully characterized in solution by mass spectroscopy and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in the insoluble in aqueous solutions. Two group six metal carbonyl complexes M(CO)4(PTA-PPh2)(M=W, Mo), were synthesized by addition of M(CO)4(PTA-PPh2)(pip)2 and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by X-Ray crystallography. Unlike PTA, the new bidentate phosphine, PTA-PPh2 is insoluble in aqueous solutions. Two group six metal carbonyl complexes, M(CO)4(PTA-PPh2) (M=W, Mo)4(pip)2 and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-Ray crystallography Also reported are the solid state structures of cis-W(CO)4(PTA)(PPh3) and W(CO)4DPPM (DPPM= diphenylphosphinomethane)> From these tungsten complexes PTA-PPh2 appears to be sterically similar to and slightly more electron donating in comparison to DPPM.

Graduating With Baccalaureate Degree: Spring 2007

Masters or Doctoral Program Update: Accepted into the Chemistry Doctoral Program at the University of Wisconsin- Madison for fall of 2007.

*The University of Nevada, Reno McNair Scholars Program is federally funded at $231,000.00 annually.