Undergraduate research recognized at ‘Posters Under the Dome’ – NIU Today

Eleven NIU undergraduate students will have the honor of sharing their
research at the “Posters Under the Dome” event next month at the
Illinois State Capitol.

The dome of the Illinois State Capitol.

The event, part of NIU’s partnership through the Illinois Innovation
Network, demonstrates to legislators the excellent scholarship of Illinois
students at four state universities.

Students were nominated by faculty, and those selected will travel to Springfield to present their posters. Those selected and their poster titles are:

Emily Fried, freshman, Communications/Media Studies,
mentored by Laura Vazquez: “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Media Strategies
of the Diverse 116th US Congress.”

Kelly Furr, senior, Nutrition, Dietetics & Wellness,
mentored by Melani Duffrin, “Simplifying science with FAN Cards: Creating and
Utilizing Mini Food Science Lessons to Excite Learner Curiosity.”

Vanessa Garcia, senior, Chemistry and Gabriela Ibarra,
senior, Biological Sciences, mentored by Elizabeth R. Gaillard: “Understanding Vision
Loss in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Pathway to
New Therapies?”

Hannah Higgins, junior Mechanical Engineering,
mentored by Nicholas Pohlman: “Granular Flow in a Conveyor Apparatus.”

Kevin E. Lahey, senior, Psychology, mentored by Laura
D. Pittman: “Links between Ethnic Socialization and Psychological Outcomes in
Minority Youth.”

Junilane Lusung, senior, Communicative Disorders,
mentored by Jamie Mayer; “Does Choir Singing Improve Word-Finding? A
Single-Subject Examination of the Effects of Choir Participation for Primary
Progressive Aphasia.”

Alejandra Macias, senior, Chemistry, mentored by
Narayan S. Hosmane: “Carborane Amides for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.”

John Patten, freshman, Accountancy and Political Science,
mentored by Kate Mantzke and Donna R. Kieso: Déjà vu: An Analysis of Tax
Incentives and Auto Manufacturers in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.”

Mark Sliwka, senior, Mechanical Engineering, mentored
by Federico Sciammarella: “Understanding 3D Metal Printing of 316L Stainless
Steel.”

Jan Marie Solano, junior, Middle Level Teaching and Learning,
mentored by Jennifer Johnson and Donna Werderich: “Educate Local:  The Clinical Urban Plunge (CUP).”

Students will present
their posters in the south hall of the Capitol building from 9:30-11 a.m., May
2. The public is welcome.

Also, be sure to visit
the Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, at
the Holmes Student Center.