April 2009
April 2009
Dear IMSA Friends:
IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research Program (SIR) is a powerful expression of the
Academy’s mission, “to ignite and nurture creative ethical minds that advance the human
condition.” SIR enables students to pursue solutions to problems that challenge our global
community through partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities,
research institutions, businesses, and museums. Research is life-changing for the students
and, in many cases, they have already contributed to our mission.
Working with world-class scholars and advisors, students have contributed to advances in
such fields as diagnostics for cancer, nanotechnology-based therapeutics, the rehabilitation of
stroke patients, and the search for the Higgs Boson. This work is shared through
presentations, publications, and collaborations with other students, scholars, artists, and
inventors throughout the world. Evidence of our students’ excellence is found within this
proceedings book of our twenty-first IMSAloquium.
Through innovative programs, such as SIR, IMSA strives to stimulate excellence in
mathematics and science teaching and learning across Illinois and beyond. We aspire to
become “the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry.”
Toward this end, we are aggressively delivering services around the State for teachers and
students to assist with developing the “next generation” of talent and leadership in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As the Year of Science is celebrated and explored throughout Illinois and the United States,
we join this national movement by honoring our extraordinary young investigator’s Year of
Inquiry. These students exemplify a tradition of excellence. We set high expectations for
our students, and we believe that you will find that IMSA students far exceed these
expectations for accomplishments and contributions to society. They are well-prepared to
solve the challenges that we will face in the future.
Thank you for celebrating our students’ successes with us!
Sincerely,
Glenn “Max” McGee, Ph.D.
President
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-first Annual IMSAloquium
April 29, 2009
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research ……………………….…………………………………………….…. 2
Student Recognition ………………………..…………………………………………………….. 3 - 6
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………................... 7
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 8 - 16
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….. 14 - 16
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….…………17 - 28
Student Abstracts, organized by topic…………………………………..………….………….. 29 - 121
! A Biochemistry 29 - 33
! B Bioengineering 33 - 36
! C Biology 36 - 48
! D Business 49 - 51
! E Chemistry 52 - 55
! F Computer Science 56
! G Earth Science 57
! H Economics 57 - 60
! I Education 61 -65
! J Engineering 66 - 72
! K English 73 - 75
! L Environmental Science 75 - 78
! M Fine Arts 78 - 79
! N History 80
! O Law 81 - 82
! P Mathematics 82 - 83
! Q Medicine 84 - 97
! R Neurobiology 97 - 104
! S Physics 105 - 110
! T Psychology 111 - 116
! U Social Science 117 - 120
! V Space Science 121
SIR 2007-08 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..122 - 125
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 126 - 132
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
Cover and IMSAloquium designer is Irene Norton, IMSA staff member.
The images used to compose the cover were taken by Craig Watson, Irene Norton, and Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
1
2
Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized learning
at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown into a
program that encompasses all disciplines and participation by 80% of the class of 2009. Our students’
accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from college to begin to
make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world around them.
IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is paying
attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial list)
! Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
! Learning and Leading with Technology
! Nature
! NCSSSMST Journal
! The Science Teacher
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the collaborative
student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A. Scheppler,
Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the nation to
have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12
(2005, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
Presentations (partial list)
! American Society of Cell Biology
! American Society of Microbiology
! History of the Atomic Age - Chicago Historical Society
! Illinois Section of the Mathematics Association
! Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
! National African American Studies Conference
! National Association of Biology Teachers
! NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
! Sakharov Readings
! Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
! 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference
Competitions (partial list)
! Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
! National History Day Competition
! Neuroscience Research Prize
! Neuroscience Creativity Prize
! Intel Science Talent Search
29 semi-finalists and 10 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
! Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
! 32 regional semi-finalists resulting in 5 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
! Young Epidemiology Scholars
2008-2009 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit, at 12:30, for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate and IMSA Resident Scholar
And
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Stephanie Brandt: A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelation at Forward Rapidities
Advisor: Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Luis Carbajal: Real-Time Imaging of the Cellular Redistribution of HSP27-CFP and HSP70-
GFP Fusion Proteins in Cardiovascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Assess Actin
Cytoskeletal Remodulation
Advisor: Jody Martin, Loyola University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Matthew Castillon: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Grace Chan: The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Advisor: Douglas Feinstein and Anthony Sharp, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Hyunjii Cho: Detecting the Difference between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Kevin Crews: Comparison of Substrate Mimetic Inhibitors of PKB
Advisor:
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
David Derry: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Anamaria Filipac: Understanding the Origin of Murine Thymic Natural Killer Cells
Advisors: Markus Boos and Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
3
Jennifer Hu: Melanoma Associated Antigens as T Cell Targets In Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Advisor: Caroline LaPoole, Loyola University Medical Center
Abstract submitted: LAMposium 2009: International LAM Research Conference
Yifei Huang: Chemical Sensing based On Optical Interference of Modified Anodized
Aluminum Oxide Surfaces
Advisor: Hsien-Hau Wang, Argonne national Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Yaseen Jamal: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition Regional Finalist (second place), Chicago-area Junior Sciences and Humanities
Symposium finalist+, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Janel Jin: The Effects of Pseudo-Phosphorylation on Tropomyosin Conformation and
Interaction with the Thin Filament
Advisor: Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Sushma Kola: Characterization of Copolymer Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery
Advisors: Eric Brewer, F. Michael Marks, and Anthony Lowman, Drexel University
2009 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State finalist, Junior Science
and Humanities Symposium competitor (third place), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
competitor*
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional-finalist
Bob Lee: Treatment of Breast Cancer using an Oncolytic Adenovirus to Inhibit the
Transforming Growth Factor- !Signaling Pathwar
Advisors: Janhavi Gupta and Prem Seth, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition semi-finalist, Fifth International Students Science Fair
Yize Leng: Effect of Rosiglitazone on Transforming Growth Factor- - Induced Fibroblast
Activation and Migration During Wound Healing
Advisor: Ashish Ghosh, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Jimmy Liu: Detecting the Difference Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
4
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Travis Mui: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Sammy Nguyen: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection
Advisor: Christopher O'Donnell and Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium competitor
Suganya Rajendran: The NICHE (Non-Invasive Cardiac Hemodynamic Evaluation) Study
Advisor: Antony Kim, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition semi-finalist
Jamie Ray: Search for a Fermiophobic Higgs Boson Decaying into Diphotons at CDF
Advisors: Craig Groups, Ray Culbertson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation: American Physical Society, May 2-5, 2009
Hannah Reiser: Predicting Medical School Success in 60 Minutes
Advisors: Jonathan Muraskas, Adrian Jones, and LaDonna Norstrom, Loyola University
Presentation: 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference, March 14-15, 2009
Shyam Saladi: Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Advisor: Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Jonathon Schwarzbauer: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Jenny Shao: A Comprehensive Mathematical Model of Tumor-Immune Dynamics
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
competitor*
5
6
Eric Shyu: Luminescent Cadmium Cordination Polymers with Deverse Structural Morphologies
Advisor: Robert LaDuca, Michigan State University
Intel Science Talent Search National Finalist, Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Publication: Robert L. LaDuca and Eric Shyu, Divalent metal succinate/perchlorate coordination
polymers incorporating a kinked hydrogen-bonding capable diimine: Chains, layers and a (5,6)-
connected binodal network featuring alternating rectangular and hexagonal grids, Polyhedron
28(4): 825-834.
Edward Song: Identification of Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 Binding Proteins
Advisor: Erik Sontheimer, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Jessina Thomas: Mechanism of Primordial Follicular Death and the Regulation of Ovulation
Advisor: Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Karthik Vantakala: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-
Myocardial Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition Regional Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Eva Yuan: Particulate Matter Causes Endothelia Cell Barrier Disruption and Induces acute Lung
Damage in a Murine Model of Asthma: Physiological and Genomic Contributions
Advisors: Joe Garcia, Liliana Moreno and Ting Wang, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional-finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisor: Bill Kabat and Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Johannes Zhou: Determination of Effectiveness of Leading Antacid Brands
Advisor: Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium competitor
+ JSHS National Competition April 29 – May 3
* Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Region V competition April 4; state competition is May 8-9, 2009
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 29, 2009
SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Poster Session
9:10 - 9:25 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 1
9:35 - 9:50 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 2
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 3
10:25 - 10:40 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 4
10:50 - 11:05 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 5
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 6
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 7
12:55 - 1:10 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 8
1:20 - 1:35 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 9
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 10
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 11
7
IMSAloquium Poster Session
Biochemistry
A01 Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade
A02 Cecilia Chang
Zack Maril
A03 Hyun Cho
A04 Yize Leng
A05 Grant Rotskoff
A06 Bani Saluja
A07 Rital Shah
A08 Yiru Tao
A 09 Eva Yuan
Bioengineering
B01 Susan Chen
Jasmine Kwasa
B02 Frederick Damen
B03 Hendrik Dewald
B04 Nicole Howard
B05 Velin Tchalakov
B 06 Karthik Vantakala
Biology
C01 Dimple Adatia
Linna Guan
C02 Erika Bongen
C03 Jessica Burash
Elizabeth Murphy
C04 Anna Chen
C05 Anna Chen
C06 Hannah Dada
C07 Anamaria Filipac
C08 Bernice Fokum
Ruijie Zhang
C09 Alexandra Hizel
C10 Janel Jin
C11 Akash Kumar
C12 Kaitlyn Kunstman
C13 Sheng-Ting Lin
C14 Xuxuan Liu
C15 Jonathan Park
C16 Varun Pilla
C17 Dana Robinson
C18 Jasmine Shah
C19 Shailee Shah
C20 Caroline Shin
C21 Isaiah Tan
C22 Jessina Thomas
C23 Anil Vaitla
C24 Stephanie Vanchipurakal
C 25 Shirley Xiao
8
Business
D01 Spencer Andrews
D02 Kaijia Chen
Anita Parikh
D03 Nicholas Higgins
D04 Yoonjung Koh
Sabrina Song
D05 You Na Oh
D06 Michael Reinhart
Feiyang Ye
Chemistry
E01 Abigail Chao
E02 Catherine Crawford
Jessica Durden
E03 Jonathan Czerwonka
E04 Seohyun Kim
E05 Rachael Lambert
E06 Max McKittrick
E07 Christine Pak
E 08 Ruhiyyeh Turner
Computer Science
F01 Alexander Drummond
Kyle Hanson
F 02 Cathy Li
Earth Science
G01 Matthew Brian McDermott
Kelly Wu
Economics
H01 Robert Cheung
Sharada Dharmasankar
Dong Kwak
H02 Mari Crook
H03 William Getz
David Lorentzen
H04 Nina Gnedin
Meaghan Pachay
H05 Brandan Matthews
H06 Michael Mirski
John Wang
H 07 Zehua Sun
Education
I01 Mariam Alaka
Leslie Martin
I02 Elizabeth Awoyemi
Issurah King
I03 Mehmet Badur
Cora Goldston
Colin Phillips
9
Education continued
I04 Duncan Baker
Troy Makulec
Thomas Oberhardt
I05 Aaron Bruder
Stephanie Martinez
Christopher Stovall
Mao Yamakawa
I06 Jingsi Fan
Anjulie Gang
Seung Heo
I07 Vidya Govind-Thomas
Anne Pipathsouk
I08 Jonathan Loucks
I09 Sidanth Sapru
I 10 Katherine Tu
Engineering
J01 Cameron Breedlove
Ricardo Gonzalez
Andrew Heuser
J02 David Contreras
Jackson Hallauer
J03 David Derry
Peter Nebres
J04 Jesse Fitzpatrick
Trevor Hahm
J05 Michael Gleeson
J06 Yifei Huang
J07 Adam Jung
Lawrence Kim
Eric Kwan
J08 Adelina Koleva
J09 Ruohan Li
J10 Maria Martinez
J11 Karl Ochmanek
J12 Angad Rekhi
J13 Grant Skudlarek
J 14 Terence Zhao
English
K01 Dawna Bagherian
K02 Jennifer Byers
K03 Allison Rodriguez
K04 Elizabeth Zaretsky
K05 Shuang Zhang
Environmental Science
L01 Vashti Aguilar
Christina Mikulka
L02 Jennifer Bennett
L03 Justin Glasper
Alisha Vimawala
L04 Judith Hooymans
Elizabeth Richardson
L05 Kristen Lee
L 06 Shyam Saladi
10
Fine Arts
M01 Kayla Campbell
Donald Lee-Brown
M02 Daniel (Mac) Nelsen
M03 Nicholos Reid
Stephanie Williams
History
N01 Elsa Costa
Guy Macarol
N 02 Lauraleigh Heffner
Law
O01 Amanda Cohen
O02 Ana Dumitrescu
O03 Abigail Flynn
Catrina Kim
Mathematics
P01 Matthew Castillon
P02 Irene Chen
P03 Bonny Jain
Medicine
Q01 Amishi Bajaj
Q02 Amishi Bajaj
Q03 Shelly Bhanot
Shilpa Topudurti
Q04 Andrea Castaldo
Ashley Czaplicki
Q05 Brian Chang
Q06 Lakshmi Girijala
Q07 Jennifer Hu
Q08 Sushma Kola
Q09 Pruthvi Kothari
Q10 Benjamin Kyi
Q11 Bob Lee
Q12 Kristen Lee
Q13 Bohao Liu
Q14 Yue Lu
Q15 Harika Nalluri
Q16 Hannah Reiser
Q17 Hannah Reiser
Q18 Sarah Rokosh
Q19 Aldo Rossi
Isolina Rossi
Q20 Priya Roy
Q21 Evan Schwerbrock
Q22 Joan Steffen
Q23 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni
Q24 Arika Verma
Q25 Mark Xue
Q26 Jing Wang
Nancy Yu
Q 27 Amy Zhou
11
Neurobiology
R01 Audrey Auyeung
Kathryn Stromdahl
R02 Aryssa Burton
Jayanshu Jain
Michelle Rudolph
R03 Mamatha Challa
Lucas Delort
R04 Grace Chan
R05 Kevin Chen
Kevin Lam
R06 Paul Chung
Siddharth Narayanan
R07 Shravanthy Gumidyala
Jonathon Schwarzbauer
Weili Zheng
R08 Sara Johnson
R09 Anusha Kumar
R10 Abraham Lee
R11 Vaisak Nair
R12 Hassan Qureshi
R13 Nirali Shah
R14 Milan Udawatta
R 15 Shivam Vedak
Physics
S01 Sara Akgul
S02 Amy Allen
S03 Stephanie Brandt
S04 Vladislav Kontsevoi
S05 Kelsey Lawhorn
Liana Nicklaus
Anthony Yunker
S06 Andrew Lee
S07 Zhengzheng Liu
S08 Travis Mui
S09 Alexander Munoz
S10 James Pan
S11 Eric Shinn
S12 Anderson West
Psychology
T01 Siana Aspy
Emerald Fannin
Samantha McPeak
T02 Jake Ayala
Andrew Ericson
T03 Stephanie Bernardo
Gabriela Cardoso
Salvador Esparza
T04 Gabriella Heller
T05 Meena Iyer
T06 Ankita Khandai
T07 Alina Kononov
T08 Allison Larrabee
T09 Ranait O'Connor
12
13
Psychology continued
T10 Rachel Rasp
T11 Margaret Tu
T 12 Vaishali Umrikar
Social Science
U01 Emmaline Conover
Katherine Evans
Troy Nelson
U02 Nicacio Corral
Alejandro Rojas
Gustavo Ulloa
U03 Kevin Crews
Jimmy Liu
U04 Robert Dawson
U05 Robert Delaney
U06 Yaseen Jamal
Jiabo Zheng
U07 Jade Martin
Youlia Racheva
U 08 Laura Thompson
Space Science
V01 Eric Lin
Nathaniel Simpson
V02 Sapna Patel
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B04 C04 C10 C16
A02 A08 B05 C05 C11 C17
A03 A09 B06 C06 C12 C18
A04 B01 C01 C07 C13 C19
A05 B02 C02 C08 C14 C20
A06
B03 C03
C09 C15
C21
C22 C23 C24 C25 D01 D02 D03 D04 D05 D06 E01 E02 E03 E04
E05 E06 E07 E08 F01 F02 G01 H01 H02 H03 H04 H05 H06 H07
I01 I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 J01 J02 J03 J04 J05 J06 J07 J08
J09 J10 J11 J12 J13 J14 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 L02 L03 L04 L05 L06 M01
O01 O02 O03 P01 P02 P03 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 Q05 Q06 Q07 Q08 Q09 Q10
Old Cafeteria/Commons
M02
M03
N01
N02
Q11 Q12
Q13
Q14
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A09 * Earth Science: G01 * Fine Arts: M01-M03
* Bioengineering: B01-B06 * Economics: H01-H07 * History: N01-N02
* Biology: C01-C25 * Education: I01-I10 * Law: O01-O03
* Business: D01-D06 * Engineering: J01-J14 * Mathematics: P01-P03
* Chemistry: E01-E08 * English: K01-K05 * Medicine: Q01-Q14
* Computer Science: F01-F02 * Environmental Science: L01-L06 continued
Poster Map
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
S05 S06
C135
S04 A
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research
Conference Room
S03
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20
Q21 Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26
Q27 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05 R06 R07 R08 R09 R010 R11
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life S02
S01
R12 R13 R14 R15
A108
C122A
C121A
Offices
C125
C126
C127
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine continued: Q15-Q27
* Neurobiology: R01-R15
* Physics: S01-S06
continued
CAC Office
D
A107
Poster Map
Math Study Area
A145
Mail Room
A147
Classrooms A149 A151
Math Study Area
U07 U08 V01 V02
U03 U04
U05 U06
C166
A148
Classrooms A150
Mail T11 T12 U01 U02 A137B
Room T07 T08
T09 T10
A138
A137
A144 A143
Classrooms A141
Leon Ledeman
Office
Mail
Room
T03 T04 T05 T06
S11 S12 T01 T02
Mail
Room
Stairs to the
President’s Office
S07 S08 S09 S10
C141
Offices
Academic Pit
A138
A140 A150A G E C
STAIR
S
A102
Horwitz Conference Room A103 A105 F D B
C144
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics continued: S07-S12
* Psychology: T01-T12
* Social Science: U01-U08
* Space Science: V01-V02
16
Schedule
9:10 - 9:25
Room ID
A-113 B06 Pore Density in PEGDA Hydrogels in Relation to the Proliferation of
NIH/ 3T3 and hMSCs
Karthik Vantakala, Mi Suk Bae, Richard Gemeinhart
A-117 Q07 The Feasibility of Melanoma-Related Immunotherapy Methods in
Patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Jennifer Hu, I. Caroline Le Poole, Mary Reust
A-119 H02 The Global Food Crisis
Mari Crook, Robert Kiely
A-131 J06 Field Programmable Gate Arrays Computing for Space Charge
Simulation
Yifei Huang, Jin-Yuan Wu
A-133 D02 Useful Skills for Business Professionals
Kaijia Chen, Anita Parikh, Devi Vallabhaneni
A-135 E01 Templated Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Abigail Chao, Leonidas Ocola
A-147 N01 The Voynich Manuscript
Elsa Costa, Guy Macarol, Dennis Czerny
A-149 C04 Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Cerebellum
of Stressed Rats
Anna Chen, Lei Zhang
A-151 C22 Ovarian Cryopreservation as a Fertility Preservation Method for
Women with Ovarian Malignancies
Jessina Thomas, Teresa Woodruff
A-155 H03 Market Microstructure and Liquidity
William Getz, David Lorentzen, Doug Adams
Acad. Pit
A-138
J11 Architectural Design Decisions
Karl Ochmanek, Kate Hauserman
B-110 C06 The Effect of Locostatin on Wildtype RKIP and Depleted RKIP
Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Hannah Dada, Marsha Rosner, Anne Shemon
B-116 O03 The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Investigating
Implementation in Chicago
Abigail Flynn, Catrina Kim, Sandra Babcock
B-133 E02 Nanoscale and Molecular Studies of Advanced Materials:
Understanding Anodic Aluminum Oxide and its Applications in
Microfiltration
Catherine Crawford, Jessica Durden, Steve Sibener
D-103 B03 The Effects of a Visual and Haptic Feedback Interface on Stroke
Rehabilitation
Hendrik Dewald, Ana Maria Acosta, Jules Dewald
17
9:10 - 9:25 continued
D-107 I10 A Comparative Look at Education in the United States, China, and
India
Katherine Tu, Christopher Schreiber
D-110 A08 Elucidating Enzyme-Substrate Interactions Through Kinetic Studies
of HDAC8 and its Substrates
Yiru Tao, Milan Mrksich
Kids Inst.
E-115
J02 Blending the Needs of All Involved: An Investigation in Architecture
David Contreras, Jackson Hallauer, Austin Dempsey, Victor Dietz, Forrest
Nelson, Joel Strassman, Steven Vasilion
9:35 - 9:50
Room ID
A-113 U06 Is There Correlation Between Health-Risk Behaviors?
Yaseen Jamal, Jiabo Zheng, Gene McFadden, Bonnie Spring
A-117 I06 I<3 Science: A Chemistry Book for Children
Jingsi Fan, Anjulie Gang, Seung Heo, Dave DeVol
A-119 C10 The Effects of Troponin I Pseudophosphorylation on Conformation
and Interaction within the Thin Filament
Janel Jin, Brandon Biesiadecki, R. John Solaro
A-131 R08 Brain Aging and Soy Consumption
Sara Johnson, Jim Victory
A-133 Q09 The Effect of Platelet Activating Factor on Nuclear Factor kappa B
Dependent Luciferase Activity in vivo in a Mouse Model of Acute
Bowel Injury
Pruthvi Kothari, Isabelle De Plaen
A-135 O02 Improving Romania’s Adoption System: Comparative Analysis and
Application of Western Adoption Systems
Ana Dumitrescu, Mihaela Raicu
A-147 L01 Accumulation of Mercury in Lake Michigan and its Effects on
Humans
Vashti Aguilar, Christina Mikulka, Robert Kiely
A-149 Q10 The Effect of Dichloroacetate on Cancer Stem Cells
Benjamin Kyi, Morris Kletzel, Marie Olszewski
A-151 B05 Hydraulic Conductivity of Collagen I as Found in Bruch's Membrane
Velin Tchalakov, Zdravka Cankova
A-155 C13 The Effects of Serotonin on the Sympathetic Activity on the Recovery
of Hypotensive Hemorrhage
Sheng-Ting Lin, Theresa Kung, Karie Scrogin
Acad. Pit
A-138
Q08 Anti-Cancer Drug Nanoparticles as Carriers of DNA into Cells
Sushma Kola, Richard Gemeinhart
B-110 Q13 Effects of DNMT3B7, a Truncated DNMT3B Protein Found in Human
Tumors, on Murine Lymphomas
Bohao Liu, Lucy Godley, Aparna Vasanthakumar
18
9:35 - 9:50 continued
B-116 Q21 Relationship Between Horizontal Reaction Force and Walking Velocity
in People Post-Stroke
Evan Schwerbrock, David Brown
B-133 B04 Development of an o-GlcNAc Transferase Based Therapeutic for
Glioblastomas
Nicole Howard, Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal
D-103 A07 The Effects of High Fat Diets on Mouse Pancreatic Precancer may be
Correlated with Serum PGE2 Levels
Rital Shah, Youngzeng Ding, Paul Grippo
D-107 J07 Measuring the Performance of Gas Turbine Filters Using
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Adam Jung, Lawrence Kim, Eric Kwan, Michael Corbat, Lawrence Ost,
Philip Winters
D-110 H07 Examining the Effects of Nominal Sales
Zehua Sun, John List, Hugo Sonnenschein
Kids Inst.
E-115
L05 IMSA Go Green: Investigating Student Action
Kristen Lee, Christopher Kolar
Lect. Hall
B-206
Q14 All-trans Retinoic Acid induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Death in
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cells
Yue Lu, Amareshwar Singh
10:00 - 10:15
Room ID
A-113 I01 School Improvement Plans: Necessary but not Sufficient
Mariam Alaka, Leslie Martin, Kaziputalimba Joshua, Glenn "Max"
McGee
A-117 Q15 Generating a Dendritic Cell Activating DNA Vaccine for Melanoma
Harika Nalluri, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-119 Q11 Gene Therapy Treatment of Breast Cancer Involving Transforming
Growth Factor-! Inhibition Promoted by Modified Human
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
Bob Lee, Prem Seth, Zhenwei Zhang
A-131 C01 The Effects of Cholesterol and Other Sterols on Membrane Fluidity
Dimple Adatia, Linna Guan, Yulia Epshtein, Irena Levitan, Dev Singh
A-133 R10 The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Parkinson's Disease
Abraham Lee, Daniel Corcos, David Vaillancort
A-135 Q18 The Affect of the Implementation of Computed Tomography on the
Negative Appendectomy Rate at Loyola University Medical Center
Sarah Rokosh, John Santaniello
A-147 C05 Beta-Cell Regeneration in Diabetic Mice Treated with Islet Cell
Transplantation and Insulin Tablets
Anna Chen, Anita Chong, Eric Grossman
A-149 U04 What’s in a Name? Investigating the Relationship Between Given
Names and Physical Attractiveness
Robert Dawson, Dennis Czerny
19
10:00 - 10:15 continued
A-151 Q24 Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue
Microarrays and Digital Microscopy
Arika Verma, Funmi Olopade
A-155 V01 Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Eric Lin, Nathaniel Simpson, Peter Schubert
Acad. Pit
A-138
I05 Expanding IMSA Outreach to Hispanic Students
Aaron Bruder, Stephanie Martinez, Christopher Stovall, Mao Yamakawa,
Vincent Matsko, Jose Palos
B-110 R01 Searching for the Role of Chemokines in Neuropathic Pain
Audrey Auyeung, Kathryn Stromdahl, Matt Ripsch, Fletcher White
B-116 J13 Maximizing Palladium Nanowire-Based Hydrogen Sensor
Performance Through Diblock Copolymer Pattern Transfer
Grant Skudlarek, Seth Darling
B-133 J12 A Review of the Design for Six Sigma Literature with a Focus on
Tools for Systems Architecture and a Documentation of a Catapult
Design Using SysML
Angad Rekhi, Peter Jackson
D-103 L03 Ethanol Implementation as a Source of Alternative Fuel: IMSA's
First Ethanol Powered Engine
Justin Glasper, Alisha Vimawala, Branson Lawrence
D-107 R13 The Effect of Chronic Stress on Interneurons of the Ventral
Tegmental Area
Nirali Shah, Louis Lucas
D-110 Q22 Determining Postoperative Risks of Preoperative Frailty and
Hypoalbuminemia
Joan Steffen, Kathleen Grady, Richard Lee, Michael Yensel
Kids Inst.
E-115
H01 Exploration of Factors that Influence Crude Oil Price
Robert Cheung, Sharada Dharmasankar, Dong Kwak, Jeong Choe-Hwang
Lect. Hall
B-206
E06 Novel Materials in Magnetoelectric Multiferroics
Max McKittrick, Christos Takoudis, Yi Yang
10:25 - 10:40
Room ID
A-113 A03 Pretreatment of Miscanthus for Biofuel Production
Hyun Cho, Dave DeVol
A-117 J03 The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an
Alternative to Transistors
David Derry, Peter Nebres, Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner
A-119 K01 High Above The Ground and Two Finches: A Study of Autism
Through Writing
Dawna Bagherian, Tracy Townsend
A-131 U07 A Comparison Between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama
Jade Martin, Youlia Racheva, Jim Victory
A-133 E05 Optimization of Titanium Dioxide
Rachael Lambert, Christos Takoudis, Qian Tao
20
10:25 - 10:40 continued
A-135 C20 The Determination of Alloantibody in Glycosylation
Caroline Shin, Emily Ahmed, Anita Chong
A-147 K03 Fashion in Films
Allison Rodriguez, Audrey Wells
A-149 H04 Causes of the 2008 Oil Crisis
Nina Gnedin, Meaghan Pachay, Robert Kiely
A-151 K04 Sexuality in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century British Plays
Elizabeth Zaretsky, Michael Hancock
A-155 J09 The Designing and Testing of a Radio Control Electric Counter-
Rotating Rotors Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Ruohan Li, Francisco Ruiz
Acad. Pit
A-138
R03 The Neuropsychology of Adolescent Romance
Mamatha Challa, Lucas Delort, David Evenson
B-110 D04 Apple Inc: Its Marketing Techniques and its Success
Yoonjung Koh, Sabrina Song, Pradeep Chintagunta
B-116 Q16 Blood Type as a Risk Factor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates
Hannah Reiser, Jonathan Muraskas, Sherri Yong
B-133 T12 The Effect of Orion Filters on Visual Acuity During Dark Adaptation
Vaishali Umrikar, Thomas Sawyer
D-103 S11 The Effect of Surface Processing on Superconducting Radiofrequency
Cavities
Eric Shinn, Camille Ginsburg
D-107 Q19 A Case Control Study of Polymorphisms in the Matrix
Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Patients with Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysms Versus Healthy Controls
Aldo Rossi, Isolina Rossi, William Pearce, Vera Shively
D-110 O01 Music Copyright and Royalty Laws: The Impact of Technology on
the Music Industry
Amanda Cohen, Barry Irwin, Christian Nokkentved
Kids Inst.
E-115
A02 Investigating the Lotus Effect
Cecilia Chang, Zack Maril, Mark Carlson
Lect. Hall
B-206
I02 Facts for Life
Elizabeth Awoyemi, Issurah King, Adrienne Coleman, Robert Hernandez
10:50 - 11:30 double time session
Room ID
A-119 U03 An Independent Approach to Health Care: Analysis of the Necessity
and Methodology of Comparative Effectiveness
Kevin Crews, Jimmy Liu, Mary Carter, Douglas Saunders, Scott Serota
21
10:50 - 11:05
Room ID
A-113 I03 Teach Illinois: Reassessment of the Current Illinois K-12 School
Funding Model
Mehmet Badur, Cora Goldston, Colin Phillips, Glenn "Max" McGee
A-117 C02 The Effect of T-bet on the Development of Natural Killer Cells
Erika Bongen, Barbara Kee, Kevin Ramirez
A-131 Q12 The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition on Disc
Degeneration
Kristen Lee, Hee-Jeong Sampen
A-133 Q26 Differences Between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the
Mammary Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Jing Wang, Nancy Yu, Charles Clevenger, Y'vonne Feeney
A-135 Q01 Pegylated Interferon-Induced Graft Dysfunction After Liver
Transplantation: A Multicenter Case Control Study
Amishi Bajaj, Josh Levitsky
A-147 K05 Writing a Novel About the Shadows of Human Mind
Shuang Zhang, Dennis Czerny
A-149 T05 Defining Beautiful Within Two Cultures
Meena Iyer, Genna Bebko, Joan Y. Chiao
A-151 Q25 The Effect of Interleukin-6 on Iron Concentrations and Prostate
Cancer Progression
Mark Xue, Andre Kajdacsy-Balla
A-155 F02 Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks: Along a Cherry Lane
Cathy Li, Peng-Jun Wan
Acad. Pit
A-138
U02 The Unveiling of a New American Perspective: Latino Demographics
of the Fifty United States
Nicacio Corral, Alejandro Rojas, Gustavo Ulloa, Isabel Reyes
B-110 D06 Improving the IIT Stuart School of Business Website
Michael Reinhart, Feiyang Ye, Siva Balasubramanian
B-116 Q05 Epidemiological Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus
Brian Chang, Bill Kabat, Guorong Liu
B-133 C18 Characterization of Folate-Conjugated Multi-Arm PEG Polymers As
Efficient Nanoparticles for Cancer Drug Delivery
Jasmine Shah, Seungpyo Hong
D-103 M03 Production of a Twenty-first Century Musical
Nicholos Reid, Stephanie Williams, James Priovolos
D-107 C17 Screening for acd6-1 Suppressors in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants
Dana Robinson, Jean Greenberg, Jiyoung Lee
D-110 T10 Parenting Style and a Child’s Perception of Parents
Rachel Rasp, Patricia Schacht
Kids Inst.
E-115
J14 Engineering a Durable, Reusable Polycarbonate Water Filter
Terence Zhao, Mark Carlson
22
10:50 - 11:05 continued
Lect. Hall
B-206
H05 Equal Pay for Equal Work? An Assessment of Teacher
Compensation, Experience, and Contractual Mandates
Brandan Matthews, Lisa Barrow
11:15 - 11:30
Room ID
A-113 C07 The Effects of Eomesodermin on the Specification and Commitment
of Multipotent Lymphoid Progenitors to the Murine Bone Marrow
Natural Killer Lineage
Anamaria Filipac, Barbara Kee, Kevin Ramirez
A-117 S03 A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Angle Decorrelation Over Several
Rapidities
Stephanie Brandt, Don Lincoln
A-131 D03 Let's Play: Developing a Card Game System
Nicholas Higgins, Tracy Townsend
A-133 S12 The Galfitting of LRG 3-817
Anderson West, Thomas Diehl
A-135 Q02 Mapping Genes Involved in Chronic Sinusitis
Amishi Bajaj, Jayant Pinto
A-147 S07 Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Zhengzheng Liu, Maury Goodman
A-149 T09 The Effect of Gender-Priming on Empathy
Ranait O'Connor, Joan Y. Chiao, Vani Mathur
A-151 C09 A Conditional Knock-Down of the LDH2 Gene in Toxoplasma gondii
Alexandra Hizel, Rima McLeod
A-155 S06 Superconducting Radiofrequency Diagnostics
Andrew Lee, Aseet Mukherjee
Acad. Pit
A-138
I07 IMSA Chicago: Science Curriculum
Vidya Govind-Thomas, Anne Pipathsouk, Michelle Kolar, Glenn "Max"
McGee, Sendhil Revuluri
B-110 Q27 New Battles Against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Amy Zhou, Bill Kabat, Rajeswari Pitchumani
B-116 Q17 Predicting Academic and Clinical Distinction in a 60 Minute Medical
School Interview
Hannah Reiser, Jonathan Muraskas
B-133 C25 The Purification of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1, RSK1 Kinase Domain-1,
and RSK1 Kinase Domain-2 from E. coli Cells
Shirley Xiao, Deepti Chaturvedi, Tarun Patel
D-103 M01 Predicting Fame: Discovering and Applying Today's Popular Music
Techniques
Kayla Campbell, Donald Lee-Brown, James Priovolos
D-107 R12 FALS5 Gene Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Hassan Qureshi, Kaouther Ajroud, Faisal Fecto, Teepu Siddique
23
11:15 - 11:30 continued
D-110 S10 Development of an Algorithm to Differentiate Between Hadronic Jet
and Photon Signatures
James Pan, Sasha Pranko
Kids Inst.
E-115
R06 Predictors of Reactivity to Stress and Cigarette Usage
Paul Chung, Siddharth Narayanan, Harriet de Wit
Lect. Hall
B-206
M02 Films and the Auteur
Daniel (Mac) Nelsen, Audrey Wells
Please join us at 12:30 in the Academic Pit for our Student Recognition session,
hosted by Dr. Leon Lederman and Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee.
12:30 - 12:45
Room ID
A-117 R14 If You Want To Learn, Don’t Think, and Don’t Blink
Milan Udawatta, Deborah Little
A-131 U08 Addressing the Obstacles that Prevent Nongovernmental
Organizations from Spreading Girls’ Education to Developing
Countries
Laura Thompson, Grace Glass, David Radcliff
A-133 Q23 Calcium Handling Heterogeneity Within Normal and Failing
Myocytes
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, J. Andrew Wasserstrom
A-147 B01 Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Susan Chen, Jasmine Kwasa, Sukhraaj Basati, Andreas Linninger
A-149 T11 Achievement Goals, Effort, Satisfaction, and Personal Performance
in Marathon Running
Margaret Tu, Aaron Sackett, Rebecca White, George Wu
A-151 C08 The Effect of Decitabine on the Methylation Status and Binding of
CREB to Gamma Globin Promoter CRE
Bernice Fokum, Ruijie Zhang, Donald LaVelle
A-155 C12 APOBEC3G and HIV in Lemurs: An Evolutionary Study
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Steven Wolinsky
12:55 - 1:10
Room ID
A-113 E07 Synthesis and Analysis for Multifunctional Microsphere-
Nanoparticle Probe Systems for Imaging in Biological Systems
Christine Pak, Ali Jawaid, Preston Snee
A-117 D05 Marketing Engineering: Understanding Attitudinal Research
You Na Oh, Chaim Ehrman
A-119 A05 Inducing Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Human Cancer
Grant Rotskoff, Glyn Dawson
24
12:55 - 1:10 continued
A-131 C19 The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Flax Seed on the Steroid
Genesis Pathway Factors Critical to the Development of Ovarian
Surface Epithelial Cancer
Shailee Shah, Kristine Ansenberger, Dale Buchanan Hales
A-133 R15 An Innovative Model for Measuring Pain Sensitivity in Chronically
Injured Rats
Shivam Vedak, A. Vania Apkarian
A-147 T06 The Various Effects of Religion on Perception
Ankita Khandai, Donna Jo Bridge, Joan Y. Chiao
A-149 Q03 The Effects of Different Surfactants, Curosurf and Survanta, on the
Survival and Outcome of Infants with Birth Weight Equal to or Less
than 1000 Grams from Three Time Periods
Shelly Bhanot, Shilpa Topudurti, Christine Sajous
A-151 P02 Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials
with Isolated Singularities
Irene Chen, Stephen Yau
A-155 C11 Genetic Mapping of a High Response Psychostimulant Mutant
Permanent Midnight
Akash Kumar, Vivek Kumar
B-133 E08 Diamonds in a Vacuum
Ruhiyyeh Turner, Vicki Burgholzer
D-103 C24 A Survey of Genetic Modifications and Ethical Implications
Stephanie Vanchipurakal, Sarah O’Leary
D-107 T03 Are You What You Eat and Do?
Stephanie Bernardo, Gabriela Cardoso, Salvador Esparza, Deborah
McGrath
D-110 T02 The Physiological Effects of Chewing Gum on Human Heart Rate,
Reaction Time, Stress Response, and Memory
Jake Ayala, Andrew Ericson, Todd Parrish
Kids Inst.
E-115
I04 IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter?
Duncan Baker, Troy Makulec, Thomas Oberhardt, Tracy Miller
1:20 - 1:35
Room ID
A-114 P01 Application of Different Voting Systems to the 2007 French
Presidential Election
Matthew Castillon, Donald Porzio, Eric Smith
A-117 R09 The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Anusha Kumar, Orly Lazarov
A-119 A01 Red Cell Hydration and Sickle Cell Disease: A Study of "-Calpain
Inhibition
Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade, Richard Labotka
A-131 U05 A Search for the Importance of Ethics
Robert Delaney, Dennis Czerny
25
1:20 - 1:35 continued
A-133 T04 The Effects of Caregiver Input on Narrative Skills in Children with
Pre- or Perinatal Brain Injury
Gabriella Heller, Ozlem Ece Demir
A-135 B02 Comparison of Diffusion MRI Analysis Models
Frederick Damen, Xiaohong Joe Zhou
A-147 Q04 Patient Safety in Surgery: An Examination of Hand Hygiene and
Physician Communication
Andrea Castaldo, Ashley Czaplicki, Timothy McDonald
A-149 T08 The Effects of Confidence and Self-Esteem on Performance
Allison Larrabee, David Evenson
A-151 R04 The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Grace Chan, Douglas Feinstein, Anthony Sharp
A-155 E04 The Thermodynamic System of Nanoscale Clusters
Seohyun Kim, R. Stephen Berry, Chengju Wang
B-110 E03 The Study of Physical Properties and Self Assembly of an Amide
Ionic Liquid
Jonathan Czerwonka, Millicent Firestone
B-116 Q06 Cardiovascular Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Lakshmi Girijala, Louis Cohen, Ankit Desai
B-133 C14 Screening of Human Fetal Liver cDNA Phage Display Library for
Neonatal Hemochromatosis Alloantigen Using Maternal Sera
Xuxuan Liu, Padmini Malladi, Peter Whitington
D-103 C03 The Diet and Nutrition of an Average IMSA Student
Jessica Burash, Elizabeth Murphy, Sarah OLeary
D-107 L04 Effect of Restoration on Floristic Quality Index of Kane County
Prairies
Judith Hooymans, Elizabeth Richardson, Deborah McGrath
D-110 N02 Seafaring: Technology, History, and Economics
Lauraleigh Heffner, Claiborne Skinner
Kids Inst.
E-115
T07 The Social Structure of IMSA
Alina Kononov, Susan Styer
1:45 - 2:00
Room ID
A-113 D01 The Economics of Virtual Economies: How Real-Life Economic
Trends and Factors are Present in MMORPGs
Spencer Andrews, Eric Smith
A-117 C15 Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Ocular Cell Infection
Jonathan Park, Christopher O'Donnell, Deepak Shukla
A-119 R05 Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand
Binding in Alzheimer's Disease
Kevin Chen, Kevin Lam, William Klein, Pascale Lacor
A-131 S05 Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Kelsey Lawhorn, Liana Nicklaus, Anthony Yunker, James Annis
26
1:45 - 2:00 continued
A-133 S04 Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by
Doping
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song
A-135 I09 Self-Efficacy and Academic Success: A Study of AVID Students in
the Chicago Public Schools System
Sidanth Sapru, Melanie LaForce
A-147 S09 The Search for Theta 13
Alexander Munoz, Maury Goodman, Mayly Sanchez
A-149 A09 Exploring Properties of Protozoan Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a
Yeast-Based Screening System to Identify New Lead Compounds for
Antiparasitic Drugs
Eva Yuan, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn, Zi Ye
A-151 K02 Writing Your Way to a Dystopian Novel: Processes and Production
Jennifer Byers, Daniel Gleason
A-155 R02 The Effect of GT1061 on Open Field Behavior of Mice
Aryssa Burton, Jayanshu Jain, Michelle Rudolph, Jia Luo, Greg Thatcher
Acad. Pit
A-138
I08 Socioeconomics and Public Education: An Examination of Policies
that Narrow the Achievement Gap
Jonathan Loucks, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-110 S02 Reconstruction of FCNC Top-Antitop Decay
Amy Allen, Datta Mousumi
B-116 J10 Does Our Current National Bridge Inspection Criteria Need To Be
Changed, and if so, How?
Maria Martinez, Richard Kaczkowski
B-133 V02 The Formation of Supermassive Black Holes
Sapna Patel, Don York
D-103 H06 Understanding Factors of the Black White Achievement Gap
Michael Mirski, John Wang, Jonathan Hersh, Emily Oster
D-107 J05 Lower Extremity Motion Characteristics of Adolescent Baseball
Pitching
Michael Gleeson, Tasos Karakostas
D-110 R11 The Effect of Exercise on Sleep
Vaisak Nair, Kathryn Reid
Kids Inst.
E-115
J01 Designing Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, Commercial
Supersonic Aircraft
Cameron Breedlove, Ricardo Gonzalez, Andrew Heuser, James Gerry
Lect. Hall
B-206
Q20 The Severity, Causes, and Effects of Sleep Deprivation at IMSA
Priya Roy, Susan Styer
2:10 - 2:25
Room ID
A-113 A04 The Abrogation of Canonical Wnt Signaling-Induced Migration and
Collagen Synthesis by PPAR-# Ligand Rosiglitazone
Yize Leng, John Varga, Jun Wei
27
28
2:10 - 2:25 continued
A-117 S08 Observation of Neutrino Disappearance at the MINOS Far Detector
Travis Mui, Maury Goodman
A-119 C21 Mutagenesis on the Streptococcus pyogenes pel Locus and Its Effect
on Virulence Gene Regulation
Isaiah Tan, Jenny Chang, Michael Federle
A-131 U01 After Babelfish: The Art and Science of Translation
Emmaline Conover, Katherine Evans, Troy Nelson, Christopher Colburn,
Paavo Husen
A-133 J08 Analysis into the Preparation of a Ni-Zn Bimetallic Catalyst
Adelina Koleva, Randall Meyer
A-135 C23 The Role of Neutron and Gamma Radiation in Liver Tumor
Development
Anil Vaitla, Tatjana Paunesku, Gayle Woloschak
A-147 R07 Determining Latencies of Auditory Evoked Potentials Using Gamma
Frequency Band Analysis
Shravanthy Gumidyala, Jonathon Schwarzbauer, Weili Zheng, Brent
Parris, Vernon Leo Towle
A-149 L06 Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Shyam Saladi, Brian Lutey
A-151 S01 The Validation of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Sara Akgul, Ricardo Eusebi
A-155 P03 On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and
Torus
Bonny Jain, Noah Prince
B-110 J04 Battery Technology as an Alternative Energy Source in
Transportation
Jesse Fitzpatrick, Trevor Hahm, Harold Kung
B-116 C16 The Prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in the United States
Varun Pilla, Chao Qi
B-133 A06 An Alternative Method for Obtaining Mitotic Arrested Mouse
Embryonic Fibroblasts Necessary for Human Stem Cell
Maintenance
Bani Saluja, Allan Campione, Lon Van Winkle
D-103 L02 Modeling Idling Reduction Options for Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks: A
Comparison of Emissions/Energy Use and Economics
Jennifer Bennett, Linda Gaines
D-107 T01 The Effects of Music Therapy on Autism
Siana Aspy, Emerald Fannin, Samantha McPeak, Paula Altekruse,
MaryBeth McCarthy
D-110 G01 An Investigation of the Physical Properties of the Atmosphere
Matthew Brian McDermott, Kelly Wu, Geza Gyuk, Mark Hammergren
Lect. Hall
B-206
F01 How To Build a Robot: Evolutionarily Designed Intelligence and its
Basis in Modern Biology
Alexander Drummond, Kyle Hanson, Mike Ososky
A01
Red Cell Hydration and Sickle Cell Disease: A Study of "-Calpain Inhibition
Presenter(s)
Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Labotka, University of Illinois at Chicago
Hope for sickle cell patients increases everyday as innovative research continues to push boundaries on the
knowledge of the disease. During the duration of this investigation "-calpain, a protein inhibitor, was
analyzed because of its unique potential to help red blood cells retain water. In sickle cell disease, the
hydration of red blood cells greatly affects the concentration of hemoglobin within the cell and, in turn,
could positively influence some of the symptoms that manifest due to the sickling cycle of blood cells
caused by close hemoglobin proximity. This investigation used pthalate ester density distributions and
osmotic fragility tests to see how the physical attributes of sickle red blood cells were affected by "-calpain
inhibition. Over the past year, the best methodology for conducting these experiments has been refined. By
changing various conditions such as incubation temperature and the solution the inhibitor was diluted in, "-
calpain's interaction with sickle cell samples has been maximized. It is certain that continued study of "-
calpain and other proteases like it could lead to promising advances in the treatment of sickle cell disease.
A02
Investigating the Lotus Effect
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Zack Maril, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The lotus effect is created by the interaction between the surface of a water droplet and the nanostructures
on the surface of a plant leaf. When the effect is present, the droplet takes on a characteristic shape and
moves down slopes at high speeds. Based on observational data, Colocasia gigantean (elephant ear) leaves,
and Brassica oleracea (broccoli) leaves, as well as various types of rose petals all display the characteristic
traits of the lotus effect. The Colocasia and Brassica were both monitored during development, and found
to posses the traits as soon the leaves started to mature. We experimented with wax and teflon coatings on
wood to see if hydrophobic surfaces could replicate the lotus effect. While crudely similar for water, there
were clear differences when using a sticky, viscous liquid like honey. Currently, we are trying to quantify
these observations while varying physical parameters such as the angle of incline, the temperature of the
water, and the polarity of the liquid. More viable ways of replicating the effect artificially may be found,
with a better understanding of the development and mechanics of the lotus effect.
29
A03
Pretreatment of Miscanthus for Biofuel Production
Presenter(s)
Hyun Cho, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over the last few years, there has been a race for alternative fuel sources. There has been a strong interest
in fuels derived from plants because the process of making and using the fuel is carbon neutral. Many
researchers have looked toward fermenting cellulosic materials to produce fuels such as ethanol and
butanol; however, there still needs to be an effective pretreatment of this complex sugar. The purpose of
this study was to develop an easy and inexpensive method to break down cellulose in Miscanthus into
glucose. Miscanthus was autoclaved at high temperatures and Cellulomonas, a cellulase producing bacteria,
was utilized in hopes of decomposing cellulose. The initial heat treatment on the miscanthus resulted in an
increase of ~100-300 mg/dL of glucose, increasing in glucose concentration as the dry mass of the plant
increased. However, interestingly, following the bacteria treatment, the amount of glucose decreased with
increasing dry mass. In the future, more trials will be needed in order to validate these findings; in addition,
the study can be furthered by fermenting the resulting glucose to produce biofuels, such as butanol and
ethanol.
A04
The Abrogation of Canonical Wnt Signaling-Induced Migration and Collagen Synthesis by PPAR-#
Ligand Rosiglitazone
Presenter(s)
Yize Leng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Varga, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vascular injury, and fibrosis
in multiple organs. Fibrosis is characterized by overproduction of collagen and other extracellular matrix
components by fibroblasts, resulting in excessive accumulation of these macromolecules. Recent studies
have shown that Wnt signaling is elevated in fibrosis. Wnt is a family of proteins best known for its roles in
embryogenesis and cancer, but is also involved in normal physiological processes like wound healing. The
Wnt signaling pathway studied here is the #-catenin-dependent, or canonical, pathway. Canonical Wnt
signaling is known to stimulate fibroblasts proliferation and migration, which contributes to fibrosis. It is
reported that increased expression of PPAR-$ causes a measurable decrease of #-catenin in mouse preadipocytes,
and PPAR-$ ligand treatment resulted in an even greater decrease in #-catenin. In this study, we
activated PPAR-$ with rosiglitazone in adenovirus-Wnt3a (a Wnt ligand that can activate canonical Wnt
signaling) infected human foreskin fibroblasts and then examined collagen expression levels and cell
migration. Activation of canonical Wnt signaling by ectopic Wnt3a expression was found to stimulate type
I collagen synthesis, and this stimulation was suppressed by rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone also abrogated
Wnt-induced fibroblast migration. Our results suggest the potential use of PPAR-$ ligand rosiglitazone in
the therapy of scleroderma.
30
A05
Inducing Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Human Cancer
Presenter(s)
Grant Rotskoff, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Human prostate cancers are notably insensitive to chemotherapy and often lack gap-junction proteins such
as connexin 43 (Cx43). Genetically transfecting LNCaP prostate cancer cells with the Cx43 gene increased
both the intercellular transport of chemical messengers and drugs. We show that Cx43 dramatically
increases the cell-killing ability of PI3 kinase inhibitors (Wortmannin, LY-294,002) and C2 ceramide in the
LNCaP cells. The release of small liposomal membrane microdomains, called exosomes, has been shown
both in vitro and in vivo to be involved in cell communication. We look at their potential role in
chemotherapy by characterizing exosomal lipids content in both human prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP)
and human oligodendroglioma (HOG), and we show that exosomes are enriched with cholesterol,
sphingomyelin, and ceramide, and therefore resemble lipid Raft microdomains, which control messenger
proteins. Protein analysis (Western blotting) of exosomes demonstrates that exosomes carry active second
messengers, as well as known Raft markers. Thus, increasing intercellular communication has the potential
to increase the efficacy of treatment of cancer. While examining intercellular communication, the
absorption of theoretical chemotherapies called “chaperones” was examined in human neuroblastoma cells
(LAN5). We show that a peptide from the rabies virus glycoprotein assisted in the absorption of
chemotherapy in neural cells into the nucleus, thus improving treatment.
A06
An Alternative Method for Obtaining Mitotic Arrested Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Necessary for
Human Stem Cell Maintenance
Presenter(s)
Bani Saluja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Allan Campione, Midwestern University
Lon Van Winkle, Midwestern University
The presently utilized parameters for growing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were determined in
1998. As eleven years have past, we are currently exploring several new different methods in order to
reevaluate the optimal conditions for culturing and maintaining hESCs in a pluripotent state. All of our
current experiments are being done with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEF) to serve as a substrate for
future work with hESCs. The 4 different methods we have been experimenting with are UV exposure, Xraying,
mitomycin C, and TeSR media. Once the optimum condition is determined, we will be treating the
cells with mGlu 5 antagonist to try to induce differentiation. So far, our results have shows that mEFs can
be arrested in their mitotic division state and grown successfully using UV wavelengths from 2200 μJ to
3000 μJ, proving UV treated mEFs support the growth of pluripotent stem cells. We have yet to gather
results in regards to mytomycin C, X-ray, and TeSR media run experiments. Potentially, we will determine
the best technique for growing hESCs and prove glutamic acid may be responsible for helping to maintain
hESC in their pluripotent state.
31
A07
The Effects of High Fat Diets on Mouse Pancreatic Precancer may be Correlated with Serum PGE2
Levels
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Youngzeng Ding, Northwestern University
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with poorly understood risk factors due to an incomplete understanding
of the relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer development. Polyunsaturated fatty acids including
omega-3 (%-3) and omega-6 (%-6) can generate high levels of eicosanoids through the arachidonic acid
metabolic pathway. Ultimately, these eicosanoids can affect both cells and/or their surrounding
environment, leading to enhanced or diminished cancer cell development. To address this relationship,
mice that develop pancreatic precancer were fed diets rich in %-3 and %-6 fatty acids. We hypothesize that
an increase in %-6 fatty acids would lead to increased PGE2 in these mice, promoting inflammation and
carcinogenesis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay is being employed to calculate the amount of
PGE2 in mouse sera. We anticipate that the effects of increased levels of PGE2 will be associated with
mechanisms related to higher %-6 fatty acid intake. Although the data for this study has not been collected,
other groups have confirmed a similar correlation when using cell culture and mice, though no studies have
been published using mice that develop pancreatic precancer. Results that corroborate increased PGE2 as a
contributor to precancer development translates into potential therapeutic targets and improved
understanding of disease etiology.
A08
Elucidating Enzyme-Substrate Interactions through Kinetic Studies of HDAC8 and its Substrates
Presenter(s)
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Milan Mrksich, University of Chicago
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes are important proteins in gene expression and are associated with a
variety of cancers. This enzyme family removes acetyl groups from lysine residues in histone proteins
which condenses chromatin and hinders transcription. This study uses a combination of self-assembled
monolayers and MALDI-TOF MS (a technique termed SAMDI-MS) to compare the kinetic parameters of
the HDAC8 isozyme and acetylated lysine containing peptide substrates derived from Ac-Gly-Arg-AcLys-
X-Gly-Cys -NH2 (X = Phe, Tyr). For the substrate X = Phe we found a value for Km = 56 /- 4 ìM, kcat =
708 /- 32 s-1, and kcat /Km = 1.2610 M-1 s-1. The parameters for X = Tyr are ongoing. These results will
demonstrate how certain enzymes interact with specific substrates that provide information on the
chemistry around enzyme active site and identifies similarities and differences between isozymes. This can
then lead towards the identification of specific HDAC inhibitors, a current goal as targets for cancer
therapeutics.
32
A09
Exploring Properties of Protozoan Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to
Identify New Lead Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
Presenter(s)
Eva Yuan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Zi Ye, University of Chicago
Parasitic infections affect millions of people globally. Vaccines are ineffective and infectious parasites are
becoming drug-resistant. Acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC) is an essential enzyme of fatty acid metabolism
and a potential target for new drugs. Drug screening using live parasites is impractical and expensive, so we
used yeast as a surrogate host. After introducing parasitic ACC genes into yeast to replace the native ACC,
we used the transgenic strains to screen chemical libraries for inhibitors of parasitic ACC. By yeast
complementation, we tested ACC from L. braziliensis, L. major, and T. brucei. We are testing
Cryptospiridium ACC. L. major and T. brucei ACC did not complement yeast ACC null mutation.
Polymerase chain reaction errors can lead to inactive ACC by introducing amino acid substitutions, but that
the substitutions that we found were best explained by haplotype variation. The artificial genes that we
tested possibly produced an insufficient amount of active foreign ACC for yeast survival. We will replace
GAL10 promoter with a stronger one to drive expression more efficiently. L. braziliensis ACC
complemented yeast ACC null mutation. The transgenic strain grew slowly, so we selected spontaneous
mutants with improved-growth phenotypes. These strains are ready for high throughput screening. Our
results improve human condition by increasing chances of curing parasitic infections.
B01
Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Presenter(s)
Susan Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jasmine Kwasa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sukhraaj Basati, University of Illinois at Chicago
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Our research was focused on a three-dimensional computer model of the brain with hydrocephalus, a
condition characterized by swelling of the ventricles. This model was created with MIMICS, image
reconstruction software. In order to assess the differences between normal and diseased states of the brain,
we investigated the physiology, the surface areas and volumes, of the substructures. Then, our remeshed
and smoothened computer model was compared to a real brain to verify accuracy. Our models assumed the
expected 30% accuracy for computer modeling. Then, we created an informational video about the
following substructures and their associated diseases: the cortex, hippocampus, putamen, cerebellum,
thalamus, and the ventricles. This video can now be used as an educational tool in classrooms. Next, we
investigated the use of computational software (ADINA) to solve partial differential equations associated
with the brain's physical properties and simulate brain dynamics. Finally, we studied the progression of
hydrocephalus in the rat brain, which uncovers details about the disease's growth and development. By
exploring the brain's substructures and using the MIMICs and ADINA software, we have gained
knowledge on brain physiology, which will help maximize the sensitivity of disease sensors for the brain in
the future.
33
B02
Comparison of Diffusion MRI Analysis Models
Presenter(s)
Frederick Damen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Xiaohong Joe Zhou, University of Illinois at Chicago
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is used to measure the Brownian motion of water molecules
within brain tissue. One application is to elucidate the microstructure of brain tissue to further our
understanding of normal brain function, and diseases. This study examined the bi-exponential model
commonly used in the dMRI literature as well as a statistical model recently proposed by Yablonskiy. A
MATLAB program was created to perform a regression analysis on a dMRI data set obtained from a
healthy human brain at 3.0 Tesla. The apparent diffusion coefficient values computed from these
regressions were then used to create quantitative maps of the brain. Although both models fit the data well,
the statistical model produced very clear and accurate maps while the bi-exponential model produced maps
with minor inconsistencies. If these preliminary results can be further substantiated, then this review of
models could help with the diagnosis of brain abnormalities.
B03
The Effects of a Visual and Haptic Feedback Interface on Stroke Rehabilitation
Presenter(s)
Hendrik Dewald, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ana Maria Acosta, Northwestern University
Jules Dewald, Northwestern University
The goal of this project is to evaluate the effect of providing visual and haptic feedback based on a
computer game compared to an image of the arm during reaching movements in individuals with stroke.
The idea behind using a modern video game is to provide a more motivating training environment for
stroke rehabilitation. Using the same ACT3D to generate virtual mechanical environments that allow for
varied support of the arm and the same air hockey game as last year, we will test multiple subjects
according to a strict, yet personalized, protocol. This will consist of both control reaching trials, where the
subject will attempt to reach as far as they can in three directions, and work area air hockey trials on three
different support levels. Our next step is to gain data to perform proper statistical comparison between the
two different types of visual feedback, both in terms of trial work/reach area and surveyed interest. We
predict that this data will support the concept that the stroke subject’s efforts to increase the workspace of
the paretic arm will improve significantly with the application of the video game.
34
B04
Development of an o-GlcNAc Transferase Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Presenter(s)
Nicole Howard, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
The most highly invasive and deadly glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are among the most
common of primary brain tumors. Previous studies have shown that the expression of certain genes that
synthesize critical cell surface oligosaccharide structures is altered in clinical glioblastoma specimens.
Alterations in these oligosaccharide structures likely affect the proliferation and invasivity of these tumors,
so approaches to modulate the genes that synthesize these structures may have therapeutic potential. The OGlcNAc
Transferase (OGT) mRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in gliomas. The research I have
done this year has focused on the development of novel molecular reagents aimed at evaluating the
phenotypic effects of increasing the expression of OGT in the U373MG human glioma cell line and
monitoring the resultant changes in invasivity and proliferation of those cells. Using standard PCR
techniques, the coding region of the human OGT gene was cloned from normal human brain cDNA and a
plasmid expression vector containing this gene was created. Introduction of this expression plasmid into
U373MG cells via liposomal-mediated transfection and the creation of a panel of stable cell lines are
currently in progress. These cell lines will be used for future in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the
therapeutic potential of this molecular approach to GBM therapy.
B05
Hydraulic Conductivity of Collagen I as Found in Bruch's Membrane
Presenter(s)
Velin Tchalakov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zdravka Cankova, Northwestern University
The retina receives its nutrition from the diffusion of substances through Bruch's membrane. However, with
age, this membrane can come clogged with lipids, and the retina receives an insufficient amount of
nutrition. This may lead to age-related macular degeneration, which causes blindness. Unfortunately, little
is known about the structural properties of this membrane. Bruch's membrane is composed of several
layers, one of which is mainly composed of collagens. My work at Northwestern University involved
finding the hydraulic conductivity of collagen I. Hydraulic conductivity measures how well a fluid can
permeate a gel. By performing controlled perfusions, I was able to find the hydraulic conductivity. Previous
studies have found a linear relationship, where hydraulic conductivity decreases as pressure increases.
However, due to filter resistance variation, I was unable to support these findings. Instead, I was able to
conclude that collagen I does create a semi-permeable barrier, which significantly limits the amount of
fluid that passes through it.
35
B06
Pore Density in PEGDA Hydrogels in Relation to the Proliferation of NIH/ 3T3 and hMSCs
Presenter(s)
Karthik Vantakala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mi Suk Bae, University of Illinois at Chicago
Richard Gemeinhart, University of Illinois at Chicago
Materials that emulate the soft tissues and extracellular matrices have drawn much interest from the
biomaterials community. Such materials include hydrogels, which have applications ranging from drug
delivery to cell transplantation. However, before these applications are exploited, the nature of cellular
interaction with hydrogels must be understood. Hydrogels synthesized from polyethylene glycol diacrylate
(PEGDA) are known to hinder cell adhesion. However, based upon the recent discovery that cells,
NIH/3T3 cells and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), adhere to and proliferate on super porous
hydrogels (SPHs) formed from PEGDA, we set out to use micropatterned pores created through soft
lithography techniques to understand how and why hMSCs and NIH/3T3 retain their ability to adhere on a
non-adhesive hydrogel. Controlled pores were artificially created from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
mold at different densities, depths, and size. Seeded NIH/3T3 cells adhered within the pores, however, only
at certain pore dimensions. The cells preferred larger and deeper pores. Moreover, a large concentration
without over seeding was ideal. The results suggest that NIH/3T3 cells required the cooperation of a
multitude of cells to create cell aggregates, which allowed for the proliferation of the cells. The
investigation continues to test the interactions of hMSCs under similar conditions.
C01
The Effects of Cholesterol and Other Sterols on Membrane Fluidity
Presenter(s)
Dimple Adatia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Linna Guan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yulia Epshtein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Irena Levitan, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dev Singh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes, as it provides structure and serves as a cell
signaling facilitator. However, in excess, cholesterol can cause undue rigidity in the membrane, which may
inhibit the function of vital cellular proteins. Liposomes, artificial membranes synthesized from
phospholipids 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) and 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoylsn-
glycero-3-phosphate (POPG), were used to simulate the cell membrane in determining the effects of
various sterols on membrane fluidity. The sterols tested were cholesterol, epicholestrol, and 25-
hydroxycholesterol in 10%, 20%, and 30% ratios. Two fluorescent probes,
trimethylammoniumdiphenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) and diphenylhexatriene (DPH) were used for
anisotropy measurements. After incorporation of the fluorescent probes in the liposomes, the samples were
placed in a spectrofluopolarimeter and illuminated with vertical polarized light at 362nm and fluorescence
emission was monitored at 424nm. Fluidity was determined from generated anisotropy values. The data
indicated that an increase in the level of membrane cholesterol caused a significant decrease in membrane
fluidity. Furthermore, cholesterol was observed to cause noticeably lower fluidity in the membrane than
that caused by epicholesterol and 25-hdroxycholesterol. Data collected from both probes showed no
substantial differences in fluidity in samples containing epicholesterol and 25-hdroxycholesterol.
36
C02
The Effect of T-bet on the Development of Natural Killer Cells
Presenter(s)
Erika Bongen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Kevin Ramirez, University of Chicago
Natural killer (NK) cells are white blood cells that are part of the innate immune system. They trigger
apoptosis in cancerous and virally infected cells. However, unlike their fellow lymphocytes, T cells and B
cells, we do not know the details of their development from hematopoietic stem cells to mature NK cells.
T-bet is a gene that promotes the expression of surface protein CD122, which is necessary for NK cell
development. We compared the quantity of T-bet RNA found in cells using real time QPCR. We found that
T-bet is expressed in significantly greater quantities in NK and NK progenitor cells than in lymphoid
progenitors and other kinds of white blood cells. T-bet is first appreciably expressed in NK cell precursor
cells (NKP), the first stage where cells are restricted to the NK cell lineage.
C03
The Diet and Nutrition of an Average IMSA Student
Presenter(s)
Jessica Burash, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Murphy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah O’Leary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Do IMSA students receive enough nutrients according to the Food Guide Pyramid? To find out, we
recorded the nutritional value of the food offered at Sodexho for six weeks and we distributed surveys to
IMSA students to understand which food and drink choices students usually make when they eat at
Sodexho. Then, we compared the nutritional values that the surveyed students usually get at Sodexho to the
values that a teenager is supposed to receive. We performed a statistical analysis on the results of the
surveys and we determined there is no correlation between the number of times Sodexho served certain
foods and the amount of people who said they ate those foods (r=0.125, p=0.05, df=36). The results of the
surveys also showed that on average, an average IMSA student consumes more than the daily
recommended amount of fat, cholesterol, sugar, and protein. Students also do not receive enough fiber or
calcium from their daily food choices. In conclusion, although Sodexo menu offerings often fulfill the
nutritional requirements set out by the United States Department of Agriculture, students often do not make
the healthiest possible choices.
37
C04
Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Cerebellum of Stressed Rats
Presenter(s)
Anna Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Zhang, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common anxiety disorder found in individuals who have
experienced a traumatic event. Past studies have discovered that subjects experiencing stress or depression
exhibited a down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein responsible for neuron
growth and maintenance, in several areas of the brain. This investigation tested for the concentrations of
BDNF in stressed and control rats killed immediately after tail-shock stressing and seven days after tailshock
stressing. Stressed male rats killed immediately following stress procedures had BDNF
concentrations twice that of control males, while stressed female rats killed immediately had concentrations
half that of their control counterparts. Stressed male rats killed seven days after their last stressing had
significantly lower BDNF concentrations than controls. These results may explain why females are twice as
likely as males to be diagnosed with PTSD, and support claims that males and females have different
physiological responses to stress. The data also suggests that a biomarker for PTSD involving a BDNF
protein count can be developed as long as physicians take into account sex and amount of time passed. A
BDNF-centered treatment for PTSD is also possible.
C05
Beta-Cell Regeneration in Diabetic Mice Treated with Islet Cell Transplantation and Insulin Tablets
Presenter(s)
Anna Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anita Chong, University of Chicago
Eric Grossman, University of Chicago
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease affecting approximately 7.6 % of the human population. Type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by an autoimmune response against insulin-producing beta-cells in the
islets of Langerhans located in the pancreas. Recent studies suggest that, contrary to previous opinion, betacells
are not irreversibly destroyed during the immune response, but merely deactivated, and can be
reactivated through restoration of normal insulin production. In this investigation, beta-cell regeneration in
pancreata of control mice, treated mice, and healthy mice were compared to examine the effectiveness of
various diabetes treatments such as insulin tablets and temporary islet transplantation in restoring native
beta-cell function. Images of serially-sectioned pancreata were captured with a Zeiss Axiovert 200M
microscope. The area of the organ and beta-cells were measured using OpenLab software. Total cell mass
was calculated based on the area ratio between the cells and the pancreas, and the mass of the organ. Data
was analyzed using the ANOVA test, with p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Preliminary results suggest that although greater beta-cell regeneration is observed in mice treated with
islet cell transplantation, the difference in cell recovery between the two treatments is not statistically
significant.
38
C06
The Effect of Locostatin on Wildtype RKIP and Depleted RKIP Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Presenter(s)
Hannah Dada, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marsha Rosner, University of Chicago
Anne Shemon, University of Chicago
Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) associates to Raf-1 and inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-
induced MAPK activation which is part of the ERK pathway. We have recently generated mouse
embryonic fibroblast cells (MEF’s), which express wildtype RKIP; these cells will be used extensively in
this study. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of locostatin (a drug recently described as an
inhibitor of RKIP) on MAPK activity and cell migration in MEF’s expressing either wild-type or depleted
RKIP. MEF’s were depleted of RKIP by transfecting a lentiviral vector containing a short hairpin loop
sequence against RKIP. Wild-type and depleted RKIP MEF’s were treated with EGF and we observed an
increase in MAPK activity in RKIP depleted cells compared to wildtype RKIP. However, in the presence
of locostatin there was no change in the EGF-induced MAPK activity in either genotype. Furthermore, we
confirmed that locostatin inhibits cell migration, however this was independent of the presence or absence
of RKIP. This study indicates that locostatin has no effect on MAPK activity in MEF’s, but it impairs cell
migration in these cells.
C07
The Effects of Eomesodermin on the Specification and Commitment of Multipotent Lymphoid
Progenitors to the Murine Bone Marrow Natural Killer Lineage
Presenter(s)
Anamaria Filipac, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Kevin Ramirez, University of Chicago
Natural killer (NK) cells are a form of lymphocyte whose role is to produce inflammatory cytokines or
induce cell lysis of malignant, infected, or stressed cells. The development of these cells from
hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) is much studied; however researchers are still looking at any transcription
factors that may be necessary for NK specification and commitment. The transcription factor
eomesodermin (eomes) may play a role in NK development. To address this query we performed a
quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, which confirmed that eomes was expressed in all stages of
NK development. A retroviral vector containing eomes was then created and used to infect a population of
murine hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. Flow cytometry, using the standard antibodies utilized for mature
NK receptors, will be used to determine the effects of eomes on their development. These findings will
show whether eomes can commit progenitors to the NK lineage.
39
C08
The Effect of Decitabine on the Methylation Status and Binding of CREB to Gamma Globin
Promoter CRE
Presenter(s)
Bernice Fokum, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ruijie Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald LaVelle, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF), comprised of & and $ subunits, inhibits the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin,
comprised of & and ß-s subunits. HbF is present at birth but rapidly decreases after infancy. Decitabine, an
inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase 1, has been found to increase HbF in vitro and in vivo in baboons. We
hypothesized that decitabine increases $ -globin expression partially through the demethylation of CpG
sites found throughout the G$-promoter. Our goal was to test the effect of decitabine on the DNA
methylation status of the cyclic AMP response element binding site found at -1222 on the G$-promoter. A
chemical-inducer of dimerization (CID)-dependent cell line derived from human ß-globin locus yeast
artificial chromosome (ßyac) mice was used. DNA from the ßyac cells was treated with sodium bisulfite,
which causes unmethylated cytosine to convert to uracil, without affecting the methylated cytosine. After
treatment, the DNA was sequenced. From the sequencing, we discovered that the cells contained the ABenin
sequence at the $-CRE, which lacks the CpG site needed for methylation. We then focused on the
methylation status of the other CpG sites located on the beta locus by developing a process based on DNA
digestion with methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and its methylation-insensitive isoschizomer,
MspI. Currently scientists are unsure of the exact mechanism of action utilized by decitabine. With this
experiment, we hope to contribute knowledge.
C09
A Conditional Knock-Down of the LDH2 Gene in Toxoplasma gondii
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Hizel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects over one-third of the world’s population, damages eyes and
brain. The bradyzoite stage persists in all infected people and no medicines can eradicate it. In this stage,
the gene lactose dehydrogenase 2 catalyzes the reaction of lactate to pyruvate, providing energy to the
parasite. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether this gene is essential for the parasite to
persist. If so, this protein would be validated as a molecular target against which medicines can be directed
to eliminate latent infections. I am going to create a construct to make a conditional knock-down. To create
a conditional knock-down the promoter must be mapped to find a site to add tetracycline response elements
in a place that best interrupts expression of the gene. The promoter was mapped and the ideal site
identified. One tetracycline operon (tet-o) was successfully added to this region of the promoter. A sitedirected
mutagenesis strategy was developed to add three more tet-o’s because prior studies with other
genes had demonstrated that one tet-o was not sufficient. The construct is currently being analyzed to
determine whether four tet-o’s have been inserted. This conditional knock-down will be used to validate a
potential, important, molecular target, as a basis for development of novel medicines to treat toxoplasmosis.
40
C10
The Effects of Troponin I Pseudophosphorylation on Conformation and Interaction within the Thin
Filament
Presenter(s)
Janel Jin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
R. John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
The troponin complex, consisting of troponin I (TnI, the inhibitory subunit), troponin C (TnC, the calcium
binding subunit) and troponin T (TnT, the tropomyosin binding subunit), plays a crucial role in the
regulation of striated muscle contraction. Phosphorylation of TnI is observed at three locations: Ser-23,
Ser-24 and Ser-150. TnI phosphorylation (TnI-P) at Ser-23 and 24 results from cAMP-dependent protein
kinase activation (PKA) through sympathetic nervous system stimulation induced beta-adrenergic
activation in the heart. TnI-P at serine 150 occurs through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase
(AMPK) and p21-activated kinase (PAK). This investigation involved in vitro measurements of TnI
interactions using recombinant TnI to study the effects of TnI-P at serine 150 on TnI-TnT binding and
PKA-induced TnI S23/24 phosphorylation. ELISA solid phase binding assays indicated altered binding of
TnI pseudo-phosphorylated at Ser-150 and/or Ser-23/24 to TnT. Furthermore, PKA treatment of human
cardiac troponin with and without cardiac TnI Ser-150 pseudo-phosphorylation showed no difference in
PKA phosphorylation of TnI Ser-23/24. These results show significant effects of TnI Ser-150
phosphorylation on interactions of TnI within the thin filament, suggesting that TnI-P Ser-150 may play a
key role in modulation of cardiac muscle contraction.
C11
Genetic Mapping of a High Response Psychostimulant Mutant Permanent Midnight
Presenter(s)
Akash Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vivek Kumar, Northwestern University
Addiction is a very complex manifestation of the central nervous system. Although, there is a strong
genetic basis for addiction, the genes involved and their function remain under intense study. The mouse
Mus musculus is an ideal model system to identify genes that mediate response to psychostimulants. A
mouse mutant, Permanent Midnight, was identified in a large-scale genetic screen. Permanent Midnight has
over one standard deviation higher cocaine response than the wildtype. This project consisted of genetically
mapping the mutation in Permanent Midnight. This was done through molecular biology techniques such as
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The scans were completed by
using single nucleotide polymorphism and short sequence length polymorphism markers. After genotyping
the strain, R/qtl software was implemented to compare the genotypes to respective phenotypes. As a result,
chromosomes 4 and 11 were identified as probable areas where addiction-regulating genes could be
present. Further inquiries will include conducting detailed and specific scans on chromosomes 4 and 11,
along with gaps in previous scans. This will ultimately lead to the discovery of the target gene. The
implications of these genes encompass genetically aiding addicts. By genetically targeting addiction,
several solutions can be created.
41
C12
APOBEC3G and HIV in Lemurs: An Evolutionary Study
Presenter(s)
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Wolinsky, Northwestern University
Human and non-human primate cells contain natural mechanisms that work to suppress HIV infection. A
group of genes called the APOBEC family of genes has been discovered to interfere in the process of HIV
infection by controlling the replication of the virus. These genes have been undergoing positive selection
throughout the history of primate evolution. Thus far, APOBEC3G (a member of the APOBEC family) has
only been found in humans, New World, and Old World Primates. I endeavored to amplify and sequence
the APOBEC3G gene in prosimians, a group of primates that diverged from apes and humans over fifty
million years ago, by examining lemur DNA. I tried sequencing APOBEC3G by amplifying each of its
exons but was only able to successfully amplify and sequence from control primate DNA. I then tried to
amplify the entire gene by reverse transcribing lemur RNA to DNA. I completed this procedure with
Rhesus Macaque RNA as a control and was able to sequence the complete rhesus APOBEC3G gene. While
this same amplification is proving difficult with the lemur samples, these results could indicate a lack of
APOBEC3G in the lemur genome, but more likely indicate a failure of the primers to amplify the lemur
APOBEC3G gene sequence.
C13
The Effects of Serotonin on the Sympathetic Activity on the Recovery of Hypotensive Hemorrhage
Presenter(s)
Sheng-Ting Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Theresa Kung, Loyola University
Karie Scrogin, Loyola University
In this study we observed how the destruction of hindbrain serotonergic neurons affects mean arterial
pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) during the recovery from
hypotensive hemorrhage in conscious rats. The rats in the experimental group received neurotoxin to
destroy the serotonin cells while those in the control group were injected with ascorbic acid. After two
weeks recovery, we recorded MAP, HR, and RSNA while the animals were subjected to hypotensive
hemorrhage. The staining of the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin
production) in hindbrain sections using immunohistochemistry allowed us to find the areas with statistically
significant differences in the number of serotonergic cell bodies. To determine if loss of serotonin itself
accounts for the suppression of sympathetic recovery, we applied the technique of RNA interference by
injecting a virus that silences TPH production into these areas. We will measure the sympathetic activity of
these rats during blood withdrawal. If these experiments lead to the same results, we will conclude that
serotonin positively mediates recovery of sympathetic activity following hemorrhage. Further research on
the role of serotonin in response to blood lost could lead to the development of novel treatments of
hypotensive hemorrhage.
42
C14
Screening of Human Fetal Liver cDNA Phage Display Library for Neonatal Hemochromatosis
Alloantigen Using Maternal Sera
Presenter(s)
Xuxuan Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Padmini Malladi, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Peter Whitington, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a rare congenital disorder that affects the fetus in late gestation,
clinically defined as severe neonatal liver disease associated with extrahepatic siderosis. There is clinical
evidence that suggests NH to be an alloimmune disease. The prognosis of NH is variable and generally
poor, usually causing death to the fetus. For my project, a human fetal liver cDNA phage display library
was constructed and screened by biopanning using the maternal sera antibodies from mothers that had
babies with proven NH. After four rounds of biopanning, the selected phage was plated, and individual
plaques were picked and amplified using PCR. In an ongoing effort to identify the NH protein, we have
sequenced forty to fifty individual clones. The sequences were searched in the databases in NCBI BLAST
for a match with known or unknown genes/proteins. Preliminary results show some putative sequences
which may be positive for NH protein. Further tests are being carried out by other researchers in the
laboratory. The outcomes of this study will be geared to provide a complete understanding and diagnosis of
NH.
C15
Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell Infection
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher O'Donnell, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Though HSV-1 infection of ocular cells is one of the leading causes of infectious blindness in the world,
much is still unknown as to how the virus infects these cells. Infection mechanisms of Herpes simplex Type
1 (HSV-1) into various ocular cells were observed using live cell imaging. The purpose was to discover
novel mechanisms for HSV-1 entry and cell-cell fusion. Target cells expressing HSV-1 receptors were
infected with either viral particles or viral glycoprotein-expressing cells to study viral entry and HSV-1
induced cell-cell fusion, respectively, during real-time. Viral entry was observed in human corneal
epithelial (HCE), corneal fibroblast (CF), and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Endocytosis and
phagocytosis inhibitors were used to help determine the mode of entry into these cells. Cell-cell fusion was
observed in HCE cells through a direct fusion mechanism providing one explanation as to how HSV-1
spreads in the eye. The use of live cell imaging has helped determine some of the aspects of HSV-1 ocular
cell infection which will help in the development of agents to inhibit this process.
43
C16
The Prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in the United States
Presenter(s)
Varun Pilla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chao Qi, Northwestern University
Extended spectrum #-lactamase (ESBL) is responsible for multi-drug resistance to the newest generation of
antibiotics in gram negative bacteria including Escherichia coli. While these ESBLs primarily spread
within the hospital environment, a new strain of ESBL E. coli limited only to the community is emerging.
While the predominant number of isolates of ESBLs has been SHV and TEM types, both confined to the
hospital environment, the emerging CTX-M type is the first and only ESBL to be strictly transmitted within
the community. This enzyme’s emergence and its capability of spreading in the community is a growing
concern for our public health. This study investigates the prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in
community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the
identification of the specific type of CTX-M responsible for this emergence. PCR with the universal CTXM
primers was run on the isolates of ESBL E. coli from UTIs from 2004-2008. Agar gel electrophoresis
determined the existence of the gene in the bacteria after amplification. The specific type of the CTX-M
gene is to be identified by running PCR on CTX-M positive isolates with different types of CTX-M
primers. The results from the electrophoresis of the ESBL E. coli currently suggest the growing frequency
of the gene within the community.
C17
Screening for acd6-1 Suppressors in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants
Presenter(s)
Dana Robinson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
Jiyoung Lee, University of Chicago
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the accelerated cell death gene ACD6 is involved in pathogen defense through
regulation of the signal molecule salicylic acid (SA). A gain-of-function mutation of the gene, acd6-1,
confers increased resistance to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. The gene acd6-1 also causes an
accumulation of SA, resulting in dwarf phenotype and increased cell death. Our investigation screened for
genes involved in the acd6-1 defense pathway by using T-DNA insertion to disrupt random genes. In plants
that returned to medium or wild-type phenotype, it was likely that the blocked gene played a role in the
pathway. We further tested these candidate genes for decreased cell death and SA level in comparison to
acd6-1 plants. We also tested for expression of the pathogen resistance genes PR1 and PR2. We identified
eight genes whose disruption seemed to partially suppress the acd6-1 defense signaling pathway. These
genes included salicylic acid biosynthetic protein and two zinc finger family proteins.
44
C18
Characterization of Folate-Conjugated Multi-Arm PEG Polymers as Efficient Nanoparticles for
Cancer Drug Delivery
Presenter(s)
Jasmine Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
As the perils of cancer continue to affect millions every day, more emphasis is being placed upon the two
main methods of cancer therapy: 1) the search for identifying specific molecular markers and targets of
cancer and 2) the improvement of drug-delivery systems to target and attack cancer cells more efficiently.
Our investigation deals with a recent aspect of anti-cancer nanomedicine as we are striving to find the
optimum usage of different aspects of biocompatible polymer conjugates in cancer drug delivery. In this
project, we focused upon a polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG) combined with folic acid (FA) to
increase active cancer-cell targeting ability and drug uptake. PEG is chosen because the material is known
to be non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and non-fouling. FA is employed as the molecule specifically binds to
folate receptor (FR) that is found to be overexpressed a variety of human tumors. In this study, we prepared
foue samples: 1) free FA (control); 2) PEG-FA (monovalent polymer); 3) FA-PEG-FA (2-arm polymer);
and 4) PEG(FA)4 (4-arm polymer). Using FTIR, we observed a new peak in transmittance assigned to
formation of an amide bond, confirming the conjugation reaction. The polymer conjugates were also
characterized using UV/Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our long term goal is to achieve
controlled, selective targeting of this delivery vectors to enhance therapeutic effect of anti-cancer drug
delivery with minimal side effects.
C19
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Flax Seed on the Steroid Genesis Pathway Factors Critical to the
Development of Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cancer
Presenter(s)
Shailee Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kristine Ansenberger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dale Buchanan Hales, University of Illinois at Chicago
Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in the United States. Omega-3 fatty
acids dietary intervention has shown to be preventative of colon, breast, and prostate cancer and may be
critical in suppression and prevention of OVCA. Several proteins including steroidogenic acute regulatory
protein (StAR) may play an important role in OVCA development. The purpose of the study is to
determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on StAR expression in OVCA. The laying hen is one of the
only animal models which spontaneously develop surface epithelial cancer similar to that of the human
ovarian cancer. Thus, two-hundred 2.5 year-old hens were fed a 10% flax seed enriched diet for one year.
Tissue samples were extracted from the hens, fixed, embedded, and used in fluorescent
immunohistochemistry. Results showed that there were no significant changes in expression of StAR
between hens given a flax diet and hens given a control diet. However, in cancerous samples, StAR was
haphazardly present in stromal tissue. In normal cells, StAR expression was limited to the outer epithelial
region of the follicles. Higher levels of steroid hormones are found in ovarian cancer cells and detection of
StAR may provide information regarding hormone-producing cells in tumors.
45
C20
The Determination of Alloantibody in Glycosylation
Presenter(s)
Caroline Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Emily Ahmed, University of Chicago
Anita Chong, University of Chicago
In transplantation, the development of alloantibodies is correlated with poor graft outcomes and rejection.
However, the presence of alloantibodies does not necessarily predict graft outcomes because antibodies are
not all equally pathogenic. Antibodies with sialylated constant regions are more anti-inflammatory, while
antibodies with fucose residues are more pro-inflammatory. In this investigation, we used the 3-83 Igi B
cell receptor knock-in mice, in which all of the antibodies are of the same specificity and alloreactive.
Serum was collected from the naïve or pre-sensitized 3-83 mice that had received a heart transplant without
immunosuppressant. We determined the glycosylation state of the serum antibodies using the FLISA
technique, a modification of the ELISA where a lectin, which recognizes fucose, is bound to an enzyme to
catalyze a color-change reaction. We predicted that antibodies in naïve versus pre-sensitized 3-83 mice
have different characteristics that correlate with allograft rejection. We hypothesized that the difference
would be in the carbohydrate modifications of the antibodies. However, our results showed that there was
no difference in alloantibody sialylation or fucosylation in the naïve mice or the transplanted mice.
Therefore, in the 3-83 mice model of alloantibodies in transplantation, differential carbohydrate
modifications of alloantibodies does not seem to correlate with alloantibody pathogenicity.
C21
Mutagenesis on the Streptococcus pyogenes pel Locus and Its Effect on Virulence Gene Regulation
Presenter(s)
Isaiah Tan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jenny Chang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Michael Federle, University of Illinois at Chicago
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly referred to as group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS), is a Grampositive
bacterium known to cause a number of diseases, such as streptoccocal toxic shock syndrome,
cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Existing literature suggests that regulation of virulence factors that
enable GAS disease mechanisms may be under control of the pleiotropic effect locus (pel). We hope to
identify the genetic components within pel that enable this regulation by targeting the locus for random
mutagenesis. Following mutagenesis, we will screen for differences in a reporter that measures expression
of the sagA gene promoter. Although no preliminary results can be reported at this time, we have
accomplished building a pel mutant library on a plasmid using error-prone PCR. Currently, we are in the
process of screening this library in GAS by monitoring colonies for aberrant light activity as compared to a
control group bearing no pel mutations. When more colonies have been screened, and the DNA from
colonies of interest is sequenced, our results may point to specific sequences of DNA that control GAS
virulence. A successful outcome will provide a better understanding of virulence factor regulation and may
improve future treatments against the harmful effects of GAS.
46
C22
Ovarian Cryopreservation as a Fertility Preservation Method for Women with Ovarian
Malignancies
Presenter(s)
Jessina Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Radiation and chemotherapy are effective treatments for cancer. However, they can have several harmful
effects on the body. One of these effects is ovarian failure in the patient receiving treatment.
Cryopreservation is a method of fertility preservation in which a section of ovary is removed so that its
follicles can be preserved, saving them from the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Because
most of the follicles are killed in ovarian cancer patients before cryopreservation can be performed, doubts
have arisen concerning the success of fertility preservation in ovarian cancer patients. Thus, oocyte
cryopreservation has been put on clinical hold until further evidence can be found that suggests that women
with ovarian cancer have a sufficient reserve of follicles for cryopreservation. In order to determine this,
samples of ovarian tissue were gathered from fifty-three patients with ovarian malignancies. Follicle counts
were then performed on sections of these samples. After analyzing the data, it was concluded that ovarian
cancer patients do not have enough follicles for successful oocyte cryopreservation.
C23
The Role of Neutron and Gamma Radiation in Liver Tumor Development
Presenter(s)
Anil Vaitla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tatjana Paunesku, Northwestern University
Gayle Woloschak, Northwestern University
Mutations in an organism’s DNA which lead to the development of tumors are either the result of
spontaneous mutation events or exposure to mutagens. Ionizing radiation (specifically gamma and neutron
radiation) is a type of mutagen. When ionizations occur in DNA or other molecules close by, DNA double
strand breaks occur. Mutations occur as the cell attempts to repair the double strand breaks. The Janus
Experiments were conducted at Argonne National Laboratories in the 1970’s to investigate the effects of
exposure to gamma and neutron radiation on mice by altering parameters of radiation such as dose rate,
total dose, and fractionation. My work uses the data to understand the changes in frequency of liver cancer
in mice following exposure to different types of radiation dosage, dose rate, and fractionation. Evaluation
of the data set using statistical tests demonstrates the presence of the treatment regime that caused the
largest increase in the odds ratios of liver cancer development. This evidence advises for the development
of precautions or guidelines by which levels of medical exposure as well as occupational exposure to
radiation should be set.
47
C24
A Survey of Genetic Modifications and Ethical Implications
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Vanchipurakal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah O’Leary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the ethics of genetic modification, and researchers
speculate that religiousness, age, gender, level of education, and profession are influential factors in a
person's decision on whether genetic modifications are ethical or unethical. A survey was created to test the
influence of these factors on an individual's belief that genetic modifications are ethical or unethical.
Results of statistical analysis showed that an individual's opinion on the ethics of genetic modification for
sex determination in embryos was dependent on the demographic factor for grade in high school (p=
0.0061, df= 2, x2= 4.04), but not on any other factors. Also, a person's belief that the use of genetic
modification to pick out characteristics is ethical was dependent on a person's occupation (p= 0.04599, df=
10, x2= 18.576). These preliminary results indicate that there is more to the ethics of genetic modification
than violation of the set principals of the National Research Act.
C25
The Purification of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1, RSK1 Kinase Domain-1, and RSK1 Kinase Domain-2
from E. coli Cells
Presenter(s)
Shirley Xiao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deepti Chaturvedi, Loyola University
Tarun Patel, Loyola University
In this study, we are trying to find the binding sites of ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK1) to other kinases and
proteins in order to provide a clear understanding of mechanisms of the bindings. RSK1 is an important
factor of MAP kinase pathway in response to stimulation. It has 735 amino acids residues containing two
non-identical domains that are separated by a linker region of 100 amino acids. The two domains are kinase
domain-1 (KD-1, the N-terminal domain) and kinase domain-2 (KD-2, the C-terminal domain). The full
length RSK1, KD-1, and KD-2 were expressed and analyzed with SDS-polyacrylamide gel. KD-1 and KD-
2 expressed as one clear band, under the induction condition of 0.1mM IPTG for 2h/250rpm at 18oC, was
seen on the gel, meaning that they were purified. The full length RSK1 did not express at all at this
condition, so another induction condition of 0.1mM IPTG for overnight/250rpm at 18oC was tried. At this
condition, the RSK1 expressed as multiple bands with the possibility of contamination and degradation.
Further conditions will be tried in order to express the RSK1 in one clear band. The proteins expressed
were including full length RSK1 were purified using standard protocol used for GST fusion proteins. My
purifications of RSK1, KD-1, and KD-2 would help further in studying along by providing more raw
materials to experiment upon.
48
D01
The Economics of Virtual Economies: How Real-Life Economic Trends and Factors are Present in
MMORPGs
Presenter(s)
Spencer Andrews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
MMORPGs are online games played by millions around the world, and as a result of their large player
bases, these games have intricate and complicated economic systems that allow players to sell and transfer
goods to each other. In this study, economic theories and trends were studied and then compared to the
economic trends of specific MMORPG economies. From this comparison, many similarities were found.
Although this study is not completely finished, since there are so many more trends and factors that need to
be identified within each economy, this investigation has shown that many games share striking similarities
with the European economic system of the fourteenth century. Traditional economical factors including
supply and demand and the skill premium have been identified in many of the MMORPGs researched. In
this study, the system and regulations under which these economies function was also observed to see how
economic variables in real-life economies differ from those found in MMORPGs. As a whole, this study
has been able to identify economic factors and trends in two of the most popular MMORPGs.
D02
Useful Skills for Business Professionals
Presenter(s)
Kaijia Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anita Parikh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Devi Vallabhaneni, The Association of Professionals in Business Management
In the United States alone, there are almost two thousand business schools, six hundred MBA programs,
and more than seventy thousand full-time MBA students. For any high school student considering a major
in business, college student figuring out what field of business they want to study or job-seeker looking for
a career in business management, one of the most important questions must be: What exactly do I need to
know in order to be successful in my career? Our SIR investigates what business professionals believe to be
the vital skills one needs in order to succeed in the business field. We sent an online survey to business
professionals around the country. We worked with our mentor, the president and CEO of the Association of
Professionals in Business Management, to develop questions pertaining to integral aspects of business
management. The survey consists of six hundred questions, all dealing with the importance of topics in
business management, such as operations management and marketing management. Our results will let us
know whether business professionals agree with our list of skills. Our conclusions will cater specifically to
the needs of aspiring business professionals, who can focus their studies on these skill sets. We have
learned that legal and medical professions have set universal examinations that test the skills that all
professionals in those fields must possess. Currently, the business management field does not have such a
test, but the results of our surveys can be of use in developing one.
49
D03
Let's Play: Developing a Card Game System
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Higgins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This inquiry was meant to develop a collectible card game with a created setting behind it. This setting
would be made of art assets tied to the game rules. The methods used were simple: develop a ruleset and
prototype cards, then have my peers and peers of my advisor playtest. I gained feedback from their play.
Once a beta set was codified, the characters and setting would follow. The project did not get that far, as the
rules never progressed past an alpha period. There were two alphas developed, along with a rules outline
created shortly before the SIR's inception. The first alpha required heavy errata before the first playtest and
was too confusing for use. A second, trick-taking alpha was developed and universally disliked. As such,
they were both discarded. I have learned how to test a market and make changes to a product during and
after production. What this means is that designing something that is interesting and ultimately fun is a
difficult endeavor, requiring a network of people who are eager, willing, and knowledgeable. It also
requires foresight and reasoning as to how multiple pieces interact and how other people can use the
resources given.
D04
Apple Inc: Its Marketing Techniques and its Success
Presenter(s)
Yoonjung Koh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sabrina Song, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pradeep Chintagunta, University of Chicago
When you look around a typical college scene, you will see students using Apple products ranging from
iPods to iMacs. However, why is this company that has the name of a fruit so successful? At the start of the
year, we began investigating background information on Apple’s past and present marketing techniques
and their successes and failures. Through our research, we learned about how Steve Jobs and Steve
Wozniak, the two founders of Apple, focuses on the products that will sell successfully in the future, rather
than following the footsteps of other companies that sell current popular items. Instead of going into society
and actively knocking on people’s doors, Apple relies mainly on pull marketing, a passive form of
advertisement, which involves heavy advertisement of products through commercials and non-face-to-face
interactions. Although the current stock prices of Apple are decreasing, we believe that with the company’s
focus on customer satisfaction and frequent releases of newer products, the company will get back on it feet
in the near future.
50
D05
Marketing Engineering: Understanding Attitudinal Research
Presenter(s)
You Na Oh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chaim Ehrman, Loyola University
Marketing engineering is one of the examples of attitudinal research. Based on the data collected from
consumer surveys, business firms use various methods to develop new products, predict the success of a
test market, allocate advertisement budget, and so forth. This research investigates specifically the process
of developing new, appealing products, using theoretical and methodical perspectives. This investigation
presents three steps of consumer model theory, based on the model of Lavidge and Steiner: cognitive,
attitudinal, and conative. In addition, we examine two different types of consumer models: compositional
models and decompositional models. The examples of lexicographic, conjunctive, and linear compensatory
models are compensatory. conjoint analysis is the decompensatory model. We use both manual and
computer based conjoint analysis; and we will show how decompositional models are more effective than
compositional models based on the results and graphs of program-generated conjoint analysis.
D06
Improving the IIT Stuart School of Business Website
Presenter(s)
Michael Reinhart, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Feiyang Ye, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Siva Balasubramanian, Illinois Institute of Technology
Previous studies about college websites and internet usage have shown that young adults are adept at
utilizing the internet to research colleges and the programs that they offer. Additionally, studies have shown
that prospective students that attend summer programs at schools are more likely to apply and attend the
school. Our study aims to improve how the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business’
website communicates with current and prospective students, and also it aims to develop a summer
program for the Stuart School of Business. To achieve this, we implemented an online survey for both
undergraduate and graduate students at the school and collected data. The survey contained questions about
internet usage and asked participants to rate details of the website. After the data is analyzed, we will be
able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the website. This will lead to better communications
between young adults and colleges, in particular, the IIT Stuart School of Business.
51
E01
Templated Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Abigail Chao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Nanotechnology holds the key for continuing technological advances. This inquiry sought to combine topdown
electron lithography and bottom-up colloidal chemical assembly to induce self-assembly among 6nm
gold nanoparticles suspended in toluene on hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicon substrates. Electron beam
lithography was used to generate arrays of triangles with 200nm, 100nm, and 80nm edges; large squares
around these arrays created borders. To deposit a monolayer of nanoparticles, methods such as the
Langmuir-Blodgett trough, spin-coating, and a water bead technique were used. Preliminary results show
that the hydrophobic surface may be more promising for the Langmuir-Blodgett trough, but formed
multiple layers instead of a monolayer. Spin-coating yields consistent, positive results. The water bead
technique demonstrates great potential for hydrophilic substrates with a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of toluene to water.
Scanning electron microscope images reveal that, in general, interaction between triangle templates and
nanoparticles is limited, but the borders may significantly inhibit the nanoparticles from depositing within
the arrays. Another outcome included a method of reusing templates through treatment with oxygen
plasma, gold iodine etch. These results suggest that further investigation is necessary to determine the best
method of deposition as well as to specify the effects of the different templates.
E02
Nanoscale and Molecular Studies of Advanced Materials: Understanding Anodic Aluminum Oxide
and its Applications in Microfiltration
Presenter(s)
Catherine Crawford, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jessica Durden, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Sibener, University of Chicago
In reduced dimensions, materials display characteristics that can be quite different from their behavior in
macroscopic dimensions. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is a self-organizing porous oxide film fabricated
from an aluminum template. Pores of tunable diameter spanning the range from 20 nm to 60 nm that
develop in this oxide layer are arranged in hexagonally packed arrays to allow for the use of AAO as a
template for self assembly and, potentially, as a microfilter for water purification. Our research focuses on
synthesizing this material and characterizing its topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this investigation, AAO was created through the use of a two-step
anodization process in a standard electrolytic cell. Both temperature and voltage of the system were
controlled. Inadequate access to clean water is a pervasive issue in many developing countries. Potential
solutions include the use of nanomembranes or microfilters to cheaply and effectively address the need for
clean water. By fabricating AAO, we can better characterize its structure and test its viability as a
microfilter against biological pathogens.
52
E03
The Study of Physical Properties and Self Assembly of an Amide Ionic Liquid
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Czerwonka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Millicent Firestone, Argonne National Laboratory
Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as a new class of polymers due in part to their many unique properties. As
ILs become more frequently used in the scientific community and in industry we will need to understand
the various aspects involved in the manipulation of ILs. One area of specific interest to our group is means
by which to self-assemble ionic liquids into nanostructured materials. Recently, we have synthesized a new
amide IL, 1-(2-decanomidoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C10AmC2MelM][Cl-]. The introduction
of the amide group provides an alternate site for hydrogen bonding, which further stabilizes a selfassembled
nanostructured physical gel. In this work, we present our efforts examining the nature of this
interaction using viscometry and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),
and infrared spectroscopy (IR) and small-angle X-ray scattering to help us understand the chemical
characterization of our new amide IL. By comparing the binary mixture of our new amide IL to a binary
mixture of the IL without the amide moiety at different percent water content, we discovered that
[C10AmC2MelM][Cl-] has a significantly higher viscosity. This occurs from hydrogen bonding between the
water and protons in the amide moiety. Understanding the interactions of water with this new amide IL
furthers our knowledge regarding the structural hierarchy of ILs, which we can use to control the
architecture of these self-organizing molecules.
E04
The Thermodynamic System of Nanoscale Clusters
Presenter(s)
Seohyun Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
Chengju Wang, University of Chicago
My Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) investigation of 2008-2009 was finding the unique aspects of
nanoscale particles in its thermodynamic system, specifically about phase changes and their structures. The
investigation was mostly done by computation. Small systems are susceptible to the computational and
analytical methods and would be ideal objects for this study. Through the investigation, I have found
several facts about nanoscale particles and their thermodynamic systems. First, I have found some small
clusters’ stable structures and changes of energy during the phase changes. I have created the caloric curves
of the small clusters, particle numbers eight, thirteen, and nineteen, in order to find how the energy changes
as those clusters go through the phase changes. When there is a phase change, caloric curves have changes
such as the change in the slope. Moreover, I have investigated on how the number of the particles and the
value of ! (the parameter fixing the range of interaction forces) affect the phase changes and the energies of
those clusters. Lastly, I was able to animate the changes from one stable structure to another. This
investigation shows nanoscale clusters’ unique aspects and their thermodynamics. This can further be
related to the special characteristics of glass and protein folding.
53
E05
Optimization of Titanium Dioxide
Presenter(s)
Rachael Lambert, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Qian Tao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Inorganic nanotubes have applications in virtually every field, including medicine (drug carriers),
electronics (resistors), and even cleaning (self-cleaning coating). However, mass production of nanotubes is
difficult because of the care and precision needed during the dedicated fabrication process. The purpose of
this investigation was to optimize TiO2 nanotube fabrication via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process
with a custom-made reactor. The precursors used for the TiO2 coatings are tetrakis diethylamino titanium
and water vapor, which have a reaction temperature between 110ºC and 130ºC. The use of PMMA,
poly(methyl methacrylate) has solved previously encountered contamination issues by enabling the reaction
temperature to fall in the normal temperature range for the ALD process. The PMMA template also
requires a higher calcination temperature for its decomposition than the previous template because of its
high melting point. A new furnace for the removal of PMMA from the TiO2 nanotube was built. The
temperature windows for the decomposition of PMMA and calcination of TiO2 were experimentally
derived through fundamental knowledge-driven trial and error by adjusting temperature and time of the
processes. Once production parameters are optimized, specific nanotube measurements can be produced,
which may then be utilized by other fields of study.
E06
Novel Materials in Magnetoelectric Multiferroics
Presenter(s)
Max McKittrick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Yi Yang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Multiferroics are promising new technologies that have applications in many industries. These are materials
that have two or more of the ferroic properties of iron oxides; the most notable three being ferromagnetism,
ferroelectricity, and ferroelasticity. When a material is multiferroic any one of these three forces can be
applied to change the other ferrous properties of a material. These materials can be used in industries such
as the sensor, computing, and data storage industries. Magnetoelectrics, especially, have many applications,
one of which is serving as field effect transistors in computers. My lab seeks to develop magnetoelectrics
that have large charge capacities for their size, allowing miniaturization. In my project, I deposited
multiferroics onto Si microwafers and then proceeded to measure the different growth rates of these
compounds at various temperatures and pressures. I used instruments to determine the charge capacitance,
purity, and crystal structure of these novel materials as well. By determining which conditions are the most
ideal for growth, we can facilitate our growing of bulk-sample specimens to be developed into industrial
applications. Before the end of the semester, I hope to identify the ideal growth rate of nickel oxide.
54
E07
Synthesis and Analysis for Multifunctional Microsphere-Nanoparticle Probe Systems for Imaging in
Biological Systems
Presenter(s)
Christine Pak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ali Jawaid, University of Illinois at Chicago
Preston Snee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Quantum dots are fluorescent nanocrystals that have very unique optical properties that are far superior to
organic dyes. Therefore, they are useful in many applications such as biological imaging and labeling.
Previously quantum dot coated microscpheres displayed clumping around the microspheres. With novel
carbodiimides that have been synthesized in our lab, we tried to coat SiO2 microspheres covered by amines
with quantum dots covered by carboxylic acids. We have successfully attached the quantum dots to the
microspheres. However, we did not get good images from the transmission electron microscope of the
microspheres. Currently, we are trying to resolve this by increasing the distance between microspheres and
quantum dots with polymers. If successful, this would be a vast improvement on coating microspheres with
quantum dots. The final product may be used for various imaging mechanisms.
E08
Diamonds in a Vacuum
Presenter(s)
Ruhiyyeh Turner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vicki Burgholzer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a relatively new process for creating diamonds in a low pressure
environment that is heated to only 2200o Celsius. In this hot filament chemical vapor deposition, a mixture
of hydrogen and methane is decomposed and deposited onto a substrate, where a film of diamond would
form. It requires lower temperatures than other methods. I have researched different types of hot filament
chemical vapor deposition, designed a reactor after what I found, and have ordered some parts for
assembling a CVD reactor. Much of the information I have used has come from some of the pioneers of the
hot filament CVD process and the design I came up with is based on theirs. Both designs use a stainless
steel vacuum container, with special openings where gas input, output, and heating elements can be placed.
My work so far has involved learning about the different methods of chemical vapor deposition, figuring
out the type of vacuum equipment to be obtained, and creating order forms to purchase them. My ultimate
goal is to create a black powder with the structure of diamond.
55
F01
How to Build a Robot: Evolutionarily Designed Intelligence and its Basis in Modern Biology
Presenter(s)
Alexander Drummond, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kyle Hanson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
Over the past decades, the question of how to build human-quality artificial intelligence has come under
intense scrutiny. How does one truly know if a machine is learning and sentient, or if it is simply emulating
these activities? Is there a difference? To answer these questions about the fundamental structures of
artificial intelligence, we examined several primary sources of leading biologists, physicists, and computer
scientists. These readings, as well as discussions with our adviser, allowed us to analyze a multitude of
different theories about the philosophical framework of cognitive intelligence as well as the methods of
building artificial intelligence. One of the most intriguing theories is that of the complex adaptive system.
Complex adaptive systems consist of agents which process information and are able to adapt to their
surrounding environment. Complex adaptive systems provide for combinatorially explosive possibilities,
and may be the missing link to developing strong artificial intelligence.
F02
Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks: Along a Cherry Lane
Presenter(s)
Cathy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peng-Jun Wan, Illinois Institute of Technology
A wireless ad-hoc network is a network that relays information from origin to destination through a series
of wireless transmitters. Each wireless transmitter has a communication radius and an interference radius.
This project looks at three links of six identical transmitters (communication radius ' 1, interference radius
r ( 1) placed along a strip with height h(r) such that only the midpoint of each link must lie within the strip.
The goal is to maximize h(r) and prove that the following is true for all variations in placement: if the two
links whose midpoints are on the furthest right and left interfere, then the link that lies between must also
interfere with at least one of them. Currently, it has been proven that when interference radius is 1, then
h(1) is )(3/4). The general h(r) equation is h(r)=)(r^2-1/4) - cos([*/6] arcsin[1/2r]). This information will
help to in further analysis of current wireless system that result in lesser latency and greater efficiency.
56
G01
An Investigation of the Physical Properties of the Atmosphere
Presenter(s)
Matthew Brian McDermott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kelly Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
In our investigation, we observed various physical properties of the atmosphere such as temperature and
wind speeds, from ground level up to nearly 30 km altitude. After gathering this data, were able to form
many conclusions about the different layers of the atmosphere and the qualities that they possess. We did
this by lofting a command capsule through the different layers of the atmosphere using a large helium
balloon. We also developed a flight computer which will record many important statistics relating to the
environment and orientation of the payload. It was built using the BASIC stamp microcontroller board,
many simple electronics components, several more complicated computer chips, and the computer
language BASIC, which we used extensively. At the time of submission of this abstract, we have only been
able to complete one initial launch, due to repeatedly inclement weather. The flight computer has not yet
been flight tested; however, during all ground tests, the flight computer has successfully recorded the GPS
position, acceleration, temperature, and compass heading. Further launches are planned for later in the year,
during which this instrument will be tested further in the upper atmosphere.
H01
Exploration of Factors that Influence Crude Oil Price
Presenter(s)
Robert Cheung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dong Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gasoline prices have fluctuated from less than two dollars to over four a gallon within the past year. The
aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of various economic factors to the price of crude oil in
the United States. Daily data was collected for prices of different commodities and the states of different
sectors of the economy. A multiple linear regression model was found to fit the data better than other
models, showing an R2 value of .933. Among the seven variables investigated, four of them showed strong
correlations. The model suggested that the significant variables (p<0.05) were: natural gas price, the
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, the NASDAQ transportation sector, and the NYSE composite index, with
beta values of 0.190, 0.321, -0.595, and 1.325, respectively. Crude oil price was positively associated with
the market factors except for the transportation sector of the NASDAQ. This model suggests a way to
predict crude oil price depending on different sectors of the market. Additionally, gold price, the Dow
Jones composite, and the S&P 500 were shown to have no significant relationship with crude oil price.
57
H02
The Global Food Crisis
Presenter(s)
Mari Crook, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Escalating global food prices threaten accomplishments made in poverty reduction and hold the potential to
harm global growth, security, and the health of hundreds of thousands of individuals directly affected. The
focus of this inquiry was to uncover the factors that spurred the 2007-2008 global food crisis and find
solutions that can alleviate the crisis. The rising cost of oil has increased food prices through increased
price of fertilizers, irrigation, and transportation. Biofuel subsidies have diverted corn supplies and again
increased food prices. Export restrictions, which sought to curb climbing food prices, have only limited
trade supplies causing further rise in the price of rice and wheat. Shifting diets and increased meat
consumption have only further diverted corn supplies while cereal production is beginning to stagnate.
Population growth, in general, is stretching available grain supply with more and more mouths to feed.
Already, thirty nations have experienced food riots and malnutrition plagues third world nations. The
failure to change farm policies and properly increase aid to foreign countries has contributed to the current
state of affairs. Only through a coordinated global approach to aid, hunger, and global warming, hand in
hand with the liberalization of trade and agriculture can we find a long lasting solution to the global food
crisis.
H03
Market Microstructure and Liquidity
Presenter(s)
William Getz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lorentzen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, Aardvark Trading
Current economic crises have set markets as a subject of global interest. Our investigation explored market
microstructure - the study of markets on a transactional level, where every trading transaction is exposed.
Since we had little prior knowledge, we began our investigation by reading a textbook covering applied
market microstructure. We applied our knowledge by trading on a simulation market and discussing market
functions with professionals in the business. Markets are driven by end users - those who hope to
accomplish a purpose outside of trading for profit. Trades primarily occur in exchanges or in over-thecounter
(OTC) systems, where trades are directly between two parties. In major exchanges, trade orders are
processed using an efficient order matching system. An important aspect of a market, especially on a
microstructural level, is liquidity (the ability to quickly trade a large volume without affecting the current
price). Liquidity has three dimensions: Immediacy, price, and size. Liquid markets are beneficial for all
involved for they enable ease in trading and provide informative prices. Exchange cleared markets are more
liquid than OTC markets and are therefore advantageous. This is a matter of current global concern because
OTC market trading has lead to the current financial system collapse.
58
H04
Causes of the 2008 Oil Crisis
Presenter(s)
Nina Gnedin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Meaghan Pachay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In July of 2008 oil reached a record high of $147 per barrel. This was caused by a combination of problems
on both the supply and demand sides of the market Nigeria struggles with governmental corruption,
conflicts with oil companies, and sectarian violence, especially in the Delta region. Iraq’s oil infrastructure,
heavily damaged in the first Gulf War and unrepaired since, has suffered from insurgent attacks responding
to the 2003 US invasion. Iran’s nuclear proliferation and the United States presence in the Persian Gulf
have aggravated the already tense relationship between the two countries. China, India, and Indonesia,
among others, have experienced accelerated economic growth, causing their demand for oil to shift out.
The collapse of the housing market weakened the dollar, the currency used to determine oil prices. All
these problems combined to unsettle oil traders and investors, who drove up prices. Factors directly relating
to the US and its foreign policy were analyzed using a combination of news articles and government
documents to examine how these issues came about and why they caused oil prices to skyrocket. The
recent oil crisis was caused not so much by real changes in supply and demand, though those certainly
intensified the problem, but by the apprehension of oil traders.
H05
Equal Pay for Equal Work? An Assessment of Teacher Compensation, Experience, and Contractual
Mandates
Presenter(s)
Brandan Matthews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Barrow, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Throughout Illinois, teachers receive varying amounts of pay depending on the district that they work in
and their degrees held. Some districts are more attractive to new teachers for a variety of reasons which
range from salary to hours of student contact. This investigation assesses the teaching experience in many
high school districts across Illinois. Using contracts from sixty-five Illinois school districts, data was
collected that represents the daily obligations of and benefits given to teachers. This data is being analyzed
using multivariate regressions. Currently, results are being interpreted to determine if the correlations are
conclusive or if different types of analysis will be needed in order to come to a conclusion. While this
investigation is still in progress, further data analysis in the coming weeks will show whether or not salary
is correlated with job traits. Some job traits assessed were hours of work, periods of student contact,
preparation time, extracurricular compensation and insurance benefits. This investigation can aid teacher
recruiters by identifying instrumental factors that affect salary which can be used as focal points in
attracting teachers to districts.
59
H06
Understanding Factors of the Black White Achievement Gap
Presenter(s)
Michael Mirski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Hersh, University of Chicago
Emily Oster, University of Chicago
Since the 1960s, researchers have found that black students score consistently worse on tests of academic
ability than their white counterparts, with little conclusiveness on this robust empirical irregularity.
Hypotheses on the nature of its roots range from an inherent cultural bias against academic success held by
blacks to lower quality schools. We develop a model that exhibits a static state variation of Neal's
intergenerational achievement gap model. We use multivariate regression analysis on survey data
previously collected from schools in Philadelphia and Tennessee. Our most significant results demonstrate
that school effort (a variable created from survey questions involving motivation, work ethic, and the
quality and completion of school work) plays an enormous role in determining the achievement gap.
Accompanying this, the study skills (the methods by which students study and learn) of blacks are worse
than those of whites, an effect amplified by skewed racial distribution. However, these may be linked to
other exogenous variables, such as socioeconomic status or school quality, although the latter variable was
found to be trivial in contributing to the achievement gap. Variables such as self confidence were
considered and found to be significant, but were most likely influenced by self selection bias.
H07
Examining the Effects of Nominal Sales
Presenter(s)
Zehua Sun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John List, University of Chicago
Hugo Sonnenschein, University of Chicago
My family owns two stores that sell identical products. Between these stores, we wanted to observe the
effects of creating a nominal sale at one store, where we would increase the non-sale price of a specific
good at one store, but place the good on sale so that the effective purchase price would remain unchanged
in both stores. For this experiment, we raised the price of bracelets in one store by 25% and took 33% off
while keeping the original price of the bracelet at the other store. Prior to beginning, we statistically
compared averages with t-test of the bracelets sold at each store and discovered no significant difference
between the amounts of bracelets sold (p-> 0.364). Thus, one store could serve as the no sale control group
and the other the nominal sale treatment group. The experiment yielded conclusive results after a month of
collecting data from both stores; we ran a robustness test to maintain that our results weren’t influenced by
external discrepancies between the two stores like economy or location (p-> 0.0697). The store with the
nominal sale sold significantly fewer bracelets than the store where the prices had remained constant (p->
0.0369). The implications of our results are discussed later.
60
I01
School Improvement Plans: Necessary but not Sufficient
Presenter(s)
Mariam Alaka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Leslie Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaziputalimba Joshua, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Due to the No Child Left Behind Act, schools are required to be accountable for each students learning.
However not every school is meeting the national standard. In this study the researchers compare School
Improvement Plans, examine survey data from teachers and administrators, and conduct interviews with
principals and teachers from schools in Chicago District 299 to determine methods that enable schools to
achieve average yearly progress (AYP) or make significant improvement on the Illinois Standards
Achievement Test in sixth through eighth grade. Based on research by Richard Elmore and others, our
study hypothesizes that schools that adopt a school-wide focus on a small number of clear, measurable
school improvement goals will have students with improving test scores and be more likely to make AYP.
Our surveys focused on the teaching strategies, environment, and extracurricular activities of each school.
These have been sent out but not yet collected. The surveys will determine which interviews will be
performed. Once we have analyzed the data we will create a list of methods to enable schools achievement
of AYP.
I02
Facts for Life
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Awoyemi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Issurah King, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robert Hernandez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA students face the challenge of properly caring for themselves. This challenge could be made easier
with the assistance of health education and promotion. Data from the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention was used to identify topics of importance, which include: physical health, mental health,
nutrition, healthy relationships, and sex education. An internal audit is underway to reveal whether IMSA
faculty and staff perceive the need for a health education program. External audits of programs at
residential colleges have opened our eyes to the creative ways that health can be presented to students. Data
is being analyzed to divulge the specific health needs of IMSA students. This information is being put to
use for a trial health education program, IMSA’s Health Corner, which provides students with facts and
guidance about health topics. Throughout this year of audits, observation, and statistical analysis a
curriculum for a health education and promotion program has been developed, which will strive to assist
students in making positive changes to their lifestyles through guidance and use of the resources IMSA
provides.
61
I03
Teach Illinois: Reassessment of the Current Illinois K-12 School Funding Model
Presenter(s)
Mehmet Badur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Cora Goldston, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Colin Phillips, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The current Illinois K-12 school finance policy is broken; the children of greatest need are continually cast
aside and given a second-class education. We investigated the current system of education funding through
interviews and empirical data. We identified and focused on four key areas: the current fiscal
appropriations model, the tax base that funds this model, efficiency of the system, and oversight and
standards. Our proposed model seeks to provide adequate funding through a progressive use of Illinois’
wealth and to target new funds in a manner that will substantially narrow the socioeconomic achievement
gap. Based on the foundational principles of SB 2288, which provides for increased educational funding
and legislates a series of educational reforms, our investigation has led us to draft our own legislation. If
successful, our work could give Illinois schools the crucial funding and educational reforms necessary to
help all Illinois children succeed.
I04
IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter?
Presenter(s)
Duncan Baker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Troy Makulec, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Oberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter? is a new traveling science show presented to students
in grades three through five. The writers created this presentation to observe the use of teaching pedagogies
in order to affect the various learning styles of the students in a forty-five minute demonstration of key
concepts. The learning theories focused upon were those in the behavioral-constructive-cognitive
educational spectrum. The content presented was properties of each state of matter and how matter can
change. States of matter demonstrations were designed with the Illinois State Board of Education’s
Applications of Learning in mind and observation rubrics were used to qualitatively evaluate the various
utilization of learning theory. The preliminary results of the research indicate cognition, or building on
previous knowledge, as the most prevalent pedagogy for this IMSA on Wheels show.
62
I05
Expanding IMSA Outreach to Hispanic Students
Presenter(s)
Aaron Bruder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stephanie Martinez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Stovall, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mao Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jose Palos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intrigued by the noticeably underrepresented Hispanic minority at IMSA, our group began to research the
reasons behind Hispanic struggles with the American educational system. We accessed a wide variety of
resources, such as journal articles, books, brochures, and even members of the Hispanic community here in
Aurora to aid our research. Subsequently, we wondered how we could apply our knowledge of these
cultural and economic difficulties to increase Hispanic participation in IMSA-sponsored academic outreach
programs, such as SEAMS and Kids’ Institute (KI). Our ultimate goal is to successfully structure a new
program for Hispanic students in the Aurora area. In coordination with KI, we investigated various
strategies to make the benefit of IMSA programs sound more appealing to Hispanic parents, such as
creating updated brochures and English-to-Spanish translations of them, as well as utilizing other means of
advertising the various programs. We would also like to advertise our program by visiting schools and
informing Hispanic parents one-on-one about our offerings. As for many new programs, the earliest they
could commence would be in the fall. We believe these methods will positively impact the utilization of
IMSA’s outreach programs by the Hispanic community and untimely increase Hispanic enrollment at
IMSA.
I06
I<3 Science: A Chemistry Book for Children
Presenter(s)
Jingsi Fan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anjulie Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Seung Heo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chemistry is an abstract science that most students are not exposed to until middle school or high school.
The abstract nature of the subject makes it hard for students in grade school to comprehend. Through our
research, we found that non-fiction books with many pictures and analogies most effectively interest
children. However, most chemistry textbooks just state facts that children do not understand. The objective
of this project is to make a chemistry textbook for children of ages around ten. We had honors fourth
graders from East View Elementary School in Oswego, Illinois read excerpts and comment on the level of
difficulty and the content in general. The students said that they would like to see more pictures and learn
more about the characters in the book. Furthermore, they felt that the wording was challenging. We will
make further modifications based on their comments and will try to get a second round of feedback. Each
of the four chapters focuses on a different aspect of chemistry, and includes original illustrations and fun
analogies. The story is based on three children and their teacher learning chemistry from everyday life.
63
I07
IMSA Chicago: Science Curriculum
Presenter(s)
Vidya Govind-Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anne Pipathsouk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sendhil Revuluri, Chicago Public Schools
The process of designing IMSA Chicago has begun. Our project focuses on a science curriculum for a 9-12
residential school model. In our model, the freshman year could be extremely beneficial to the students, as
it could be utilized to help students transition and reach the high level of academic excellence expected at
IMSA. In order to maintain the integrity of the IMSA curriculum, it would be best to incorporate the
Scientific Inquiry (SI) series at the new campus, as their effectiveness has been proven at the Aurora
campus. However, it has been acknowledged that the curriculum, and especially the SI’s, must be modified
in order to best serve the Chicago students. We have created a list of possible modifications of the current
SI: Biology curriculum and pedagogy, attempting to maintain the integrity of the program. The suggestions
were created after reviewing responses from interviews and surveys of selected teachers and students (those
with a Chicago Public School background) of the IMSA campus and student and staff input provided at the
IMSA Chicago Intersession.
I08
Socioeconomics and Public Education: An Examination of Policies that Narrow the Achievement
Gap
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Loucks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Standards-based reform, though nearly a decade old came to national attention with the authorization of the
federal No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB has sparked great controversy among many teachers and
administrators. A primary objection from educators has been that poor, minority student learners have too
many disadvantages in their communities and home lives to enable them to meet standards. This
investigation challenges this idea, asserting that all students can become successful, regardless of social
classes. Research, like that conducted by Rothstein, has revealed that schools enrolling large percentages of
minority students from low-income families can excel if certain factors within the school, and even more
importantly, within the community, are present. Studies have found that low-income, high performing
schools often have visible community support programs, relevant professional development opportunities,
and outstanding leadership. This investigation has confirmed previous studies by finding that
approximately 75% of variation in the percentage of students meeting standards can be accounted for by
quantitative values (such as demographics, budget distributions, and so forth), leaving the other 25% to be
accounted for by qualitative variables. This study also shows how one school district has made sustained
improvement despite demographic dispositions. Administrators of schools and school districts can use
these findings to drive improvement in student achievement.
64
I09
Self-Efficacy and Academic Success: A Study of AVID Students in the Chicago Public Schools
System
Presenter(s)
Sidanth Sapru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Melanie LaForce, University of Chicago
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system strives to increase the number of students that graduate from
high school and pursue higher education. Unfortunately, however, of the CPS students who aspire to do so,
only 41 percent of them actually go on to enroll in a four-year college after graduation. In 2003, the
Chicago Public Schools system launched “Advancement via Individual Determination” (AVID), a
comprehensive program aimed at increasing college-going rates of students in the “academic middle” who
have the desire to go to college but may be falling short of their potential. Students that enroll in AVID
learn organization and study skills, work with college tutors, and participate in college exploration and
preparation activities. Research has shown that students with high levels of academic self-efficacy typically
have stronger academic goals, more academic achievement, and more educational achievement later in life.
Little is known, however, about AVID’s effects on student academic self-efficacy, and the resulting effects
on student achievement and success. This study demonstrated that 2006-2007 AVID students reported
overall high levels of academic self-efficacy. Additionally, within AVID students, students with higher
reports of academic self-efficacy had significantly higher GPAs - even after demographic and prior
achievement characteristics were accounted for.
I10
A Comparative Look at Education in the United States, China, and India
Presenter(s)
Katherine Tu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Schreiber, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The need to develop the best and the brightest students has led to the creation of different educational
strategies. Through interviews and literature review, I was able to compare the strategies utilized by China,
India and the United States in public and private high schools. A set of criteria that consisted of both
academic and co-curricular factors was used to assess the differences among six schools that consisted of
one private and one public school from each nation. Aspects like pre-collegiate education, teacher training,
standardized testing, activities, equity and government involvement were considered. The nations exhibited
the most differences in the categories of teacher training, standardized testing, and government
involvement. The overall curricular intent and structure of education was similar in all three nations, but
there were still many small academic differences. For example, China and India both had higher and more
expectations of their students. Co-curricular activities offered were also very similar, but participation,
structure and emphasis varied. These activities played a bigger part in the lives of American students than
in Chinese and Indian students. The results of this study can broaden communication so that students and
educators around the world are better informed when facing an increasingly global community.
65
J01
Designing Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, Commercial Supersonic Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Cameron Breedlove, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ricardo Gonzalez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Heuser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The main focus of this investigation was to increase our knowledge of aerodynamics and aeronautical
engineering associated with supersonic flight. As part of this investigation we found it necessary to
research the side affects of supersonic travel on the economy and the environment. Throughout our
investigation we explored the requirements of an aircraft capable of supersonic travel. We researched not
only the necessary design constraints but also additional design concerns which ease and lessen the impact
of supersonic flight. Two of the main design concerns were the dampening of the sonic boom and creation
of a supersonic aircraft with the same efficiency, in subsonic flight, as a subsonic aircraft. For sonic boom
reduction we researched the theories of high altitude flight as well as artificially blunted leading edge
designs. For the requirements associated with efficiency we researched basic aerodynamics. Along with the
research for design, we researched the implications of supersonic flight on the current air traffic control
systems as well as possible environmental and residential concerns. As part of our SIR we wrote a paper for
the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Competition, which encourages emerging interest in aeronautics.
J02
Blending the Needs of All Involved: An Investigation in Architecture
Presenter(s)
David Contreras, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jackson Hallauer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Austin Dempsey, Vasilion Architects
Victor Dietz, Vasilion Architects
Forrest Nelson, Vasilion Architects
Joel Strassman, Vasilion Architects
Steven Vasilion, Vasilion Architects
This year, we have been working at Vasilion Architects, learning how an architect combines the interests of
all the people involved in the project, into a functional mixed-use building design. We began by
researching the city’s requirements for the site, learning that zoning determines everything from how many
floors a building can have, to the number of parking stalls, to the distance it must be from the street. After
researching the restrictions, we met with the owner and city officials to learn their visions for the site. By
negotiating and making compromises of the owner’s and city’s requests, we created a mixed-use four story
building which pleased both parties. We decided to take advantage of the change in grade on the site by
using underground parking. The two lower levels will be retail, office space, and parking, with the two
floors above them consisting of residential units. The residential units will be starter units, in order to
maximize their capacity. We have now created AutoCAD blueprints and a three-dimensional rendering of
what the final building would look like on the site. At the end of the project, we will have learned the
necessary steps in an architectural project to successfully design a building.
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J03
The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to Transistors
Presenter(s)
David Derry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Peter Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vitali Metlushko, University of Illinois at Chicago
Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Transistor technology is reaching its limits. Our goal is to determine if magnetic quantum-dot cellular
automata (MQCA) are a reasonable alternative. We used the Object Oriented MicroMagnetic Framework
to simulate MQCA with varying shapes. These shapes were then fabricated using photolithography or
electron beam lithography with physical metal vapor deposition. The quality of our work was then assessed
with observation under an electron microscope. When fully realized, MQCA promises to deliver devices
with faster speeds, exceptionally low heat production, resistance to radiation, and substantially reduced
power consumption, all at a scale unattainable with transistors. All electronic devices, including laptops and
cell phones would be smaller, lighter, faster, and have a much longer battery life.
J04
Battery Technology as an Alternative Energy Source in Transportation
Presenter(s)
Jesse Fitzpatrick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Trevor Hahm, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harold Kung, Northwestern University
Lithium-ion batteries are recognized as the most efficient type of battery in the field of consumer
electronics and in large-scale applications, due to their high energy-to-weight ratios. Their lack of memoryeffect
and vast room for capacity and cycle improvement make them the most suitable candidates to
research. Our research focuses on analyzing how a test cell that uses silicon composites (a silicon based
material with higher lithium atom capacitance than graphite, which is typically used) as a replacement
material for the anode would affect the energy density of the cell. We found that silicon’s ability to hold
large amounts of lithium atoms results in a 30%-40% increase in energy density (watt hours per gram of
active material) versus the current industry standard. Stabilization of battery performance against cycling
degradation will have to be increased, but the initial results are very encouraging. Using batteries exhibiting
increases in energy densities, that we have shown to be attainable, we projected their performance and how
they would affect the electric vehicle market as well as the environment.
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J05
Lower Extremity Motion Characteristics of Adolescent Baseball Pitching
Presenter(s)
Michael Gleeson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tasos Karakostas, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
The dependency of successful baseball pitching on lower body mechanics has been documented. Our study
attempts to relate lower extremity motion characteristics to variables traditionally regarded as dependent on
the upper body. Preliminary investigations involved an extensive review of literature on baseball related
injuries. The lack of sufficient research on the lower extremity in pitching called for an entirely new
method of collecting lower extremity data. We utilized the GAITRite instrumented carpet (CIR Systems
Inc., Clifton, NJ) as the primary tool for data collection. To date, four of fifteen pitchers, aged 15-18,
pitched off a regulation mound to a target positioned at a regulation distance with the GAITRite placed on
top of the mound. The pressure sensitive carpet allowed us to record numerous lower extremity variables,
including stride/step lengths, position of the lead foot, and center of pressure in the non-throwing foot. The
dependent variables were ball velocity, measured with a radar gun, and accuracy, recorded manually with
an accuracy score (1, 4, 7, or 10). Results from initial data showed a statistically significant inverse
relationship between in-toeing of the lead foot and accuracy (p< 0.01). Successful pitching has been
correlated with proper mechanics in previous studies. Our findings may indicate certain lower extremity
motion characteristics that may interfere with maximum performance, thus increasing the risk of injury.
J06
Field Programmable Gate Arrays Computing for Space Charge Simulation
Presenter(s)
Yifei Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jin-Yuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In accelerator physics, space charge simulation requires a large amount of computing power. In a particle
system, each force-pair calculation uses time/resource consuming operations such as multiplication,
division, and square root. Because of the flexibility of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), we
implemented this task with efficient use of the available computing resources and completely eliminated
non-calculating operations that are indispensable in regular micro-processors (for example, instruction
fetching, instruction decoding, and so forth). We designed and tested a 16-bit demo core to compute
Coulomb force in an Altera Cyclone II FPGA device. To save resources, the inverse square-root cube
operation was computed using a memory look-up table addressed with ten most significant non-zero bits.
At 200MHz internal clock, our demo core reaches a throughput of 200M pairs/s/core, faster than a typical
2GHz micro-processor by about a factor of 10. Power usage and operating temperature of our FPGAs are
also lower than those of micro-processors. Fast and convenient, FPGAs can serve as alternatives to microprocessors
for computing-intensive scientific simulations.
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J07
Measuring the Performance of Gas Turbine Filters Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Adam Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lawrence Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Kwan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Corbat, Filtration Group
Lawrence Ost, Filtration Group
Philip Winters, Filtration Group
Gas turbine generators require a steady air intake and clean operating environments. Bulky and inefficient
air filters disturb the air flow, thereby reducing the performance of the generator. By building the actual
filter using computer aided design, and simulating fluid flow through it using the Floworks software suite,
we created a model that matched with experimental data from a wind tunnel. Changes can be made to this
filter to make it more aerodynamic, to reduce a phenomenon known as pressure drop. After creating 2"
bullet-nosed structures on the filter casing, the pressure drop went from 40 pascals to 32 pascals, a 20%
increase in performance. Acknowledging the change, we modified the length of the bullet-nose to 4", which
showed nearly the same amount of pressure drop. Shortening the length made the pressure drop even higher
than no structures at all. Though these modifications seem slight, a small difference in pressure drop can
mean a significant impact on the efficiency of the generator. As for the financial impact, an improved filter
design could generate thousands per year in additional income from virtually nothing, a commercially
viable possibility for people in the gas turbine industry.
J08
Analysis into the Preparation of a Ni-Zn Bimetallic Catalyst
Presenter(s)
Adelina Koleva, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Nickel-zinc alloy catalysts have been found to be active for the water-gas shift reaction, which produces
high-purity hydrogen, important to several industrial applications. Traditionally, catalysts are synthesized
through a dry impregnation of metal salt into the pores of a support; however, this method lacks precise
control of particle size. The strong electrostatic adsorption method was intended be used for synthesis of a
nickel-zinc catalyst. This method allows the oxide surface to be selectively charged in solution by changing
the pH around the unique point of zero charge of the support material – allowing the adsorption of metal
complexes to be highly controlled. Since complexes failed to form, an alternative method, electroless
deposition, was employed. This method utilizes a reducing agent to force the metal precursor onto specific
sites on the support surface, allowing for the desired intimate contact between zinc-nickel particles.
Preliminary results anticipate that the alternative method will be successful. Current work focuses on
optimizing synthesis conditions and catalyst characterization.
69
J09
The Designing and Testing of a Radio Control Electric Counter-Rotating Rotors Vertical Takeoff
and Landing Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Ruohan Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
This investigation deals with design, construction, testing, and improvement of a new form of flying car
that provides the functionality of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). In addition to the innovation, this
vehicle also retains high stability. Our VTOL is a helicopter design with dual, counter-rotating blades, each
powered separately. Tests of our design in X-Plane®, a commercial flight simulator, affirm that this design
increases the controlling ability by eliminating gyroscopic precession and the need of a tail rotor. In our
prototype, two electric motors are used; each motor is controlled by an electric speed control (ESC) and
powered by a seven cell nickel-cadmium battery pack. During the testing, one of the batteries was damaged
due to connection problem. By consulting the manufactures we successfully modified our design and
powered both ESC’s and motors with one battery pack. With independent ESC’s, the two motors had
trouble achieving identical speeds. Instead, we allowed one ESC to determine the speed. Lift tests were
performed on the VTOL to indicate the efficiency of the vehicle. Further study will be conducted in the
following months including designing the body for the VTOL.
J10
Does Our Current National Bridge Inspection Criteria Need To Be Changed, and if so, How?
Presenter(s)
Maria Martinez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Kaczkowski, Packer Engineering
My inquiry project consisted of investigating past bridge failures and analyzing the current bridge
inspection criteria. The purpose was to determine whether the criteria needed changes to ensure public
safety since approximately a quarter of bridge collapses are due to poor maintenance and inadequate
inspections. An important component of my investigation was analyzing the current National Bridge
Inspection Standards, which currently require bridges to be inspected every twenty-four months regardless
of age, design, traffic characteristics, and deficiencies of the bridge. Also, only visual inspections are
required for bridges not categorized as deficient, or that do not have fracture critical members (FCM’s). An
FCM is a member in tension whose failure can cause the collapse of the entire bridge. Even these bridges
with presumably higher risk of failure only require an inspection every twenty-four months. My research
also shows that inspection results are irreproducible due to the criteria’s ambiguity. After studying
correlations between the criteria and bridge failures, it is evident improvements need to be made. Such
improvements include more detailed inspections with shorter frequency intervals for bridges with FCM’s,
and, at a minimum, a hands-on inspection for every other bridge.
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J11
Architectural Design Decisions
Presenter(s)
Karl Ochmanek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kate Hauserman, OKW Architects
In this investigation I took a hands-on approach to the design decisions of the modern architect by
redesigning the IMSA campus on the same plot of land and with the same demands of a residential high
school, but without a budget cap. The main decisions that were covered regarded: the client’s needs and
demands, context within a community, zoning regulations, climate, geographic context, technological use,
sustainability, project budget, and time constraints. For instance, in the proposed campus I laid out
separated zones for athletics, residential, and academic use. This was accomplished by designing an
accessible athletic area in the west, placing three distinct buildings in the center of campus for academics,
and placing a belt of eight residential halls about the southern edges of the academic buildings. This
resulted in a campus custom tailored to the purposes of a residential high school, as well as real world
experience in the decisions that an architect must make.
J12
A Review of the Design for Six Sigma Literature with a Focus on Tools for Systems Architecture and
a Documentation of a Catapult Design Using SysML
Presenter(s)
Angad Rekhi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Jackson, Cornell University
Systems engineering and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) are two methods of system design currently used in
all leading businesses. Knowing the similarities between these two approaches to design is vital to
understanding how some companies are able to limit defects in their products to 3.4 parts per million. This
inquiry delved into literature on this topic and found that design decomposition and interface mapping,
terms often used inconsistently across disciplines, are among the most important similarities between DFSS
and systems engineering. This study also concentrated on streamlining the design process through SysML,
a systems engineering language, using the simple example of a toy catapult. Currently, the systematization
of the catapult design is well underway; use cases are being diagrammed visually. The process is showing
positive results since use cases can be created quickly once the first case has already been developed. The
ability of SysML to streamline projects implies that its use to design systems may become more prevalent
in the future.
71
J13
Maximizing Palladium Nanowire-Based Hydrogen Sensor Performance Through Diblock Copolymer
Pattern Transfer
Presenter(s)
Grant Skudlarek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seth Darling, Argonne National Laboratory
Due to the global climate crisis, development of low-emission hydrogen vehicles is accelerating. Low -cost,
effective sensors will be central in a hydrogen economy. Palladium nanowires have shown great promise as
the detection material in these devices due to greater sensitivity and faster response time. However,
traditional means of fabricating these nanowires used top-down lithography, where each wire is
individually carved from a palladium film - a time-consuming and typically expensive process. With the
approach we have been investigating, wires are etched in parallel via a bottom-up methodology. This is
accomplished using a self-assembling nanostencil called a diblock copolymer, which can be used to
transfer a pattern of parallel cylinders onto a thin film of palladium. We have investigated the self-assembly
of several candidate block copolymer films on various surfaces using atomic force microscopy and are in
the process of developing a protocol to transfer these arrays into underlying metal layers using a
combination of reactive ion etching and ion milling. We are also benchmarking the hydrogen sensing
performance of unpatterned palladium films. Once we fabricate a prototype sensor using the block
copolymer protocol, its success will be marked by how sensitive it is and by how fast its detection response
times are compared to alternative technologies.
J14
Engineering a Durable, Reusable Polycarbonate Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Terence Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
We seek to engineer a water filter that is durable, effective, and re-usable. Our current design is a
polycarbonate membrane mounted in PVC tubing which can be sealed. With a small pore size of 0.2
microns, the membrane is expected to take out 99% of bacteria. However, issues concerning leakage and
unsuccessful sealing pull that percentage down and raise questions about the filter’s actual flow rate and
effectiveness. Preliminary tests show that pond water flows through a 4 cm diameter filter at about 36
ml/hour. Flow rates for tap water are considerably higher at around 200 ml/hour. In order to provide the 40
liters/day needed to sustain families in the third world, pressurized systems involving evacuation have been
considered. A proposed conductivity test, which measures the amount of current flowing through a filter
when properly sealed, showed promise at first but may be considered ineffective due to inconclusive
results. Lastly, the ability to clean the accumulation of debris after repeated use is crucial to the re-usability
of the system. Gentle wiping of the filter’s surface has suggested that the membrane can be cleaned by
hand. Whether this is a practical solution to ensuring the longevity of such a system is still being
investigated.
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K01
High Above the Ground and Two Finches: A Study of Autism through Writing
Presenter(s)
Dawna Bagherian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A writing project in the form of a book was conducted in order to gain knowledge about autism and human
interactions through writing. Though laboratory research produces new scientific data, research through
writing allows the writer to explore what she already knows, and to strive to better understand her own
interactions with autistic individuals. This project also examined methods of integrating scientific data in
creative pieces. Experimentation was done with regard to transitions, voice, tense, mechanics, and style.
Differences in writing style throughout the year were studied. Writing took the form of short paragraphs on
individual topics that came together to form a long, creative piece A first person, casual, stream-ofconsciousness
style was chosen as optimal, because it allowed for digression, as well as sudden changes in
style when switching from scientific to creative writing. It was found that scientific research can fit into
creative writing through subtle but direct references to specific studies which support an underlying theme
in the piece. Thus far, only a portion of a manuscript has been produced, as style and format were
experimented with, but in the coming months, writing is expected to culminate in a full manuscript for a
book.
K02
Writing Your Way to a Dystopian Novel: Processes and Production
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Byers, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Literature examines every aspect of society, from personal interactions to scientific revelation, and it
provides a creative way to explore possible futures. When constructing literature, an author must examine
every aspect of said literature - its implications, character description, and plot details - all while making it
snappy, clever, and palatable for an audience. Creating a novel requires writing, and writing requires focus,
and focus requires schedule. Writing was conducted under six circumstances for varying times and page
limit requirements. By writing a previously started dystopian novel in different manners, the best method of
composition can be reached: writing daily in previously scheduled blocks of time. For example, a laissezfaire
approach to writing often results in laziness and rushed product, as a weeks worth of composition will
be thrown into a mere few hours, whereas a regimented schedule allows the writer to cool and calm down
before beginning, focus, and not take on too much work at once. To achieve the best possible novel with
the most and best product for the least amount of time, an author should specifically make time for writing
and assimilate writing as a part of his or her everyday activity, as I attempted to do while writing the first
two hundred pages of my own novel.
73
K03
Fashion in Films
Presenter(s)
Allison Rodriguez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For my SIR this year, I began by exploring the relationship between fashion, crime, and violence in films,
which led me to the film noir genre. After researching and viewing several key films from this genre, both
contemporary and classic, I furthered my investigation by focusing on the femme fatale character. Acting
usually as the catalyst to a crime, often feigning innocence, and playing on societal expectations of a
woman's power to manipulate, this character is an essential component of film noir. Over time, the femme
fatale has transformed. The most apparent development has been in aesthetic appearance. From the 1940's
until now, women in film seem to be wearing less and less; sex appeal has integrated itself more overtly
into the film noir genre. In classic films, the femme fatale is dressed in Oscar de la Renta evening gowns,
Burberry trenches, and Chanel suits. Presently, we are accustomed to seeing the women dressed scantily
and provocatively, à la the leather-clad women of Old Towne in Frank Miller’s Sin City. I believe that this
shift is a direct reflection on our society. As years have passed, women have become more sexually
liberated. They are no longer confined by idealistic images but free to dress and act as they please. The
modern femme fatale has transformed, becoming even more independent than her past counterpart. No
longer do they need a man’s help or affection to reach their goals which are usually self-serving.
K04
Sexuality in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century British Plays
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Zaretsky, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Hancock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Britain, sexuality in British plays was dramatically
muted. Here, six plays were selected that spanned the two centuries as well as a range of authors, including
Oscar Wilde and Richard Sheridan. The plays were dissected in search of mentions of sexuality that
supported or contrasted the hypothesis that in the nineteenth century, British authors stuck to a more
prudish sense of sexuality when writing. Research into the context of each play and the social background
suggests that the shift is due to the rise of the middle class as well as an industrial revolution in the late
eighteenth century. In addition, an increase in religion also played a large part in audiences declaring a
taboo on characters having affairs, bedroom scenes, and other variables that were present in the eighteenth
century plays of my selection.
74
K05
Writing a Novel About the Shadows of Human Mind
Presenter(s)
Shuang Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The human mind has many shadows as well as miracles. It is the central that controls all the actions that the
body performs, but because of its complexity there can exist many problems that arise within the mind that
can affect every aspect of a person’s life. In my SIR project, I wrote a novel that contains sorophilia,
domestic violence, and schizophrenia. In the story, I tried to implement what I found out in my research
about how the characters show symptoms of these abnormal behaviors of the mind. I have learned that
mental problems can be very difficult to tell apart from a little mishap. As a result, I have written a novel
with two subplots: one to describe the physical world and the other to describe what is happening inside the
main character’s mind. My goal is to let the readers find out for themselves the “red flags” that other
characters should have watched out for to realize that something was wrong. Although this is a creative
writing project, I have done research to make the plot as believable as possible with many real-world
symptoms of mental dysfunction, and I hope that people can use the knowledge obtained from reading my
novel to help someone by realizing their needs.
L01
Accumulation of Mercury in Lake Michigan and its Effects on Humans
Presenter(s)
Vashti Aguilar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christina Mikulka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What has been the effect of industrial mercury use on the environment and human health in the Great Lakes
region? Mercury is used in many industrial facilities and during medical procedures, however, when not
disposed of properly, the mercury ends up contaminating the environment. When this mercury is released
into the environment, some of it ends up in lake water, which allows it to accumulate in the tissue of fish.
There was 154.82 ng/g of mercury in Lake Michigan trout in 2000, and the following year there was an
average of 158.71 ng/g. Through our research we found that as the levels of mercury in fish increased, the
number of people with mercury contamination also increased. Through the Clean Water Act and Water
Quality Act, implemented in 1977 and 1987, the amount of mercury dumping in Lake Michigan has been
reduced. Although levels of mercury are restricted in Lake Michigan, levels in the atmosphere have risen,
and they still have access to our lakes. Through this inquiry we have seen the possible harmful effects that
mercury can have on humans. It is important that we are aware of mercury contamination, as it could
change what the future holds for our generation, and the generations to come.
75
L02
Modeling Idling Reduction Options for Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks: A Comparison of
Emissions/Energy Use and Economics
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Bennett, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Linda Gaines, Argonne National Laboratory
Long-haul trucks idling overnight consume more than 838 million gallons of fuel a year. Trucks of all types
also idle during the workday while waiting to load or unload, and at bottlenecks like border crossings. The
purpose of this investigation was to determine the cost effectiveness of idling reduction technologies in
order to compare emissions, energy use, and economics. This part of the analysis concentrated on the costs
to the truck owner and estimated savings by using different idling-reduction devices. The costs depend on
several variables: technology or combination of technologies, idling frequency, fuel cost, frequency of
device use, loan term, interest, and payment. Varying fuel prices and idling hour amounts were used to
evaluate current technologies in varying situations. By evaluating minimum value per hour and cost over a
five year period, cost-effective technology is shown to be significantly dependant on diesel fuel price and
idling hour amount. For instance, we found that if fuel prices are low, it is most cost-efficient for a low
idler to idle rather than implement an idling reduction device. But when fuel prices are high or for a high
idler, it is considerably more cost effective to implement an idling reduction device. These results should
allow a driver to choose the best idling reduction device for their situation.
L03
Ethanol Implementation as a Source of Alternative Fuel: IMSA's First Ethanol Powered Engine
Presenter(s)
Justin Glasper, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alisha Vimawala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The energy crisis is one of the most prominent issues in America today. Demand for energy has rocketed in
recent years at an average rate of 4.3 percent. The high-energy costs and demand for fuel consumption are
negatively affecting America’s economy, pressuring scientists to find innovative solutions to this problem.
In recent years, scientists have noted the potential of ethanol as a reliable, energy-efficient, and feasible
form of alternative fuel. Thus, in collaboration with the IMSA Energy Center, we have chosen to explore
the possibility of using sugarcane-based ethanol as a form of alternative energy on campus. In comparison
to corn, sugarcane uses a much simpler method to yield greater amounts of ethanol, making it one of the
most effective and economical sources for large-scale production. In our investigation, both ungrounded
and grounded sugarcane was fermented with various concentrations of yeast and the alpha amylase enzyme
for the breakdown of glucose. The resulting mixture was then distilled using a simple distillation apparatus
to separate the alcohol from the mixture. The ethanol produced was then used in various gasoline and
ethanol mixtures to power a two-stroke engine. Results of these mixtures are still being investigated.
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L04
Effect of Restoration on Floristic Quality Index of Kane County Prairies
Presenter(s)
Judith Hooymans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Richardson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Numerous restoration projects throughout the Midwest region have been started in an attempt to protect
prairie remnants and revitalize other areas. We investigated how prairie restoration projects in the Kane
County area have improved over time. We received data from active restoration sites at Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia and Kane County Forest Preserve District LeRoy Oaks G-4 preserve in
St. Charles and compared the changes in the floristic quality index (FQI) for each of the prairie plots over
time. Our results showed that continued restoration leads to a net increase of at least ten in the FQI value.
Additionally, there was a net increase in the number of native species observed, but there was no pattern to
the change in the correlation of mean coefficient of conservatism (C) values over time. Four of the twenty
Fermilab prairie plots (plots 4, 14, 16, 20) experienced a statistically significant change in the correlation of
mean C value (p = 0.021, p = 0.011, p = 0.024, p = 0.048). Based on our findings we can conclude that the
more time and effort put into restoration leads to increased biodiversity and similarity to remnant prairies.
L05
IMSA Go Green: Investigating Student Action
Presenter(s)
Kristen Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is substantial research on environmental behavior modeling, yet there is very little research on the
environmental actions of students who have an advanced scientific understanding vis-à-vis their choices
pertaining to ecology and the environment (for example, recycling, conserving energy). This inquiry
examined the environmental behaviors of a diverse group of students from broad ethnic, socio-economic,
and geographic locations, all perceived to share a common connection of education. Through individual
interviews combined with survey-based questions administered across the student population of the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy, this study quantified the environmental consciousness of students and
the institution. Data analysis is in progress to refute or support how motivators (for example, family,
education) are correlated to a passive or active relationship with the environment. The investigation is
significant in that the findings may point to certain conditions under which scientific students choose
actions within the environmental context.
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L06
Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Presenter(s)
Shyam Saladi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
Pervious concrete is an alternate paving material that may alleviate many of the environmental and water
problems caused by traditional pavements such as downstream non-point pollution and storm water control.
Further investigation regarding sedimentation within and below concrete is necessary to better understand
the sustainability and lifecycle of this concrete. This study investigates the impact of sedimentation on
pervious samples by the artificial introduction of sediment to concrete core samples. Preliminary analysis
shows that a negligible amount of sediment is actually trapped within the pores of pervious concrete
although experimentation is continuing. Though statistically insignificant, an apparent relationship between
the concrete porosity and the amount of sediment held by the concrete after the completion of clogging
cycles was observed. Concrete cores were exposed to sediment in a number of cycles to mimic natural
conditions that pervious concrete installations would be subjected to. This experiment developed insight as
to the effective decrease of porosity of concrete installations for purposes of long-term/lifetime
maintenance.
M01
Predicting Fame: Discovering and Applying Today's Popular Music Techniques
Presenter(s)
Kayla Campbell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Donald Lee-Brown, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Priovolos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Often regarded as an abstract art, composition of music is in fact quite formulaic. The use of rigidly defined
chord progressions, beat patterns, and lyrical structure is particularly evident in the construction of today's
popular music. Certain musical elements are more pleasing to a wider audience than others, and any song in
the genre of "Pop" usually incorporates several of them. During the first half of this study, a list of today's
pop songs was analyzed, and the patterns and structures present in them were distilled out. These patterns
include the standard pop beat, basic chord progressions (I-V-vi-IV), common instrumentation (synthesizer
presets, guitar modulations), and lyrical structure (AABA). The second half of the study was devoted to
using the elements found to compose and produce a song that falls squarely in the genre of popular music.
To do so, an initial chord progression and harmony were decided upon, and a melody was composed to fit
pre-written lyrics. The final production included recording vocals, instrumentation, and final editing. More
so than any other class of music, pop music has defined elements that can be taken and applied towards
new pop music compositions.
78
M02
Films and the Auteur
Presenter(s)
Daniel (Mac) Nelsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Movies, films, or flicks, or whatever you may call them, demand some creative guidance. The director,
who has control over many artistic choices, is like an author of a literary work. In the film world, directors
are auteurs, which is French for author. In phase one of my investigation, I studied the films and some
criticism of many accomplished auteurs, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and David Fincher. In
doing so, I saw patterns in their works, almost like signatures from each director. After studying several
films, my investigation moved to phase two, the production phase. I identified a scene from Truffaut’s
Fahrenheit 451 and reproduced it three different ways. Taking an almost scientific approach, I wanted to
have a control and then two experiments with altered variables. My goal was to get a concrete
understanding of the effects of an auteur’s choices. The control is a shot by shot (movement and
composition) replication of Truffaut’s and establishes a standard of quality and content for my experiment.
The second keeps the same shots to keep the same visual impact but changes the content (script and props).
The third keeps the original content but changes the shots. The results illustrate the effects of camera work
on interpretation.
M03
Production of a Twenty-first Century Musical
Presenter(s)
Nicholos Reid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stephanie Williams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Priovolos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A musical is a play that tells a story through song and dance with many different aspects. Our study of the
century musical took place at the Oriental Theater in Chicago while observing from the audience and the
backstage production of the musical Chicago. We looked at the staging and chorography of the actors, the
music, and all of the different technical elements (lighting and costuming) that go into producing a twentyfirst
century musical. The way an actor is standing and their position on stage says a lot about the character
they are portraying while the music and lyrics express the emotions of the character. The style of a song
and lighting of a scene let the theatergoer glimpse many aspects of a scene that otherwise may not be
portrayed in a tangible way. We accomplished working with the theater world at their speed, which resulted
in much frustration on our part, to create a great SIR project. Overall every aspect of a musical, the actors,
music, chorography, staging, lighting, and costuming, come together to give the watcher insight into the
characters the actors are portraying producing a show that stays with the watcher even after leaving the
presence of the stage.
79
N01
The Voynich Manuscript
Presenter(s)
Elsa Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Guy Macarol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Voynich manuscript is one of the most mysterious documents extant, whether it be an alchemical text
in an unknown language or a clever fraud. In this inquiry, we research various probable contexts for its
existence, its possible history with English mysticism, and carefully analyze its linguistic and cryptographic
aspects. We have created a font based on its unusual alphabet and have run basic analyses on passages from
the text. We have also examined some of the more interesting aspects of the manuscript, such as why
certain letters only appear in the middle of words, or with other letters. Even though the text may, in fact,
be meaningless, the question of why such a strict set of guidelines was adopted for a nonsense language is
truly baffling. While it is unlikely that we will come across any new possibilities, the manuscript’s possible
histories are intriguing.
N02
Seafaring: Technology, History, and Economics
Presenter(s)
Lauraleigh Heffner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Seafaring evolved to accommodate the needs of the world. In my inquiry, I examined how technology,
history, and economics played a role in each of the major ships by reviewing literature and observing the
characteristics of each. As civilization expanded into northern Europe, it was discovered that Mediterranean
ships could not survive the Atlantic. Vikings developed knorrs and began trading small cargo, such as
precious metals, spices and slaves. The cog evolved during the Middle Ages to carry bulk goods, including
salt, wool, flour, and iron. Lower shipping costs stimulated the European economy. The cog made this
possible. The carrack then expanded this wealth globally allowing Europe to control the trade and wealth
between countries. Without carracks providing the cargo capacity, cannons and range, Magellan may not
have circumnavigated the world. Next, the caravel sailed beautifully, but could not carry a lot. The galleon,
developed by the English, was a compromise between the carrack and caravel. This combination between
the sailing, cargo capacity, and military strength changes the entire face of history. Seafaring allowed great
explorations, on which, new civilizations formed and science advanced. Without seafaring, we would not
have advanced to the civilization we live in today.
80
O01
Music Copyright and Royalty Laws: The Impact of Technology on the Music Industry
Presenter(s)
Amanda Cohen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barry Irwin, Kirkland and Ellis
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Technological changes have altered the way people obtain and listen to music. Currently, there is
legislation, the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 4789 and S. 2500), being considered that will change the way
performers are compensated when their music is enjoyed via new and existing technologies. From
evaluating the current system that controls when artists get compensation for use of their musical works
and the historical rationale behind this system, I believe the existing compensation scheme needs to be
modified in the interest of fairness. Although I do not agree that the Performance Rights Act (which
provides performers compensation for use of their works on over-the-air radio stations) will completely
solve the public performance royalty issues that the United States has faced for decades, I believe the act is
a step in the right direction of fair compensation. I have prepared a paper that I will seek to publish,
advocating the general principles of the Performance Rights Act, as well as other appropriate compensation
schemes. This paper will be sent to Congress with the intention of securing for all artists fair compensation
for their musical contributions
O02
Improving Romania’s Adoption System: Comparative Analysis and Application of Western
Adoption Systems
Presenter(s)
Ana Dumitrescu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mihaela Raicu, Chitown Law
The adoption system in Romania is an outdated system that started in the communist era and remains
inadequate for the present times. Official statistics show that the number of kids in state institutions in
Romania is thirty-three thousand, many of which have disabilities and all of which are neglected. This
immense number is mostly due to the new legislation passed in 2001 that bans inter-country adoptions due
to corruption and inadequacy in the system. In this study, I researched five developed countries’ adoption
system and state institutions for orphans, specifically examining education. Within these institutions,
education and living conditions showed the greatest disparity between Romania and the developed
countries. The developed countries do not have orphanages like Romania, but have residential treatment
centers that resemble more of a boarding school. Romania’s military does have a small program that takes
in orphans and educates them. The orphans taken in by the military are in significantly better conditions
then those in orphanages. Looking at the research of the developed countries, it is safe to conclude that
Romania needs to rid itself of the orphanages and invest in treatment centers. Also, the adoption system
needs to be organized like the systems in the developed countries.
81
O03
The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Investigating Implementation in Chicago
Presenter(s)
Abigail Flynn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Catrina Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most comprehensive document in existence
outlining the rights of children as human beings. At present, every nation except the United States and
Somalia has ratified the CRC, a fact which President Obama calls an embarrassment to the US government.
Human rights advocates hope that local and state-wide support will encourage the national ratification of
the CRC. Our work has been focused in Chicago, a "UNICEF child-friendly city." Through research
conducted on the state of Chicago's children, we have found the condition of Chicago's children can be
improved. Chicago's support of the CRC can provide a common framework for the different arms of
Chicago's government to actively consider the needs of its children in its policy decisions, especially in the
areas of health, education, and protection against violence. In partnership with law students and professors
at Northwestern Law's Bluhm Legal Clinic and a coalition of children's rights organizations, we have
worked towards the recent passage of a resolution in support of the CRC in Chicago.
P01
Application of Different Voting Systems to the 2007 French Presidential Election
Presenter(s)
Matthew Castillon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Porzio, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
France uses a two-round runoff system for their presidential elections. In this system, which is common in
elections with more than two viable candidates, voters select their top candidate. If there is no candidate
with a majority (50%+1 vote) after this round, then the two candidates with the highest vote totals advance
to a second round of voting where the top vote-getter is the winner. In 2007, the center-right candidate,
Nicolas Sarkozy, defeated the center-left candidate, Ségolène Royal, in the second round after they had
received the two highest totals in the first round. In this investigation, we looked at how different voting
systems would have affected the final outcome of the 2007 French presidential election. The systems we
examined include plurality, instant-runoff, and Borda count. For rank-order voting systems, we compared
candidates and developed a three-dimensional plot based on their political positions in areas of economic,
social, and international policy. We then generated hypothetical ballots based on each candidate’s distances
from each other. Preliminary results indicate that the centrist, third-place finisher, François Bayrou, would
have faired much better in these alternative voting systems. If these preliminary results hold up to be true,
then this study can be used to inform those who seek to change any existing constructed electoral system.
82
P02
Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials with Isolated Singularities
Presenter(s)
Irene Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stephen Yau, University of Illinois at Chicago
Let +(a,b,c,d,e) be an 5-dimensional real simplex with vertices at (a,0,0,0,0), (0,b,0,0,0), ... , (0,0,0,0,e), and
let P5 be the number of positive integral points found within +(a,b,c,d,e). Given these hypotheses, we
naturally wonder how P5 can be either bounded or calculated. In this paper, we explore the question of
counting the number of integral points in a 5-dimensional simplex and find an upper bound for P5. We
prove that 5!*P5 ' (a-1)(b-1)(c-1)(d-1)(e-1) - [(e-1)^5 - (e-1)(e-2)(e-3)(e-4)] for a ( b ( c ( d ( e ( 4.25.
Consequently, we have proved the Yau conjecture for n = 5, which is: n!*p ' " - h(v), where p, ", and v are
the geometric genus, the Milnor number of the singularity and the multiplicity, respectively.
P03
On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and Torus
Presenter(s)
Bonny Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince
The degree sequence of a graph is the list of its vertex degrees counted with multiplicity (usually given in
nonincreasing order). A graphic realization of a sequence S is a graph with degree sequence S. An
embedding of a graph is a drawing of its edges and vertices on a surface such that no edges cross. The
problem of determining which degree sequences have the property that every graphic realization is planar
was addressed by Prince and Wenger. This raised the question of which degree sequences have every
realization embed on other surfaces, namely the projective plane and the torus. In this talk we discuss joint
work with Prince regarding the embedding of realizations of degree sequences on the projective plane and
torus.
83
Q01
Pegylated Interferon-Induced Graft Dysfunction after Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Case
Control Study
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Levitsky, Northwestern University
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has now become the most common indication for liver
transplantation in the United States. Hepatitis C recurrence is virtually universal after liver transplantation;
interferon-alpha (INF) has been utilized to delay the progression of recurrent hepatitis C, which causes
damage to transplanted livers. In this investigation, the population studied involved ten cases of liver
transplant recipients demonstrating evidence of graft dysfunction treated with PEG INF. These patients
were compared to a control population of liver transplant recipients without graft dysfunction. Preliminary
data collection revealed that HCV allograft dysfunction can be affected by PEG INF therapy; however, as
the project continues, a greater number of patients will be enrolled to determine the dose and the duration
of this therapy to affect outcome. Potential risk factors to be considered that were identified in analysis
ranged from ethnicity to medication dose; these factors could significantly alter the decision-making
process regarding which patients to consider for PEG INF treatment. Also, knowledge of management and
outcomes would provide useful guidance for physicians treating patients who develop this complication,
particularly data regarding HCV recurrence as well as patient and graft survival in those requiring
retransplantation.
Q02
Mapping Genes Involved in Chronic Sinusitis
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jayant Pinto, University of Chicago
Chronic sinusitis is an important public health problem causing significant impact on quality of life. Our
studies were initiated in the Hutterites, a religious group that practices a communal lifestyle and shares
common environmental exposures. We completed a genome-wide screen for genetic variation influencing
susceptibility to chronic sinusitis. The largest linkage signal (P=.0023) was discovered on chromosome
7q31, suggesting a role for genetic variation in this region influencing susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in
the Hutterites. We sought to expand these results by enlarging the number of subjects in our study through
new phenotyping field trips to South Dakota. Approximately three hundred more subjects were studied, and
their medical histories were reviewed. Relevant environmental exposures and medical history were
obtained, along with relevant testing (allergy and smell). We also reviewed medical records of subjects who
presented sinus symptoms. We are in the process of analyzing these data and plan to conduct a genomewide
association study using the enlarged data set to improve upon our prior results. We have concluded
that genetic factors affect cause for chronic sinusitis, and as the project continues, we plan to investigate
genes demonstrating significant associations in the Hutterites. Ultimately, understanding the molecular
pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis may lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this
burdensome disease.
84
Q03
The Effects of Different Surfactants, Curosurf and Survanta, on the Survival and Outcome of Infants
with Birth Weight Equal to or Less than 1000 Grams from Three Time Periods
Presenter(s)
Shelly Bhanot, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shilpa Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christine Sajous, Loyola University Medical Center
In our study, we examined the effects of Curosurf and Survanta on babies weighing 1000 grams or less.
Curosurf and Survanta are medications used on premature to aid in respiratory development. Babies from
the year 1984 prior to the use of surfactants were compared to those from 1994 and 2004-2006. The overall
survival and survival within specific sub-groups, such as race and gender, were observed over the
researched time periods. Additional observations included: babies with homecare, discharge type, hearing
screen, and the newborns who required laser surgery for severe Retinopathy of Prematurity. We studied
these figures to see a possible relationship between the advancement of surfactant, survival rate, and longterm
development of premature babies. Our current analysis from our retrospective chart review is
underway. A comparison of Curosurf and Survanta will provide a further understanding of the effectiveness
of each surfactant which could advance the medical community.
Q04
Patient Safety in Surgery: An Examination of Hand Hygiene and Physician Communication
Presenter(s)
Andrea Castaldo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Czaplicki, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy McDonald, University of Illinois at Chicago
Developing a safe environment for patients is of utmost concern to hospitals and surgery centers.
Appropriate hand hygiene decreases the number of hospital acquired infections. Effective communication
between physicians decreases adverse events. Over four months, the hand hygiene habits of physicians and
other staff at the University of Illinois Medical Center (UIMC) were measured, establishing a hand washing
compliance rate between patient contacts at only 28.7%. After we developed and implemented a program,
approved by the Department of Safety and Risk Management, to meet the needs of the Surgicenter at the
UIMC, the hand washing compliance rate increased to 63.3%. This effective program included posters,
stickers, portable hand sanitizers, and personal interventions. To improve physician communication, a
training program for residents was implemented by medical staff at UIMC. This program’s effects,
currently being observed, are to promote effective communication of patient information during hand-offs
of surgery patients between physicians. These preliminary results reveal the potential for significant
improvement in patient safety. Through UIMC’s willingness to share data and programs that work to
improve patient safety, it is hoped that many other medical centers will learn ways to improve patient
safety at their institutions and save lives in the process.
85
Q05
Epidemiological Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Presenter(s)
Brian Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Childrens Memorial Research Center
Guorong Liu, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
A recurring problem throughout health care facilities is the occurrence of nosocomial infections. One
bacterium in particular, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequently encountered in
hospital settings. Identifying the source of nosocomial infections is complicated because community
acquired MRSA must be distinguished from resident hospital strains. In an effort to distinguish between the
two, the CDC and others have developed the current USA typing system. This system uses pulsed-field gel
electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns as a primary tool for typing. Recently a semi automated typing system,
Diversilab, was developed. This study was designed to assess the utility of the Diversilab system in
examining strains of community-acquired MRSA and their USA types to compare standard PFGE to
Diversilab results. Strains previously characterized by the Diversilab system were tested with PFGE. Next,
analysis software determined percent relatedness (using a similarity index) between samples by PFGE.
Finally, Kirby Bauer susceptibility tests were used to determine antibiograms to support PFGE results.
Strains within USA typing groups as determined by Diversilab show different PFGE patterns and
susceptibilities. Our results suggest that the current Diversilab system may not be robust enough to
discriminate between community-acquired strains and nosocomial strains of MRSA if found in a hospital
setting.
Q06
Cardiovascular Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Presenter(s)
Lakshmi Girijala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Louis Cohen, University of Chicago
Ankit Desai, University of Chicago
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH), the increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, vein, or
capillaries, often occurs in patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD). In a survival study of patients with SCD
and PH, 70 percent of patients without PH lived through the ten-year study, while the median survival for
patients with SCD and PH was 26 months (Castro, 2003). Given this dramatic increase in mortality, this
investigation aims to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of PH in SCD patients by better
characterizing their cardiopulmonary complications by utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and
trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). The study seeks to recruit patients with SCD and perform CMR
and TTE on participants, and compare the findings to control patients. Because the IRB proposal approval
is pending, researchers have read journal articles and medical textbooks describing normal human anatomy
and physiology, SCD, PH, CMR, and echocardiography in order to draw connections between these topics.
To summarize the information from the journal readings and discussions, interval reviews were written.
From these reviews, the pathophysiology of PH in correlation with SCD and the uses of CMR and
echocardiography in identifying SCD complicated PH was drawn. Finally, to obtain the practical
background knowledge on these new imaging modalities used in this project, imaging conferences have
been attended.
86
Q07
The Feasibility of Melanoma-Related Immunotherapy Methods in Patients with
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Mary Reust, Loyola University
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease which is characterized by the hyperproliferation
of smooth muscle throughout the lung parenchyma. There are few effective treatments of the disease;
however, the expression of certain melanoma-related antigens in LAM suggests that immunotherapy may
be a feasible treatment for LAM patients. To test this, we used both single and double
immunohistochemistry methods (indirect) to compare the abundance of expression of melanoma-related
antigens and immune infiltrates between five LAM, three normal, and three melanoma tissue samples. We
found that in partially overlapping subsets of cells in LAM lung tissue samples gp100, MART-1, TRP-1,
and TRP-2, all melanoma-associated antigens, were expressed. On the other hand, tyrosinase, also a
commonly targeted antigen in melanoma, was not observed. We also found that the presence of T cells in
LAM samples was comparable to that in normal tissue and less compared to Melanoma samples. This
indicated that although in the LAM samples there was a broad expression of potential target antigens, the
immune system was not presenting these antigens to cytotoxic T cells (such as CD8) as well as in
Melanoma. The immune response to the melanoma associated antigens in LAM patients still has room for
improvement, supporting the feasibility of immunotherapy aimed towards these specific antigens.
Q08
Anti-Cancer Drug Nanoparticles as Carriers of DNA into Cells
Presenter(s)
Sushma Kola, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Gemeinhart, University of Illinois at Chicago
A rising number of potential pharmaceuticals are poorly soluble in solutions, leading to abandoned drug
development efforts. A promising remedy to this impasse is the use of drug nanoparticles. Nanotechnologybased
drug delivery systems have become increasingly important in treating cancer, genetic diseases, and
other illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether drug nanoparticles can interact with
DNA to form a potential drug delivery agent. Estradiol (E2) (0, 5, 10, 25 mg/mL) was precipitated from
acetone in the presence of DNA (0, 125, 250, 500 ng/mL) to create DNA-coated drug nanoparticles.
Fluorescence spectrometry was used to quantify the amount of DNA coating the E2 particles. Following,
the effects of varying E2 concentrations on particle appearance were examined using light microscopy.
PicoGreen reagent was then added to the suspension of DNA-coated drug nanoparticles which were
exposed to a culture of MCF7 cells. As expected, higher concentrations of E2 yielded larger particles. It is
anticipated that higher concentrations of DNA will result in a greater degree of DNA transfection.
Fluorescence microscopy is underway to determine the quantity of GFP produced by the cells as a result of
E2 particle uptake. Results suggest that DNA-coated drug nanoparticles have the potential to serve as
quality therapeutic agents for cancer and other diseases.
87
Q09
The Effect of Platelet Activating Factor on Nuclear Factor kappa B Dependent Luciferase Activity in
vivo in a Mouse Model of Acute Bowel Injury
Presenter(s)
Pruthvi Kothari, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabelle De Plaen, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal illness that causes acute bowel inflammation
and necrosis, and occurs predominantly in premature infants. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), an
endogenous phospholipid, is thought to play a central role in the development of NEC. When injected
systemically into mice, it produces acute bowel injury. Our laboratory has shown that PAF activates
nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B), a transcription factor that regulates the transcription of inflammatory genes, in
the intestine within 30 minutes of exposure. In this study, we wanted to determine whether PAF induces
NF--B-dependent luciferase activity in vivo in young adult male transgenic mice that produce GFPluciferase
upon NF-,B activation (NGL). Mice were anesthetized and their carotid artery was catheterized
for a PAF injection. Luciferin was injected every hour and imagings were performed every 5 minutes for
the 4-hour experimental period. We found that the levels of luminescence were highly variable from mouse
to mouse and there were no statistically significant differences between PAF-treated animals and controls
at the times examined. We will now confirm these findings by performing a luciferase assay on the
collected intestinal tissues.
Q10
The Effect of Dichloroacetate on Cancer Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Kyi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Morris Kletzel, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
A unique metabolic characteristic of most cancer cells is glycolysis. Glycolysis shuts down the
mitochondria in the cell. The cell’s ability to then resist against apoptosis is greatly enhanced. As a result,
cells begin to divide uncontrollably which result in what we know today as cancer. The drug tested in this
experiment is called dichloroacetate. Dichloroacetate or DCA is a chemical compound which upstarts
“sleeping” mitochondrial cells and restart the apoptotic process. In the following experiment, the effect that
DCA had on a cancer stem cell line was tested. Two groups of cells were tested: treated groups with 5mM
or 10mM DCA. On a weekly basis, cells were run through a viability test and a cell count test. In both tests,
cell death was observed. RNA was extracted from the cell group and a RT-PCR test was run on the
extracted RNA. By running the RT-PCR, a particular sequence of RNA would be amplified, allowing for
the viral sequence to be identified. The results gathered in this experiment strongly supports our prediction
that DCA would cause the cancer cells in culture to die. It was observed that the higher the concentration of
DCA, the more effective the treatment was.
88
Q11
Gene Therapy Treatment of Breast Cancer Involving Transforming Growth Factor-! Inhibition
Promoted by Modified Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
Presenter(s)
Bob Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Prem Seth, North Shore University Health System Research Institute
Zhenwei Zhang, North Shore University Health System Research Institute
This new advancement in the treatment of breast cancer involves gene therapy resulting in the inhibition of
the TGF-# signaling pathway. All somatic cells in the body depend on the TGF-# signaling pathway to
regulate cellular growth, and the pathway has also been shown to be a major factor promoting the
metastasis of cancer cells and bone osteolysis. In earlier investigations, adenoviral vector Ad.sT#RFc,
which expresses the sTGF#RIIFc protein that arrests the TGF-# signaling pathway, was constructed. The
application of this virus to nude mice bearing xenografted human breast cancer tumors has demonstrated
verified results in successfully destroying cancer cells. This investigation focuses on a new development in
the experimental treatment, the addition of modified human telomerase, a reverse transcriptase enzyme that
assists viral replication with high efficacy in cancer cells, which created adenoviral vector
mhTERTAd.sT#RFc. This enzyme allows the adenoviral vector to better target and restrict its TGF-#
inhibitory effects to breast cancer cells. Experimental results have shown a 6,000-fold increase in viral
production in a 48-hour infection period. The effects of protein TGF#-1 have been shown to be nullified,
preventing downstream SMAD-3 phosphorylation and IL-11 production. Further investigation of using
mhTERTAd.sT#RFc as an anti-tumor agent shows much promise.
Q12
The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition on Disc Degeneration
Presenter(s)
Kristen Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hee-Jeong Sampen, Rush University Medical Center
The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13) degrades a critical component of the intervertebral disc (IVD),
type II collagen, which can lead to decreased IVD strength. Lower back pain is linked with disc
degeneration and at present, treatments center around relieving the symptoms, not the cause. Because
activated MMP-13 plays a pathogenic role in IVD, it may be an ideal target for inhibition due to its
distribution throughout normal tissue. Direct response to disc degeneration may offer a more direct
treatment to LBP. This investigation assessed whether selective inhibitors of MMP-13 activation would
prevent collagen degradation and restrain disc degeneration. By treating bovine cells with the anabolic OP-
1, catabolic IL-1alpha, a control, and the MMP-13 inhibitor, I attempted to determine if the MMP-13
inhibitor would retard collagen degradation. By conducting a DNA assay, I examined the effects of the
fore-mentioned treatments on cell proteoglycan levels, elements of the IVD, normalized to DNA levels.
The data yielded inconclusive findings and demanded that the experiment be re-administered or another
pathway be taken to determining the effects of an MMP-13 inhibitor on collagen degradation.
89
Q13
Effects of DNMT3B7, a Truncated DNMT3B Protein Found in Human Tumors, on Murine
Lymphomas
Presenter(s)
Bohao Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Godley, University of Chicago
Aparna Vasanthakumar, University of Chicago
Cancer cells display abnormal splicing of the DNMT3B gene, which encodes one of the DNA
methyltransferase enzymes. Splicing of this gene in cancer cells commonly produces a truncated protein
called DNMT3B7 which causes abnormal methylation. Currently, little is understood about exactly how
DNMT3B7 alters DNA methylation. In this study, we tested the effects of DNMT3B7 on E"Myc-induced
murine lymphomas. E"Myc and DNMT3B7 transgenic mice were interbred to create E"Myc/DNMT3B7
double transgenic mice. We found that these double transgenic mice exhibit a higher incidence of
mediastinal lymphoma formation versus the E"Myc mice. We performed gene expression profiling using
microarray technology and found that 227 genes showed differential expression between the E"Myc single
transgenic and the E"Myc/DNMT3B7double transgenic mice. We mapped these genes onto the mouse
chromosomes and identified a significant number of differentially expressed genes located in clusters on
chromosomes three and five. In order to determine how DNMT3B7 causes these alterations, we are
analyzing the DNA methylation patterns in selected genes on chromosome five using bisulfite-sequencing
of DNA obtained from mediastinal lymphomas. Bisulfite sequencing will allows us to measure the DNA
methylation of individual CpG dinucleotides within the promoters of the differentially expressed genes.
Our analysis of these DNA sequences may lead the way to understanding how truncated DNMT3B
isoforms function in cancer.
Q14
All-trans Retinoic Acid induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Death in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Cells
Presenter(s)
Yue Lu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Amareshwar Singh, Northwestern University
Mantle cell Llymphoma (MCL) is a blood cancer that accounts for 5-10% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. It is a subtype of B-cell lymphoma with a poor response to chemotherapy. In our studies, we
have shown that a drug, ATRA, a Vitamin A metabolite, caused the production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS), also called as oxygen radicals, in MCL cells. We think that this generation of ROS may have a role
in killing MCL cells. Toward this end, we tested the effects of ATRA on apoptosis (programmed cell
death) in Granta cells (MCL cells). ATRA used in this study was packaged into nanoscale particles to
increase solubilization and delivery into the cells. To determine their effects on apoptosis, Granta cells were
incubated with ATRA-ND for 24 hours and apoptosis measured with annexin V/propidium iodide binding
and FACS analysis. ATRA-ND significantly induced apoptosis at 24 hours compared to an untreated
control. We measured ROS by H2 DCFDA staining and FACS following incubation of Granta cells with
ATRA-ND. At 6 hours, ATRA-ND induced a significant ROS generation in Granta cells. In summary, our
data indicate that ATRA-ND stimulated ROS in Granta cells and that this observation is correlated with the
induction of apoptosis in Granta cells.
90
Q15
Generating a Dendritic Cell Activating DNA Vaccine for Melanoma
Presenter(s)
Harika Nalluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, occurs by malignant transformation of melanocytes. The
aim is to induce anti-tumor responses in patients with melanoma by vaccinating them with a DNA
construct encoding a fusion protein involving a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) derived peptide and fulllength
melanoma-associated antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1). We hypothesize that the 11-mer
HSP70 peptide is sufficient to activate dendritic cells, which will efficiently present MART-1 peptides and
stimulate an immune response against the melanoma. We isolated RNA from a melanoma cell line and
conducted a reverse transcriptase polymerized chain reaction (RT-PCR) with gene-specific primers to
obtain full-length 0.354 kB MART-1 cDNA. Additional primers were designed to tag the HSP70 peptide
encoding sequence in-frame to either end of the MART-1 sequence. The DNA was inserted into a
eukaryotic expression vector and amplified in bacteria. Isolated plasmid was commercially sequenced using
the T7 primer annealing site upstream of the open reading frame. Three of the twenty-nine sequenced
inserts were 100% homologous with reference sequences and in the correct orientation. The next step is to
transfect plasmid DNA into human embryonic kidney cells and to analyze for functional protein synthesis
by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The construct will later be tested in functional assays.
Q16
Blood Type as a Risk Factor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates
Presenter(s)
Hannah Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University Medical Center
Sherri Yong, Loyola University Medical Center
There are 7,000 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) per year, and it is responsible for an increasing
number of infectious disease-associated late deaths in low birth weight infants. Numerous studies have
examined risk factors in infants for NEC; however, no studies have examined blood type as a risk factor.
We have retrospectively analyzed twenty years of medical data for infants that had NEC, specifically
analyzing the blood types and NEC occurrence rates and outcomes. We established the control group by
inputting data for three hundred infants without NEC in the same setting and time span. We believe blood
type is a possible risk factor for infants regarding NEC. Preliminary findings indicate that AB blood type
could put infants at risk for a more severe course of NEC. This may be because the O infants have A and B
antibodies, where as the AB infants have no antibodies. Conclusive results would indicate that a possible
treatment for AB infants to increase survival rates is the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment,
which contains IgG immunoglobulins (antibodies) from plasma donors. Being able to identify the infants at
highest risk of developing NEC at an earlier point in time may help increase their survival chances.
91
Q17
Predicting Academic and Clinical Distinction in a Sixty Minute Medical School Interview
Presenter(s)
Hannah Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University Medical Center
Previous studies have shown the medical school interview to be unreliable in predicting success in medical
school. Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) is a national medical school honor society that recognizes the top 15%
of a graduating class. Our objective was to determine if a sixty minute interview by a single, experienced
interviewer can predict academic distinction in medical school. Between 1987 and 2003, 1190 medical
school applicants were interviewed by a single interviewer with a closed file and received a score of: 1-5
with 5 being outstanding. The applicants were cross referenced with the National AOA Registry and their
interview score, gender, and AOA status were recorded. We propose twelve insightful components for an
interview. Of these 1190 interviewed candidates, 185 were inducted into AOA nationally. Interview scores
were significantly higher in AOA inductees (p < 0.05). In this cohort, significantly more males than
females became AOA inductees (p < 0.05). The interview process described is effective in getting to the
core of the applicant’s character and potential. This process significantly predicted academic and clinical
distinction in medical school. The induction of more males than females in this cohort warrants more
investigation.
Q18
The Affect of the Implementation of Computed Tomography on the Negative Appendectomy Rate at
Loyola University Medical Center
Presenter(s)
Sarah Rokosh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Santaniello, Loyola University
Out of the roughly 250,000 appendectomies performed each year, about 15%, or 37,500, of these surgeries
result in the removal of a healthy appendix, with women far more likely to have a negative appendectomy
(25%) compared to men (12%). Until the recent transition from clinical diagnosis to more accurate
imaging, physicians relied largely on clinical examinations and lab workups in diagnosis of acute
appendicitis. The implementation of CT scans in diagnosis should arguably decrease the number of
appendices needlessly removed from the traditionally accepted 15% to a more acceptable 2%. Therefore, I
conducted retrospective research over the past six years (2003-2008) to evaluate the significance in the
change, if one is observed, in the negative appendectomy (NA) rate at Loyola University Medical Center
(LUMC) after the implementation of computed tomography (CT) scans in diagnosis. From these patients’
charts, I recorded age, gender, white blood cell count, noteworthy observations in the CT scan, as well as
notes on the operative and pathological reports. Data analysis demonstrated that the NA rate at LUMC is
2%, the rate the current medical community is pushing to be the new standard.
92
Q19
A Case Control Study of Polymorphisms in the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Patients with
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms versus Healthy Controls
Presenter(s)
Aldo Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isolina Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Pearce, Northwestern University
Vera Shively, Northwestern University
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease. In AAA, the enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase-9
(MMP-9), weakens the walls of the aorta by degrading structural proteins, which can lead to a fatal rupture.
AAAs are most commonly seen in white males over age fifty years, who have a history of smoking.
Previous studies have shown that there are increased amounts MMP-9 in AAA tissue specimens. We
analyzed a polymorphic portion of the MMP-9 gene; a location on the gene that is known to show natural
variation in humans. In our case, we analyzed a single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, that is located at
position -1562 in the promoter of the gene. A cysteine (C) or thymidine (T) is found at this location. The T
allele has been associated with higher transcription rates of the gene. We hypothesize that AAA patients
will have more T’s at -1562 versus a population of healthy age-matched white male controls. To date, our
results do not support this hypothesis. Of the samples we have genotyped, only three of nineteen AAA
samples have a T allele, while eight of twenty-four control samples have the T allele.
Q20
The Severity, Causes, and Effects of Sleep Deprivation at IMSA
Presenter(s)
Priya Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA students often complain that they don’t receive an adequate amount of sleep, although the reasons
for this remain unclear. While some people attribute this to improper time management, others believe that
IMSA’s challenging atmosphere forces students to forgo sleep in order to complete schoolwork. To better
understand the causes and effects of sleep loss at IMSA, a questionnaire concerning sleep loss and habits
was distributed to seventy-five students. Included was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), a selfadministered
questionnaire which assesses sleepiness on a scale of 0-24; a score higher than 10 indicates
excessive sleepiness. The average score on the ESS was 10.62. Also included in the questionnaire were
questions concerning students’ sleep, such as students’ time management, sleep hygiene and quality, and
the effects of their sleep. These data were used to test the hypothesis that IMSA students receive an
inadequate amount of sleep (5.75 hours per night) compared to the recommended nine hours (t=20.649,
df=74, p=3.318x10-32). Understanding the severity, causes, and effects of sleep deprivation at IMSA allows
for solutions to this growing problem to be utilized, such the improvement of sleep hygiene and later school
starting times. Not only would this be beneficial to students’ quality of sleep, but their overall lifestyle
could also improve.
93
Q21
Relationship Between Horizontal Reaction Force and Walking Velocity in People Post-Stroke
Presenter(s)
Evan Schwerbrock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Brown, Northwestern University
Our investigation was to determine and analyze the force-velocity curve in walking motion in both nonimpaired
and impaired test groups and compare the two. Using the KineAssist robot to collect data and
assist in the safety of our experiment, a range of velocities is chosen. The KineAssist’s isokinetic testing
capabilities are used and subjects must walk against that force with maximal effort all while keeping a
natural walking motion. Maximum and average force outputs are recorded. We found that as velocity went
up, force output went down. The trends for this decrease can vary. So far, our results indicate strikingly
similar trend lines for the stroke survivors (N=3) and control subjects (N=9). The difference, however, is
that the stroke survivors have smaller velocity ranges (they are incapable of walking as fast as the control
group) and their force outputs plummet much faster (they can’t produce as much force at a higher velocity).
The force outputs at low velocities however are quite high and similar to those of the control group. In fact,
thus far we have found that the theoretical force outputs at 0 m/s (maximal outputs) are not statistically
different. This leads us to propose that it would be more beneficial to train stroke survivors at low velocities
with heavy resistance in order to stimulate increases in muscle strength.
Q22
Determining Postoperative Risks of Preoperative Frailty and Hypoalbuminemia
Presenter(s)
Joan Steffen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathleen Grady, Northwestern University
Richard Lee, Northwestern University
Michael Yensel, Northwestern University
Frailty is a syndrome which is often associated with higher risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality. The
purpose of this investigation is to determine whether frailty and serum albumin levels are preoperative risk
factors for post operative morbidity, mortality, and poor quality of life. The sample size for this study was
thirty patients. Data were collected through chart review and patient performance and self-report. A
dynanometer was used to measure grip strength, a stopwatch was used to time a fifteen foot walk, and the
medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was used to collect self-report quality of
life data. Statistical analyses included the use of descriptive analyses, such as frequencies and measures of
central tendency, and correlations. Findings included a significant relationship between pre-operative frailty
and post-operative morbidity, mortality, and poorer quality of life. A strong correlation between preoperative
frailty and pre-operative hypoalbuminemia was found. The identification of the relationships
between frailty, serum albumin, and post-operative outcomes could aid clinicians in the pre-surgical
education of patients regarding post-surgical outcomes. Also, clinicians would be better informed of frailty
as a risk factor for post-surgical morbidity, mortality, and poor quality of life and therefore could develop
and test interventions to reduce frailty pre-operatively and promote good outcomes post-operatively.
94
Q23
Calcium Handling Heterogeneity within Normal and Failing Myocytes
Presenter(s)
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Ca2 cycling within the heart regulates the contraction and relaxation cycles that allow blood to circulate
throughout the body consistently. However, during congestive heart failure (CHF), many changes occur in
this cycling that reduce the heart's performance under resting and elevated heart rates. Our purpose is to
compare the heterogeneity in cellular Ca2 cycling between normal hearts and those in CHF. Ca2 transients
were measured across single cells in two different sets of rats: WKY (control) and aged-matched SHR
(spontaneously hypertensive) in CHF using flou-4 fluorescent dye and confocal microscopy. Various
transient characteristics were measured under a basal (basic cycle length - 700 ms) and rapid pacing
conditions. Preliminary trends include: 1) calcium handling defects occur in CHF that result in prolonged
transient duration and decreased transient amplitude; 2) the natural heterogeneity of calcium transients
between sarcomeres is exaggerated in heart failure; 3) the initiations of calcium transients has increased
heterogeneity in CHF compared to normal hearts. These trends are based upon the preliminary analysis
done on four different SHR and WKY rats. Currently, the analysis is still ongoing and in the future a
greater scope of trends and the specific changes that occur during CHF are hoped to be found.
Q24
Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue Microarrays and Digital
Microscopy
Presenter(s)
Arika Verma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Funmi Olopade, University of Chicago
Identification of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) subtypes and invasive breast cancers (IBCs) through
predictive genomic biomarkers followed by statistical analysis of prognosis factors may reveal correlations
useful for determining tumor progression in patients. Through the use of Automated Cellular Image
Analysis, biomarker status was identified following immunohistochemical staining of four tissue
microarray (TMA) whole slide image batches from tumor samples. Five predictive biomarkers used for
therapy were identified; estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
(HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK-5/6). From these protein
expression results, hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed cancer subtype identities. Preliminary results
show that the DCIS TMA predominantly contains luminal A subtypes, whereas IBC TMAs represent
multiple breast cancer subtypes. Statistical analyses were also performed comparing histological grade,
race, age, survival rate, tumor size, and lymph node status associated with the prevalence of subtypes
between DCIS tumors and those which progressed to IBCs. Significant correlations provided by these
analyses may lead to earlier detection of progressively invasive tumors and consequently allow for timely
aggressive treatment for these patients.
95
Q25
The Effect of Interleukin-6 on Iron Concentrations and Prostate Cancer Progression
Presenter(s)
Mark Xue, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Iron is an essential element for angiogenesis and aggressive tumor growth. Therefore, it is reasonable to
assume that there are higher levels of iron concentration in the recurring prostate cancer tissues than the
non-recurring prostate cancer tissues. However, an analysis of the iron concentration in 40 matched-pairs of
prostate tissues from subjects with recurring and non-recurring prostate cancer indicated that there was a
lower concentration of iron in the recurring prostate cancer tissues than the non-recurring prostate cancer
tissues. To investigate this phenomenon, the effect of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) on iron concentration in the
prostate cancer tissues was studied. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that is involved in the regulation of
immune reaction, proliferative response, and cellular differentiation. In particular, past studies has
implicated that high concentrations of IL-6 induces iron deficiency in the human body. Thus, it is
hypothesized that there is a higher level of IL-6 in the worse cases of prostate cancer progression tissues,
which in turn causes the iron deficiency expressed in those tissues. In addition, we hope to find a
correlation between the level of IL-6 present in prostate cancer tissues and the severity of the prostate
cancer progression.
Q26
Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary Gland Development of
Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Presenter(s)
Jing Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nancy Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Charles Clevenger, Northwestern University
Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Prolactin (PRL) is a protein that promotes cell growth
and differentiation in normal and malignant breast tissues. PRL signals through its receptor, the prolactin
receptor (PRLr), which in turn sequentially activates the Jak2 tyrosine kinase and the Stat5 transcription
factor. Certain genes that promote cell proliferation contain a GAS sequence (TTCNNNGAA) located at
the promoter. Stat5 binds to this sequence, which induces transcription of the target gene. The prolyl
isomerase CypB serves as an activator of Stat5 activity in the nucleus, by inducing the release of the Stat5
repressor PIAS3. To test the in vivo function of CypB, knockout mice—mice lacking expression of CypB,
and wildtype mice—mice positive for the expression of CypB, were examined. Mammary glands 4 and 5
were dissected from these two types of mice and preserved in formalin. These mammary glands were
stained with carmine alum. Whole mounts, stained mammary gland slides, were observed under a
dissection microscope at 10x, 20x, 40x, and 100x. Digital images were taken with an AxioCam CC1 and
the images of the alveolar buds and lactiferous ducts were analyzed. There is strong evidence from this
investigation to support that CypB plays a major role in the growth of alveolar buds and lactiferous ducts in
vivo. These results could lead to new methods of limiting CypB expression and aid in the development of
new treatments for breast cancer.
96
Q27
New Battles Against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Presenter(s)
Amy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Childrens Memorial Research Center
Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children's Memorial Research Center
Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common bacterium that has developed increasing
resistance to many antibiotics used to combat this organism and has been spreading through both hospitals
and communities with a high death rate. The objective of this project was to determine the minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) for twenty-nine different strains of MRSA with each individual drug and
then the changes in the MIC when two antibiotics were combined, thus determining if the two drugs were
synergistic, additive, partially synergistic, non-synergistic, or antagonistic. The antibiotics used in
combination include rifampin with linezolid, bactrim, and levaquin. Preliminary results demonstrated that
the most synergistic combination was rifampin and levaquin, which positively influenced the synergy
between the two agents and resulted in reduced MICs for eleven of the strains. For other isolates, there
were no synergistic effects and one antagonistic effect. The least synergistic combination was rifampin and
bactrim, which reduced MICs in nineteen isolates but showed no synergy in nine strains and antagonism in
one isolate. Further results will be used to examine the correlation between the effectiveness of the drug
combination and the genetic properties of the MRSA isolates.
R01
Searching for the Role of Chemokines in Neuropathic Pain
Presenter(s)
Audrey Auyeung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kathryn Stromdahl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matt Ripsch, Loyola University
Fletcher White, Loyola University
Chemokines are a family of small cytokines known to attract immune cells to sites of inflammation.
Chemokines are also expressed in the nervous system, where they play a crucial role in pathological
conditions including neuropathic pain. In particular, the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
(MCP-1), increases the excitability of sensory neurons involved in pain and mice deficient in the
chemokine receptor for MCP-1, CCR2, do not exhibit neuropathic pain responses that commonly follow
nerve injury. A factor known to increase the production of MCP-1in the nervous system is the proinflammatory
cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1b). Using a Loyola University-approved rodent model of
neuropathic pain, we attempted to determine if IL-1b protein is present in the injured nervous system on
post-operative day (POD) 7 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Low protein levels of IL-
1b were present in all tissues. However, there were not statistically significant differences between injured
and sham controls at POD7. We conclude that levels of IL-1b at POD7 are likely not responsible for injuryinduced
MCP-1. It is possible that IL-1b regulation of MCP-1 following nerve injury may occur at earlier
time points. If these chemokines are found to be responsible then new alternative medications could be
made in place of opioids.
97
R02
The Effect of GT1061 on Open Field Behavior of Mice
Presenter(s)
Aryssa Burton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jayanshu Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Rudolph, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jia Luo, University of Illinois at Chicago
Greg Thatcher, University of Illinois at Chicago
The open field test is used to evaluate locomotor activity, exploratory activity, and anxiety in mice or rats.
In this test, a mouse is placed inside a square arena for a period of time, and its activity levels and
movements are recorded. The test can help determine a drug’s effect on the mouse’s anxiety and behavior,
depending on its activity in the center of the arena. Other experiments have shown that the transgenic
Tg2576 mouse, often used to model the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, exhibits an elevated amount of
locomotor activity. GT1061, a NO mimetic novel nitrate in clinical trials for treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease, has been proven to enhance cognition after a deficit was induced by scopolamine, but its effects on
locomotor activity have yet to be determined. In this experiment, an ANOVA test will determine if results
are significantly different, which would indicate that GT1061 affects behavior. Ideal results would show
either no statistically significant difference or a significant decrease in time spent on the edges of the arena,
indicating reduced anxiety. The results may help bring GT1061 closer to the market, and they may
influence the development of this drug or other possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
R03
The Neuropsychology of Adolescent Romance
Presenter(s)
Mamatha Challa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lucas Delort, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Teenagers everywhere believe they are in love, but a large part of society believes that teen love is merely
infatuation. There seems to be no consensus when it comes to the question this inquiry poses: Can an
adolescent feel romantic love on a psychological and neurochemical level in the same way as a fully
developed adult? Through a thorough literature review, the psychological and neurological processes of
adolescent and adult romantic love were defined, with which we carefully compared adults and
adolescents. A survey will be used to gauge the presence of various aspects of love in adults and
adolescents at IMSA. With this, we will attempt to confirm our conclusion: The same processes defining
adult romantic love are present in adolescents. Both adults and teens can feel a deep, exclusive attachment
to another human being for emotional and sexual fulfillment. Teens, especially males, tend to focus more
on the physical, showing that their tendencies are slightly more primitive and lustful, but the capacity for
love is undoubtedly present. These results show that teens need not fear the long held belief that all they are
feeling is a temporary infatuation.
98
R04
The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Presenter(s)
Grace Chan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Anthony Sharp, University of Illinois at Chicago
Insulin-sensitizing drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are FDA approved for the treatment of
diabetes mellitus type II, but they also can cause cell death in brain tumor cells. My project uses the TZD
pioglitazone (Pio) to reveal more about how TZDs kill brain tumor cells. The effect of Pio on glucose
uptake in rat C6 glioma cells was determined by measuring glucose concentrations in the culture media at
varied initial concentrations of glucose and after different time lengths. At low concentrations of glucose (5
and 10 mgs/dL), Pio increased rate of glucose uptake by 6 %; at higher concentrations (50 and 100
mgs/dL), the increase was 57 %. Lineweaver-Burke plots showed that Pio increased the maximal rate of
glucose uptake (Vmax) and the apparent affinity for glucose (Km). These data show that Pio increases
glucose uptake at high substrate concentrations due to an increase in Vmax. Since Pio has been shown to kill
tumor cells, we hypothesize that when glucose levels are low, Pio further reduces uptake and this
contributes to glioma cell death.
R05
Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand Binding in Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
The discovery of Abeta-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs), responsible for the development of
Alzheimer's disease, has opened a new field of investigation. Studies have shown that ADDLs bind to the
synapse of specific neurons, impairing long-term potentiation and reducing synaptic plasticity, yet the
mechanisms behind ADDL binding are not fully understood. Our project investigates the roles of Homer,
an intracellular scaffolding protein, and the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) it anchors to the
plasma membrane in determining regions where ADDLs have an affinity to bind. Through dot blots,
Western blots, immunofluorescence tagging, and morphometric analysis, we have attempted to visualize
and quantify the relationship between these proteins. Our experiments have shown evidence that the
aggregation of mGluRs with Homer may affect memory formation due to Homer's ability to target mGluRs
to synapses. Similarly, ADDL binding was found to have a high affinity to sites enriched in Homer proteins
and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The clustering of Homer proteins we have observed identifies them
as a mediator of a novel mechanism that regulates metabotropic glutamate signaling, and ADDL
localization.
99
R06
Predictors of Reactivity to Stress and Cigarette Usage
Presenter(s)
Paul Chung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siddharth Narayanan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Our two part analysis investigated what factors predict stress response and cigarette usage among young
adult, light smokers. To quantify stress, the experimenter took measurements of cortisol, a hormone
produced by the adrenal cortex, which is released following physical or psychological stressors. In the first
part of this experiment, subjects performed TSST - a stressful standardized public speech task. The
experimenter measured participants’ cortisol level before the stress and at intervals for ninety minutes after.
This gave us the baseline cortisol level and the response to stress of every subject. In the second part of the
study, the experimenters followed the smoking habits of the subjects from the time of the stress session to a
follow-up interview 6 months after the initial tests. The variable of interest was change in the number of
cigarettes smoked per month. Two main analyses were conducted with SPSS. First, males had higher
baseline cortisol levels than females, and both ethnicity and marijuana use affected stress response. In the
second analyses we found that males increased smoking more than females over the six month follow-up.
R07
Determining Latencies of Auditory Evoked Potentials Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Presenter(s)
Shravanthy Gumidyala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathon Schwarzbauer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brent Parris, University of Chicago
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by chronic and unprompted seizures that originate in various areas of
the brain, and affects approximately 2.5 million people in the United States. Seizures that occur in certain
areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, can potentially affect a patient’s memory. Our study’s purpose
was to determine the effect of epilepsy on memory by examining the latency of the event-related potentials
relating to the recollection of words from a memory paradigm in patients. To observe these effects, subjects
underwent verbal memory tasks; brain activity was recorded while the subjects heard, recognized, and
recalled different words. The recorded electroencephalogragh (EEG) and electocorticograph (EcoG) files
were filtered through the NeuroScan® EDIT module and were used to create power spectrums. The
latencies of the event-related potentials resulting from the tasks in epilepsy patients were then compared
with those of non-epilepsy patients. We have observed so far that the peak in the power spectrum for
recollection of new words is approximately one second after the subject is presented with the word. If our
hypothesis proves to be correct, patients with epilepsy will exhibit a higher latency when asked to recall
words than patients without epilepsy. Understanding exactly how much epilepsy affects the memory can be
particularly useful for improving surgical proceedings by determining which areas not to resect in patients
with epilepsy.
100
R08
Brain Aging and Soy Consumption
Presenter(s)
Sara Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In general, soy is thought to be beneficial to health. Yet some studies indicate that soy products may have
unhealthy effects on cognitive function. The objective of this project was to discover the effect of nutrition,
specifically the effect of soy products, on cognition. I conducted interviews using the Mini Mental State
Exam on thirty-two members of the IMSA faculty and staff. Scores from this test as well as observations
about subjects were compiled and compared to see if any trends in scores existed as a result of age, diet,
body mass index, or soy consumption. Statistical analysis will be performed on the data collected. Knowing
about the risk factors that may prompt cognitive impairment can help us avoid them. This knowledge about
the relationship between health and diet can help us make the best lifestyle choices.
R09
The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Adult neurogenesis is an individualistic process that produces new neurons in an already developed system.
Two major areas (the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus) of the adult mammalian brain contain neural
stem cells (NSCs) that differentiate into new neurons and glia throughout life. Commonly in conjunction
with familial Alzheimer's disease, mutations in the multi-pass transmembrane protein, presenilin-1 (PS-1),
the catalytic core of the cleavage enzyme, gamma secretase has been implicated in alterations of
neurogenesis. This individualized process may therefore be influenced by PS-1's cleavage of numerous
cell-fate proteins such as Notch I. Our research on the function of PS-1 has been to determine its possible
role in cell-fate decision, differentiation, and proliferation of neural progenitor cells. By ablating PS-1
expression, down regulating gamma-secretase activity, and using different techniques such as Western
blots, glial differentiation assays and immunohistochemistry, we can quantify these different processes.
Since glial cell and neural cell functioning are intertwined, our research holds many implications for the
factors involved in adult neurogenesis.
101
R10
The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Parkinson's Disease
Presenter(s)
Abraham Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Corcos, University of Illinois at Chicago
David Vaillancort, University of Illinois at Chicago
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a central nervous system disorder that hinders or reduces one’s motor control
skills and speech. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, there is an evident loss of dopamine and
dopaminergic neurons due to damage done to the ventrolateral and caudal substantia nigra in the brain.
Although the cause that triggers the depletion of dopaminergic neurons is still unknown, the use of
diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may provide methods to detecting early signs of PD. In my experiment,
fourteen control patients and fourteen patients with early PD underwent both a DTI and MRI scan. Using
the images from the scans, I analyzed them through DTI software that allowed me to extract the fractional
anisotropy (FA), or directional dependency, values and eigenvalues 0, 1, and 2. Due to time constraints, I
only extracted FA values and eigenvalues from the putamen and globus pallidus regions of the basal
ganglia. It has been hypothesized that the depletion of dopamine levels directly results in lower FA values
for PD patients. The preliminary results from my experiment support this hypothesis so far, but we have yet
to analyze the effect of a lack of dopamine on eigenvalues 0, 1, and 2.
R11
The Effect of Exercise on Sleep
Presenter(s)
Vaisak Nair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Reid, Northwestern University
The focus of this research is to examine the effects of exercise on improving the sleep of chronic
insomniacs over the age of fifty-five years. At this point, there are limited effective treatments for older
people with insomnia. If positive, the findings from this study could be used by physicians to improve sleep
quality. Data is available for seventeen sedentary adults over the age of fifty-five with insomnia. After
completing a screening sleep study, the subjects were randomized to one of two sixteen-week intervention
groups: exercise and sleep hygiene education or non-physical activity and sleep hygiene education. After
the intervention period, the subjects underwent post-treatment testing for three days. Analysis of the data
from the wrist activity-monitoring device worn by the subjects showed that there was no significant
difference between the objectively recorded sleep latencies of the exercise and non-physical activity groups
(p-value greater than 0.05). But there was a significant difference between the subjective sleep latencies of
exercise and non-physical activity (p-value= 0.035), which was analyzed from the baseline and posttreatment
questionnaire data. The results from this study suggest that while exercise does not significantly
improve objective sleep measures, it does improve how the person feels about their sleep. So, the
intervention may have clinical significance for the patient. Further study is required to determine whether
these findings hold up in a larger sample.
102
R12
FALS5 Gene Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Hassan Qureshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaouther Ajroud, Northwestern University
Faisal Fecto, Northwestern University
Teepu Siddique, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by the loss of upper and
lower motor neurons primarily in the spinal cord. Approximately 10 % of ALS cases are familial. Typical
expression of ALS is accompanied by the presence of protein aggregates in the cell, which cause a toxic
gain of function within the cell. These aggregates may be due to the dysfunction of protein degradation
pathways. We selected FALS5 as a candidate gene to sequence in ALS because this gene is involved in
mediating protein turnover in cells. In this study, we proposed to amplify and sequence fifty patients with
ALS and one hundred individual controls for FALS5 using Beckman Coulter’s CEQ 8000 Genetic
Analysis system, and to perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) on autopsy specimens from ALS patients to
look for protein aggregation. The sequence comparison revealed a single missense mutation in our ALS
cohort. This change was absent within the control population. The IHC showed FALS5 aggregates in the
ALS spinal cord and not in the control sample. These results show that mutations in the FALS5 gene are
present in patients with a familial history of ALS and the protein encoded by this gene aggregates in ALS
pathology.
R13
The Effect of Chronic Stress on Interneurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area
Presenter(s)
Nirali Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Louis Lucas, Loyola University
Chronic stress is a significant factor correlated with heart disease, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
It can damage one’s emotional equilibrium and physical health, thus impairing one’s ability to think and
function normally. To manage chronic stress, we must first understand how it affects the body, specifically
the brain. This project aimed to determine how chronic stress affects gene expression in the brain by using
rat models. The rats were stressed by being immobilized two hours a day for eleven days. They were then
sacrificed under anesthesia and their brains were removed for analysis. The specific enzyme observed was
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate limiting enzyme for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine
(DA), which increases in response to stress. The expression of TH was assessed via in-situ hybridization
image analysis of exposed x-ray films of brain tissue sections. It was found that the levels of corticosterone,
a stress hormone, increased in the stressed vs. non-stressed controls. This supports the hypothesis that the
levels of complementary DNA (cDNA) will be increased in the stressed versus non-stressed controls,
indicating that there was a greater amount of brain activity in the stressed vs. non-stressed rats. The results
of this study will aid in learning how to manage or prevent stress, as it is a daily part of our lives.
Ultimately, this project will better the human condition by opening new doors in coping with stress-related
illnesses.
103
R14
If You Want To Learn, Don’t Think, and Don’t Blink
Presenter(s)
Milan Udawatta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah Little, University of Illinois at Chicago
The purpose of this study was to quantify and qualify the patterns of brain activation as well as the
underlying brain regions which support category learning. To accomplish this goal, twenty-five collegeaged
adults completed two sessions of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a
category matching task. This task required subjects to view two patterns of dots and determine whether
they belong to the same category. Between the first and second fMRI, subjects completed seven hundred
and fifty trials of training during which subjects learned to categorize patterns of dots with feedback.
During training, half of the subjects saw the patterns for two hundred milliseconds and the other half for
five seconds. This method allowed us to test our hypothesis that increased exposure duration or study time
should facilitate learning. The behavioral data from the training sessions disproved our hypothesis and
demonstrated that exposure duration was inversely related to learning. The imaging data demonstrated that
that short duration subjects exhibited an increase in activation in cortical regions such as those involved in
memory and problem solving. This finding that study time interferes with category learning contradicts
virtually every other type of learning. This may be due to the ecological requirement that categorization
must be rapid, easy, and almost automatic.
R15
An Innovative Model for Measuring Pain Sensitivity in Chronically Injured Rats
Presenter(s)
Shivam Vedak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
A. Vania Apkarian, Northwestern University
Although methods are currently available for measuring pain sensitivity in chronically injured rats, they can
be considered excessively time consuming, especially the von Frey filament test. In the present study, we
introduced the combination of illumination and other aversive conditions on the place preference of rats
experiencing neuropathic pain as a possible new means of pain measurement. The place preference was
assessed over a fifteen minute period in intervals of five minutes in a chamber that contained a dark section
with a 40-grit sandpaper surface and a lighted section with a smooth copy paper surface. The two variables
create a conflict of interest in the rat. Being nocturnal animals, they naturally prefer the dark, whereas their
injury may cause them to avoid the rough surface. Thus, we intended to correlate the degree of pain
sensitivity experienced by rats with the amount of time spent in the lighted and smooth-surfaced portion of
the chamber out of the fifteen minutes. The results indicate, however, that the rats’ aversion of the light, in
accordance with their natural instinct, is too great to incline them to avoid the sandpaper. Further
adjustments needed to develop the model include removing the illumination variable and repeating the
aforementioned test.
104
S01
The Validation of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ricardo Eusebi, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This investigation studies the data that is collected from the so-called Gap triggers in the CDF detector at
Fermilab. Gap Triggers utilize parts of the detector that have not been previously used. This research will
provide insight on whether or not the data from the gap triggers would be useful in further scientific
investigations. Currently, gap trigger data is being collected, but not utilized. In order to use this data, it
must first be validated. One way of validating this data is to show that the production rates of Z->mm (a
collision event that involves a Z boson decaying into 2 muons.) using gap triggers and the production rates
measured with triggers that use other parts of the detector are the same. Production rate values should be
independent of the triggers that they come from. Because there is a very large amount of data, we use a
computer, and C to process it. We have made these computations, that show that the production rates of Z-
>mm are equivalent, regardless the detector portion used for triggering. Based on this, we can conclude that
gap trigger outputs valid data, and that it should be used in further studies at CDF.
S02
Reconstruction of FCNC Top-Antitop Decay
Presenter(s)
Amy Allen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Datta Mousumi, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This SIR presents the search for rare flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) production of a photon ($)
and charm quark (c) via top-antitop (ttbar) decay using 2.7 fb-1 of CDF Run II data. The Standard Model
predicts the rate of FCNC production to be one event in every 10^14 top events. Events are produced in
collisions at )s = 1.96 TeV in the Tevatron. Top events where one top quark decays into a bottom quark (b)
and a leptonically decaying W and where the other top decays into a $ and c were analyzed in this
investigation by requiring events to contain an identified b-jet, an electron or a muon with high transverse
momentum, large missing transverse energy, a high PT photon and a high PT jet. Monte Carlo (MC) events
were used to model the FCNC ttbar signal events and evaluate signal efficiency. The background events are
estimated using data side bands. Selection cuts are optimized based on signal MC and backgrounds to
calculate an upper limit. Extraneous signal for this FCNC decay in the CDF detector may indicate that there
is something that we do not understand about the Standard Model and the presence of New Physics.
105
S03
A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Angle Decorrelation Over Several Rapidities
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Brandt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The DØ detector at Fermilab measures jets of particles that are produced in proton-antiproton collisions in
the Fermilab Tevatron. The theory describing these sorts of collisions, Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD),
describes data well for jets emitted at a polar angle near 90º, but a measurement of the difference in
azimuthal angle +., between jets that are emitted with a polar angles nearing 180º have not been measured.
This analysis compared data taken by the DØ experiment to leading order and next-to-leading order QCD
calculations of +., over a span of transverse momenta and angles. Jet quality cuts were applied to data to
ensure that only good collisions were used in the analysis and cut efficiencies were studied to ensure that
data was not reshaped as a result of them. Histograms containing +. distributions were created, and
binning was chosen so that the width of each bin is twice the +. measurement resolution. A preliminary
correction factor was determined that removed instrumental effects from the final measurement. Data and
theoretical predictions appear to be in reasonably good agreement, although the theory over-estimates the
number of two-jet events. This agrees with expectations, as QCD approximations are truncated after the
first two terms, which causes it underestimate the number of events with two large pT events and additional
low pT ones.
S04
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Presenter(s)
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arthur Freeman, Northwestern University
Jung-Hwan Song, Northwestern University
Thermoelectric materials are promising for the conversion of solar energy or waste heat into usable
electricity. These materials' efficiency is determined by their thermoelectric figure of merit, zT: zT =
TS2/,, where S is the Seebeck coefficient (or thermoelectric power), / and , are the electrical and thermal
conductivities, respectively, and T is the absolute temperature. The figure of merit may be increased by
means of doping. We investigated the effects of doping supercells of a promising thermoelectric alloy,
PbTe, with Na, Li, In, Ge, and Tl by means of computational modeling. Our approach is based on quantum
mechanical first principles calculations using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method
(FLAPW). We first investigated the effects of computation parameters (k-point mesh, plane-wave cutoff,
star-function cutoff, inclusion of spin-orbit coupling) on the convergence of our simulation. We showed
that dopant atoms create electronic levels in the semiconductor band gap that can be beneficial for
improvement of thermoelectric properties. We explored possible enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient of
the alloy for certain anion/cation doping schemes as a result of distortion of the electronic density of states
at the Fermi level.
106
S05
Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Presenter(s)
Kelsey Lawhorn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anthony Yunker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Gravitational lensing is the bending of the trajectory of light by mass. Weak gravitational lensing is
detected through a statistical analysis of the background galaxies. Mass estimates from lensing depend only
on the mass of the object, unlike other methods. Most weak lensing studies use clusters with redshifts of 0.2
or greater because higher redshift involves a smaller area to survey. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS),
which surveys a large area, allows us to study lower redshift clusters. Last year we obtained mass estimates
using SDSS DR6 data for twenty-two low redshift clusters, seven of which were detections. This year, we
found mass estimates for low redshift clusters in the Abell cluster catalog, which contains about two
thousand galaxy clusters. The analysis includes calculating the shear caused by each cluster using data from
the SDSS DR6, fitting a Navarro-Frenk-White shear profile to the observed shear profile and deriving an
estimate of the mass within the virial radius. To analyze this many clusters, we had to automate our weak
lensing analysis. From preliminary analyses on one hundred clusters, we found that our reasonably
significant measurements were above 2x1014 solar masses and that large scale structure is a significant
source of error in our weak lensing measurements.
S06
Superconducting Radiofrequency Diagnostics
Presenter(s)
Andrew Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aseet Mukherjee, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The manufacture of niobium particle accelerator cavities requires the cavity to be perfectly smooth and free
of contamination, lest the defects cause sufficient heating to bring the entire system out of its
superconducting state. The repair of any cavity defects requires knowledge of the defect locations. We
developed cost-effective systems to efficiently troubleshoot cavities on a large scale, as thousands of
cavities have to be tested. Expanding on methods initially explored by other research institutions, we used a
combination of custom hardware and software to develop all the components of a troubleshooting system.
To date we have developed and tested two types of thermometry systems. After some setbacks with the
readout component of the first system, we successfully developed and tested a complete diode thermometry
system. Additionally, we have successfully built an X-ray flux detector and a single photon detector which
works at cryogenic temperatures. The systems we have developed can be used almost immediately to
troubleshoot cavities, but work is still in progress to analyze the data and optimize the systems.
107
S07
Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Presenter(s)
Zhengzheng Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Several experiments have searched for evidence of hypothesized and very high energy neutrinos from
energetic galaxies called active galactic nuclei (AGN). When scientists are looking for a new phenomenon,
they often do not find any signal and, instead, put forth a “limit” using an appropriate variable. So far, no
positive evidence for AGN-induced neutrino events has been presented; so experiments have therefore
placed limits on the flux. However, one experiment, called Fréjus, has presented such a limit based on
faulty logic. Due to inferences heard during public seminars and read from published papers about two
other projects, IceCube and Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detection Array (AMANDA), it was possible
that these two projects have also come about their flux upper limit by using faulty logic. The procedures of
AMANDA and IceCube have been compared to Soudan 2’s correct method and Fréjus’ faulty method to
determine the accuracy of their own flux upper limit calculating method. The results have revealed that
IceCube and AMANDA have correctly come about their flux upper limit. The outcome of this project will
help further advance the study and detection of AGN-induced neutrinos by providing confidence in
previously published results.
S08
Observation of Neutrino Disappearance at the MINOS Far Detector
Presenter(s)
Travis Mui, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
The MINOS experiment looks for neutrino oscillation events, the changing of a neutrino's mixture of mass
and flavor eigenstates, by sending a beam of neutrinos from Fermilab’s Main Injector to the Far Detector at
the Soudan Mine in Minnesota. At the Far Detector, neutrinos interact with the steel and scintillator strips
within the detector and the rock surrounding it. During an interaction, a neutrino can either interact and
form the corresponding charged particle or remain as a neutrino. Particles from the interaction create
scintillation light which is recorded by photomultiplier tubes. Our research investigates these events by
categorizing them based upon computer-generated reconstructions of the events, looking for specific
characteristics like the presence of charged particle trails and location within the detector. The scanning has
categorized a total of about nine hundred events. Approximately two-hundred thirty of these events were
charged current, one-hundred ninety were neutral current, and two hundred were rock muons. The ratio of
neutral to charged current events as determined from the data set is compared to an expected ratio which
will then determine neutrino disappearance. The final results of this work, along with other previous
research, will be used to more accurately measure one of the neutrino oscillation parameters and further our
understanding of neutrino oscillation.
108
S09
The Search for Theta 13
Presenter(s)
Alexander Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Mayly Sanchez, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos, neutrally charged leptons that pass through the earth hardly ever reacting, come in three flavors
made up by a mix of the three neutrino masses. In order to determine the amount of mixing if the masses in
the flavors, a trigonometric value is found which represents the ratio between two of the masses. Two of
these ratios, sin2(2023) and sin2(2012), are already known, but a third is needed if we want to understand the
origin of matter and antimatter. Thus by limiting the ratio between 11 and 13, better known as sin2(2013), we
can determine if the mass hierarchy of the neutrinos is inverted or normal. This is being done by finding the
probability value that a muon neutrino oscillates and becomes an electron neutrino in a long baseline
experiment. This value will be obtained through the analysis of collision data from the MINOS experiment,
a neutrino oscillation experiment. I have worked on visually identifying the charged current electron
neutrino interactions in the MINOS Far Detector, and separating them from the background neutral current
and charged current muon neutrino interactions. This allowed us to measure the probability of these
oscillations occurring and thus limit 013.
S10
Development of an Algorithm to Differentiate Between Hadronic Jet and Photon Signatures
Presenter(s)
James Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sasha Pranko, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In the Collider Detector at Fermilab, photons and hadronic jets are produced in proton anti-proton
collisions. Photons are often used in searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model. However, a jet
may imitate the signature of a photon by emitting a *0 or 20 meson which then decays into two photons,
faking a prompt photon signature. Given the large production rates of hadronic jets, fake photons from jets
can be a significant source of background for measurements involving photon signatures. This makes it
more difficult to search for anomalies in the Standard Model. True and fake photons are expected to have
different amounts of additional energy deposited in cones around them (isolation cones). In this inquiry the
variables concerning the pattern of energy distribution in isolation cones around photon candidates are
investigated and the best algorithm for differentiating between the true and fake photon signatures is being
sought. Each photon or fake photon isolation cone also has a complementary cone. We searched for
correlations between variables of these complementary cones. Some correlations that we found were in the
transverse energy and in the Iso24 values.
109
S11
The Effect of Surface Processing on Superconducting Radiofrequency Cavities
Presenter(s)
Eric Shinn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Camille Ginsburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Superconducting RF cavities used in particle physics research experience quenches due to imperfections on
the surface of the superconducting cavity. Although processing techniques have been developed to improve
their performance, it is difficult to determine how the processing affects the flaw, due to the small size of
the flaws and the macroscopic nature of the performance tests. In order to explore the effects of surface
processing, I investigated data concerning the position of the initial quench cell in nine-cell cavities and the
performance of the cavities after processing. I analyzed the correlation between the probability of a change
in position of the quench cell and the amount of material removed in the processing. The probability that
the position of the quench cell would move demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the
amount of material removed in the surface treatment. However, analysis of the relationship between the
acceleration gradient in the cavities and the amount of material removed did not produce a statistically
significant correlation. These results show that while current surface treatments are indeed affecting the
flaws of the cavities their effectiveness is questionable. Further study on cavities should focus on the exact
effect of processing techniques on their imperfections.
S12
The Galfitting of LRG 3-817
Presenter(s)
Anderson West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A gravitational lens occurs when light from a distant object bends toward a nearer object to form a path that
intersects with the earth. The lens reveals a galaxy hidden behind the nearer object that we would otherwise
not have been able to see. To study these lenses we take the raw data from the telescope and remove the
error from the telescope and the sky at the time of collection by subtracting bias images and flat images
from the raw data. Galfit was used to create models of objects and fitted a total of sixteen objects in and
around the gravitational lens and galaxy LRG_3-817. The three bands were fitted separately and had chi
squared values of 1.41 for I-band, 1.29 for G-band and 1.88 for R-band. Currently we are creating a threedimentionional
model of the system, we hope to learn about both the lensing and the lensed objects.
110
T01
The Effects of Music Therapy on Autism
Presenter(s)
Siana Aspy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Emerald Fannin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Samantha McPeak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paula Altekruse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
MaryBeth McCarthy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study observed the effects that music therapy has on autistic children and determined if it successfully
improves the symptoms of their condition. Reviewing current literature provided the foundation necessary
to understand what changes in behavior indicate improvement. Interviews and surveys were also used to
gain professional insight. One such interview with a music therapist at Delnor hospital provided
information on how music therapy is applicable in other areas of medicine, as with the treatment of pain. At
Giant Steps autism center, three music therapy sessions were observed. The therapists used music to teach
the children basic abilities, such as socializing with peers, navigating their surroundings safely, and
improving fine motor skills. Each student has individualized goals, depending on their needs, and the
therapists track their progress over time. The number of times students correctly responded to verbal
commands during each session was recorded. This, along with observation, demonstrates that children
think of the therapy as a game, even though they are learning valuable skills that are difficult for autistic
children. In combination with previous research, there is sufficient evidence to assert that music therapy
can be used as an effective tool to improve the symptoms of autism.
T02
The Physiological Effects of Chewing Gum on Human Heart Rate, Reaction Time, Stress Response,
and Memory
Presenter(s)
Jake Ayala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Ericson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Chewing gum is commonly used as a relaxant. Many people utilize it during stressful situations. A study of
the effects of chewing gum on human physiology is presented in this experiment. To assess the
physiological effects of chewing gum, data on heart rate variability, memory test accuracy and reaction
time, and skin conductance were collected. The experimental procedure consisted of periods of a letter
recognition memory test combined with periods of rest and stress with the intervention of chewing gum.
Subjects were attached to a heart rate monitor and galvanic skin response electrodes in order to collect data.
It was found that during periods with the chewing gum intervention, reaction time was significantly faster,
and it was also found that the change in skin conductance (as it relates to stress) decreased during the
intervention of gum. Based on these findings, gum can increase reaction speed and reduce stress.
111
T03
Are You What You Eat and Do?
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Bernardo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gabriela Cardoso, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Salvador Esparza, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation explores the connections between an IMSA student’s eating and exercising habits with
the depressive moods that they may experience. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey was administered earlier
this school year in the fall of 2008 to IMSA seniors and sophomores. It addressed questions on their health
habits and depressive moods along with questions pertaining to other topics such as drug abuse. We
analyzed data from the questions on health habits and depressive moods from the survey to draw
conclusions about how a person’s health can correlate to how they feel. Some of the questions we
addressed pertained to the types of food the students would eat, how often they would exercise, and the
kind of emotional behaviors that they would experience. Along with basic analysis of the responses such as
summaries of healthy and non-healthy students, we investigated the trends of the three variables in
question. Furthermore, the results of several demographics were compared such as their ethnic background
and their gender. Modern day studies show that good health habits lead to better moods. How do IMSA
students compare to these trends? From taking a look at this investigation, maybe you’ll want to re-evaluate
your health habits.
T04
The Effects of Caregiver Input on Narrative Skills in Children with Pre- or Perinatal Brain Injury
Presenter(s)
Gabriella Heller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ozlem Ece Demir, University of Chicago
Children with pre- or perinatal unilateral brain injury (PL) demonstrate remarkable brain plasticity for early
developing language skills (e.g. vocabulary, syntax). However, this early plasticity might not extend to later
developing, decontextualized language skills. Decontextualized language refers to language that is removed
from the current context such as narrative production. The current study aims to examine whether early
parental decontextualized language relates to narrative skills in children with PL. We studied both general
language input and decontextualized language input by the primary caregivers in spontaneous interactions
with their 30 month-old children. General language input was assessed by the caregivers’ number of word
types. Decontextualized language input was assessed by the caregivers’ number of utterances of pretend
play, narrative, book reading, functional definition, and explanation. Children’s later narrative production
and vocabulary comprehension were assessed at four to six years of age. Results show that caregivers’
decontextualized language relates to children’s later narrative production and vocabulary comprehension,
over and above the overall language input. These findings suggest that caregivers’ decontextualized
language input might have an influence on children with PL’s later narrative skill, which is not only an
important predictor of academic success, but also a specific area of difficulty for this group of children.
112
T05
Defining Beautiful Within Two Cultures
Presenter(s)
Meena Iyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Genna Bebko
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Whether or not we choose to admit it, superficiality is prominent within every civilization throughout the
world. Because superficiality exists within all cultures, it can be concluded that beauty and attractiveness
are always valuable traits to have. Looking at our own American society, people, specifically women, are
taking drastic steps to become physically attractive. Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery indicate that there was a record 11.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in the year
2007 alone; 91% of which were performed on women. But what, exactly, is considered beautiful? What
makes women want to undergo expensive (and cumbersome) procedures to be attractive? Precedence
indicates that the definition of beauty changes from one culture to the next. This study examines a
preference between the South Asian culture and Caucasian-American culture. By altering the level
masculinity in a series of faces using FaceGen® software, this study tries to determine if there is a certain
stereotype for beauty within each culture or if there is a universal definition of attractive.
T06
The Various Effects of Religion on Perception
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donna Jo Bridge, Northwestern University
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Religion has been a cornerstone of society since ancient history, and over time it has become engrained in
the psyches and cultures of many different peoples. Different religions, however, have various effects on
cognitive mechanisms and certain behaviors. For example, many studies have found that various Christian
denominations differ greatly in terms of prejudice against members outside of their religious group. While
many similar experiments have been conducted with other aspects of perception, they have mostly been
limited to comparisons within Christianity. This study uses several online surveys to collect preliminary
information that can be used to compare various personality traits, behavioral patterns, and cognitive
strategies across representative sample populations of Christians (any denomination), Hindus, Muslims,
and Buddhists from the Northwestern University community. Differences in time construal, promotion
versus prevention, emotional regulation and intrinsic versus extrinsic religiosity will be measured both
across religions and within them. Surveys are currently being distributed and analyzed.
113
T07
The Social Structure of IMSA
Presenter(s)
Alina Kononov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Research examining the nature of adolescent peer groups in average school and neighborhood settings has
been done, but IMSA is by no means average in either of these two aspects. In my investigation, I will
describe the social structure of the IMSA student body in terms of group types, group structure and
interactions within and between groups; determine whether it differs from the average structure found in
previous investigations, and identify any differences as well as their causes and implications. Responses to
modified survey questions from Sussman and Thorkildsen will be analyzed with the chi-square test for
independence to identify group types, their boundaries and how they’re enforced; chi-square goodness-offit
and t-tests to compare my results to the norms observed in previous studies; and descriptive statistics to
determine which explanations to any differences in IMSA’s social structure are most plausible. If the
conclusions derived from my data are inconsistent with those proposed in other investigations, the social
groups of IMSA students differ from those of other schools, and if not, the social aspect of our school is the
same as that of any other’s.
T08
The Effects of Confidence and Self-Esteem on Performance
Presenter(s)
Allison Larrabee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do differently if you had the key to
success? Through research of past investigations, I’ve sought to develop a course that teaches young
children how to be successful by improving their confidence and self-esteem. Confidence is a feeling that
one gets from preparedness and certainty. Our goal is to teach young children methods by which they can
raise their own confidence and self-esteem. By introducing and developing these techniques, these children
can perform well in challenging situations throughout their lives. I have tested elementary students on the
effects of verbal encouragement and discouragement in a testing situation. Results are pending. With these
results, I can assess how to effectively teach children and increase their self-esteem. I’ve begun developing
a website to spread my knowledge to a greater population and will continue to reach out to schools,
teachers, and parents in order to gain interest and support.
114
T09
The Effect of Gender-Priming on Empathy
Presenter(s)
Ranait O'Connor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Vani Mathur, Northwestern University
Empathy can be defined as a person’s vicarious affective response. A common stereotype is that women are
more empathic than men; however, psychologists have not confirmed this conclusion. Some researchers
believe that empathy is directly affected by socialization, while others maintain that it is dependent upon
genetics. We completed two experiments to examine gender effects on empathy. In the first experiment,
participants completed behavioral surveys that measured trait level empathy. No significant difference was
found between female and male scores, though these results were limited by small sample size and unequal
grouping. Given the results and those from Klein and Hodges, which suggest that women are more
empathically accurate than men (when aware they are testing for empathy), a second study was designed to
examine the effects of gender-role on empathic response. Eighty eight participants were primed with the
same or opposite gender. Empathy was measured through ratings in response to pictures of people in pain,
the Empathy Quotient and the Independent Reactivity Index. Participants completed the Bem Sex-Role
Inventory for gender-role orientation. We are currently analyzing data for this second study.
T10
Parenting Style and a Child’s Perception of Parents
Presenter(s)
Rachel Rasp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Patricia Schacht, North Central College
It is a matter of common knowledge that the way our parents raise us has some kind of effect on us as we
grow older. An important question, therefore, is how do we come to view our parents after what is likely
the first time we are liberated from them in college? This investigation focused on discovering whether or
not there exists a correlation between parenting style as set forth in Diana Baumrind’s model and children’s
positive or negative view of their parents later in life. Students at North Central College were asked to fill
out four questionnaires designed to determine both the parenting styles used by parents (authoritarian,
authoritative, or permissive, based on Baumrind’s research) and whether their feelings towards their parents
were positive or negative. Analyses will be conducted through SPSS. While previous research believes that
authoritative parenting is the best style of parenting and assumes that there will be a positive correlation
between a positive view of parents and this style of parenting. We hypothesize that a positive correlation
could also exist between authoritarian and permissive styles of parenting and children’s positive views of
their parents.
115
T11
Achievement Goals, Effort, Satisfaction, and Personal Performance in Marathon Running
Presenter(s)
Margaret Tu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aaron Sackett, University of Chicago
Rebecca White, University of Chicago
George Wu, University of Chicago
Do people with goals exert greater effort and obtain higher performance and satisfaction than those without
goals? This study attempts to answer this question by examining the highly goal-oriented activity of
marathon running, which offers a compelling and real-world context in which marathoners engage in
lengthy preparation, construct and modify performance goals, and develop performance expectations. To
understand the motivating forces underlying goals, more than one thousand marathon runners from the
seven major marathons in 2007 (Chicago, Honolulu, Marine Corps, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, and
Twin Cities) completed a series of online surveys regarding their marathon goals, preparation, satisfaction,
and performance, both before and after their participation in the actual marathon. Preliminary results
indicate that on average, participants with a time goal in mind not only took a shorter amount of time to run
the length of the marathon, but were also more likely to beat their last and even best marathon times. Data
is currently being analyzed to determine the correlations between goals and other variables, such as training
effort, marathon running experience, and so forth. The results of this study may have large-scale
implications in today’s society, helping everyday people achieve greater efficacy, satisfaction, and
performance in their work. A discussion of the effectiveness of goal-setting may stem from the results of
this study.
T12
The Effect of Orion Filters on Visual Acuity During Dark Adaptation
Presenter(s)
Vaishali Umrikar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Sawyer, North Central College
Spectrum Technologies International developed a filter technology designed to lower the dark adaptation
time for the human eye. Dark adaptation is the time taken for vision to adjust when moving from high light
levels (photopic) to low light levels (scotopic). The company also claims that the filters allow visual acuity
to be maintained during dark adaptation. After already testing for the absolute threshold of the filters, our
goal was to check the acuity claim made by the company. To do this we created a program in which the
letter "E" or "C" showed up in the middle of a screen, varying in size and orientation. Nineteen participants
were asked to respond by moving a joystick in the direction that the letter opened up. We expected that the
longer a participant wore the experimental lenses, the quicker and more accurate he or she should have
been at identifying what direction the letters opened up. Various applications for the filters include usage
while night driving, for firefighters, and in military and law enforcement. Pilot results have not shown the
expected acuity benefits of the lenses; however, further analyses are being done to confirm this conclusion.
116
U01
After Babelfish: The Art and Science of Translation
Presenter(s)
Emmaline Conover, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Katherine Evans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Troy Nelson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Colburn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Paavo Husen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In todayýs global, multilingual society, published work can be distributed at ever-quickening rates. In order
to be understood by a global audience, novels, political speeches, and essays must be translated into
multiple languages. This investigation examines these methods, their reliability, and their application to the
real world. Through reading, discussion, and analysis of our experimental findings, we hope to gain a new
outlook and a greater understanding of the field of translation. An experiment was performed in Spanish 4,
French 4/5, and German 4/5 classes, who were provided with a brief passage, in said languages, to translate
into English. The findings were analyzed for method and compared with official English translations. This
investigation shows the methods of translation of students not familiar with the heavily divided field of
translation. When analyzing the translations we looked for patterns in word choice, syntactic structures, and
how the students handle cultural references. Students provided an explanation of how they translated the
text, and we searched for evidence of the methods used by these untrained translators.
U02
The Unveiling of a New American Perspective: Latino Demographics of the Fifty United States
Presenter(s)
Nicacio Corral, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alejandro Rojas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gustavo Ulloa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabel Reyes, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Currently, the United States is going through one of the most difficult times since the Great Depression. In
2008, America was given the opportunity to elect their next leader who would have to identify the needs of
the people in order to take action and improve the nation. Our study specifically focused on the research
and creation of Latino demographic profiles for the fifty states of America. In doing so, we were able to
discover trends in our data that depicted significant issues addressed by, now President, Barack Obama.
Nevertheless, our data ranged far beyond just a couple of variables and eventually allowed us to see the
little things that cause the bigger issues. For instance, voter registration for the Latino population increased
immensely from the 2004 presidential elections to the 2008 presidential elections. The rate of increase was
higher than that of any other race in the United States. This fact does not only speak of the importance the
Latino population deserves but rather about the specific issues public officials must consider in order to
understand their political view. Therefore, in an attempt to identify and address these issues, we looked at
variables such as health care, education, economic status, voting age population, among many others in our
profiles.
117
U03
An Independent Approach to Health Care: Analysis of the Necessity and Methodology of
Comparative Effectiveness
Presenter(s)
Kevin Crews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jimmy Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Carter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Douglas Saunders, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Scott Serota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The health care industry now accounts for 16.5% of America's Gross Domestic Product, which has made
the industry a national priority. An independent approach to and analysis of the industry has revealed
Comparative Effectiveness to be a plausible proposal to address the increasing costs and decreasing quality
of care. After conducting a review of literature, we synthesized five key assertions that support the
development and implementation of an Independent Comparative Effectiveness Institute. The Institute is
envisioned as a consortium of institutions, both public and private, that would test the effectiveness of
treatment and imaging techniques, medicines, and diagnostic procedures and then publish the results of the
studies for both patients and physicians to use in making treatment decisions. This system would increase
the value of the health care dollar in America by eliminating wasteful spending and by increasing the
quality of care, which would result in fewer recurring issues. As our country is looking for improvements to
the health care system, it is important to consider Comparative Effectiveness because of its multistakeholder
structure that facilitates cooperation and compromise and leaves no single component of the
industry to absorb all of the changes. Ultimately, Comparative Effectiveness will decrease the cost of
healthcare and increase the quality.
U04
What’s in a Name? Investigating the Relationship between Given Names and Physical Attractiveness
Presenter(s)
Robert Dawson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
When you hear someone’s name in conversation, without any other details, do you automatically generate a
mental picture of them? You most likely do. Does the name you hear change the image you make? Certain
names may sound older to you, or like they belong to a person of a certain ethnicity. Tests on these types of
effects have been performed in the past, to see whether people’s views of attractiveness were affected by
names, and even to see if children felt certain names were popular; both of those surveys found a
significant relationship. However, other studies have found the effect insignificant. In my investigation, I
sought to determine whether certain names are more frequently paired with people who are more attractive,
within a certain population. To do so, I compiled a survey with male and female faces, and names of each
gender. I asked participants to rate the faces in order of attractiveness, as well as to match the names with
the faces they thought fit the name. This data was collected, and then analyzed to see if there was a
significant relationship between the name assigned to a face and attractiveness.
118
U05
A Search for the Importance of Ethics
Presenter(s)
Robert Delaney, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation examined the necessity of finding a standardized ethical norm in today's global society.
The question of what proper ethics are has persisted for millennia, and debate still rages over who is
correct. In my study, the goal is to take the focus off of what ethical system to use, and instead focus on the
basic necessity of having one universal ethical system. This study began in the Hellenistic period of Greece
where scholars first became concerned with universal ethics in the form of cultural relativism. After
skipping a few hundred years, the theories of Grotius and his comments on the importance of international
law were then examined, along with the ideas of his contemporaries. The study continues, to finally end in
today’s modern world where the loss of traditional values has lead our world and our nation into what has
been deemed, by Dr. Len Marrella, a moral meltdown. After showing the importance of a common ethical
system, the necessity to teach this system is addressed. With research and writings from the twentieth and
twenty-first centuries, the significance of teaching ethics in schools is addressed, along with a suggested
method for doing so. The conclusion found: if we want to improve the condition of our global society, we
must improve and standardize our system of ethics first.
U06
Is There Correlation Between Health-Risk Behaviors?
Presenter(s)
Yaseen Jamal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jiabo Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gene McFadden, Northwestern University
Bonnie Spring, Northwestern University
Lifestyle risk behaviors, such as a high saturated fat diet or low physical activity, are the main causes of
obesity and other lifestyle-associated diseases. This investigation examined the correlations between these
risk behaviors and looked for concurrency. Four specific risk behaviors were identified (high saturated fat
intake, low physical activity, low fruit/vegetable intake, and high sedentary behavior) as the most common
factors of lifestyle-related diseases. Patients with a history of unhealthy behaviors were selected for data
collection and each patient was videotaped for eight hours in a common household setup. Data was
obtained by recording all concurrent behaviors that each patient performed throughout their laboratory
time. Statistical evaluation of the video data revealed conclusive results about the correlations between
specific risk behaviors. More than fifty-percent of the concurrent behaviors showed a link between
sedentary activity and saturated fat intake. This shows that there was a significant correlation between
engaging in sedentary activity and consumption of foods high in saturated fat. In context, it is apparent that
a highly sedentary lifestyle in many Americans is often times paired with a high saturated fat intake, and
consequently this correlation may increase the chances of numerous life-style related diseases or obesity.
119
U07
A Comparison Between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama
Presenter(s)
Jade Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Youlia Racheva, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation discusses the similarities and differences between John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Barrack
Obama. We compared and contrasted the historical and social environments of each era and how they
affected the issues the two candidates emphasized. Throughout the course of our research, we focused on
several components of Mr. Kennedy’s and Mr. Obama’s lives and campaigns. We noted the similarities and
differences in the way they grew up and their aspirations in adulthood. We took into consideration the
obstacles both men overcame throughout their campaigns. These include religious and racial differences, as
well as family backgrounds. Our main interest was comparing Mr. Kennedy’s and Mr. Obama’s
presidential platforms. We analyzed how the candidates’ marketing techniques shaped the demographics of
their supporters. We also assessed the influence women and young adults (18-24 years-old) had on the
presidential races. Our project discusses press coverage and approval ratings during the respective
presidential races. From our investigation we concluded that John F. Kennedy and Barrack Hussein Obama
are similar in that both had comparable struggles to overcome, were largely defended by the mainstream
media, and received support from similar demographic groups. However, the two differed in the issues they
emphasized, in that Mr. Kennedy focused on the Cold War and Mr. Obama on domestic issues.
U08
Addressing the Obstacles that Prevent Nongovernmental Organizations from Spreading Girls’
Education to Developing Countries
Presenter(s)
Laura Thompson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Grace Glass, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Radcliff, New Community Project
Countries with gender equality tend to have lower poverty rates, meaning developing nations are often
lacking in resources to enable the spread of education to girls. In the past thirty years, a large majority of
the responsibility has fallen into the hands of non-governmental organizations. After the fall of the Berlin
Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGO) was
redefined. Suddenly, NGOs were recognized as a legitimate force capable of bringing permanent change.
These organizations are now attempting to bring about a sustainable solution to some of the greatest
problems facing the world today. However, many complications have arisen. These complications range
from specific socioeconomic deprivations to questions rising from the clash of contradictory cultures. The
question the Western world now faces is: Does the necessity to preserve all cultures take precedence over
the insurance of human rights for all? Before girls can readily receive education and before these
developing nations can reap the benefits, this question, among others, needs to be addressed.
120
121
V01
Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Presenter(s)
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nathaniel Simpson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
To maintain their orbit in space, current satellites rely on hazardous and limited fuel stores as a means of
propulsion. In response to this issue, we have performed a technical feasibility study on a novel method of
propellant-less station keeping that utilizes laser ablation of slag targets. Lasers mounted on the body of a
satellite will fire at targets mounted on the periphery and by Newton’s Third Law the impacts will result in
a torque that will be able to move the satellite with six degrees of freedom. This study is part of and
investigates some issues from a larger project on lunar in situ resource utilization methods already
underway, such as the feasibility of using high temperature refractory slag waste from lunar solar cell
factories as ablation targets and possible methods of transporting the slag targets and solar cells from the
moon to Earth’s orbit. We then applied our findings to the concept of space solar power satellite arrays,
researched the potential synergy between our propellant-less station keeping method and space solar power,
and concluded that this method would be more than sufficient to orient a satellite for its entire operational
lifetime.
V02
The Formation of Supermassive Black Holes
Presenter(s)
Sapna Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don York, University of Chicago
For years, the idea of giant black holes seemed more science fictional than something relevant to the real
world. Known as the most destructive force in the universe, supermassive black holes (SMBH) did not
easily fit into the highly ordered view of the universe. However, astronomers now know that millions of
SMBHs are lurking within the universe. The question puzzling astronomers now is how SMBHs form. One
possible theory involves black holes of stellar mass, formed from supernovae, merging to form a SMBH.
Recently, unusual objects, known as peas, have been discovered which may contain such black holes and
also be associated with star formation. This can be confirmed by observing the emission spectra of the peas.
Certain emission lines, such as those from hydrogen and oxygen, cannot have been produced unless
electrons were moved from hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This can only occur by ultraviolent photons
hitting these atoms. There are only a couple sources of UV photons including radiation from hot, young
stars and radiation from black hole accretion of gas. The spectra of peas are being searched to prove that
stellar mass black holes are present in star forming regions, in high enough numbers to eventually form
SMBHs.
2007-2008 Student Accomplishments
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2007-08 academic year.
Megan Abel: An Epicardial Analysis in the Late Gestational Heart
Advisor: Dr. Robert Dettman, Northwestern University Feinburg School of Medicine
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007
Dimple Adatia: The Role of Histology in Response to Chemotherapy and Impact of Radiation on
Outcome in Pediatric and Adolescent Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Advisor: Dr. James Nachman, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Perry Bradford: Comparison of DNA in Large Breed Bichons With and Without Hip Dysplasia
Advisor: Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Gold Medal Winner and Silver
Medal in biology at the national competition
Steven Cai: Studies of the Structures of the Channeled Si and Si/Ge Stressors in a 30-nm Field-Effect
Transistor Using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Data System Modeling
Advisor: Dr. Jin Wang, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Hyunjii (Justina) Cho: The Detection of Differences Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells
Through Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, And Effects of Dichloracetate
Advisors: Dr. Morris Kletzel and Mrs. Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for
Microbiology, Special Award First Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research
Lindsey Choi: Targeted Fluconazole Prophylasis for the Prevention of Systematic Candidemia in
Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Advisors: Dr. Brett Galley and Dr. Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Japan RITS
Yangbo Du: Promoting Bio-Ethanol in the United States by Incorporating Lessons from Brazil’s National
Alcohol Program
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Linn, University of Illinois and Dr. R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
Published in: National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and
Technology Journal. Fall 2007. 13(1): 12-17.
Zexi J. Fang: Hydrogen Sensors Based on Ultra-thin Palladium Nanobead Arrays on Porous Anodic
Aluminum Oxide (AAO) Substrates
Advisor: Dr. Zhili Xiao, Argonne National Laboratory
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven Fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
EPA P3 Sustainability Expo April 20-22, 2008 in Washington, DC
Frances Mei Hardin: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisors: Dr. James Annis and Dr. Albert Stebbins, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
122
Forrest Iandola: Calculating the Accuracy of the Beam Position Monitors in a Fermilab Electron
Accelerator
Advisors: Dr. Michael Syphers and Dr. Raymond Filler III, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Elizabeth Ikejimba: Microsatellite loci for two East African tree species, Leptonychia usambarensis
(Sterculiaceae) and Sorindeia madagascariensis (Anacardiaceae)
By: Dr. N.J. Cordeiro, Dr. K.A. Feldheim, Ms. E. Ikejimba and Dr H.J. Ndangalasi, Molecular Ecology
Resources (in press); research award recipient: The Council for Africa, The Field Museum for "Genetic
studies and training of a high school student in The Field Museum's Pritzker Molecular Lab"
Sushma Kola: Overexpression of Aquaporin-1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Advisor: Dr. Anjana V. Yeldandi, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for Health
Science, Special Award Third Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research; 2008 sanofiaventis
International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State finalist, Midwest Region finalist, and
International Competition competitor; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair: fourth place in
the Cellular and Molecular Biology category and third place special award from the National Anti-
Vivisection Society.
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisors: Dr. James Annis and Dr. Albert Stebbins, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
Kristen Lee: The Role of Protein Kinase C in the Degradation of the G-Protein Coupled Receptor CXCR4
Advisor: Dr. Adriano Marchese, Loyola University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Competitor and IJAS Region V special award recipient from the
Society for In Vitro Biology
Jimmy Liu: The Detection of Differences Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through Analysis
of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate
Advisors: Dr. Morris Kletzel and Mrs. Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for
Microbiology, Special Award First Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: The Effects of Different Socioeconomic and
Environmental Factors on a School’s Ability to Meet or Exceed State Standards
Advisor: Mr. Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Behavioral Science
Sylwia Matlosz: Gender Based Persecution as a Ground for Asylum: Establishing a Social Group
Advisor: Beatriz Sandovol; Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick, Dym Ltd.
Presentation: Annual Social Justice Student Exposition, May 23, 2008 at the University of Illinois at
Chicago
Anita Mehta: Exploring the Efficiency of the MINOS Experiment in the Far Detector
Advisor: Dr. Niki Saoulidou, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Japan RITS
Vineet Mohanty: Evaluation of Ultrasensitive p24 Antigen Assay as an Alternative to Standard Viral
Load and Antigen Assays in Diagnosis and Patient Treatment Monitoring
Advisor: Mr. Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Hospital
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007: Second Honorary Mention (5th) in Oral
Presentation in Biology
123
Jagannath (Sam) Nayak: Magnetic Nanostructures for Biomedicine
Advisor: Dr. Vinayak Dravid, Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Birce Onal: Identification of a Gene Responsible for Membrane Resistance in Escherichia coli
Advisor: Dr. Eric Vimr, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Karan P. Patel: Angiogenic Inhibitors and Inhibitors of Histone Deacetylases - A New Way to Block
Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis?
Advisor: Dr. Olga Volpert, Northwestern University
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007: second place oral presentation in biology, third
place (overall) in poster presentation
Sophia Pilipchuk: The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), a Green Tea Polyphenol, on HeLa
Cell Viability and Proliferation
Advisor: Dr. Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
Ashima Sarup: Gender Based Persecution as a Ground for Asylum: Establishing a Social Group
Advisor: Beatriz Sandovol; Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick, Dym Ltd.
Annual Social Justice Student Exposition, May 23, 2008 at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Shailee Shah: Dietary Implementation of Flax Seed/Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Ovarian Cancer in the Gallus
Domesticus Laying Hen
Advisor: Dr. Dale Buchanan Hales, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Jianning (Jenny) Shao: A Novel Nonlinear Secret Encryption Scheme Generates Escalating Entropy
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: regional finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state
finalist (gold), and Best in Category Senior Division for Computer Science; IJAS Region V special award
recipient from the Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award
Sarah Shareef: The Response of Oligodendrocytes to Normal Appearing White Matter
from Multiple Sclerosis and Control Patients-A Study of the Early Pathology of
Multiple Sclerosis
Advisor: Dr. Sara Becker-Catania, Edwards Hines VA Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: regional finalist
Eric Shyu: On a Number-Hiding Game
Advisor: Dr. Mark Fischler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Competitor, IJAS Region V special award recipient: Mu Alpha Theta
Award
Sonny Song: The Analysis and Implementation of Live Cell Imaging in the Study of
Interactions Between LMP4 and Actin Filament
Advisor: Dr. Teng-Leong Chew, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Japan RITS
Anisha Vyas: Using Spectral Absorption Information to Identify Tumors
Advisor: Dr. Xu Li, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (silver), IJAS Region V special award recipient: Yale
Science and Engineering Award, sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State
finalist
124
125
Evelyn Wang: A Test of the Hypothesis That Transposon Exclusion Zones (TEZs) in
Mammalian Genomes are Associated with Haplo-insufficient Genes
Advisor: Dr. Patrick Venta, Michigan State University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: second place in regional
competition, advancing to national competition
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisor: Dr. James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
Emily Zhao: Correlation Mapping: An fMRI Analysis of the Neural Response to Visual
Stimuli
Advisor: Johannes Haushofer, Harvard University
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
Index
Poster
Number Page Name Time Room
C01 36 Dimple Adatia 10:00 A-131
L01 75 Vashti Aguilar 9:35 A-147
S01 105 Sara Akgul 2:10 A-151
A01 29 Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade 1:20 A-119
I01 61 Mariam Alaka 10:00 A-113
S02 105 Amy Allen 1:45 B-110
D01 49 Spencer Andrews 1:45 A-113
T01 111 Siana Aspy 2:10 D-107
R01 97 Audrey Auyeung 10:00 B-110
I02 61 Elizabeth Awoyemi 10:25 LH B-206
T02 111 Jake Ayala 12:55 D-110
I03 62 Mehmet Badur 10:50 A-113
K01 73 Dawna Bagherian 10:25 A-119
Q01 84 Amishi Bajaj 10:50 A-135
Q02 84 Amishi Bajaj 11:15 A-135
I04 62 Duncan Baker 12:55 KI E-115
L02 76 Jennifer Bennett 2:10 D-103
T03 112 Stephanie Bernardo 12:55 D-107
Q03 85 Shelly Bhanot 12:55 A-149
C02 37 Erika Bongen 10:50 A-117
S03 106 Stephanie Brandt 11:15 A-117
J01 66 Cameron Breedlove 1:45 KI E-115
I05 63 Aaron Bruder 10:00 AP A-138
C03 37 Jessica Burash 1:20 D-103
R02 98 Aryssa Burton 1:45 A-155
K02 73 Jennifer Byers 1:45 A-151
M01 78 Kayla Campbell 11:15 D-103
T03 112 Gabriela Cardoso 12:55 D-107
Q04 85 Andrea Castaldo 1:20 A-147
P01 82 Matthew Castillon 1:20 A-114
R03 98 Mamatha Challa 10:25 AP A-138
R04 99 Grace Chan 1:20 A-151
Q05 86 Brian Chang 10:50 B-116
A02 29 Cecilia Chang 10:25 KI E-115
E01 52 Abigail Chao 9:10 A-135
C04 38 Anna Chen 9:10 A-149
126
C05 38 Anna Chen 10:00 A-147
P02 83 Irene Chen 12:55 A-151
D02 49 Kaijia Chen 9:10 A-133
R05 99 Kevin Chen 1:45 A-119
B01 33 Susan Chen 12:30 A-147
H01 57 Robert Cheung 10:00 KI E-115
A03 30 Hyun Cho 10:25 A-113
R06 100 Paul Chung 11:15 KI E-115
O01 81 Amanda Cohen 10:25 D-110
U01 117 Emmaline Conover 2:10 A-131
J02 66 David Contreras 9:10 KI E-115
U02 117 Nicacio Corral 10:50 AP A-138
N01 80 Elsa Costa 9:10 A-147
E02 52 Catherine Crawford 9:10 B-133
U03 118 Kevin Crews* 10:50 A-119
H02 58 Mari Crook 9:10 A-119
Q04 85 Ashley Czaplicki 1:20 A-147
E03 53 Jonathan Czerwonka 1:20 B-110
C06 39 Hannah Dada 9:10 B-110
B02 34 Frederick Damen 1:20 A-135
U04 118 Robert Dawson 10:00 A-149
U05 119 Robert Delaney 1:20 A-131
R03 98 Lucas Delort 10:25 AP A-138
J03 67 David Derry 10:25 A-117
B03 34 Hendrik Dewald 9:10 D-103
H01 57 Sharada Dharmasankar 10:00 KI E-115
F01 56 Alexander Drummond 2:10 LH B-206
O02 81 Ana Dumitrescu 9:35 A-135
E02 52 Jessica Durden 9:10 B-133
T02 111 Andrew Ericson 12:55 D-110
T03 112 Salvador Esparza 12:55 D-107
U01 117 Katherine Evans 2:10 A-131
I06 63 Jingsi Fan 9:35 A-117
T01 111 Emerald Fannin 2:10 D-107
C07 39 Anamaria Filipac 11:15 A-113
J04 67 Jesse Fitzpatrick 2:10 B-110
O03 82 Abigail Flynn 9:10 B-116
C08 40 Bernice Fokum 12:30 A-151
I06 63 Anjulie Gang 9:35 A-117
H03 58 William Getz 9:10 A-155
127
Q06 86 Lakshmi Girijala 1:20 B-116
L03 76 Justin Glasper 10:00 D-103
J05 68 Michael Gleeson 1:45 D-107
H04 59 Nina Gnedin 10:25 A-149
I03 62 Cora Goldston 10:50 A-113
J01 66 Ricardo Gonzalez 1:45 KI E-115
I07 64 Vidya Govind-Thomas 11:15 AP A-138
C01 36 Linna Guan 10:00 A-131
R07 100 Shravanthy Gumidyala 2:10 A-147
J04 67 Trevor Hahm 2:10 B-110
J02 66 Jackson Hallauer 9:10 KI E-115
F01 56 Kyle Hanson 2:10 LH B-206
N02 80 Lauraleigh Heffner 1:20 D-110
T04 112 Gabriella Heller 1:20 A-133
I06 63 Seung Heo 9:35 A-117
J01 66 Andrew Heuser 1:45 KI E-115
D03 50 Nicholas Higgins 11:15 A-131
C09 41 Alexandra Hizel 11:15 A-151
L04 77 Judith Hooymans 1:20 D-107
B04 35 Nicole Howard 9:35 B-133
Q07 87 Jennifer Hu 9:10 A-117
J06 68 Yifei Huang 9:10 A-131
T05 113 Meena Iyer 10:50 A-149
P03 83 Bonny Jain 2:10 A-155
R02 98 Jayanshu Jain 1:45 A-155
U06 119 Yaseen Jamal+ 9:35 A-113
C10 41 Janel Jin 9:35 A-119
R08 101 Sara Johnson 9:35 A-131
J07 69 Adam Jung 9:35 D-107
T06 113 Ankita Khandai 12:55 A-147
O03 82 Catrina Kim 9:10 B-116
J07 69 Lawrence Kim 9:35 D-107
E04 53 Seohyun Kim 1:20 A-155
I02 61 Issurah King 10:25 LH B-206
D04 50 Yoonjung Koh 10:25 B-110
Q08 87 Sushma Kola 9:35 AP A-138
J08 69 Adelina Koleva 2:10 A-133
T07 114 Alina Kononov 1:20 KI E-115
S04 106 Vladislav Kontsevoi 1:45 A-133
Q09 88 Pruthvi Kothari 9:35 A-133
128
C11 41 Akash Kumar 12:55 A-155
R09 101 Anusha Kumar 1:20 A-117
C12 42 Kaitlyn Kunstman 12:30 A-155
H01 57 Dong Kwak 10:00 KI E-115
J07 69 Eric Kwan 9:35 D-107
B01 33 Jasmine Kwasa 12:30 A-147
Q10 88 Benjamin Kyi 9:35 A-149
R05 99 Kevin Lam 1:45 A-119
E05 54 Rachael Lambert 10:25 A-133
T08 114 Allison Larrabee 1:20 A-149
S05 107 Kelsey Lawhorn 1:45 A-131
R10 102 Abraham Lee 10:00 A-133
S06 107 Andrew Lee 11:15 A-155
Q11 89 Bob Lee 10:00 A-119
L05 77 Kristen Lee 9:35 KI E-115
Q12 89 Kristen Lee 10:50 A-131
M01 78 Donald Lee-Brown 11:15 D-103
A04 30 Yize Leng 2:10 A-113
F02 56 Cathy Li 10:50 A-155
J09 70 Ruohan Li 10:25 A-155
V01 121 Eric Lin 10:00 A-155
C13 42 Sheng-Ting Lin 9:35 A-155
Q13 90 Bohao Liu 9:35 B-110
U03 118 Jimmy Liu* 10:50 A-119
C14 43 Xuxuan Liu 1:20 B-133
S07 108 Zhengzheng Liu 11:15 A-147
H03 58 David Lorentzen 9:10 A-155
I08 64 Jonathan Loucks 1:45 AP A-138
Q14 90 Yue Lu 9:35 LH B-206
N01 80 Guy Macarol 9:10 A-147
I04 62 Troy Makulec 12:55 KI E-115
A02 29 Zack Maril 10:25 KI E-115
U07 120 Jade Martin 10:25 A-131
I01 61 Leslie Martin 10:00 A-113
J10 70 Maria Martinez 1:45 B-116
I05 63 Stephanie Martinez 10:00 AP A-138
H05 59 Brandan Matthews 10:50 LH B-206
G01 57 Matthew Brian McDermott 2:10 D-110
E06 54 Max McKittrick 10:00 LH B-206
T01 111 Samantha McPeak 2:10 D-107
129
L01 75 Christina Mikulka 9:35 A-147
H06 60 Michael Mirski 1:45 D-103
S08 108 Travis Mui 2:10 A-117
S09 109 Alexander Munoz 1:45 A-147
C03 37 Elizabeth Murphy 1:20 D-103
R11 102 Vaisak Nair 1:45 D-110
Q15 91 Harika Nalluri 10:00 A-117
R06 100 Siddharth Narayanan 11:15 KI E-115
J03 67 Peter Nebres 10:25 A-117
M02 79 Daniel (Mac) Nelsen 11:15 LH B-206
U01 117 Troy Nelson 2:10 A-131
S05 107 Liana Nicklaus 1:45 A-131
T09 115 Ranait O'Connor 11:15 A-149
I04 62 Thomas Oberhardt 12:55 KI E-115
J11 71 Karl Ochmanek 9:10 AP A-138
D05 51 You Na Oh 12:55 A-117
H04 59 Meaghan Pachay 10:25 A-149
E07 55 Christine Pak 12:55 A-113
S10 109 James Pan 11:15 D-110
D02 49 Anita Parikh 9:10 A-133
C15 43 Jonathan Park 1:45 A-117
V02 121 Sapna Patel 1:45 B-133
I03 62 Colin Phillips 10:50 A-113
C16 44 Varun Pilla 2:10 B-116
I07 64 Anne Pipathsouk 11:15 AP A-138
R12 103 Hassan Qureshi 11:15 D-107
U07 120 Youlia Racheva 10:25 A-131
T10 115 Rachel Rasp 10:50 D-110
M03 79 Nicholos Reid 10:50 D-103
D06 51 Michael Reinhart 10:50 B-110
Q16 91 Hannah Reiser 10:25 B-116
Q17 92 Hannah Reiser 11:15 B-116
J12 71 Angad Rekhi 10:00 B-133
L04 77 Elizabeth Richardson 1:20 D-107
C17 44 Dana Robinson 10:50 D-107
K03 74 Allison Rodriguez 10:25 A-147
U02 117 Alejandro Rojas 10:50 AP A-138
Q18 92 Sarah Rokosh 10:00 A-135
Q19 93 Aldo Rossi 10:25 D-107
Q19 93 Isolina Rossi 10:25 D-107
130
A05 31 Grant Rotskoff 12:55 A-119
Q20 93 Priya Roy 1:45 LH B-206
R02 98 Michelle Rudolph 1:45 A-155
L06 78 Shyam Saladi 2:10 A-149
A06 31 Bani Saluja 2:10 B-133
I09 65 Sidanth Sapru 1:45 A-135
R07 100 Jonathon Schwarzbauer 2:10 A-147
Q21 94 Evan Schwerbrock 9:35 B-116
C18 45 Jasmine Shah 10:50 B-133
R13 103 Nirali Shah 10:00 D-107
A07 32 Rital Shah 9:35 D-103
C19 45 Shailee Shah 12:55 A-131
C20 46 Caroline Shin 10:25 A-135
S11 110 Eric Shinn 10:25 D-103
V01 121 Nathaniel Simpson 10:00 A-155
J13 72 Grant Skudlarek 10:00 B-116
D04 50 Sabrina Song 10:25 B-110
Q22 94 Joan Steffen 10:00 D-110
I05 63 Christopher Stovall 10:00 AP A-138
R01 97 Kathryn Stromdahl 10:00 B-110
H07 60 Zehua Sun 9:35 D-110
C21 46 Isaiah Tan 2:10 A-119
A08 32 Yiru Tao 9:10 D-110
B05 35 Velin Tchalakov 9:35 A-151
C22 47 Jessina Thomas 9:10 A-151
U08 120 Laura Thompson 12:30 A-131
Q03 85 Shilpa Topudurti 12:55 A-149
I10 65 Katherine Tu 9:10 D-107
T11 116 Margaret Tu 12:30 A-149
E08 55 Ruhiyyeh Turner 12:55 B-133
R14 104 Milan Udawatta 12:30 A-117
U02 117 Gustavo Ulloa 10:50 AP A-138
T12 116 Vaishali Umrikar 10:25 B-133
C23 47 Anil Vaitla 2:10 A-135
C24 48 Stephanie Vanchipurakal 12:55 D-103
B06 36 Karthik Vantakala 9:10 A-113
R15 104 Shivam Vedak 12:55 A-133
Q23 95 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni 12:30 A-133
Q24 95 Arika Verma 10:00 A-151
L03 76 Alisha Vimawala 10:00 D-103
131
132
Q26 96 Jing Wang 10:50 A-133
H06 60 John Wang 1:45 D-103
S12 110 Anderson West 11:15 A-133
M03 79 Stephanie Williams 10:50 D-103
G01 57 Kelly Wu 2:10 D-110
C25 48 Shirley Xiao 11:15 B-133
Q25 96 Mark Xue 10:50 A-151
I05 63 Mao Yamakawa 10:00 AP A-138
D06 51 Feiyang Ye 10:50 B-110
Q26 96 Nancy Yu 10:50 A-133
A09 33 Eva Yuan 1:45 A-149
S05 107 Anthony Yunker 1:45 A-131
K04 74 Elizabeth Zaretsky 10:25 A-151
C08 40 Ruijie Zhang 12:30 A-151
K05 75 Shuang Zhang 10:50 A-147
J14 72 Terence Zhao 10:50 KI E-115
U06 119 Jiabo Zheng 9:35 A-113
R07 100 Weili Zheng 2:10 A-147
Q27 97 Amy Zhou 11:15 B-110
* Presentation has a double time block scheduled
LH = Lecture Hall B-206
AP = Academic Pit A-138
KI = Kids Institute E-115
+ Student will not present at IMSAloquium
April 2009
Dear IMSA Friends:
IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research Program (SIR) is a powerful expression of the
Academy’s mission, “to ignite and nurture creative ethical minds that advance the human
condition.” SIR enables students to pursue solutions to problems that challenge our global
community through partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities,
research institutions, businesses, and museums. Research is life-changing for the students
and, in many cases, they have already contributed to our mission.
Working with world-class scholars and advisors, students have contributed to advances in
such fields as diagnostics for cancer, nanotechnology-based therapeutics, the rehabilitation of
stroke patients, and the search for the Higgs Boson. This work is shared through
presentations, publications, and collaborations with other students, scholars, artists, and
inventors throughout the world. Evidence of our students’ excellence is found within this
proceedings book of our twenty-first IMSAloquium.
Through innovative programs, such as SIR, IMSA strives to stimulate excellence in
mathematics and science teaching and learning across Illinois and beyond. We aspire to
become “the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry.”
Toward this end, we are aggressively delivering services around the State for teachers and
students to assist with developing the “next generation” of talent and leadership in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As the Year of Science is celebrated and explored throughout Illinois and the United States,
we join this national movement by honoring our extraordinary young investigator’s Year of
Inquiry. These students exemplify a tradition of excellence. We set high expectations for
our students, and we believe that you will find that IMSA students far exceed these
expectations for accomplishments and contributions to society. They are well-prepared to
solve the challenges that we will face in the future.
Thank you for celebrating our students’ successes with us!
Sincerely,
Glenn “Max” McGee, Ph.D.
President
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-first Annual IMSAloquium
April 29, 2009
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research ……………………….…………………………………………….…. 2
Student Recognition ………………………..…………………………………………………….. 3 - 6
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………................... 7
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 8 - 16
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….. 14 - 16
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….…………17 - 28
Student Abstracts, organized by topic…………………………………..………….………….. 29 - 121
! A Biochemistry 29 - 33
! B Bioengineering 33 - 36
! C Biology 36 - 48
! D Business 49 - 51
! E Chemistry 52 - 55
! F Computer Science 56
! G Earth Science 57
! H Economics 57 - 60
! I Education 61 -65
! J Engineering 66 - 72
! K English 73 - 75
! L Environmental Science 75 - 78
! M Fine Arts 78 - 79
! N History 80
! O Law 81 - 82
! P Mathematics 82 - 83
! Q Medicine 84 - 97
! R Neurobiology 97 - 104
! S Physics 105 - 110
! T Psychology 111 - 116
! U Social Science 117 - 120
! V Space Science 121
SIR 2007-08 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..122 - 125
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 126 - 132
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
Cover and IMSAloquium designer is Irene Norton, IMSA staff member.
The images used to compose the cover were taken by Craig Watson, Irene Norton, and Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
1
2
Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized learning
at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown into a
program that encompasses all disciplines and participation by 80% of the class of 2009. Our students’
accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from college to begin to
make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world around them.
IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is paying
attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial list)
! Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
! Learning and Leading with Technology
! Nature
! NCSSSMST Journal
! The Science Teacher
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the collaborative
student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A. Scheppler,
Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the nation to
have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12
(2005, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
Presentations (partial list)
! American Society of Cell Biology
! American Society of Microbiology
! History of the Atomic Age - Chicago Historical Society
! Illinois Section of the Mathematics Association
! Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
! National African American Studies Conference
! National Association of Biology Teachers
! NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
! Sakharov Readings
! Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
! 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference
Competitions (partial list)
! Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
! National History Day Competition
! Neuroscience Research Prize
! Neuroscience Creativity Prize
! Intel Science Talent Search
29 semi-finalists and 10 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
! Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
! 32 regional semi-finalists resulting in 5 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
! Young Epidemiology Scholars
2008-2009 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit, at 12:30, for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate and IMSA Resident Scholar
And
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Stephanie Brandt: A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelation at Forward Rapidities
Advisor: Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Luis Carbajal: Real-Time Imaging of the Cellular Redistribution of HSP27-CFP and HSP70-
GFP Fusion Proteins in Cardiovascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Assess Actin
Cytoskeletal Remodulation
Advisor: Jody Martin, Loyola University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Matthew Castillon: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Grace Chan: The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Advisor: Douglas Feinstein and Anthony Sharp, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Hyunjii Cho: Detecting the Difference between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Kevin Crews: Comparison of Substrate Mimetic Inhibitors of PKB
Advisor:
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
David Derry: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Anamaria Filipac: Understanding the Origin of Murine Thymic Natural Killer Cells
Advisors: Markus Boos and Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
3
Jennifer Hu: Melanoma Associated Antigens as T Cell Targets In Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Advisor: Caroline LaPoole, Loyola University Medical Center
Abstract submitted: LAMposium 2009: International LAM Research Conference
Yifei Huang: Chemical Sensing based On Optical Interference of Modified Anodized
Aluminum Oxide Surfaces
Advisor: Hsien-Hau Wang, Argonne national Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Yaseen Jamal: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition Regional Finalist (second place), Chicago-area Junior Sciences and Humanities
Symposium finalist+, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Janel Jin: The Effects of Pseudo-Phosphorylation on Tropomyosin Conformation and
Interaction with the Thin Filament
Advisor: Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Sushma Kola: Characterization of Copolymer Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery
Advisors: Eric Brewer, F. Michael Marks, and Anthony Lowman, Drexel University
2009 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State finalist, Junior Science
and Humanities Symposium competitor (third place), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
competitor*
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional-finalist
Bob Lee: Treatment of Breast Cancer using an Oncolytic Adenovirus to Inhibit the
Transforming Growth Factor- !Signaling Pathwar
Advisors: Janhavi Gupta and Prem Seth, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition semi-finalist, Fifth International Students Science Fair
Yize Leng: Effect of Rosiglitazone on Transforming Growth Factor- - Induced Fibroblast
Activation and Migration During Wound Healing
Advisor: Ashish Ghosh, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Jimmy Liu: Detecting the Difference Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
4
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Travis Mui: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Sammy Nguyen: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection
Advisor: Christopher O'Donnell and Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium competitor
Suganya Rajendran: The NICHE (Non-Invasive Cardiac Hemodynamic Evaluation) Study
Advisor: Antony Kim, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition semi-finalist
Jamie Ray: Search for a Fermiophobic Higgs Boson Decaying into Diphotons at CDF
Advisors: Craig Groups, Ray Culbertson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation: American Physical Society, May 2-5, 2009
Hannah Reiser: Predicting Medical School Success in 60 Minutes
Advisors: Jonathan Muraskas, Adrian Jones, and LaDonna Norstrom, Loyola University
Presentation: 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference, March 14-15, 2009
Shyam Saladi: Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Advisor: Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Jonathon Schwarzbauer: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Jenny Shao: A Comprehensive Mathematical Model of Tumor-Immune Dynamics
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
competitor*
5
6
Eric Shyu: Luminescent Cadmium Cordination Polymers with Deverse Structural Morphologies
Advisor: Robert LaDuca, Michigan State University
Intel Science Talent Search National Finalist, Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Publication: Robert L. LaDuca and Eric Shyu, Divalent metal succinate/perchlorate coordination
polymers incorporating a kinked hydrogen-bonding capable diimine: Chains, layers and a (5,6)-
connected binodal network featuring alternating rectangular and hexagonal grids, Polyhedron
28(4): 825-834.
Edward Song: Identification of Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 Binding Proteins
Advisor: Erik Sontheimer, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Jessina Thomas: Mechanism of Primordial Follicular Death and the Regulation of Ovulation
Advisor: Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Karthik Vantakala: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-
Myocardial Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens
Competition Regional Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Eva Yuan: Particulate Matter Causes Endothelia Cell Barrier Disruption and Induces acute Lung
Damage in a Murine Model of Asthma: Physiological and Genomic Contributions
Advisors: Joe Garcia, Liliana Moreno and Ting Wang, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional-finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences competitor*
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisor: Bill Kabat and Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Johannes Zhou: Determination of Effectiveness of Leading Antacid Brands
Advisor: Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium competitor
+ JSHS National Competition April 29 – May 3
* Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Region V competition April 4; state competition is May 8-9, 2009
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 29, 2009
SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Poster Session
9:10 - 9:25 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 1
9:35 - 9:50 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 2
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 3
10:25 - 10:40 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 4
10:50 - 11:05 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 5
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 6
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 7
12:55 - 1:10 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 8
1:20 - 1:35 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 9
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 10
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 11
7
IMSAloquium Poster Session
Biochemistry
A01 Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade
A02 Cecilia Chang
Zack Maril
A03 Hyun Cho
A04 Yize Leng
A05 Grant Rotskoff
A06 Bani Saluja
A07 Rital Shah
A08 Yiru Tao
A 09 Eva Yuan
Bioengineering
B01 Susan Chen
Jasmine Kwasa
B02 Frederick Damen
B03 Hendrik Dewald
B04 Nicole Howard
B05 Velin Tchalakov
B 06 Karthik Vantakala
Biology
C01 Dimple Adatia
Linna Guan
C02 Erika Bongen
C03 Jessica Burash
Elizabeth Murphy
C04 Anna Chen
C05 Anna Chen
C06 Hannah Dada
C07 Anamaria Filipac
C08 Bernice Fokum
Ruijie Zhang
C09 Alexandra Hizel
C10 Janel Jin
C11 Akash Kumar
C12 Kaitlyn Kunstman
C13 Sheng-Ting Lin
C14 Xuxuan Liu
C15 Jonathan Park
C16 Varun Pilla
C17 Dana Robinson
C18 Jasmine Shah
C19 Shailee Shah
C20 Caroline Shin
C21 Isaiah Tan
C22 Jessina Thomas
C23 Anil Vaitla
C24 Stephanie Vanchipurakal
C 25 Shirley Xiao
8
Business
D01 Spencer Andrews
D02 Kaijia Chen
Anita Parikh
D03 Nicholas Higgins
D04 Yoonjung Koh
Sabrina Song
D05 You Na Oh
D06 Michael Reinhart
Feiyang Ye
Chemistry
E01 Abigail Chao
E02 Catherine Crawford
Jessica Durden
E03 Jonathan Czerwonka
E04 Seohyun Kim
E05 Rachael Lambert
E06 Max McKittrick
E07 Christine Pak
E 08 Ruhiyyeh Turner
Computer Science
F01 Alexander Drummond
Kyle Hanson
F 02 Cathy Li
Earth Science
G01 Matthew Brian McDermott
Kelly Wu
Economics
H01 Robert Cheung
Sharada Dharmasankar
Dong Kwak
H02 Mari Crook
H03 William Getz
David Lorentzen
H04 Nina Gnedin
Meaghan Pachay
H05 Brandan Matthews
H06 Michael Mirski
John Wang
H 07 Zehua Sun
Education
I01 Mariam Alaka
Leslie Martin
I02 Elizabeth Awoyemi
Issurah King
I03 Mehmet Badur
Cora Goldston
Colin Phillips
9
Education continued
I04 Duncan Baker
Troy Makulec
Thomas Oberhardt
I05 Aaron Bruder
Stephanie Martinez
Christopher Stovall
Mao Yamakawa
I06 Jingsi Fan
Anjulie Gang
Seung Heo
I07 Vidya Govind-Thomas
Anne Pipathsouk
I08 Jonathan Loucks
I09 Sidanth Sapru
I 10 Katherine Tu
Engineering
J01 Cameron Breedlove
Ricardo Gonzalez
Andrew Heuser
J02 David Contreras
Jackson Hallauer
J03 David Derry
Peter Nebres
J04 Jesse Fitzpatrick
Trevor Hahm
J05 Michael Gleeson
J06 Yifei Huang
J07 Adam Jung
Lawrence Kim
Eric Kwan
J08 Adelina Koleva
J09 Ruohan Li
J10 Maria Martinez
J11 Karl Ochmanek
J12 Angad Rekhi
J13 Grant Skudlarek
J 14 Terence Zhao
English
K01 Dawna Bagherian
K02 Jennifer Byers
K03 Allison Rodriguez
K04 Elizabeth Zaretsky
K05 Shuang Zhang
Environmental Science
L01 Vashti Aguilar
Christina Mikulka
L02 Jennifer Bennett
L03 Justin Glasper
Alisha Vimawala
L04 Judith Hooymans
Elizabeth Richardson
L05 Kristen Lee
L 06 Shyam Saladi
10
Fine Arts
M01 Kayla Campbell
Donald Lee-Brown
M02 Daniel (Mac) Nelsen
M03 Nicholos Reid
Stephanie Williams
History
N01 Elsa Costa
Guy Macarol
N 02 Lauraleigh Heffner
Law
O01 Amanda Cohen
O02 Ana Dumitrescu
O03 Abigail Flynn
Catrina Kim
Mathematics
P01 Matthew Castillon
P02 Irene Chen
P03 Bonny Jain
Medicine
Q01 Amishi Bajaj
Q02 Amishi Bajaj
Q03 Shelly Bhanot
Shilpa Topudurti
Q04 Andrea Castaldo
Ashley Czaplicki
Q05 Brian Chang
Q06 Lakshmi Girijala
Q07 Jennifer Hu
Q08 Sushma Kola
Q09 Pruthvi Kothari
Q10 Benjamin Kyi
Q11 Bob Lee
Q12 Kristen Lee
Q13 Bohao Liu
Q14 Yue Lu
Q15 Harika Nalluri
Q16 Hannah Reiser
Q17 Hannah Reiser
Q18 Sarah Rokosh
Q19 Aldo Rossi
Isolina Rossi
Q20 Priya Roy
Q21 Evan Schwerbrock
Q22 Joan Steffen
Q23 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni
Q24 Arika Verma
Q25 Mark Xue
Q26 Jing Wang
Nancy Yu
Q 27 Amy Zhou
11
Neurobiology
R01 Audrey Auyeung
Kathryn Stromdahl
R02 Aryssa Burton
Jayanshu Jain
Michelle Rudolph
R03 Mamatha Challa
Lucas Delort
R04 Grace Chan
R05 Kevin Chen
Kevin Lam
R06 Paul Chung
Siddharth Narayanan
R07 Shravanthy Gumidyala
Jonathon Schwarzbauer
Weili Zheng
R08 Sara Johnson
R09 Anusha Kumar
R10 Abraham Lee
R11 Vaisak Nair
R12 Hassan Qureshi
R13 Nirali Shah
R14 Milan Udawatta
R 15 Shivam Vedak
Physics
S01 Sara Akgul
S02 Amy Allen
S03 Stephanie Brandt
S04 Vladislav Kontsevoi
S05 Kelsey Lawhorn
Liana Nicklaus
Anthony Yunker
S06 Andrew Lee
S07 Zhengzheng Liu
S08 Travis Mui
S09 Alexander Munoz
S10 James Pan
S11 Eric Shinn
S12 Anderson West
Psychology
T01 Siana Aspy
Emerald Fannin
Samantha McPeak
T02 Jake Ayala
Andrew Ericson
T03 Stephanie Bernardo
Gabriela Cardoso
Salvador Esparza
T04 Gabriella Heller
T05 Meena Iyer
T06 Ankita Khandai
T07 Alina Kononov
T08 Allison Larrabee
T09 Ranait O'Connor
12
13
Psychology continued
T10 Rachel Rasp
T11 Margaret Tu
T 12 Vaishali Umrikar
Social Science
U01 Emmaline Conover
Katherine Evans
Troy Nelson
U02 Nicacio Corral
Alejandro Rojas
Gustavo Ulloa
U03 Kevin Crews
Jimmy Liu
U04 Robert Dawson
U05 Robert Delaney
U06 Yaseen Jamal
Jiabo Zheng
U07 Jade Martin
Youlia Racheva
U 08 Laura Thompson
Space Science
V01 Eric Lin
Nathaniel Simpson
V02 Sapna Patel
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B04 C04 C10 C16
A02 A08 B05 C05 C11 C17
A03 A09 B06 C06 C12 C18
A04 B01 C01 C07 C13 C19
A05 B02 C02 C08 C14 C20
A06
B03 C03
C09 C15
C21
C22 C23 C24 C25 D01 D02 D03 D04 D05 D06 E01 E02 E03 E04
E05 E06 E07 E08 F01 F02 G01 H01 H02 H03 H04 H05 H06 H07
I01 I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 J01 J02 J03 J04 J05 J06 J07 J08
J09 J10 J11 J12 J13 J14 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 L02 L03 L04 L05 L06 M01
O01 O02 O03 P01 P02 P03 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 Q05 Q06 Q07 Q08 Q09 Q10
Old Cafeteria/Commons
M02
M03
N01
N02
Q11 Q12
Q13
Q14
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A09 * Earth Science: G01 * Fine Arts: M01-M03
* Bioengineering: B01-B06 * Economics: H01-H07 * History: N01-N02
* Biology: C01-C25 * Education: I01-I10 * Law: O01-O03
* Business: D01-D06 * Engineering: J01-J14 * Mathematics: P01-P03
* Chemistry: E01-E08 * English: K01-K05 * Medicine: Q01-Q14
* Computer Science: F01-F02 * Environmental Science: L01-L06 continued
Poster Map
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
S05 S06
C135
S04 A
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research
Conference Room
S03
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20
Q21 Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26
Q27 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05 R06 R07 R08 R09 R010 R11
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life S02
S01
R12 R13 R14 R15
A108
C122A
C121A
Offices
C125
C126
C127
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine continued: Q15-Q27
* Neurobiology: R01-R15
* Physics: S01-S06
continued
CAC Office
D
A107
Poster Map
Math Study Area
A145
Mail Room
A147
Classrooms A149 A151
Math Study Area
U07 U08 V01 V02
U03 U04
U05 U06
C166
A148
Classrooms A150
Mail T11 T12 U01 U02 A137B
Room T07 T08
T09 T10
A138
A137
A144 A143
Classrooms A141
Leon Ledeman
Office
Room
T03 T04 T05 T06
S11 S12 T01 T02
Room
Stairs to the
President’s Office
S07 S08 S09 S10
C141
Offices
Academic Pit
A138
A140 A150A G E C
STAIR
S
A102
Horwitz Conference Room A103 A105 F D B
C144
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics continued: S07-S12
* Psychology: T01-T12
* Social Science: U01-U08
* Space Science: V01-V02
16
Schedule
9:10 - 9:25
Room ID
A-113 B06 Pore Density in PEGDA Hydrogels in Relation to the Proliferation of
NIH/ 3T3 and hMSCs
Karthik Vantakala, Mi Suk Bae, Richard Gemeinhart
A-117 Q07 The Feasibility of Melanoma-Related Immunotherapy Methods in
Patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Jennifer Hu, I. Caroline Le Poole, Mary Reust
A-119 H02 The Global Food Crisis
Mari Crook, Robert Kiely
A-131 J06 Field Programmable Gate Arrays Computing for Space Charge
Simulation
Yifei Huang, Jin-Yuan Wu
A-133 D02 Useful Skills for Business Professionals
Kaijia Chen, Anita Parikh, Devi Vallabhaneni
A-135 E01 Templated Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Abigail Chao, Leonidas Ocola
A-147 N01 The Voynich Manuscript
Elsa Costa, Guy Macarol, Dennis Czerny
A-149 C04 Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Cerebellum
of Stressed Rats
Anna Chen, Lei Zhang
A-151 C22 Ovarian Cryopreservation as a Fertility Preservation Method for
Women with Ovarian Malignancies
Jessina Thomas, Teresa Woodruff
A-155 H03 Market Microstructure and Liquidity
William Getz, David Lorentzen, Doug Adams
Acad. Pit
A-138
J11 Architectural Design Decisions
Karl Ochmanek, Kate Hauserman
B-110 C06 The Effect of Locostatin on Wildtype RKIP and Depleted RKIP
Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Hannah Dada, Marsha Rosner, Anne Shemon
B-116 O03 The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Investigating
Implementation in Chicago
Abigail Flynn, Catrina Kim, Sandra Babcock
B-133 E02 Nanoscale and Molecular Studies of Advanced Materials:
Understanding Anodic Aluminum Oxide and its Applications in
Microfiltration
Catherine Crawford, Jessica Durden, Steve Sibener
D-103 B03 The Effects of a Visual and Haptic Feedback Interface on Stroke
Rehabilitation
Hendrik Dewald, Ana Maria Acosta, Jules Dewald
17
9:10 - 9:25 continued
D-107 I10 A Comparative Look at Education in the United States, China, and
India
Katherine Tu, Christopher Schreiber
D-110 A08 Elucidating Enzyme-Substrate Interactions Through Kinetic Studies
of HDAC8 and its Substrates
Yiru Tao, Milan Mrksich
Kids Inst.
E-115
J02 Blending the Needs of All Involved: An Investigation in Architecture
David Contreras, Jackson Hallauer, Austin Dempsey, Victor Dietz, Forrest
Nelson, Joel Strassman, Steven Vasilion
9:35 - 9:50
Room ID
A-113 U06 Is There Correlation Between Health-Risk Behaviors?
Yaseen Jamal, Jiabo Zheng, Gene McFadden, Bonnie Spring
A-117 I06 I<3 Science: A Chemistry Book for Children
Jingsi Fan, Anjulie Gang, Seung Heo, Dave DeVol
A-119 C10 The Effects of Troponin I Pseudophosphorylation on Conformation
and Interaction within the Thin Filament
Janel Jin, Brandon Biesiadecki, R. John Solaro
A-131 R08 Brain Aging and Soy Consumption
Sara Johnson, Jim Victory
A-133 Q09 The Effect of Platelet Activating Factor on Nuclear Factor kappa B
Dependent Luciferase Activity in vivo in a Mouse Model of Acute
Bowel Injury
Pruthvi Kothari, Isabelle De Plaen
A-135 O02 Improving Romania’s Adoption System: Comparative Analysis and
Application of Western Adoption Systems
Ana Dumitrescu, Mihaela Raicu
A-147 L01 Accumulation of Mercury in Lake Michigan and its Effects on
Humans
Vashti Aguilar, Christina Mikulka, Robert Kiely
A-149 Q10 The Effect of Dichloroacetate on Cancer Stem Cells
Benjamin Kyi, Morris Kletzel, Marie Olszewski
A-151 B05 Hydraulic Conductivity of Collagen I as Found in Bruch's Membrane
Velin Tchalakov, Zdravka Cankova
A-155 C13 The Effects of Serotonin on the Sympathetic Activity on the Recovery
of Hypotensive Hemorrhage
Sheng-Ting Lin, Theresa Kung, Karie Scrogin
Acad. Pit
A-138
Q08 Anti-Cancer Drug Nanoparticles as Carriers of DNA into Cells
Sushma Kola, Richard Gemeinhart
B-110 Q13 Effects of DNMT3B7, a Truncated DNMT3B Protein Found in Human
Tumors, on Murine Lymphomas
Bohao Liu, Lucy Godley, Aparna Vasanthakumar
18
9:35 - 9:50 continued
B-116 Q21 Relationship Between Horizontal Reaction Force and Walking Velocity
in People Post-Stroke
Evan Schwerbrock, David Brown
B-133 B04 Development of an o-GlcNAc Transferase Based Therapeutic for
Glioblastomas
Nicole Howard, Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal
D-103 A07 The Effects of High Fat Diets on Mouse Pancreatic Precancer may be
Correlated with Serum PGE2 Levels
Rital Shah, Youngzeng Ding, Paul Grippo
D-107 J07 Measuring the Performance of Gas Turbine Filters Using
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Adam Jung, Lawrence Kim, Eric Kwan, Michael Corbat, Lawrence Ost,
Philip Winters
D-110 H07 Examining the Effects of Nominal Sales
Zehua Sun, John List, Hugo Sonnenschein
Kids Inst.
E-115
L05 IMSA Go Green: Investigating Student Action
Kristen Lee, Christopher Kolar
Lect. Hall
B-206
Q14 All-trans Retinoic Acid induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Death in
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cells
Yue Lu, Amareshwar Singh
10:00 - 10:15
Room ID
A-113 I01 School Improvement Plans: Necessary but not Sufficient
Mariam Alaka, Leslie Martin, Kaziputalimba Joshua, Glenn "Max"
McGee
A-117 Q15 Generating a Dendritic Cell Activating DNA Vaccine for Melanoma
Harika Nalluri, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-119 Q11 Gene Therapy Treatment of Breast Cancer Involving Transforming
Growth Factor-! Inhibition Promoted by Modified Human
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
Bob Lee, Prem Seth, Zhenwei Zhang
A-131 C01 The Effects of Cholesterol and Other Sterols on Membrane Fluidity
Dimple Adatia, Linna Guan, Yulia Epshtein, Irena Levitan, Dev Singh
A-133 R10 The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Parkinson's Disease
Abraham Lee, Daniel Corcos, David Vaillancort
A-135 Q18 The Affect of the Implementation of Computed Tomography on the
Negative Appendectomy Rate at Loyola University Medical Center
Sarah Rokosh, John Santaniello
A-147 C05 Beta-Cell Regeneration in Diabetic Mice Treated with Islet Cell
Transplantation and Insulin Tablets
Anna Chen, Anita Chong, Eric Grossman
A-149 U04 What’s in a Name? Investigating the Relationship Between Given
Names and Physical Attractiveness
Robert Dawson, Dennis Czerny
19
10:00 - 10:15 continued
A-151 Q24 Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue
Microarrays and Digital Microscopy
Arika Verma, Funmi Olopade
A-155 V01 Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Eric Lin, Nathaniel Simpson, Peter Schubert
Acad. Pit
A-138
I05 Expanding IMSA Outreach to Hispanic Students
Aaron Bruder, Stephanie Martinez, Christopher Stovall, Mao Yamakawa,
Vincent Matsko, Jose Palos
B-110 R01 Searching for the Role of Chemokines in Neuropathic Pain
Audrey Auyeung, Kathryn Stromdahl, Matt Ripsch, Fletcher White
B-116 J13 Maximizing Palladium Nanowire-Based Hydrogen Sensor
Performance Through Diblock Copolymer Pattern Transfer
Grant Skudlarek, Seth Darling
B-133 J12 A Review of the Design for Six Sigma Literature with a Focus on
Tools for Systems Architecture and a Documentation of a Catapult
Design Using SysML
Angad Rekhi, Peter Jackson
D-103 L03 Ethanol Implementation as a Source of Alternative Fuel: IMSA's
First Ethanol Powered Engine
Justin Glasper, Alisha Vimawala, Branson Lawrence
D-107 R13 The Effect of Chronic Stress on Interneurons of the Ventral
Tegmental Area
Nirali Shah, Louis Lucas
D-110 Q22 Determining Postoperative Risks of Preoperative Frailty and
Hypoalbuminemia
Joan Steffen, Kathleen Grady, Richard Lee, Michael Yensel
Kids Inst.
E-115
H01 Exploration of Factors that Influence Crude Oil Price
Robert Cheung, Sharada Dharmasankar, Dong Kwak, Jeong Choe-Hwang
Lect. Hall
B-206
E06 Novel Materials in Magnetoelectric Multiferroics
Max McKittrick, Christos Takoudis, Yi Yang
10:25 - 10:40
Room ID
A-113 A03 Pretreatment of Miscanthus for Biofuel Production
Hyun Cho, Dave DeVol
A-117 J03 The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an
Alternative to Transistors
David Derry, Peter Nebres, Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner
A-119 K01 High Above The Ground and Two Finches: A Study of Autism
Through Writing
Dawna Bagherian, Tracy Townsend
A-131 U07 A Comparison Between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama
Jade Martin, Youlia Racheva, Jim Victory
A-133 E05 Optimization of Titanium Dioxide
Rachael Lambert, Christos Takoudis, Qian Tao
20
10:25 - 10:40 continued
A-135 C20 The Determination of Alloantibody in Glycosylation
Caroline Shin, Emily Ahmed, Anita Chong
A-147 K03 Fashion in Films
Allison Rodriguez, Audrey Wells
A-149 H04 Causes of the 2008 Oil Crisis
Nina Gnedin, Meaghan Pachay, Robert Kiely
A-151 K04 Sexuality in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century British Plays
Elizabeth Zaretsky, Michael Hancock
A-155 J09 The Designing and Testing of a Radio Control Electric Counter-
Rotating Rotors Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Ruohan Li, Francisco Ruiz
Acad. Pit
A-138
R03 The Neuropsychology of Adolescent Romance
Mamatha Challa, Lucas Delort, David Evenson
B-110 D04 Apple Inc: Its Marketing Techniques and its Success
Yoonjung Koh, Sabrina Song, Pradeep Chintagunta
B-116 Q16 Blood Type as a Risk Factor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates
Hannah Reiser, Jonathan Muraskas, Sherri Yong
B-133 T12 The Effect of Orion Filters on Visual Acuity During Dark Adaptation
Vaishali Umrikar, Thomas Sawyer
D-103 S11 The Effect of Surface Processing on Superconducting Radiofrequency
Cavities
Eric Shinn, Camille Ginsburg
D-107 Q19 A Case Control Study of Polymorphisms in the Matrix
Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Patients with Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysms Versus Healthy Controls
Aldo Rossi, Isolina Rossi, William Pearce, Vera Shively
D-110 O01 Music Copyright and Royalty Laws: The Impact of Technology on
the Music Industry
Amanda Cohen, Barry Irwin, Christian Nokkentved
Kids Inst.
E-115
A02 Investigating the Lotus Effect
Cecilia Chang, Zack Maril, Mark Carlson
Lect. Hall
B-206
I02 Facts for Life
Elizabeth Awoyemi, Issurah King, Adrienne Coleman, Robert Hernandez
10:50 - 11:30 double time session
Room ID
A-119 U03 An Independent Approach to Health Care: Analysis of the Necessity
and Methodology of Comparative Effectiveness
Kevin Crews, Jimmy Liu, Mary Carter, Douglas Saunders, Scott Serota
21
10:50 - 11:05
Room ID
A-113 I03 Teach Illinois: Reassessment of the Current Illinois K-12 School
Funding Model
Mehmet Badur, Cora Goldston, Colin Phillips, Glenn "Max" McGee
A-117 C02 The Effect of T-bet on the Development of Natural Killer Cells
Erika Bongen, Barbara Kee, Kevin Ramirez
A-131 Q12 The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition on Disc
Degeneration
Kristen Lee, Hee-Jeong Sampen
A-133 Q26 Differences Between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the
Mammary Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Jing Wang, Nancy Yu, Charles Clevenger, Y'vonne Feeney
A-135 Q01 Pegylated Interferon-Induced Graft Dysfunction After Liver
Transplantation: A Multicenter Case Control Study
Amishi Bajaj, Josh Levitsky
A-147 K05 Writing a Novel About the Shadows of Human Mind
Shuang Zhang, Dennis Czerny
A-149 T05 Defining Beautiful Within Two Cultures
Meena Iyer, Genna Bebko, Joan Y. Chiao
A-151 Q25 The Effect of Interleukin-6 on Iron Concentrations and Prostate
Cancer Progression
Mark Xue, Andre Kajdacsy-Balla
A-155 F02 Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks: Along a Cherry Lane
Cathy Li, Peng-Jun Wan
Acad. Pit
A-138
U02 The Unveiling of a New American Perspective: Latino Demographics
of the Fifty United States
Nicacio Corral, Alejandro Rojas, Gustavo Ulloa, Isabel Reyes
B-110 D06 Improving the IIT Stuart School of Business Website
Michael Reinhart, Feiyang Ye, Siva Balasubramanian
B-116 Q05 Epidemiological Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus
Brian Chang, Bill Kabat, Guorong Liu
B-133 C18 Characterization of Folate-Conjugated Multi-Arm PEG Polymers As
Efficient Nanoparticles for Cancer Drug Delivery
Jasmine Shah, Seungpyo Hong
D-103 M03 Production of a Twenty-first Century Musical
Nicholos Reid, Stephanie Williams, James Priovolos
D-107 C17 Screening for acd6-1 Suppressors in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants
Dana Robinson, Jean Greenberg, Jiyoung Lee
D-110 T10 Parenting Style and a Child’s Perception of Parents
Rachel Rasp, Patricia Schacht
Kids Inst.
E-115
J14 Engineering a Durable, Reusable Polycarbonate Water Filter
Terence Zhao, Mark Carlson
22
10:50 - 11:05 continued
Lect. Hall
B-206
H05 Equal Pay for Equal Work? An Assessment of Teacher
Compensation, Experience, and Contractual Mandates
Brandan Matthews, Lisa Barrow
11:15 - 11:30
Room ID
A-113 C07 The Effects of Eomesodermin on the Specification and Commitment
of Multipotent Lymphoid Progenitors to the Murine Bone Marrow
Natural Killer Lineage
Anamaria Filipac, Barbara Kee, Kevin Ramirez
A-117 S03 A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Angle Decorrelation Over Several
Rapidities
Stephanie Brandt, Don Lincoln
A-131 D03 Let's Play: Developing a Card Game System
Nicholas Higgins, Tracy Townsend
A-133 S12 The Galfitting of LRG 3-817
Anderson West, Thomas Diehl
A-135 Q02 Mapping Genes Involved in Chronic Sinusitis
Amishi Bajaj, Jayant Pinto
A-147 S07 Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Zhengzheng Liu, Maury Goodman
A-149 T09 The Effect of Gender-Priming on Empathy
Ranait O'Connor, Joan Y. Chiao, Vani Mathur
A-151 C09 A Conditional Knock-Down of the LDH2 Gene in Toxoplasma gondii
Alexandra Hizel, Rima McLeod
A-155 S06 Superconducting Radiofrequency Diagnostics
Andrew Lee, Aseet Mukherjee
Acad. Pit
A-138
I07 IMSA Chicago: Science Curriculum
Vidya Govind-Thomas, Anne Pipathsouk, Michelle Kolar, Glenn "Max"
McGee, Sendhil Revuluri
B-110 Q27 New Battles Against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Amy Zhou, Bill Kabat, Rajeswari Pitchumani
B-116 Q17 Predicting Academic and Clinical Distinction in a 60 Minute Medical
School Interview
Hannah Reiser, Jonathan Muraskas
B-133 C25 The Purification of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1, RSK1 Kinase Domain-1,
and RSK1 Kinase Domain-2 from E. coli Cells
Shirley Xiao, Deepti Chaturvedi, Tarun Patel
D-103 M01 Predicting Fame: Discovering and Applying Today's Popular Music
Techniques
Kayla Campbell, Donald Lee-Brown, James Priovolos
D-107 R12 FALS5 Gene Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Hassan Qureshi, Kaouther Ajroud, Faisal Fecto, Teepu Siddique
23
11:15 - 11:30 continued
D-110 S10 Development of an Algorithm to Differentiate Between Hadronic Jet
and Photon Signatures
James Pan, Sasha Pranko
Kids Inst.
E-115
R06 Predictors of Reactivity to Stress and Cigarette Usage
Paul Chung, Siddharth Narayanan, Harriet de Wit
Lect. Hall
B-206
M02 Films and the Auteur
Daniel (Mac) Nelsen, Audrey Wells
Please join us at 12:30 in the Academic Pit for our Student Recognition session,
hosted by Dr. Leon Lederman and Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee.
12:30 - 12:45
Room ID
A-117 R14 If You Want To Learn, Don’t Think, and Don’t Blink
Milan Udawatta, Deborah Little
A-131 U08 Addressing the Obstacles that Prevent Nongovernmental
Organizations from Spreading Girls’ Education to Developing
Countries
Laura Thompson, Grace Glass, David Radcliff
A-133 Q23 Calcium Handling Heterogeneity Within Normal and Failing
Myocytes
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, J. Andrew Wasserstrom
A-147 B01 Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Susan Chen, Jasmine Kwasa, Sukhraaj Basati, Andreas Linninger
A-149 T11 Achievement Goals, Effort, Satisfaction, and Personal Performance
in Marathon Running
Margaret Tu, Aaron Sackett, Rebecca White, George Wu
A-151 C08 The Effect of Decitabine on the Methylation Status and Binding of
CREB to Gamma Globin Promoter CRE
Bernice Fokum, Ruijie Zhang, Donald LaVelle
A-155 C12 APOBEC3G and HIV in Lemurs: An Evolutionary Study
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Steven Wolinsky
12:55 - 1:10
Room ID
A-113 E07 Synthesis and Analysis for Multifunctional Microsphere-
Nanoparticle Probe Systems for Imaging in Biological Systems
Christine Pak, Ali Jawaid, Preston Snee
A-117 D05 Marketing Engineering: Understanding Attitudinal Research
You Na Oh, Chaim Ehrman
A-119 A05 Inducing Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Human Cancer
Grant Rotskoff, Glyn Dawson
24
12:55 - 1:10 continued
A-131 C19 The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Flax Seed on the Steroid
Genesis Pathway Factors Critical to the Development of Ovarian
Surface Epithelial Cancer
Shailee Shah, Kristine Ansenberger, Dale Buchanan Hales
A-133 R15 An Innovative Model for Measuring Pain Sensitivity in Chronically
Injured Rats
Shivam Vedak, A. Vania Apkarian
A-147 T06 The Various Effects of Religion on Perception
Ankita Khandai, Donna Jo Bridge, Joan Y. Chiao
A-149 Q03 The Effects of Different Surfactants, Curosurf and Survanta, on the
Survival and Outcome of Infants with Birth Weight Equal to or Less
than 1000 Grams from Three Time Periods
Shelly Bhanot, Shilpa Topudurti, Christine Sajous
A-151 P02 Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials
with Isolated Singularities
Irene Chen, Stephen Yau
A-155 C11 Genetic Mapping of a High Response Psychostimulant Mutant
Permanent Midnight
Akash Kumar, Vivek Kumar
B-133 E08 Diamonds in a Vacuum
Ruhiyyeh Turner, Vicki Burgholzer
D-103 C24 A Survey of Genetic Modifications and Ethical Implications
Stephanie Vanchipurakal, Sarah O’Leary
D-107 T03 Are You What You Eat and Do?
Stephanie Bernardo, Gabriela Cardoso, Salvador Esparza, Deborah
McGrath
D-110 T02 The Physiological Effects of Chewing Gum on Human Heart Rate,
Reaction Time, Stress Response, and Memory
Jake Ayala, Andrew Ericson, Todd Parrish
Kids Inst.
E-115
I04 IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter?
Duncan Baker, Troy Makulec, Thomas Oberhardt, Tracy Miller
1:20 - 1:35
Room ID
A-114 P01 Application of Different Voting Systems to the 2007 French
Presidential Election
Matthew Castillon, Donald Porzio, Eric Smith
A-117 R09 The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Anusha Kumar, Orly Lazarov
A-119 A01 Red Cell Hydration and Sickle Cell Disease: A Study of "-Calpain
Inhibition
Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade, Richard Labotka
A-131 U05 A Search for the Importance of Ethics
Robert Delaney, Dennis Czerny
25
1:20 - 1:35 continued
A-133 T04 The Effects of Caregiver Input on Narrative Skills in Children with
Pre- or Perinatal Brain Injury
Gabriella Heller, Ozlem Ece Demir
A-135 B02 Comparison of Diffusion MRI Analysis Models
Frederick Damen, Xiaohong Joe Zhou
A-147 Q04 Patient Safety in Surgery: An Examination of Hand Hygiene and
Physician Communication
Andrea Castaldo, Ashley Czaplicki, Timothy McDonald
A-149 T08 The Effects of Confidence and Self-Esteem on Performance
Allison Larrabee, David Evenson
A-151 R04 The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Grace Chan, Douglas Feinstein, Anthony Sharp
A-155 E04 The Thermodynamic System of Nanoscale Clusters
Seohyun Kim, R. Stephen Berry, Chengju Wang
B-110 E03 The Study of Physical Properties and Self Assembly of an Amide
Ionic Liquid
Jonathan Czerwonka, Millicent Firestone
B-116 Q06 Cardiovascular Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Lakshmi Girijala, Louis Cohen, Ankit Desai
B-133 C14 Screening of Human Fetal Liver cDNA Phage Display Library for
Neonatal Hemochromatosis Alloantigen Using Maternal Sera
Xuxuan Liu, Padmini Malladi, Peter Whitington
D-103 C03 The Diet and Nutrition of an Average IMSA Student
Jessica Burash, Elizabeth Murphy, Sarah OLeary
D-107 L04 Effect of Restoration on Floristic Quality Index of Kane County
Prairies
Judith Hooymans, Elizabeth Richardson, Deborah McGrath
D-110 N02 Seafaring: Technology, History, and Economics
Lauraleigh Heffner, Claiborne Skinner
Kids Inst.
E-115
T07 The Social Structure of IMSA
Alina Kononov, Susan Styer
1:45 - 2:00
Room ID
A-113 D01 The Economics of Virtual Economies: How Real-Life Economic
Trends and Factors are Present in MMORPGs
Spencer Andrews, Eric Smith
A-117 C15 Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Ocular Cell Infection
Jonathan Park, Christopher O'Donnell, Deepak Shukla
A-119 R05 Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand
Binding in Alzheimer's Disease
Kevin Chen, Kevin Lam, William Klein, Pascale Lacor
A-131 S05 Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Kelsey Lawhorn, Liana Nicklaus, Anthony Yunker, James Annis
26
1:45 - 2:00 continued
A-133 S04 Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by
Doping
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song
A-135 I09 Self-Efficacy and Academic Success: A Study of AVID Students in
the Chicago Public Schools System
Sidanth Sapru, Melanie LaForce
A-147 S09 The Search for Theta 13
Alexander Munoz, Maury Goodman, Mayly Sanchez
A-149 A09 Exploring Properties of Protozoan Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a
Yeast-Based Screening System to Identify New Lead Compounds for
Antiparasitic Drugs
Eva Yuan, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn, Zi Ye
A-151 K02 Writing Your Way to a Dystopian Novel: Processes and Production
Jennifer Byers, Daniel Gleason
A-155 R02 The Effect of GT1061 on Open Field Behavior of Mice
Aryssa Burton, Jayanshu Jain, Michelle Rudolph, Jia Luo, Greg Thatcher
Acad. Pit
A-138
I08 Socioeconomics and Public Education: An Examination of Policies
that Narrow the Achievement Gap
Jonathan Loucks, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-110 S02 Reconstruction of FCNC Top-Antitop Decay
Amy Allen, Datta Mousumi
B-116 J10 Does Our Current National Bridge Inspection Criteria Need To Be
Changed, and if so, How?
Maria Martinez, Richard Kaczkowski
B-133 V02 The Formation of Supermassive Black Holes
Sapna Patel, Don York
D-103 H06 Understanding Factors of the Black White Achievement Gap
Michael Mirski, John Wang, Jonathan Hersh, Emily Oster
D-107 J05 Lower Extremity Motion Characteristics of Adolescent Baseball
Pitching
Michael Gleeson, Tasos Karakostas
D-110 R11 The Effect of Exercise on Sleep
Vaisak Nair, Kathryn Reid
Kids Inst.
E-115
J01 Designing Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, Commercial
Supersonic Aircraft
Cameron Breedlove, Ricardo Gonzalez, Andrew Heuser, James Gerry
Lect. Hall
B-206
Q20 The Severity, Causes, and Effects of Sleep Deprivation at IMSA
Priya Roy, Susan Styer
2:10 - 2:25
Room ID
A-113 A04 The Abrogation of Canonical Wnt Signaling-Induced Migration and
Collagen Synthesis by PPAR-# Ligand Rosiglitazone
Yize Leng, John Varga, Jun Wei
27
28
2:10 - 2:25 continued
A-117 S08 Observation of Neutrino Disappearance at the MINOS Far Detector
Travis Mui, Maury Goodman
A-119 C21 Mutagenesis on the Streptococcus pyogenes pel Locus and Its Effect
on Virulence Gene Regulation
Isaiah Tan, Jenny Chang, Michael Federle
A-131 U01 After Babelfish: The Art and Science of Translation
Emmaline Conover, Katherine Evans, Troy Nelson, Christopher Colburn,
Paavo Husen
A-133 J08 Analysis into the Preparation of a Ni-Zn Bimetallic Catalyst
Adelina Koleva, Randall Meyer
A-135 C23 The Role of Neutron and Gamma Radiation in Liver Tumor
Development
Anil Vaitla, Tatjana Paunesku, Gayle Woloschak
A-147 R07 Determining Latencies of Auditory Evoked Potentials Using Gamma
Frequency Band Analysis
Shravanthy Gumidyala, Jonathon Schwarzbauer, Weili Zheng, Brent
Parris, Vernon Leo Towle
A-149 L06 Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Shyam Saladi, Brian Lutey
A-151 S01 The Validation of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Sara Akgul, Ricardo Eusebi
A-155 P03 On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and
Torus
Bonny Jain, Noah Prince
B-110 J04 Battery Technology as an Alternative Energy Source in
Transportation
Jesse Fitzpatrick, Trevor Hahm, Harold Kung
B-116 C16 The Prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in the United States
Varun Pilla, Chao Qi
B-133 A06 An Alternative Method for Obtaining Mitotic Arrested Mouse
Embryonic Fibroblasts Necessary for Human Stem Cell
Maintenance
Bani Saluja, Allan Campione, Lon Van Winkle
D-103 L02 Modeling Idling Reduction Options for Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks: A
Comparison of Emissions/Energy Use and Economics
Jennifer Bennett, Linda Gaines
D-107 T01 The Effects of Music Therapy on Autism
Siana Aspy, Emerald Fannin, Samantha McPeak, Paula Altekruse,
MaryBeth McCarthy
D-110 G01 An Investigation of the Physical Properties of the Atmosphere
Matthew Brian McDermott, Kelly Wu, Geza Gyuk, Mark Hammergren
Lect. Hall
B-206
F01 How To Build a Robot: Evolutionarily Designed Intelligence and its
Basis in Modern Biology
Alexander Drummond, Kyle Hanson, Mike Ososky
A01
Red Cell Hydration and Sickle Cell Disease: A Study of "-Calpain Inhibition
Presenter(s)
Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Labotka, University of Illinois at Chicago
Hope for sickle cell patients increases everyday as innovative research continues to push boundaries on the
knowledge of the disease. During the duration of this investigation "-calpain, a protein inhibitor, was
analyzed because of its unique potential to help red blood cells retain water. In sickle cell disease, the
hydration of red blood cells greatly affects the concentration of hemoglobin within the cell and, in turn,
could positively influence some of the symptoms that manifest due to the sickling cycle of blood cells
caused by close hemoglobin proximity. This investigation used pthalate ester density distributions and
osmotic fragility tests to see how the physical attributes of sickle red blood cells were affected by "-calpain
inhibition. Over the past year, the best methodology for conducting these experiments has been refined. By
changing various conditions such as incubation temperature and the solution the inhibitor was diluted in, "-
calpain's interaction with sickle cell samples has been maximized. It is certain that continued study of "-
calpain and other proteases like it could lead to promising advances in the treatment of sickle cell disease.
A02
Investigating the Lotus Effect
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Zack Maril, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The lotus effect is created by the interaction between the surface of a water droplet and the nanostructures
on the surface of a plant leaf. When the effect is present, the droplet takes on a characteristic shape and
moves down slopes at high speeds. Based on observational data, Colocasia gigantean (elephant ear) leaves,
and Brassica oleracea (broccoli) leaves, as well as various types of rose petals all display the characteristic
traits of the lotus effect. The Colocasia and Brassica were both monitored during development, and found
to posses the traits as soon the leaves started to mature. We experimented with wax and teflon coatings on
wood to see if hydrophobic surfaces could replicate the lotus effect. While crudely similar for water, there
were clear differences when using a sticky, viscous liquid like honey. Currently, we are trying to quantify
these observations while varying physical parameters such as the angle of incline, the temperature of the
water, and the polarity of the liquid. More viable ways of replicating the effect artificially may be found,
with a better understanding of the development and mechanics of the lotus effect.
29
A03
Pretreatment of Miscanthus for Biofuel Production
Presenter(s)
Hyun Cho, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over the last few years, there has been a race for alternative fuel sources. There has been a strong interest
in fuels derived from plants because the process of making and using the fuel is carbon neutral. Many
researchers have looked toward fermenting cellulosic materials to produce fuels such as ethanol and
butanol; however, there still needs to be an effective pretreatment of this complex sugar. The purpose of
this study was to develop an easy and inexpensive method to break down cellulose in Miscanthus into
glucose. Miscanthus was autoclaved at high temperatures and Cellulomonas, a cellulase producing bacteria,
was utilized in hopes of decomposing cellulose. The initial heat treatment on the miscanthus resulted in an
increase of ~100-300 mg/dL of glucose, increasing in glucose concentration as the dry mass of the plant
increased. However, interestingly, following the bacteria treatment, the amount of glucose decreased with
increasing dry mass. In the future, more trials will be needed in order to validate these findings; in addition,
the study can be furthered by fermenting the resulting glucose to produce biofuels, such as butanol and
ethanol.
A04
The Abrogation of Canonical Wnt Signaling-Induced Migration and Collagen Synthesis by PPAR-#
Ligand Rosiglitazone
Presenter(s)
Yize Leng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Varga, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vascular injury, and fibrosis
in multiple organs. Fibrosis is characterized by overproduction of collagen and other extracellular matrix
components by fibroblasts, resulting in excessive accumulation of these macromolecules. Recent studies
have shown that Wnt signaling is elevated in fibrosis. Wnt is a family of proteins best known for its roles in
embryogenesis and cancer, but is also involved in normal physiological processes like wound healing. The
Wnt signaling pathway studied here is the #-catenin-dependent, or canonical, pathway. Canonical Wnt
signaling is known to stimulate fibroblasts proliferation and migration, which contributes to fibrosis. It is
reported that increased expression of PPAR-$ causes a measurable decrease of #-catenin in mouse preadipocytes,
and PPAR-$ ligand treatment resulted in an even greater decrease in #-catenin. In this study, we
activated PPAR-$ with rosiglitazone in adenovirus-Wnt3a (a Wnt ligand that can activate canonical Wnt
signaling) infected human foreskin fibroblasts and then examined collagen expression levels and cell
migration. Activation of canonical Wnt signaling by ectopic Wnt3a expression was found to stimulate type
I collagen synthesis, and this stimulation was suppressed by rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone also abrogated
Wnt-induced fibroblast migration. Our results suggest the potential use of PPAR-$ ligand rosiglitazone in
the therapy of scleroderma.
30
A05
Inducing Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Human Cancer
Presenter(s)
Grant Rotskoff, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Human prostate cancers are notably insensitive to chemotherapy and often lack gap-junction proteins such
as connexin 43 (Cx43). Genetically transfecting LNCaP prostate cancer cells with the Cx43 gene increased
both the intercellular transport of chemical messengers and drugs. We show that Cx43 dramatically
increases the cell-killing ability of PI3 kinase inhibitors (Wortmannin, LY-294,002) and C2 ceramide in the
LNCaP cells. The release of small liposomal membrane microdomains, called exosomes, has been shown
both in vitro and in vivo to be involved in cell communication. We look at their potential role in
chemotherapy by characterizing exosomal lipids content in both human prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP)
and human oligodendroglioma (HOG), and we show that exosomes are enriched with cholesterol,
sphingomyelin, and ceramide, and therefore resemble lipid Raft microdomains, which control messenger
proteins. Protein analysis (Western blotting) of exosomes demonstrates that exosomes carry active second
messengers, as well as known Raft markers. Thus, increasing intercellular communication has the potential
to increase the efficacy of treatment of cancer. While examining intercellular communication, the
absorption of theoretical chemotherapies called “chaperones” was examined in human neuroblastoma cells
(LAN5). We show that a peptide from the rabies virus glycoprotein assisted in the absorption of
chemotherapy in neural cells into the nucleus, thus improving treatment.
A06
An Alternative Method for Obtaining Mitotic Arrested Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Necessary for
Human Stem Cell Maintenance
Presenter(s)
Bani Saluja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Allan Campione, Midwestern University
Lon Van Winkle, Midwestern University
The presently utilized parameters for growing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were determined in
1998. As eleven years have past, we are currently exploring several new different methods in order to
reevaluate the optimal conditions for culturing and maintaining hESCs in a pluripotent state. All of our
current experiments are being done with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEF) to serve as a substrate for
future work with hESCs. The 4 different methods we have been experimenting with are UV exposure, Xraying,
mitomycin C, and TeSR media. Once the optimum condition is determined, we will be treating the
cells with mGlu 5 antagonist to try to induce differentiation. So far, our results have shows that mEFs can
be arrested in their mitotic division state and grown successfully using UV wavelengths from 2200 μJ to
3000 μJ, proving UV treated mEFs support the growth of pluripotent stem cells. We have yet to gather
results in regards to mytomycin C, X-ray, and TeSR media run experiments. Potentially, we will determine
the best technique for growing hESCs and prove glutamic acid may be responsible for helping to maintain
hESC in their pluripotent state.
31
A07
The Effects of High Fat Diets on Mouse Pancreatic Precancer may be Correlated with Serum PGE2
Levels
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Youngzeng Ding, Northwestern University
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with poorly understood risk factors due to an incomplete understanding
of the relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer development. Polyunsaturated fatty acids including
omega-3 (%-3) and omega-6 (%-6) can generate high levels of eicosanoids through the arachidonic acid
metabolic pathway. Ultimately, these eicosanoids can affect both cells and/or their surrounding
environment, leading to enhanced or diminished cancer cell development. To address this relationship,
mice that develop pancreatic precancer were fed diets rich in %-3 and %-6 fatty acids. We hypothesize that
an increase in %-6 fatty acids would lead to increased PGE2 in these mice, promoting inflammation and
carcinogenesis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay is being employed to calculate the amount of
PGE2 in mouse sera. We anticipate that the effects of increased levels of PGE2 will be associated with
mechanisms related to higher %-6 fatty acid intake. Although the data for this study has not been collected,
other groups have confirmed a similar correlation when using cell culture and mice, though no studies have
been published using mice that develop pancreatic precancer. Results that corroborate increased PGE2 as a
contributor to precancer development translates into potential therapeutic targets and improved
understanding of disease etiology.
A08
Elucidating Enzyme-Substrate Interactions through Kinetic Studies of HDAC8 and its Substrates
Presenter(s)
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Milan Mrksich, University of Chicago
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes are important proteins in gene expression and are associated with a
variety of cancers. This enzyme family removes acetyl groups from lysine residues in histone proteins
which condenses chromatin and hinders transcription. This study uses a combination of self-assembled
monolayers and MALDI-TOF MS (a technique termed SAMDI-MS) to compare the kinetic parameters of
the HDAC8 isozyme and acetylated lysine containing peptide substrates derived from Ac-Gly-Arg-AcLys-
X-Gly-Cys -NH2 (X = Phe, Tyr). For the substrate X = Phe we found a value for Km = 56 /- 4 ìM, kcat =
708 /- 32 s-1, and kcat /Km = 1.2610 M-1 s-1. The parameters for X = Tyr are ongoing. These results will
demonstrate how certain enzymes interact with specific substrates that provide information on the
chemistry around enzyme active site and identifies similarities and differences between isozymes. This can
then lead towards the identification of specific HDAC inhibitors, a current goal as targets for cancer
therapeutics.
32
A09
Exploring Properties of Protozoan Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to
Identify New Lead Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
Presenter(s)
Eva Yuan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Zi Ye, University of Chicago
Parasitic infections affect millions of people globally. Vaccines are ineffective and infectious parasites are
becoming drug-resistant. Acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC) is an essential enzyme of fatty acid metabolism
and a potential target for new drugs. Drug screening using live parasites is impractical and expensive, so we
used yeast as a surrogate host. After introducing parasitic ACC genes into yeast to replace the native ACC,
we used the transgenic strains to screen chemical libraries for inhibitors of parasitic ACC. By yeast
complementation, we tested ACC from L. braziliensis, L. major, and T. brucei. We are testing
Cryptospiridium ACC. L. major and T. brucei ACC did not complement yeast ACC null mutation.
Polymerase chain reaction errors can lead to inactive ACC by introducing amino acid substitutions, but that
the substitutions that we found were best explained by haplotype variation. The artificial genes that we
tested possibly produced an insufficient amount of active foreign ACC for yeast survival. We will replace
GAL10 promoter with a stronger one to drive expression more efficiently. L. braziliensis ACC
complemented yeast ACC null mutation. The transgenic strain grew slowly, so we selected spontaneous
mutants with improved-growth phenotypes. These strains are ready for high throughput screening. Our
results improve human condition by increasing chances of curing parasitic infections.
B01
Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Presenter(s)
Susan Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jasmine Kwasa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sukhraaj Basati, University of Illinois at Chicago
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Our research was focused on a three-dimensional computer model of the brain with hydrocephalus, a
condition characterized by swelling of the ventricles. This model was created with MIMICS, image
reconstruction software. In order to assess the differences between normal and diseased states of the brain,
we investigated the physiology, the surface areas and volumes, of the substructures. Then, our remeshed
and smoothened computer model was compared to a real brain to verify accuracy. Our models assumed the
expected 30% accuracy for computer modeling. Then, we created an informational video about the
following substructures and their associated diseases: the cortex, hippocampus, putamen, cerebellum,
thalamus, and the ventricles. This video can now be used as an educational tool in classrooms. Next, we
investigated the use of computational software (ADINA) to solve partial differential equations associated
with the brain's physical properties and simulate brain dynamics. Finally, we studied the progression of
hydrocephalus in the rat brain, which uncovers details about the disease's growth and development. By
exploring the brain's substructures and using the MIMICs and ADINA software, we have gained
knowledge on brain physiology, which will help maximize the sensitivity of disease sensors for the brain in
the future.
33
B02
Comparison of Diffusion MRI Analysis Models
Presenter(s)
Frederick Damen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Xiaohong Joe Zhou, University of Illinois at Chicago
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is used to measure the Brownian motion of water molecules
within brain tissue. One application is to elucidate the microstructure of brain tissue to further our
understanding of normal brain function, and diseases. This study examined the bi-exponential model
commonly used in the dMRI literature as well as a statistical model recently proposed by Yablonskiy. A
MATLAB program was created to perform a regression analysis on a dMRI data set obtained from a
healthy human brain at 3.0 Tesla. The apparent diffusion coefficient values computed from these
regressions were then used to create quantitative maps of the brain. Although both models fit the data well,
the statistical model produced very clear and accurate maps while the bi-exponential model produced maps
with minor inconsistencies. If these preliminary results can be further substantiated, then this review of
models could help with the diagnosis of brain abnormalities.
B03
The Effects of a Visual and Haptic Feedback Interface on Stroke Rehabilitation
Presenter(s)
Hendrik Dewald, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ana Maria Acosta, Northwestern University
Jules Dewald, Northwestern University
The goal of this project is to evaluate the effect of providing visual and haptic feedback based on a
computer game compared to an image of the arm during reaching movements in individuals with stroke.
The idea behind using a modern video game is to provide a more motivating training environment for
stroke rehabilitation. Using the same ACT3D to generate virtual mechanical environments that allow for
varied support of the arm and the same air hockey game as last year, we will test multiple subjects
according to a strict, yet personalized, protocol. This will consist of both control reaching trials, where the
subject will attempt to reach as far as they can in three directions, and work area air hockey trials on three
different support levels. Our next step is to gain data to perform proper statistical comparison between the
two different types of visual feedback, both in terms of trial work/reach area and surveyed interest. We
predict that this data will support the concept that the stroke subject’s efforts to increase the workspace of
the paretic arm will improve significantly with the application of the video game.
34
B04
Development of an o-GlcNAc Transferase Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Presenter(s)
Nicole Howard, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
The most highly invasive and deadly glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are among the most
common of primary brain tumors. Previous studies have shown that the expression of certain genes that
synthesize critical cell surface oligosaccharide structures is altered in clinical glioblastoma specimens.
Alterations in these oligosaccharide structures likely affect the proliferation and invasivity of these tumors,
so approaches to modulate the genes that synthesize these structures may have therapeutic potential. The OGlcNAc
Transferase (OGT) mRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in gliomas. The research I have
done this year has focused on the development of novel molecular reagents aimed at evaluating the
phenotypic effects of increasing the expression of OGT in the U373MG human glioma cell line and
monitoring the resultant changes in invasivity and proliferation of those cells. Using standard PCR
techniques, the coding region of the human OGT gene was cloned from normal human brain cDNA and a
plasmid expression vector containing this gene was created. Introduction of this expression plasmid into
U373MG cells via liposomal-mediated transfection and the creation of a panel of stable cell lines are
currently in progress. These cell lines will be used for future in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the
therapeutic potential of this molecular approach to GBM therapy.
B05
Hydraulic Conductivity of Collagen I as Found in Bruch's Membrane
Presenter(s)
Velin Tchalakov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zdravka Cankova, Northwestern University
The retina receives its nutrition from the diffusion of substances through Bruch's membrane. However, with
age, this membrane can come clogged with lipids, and the retina receives an insufficient amount of
nutrition. This may lead to age-related macular degeneration, which causes blindness. Unfortunately, little
is known about the structural properties of this membrane. Bruch's membrane is composed of several
layers, one of which is mainly composed of collagens. My work at Northwestern University involved
finding the hydraulic conductivity of collagen I. Hydraulic conductivity measures how well a fluid can
permeate a gel. By performing controlled perfusions, I was able to find the hydraulic conductivity. Previous
studies have found a linear relationship, where hydraulic conductivity decreases as pressure increases.
However, due to filter resistance variation, I was unable to support these findings. Instead, I was able to
conclude that collagen I does create a semi-permeable barrier, which significantly limits the amount of
fluid that passes through it.
35
B06
Pore Density in PEGDA Hydrogels in Relation to the Proliferation of NIH/ 3T3 and hMSCs
Presenter(s)
Karthik Vantakala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mi Suk Bae, University of Illinois at Chicago
Richard Gemeinhart, University of Illinois at Chicago
Materials that emulate the soft tissues and extracellular matrices have drawn much interest from the
biomaterials community. Such materials include hydrogels, which have applications ranging from drug
delivery to cell transplantation. However, before these applications are exploited, the nature of cellular
interaction with hydrogels must be understood. Hydrogels synthesized from polyethylene glycol diacrylate
(PEGDA) are known to hinder cell adhesion. However, based upon the recent discovery that cells,
NIH/3T3 cells and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), adhere to and proliferate on super porous
hydrogels (SPHs) formed from PEGDA, we set out to use micropatterned pores created through soft
lithography techniques to understand how and why hMSCs and NIH/3T3 retain their ability to adhere on a
non-adhesive hydrogel. Controlled pores were artificially created from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
mold at different densities, depths, and size. Seeded NIH/3T3 cells adhered within the pores, however, only
at certain pore dimensions. The cells preferred larger and deeper pores. Moreover, a large concentration
without over seeding was ideal. The results suggest that NIH/3T3 cells required the cooperation of a
multitude of cells to create cell aggregates, which allowed for the proliferation of the cells. The
investigation continues to test the interactions of hMSCs under similar conditions.
C01
The Effects of Cholesterol and Other Sterols on Membrane Fluidity
Presenter(s)
Dimple Adatia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Linna Guan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yulia Epshtein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Irena Levitan, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dev Singh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes, as it provides structure and serves as a cell
signaling facilitator. However, in excess, cholesterol can cause undue rigidity in the membrane, which may
inhibit the function of vital cellular proteins. Liposomes, artificial membranes synthesized from
phospholipids 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE) and 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoylsn-
glycero-3-phosphate (POPG), were used to simulate the cell membrane in determining the effects of
various sterols on membrane fluidity. The sterols tested were cholesterol, epicholestrol, and 25-
hydroxycholesterol in 10%, 20%, and 30% ratios. Two fluorescent probes,
trimethylammoniumdiphenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) and diphenylhexatriene (DPH) were used for
anisotropy measurements. After incorporation of the fluorescent probes in the liposomes, the samples were
placed in a spectrofluopolarimeter and illuminated with vertical polarized light at 362nm and fluorescence
emission was monitored at 424nm. Fluidity was determined from generated anisotropy values. The data
indicated that an increase in the level of membrane cholesterol caused a significant decrease in membrane
fluidity. Furthermore, cholesterol was observed to cause noticeably lower fluidity in the membrane than
that caused by epicholesterol and 25-hdroxycholesterol. Data collected from both probes showed no
substantial differences in fluidity in samples containing epicholesterol and 25-hdroxycholesterol.
36
C02
The Effect of T-bet on the Development of Natural Killer Cells
Presenter(s)
Erika Bongen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Kevin Ramirez, University of Chicago
Natural killer (NK) cells are white blood cells that are part of the innate immune system. They trigger
apoptosis in cancerous and virally infected cells. However, unlike their fellow lymphocytes, T cells and B
cells, we do not know the details of their development from hematopoietic stem cells to mature NK cells.
T-bet is a gene that promotes the expression of surface protein CD122, which is necessary for NK cell
development. We compared the quantity of T-bet RNA found in cells using real time QPCR. We found that
T-bet is expressed in significantly greater quantities in NK and NK progenitor cells than in lymphoid
progenitors and other kinds of white blood cells. T-bet is first appreciably expressed in NK cell precursor
cells (NKP), the first stage where cells are restricted to the NK cell lineage.
C03
The Diet and Nutrition of an Average IMSA Student
Presenter(s)
Jessica Burash, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Murphy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah O’Leary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Do IMSA students receive enough nutrients according to the Food Guide Pyramid? To find out, we
recorded the nutritional value of the food offered at Sodexho for six weeks and we distributed surveys to
IMSA students to understand which food and drink choices students usually make when they eat at
Sodexho. Then, we compared the nutritional values that the surveyed students usually get at Sodexho to the
values that a teenager is supposed to receive. We performed a statistical analysis on the results of the
surveys and we determined there is no correlation between the number of times Sodexho served certain
foods and the amount of people who said they ate those foods (r=0.125, p=0.05, df=36). The results of the
surveys also showed that on average, an average IMSA student consumes more than the daily
recommended amount of fat, cholesterol, sugar, and protein. Students also do not receive enough fiber or
calcium from their daily food choices. In conclusion, although Sodexo menu offerings often fulfill the
nutritional requirements set out by the United States Department of Agriculture, students often do not make
the healthiest possible choices.
37
C04
Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Cerebellum of Stressed Rats
Presenter(s)
Anna Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Zhang, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common anxiety disorder found in individuals who have
experienced a traumatic event. Past studies have discovered that subjects experiencing stress or depression
exhibited a down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein responsible for neuron
growth and maintenance, in several areas of the brain. This investigation tested for the concentrations of
BDNF in stressed and control rats killed immediately after tail-shock stressing and seven days after tailshock
stressing. Stressed male rats killed immediately following stress procedures had BDNF
concentrations twice that of control males, while stressed female rats killed immediately had concentrations
half that of their control counterparts. Stressed male rats killed seven days after their last stressing had
significantly lower BDNF concentrations than controls. These results may explain why females are twice as
likely as males to be diagnosed with PTSD, and support claims that males and females have different
physiological responses to stress. The data also suggests that a biomarker for PTSD involving a BDNF
protein count can be developed as long as physicians take into account sex and amount of time passed. A
BDNF-centered treatment for PTSD is also possible.
C05
Beta-Cell Regeneration in Diabetic Mice Treated with Islet Cell Transplantation and Insulin Tablets
Presenter(s)
Anna Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anita Chong, University of Chicago
Eric Grossman, University of Chicago
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease affecting approximately 7.6 % of the human population. Type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by an autoimmune response against insulin-producing beta-cells in the
islets of Langerhans located in the pancreas. Recent studies suggest that, contrary to previous opinion, betacells
are not irreversibly destroyed during the immune response, but merely deactivated, and can be
reactivated through restoration of normal insulin production. In this investigation, beta-cell regeneration in
pancreata of control mice, treated mice, and healthy mice were compared to examine the effectiveness of
various diabetes treatments such as insulin tablets and temporary islet transplantation in restoring native
beta-cell function. Images of serially-sectioned pancreata were captured with a Zeiss Axiovert 200M
microscope. The area of the organ and beta-cells were measured using OpenLab software. Total cell mass
was calculated based on the area ratio between the cells and the pancreas, and the mass of the organ. Data
was analyzed using the ANOVA test, with p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Preliminary results suggest that although greater beta-cell regeneration is observed in mice treated with
islet cell transplantation, the difference in cell recovery between the two treatments is not statistically
significant.
38
C06
The Effect of Locostatin on Wildtype RKIP and Depleted RKIP Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Presenter(s)
Hannah Dada, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marsha Rosner, University of Chicago
Anne Shemon, University of Chicago
Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) associates to Raf-1 and inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-
induced MAPK activation which is part of the ERK pathway. We have recently generated mouse
embryonic fibroblast cells (MEF’s), which express wildtype RKIP; these cells will be used extensively in
this study. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of locostatin (a drug recently described as an
inhibitor of RKIP) on MAPK activity and cell migration in MEF’s expressing either wild-type or depleted
RKIP. MEF’s were depleted of RKIP by transfecting a lentiviral vector containing a short hairpin loop
sequence against RKIP. Wild-type and depleted RKIP MEF’s were treated with EGF and we observed an
increase in MAPK activity in RKIP depleted cells compared to wildtype RKIP. However, in the presence
of locostatin there was no change in the EGF-induced MAPK activity in either genotype. Furthermore, we
confirmed that locostatin inhibits cell migration, however this was independent of the presence or absence
of RKIP. This study indicates that locostatin has no effect on MAPK activity in MEF’s, but it impairs cell
migration in these cells.
C07
The Effects of Eomesodermin on the Specification and Commitment of Multipotent Lymphoid
Progenitors to the Murine Bone Marrow Natural Killer Lineage
Presenter(s)
Anamaria Filipac, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Kevin Ramirez, University of Chicago
Natural killer (NK) cells are a form of lymphocyte whose role is to produce inflammatory cytokines or
induce cell lysis of malignant, infected, or stressed cells. The development of these cells from
hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) is much studied; however researchers are still looking at any transcription
factors that may be necessary for NK specification and commitment. The transcription factor
eomesodermin (eomes) may play a role in NK development. To address this query we performed a
quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, which confirmed that eomes was expressed in all stages of
NK development. A retroviral vector containing eomes was then created and used to infect a population of
murine hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. Flow cytometry, using the standard antibodies utilized for mature
NK receptors, will be used to determine the effects of eomes on their development. These findings will
show whether eomes can commit progenitors to the NK lineage.
39
C08
The Effect of Decitabine on the Methylation Status and Binding of CREB to Gamma Globin
Promoter CRE
Presenter(s)
Bernice Fokum, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ruijie Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald LaVelle, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF), comprised of & and $ subunits, inhibits the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin,
comprised of & and ß-s subunits. HbF is present at birth but rapidly decreases after infancy. Decitabine, an
inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase 1, has been found to increase HbF in vitro and in vivo in baboons. We
hypothesized that decitabine increases $ -globin expression partially through the demethylation of CpG
sites found throughout the G$-promoter. Our goal was to test the effect of decitabine on the DNA
methylation status of the cyclic AMP response element binding site found at -1222 on the G$-promoter. A
chemical-inducer of dimerization (CID)-dependent cell line derived from human ß-globin locus yeast
artificial chromosome (ßyac) mice was used. DNA from the ßyac cells was treated with sodium bisulfite,
which causes unmethylated cytosine to convert to uracil, without affecting the methylated cytosine. After
treatment, the DNA was sequenced. From the sequencing, we discovered that the cells contained the ABenin
sequence at the $-CRE, which lacks the CpG site needed for methylation. We then focused on the
methylation status of the other CpG sites located on the beta locus by developing a process based on DNA
digestion with methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and its methylation-insensitive isoschizomer,
MspI. Currently scientists are unsure of the exact mechanism of action utilized by decitabine. With this
experiment, we hope to contribute knowledge.
C09
A Conditional Knock-Down of the LDH2 Gene in Toxoplasma gondii
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Hizel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects over one-third of the world’s population, damages eyes and
brain. The bradyzoite stage persists in all infected people and no medicines can eradicate it. In this stage,
the gene lactose dehydrogenase 2 catalyzes the reaction of lactate to pyruvate, providing energy to the
parasite. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether this gene is essential for the parasite to
persist. If so, this protein would be validated as a molecular target against which medicines can be directed
to eliminate latent infections. I am going to create a construct to make a conditional knock-down. To create
a conditional knock-down the promoter must be mapped to find a site to add tetracycline response elements
in a place that best interrupts expression of the gene. The promoter was mapped and the ideal site
identified. One tetracycline operon (tet-o) was successfully added to this region of the promoter. A sitedirected
mutagenesis strategy was developed to add three more tet-o’s because prior studies with other
genes had demonstrated that one tet-o was not sufficient. The construct is currently being analyzed to
determine whether four tet-o’s have been inserted. This conditional knock-down will be used to validate a
potential, important, molecular target, as a basis for development of novel medicines to treat toxoplasmosis.
40
C10
The Effects of Troponin I Pseudophosphorylation on Conformation and Interaction within the Thin
Filament
Presenter(s)
Janel Jin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
R. John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
The troponin complex, consisting of troponin I (TnI, the inhibitory subunit), troponin C (TnC, the calcium
binding subunit) and troponin T (TnT, the tropomyosin binding subunit), plays a crucial role in the
regulation of striated muscle contraction. Phosphorylation of TnI is observed at three locations: Ser-23,
Ser-24 and Ser-150. TnI phosphorylation (TnI-P) at Ser-23 and 24 results from cAMP-dependent protein
kinase activation (PKA) through sympathetic nervous system stimulation induced beta-adrenergic
activation in the heart. TnI-P at serine 150 occurs through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase
(AMPK) and p21-activated kinase (PAK). This investigation involved in vitro measurements of TnI
interactions using recombinant TnI to study the effects of TnI-P at serine 150 on TnI-TnT binding and
PKA-induced TnI S23/24 phosphorylation. ELISA solid phase binding assays indicated altered binding of
TnI pseudo-phosphorylated at Ser-150 and/or Ser-23/24 to TnT. Furthermore, PKA treatment of human
cardiac troponin with and without cardiac TnI Ser-150 pseudo-phosphorylation showed no difference in
PKA phosphorylation of TnI Ser-23/24. These results show significant effects of TnI Ser-150
phosphorylation on interactions of TnI within the thin filament, suggesting that TnI-P Ser-150 may play a
key role in modulation of cardiac muscle contraction.
C11
Genetic Mapping of a High Response Psychostimulant Mutant Permanent Midnight
Presenter(s)
Akash Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vivek Kumar, Northwestern University
Addiction is a very complex manifestation of the central nervous system. Although, there is a strong
genetic basis for addiction, the genes involved and their function remain under intense study. The mouse
Mus musculus is an ideal model system to identify genes that mediate response to psychostimulants. A
mouse mutant, Permanent Midnight, was identified in a large-scale genetic screen. Permanent Midnight has
over one standard deviation higher cocaine response than the wildtype. This project consisted of genetically
mapping the mutation in Permanent Midnight. This was done through molecular biology techniques such as
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The scans were completed by
using single nucleotide polymorphism and short sequence length polymorphism markers. After genotyping
the strain, R/qtl software was implemented to compare the genotypes to respective phenotypes. As a result,
chromosomes 4 and 11 were identified as probable areas where addiction-regulating genes could be
present. Further inquiries will include conducting detailed and specific scans on chromosomes 4 and 11,
along with gaps in previous scans. This will ultimately lead to the discovery of the target gene. The
implications of these genes encompass genetically aiding addicts. By genetically targeting addiction,
several solutions can be created.
41
C12
APOBEC3G and HIV in Lemurs: An Evolutionary Study
Presenter(s)
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Wolinsky, Northwestern University
Human and non-human primate cells contain natural mechanisms that work to suppress HIV infection. A
group of genes called the APOBEC family of genes has been discovered to interfere in the process of HIV
infection by controlling the replication of the virus. These genes have been undergoing positive selection
throughout the history of primate evolution. Thus far, APOBEC3G (a member of the APOBEC family) has
only been found in humans, New World, and Old World Primates. I endeavored to amplify and sequence
the APOBEC3G gene in prosimians, a group of primates that diverged from apes and humans over fifty
million years ago, by examining lemur DNA. I tried sequencing APOBEC3G by amplifying each of its
exons but was only able to successfully amplify and sequence from control primate DNA. I then tried to
amplify the entire gene by reverse transcribing lemur RNA to DNA. I completed this procedure with
Rhesus Macaque RNA as a control and was able to sequence the complete rhesus APOBEC3G gene. While
this same amplification is proving difficult with the lemur samples, these results could indicate a lack of
APOBEC3G in the lemur genome, but more likely indicate a failure of the primers to amplify the lemur
APOBEC3G gene sequence.
C13
The Effects of Serotonin on the Sympathetic Activity on the Recovery of Hypotensive Hemorrhage
Presenter(s)
Sheng-Ting Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Theresa Kung, Loyola University
Karie Scrogin, Loyola University
In this study we observed how the destruction of hindbrain serotonergic neurons affects mean arterial
pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) during the recovery from
hypotensive hemorrhage in conscious rats. The rats in the experimental group received neurotoxin to
destroy the serotonin cells while those in the control group were injected with ascorbic acid. After two
weeks recovery, we recorded MAP, HR, and RSNA while the animals were subjected to hypotensive
hemorrhage. The staining of the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin
production) in hindbrain sections using immunohistochemistry allowed us to find the areas with statistically
significant differences in the number of serotonergic cell bodies. To determine if loss of serotonin itself
accounts for the suppression of sympathetic recovery, we applied the technique of RNA interference by
injecting a virus that silences TPH production into these areas. We will measure the sympathetic activity of
these rats during blood withdrawal. If these experiments lead to the same results, we will conclude that
serotonin positively mediates recovery of sympathetic activity following hemorrhage. Further research on
the role of serotonin in response to blood lost could lead to the development of novel treatments of
hypotensive hemorrhage.
42
C14
Screening of Human Fetal Liver cDNA Phage Display Library for Neonatal Hemochromatosis
Alloantigen Using Maternal Sera
Presenter(s)
Xuxuan Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Padmini Malladi, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Peter Whitington, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a rare congenital disorder that affects the fetus in late gestation,
clinically defined as severe neonatal liver disease associated with extrahepatic siderosis. There is clinical
evidence that suggests NH to be an alloimmune disease. The prognosis of NH is variable and generally
poor, usually causing death to the fetus. For my project, a human fetal liver cDNA phage display library
was constructed and screened by biopanning using the maternal sera antibodies from mothers that had
babies with proven NH. After four rounds of biopanning, the selected phage was plated, and individual
plaques were picked and amplified using PCR. In an ongoing effort to identify the NH protein, we have
sequenced forty to fifty individual clones. The sequences were searched in the databases in NCBI BLAST
for a match with known or unknown genes/proteins. Preliminary results show some putative sequences
which may be positive for NH protein. Further tests are being carried out by other researchers in the
laboratory. The outcomes of this study will be geared to provide a complete understanding and diagnosis of
NH.
C15
Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell Infection
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher O'Donnell, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Though HSV-1 infection of ocular cells is one of the leading causes of infectious blindness in the world,
much is still unknown as to how the virus infects these cells. Infection mechanisms of Herpes simplex Type
1 (HSV-1) into various ocular cells were observed using live cell imaging. The purpose was to discover
novel mechanisms for HSV-1 entry and cell-cell fusion. Target cells expressing HSV-1 receptors were
infected with either viral particles or viral glycoprotein-expressing cells to study viral entry and HSV-1
induced cell-cell fusion, respectively, during real-time. Viral entry was observed in human corneal
epithelial (HCE), corneal fibroblast (CF), and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Endocytosis and
phagocytosis inhibitors were used to help determine the mode of entry into these cells. Cell-cell fusion was
observed in HCE cells through a direct fusion mechanism providing one explanation as to how HSV-1
spreads in the eye. The use of live cell imaging has helped determine some of the aspects of HSV-1 ocular
cell infection which will help in the development of agents to inhibit this process.
43
C16
The Prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in the United States
Presenter(s)
Varun Pilla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chao Qi, Northwestern University
Extended spectrum #-lactamase (ESBL) is responsible for multi-drug resistance to the newest generation of
antibiotics in gram negative bacteria including Escherichia coli. While these ESBLs primarily spread
within the hospital environment, a new strain of ESBL E. coli limited only to the community is emerging.
While the predominant number of isolates of ESBLs has been SHV and TEM types, both confined to the
hospital environment, the emerging CTX-M type is the first and only ESBL to be strictly transmitted within
the community. This enzyme’s emergence and its capability of spreading in the community is a growing
concern for our public health. This study investigates the prevalence of ESBL E. coli with CTX-M in
community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the
identification of the specific type of CTX-M responsible for this emergence. PCR with the universal CTXM
primers was run on the isolates of ESBL E. coli from UTIs from 2004-2008. Agar gel electrophoresis
determined the existence of the gene in the bacteria after amplification. The specific type of the CTX-M
gene is to be identified by running PCR on CTX-M positive isolates with different types of CTX-M
primers. The results from the electrophoresis of the ESBL E. coli currently suggest the growing frequency
of the gene within the community.
C17
Screening for acd6-1 Suppressors in Arabidopsis thaliana Plants
Presenter(s)
Dana Robinson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
Jiyoung Lee, University of Chicago
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the accelerated cell death gene ACD6 is involved in pathogen defense through
regulation of the signal molecule salicylic acid (SA). A gain-of-function mutation of the gene, acd6-1,
confers increased resistance to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. The gene acd6-1 also causes an
accumulation of SA, resulting in dwarf phenotype and increased cell death. Our investigation screened for
genes involved in the acd6-1 defense pathway by using T-DNA insertion to disrupt random genes. In plants
that returned to medium or wild-type phenotype, it was likely that the blocked gene played a role in the
pathway. We further tested these candidate genes for decreased cell death and SA level in comparison to
acd6-1 plants. We also tested for expression of the pathogen resistance genes PR1 and PR2. We identified
eight genes whose disruption seemed to partially suppress the acd6-1 defense signaling pathway. These
genes included salicylic acid biosynthetic protein and two zinc finger family proteins.
44
C18
Characterization of Folate-Conjugated Multi-Arm PEG Polymers as Efficient Nanoparticles for
Cancer Drug Delivery
Presenter(s)
Jasmine Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
As the perils of cancer continue to affect millions every day, more emphasis is being placed upon the two
main methods of cancer therapy: 1) the search for identifying specific molecular markers and targets of
cancer and 2) the improvement of drug-delivery systems to target and attack cancer cells more efficiently.
Our investigation deals with a recent aspect of anti-cancer nanomedicine as we are striving to find the
optimum usage of different aspects of biocompatible polymer conjugates in cancer drug delivery. In this
project, we focused upon a polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG) combined with folic acid (FA) to
increase active cancer-cell targeting ability and drug uptake. PEG is chosen because the material is known
to be non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and non-fouling. FA is employed as the molecule specifically binds to
folate receptor (FR) that is found to be overexpressed a variety of human tumors. In this study, we prepared
foue samples: 1) free FA (control); 2) PEG-FA (monovalent polymer); 3) FA-PEG-FA (2-arm polymer);
and 4) PEG(FA)4 (4-arm polymer). Using FTIR, we observed a new peak in transmittance assigned to
formation of an amide bond, confirming the conjugation reaction. The polymer conjugates were also
characterized using UV/Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our long term goal is to achieve
controlled, selective targeting of this delivery vectors to enhance therapeutic effect of anti-cancer drug
delivery with minimal side effects.
C19
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Flax Seed on the Steroid Genesis Pathway Factors Critical to the
Development of Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cancer
Presenter(s)
Shailee Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kristine Ansenberger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dale Buchanan Hales, University of Illinois at Chicago
Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in the United States. Omega-3 fatty
acids dietary intervention has shown to be preventative of colon, breast, and prostate cancer and may be
critical in suppression and prevention of OVCA. Several proteins including steroidogenic acute regulatory
protein (StAR) may play an important role in OVCA development. The purpose of the study is to
determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on StAR expression in OVCA. The laying hen is one of the
only animal models which spontaneously develop surface epithelial cancer similar to that of the human
ovarian cancer. Thus, two-hundred 2.5 year-old hens were fed a 10% flax seed enriched diet for one year.
Tissue samples were extracted from the hens, fixed, embedded, and used in fluorescent
immunohistochemistry. Results showed that there were no significant changes in expression of StAR
between hens given a flax diet and hens given a control diet. However, in cancerous samples, StAR was
haphazardly present in stromal tissue. In normal cells, StAR expression was limited to the outer epithelial
region of the follicles. Higher levels of steroid hormones are found in ovarian cancer cells and detection of
StAR may provide information regarding hormone-producing cells in tumors.
45
C20
The Determination of Alloantibody in Glycosylation
Presenter(s)
Caroline Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Emily Ahmed, University of Chicago
Anita Chong, University of Chicago
In transplantation, the development of alloantibodies is correlated with poor graft outcomes and rejection.
However, the presence of alloantibodies does not necessarily predict graft outcomes because antibodies are
not all equally pathogenic. Antibodies with sialylated constant regions are more anti-inflammatory, while
antibodies with fucose residues are more pro-inflammatory. In this investigation, we used the 3-83 Igi B
cell receptor knock-in mice, in which all of the antibodies are of the same specificity and alloreactive.
Serum was collected from the naïve or pre-sensitized 3-83 mice that had received a heart transplant without
immunosuppressant. We determined the glycosylation state of the serum antibodies using the FLISA
technique, a modification of the ELISA where a lectin, which recognizes fucose, is bound to an enzyme to
catalyze a color-change reaction. We predicted that antibodies in naïve versus pre-sensitized 3-83 mice
have different characteristics that correlate with allograft rejection. We hypothesized that the difference
would be in the carbohydrate modifications of the antibodies. However, our results showed that there was
no difference in alloantibody sialylation or fucosylation in the naïve mice or the transplanted mice.
Therefore, in the 3-83 mice model of alloantibodies in transplantation, differential carbohydrate
modifications of alloantibodies does not seem to correlate with alloantibody pathogenicity.
C21
Mutagenesis on the Streptococcus pyogenes pel Locus and Its Effect on Virulence Gene Regulation
Presenter(s)
Isaiah Tan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jenny Chang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Michael Federle, University of Illinois at Chicago
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly referred to as group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS), is a Grampositive
bacterium known to cause a number of diseases, such as streptoccocal toxic shock syndrome,
cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Existing literature suggests that regulation of virulence factors that
enable GAS disease mechanisms may be under control of the pleiotropic effect locus (pel). We hope to
identify the genetic components within pel that enable this regulation by targeting the locus for random
mutagenesis. Following mutagenesis, we will screen for differences in a reporter that measures expression
of the sagA gene promoter. Although no preliminary results can be reported at this time, we have
accomplished building a pel mutant library on a plasmid using error-prone PCR. Currently, we are in the
process of screening this library in GAS by monitoring colonies for aberrant light activity as compared to a
control group bearing no pel mutations. When more colonies have been screened, and the DNA from
colonies of interest is sequenced, our results may point to specific sequences of DNA that control GAS
virulence. A successful outcome will provide a better understanding of virulence factor regulation and may
improve future treatments against the harmful effects of GAS.
46
C22
Ovarian Cryopreservation as a Fertility Preservation Method for Women with Ovarian
Malignancies
Presenter(s)
Jessina Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Radiation and chemotherapy are effective treatments for cancer. However, they can have several harmful
effects on the body. One of these effects is ovarian failure in the patient receiving treatment.
Cryopreservation is a method of fertility preservation in which a section of ovary is removed so that its
follicles can be preserved, saving them from the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Because
most of the follicles are killed in ovarian cancer patients before cryopreservation can be performed, doubts
have arisen concerning the success of fertility preservation in ovarian cancer patients. Thus, oocyte
cryopreservation has been put on clinical hold until further evidence can be found that suggests that women
with ovarian cancer have a sufficient reserve of follicles for cryopreservation. In order to determine this,
samples of ovarian tissue were gathered from fifty-three patients with ovarian malignancies. Follicle counts
were then performed on sections of these samples. After analyzing the data, it was concluded that ovarian
cancer patients do not have enough follicles for successful oocyte cryopreservation.
C23
The Role of Neutron and Gamma Radiation in Liver Tumor Development
Presenter(s)
Anil Vaitla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tatjana Paunesku, Northwestern University
Gayle Woloschak, Northwestern University
Mutations in an organism’s DNA which lead to the development of tumors are either the result of
spontaneous mutation events or exposure to mutagens. Ionizing radiation (specifically gamma and neutron
radiation) is a type of mutagen. When ionizations occur in DNA or other molecules close by, DNA double
strand breaks occur. Mutations occur as the cell attempts to repair the double strand breaks. The Janus
Experiments were conducted at Argonne National Laboratories in the 1970’s to investigate the effects of
exposure to gamma and neutron radiation on mice by altering parameters of radiation such as dose rate,
total dose, and fractionation. My work uses the data to understand the changes in frequency of liver cancer
in mice following exposure to different types of radiation dosage, dose rate, and fractionation. Evaluation
of the data set using statistical tests demonstrates the presence of the treatment regime that caused the
largest increase in the odds ratios of liver cancer development. This evidence advises for the development
of precautions or guidelines by which levels of medical exposure as well as occupational exposure to
radiation should be set.
47
C24
A Survey of Genetic Modifications and Ethical Implications
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Vanchipurakal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah O’Leary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the ethics of genetic modification, and researchers
speculate that religiousness, age, gender, level of education, and profession are influential factors in a
person's decision on whether genetic modifications are ethical or unethical. A survey was created to test the
influence of these factors on an individual's belief that genetic modifications are ethical or unethical.
Results of statistical analysis showed that an individual's opinion on the ethics of genetic modification for
sex determination in embryos was dependent on the demographic factor for grade in high school (p=
0.0061, df= 2, x2= 4.04), but not on any other factors. Also, a person's belief that the use of genetic
modification to pick out characteristics is ethical was dependent on a person's occupation (p= 0.04599, df=
10, x2= 18.576). These preliminary results indicate that there is more to the ethics of genetic modification
than violation of the set principals of the National Research Act.
C25
The Purification of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1, RSK1 Kinase Domain-1, and RSK1 Kinase Domain-2
from E. coli Cells
Presenter(s)
Shirley Xiao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deepti Chaturvedi, Loyola University
Tarun Patel, Loyola University
In this study, we are trying to find the binding sites of ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK1) to other kinases and
proteins in order to provide a clear understanding of mechanisms of the bindings. RSK1 is an important
factor of MAP kinase pathway in response to stimulation. It has 735 amino acids residues containing two
non-identical domains that are separated by a linker region of 100 amino acids. The two domains are kinase
domain-1 (KD-1, the N-terminal domain) and kinase domain-2 (KD-2, the C-terminal domain). The full
length RSK1, KD-1, and KD-2 were expressed and analyzed with SDS-polyacrylamide gel. KD-1 and KD-
2 expressed as one clear band, under the induction condition of 0.1mM IPTG for 2h/250rpm at 18oC, was
seen on the gel, meaning that they were purified. The full length RSK1 did not express at all at this
condition, so another induction condition of 0.1mM IPTG for overnight/250rpm at 18oC was tried. At this
condition, the RSK1 expressed as multiple bands with the possibility of contamination and degradation.
Further conditions will be tried in order to express the RSK1 in one clear band. The proteins expressed
were including full length RSK1 were purified using standard protocol used for GST fusion proteins. My
purifications of RSK1, KD-1, and KD-2 would help further in studying along by providing more raw
materials to experiment upon.
48
D01
The Economics of Virtual Economies: How Real-Life Economic Trends and Factors are Present in
MMORPGs
Presenter(s)
Spencer Andrews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
MMORPGs are online games played by millions around the world, and as a result of their large player
bases, these games have intricate and complicated economic systems that allow players to sell and transfer
goods to each other. In this study, economic theories and trends were studied and then compared to the
economic trends of specific MMORPG economies. From this comparison, many similarities were found.
Although this study is not completely finished, since there are so many more trends and factors that need to
be identified within each economy, this investigation has shown that many games share striking similarities
with the European economic system of the fourteenth century. Traditional economical factors including
supply and demand and the skill premium have been identified in many of the MMORPGs researched. In
this study, the system and regulations under which these economies function was also observed to see how
economic variables in real-life economies differ from those found in MMORPGs. As a whole, this study
has been able to identify economic factors and trends in two of the most popular MMORPGs.
D02
Useful Skills for Business Professionals
Presenter(s)
Kaijia Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anita Parikh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Devi Vallabhaneni, The Association of Professionals in Business Management
In the United States alone, there are almost two thousand business schools, six hundred MBA programs,
and more than seventy thousand full-time MBA students. For any high school student considering a major
in business, college student figuring out what field of business they want to study or job-seeker looking for
a career in business management, one of the most important questions must be: What exactly do I need to
know in order to be successful in my career? Our SIR investigates what business professionals believe to be
the vital skills one needs in order to succeed in the business field. We sent an online survey to business
professionals around the country. We worked with our mentor, the president and CEO of the Association of
Professionals in Business Management, to develop questions pertaining to integral aspects of business
management. The survey consists of six hundred questions, all dealing with the importance of topics in
business management, such as operations management and marketing management. Our results will let us
know whether business professionals agree with our list of skills. Our conclusions will cater specifically to
the needs of aspiring business professionals, who can focus their studies on these skill sets. We have
learned that legal and medical professions have set universal examinations that test the skills that all
professionals in those fields must possess. Currently, the business management field does not have such a
test, but the results of our surveys can be of use in developing one.
49
D03
Let's Play: Developing a Card Game System
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Higgins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This inquiry was meant to develop a collectible card game with a created setting behind it. This setting
would be made of art assets tied to the game rules. The methods used were simple: develop a ruleset and
prototype cards, then have my peers and peers of my advisor playtest. I gained feedback from their play.
Once a beta set was codified, the characters and setting would follow. The project did not get that far, as the
rules never progressed past an alpha period. There were two alphas developed, along with a rules outline
created shortly before the SIR's inception. The first alpha required heavy errata before the first playtest and
was too confusing for use. A second, trick-taking alpha was developed and universally disliked. As such,
they were both discarded. I have learned how to test a market and make changes to a product during and
after production. What this means is that designing something that is interesting and ultimately fun is a
difficult endeavor, requiring a network of people who are eager, willing, and knowledgeable. It also
requires foresight and reasoning as to how multiple pieces interact and how other people can use the
resources given.
D04
Apple Inc: Its Marketing Techniques and its Success
Presenter(s)
Yoonjung Koh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sabrina Song, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pradeep Chintagunta, University of Chicago
When you look around a typical college scene, you will see students using Apple products ranging from
iPods to iMacs. However, why is this company that has the name of a fruit so successful? At the start of the
year, we began investigating background information on Apple’s past and present marketing techniques
and their successes and failures. Through our research, we learned about how Steve Jobs and Steve
Wozniak, the two founders of Apple, focuses on the products that will sell successfully in the future, rather
than following the footsteps of other companies that sell current popular items. Instead of going into society
and actively knocking on people’s doors, Apple relies mainly on pull marketing, a passive form of
advertisement, which involves heavy advertisement of products through commercials and non-face-to-face
interactions. Although the current stock prices of Apple are decreasing, we believe that with the company’s
focus on customer satisfaction and frequent releases of newer products, the company will get back on it feet
in the near future.
50
D05
Marketing Engineering: Understanding Attitudinal Research
Presenter(s)
You Na Oh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chaim Ehrman, Loyola University
Marketing engineering is one of the examples of attitudinal research. Based on the data collected from
consumer surveys, business firms use various methods to develop new products, predict the success of a
test market, allocate advertisement budget, and so forth. This research investigates specifically the process
of developing new, appealing products, using theoretical and methodical perspectives. This investigation
presents three steps of consumer model theory, based on the model of Lavidge and Steiner: cognitive,
attitudinal, and conative. In addition, we examine two different types of consumer models: compositional
models and decompositional models. The examples of lexicographic, conjunctive, and linear compensatory
models are compensatory. conjoint analysis is the decompensatory model. We use both manual and
computer based conjoint analysis; and we will show how decompositional models are more effective than
compositional models based on the results and graphs of program-generated conjoint analysis.
D06
Improving the IIT Stuart School of Business Website
Presenter(s)
Michael Reinhart, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Feiyang Ye, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Siva Balasubramanian, Illinois Institute of Technology
Previous studies about college websites and internet usage have shown that young adults are adept at
utilizing the internet to research colleges and the programs that they offer. Additionally, studies have shown
that prospective students that attend summer programs at schools are more likely to apply and attend the
school. Our study aims to improve how the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business’
website communicates with current and prospective students, and also it aims to develop a summer
program for the Stuart School of Business. To achieve this, we implemented an online survey for both
undergraduate and graduate students at the school and collected data. The survey contained questions about
internet usage and asked participants to rate details of the website. After the data is analyzed, we will be
able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the website. This will lead to better communications
between young adults and colleges, in particular, the IIT Stuart School of Business.
51
E01
Templated Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Abigail Chao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Nanotechnology holds the key for continuing technological advances. This inquiry sought to combine topdown
electron lithography and bottom-up colloidal chemical assembly to induce self-assembly among 6nm
gold nanoparticles suspended in toluene on hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicon substrates. Electron beam
lithography was used to generate arrays of triangles with 200nm, 100nm, and 80nm edges; large squares
around these arrays created borders. To deposit a monolayer of nanoparticles, methods such as the
Langmuir-Blodgett trough, spin-coating, and a water bead technique were used. Preliminary results show
that the hydrophobic surface may be more promising for the Langmuir-Blodgett trough, but formed
multiple layers instead of a monolayer. Spin-coating yields consistent, positive results. The water bead
technique demonstrates great potential for hydrophilic substrates with a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of toluene to water.
Scanning electron microscope images reveal that, in general, interaction between triangle templates and
nanoparticles is limited, but the borders may significantly inhibit the nanoparticles from depositing within
the arrays. Another outcome included a method of reusing templates through treatment with oxygen
plasma, gold iodine etch. These results suggest that further investigation is necessary to determine the best
method of deposition as well as to specify the effects of the different templates.
E02
Nanoscale and Molecular Studies of Advanced Materials: Understanding Anodic Aluminum Oxide
and its Applications in Microfiltration
Presenter(s)
Catherine Crawford, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jessica Durden, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Sibener, University of Chicago
In reduced dimensions, materials display characteristics that can be quite different from their behavior in
macroscopic dimensions. Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is a self-organizing porous oxide film fabricated
from an aluminum template. Pores of tunable diameter spanning the range from 20 nm to 60 nm that
develop in this oxide layer are arranged in hexagonally packed arrays to allow for the use of AAO as a
template for self assembly and, potentially, as a microfilter for water purification. Our research focuses on
synthesizing this material and characterizing its topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this investigation, AAO was created through the use of a two-step
anodization process in a standard electrolytic cell. Both temperature and voltage of the system were
controlled. Inadequate access to clean water is a pervasive issue in many developing countries. Potential
solutions include the use of nanomembranes or microfilters to cheaply and effectively address the need for
clean water. By fabricating AAO, we can better characterize its structure and test its viability as a
microfilter against biological pathogens.
52
E03
The Study of Physical Properties and Self Assembly of an Amide Ionic Liquid
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Czerwonka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Millicent Firestone, Argonne National Laboratory
Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as a new class of polymers due in part to their many unique properties. As
ILs become more frequently used in the scientific community and in industry we will need to understand
the various aspects involved in the manipulation of ILs. One area of specific interest to our group is means
by which to self-assemble ionic liquids into nanostructured materials. Recently, we have synthesized a new
amide IL, 1-(2-decanomidoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C10AmC2MelM][Cl-]. The introduction
of the amide group provides an alternate site for hydrogen bonding, which further stabilizes a selfassembled
nanostructured physical gel. In this work, we present our efforts examining the nature of this
interaction using viscometry and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),
and infrared spectroscopy (IR) and small-angle X-ray scattering to help us understand the chemical
characterization of our new amide IL. By comparing the binary mixture of our new amide IL to a binary
mixture of the IL without the amide moiety at different percent water content, we discovered that
[C10AmC2MelM][Cl-] has a significantly higher viscosity. This occurs from hydrogen bonding between the
water and protons in the amide moiety. Understanding the interactions of water with this new amide IL
furthers our knowledge regarding the structural hierarchy of ILs, which we can use to control the
architecture of these self-organizing molecules.
E04
The Thermodynamic System of Nanoscale Clusters
Presenter(s)
Seohyun Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
Chengju Wang, University of Chicago
My Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) investigation of 2008-2009 was finding the unique aspects of
nanoscale particles in its thermodynamic system, specifically about phase changes and their structures. The
investigation was mostly done by computation. Small systems are susceptible to the computational and
analytical methods and would be ideal objects for this study. Through the investigation, I have found
several facts about nanoscale particles and their thermodynamic systems. First, I have found some small
clusters’ stable structures and changes of energy during the phase changes. I have created the caloric curves
of the small clusters, particle numbers eight, thirteen, and nineteen, in order to find how the energy changes
as those clusters go through the phase changes. When there is a phase change, caloric curves have changes
such as the change in the slope. Moreover, I have investigated on how the number of the particles and the
value of ! (the parameter fixing the range of interaction forces) affect the phase changes and the energies of
those clusters. Lastly, I was able to animate the changes from one stable structure to another. This
investigation shows nanoscale clusters’ unique aspects and their thermodynamics. This can further be
related to the special characteristics of glass and protein folding.
53
E05
Optimization of Titanium Dioxide
Presenter(s)
Rachael Lambert, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Qian Tao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Inorganic nanotubes have applications in virtually every field, including medicine (drug carriers),
electronics (resistors), and even cleaning (self-cleaning coating). However, mass production of nanotubes is
difficult because of the care and precision needed during the dedicated fabrication process. The purpose of
this investigation was to optimize TiO2 nanotube fabrication via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process
with a custom-made reactor. The precursors used for the TiO2 coatings are tetrakis diethylamino titanium
and water vapor, which have a reaction temperature between 110ºC and 130ºC. The use of PMMA,
poly(methyl methacrylate) has solved previously encountered contamination issues by enabling the reaction
temperature to fall in the normal temperature range for the ALD process. The PMMA template also
requires a higher calcination temperature for its decomposition than the previous template because of its
high melting point. A new furnace for the removal of PMMA from the TiO2 nanotube was built. The
temperature windows for the decomposition of PMMA and calcination of TiO2 were experimentally
derived through fundamental knowledge-driven trial and error by adjusting temperature and time of the
processes. Once production parameters are optimized, specific nanotube measurements can be produced,
which may then be utilized by other fields of study.
E06
Novel Materials in Magnetoelectric Multiferroics
Presenter(s)
Max McKittrick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Yi Yang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Multiferroics are promising new technologies that have applications in many industries. These are materials
that have two or more of the ferroic properties of iron oxides; the most notable three being ferromagnetism,
ferroelectricity, and ferroelasticity. When a material is multiferroic any one of these three forces can be
applied to change the other ferrous properties of a material. These materials can be used in industries such
as the sensor, computing, and data storage industries. Magnetoelectrics, especially, have many applications,
one of which is serving as field effect transistors in computers. My lab seeks to develop magnetoelectrics
that have large charge capacities for their size, allowing miniaturization. In my project, I deposited
multiferroics onto Si microwafers and then proceeded to measure the different growth rates of these
compounds at various temperatures and pressures. I used instruments to determine the charge capacitance,
purity, and crystal structure of these novel materials as well. By determining which conditions are the most
ideal for growth, we can facilitate our growing of bulk-sample specimens to be developed into industrial
applications. Before the end of the semester, I hope to identify the ideal growth rate of nickel oxide.
54
E07
Synthesis and Analysis for Multifunctional Microsphere-Nanoparticle Probe Systems for Imaging in
Biological Systems
Presenter(s)
Christine Pak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ali Jawaid, University of Illinois at Chicago
Preston Snee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Quantum dots are fluorescent nanocrystals that have very unique optical properties that are far superior to
organic dyes. Therefore, they are useful in many applications such as biological imaging and labeling.
Previously quantum dot coated microscpheres displayed clumping around the microspheres. With novel
carbodiimides that have been synthesized in our lab, we tried to coat SiO2 microspheres covered by amines
with quantum dots covered by carboxylic acids. We have successfully attached the quantum dots to the
microspheres. However, we did not get good images from the transmission electron microscope of the
microspheres. Currently, we are trying to resolve this by increasing the distance between microspheres and
quantum dots with polymers. If successful, this would be a vast improvement on coating microspheres with
quantum dots. The final product may be used for various imaging mechanisms.
E08
Diamonds in a Vacuum
Presenter(s)
Ruhiyyeh Turner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vicki Burgholzer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a relatively new process for creating diamonds in a low pressure
environment that is heated to only 2200o Celsius. In this hot filament chemical vapor deposition, a mixture
of hydrogen and methane is decomposed and deposited onto a substrate, where a film of diamond would
form. It requires lower temperatures than other methods. I have researched different types of hot filament
chemical vapor deposition, designed a reactor after what I found, and have ordered some parts for
assembling a CVD reactor. Much of the information I have used has come from some of the pioneers of the
hot filament CVD process and the design I came up with is based on theirs. Both designs use a stainless
steel vacuum container, with special openings where gas input, output, and heating elements can be placed.
My work so far has involved learning about the different methods of chemical vapor deposition, figuring
out the type of vacuum equipment to be obtained, and creating order forms to purchase them. My ultimate
goal is to create a black powder with the structure of diamond.
55
F01
How to Build a Robot: Evolutionarily Designed Intelligence and its Basis in Modern Biology
Presenter(s)
Alexander Drummond, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kyle Hanson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
Over the past decades, the question of how to build human-quality artificial intelligence has come under
intense scrutiny. How does one truly know if a machine is learning and sentient, or if it is simply emulating
these activities? Is there a difference? To answer these questions about the fundamental structures of
artificial intelligence, we examined several primary sources of leading biologists, physicists, and computer
scientists. These readings, as well as discussions with our adviser, allowed us to analyze a multitude of
different theories about the philosophical framework of cognitive intelligence as well as the methods of
building artificial intelligence. One of the most intriguing theories is that of the complex adaptive system.
Complex adaptive systems consist of agents which process information and are able to adapt to their
surrounding environment. Complex adaptive systems provide for combinatorially explosive possibilities,
and may be the missing link to developing strong artificial intelligence.
F02
Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks: Along a Cherry Lane
Presenter(s)
Cathy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peng-Jun Wan, Illinois Institute of Technology
A wireless ad-hoc network is a network that relays information from origin to destination through a series
of wireless transmitters. Each wireless transmitter has a communication radius and an interference radius.
This project looks at three links of six identical transmitters (communication radius ' 1, interference radius
r ( 1) placed along a strip with height h(r) such that only the midpoint of each link must lie within the strip.
The goal is to maximize h(r) and prove that the following is true for all variations in placement: if the two
links whose midpoints are on the furthest right and left interfere, then the link that lies between must also
interfere with at least one of them. Currently, it has been proven that when interference radius is 1, then
h(1) is )(3/4). The general h(r) equation is h(r)=)(r^2-1/4) - cos([*/6] arcsin[1/2r]). This information will
help to in further analysis of current wireless system that result in lesser latency and greater efficiency.
56
G01
An Investigation of the Physical Properties of the Atmosphere
Presenter(s)
Matthew Brian McDermott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kelly Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
In our investigation, we observed various physical properties of the atmosphere such as temperature and
wind speeds, from ground level up to nearly 30 km altitude. After gathering this data, were able to form
many conclusions about the different layers of the atmosphere and the qualities that they possess. We did
this by lofting a command capsule through the different layers of the atmosphere using a large helium
balloon. We also developed a flight computer which will record many important statistics relating to the
environment and orientation of the payload. It was built using the BASIC stamp microcontroller board,
many simple electronics components, several more complicated computer chips, and the computer
language BASIC, which we used extensively. At the time of submission of this abstract, we have only been
able to complete one initial launch, due to repeatedly inclement weather. The flight computer has not yet
been flight tested; however, during all ground tests, the flight computer has successfully recorded the GPS
position, acceleration, temperature, and compass heading. Further launches are planned for later in the year,
during which this instrument will be tested further in the upper atmosphere.
H01
Exploration of Factors that Influence Crude Oil Price
Presenter(s)
Robert Cheung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dong Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gasoline prices have fluctuated from less than two dollars to over four a gallon within the past year. The
aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of various economic factors to the price of crude oil in
the United States. Daily data was collected for prices of different commodities and the states of different
sectors of the economy. A multiple linear regression model was found to fit the data better than other
models, showing an R2 value of .933. Among the seven variables investigated, four of them showed strong
correlations. The model suggested that the significant variables (p<0.05) were: natural gas price, the
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, the NASDAQ transportation sector, and the NYSE composite index, with
beta values of 0.190, 0.321, -0.595, and 1.325, respectively. Crude oil price was positively associated with
the market factors except for the transportation sector of the NASDAQ. This model suggests a way to
predict crude oil price depending on different sectors of the market. Additionally, gold price, the Dow
Jones composite, and the S&P 500 were shown to have no significant relationship with crude oil price.
57
H02
The Global Food Crisis
Presenter(s)
Mari Crook, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Escalating global food prices threaten accomplishments made in poverty reduction and hold the potential to
harm global growth, security, and the health of hundreds of thousands of individuals directly affected. The
focus of this inquiry was to uncover the factors that spurred the 2007-2008 global food crisis and find
solutions that can alleviate the crisis. The rising cost of oil has increased food prices through increased
price of fertilizers, irrigation, and transportation. Biofuel subsidies have diverted corn supplies and again
increased food prices. Export restrictions, which sought to curb climbing food prices, have only limited
trade supplies causing further rise in the price of rice and wheat. Shifting diets and increased meat
consumption have only further diverted corn supplies while cereal production is beginning to stagnate.
Population growth, in general, is stretching available grain supply with more and more mouths to feed.
Already, thirty nations have experienced food riots and malnutrition plagues third world nations. The
failure to change farm policies and properly increase aid to foreign countries has contributed to the current
state of affairs. Only through a coordinated global approach to aid, hunger, and global warming, hand in
hand with the liberalization of trade and agriculture can we find a long lasting solution to the global food
crisis.
H03
Market Microstructure and Liquidity
Presenter(s)
William Getz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lorentzen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, Aardvark Trading
Current economic crises have set markets as a subject of global interest. Our investigation explored market
microstructure - the study of markets on a transactional level, where every trading transaction is exposed.
Since we had little prior knowledge, we began our investigation by reading a textbook covering applied
market microstructure. We applied our knowledge by trading on a simulation market and discussing market
functions with professionals in the business. Markets are driven by end users - those who hope to
accomplish a purpose outside of trading for profit. Trades primarily occur in exchanges or in over-thecounter
(OTC) systems, where trades are directly between two parties. In major exchanges, trade orders are
processed using an efficient order matching system. An important aspect of a market, especially on a
microstructural level, is liquidity (the ability to quickly trade a large volume without affecting the current
price). Liquidity has three dimensions: Immediacy, price, and size. Liquid markets are beneficial for all
involved for they enable ease in trading and provide informative prices. Exchange cleared markets are more
liquid than OTC markets and are therefore advantageous. This is a matter of current global concern because
OTC market trading has lead to the current financial system collapse.
58
H04
Causes of the 2008 Oil Crisis
Presenter(s)
Nina Gnedin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Meaghan Pachay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In July of 2008 oil reached a record high of $147 per barrel. This was caused by a combination of problems
on both the supply and demand sides of the market Nigeria struggles with governmental corruption,
conflicts with oil companies, and sectarian violence, especially in the Delta region. Iraq’s oil infrastructure,
heavily damaged in the first Gulf War and unrepaired since, has suffered from insurgent attacks responding
to the 2003 US invasion. Iran’s nuclear proliferation and the United States presence in the Persian Gulf
have aggravated the already tense relationship between the two countries. China, India, and Indonesia,
among others, have experienced accelerated economic growth, causing their demand for oil to shift out.
The collapse of the housing market weakened the dollar, the currency used to determine oil prices. All
these problems combined to unsettle oil traders and investors, who drove up prices. Factors directly relating
to the US and its foreign policy were analyzed using a combination of news articles and government
documents to examine how these issues came about and why they caused oil prices to skyrocket. The
recent oil crisis was caused not so much by real changes in supply and demand, though those certainly
intensified the problem, but by the apprehension of oil traders.
H05
Equal Pay for Equal Work? An Assessment of Teacher Compensation, Experience, and Contractual
Mandates
Presenter(s)
Brandan Matthews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Barrow, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Throughout Illinois, teachers receive varying amounts of pay depending on the district that they work in
and their degrees held. Some districts are more attractive to new teachers for a variety of reasons which
range from salary to hours of student contact. This investigation assesses the teaching experience in many
high school districts across Illinois. Using contracts from sixty-five Illinois school districts, data was
collected that represents the daily obligations of and benefits given to teachers. This data is being analyzed
using multivariate regressions. Currently, results are being interpreted to determine if the correlations are
conclusive or if different types of analysis will be needed in order to come to a conclusion. While this
investigation is still in progress, further data analysis in the coming weeks will show whether or not salary
is correlated with job traits. Some job traits assessed were hours of work, periods of student contact,
preparation time, extracurricular compensation and insurance benefits. This investigation can aid teacher
recruiters by identifying instrumental factors that affect salary which can be used as focal points in
attracting teachers to districts.
59
H06
Understanding Factors of the Black White Achievement Gap
Presenter(s)
Michael Mirski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Hersh, University of Chicago
Emily Oster, University of Chicago
Since the 1960s, researchers have found that black students score consistently worse on tests of academic
ability than their white counterparts, with little conclusiveness on this robust empirical irregularity.
Hypotheses on the nature of its roots range from an inherent cultural bias against academic success held by
blacks to lower quality schools. We develop a model that exhibits a static state variation of Neal's
intergenerational achievement gap model. We use multivariate regression analysis on survey data
previously collected from schools in Philadelphia and Tennessee. Our most significant results demonstrate
that school effort (a variable created from survey questions involving motivation, work ethic, and the
quality and completion of school work) plays an enormous role in determining the achievement gap.
Accompanying this, the study skills (the methods by which students study and learn) of blacks are worse
than those of whites, an effect amplified by skewed racial distribution. However, these may be linked to
other exogenous variables, such as socioeconomic status or school quality, although the latter variable was
found to be trivial in contributing to the achievement gap. Variables such as self confidence were
considered and found to be significant, but were most likely influenced by self selection bias.
H07
Examining the Effects of Nominal Sales
Presenter(s)
Zehua Sun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John List, University of Chicago
Hugo Sonnenschein, University of Chicago
My family owns two stores that sell identical products. Between these stores, we wanted to observe the
effects of creating a nominal sale at one store, where we would increase the non-sale price of a specific
good at one store, but place the good on sale so that the effective purchase price would remain unchanged
in both stores. For this experiment, we raised the price of bracelets in one store by 25% and took 33% off
while keeping the original price of the bracelet at the other store. Prior to beginning, we statistically
compared averages with t-test of the bracelets sold at each store and discovered no significant difference
between the amounts of bracelets sold (p-> 0.364). Thus, one store could serve as the no sale control group
and the other the nominal sale treatment group. The experiment yielded conclusive results after a month of
collecting data from both stores; we ran a robustness test to maintain that our results weren’t influenced by
external discrepancies between the two stores like economy or location (p-> 0.0697). The store with the
nominal sale sold significantly fewer bracelets than the store where the prices had remained constant (p->
0.0369). The implications of our results are discussed later.
60
I01
School Improvement Plans: Necessary but not Sufficient
Presenter(s)
Mariam Alaka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Leslie Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaziputalimba Joshua, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Due to the No Child Left Behind Act, schools are required to be accountable for each students learning.
However not every school is meeting the national standard. In this study the researchers compare School
Improvement Plans, examine survey data from teachers and administrators, and conduct interviews with
principals and teachers from schools in Chicago District 299 to determine methods that enable schools to
achieve average yearly progress (AYP) or make significant improvement on the Illinois Standards
Achievement Test in sixth through eighth grade. Based on research by Richard Elmore and others, our
study hypothesizes that schools that adopt a school-wide focus on a small number of clear, measurable
school improvement goals will have students with improving test scores and be more likely to make AYP.
Our surveys focused on the teaching strategies, environment, and extracurricular activities of each school.
These have been sent out but not yet collected. The surveys will determine which interviews will be
performed. Once we have analyzed the data we will create a list of methods to enable schools achievement
of AYP.
I02
Facts for Life
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Awoyemi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Issurah King, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robert Hernandez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA students face the challenge of properly caring for themselves. This challenge could be made easier
with the assistance of health education and promotion. Data from the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention was used to identify topics of importance, which include: physical health, mental health,
nutrition, healthy relationships, and sex education. An internal audit is underway to reveal whether IMSA
faculty and staff perceive the need for a health education program. External audits of programs at
residential colleges have opened our eyes to the creative ways that health can be presented to students. Data
is being analyzed to divulge the specific health needs of IMSA students. This information is being put to
use for a trial health education program, IMSA’s Health Corner, which provides students with facts and
guidance about health topics. Throughout this year of audits, observation, and statistical analysis a
curriculum for a health education and promotion program has been developed, which will strive to assist
students in making positive changes to their lifestyles through guidance and use of the resources IMSA
provides.
61
I03
Teach Illinois: Reassessment of the Current Illinois K-12 School Funding Model
Presenter(s)
Mehmet Badur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Cora Goldston, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Colin Phillips, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The current Illinois K-12 school finance policy is broken; the children of greatest need are continually cast
aside and given a second-class education. We investigated the current system of education funding through
interviews and empirical data. We identified and focused on four key areas: the current fiscal
appropriations model, the tax base that funds this model, efficiency of the system, and oversight and
standards. Our proposed model seeks to provide adequate funding through a progressive use of Illinois’
wealth and to target new funds in a manner that will substantially narrow the socioeconomic achievement
gap. Based on the foundational principles of SB 2288, which provides for increased educational funding
and legislates a series of educational reforms, our investigation has led us to draft our own legislation. If
successful, our work could give Illinois schools the crucial funding and educational reforms necessary to
help all Illinois children succeed.
I04
IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter?
Presenter(s)
Duncan Baker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Troy Makulec, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Oberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA on Wheels: States of Matter, Do They Matter? is a new traveling science show presented to students
in grades three through five. The writers created this presentation to observe the use of teaching pedagogies
in order to affect the various learning styles of the students in a forty-five minute demonstration of key
concepts. The learning theories focused upon were those in the behavioral-constructive-cognitive
educational spectrum. The content presented was properties of each state of matter and how matter can
change. States of matter demonstrations were designed with the Illinois State Board of Education’s
Applications of Learning in mind and observation rubrics were used to qualitatively evaluate the various
utilization of learning theory. The preliminary results of the research indicate cognition, or building on
previous knowledge, as the most prevalent pedagogy for this IMSA on Wheels show.
62
I05
Expanding IMSA Outreach to Hispanic Students
Presenter(s)
Aaron Bruder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stephanie Martinez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Stovall, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mao Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jose Palos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intrigued by the noticeably underrepresented Hispanic minority at IMSA, our group began to research the
reasons behind Hispanic struggles with the American educational system. We accessed a wide variety of
resources, such as journal articles, books, brochures, and even members of the Hispanic community here in
Aurora to aid our research. Subsequently, we wondered how we could apply our knowledge of these
cultural and economic difficulties to increase Hispanic participation in IMSA-sponsored academic outreach
programs, such as SEAMS and Kids’ Institute (KI). Our ultimate goal is to successfully structure a new
program for Hispanic students in the Aurora area. In coordination with KI, we investigated various
strategies to make the benefit of IMSA programs sound more appealing to Hispanic parents, such as
creating updated brochures and English-to-Spanish translations of them, as well as utilizing other means of
advertising the various programs. We would also like to advertise our program by visiting schools and
informing Hispanic parents one-on-one about our offerings. As for many new programs, the earliest they
could commence would be in the fall. We believe these methods will positively impact the utilization of
IMSA’s outreach programs by the Hispanic community and untimely increase Hispanic enrollment at
IMSA.
I06
I<3 Science: A Chemistry Book for Children
Presenter(s)
Jingsi Fan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anjulie Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Seung Heo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chemistry is an abstract science that most students are not exposed to until middle school or high school.
The abstract nature of the subject makes it hard for students in grade school to comprehend. Through our
research, we found that non-fiction books with many pictures and analogies most effectively interest
children. However, most chemistry textbooks just state facts that children do not understand. The objective
of this project is to make a chemistry textbook for children of ages around ten. We had honors fourth
graders from East View Elementary School in Oswego, Illinois read excerpts and comment on the level of
difficulty and the content in general. The students said that they would like to see more pictures and learn
more about the characters in the book. Furthermore, they felt that the wording was challenging. We will
make further modifications based on their comments and will try to get a second round of feedback. Each
of the four chapters focuses on a different aspect of chemistry, and includes original illustrations and fun
analogies. The story is based on three children and their teacher learning chemistry from everyday life.
63
I07
IMSA Chicago: Science Curriculum
Presenter(s)
Vidya Govind-Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anne Pipathsouk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sendhil Revuluri, Chicago Public Schools
The process of designing IMSA Chicago has begun. Our project focuses on a science curriculum for a 9-12
residential school model. In our model, the freshman year could be extremely beneficial to the students, as
it could be utilized to help students transition and reach the high level of academic excellence expected at
IMSA. In order to maintain the integrity of the IMSA curriculum, it would be best to incorporate the
Scientific Inquiry (SI) series at the new campus, as their effectiveness has been proven at the Aurora
campus. However, it has been acknowledged that the curriculum, and especially the SI’s, must be modified
in order to best serve the Chicago students. We have created a list of possible modifications of the current
SI: Biology curriculum and pedagogy, attempting to maintain the integrity of the program. The suggestions
were created after reviewing responses from interviews and surveys of selected teachers and students (those
with a Chicago Public School background) of the IMSA campus and student and staff input provided at the
IMSA Chicago Intersession.
I08
Socioeconomics and Public Education: An Examination of Policies that Narrow the Achievement
Gap
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Loucks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Standards-based reform, though nearly a decade old came to national attention with the authorization of the
federal No Child Left Behind Act. NCLB has sparked great controversy among many teachers and
administrators. A primary objection from educators has been that poor, minority student learners have too
many disadvantages in their communities and home lives to enable them to meet standards. This
investigation challenges this idea, asserting that all students can become successful, regardless of social
classes. Research, like that conducted by Rothstein, has revealed that schools enrolling large percentages of
minority students from low-income families can excel if certain factors within the school, and even more
importantly, within the community, are present. Studies have found that low-income, high performing
schools often have visible community support programs, relevant professional development opportunities,
and outstanding leadership. This investigation has confirmed previous studies by finding that
approximately 75% of variation in the percentage of students meeting standards can be accounted for by
quantitative values (such as demographics, budget distributions, and so forth), leaving the other 25% to be
accounted for by qualitative variables. This study also shows how one school district has made sustained
improvement despite demographic dispositions. Administrators of schools and school districts can use
these findings to drive improvement in student achievement.
64
I09
Self-Efficacy and Academic Success: A Study of AVID Students in the Chicago Public Schools
System
Presenter(s)
Sidanth Sapru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Melanie LaForce, University of Chicago
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system strives to increase the number of students that graduate from
high school and pursue higher education. Unfortunately, however, of the CPS students who aspire to do so,
only 41 percent of them actually go on to enroll in a four-year college after graduation. In 2003, the
Chicago Public Schools system launched “Advancement via Individual Determination” (AVID), a
comprehensive program aimed at increasing college-going rates of students in the “academic middle” who
have the desire to go to college but may be falling short of their potential. Students that enroll in AVID
learn organization and study skills, work with college tutors, and participate in college exploration and
preparation activities. Research has shown that students with high levels of academic self-efficacy typically
have stronger academic goals, more academic achievement, and more educational achievement later in life.
Little is known, however, about AVID’s effects on student academic self-efficacy, and the resulting effects
on student achievement and success. This study demonstrated that 2006-2007 AVID students reported
overall high levels of academic self-efficacy. Additionally, within AVID students, students with higher
reports of academic self-efficacy had significantly higher GPAs - even after demographic and prior
achievement characteristics were accounted for.
I10
A Comparative Look at Education in the United States, China, and India
Presenter(s)
Katherine Tu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Schreiber, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The need to develop the best and the brightest students has led to the creation of different educational
strategies. Through interviews and literature review, I was able to compare the strategies utilized by China,
India and the United States in public and private high schools. A set of criteria that consisted of both
academic and co-curricular factors was used to assess the differences among six schools that consisted of
one private and one public school from each nation. Aspects like pre-collegiate education, teacher training,
standardized testing, activities, equity and government involvement were considered. The nations exhibited
the most differences in the categories of teacher training, standardized testing, and government
involvement. The overall curricular intent and structure of education was similar in all three nations, but
there were still many small academic differences. For example, China and India both had higher and more
expectations of their students. Co-curricular activities offered were also very similar, but participation,
structure and emphasis varied. These activities played a bigger part in the lives of American students than
in Chinese and Indian students. The results of this study can broaden communication so that students and
educators around the world are better informed when facing an increasingly global community.
65
J01
Designing Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, Commercial Supersonic Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Cameron Breedlove, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ricardo Gonzalez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Heuser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The main focus of this investigation was to increase our knowledge of aerodynamics and aeronautical
engineering associated with supersonic flight. As part of this investigation we found it necessary to
research the side affects of supersonic travel on the economy and the environment. Throughout our
investigation we explored the requirements of an aircraft capable of supersonic travel. We researched not
only the necessary design constraints but also additional design concerns which ease and lessen the impact
of supersonic flight. Two of the main design concerns were the dampening of the sonic boom and creation
of a supersonic aircraft with the same efficiency, in subsonic flight, as a subsonic aircraft. For sonic boom
reduction we researched the theories of high altitude flight as well as artificially blunted leading edge
designs. For the requirements associated with efficiency we researched basic aerodynamics. Along with the
research for design, we researched the implications of supersonic flight on the current air traffic control
systems as well as possible environmental and residential concerns. As part of our SIR we wrote a paper for
the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Competition, which encourages emerging interest in aeronautics.
J02
Blending the Needs of All Involved: An Investigation in Architecture
Presenter(s)
David Contreras, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jackson Hallauer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Austin Dempsey, Vasilion Architects
Victor Dietz, Vasilion Architects
Forrest Nelson, Vasilion Architects
Joel Strassman, Vasilion Architects
Steven Vasilion, Vasilion Architects
This year, we have been working at Vasilion Architects, learning how an architect combines the interests of
all the people involved in the project, into a functional mixed-use building design. We began by
researching the city’s requirements for the site, learning that zoning determines everything from how many
floors a building can have, to the number of parking stalls, to the distance it must be from the street. After
researching the restrictions, we met with the owner and city officials to learn their visions for the site. By
negotiating and making compromises of the owner’s and city’s requests, we created a mixed-use four story
building which pleased both parties. We decided to take advantage of the change in grade on the site by
using underground parking. The two lower levels will be retail, office space, and parking, with the two
floors above them consisting of residential units. The residential units will be starter units, in order to
maximize their capacity. We have now created AutoCAD blueprints and a three-dimensional rendering of
what the final building would look like on the site. At the end of the project, we will have learned the
necessary steps in an architectural project to successfully design a building.
66
J03
The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to Transistors
Presenter(s)
David Derry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Peter Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vitali Metlushko, University of Illinois at Chicago
Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Transistor technology is reaching its limits. Our goal is to determine if magnetic quantum-dot cellular
automata (MQCA) are a reasonable alternative. We used the Object Oriented MicroMagnetic Framework
to simulate MQCA with varying shapes. These shapes were then fabricated using photolithography or
electron beam lithography with physical metal vapor deposition. The quality of our work was then assessed
with observation under an electron microscope. When fully realized, MQCA promises to deliver devices
with faster speeds, exceptionally low heat production, resistance to radiation, and substantially reduced
power consumption, all at a scale unattainable with transistors. All electronic devices, including laptops and
cell phones would be smaller, lighter, faster, and have a much longer battery life.
J04
Battery Technology as an Alternative Energy Source in Transportation
Presenter(s)
Jesse Fitzpatrick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Trevor Hahm, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harold Kung, Northwestern University
Lithium-ion batteries are recognized as the most efficient type of battery in the field of consumer
electronics and in large-scale applications, due to their high energy-to-weight ratios. Their lack of memoryeffect
and vast room for capacity and cycle improvement make them the most suitable candidates to
research. Our research focuses on analyzing how a test cell that uses silicon composites (a silicon based
material with higher lithium atom capacitance than graphite, which is typically used) as a replacement
material for the anode would affect the energy density of the cell. We found that silicon’s ability to hold
large amounts of lithium atoms results in a 30%-40% increase in energy density (watt hours per gram of
active material) versus the current industry standard. Stabilization of battery performance against cycling
degradation will have to be increased, but the initial results are very encouraging. Using batteries exhibiting
increases in energy densities, that we have shown to be attainable, we projected their performance and how
they would affect the electric vehicle market as well as the environment.
67
J05
Lower Extremity Motion Characteristics of Adolescent Baseball Pitching
Presenter(s)
Michael Gleeson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tasos Karakostas, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
The dependency of successful baseball pitching on lower body mechanics has been documented. Our study
attempts to relate lower extremity motion characteristics to variables traditionally regarded as dependent on
the upper body. Preliminary investigations involved an extensive review of literature on baseball related
injuries. The lack of sufficient research on the lower extremity in pitching called for an entirely new
method of collecting lower extremity data. We utilized the GAITRite instrumented carpet (CIR Systems
Inc., Clifton, NJ) as the primary tool for data collection. To date, four of fifteen pitchers, aged 15-18,
pitched off a regulation mound to a target positioned at a regulation distance with the GAITRite placed on
top of the mound. The pressure sensitive carpet allowed us to record numerous lower extremity variables,
including stride/step lengths, position of the lead foot, and center of pressure in the non-throwing foot. The
dependent variables were ball velocity, measured with a radar gun, and accuracy, recorded manually with
an accuracy score (1, 4, 7, or 10). Results from initial data showed a statistically significant inverse
relationship between in-toeing of the lead foot and accuracy (p< 0.01). Successful pitching has been
correlated with proper mechanics in previous studies. Our findings may indicate certain lower extremity
motion characteristics that may interfere with maximum performance, thus increasing the risk of injury.
J06
Field Programmable Gate Arrays Computing for Space Charge Simulation
Presenter(s)
Yifei Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jin-Yuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In accelerator physics, space charge simulation requires a large amount of computing power. In a particle
system, each force-pair calculation uses time/resource consuming operations such as multiplication,
division, and square root. Because of the flexibility of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), we
implemented this task with efficient use of the available computing resources and completely eliminated
non-calculating operations that are indispensable in regular micro-processors (for example, instruction
fetching, instruction decoding, and so forth). We designed and tested a 16-bit demo core to compute
Coulomb force in an Altera Cyclone II FPGA device. To save resources, the inverse square-root cube
operation was computed using a memory look-up table addressed with ten most significant non-zero bits.
At 200MHz internal clock, our demo core reaches a throughput of 200M pairs/s/core, faster than a typical
2GHz micro-processor by about a factor of 10. Power usage and operating temperature of our FPGAs are
also lower than those of micro-processors. Fast and convenient, FPGAs can serve as alternatives to microprocessors
for computing-intensive scientific simulations.
68
J07
Measuring the Performance of Gas Turbine Filters Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Adam Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lawrence Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Kwan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Corbat, Filtration Group
Lawrence Ost, Filtration Group
Philip Winters, Filtration Group
Gas turbine generators require a steady air intake and clean operating environments. Bulky and inefficient
air filters disturb the air flow, thereby reducing the performance of the generator. By building the actual
filter using computer aided design, and simulating fluid flow through it using the Floworks software suite,
we created a model that matched with experimental data from a wind tunnel. Changes can be made to this
filter to make it more aerodynamic, to reduce a phenomenon known as pressure drop. After creating 2"
bullet-nosed structures on the filter casing, the pressure drop went from 40 pascals to 32 pascals, a 20%
increase in performance. Acknowledging the change, we modified the length of the bullet-nose to 4", which
showed nearly the same amount of pressure drop. Shortening the length made the pressure drop even higher
than no structures at all. Though these modifications seem slight, a small difference in pressure drop can
mean a significant impact on the efficiency of the generator. As for the financial impact, an improved filter
design could generate thousands per year in additional income from virtually nothing, a commercially
viable possibility for people in the gas turbine industry.
J08
Analysis into the Preparation of a Ni-Zn Bimetallic Catalyst
Presenter(s)
Adelina Koleva, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Nickel-zinc alloy catalysts have been found to be active for the water-gas shift reaction, which produces
high-purity hydrogen, important to several industrial applications. Traditionally, catalysts are synthesized
through a dry impregnation of metal salt into the pores of a support; however, this method lacks precise
control of particle size. The strong electrostatic adsorption method was intended be used for synthesis of a
nickel-zinc catalyst. This method allows the oxide surface to be selectively charged in solution by changing
the pH around the unique point of zero charge of the support material – allowing the adsorption of metal
complexes to be highly controlled. Since complexes failed to form, an alternative method, electroless
deposition, was employed. This method utilizes a reducing agent to force the metal precursor onto specific
sites on the support surface, allowing for the desired intimate contact between zinc-nickel particles.
Preliminary results anticipate that the alternative method will be successful. Current work focuses on
optimizing synthesis conditions and catalyst characterization.
69
J09
The Designing and Testing of a Radio Control Electric Counter-Rotating Rotors Vertical Takeoff
and Landing Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Ruohan Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
This investigation deals with design, construction, testing, and improvement of a new form of flying car
that provides the functionality of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). In addition to the innovation, this
vehicle also retains high stability. Our VTOL is a helicopter design with dual, counter-rotating blades, each
powered separately. Tests of our design in X-Plane®, a commercial flight simulator, affirm that this design
increases the controlling ability by eliminating gyroscopic precession and the need of a tail rotor. In our
prototype, two electric motors are used; each motor is controlled by an electric speed control (ESC) and
powered by a seven cell nickel-cadmium battery pack. During the testing, one of the batteries was damaged
due to connection problem. By consulting the manufactures we successfully modified our design and
powered both ESC’s and motors with one battery pack. With independent ESC’s, the two motors had
trouble achieving identical speeds. Instead, we allowed one ESC to determine the speed. Lift tests were
performed on the VTOL to indicate the efficiency of the vehicle. Further study will be conducted in the
following months including designing the body for the VTOL.
J10
Does Our Current National Bridge Inspection Criteria Need To Be Changed, and if so, How?
Presenter(s)
Maria Martinez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Kaczkowski, Packer Engineering
My inquiry project consisted of investigating past bridge failures and analyzing the current bridge
inspection criteria. The purpose was to determine whether the criteria needed changes to ensure public
safety since approximately a quarter of bridge collapses are due to poor maintenance and inadequate
inspections. An important component of my investigation was analyzing the current National Bridge
Inspection Standards, which currently require bridges to be inspected every twenty-four months regardless
of age, design, traffic characteristics, and deficiencies of the bridge. Also, only visual inspections are
required for bridges not categorized as deficient, or that do not have fracture critical members (FCM’s). An
FCM is a member in tension whose failure can cause the collapse of the entire bridge. Even these bridges
with presumably higher risk of failure only require an inspection every twenty-four months. My research
also shows that inspection results are irreproducible due to the criteria’s ambiguity. After studying
correlations between the criteria and bridge failures, it is evident improvements need to be made. Such
improvements include more detailed inspections with shorter frequency intervals for bridges with FCM’s,
and, at a minimum, a hands-on inspection for every other bridge.
70
J11
Architectural Design Decisions
Presenter(s)
Karl Ochmanek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kate Hauserman, OKW Architects
In this investigation I took a hands-on approach to the design decisions of the modern architect by
redesigning the IMSA campus on the same plot of land and with the same demands of a residential high
school, but without a budget cap. The main decisions that were covered regarded: the client’s needs and
demands, context within a community, zoning regulations, climate, geographic context, technological use,
sustainability, project budget, and time constraints. For instance, in the proposed campus I laid out
separated zones for athletics, residential, and academic use. This was accomplished by designing an
accessible athletic area in the west, placing three distinct buildings in the center of campus for academics,
and placing a belt of eight residential halls about the southern edges of the academic buildings. This
resulted in a campus custom tailored to the purposes of a residential high school, as well as real world
experience in the decisions that an architect must make.
J12
A Review of the Design for Six Sigma Literature with a Focus on Tools for Systems Architecture and
a Documentation of a Catapult Design Using SysML
Presenter(s)
Angad Rekhi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Jackson, Cornell University
Systems engineering and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) are two methods of system design currently used in
all leading businesses. Knowing the similarities between these two approaches to design is vital to
understanding how some companies are able to limit defects in their products to 3.4 parts per million. This
inquiry delved into literature on this topic and found that design decomposition and interface mapping,
terms often used inconsistently across disciplines, are among the most important similarities between DFSS
and systems engineering. This study also concentrated on streamlining the design process through SysML,
a systems engineering language, using the simple example of a toy catapult. Currently, the systematization
of the catapult design is well underway; use cases are being diagrammed visually. The process is showing
positive results since use cases can be created quickly once the first case has already been developed. The
ability of SysML to streamline projects implies that its use to design systems may become more prevalent
in the future.
71
J13
Maximizing Palladium Nanowire-Based Hydrogen Sensor Performance Through Diblock Copolymer
Pattern Transfer
Presenter(s)
Grant Skudlarek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seth Darling, Argonne National Laboratory
Due to the global climate crisis, development of low-emission hydrogen vehicles is accelerating. Low -cost,
effective sensors will be central in a hydrogen economy. Palladium nanowires have shown great promise as
the detection material in these devices due to greater sensitivity and faster response time. However,
traditional means of fabricating these nanowires used top-down lithography, where each wire is
individually carved from a palladium film - a time-consuming and typically expensive process. With the
approach we have been investigating, wires are etched in parallel via a bottom-up methodology. This is
accomplished using a self-assembling nanostencil called a diblock copolymer, which can be used to
transfer a pattern of parallel cylinders onto a thin film of palladium. We have investigated the self-assembly
of several candidate block copolymer films on various surfaces using atomic force microscopy and are in
the process of developing a protocol to transfer these arrays into underlying metal layers using a
combination of reactive ion etching and ion milling. We are also benchmarking the hydrogen sensing
performance of unpatterned palladium films. Once we fabricate a prototype sensor using the block
copolymer protocol, its success will be marked by how sensitive it is and by how fast its detection response
times are compared to alternative technologies.
J14
Engineering a Durable, Reusable Polycarbonate Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Terence Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
We seek to engineer a water filter that is durable, effective, and re-usable. Our current design is a
polycarbonate membrane mounted in PVC tubing which can be sealed. With a small pore size of 0.2
microns, the membrane is expected to take out 99% of bacteria. However, issues concerning leakage and
unsuccessful sealing pull that percentage down and raise questions about the filter’s actual flow rate and
effectiveness. Preliminary tests show that pond water flows through a 4 cm diameter filter at about 36
ml/hour. Flow rates for tap water are considerably higher at around 200 ml/hour. In order to provide the 40
liters/day needed to sustain families in the third world, pressurized systems involving evacuation have been
considered. A proposed conductivity test, which measures the amount of current flowing through a filter
when properly sealed, showed promise at first but may be considered ineffective due to inconclusive
results. Lastly, the ability to clean the accumulation of debris after repeated use is crucial to the re-usability
of the system. Gentle wiping of the filter’s surface has suggested that the membrane can be cleaned by
hand. Whether this is a practical solution to ensuring the longevity of such a system is still being
investigated.
72
K01
High Above the Ground and Two Finches: A Study of Autism through Writing
Presenter(s)
Dawna Bagherian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A writing project in the form of a book was conducted in order to gain knowledge about autism and human
interactions through writing. Though laboratory research produces new scientific data, research through
writing allows the writer to explore what she already knows, and to strive to better understand her own
interactions with autistic individuals. This project also examined methods of integrating scientific data in
creative pieces. Experimentation was done with regard to transitions, voice, tense, mechanics, and style.
Differences in writing style throughout the year were studied. Writing took the form of short paragraphs on
individual topics that came together to form a long, creative piece A first person, casual, stream-ofconsciousness
style was chosen as optimal, because it allowed for digression, as well as sudden changes in
style when switching from scientific to creative writing. It was found that scientific research can fit into
creative writing through subtle but direct references to specific studies which support an underlying theme
in the piece. Thus far, only a portion of a manuscript has been produced, as style and format were
experimented with, but in the coming months, writing is expected to culminate in a full manuscript for a
book.
K02
Writing Your Way to a Dystopian Novel: Processes and Production
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Byers, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Literature examines every aspect of society, from personal interactions to scientific revelation, and it
provides a creative way to explore possible futures. When constructing literature, an author must examine
every aspect of said literature - its implications, character description, and plot details - all while making it
snappy, clever, and palatable for an audience. Creating a novel requires writing, and writing requires focus,
and focus requires schedule. Writing was conducted under six circumstances for varying times and page
limit requirements. By writing a previously started dystopian novel in different manners, the best method of
composition can be reached: writing daily in previously scheduled blocks of time. For example, a laissezfaire
approach to writing often results in laziness and rushed product, as a weeks worth of composition will
be thrown into a mere few hours, whereas a regimented schedule allows the writer to cool and calm down
before beginning, focus, and not take on too much work at once. To achieve the best possible novel with
the most and best product for the least amount of time, an author should specifically make time for writing
and assimilate writing as a part of his or her everyday activity, as I attempted to do while writing the first
two hundred pages of my own novel.
73
K03
Fashion in Films
Presenter(s)
Allison Rodriguez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For my SIR this year, I began by exploring the relationship between fashion, crime, and violence in films,
which led me to the film noir genre. After researching and viewing several key films from this genre, both
contemporary and classic, I furthered my investigation by focusing on the femme fatale character. Acting
usually as the catalyst to a crime, often feigning innocence, and playing on societal expectations of a
woman's power to manipulate, this character is an essential component of film noir. Over time, the femme
fatale has transformed. The most apparent development has been in aesthetic appearance. From the 1940's
until now, women in film seem to be wearing less and less; sex appeal has integrated itself more overtly
into the film noir genre. In classic films, the femme fatale is dressed in Oscar de la Renta evening gowns,
Burberry trenches, and Chanel suits. Presently, we are accustomed to seeing the women dressed scantily
and provocatively, à la the leather-clad women of Old Towne in Frank Miller’s Sin City. I believe that this
shift is a direct reflection on our society. As years have passed, women have become more sexually
liberated. They are no longer confined by idealistic images but free to dress and act as they please. The
modern femme fatale has transformed, becoming even more independent than her past counterpart. No
longer do they need a man’s help or affection to reach their goals which are usually self-serving.
K04
Sexuality in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century British Plays
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Zaretsky, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Hancock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Britain, sexuality in British plays was dramatically
muted. Here, six plays were selected that spanned the two centuries as well as a range of authors, including
Oscar Wilde and Richard Sheridan. The plays were dissected in search of mentions of sexuality that
supported or contrasted the hypothesis that in the nineteenth century, British authors stuck to a more
prudish sense of sexuality when writing. Research into the context of each play and the social background
suggests that the shift is due to the rise of the middle class as well as an industrial revolution in the late
eighteenth century. In addition, an increase in religion also played a large part in audiences declaring a
taboo on characters having affairs, bedroom scenes, and other variables that were present in the eighteenth
century plays of my selection.
74
K05
Writing a Novel About the Shadows of Human Mind
Presenter(s)
Shuang Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The human mind has many shadows as well as miracles. It is the central that controls all the actions that the
body performs, but because of its complexity there can exist many problems that arise within the mind that
can affect every aspect of a person’s life. In my SIR project, I wrote a novel that contains sorophilia,
domestic violence, and schizophrenia. In the story, I tried to implement what I found out in my research
about how the characters show symptoms of these abnormal behaviors of the mind. I have learned that
mental problems can be very difficult to tell apart from a little mishap. As a result, I have written a novel
with two subplots: one to describe the physical world and the other to describe what is happening inside the
main character’s mind. My goal is to let the readers find out for themselves the “red flags” that other
characters should have watched out for to realize that something was wrong. Although this is a creative
writing project, I have done research to make the plot as believable as possible with many real-world
symptoms of mental dysfunction, and I hope that people can use the knowledge obtained from reading my
novel to help someone by realizing their needs.
L01
Accumulation of Mercury in Lake Michigan and its Effects on Humans
Presenter(s)
Vashti Aguilar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christina Mikulka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What has been the effect of industrial mercury use on the environment and human health in the Great Lakes
region? Mercury is used in many industrial facilities and during medical procedures, however, when not
disposed of properly, the mercury ends up contaminating the environment. When this mercury is released
into the environment, some of it ends up in lake water, which allows it to accumulate in the tissue of fish.
There was 154.82 ng/g of mercury in Lake Michigan trout in 2000, and the following year there was an
average of 158.71 ng/g. Through our research we found that as the levels of mercury in fish increased, the
number of people with mercury contamination also increased. Through the Clean Water Act and Water
Quality Act, implemented in 1977 and 1987, the amount of mercury dumping in Lake Michigan has been
reduced. Although levels of mercury are restricted in Lake Michigan, levels in the atmosphere have risen,
and they still have access to our lakes. Through this inquiry we have seen the possible harmful effects that
mercury can have on humans. It is important that we are aware of mercury contamination, as it could
change what the future holds for our generation, and the generations to come.
75
L02
Modeling Idling Reduction Options for Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks: A Comparison of
Emissions/Energy Use and Economics
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Bennett, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Linda Gaines, Argonne National Laboratory
Long-haul trucks idling overnight consume more than 838 million gallons of fuel a year. Trucks of all types
also idle during the workday while waiting to load or unload, and at bottlenecks like border crossings. The
purpose of this investigation was to determine the cost effectiveness of idling reduction technologies in
order to compare emissions, energy use, and economics. This part of the analysis concentrated on the costs
to the truck owner and estimated savings by using different idling-reduction devices. The costs depend on
several variables: technology or combination of technologies, idling frequency, fuel cost, frequency of
device use, loan term, interest, and payment. Varying fuel prices and idling hour amounts were used to
evaluate current technologies in varying situations. By evaluating minimum value per hour and cost over a
five year period, cost-effective technology is shown to be significantly dependant on diesel fuel price and
idling hour amount. For instance, we found that if fuel prices are low, it is most cost-efficient for a low
idler to idle rather than implement an idling reduction device. But when fuel prices are high or for a high
idler, it is considerably more cost effective to implement an idling reduction device. These results should
allow a driver to choose the best idling reduction device for their situation.
L03
Ethanol Implementation as a Source of Alternative Fuel: IMSA's First Ethanol Powered Engine
Presenter(s)
Justin Glasper, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alisha Vimawala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The energy crisis is one of the most prominent issues in America today. Demand for energy has rocketed in
recent years at an average rate of 4.3 percent. The high-energy costs and demand for fuel consumption are
negatively affecting America’s economy, pressuring scientists to find innovative solutions to this problem.
In recent years, scientists have noted the potential of ethanol as a reliable, energy-efficient, and feasible
form of alternative fuel. Thus, in collaboration with the IMSA Energy Center, we have chosen to explore
the possibility of using sugarcane-based ethanol as a form of alternative energy on campus. In comparison
to corn, sugarcane uses a much simpler method to yield greater amounts of ethanol, making it one of the
most effective and economical sources for large-scale production. In our investigation, both ungrounded
and grounded sugarcane was fermented with various concentrations of yeast and the alpha amylase enzyme
for the breakdown of glucose. The resulting mixture was then distilled using a simple distillation apparatus
to separate the alcohol from the mixture. The ethanol produced was then used in various gasoline and
ethanol mixtures to power a two-stroke engine. Results of these mixtures are still being investigated.
76
L04
Effect of Restoration on Floristic Quality Index of Kane County Prairies
Presenter(s)
Judith Hooymans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Richardson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Numerous restoration projects throughout the Midwest region have been started in an attempt to protect
prairie remnants and revitalize other areas. We investigated how prairie restoration projects in the Kane
County area have improved over time. We received data from active restoration sites at Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia and Kane County Forest Preserve District LeRoy Oaks G-4 preserve in
St. Charles and compared the changes in the floristic quality index (FQI) for each of the prairie plots over
time. Our results showed that continued restoration leads to a net increase of at least ten in the FQI value.
Additionally, there was a net increase in the number of native species observed, but there was no pattern to
the change in the correlation of mean coefficient of conservatism (C) values over time. Four of the twenty
Fermilab prairie plots (plots 4, 14, 16, 20) experienced a statistically significant change in the correlation of
mean C value (p = 0.021, p = 0.011, p = 0.024, p = 0.048). Based on our findings we can conclude that the
more time and effort put into restoration leads to increased biodiversity and similarity to remnant prairies.
L05
IMSA Go Green: Investigating Student Action
Presenter(s)
Kristen Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is substantial research on environmental behavior modeling, yet there is very little research on the
environmental actions of students who have an advanced scientific understanding vis-à-vis their choices
pertaining to ecology and the environment (for example, recycling, conserving energy). This inquiry
examined the environmental behaviors of a diverse group of students from broad ethnic, socio-economic,
and geographic locations, all perceived to share a common connection of education. Through individual
interviews combined with survey-based questions administered across the student population of the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy, this study quantified the environmental consciousness of students and
the institution. Data analysis is in progress to refute or support how motivators (for example, family,
education) are correlated to a passive or active relationship with the environment. The investigation is
significant in that the findings may point to certain conditions under which scientific students choose
actions within the environmental context.
77
L06
Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Presenter(s)
Shyam Saladi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
Pervious concrete is an alternate paving material that may alleviate many of the environmental and water
problems caused by traditional pavements such as downstream non-point pollution and storm water control.
Further investigation regarding sedimentation within and below concrete is necessary to better understand
the sustainability and lifecycle of this concrete. This study investigates the impact of sedimentation on
pervious samples by the artificial introduction of sediment to concrete core samples. Preliminary analysis
shows that a negligible amount of sediment is actually trapped within the pores of pervious concrete
although experimentation is continuing. Though statistically insignificant, an apparent relationship between
the concrete porosity and the amount of sediment held by the concrete after the completion of clogging
cycles was observed. Concrete cores were exposed to sediment in a number of cycles to mimic natural
conditions that pervious concrete installations would be subjected to. This experiment developed insight as
to the effective decrease of porosity of concrete installations for purposes of long-term/lifetime
maintenance.
M01
Predicting Fame: Discovering and Applying Today's Popular Music Techniques
Presenter(s)
Kayla Campbell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Donald Lee-Brown, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Priovolos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Often regarded as an abstract art, composition of music is in fact quite formulaic. The use of rigidly defined
chord progressions, beat patterns, and lyrical structure is particularly evident in the construction of today's
popular music. Certain musical elements are more pleasing to a wider audience than others, and any song in
the genre of "Pop" usually incorporates several of them. During the first half of this study, a list of today's
pop songs was analyzed, and the patterns and structures present in them were distilled out. These patterns
include the standard pop beat, basic chord progressions (I-V-vi-IV), common instrumentation (synthesizer
presets, guitar modulations), and lyrical structure (AABA). The second half of the study was devoted to
using the elements found to compose and produce a song that falls squarely in the genre of popular music.
To do so, an initial chord progression and harmony were decided upon, and a melody was composed to fit
pre-written lyrics. The final production included recording vocals, instrumentation, and final editing. More
so than any other class of music, pop music has defined elements that can be taken and applied towards
new pop music compositions.
78
M02
Films and the Auteur
Presenter(s)
Daniel (Mac) Nelsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Movies, films, or flicks, or whatever you may call them, demand some creative guidance. The director,
who has control over many artistic choices, is like an author of a literary work. In the film world, directors
are auteurs, which is French for author. In phase one of my investigation, I studied the films and some
criticism of many accomplished auteurs, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and David Fincher. In
doing so, I saw patterns in their works, almost like signatures from each director. After studying several
films, my investigation moved to phase two, the production phase. I identified a scene from Truffaut’s
Fahrenheit 451 and reproduced it three different ways. Taking an almost scientific approach, I wanted to
have a control and then two experiments with altered variables. My goal was to get a concrete
understanding of the effects of an auteur’s choices. The control is a shot by shot (movement and
composition) replication of Truffaut’s and establishes a standard of quality and content for my experiment.
The second keeps the same shots to keep the same visual impact but changes the content (script and props).
The third keeps the original content but changes the shots. The results illustrate the effects of camera work
on interpretation.
M03
Production of a Twenty-first Century Musical
Presenter(s)
Nicholos Reid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stephanie Williams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Priovolos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A musical is a play that tells a story through song and dance with many different aspects. Our study of the
century musical took place at the Oriental Theater in Chicago while observing from the audience and the
backstage production of the musical Chicago. We looked at the staging and chorography of the actors, the
music, and all of the different technical elements (lighting and costuming) that go into producing a twentyfirst
century musical. The way an actor is standing and their position on stage says a lot about the character
they are portraying while the music and lyrics express the emotions of the character. The style of a song
and lighting of a scene let the theatergoer glimpse many aspects of a scene that otherwise may not be
portrayed in a tangible way. We accomplished working with the theater world at their speed, which resulted
in much frustration on our part, to create a great SIR project. Overall every aspect of a musical, the actors,
music, chorography, staging, lighting, and costuming, come together to give the watcher insight into the
characters the actors are portraying producing a show that stays with the watcher even after leaving the
presence of the stage.
79
N01
The Voynich Manuscript
Presenter(s)
Elsa Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Guy Macarol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Voynich manuscript is one of the most mysterious documents extant, whether it be an alchemical text
in an unknown language or a clever fraud. In this inquiry, we research various probable contexts for its
existence, its possible history with English mysticism, and carefully analyze its linguistic and cryptographic
aspects. We have created a font based on its unusual alphabet and have run basic analyses on passages from
the text. We have also examined some of the more interesting aspects of the manuscript, such as why
certain letters only appear in the middle of words, or with other letters. Even though the text may, in fact,
be meaningless, the question of why such a strict set of guidelines was adopted for a nonsense language is
truly baffling. While it is unlikely that we will come across any new possibilities, the manuscript’s possible
histories are intriguing.
N02
Seafaring: Technology, History, and Economics
Presenter(s)
Lauraleigh Heffner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Seafaring evolved to accommodate the needs of the world. In my inquiry, I examined how technology,
history, and economics played a role in each of the major ships by reviewing literature and observing the
characteristics of each. As civilization expanded into northern Europe, it was discovered that Mediterranean
ships could not survive the Atlantic. Vikings developed knorrs and began trading small cargo, such as
precious metals, spices and slaves. The cog evolved during the Middle Ages to carry bulk goods, including
salt, wool, flour, and iron. Lower shipping costs stimulated the European economy. The cog made this
possible. The carrack then expanded this wealth globally allowing Europe to control the trade and wealth
between countries. Without carracks providing the cargo capacity, cannons and range, Magellan may not
have circumnavigated the world. Next, the caravel sailed beautifully, but could not carry a lot. The galleon,
developed by the English, was a compromise between the carrack and caravel. This combination between
the sailing, cargo capacity, and military strength changes the entire face of history. Seafaring allowed great
explorations, on which, new civilizations formed and science advanced. Without seafaring, we would not
have advanced to the civilization we live in today.
80
O01
Music Copyright and Royalty Laws: The Impact of Technology on the Music Industry
Presenter(s)
Amanda Cohen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barry Irwin, Kirkland and Ellis
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Technological changes have altered the way people obtain and listen to music. Currently, there is
legislation, the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 4789 and S. 2500), being considered that will change the way
performers are compensated when their music is enjoyed via new and existing technologies. From
evaluating the current system that controls when artists get compensation for use of their musical works
and the historical rationale behind this system, I believe the existing compensation scheme needs to be
modified in the interest of fairness. Although I do not agree that the Performance Rights Act (which
provides performers compensation for use of their works on over-the-air radio stations) will completely
solve the public performance royalty issues that the United States has faced for decades, I believe the act is
a step in the right direction of fair compensation. I have prepared a paper that I will seek to publish,
advocating the general principles of the Performance Rights Act, as well as other appropriate compensation
schemes. This paper will be sent to Congress with the intention of securing for all artists fair compensation
for their musical contributions
O02
Improving Romania’s Adoption System: Comparative Analysis and Application of Western
Adoption Systems
Presenter(s)
Ana Dumitrescu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mihaela Raicu, Chitown Law
The adoption system in Romania is an outdated system that started in the communist era and remains
inadequate for the present times. Official statistics show that the number of kids in state institutions in
Romania is thirty-three thousand, many of which have disabilities and all of which are neglected. This
immense number is mostly due to the new legislation passed in 2001 that bans inter-country adoptions due
to corruption and inadequacy in the system. In this study, I researched five developed countries’ adoption
system and state institutions for orphans, specifically examining education. Within these institutions,
education and living conditions showed the greatest disparity between Romania and the developed
countries. The developed countries do not have orphanages like Romania, but have residential treatment
centers that resemble more of a boarding school. Romania’s military does have a small program that takes
in orphans and educates them. The orphans taken in by the military are in significantly better conditions
then those in orphanages. Looking at the research of the developed countries, it is safe to conclude that
Romania needs to rid itself of the orphanages and invest in treatment centers. Also, the adoption system
needs to be organized like the systems in the developed countries.
81
O03
The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Investigating Implementation in Chicago
Presenter(s)
Abigail Flynn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Catrina Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most comprehensive document in existence
outlining the rights of children as human beings. At present, every nation except the United States and
Somalia has ratified the CRC, a fact which President Obama calls an embarrassment to the US government.
Human rights advocates hope that local and state-wide support will encourage the national ratification of
the CRC. Our work has been focused in Chicago, a "UNICEF child-friendly city." Through research
conducted on the state of Chicago's children, we have found the condition of Chicago's children can be
improved. Chicago's support of the CRC can provide a common framework for the different arms of
Chicago's government to actively consider the needs of its children in its policy decisions, especially in the
areas of health, education, and protection against violence. In partnership with law students and professors
at Northwestern Law's Bluhm Legal Clinic and a coalition of children's rights organizations, we have
worked towards the recent passage of a resolution in support of the CRC in Chicago.
P01
Application of Different Voting Systems to the 2007 French Presidential Election
Presenter(s)
Matthew Castillon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Porzio, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
France uses a two-round runoff system for their presidential elections. In this system, which is common in
elections with more than two viable candidates, voters select their top candidate. If there is no candidate
with a majority (50%+1 vote) after this round, then the two candidates with the highest vote totals advance
to a second round of voting where the top vote-getter is the winner. In 2007, the center-right candidate,
Nicolas Sarkozy, defeated the center-left candidate, Ségolène Royal, in the second round after they had
received the two highest totals in the first round. In this investigation, we looked at how different voting
systems would have affected the final outcome of the 2007 French presidential election. The systems we
examined include plurality, instant-runoff, and Borda count. For rank-order voting systems, we compared
candidates and developed a three-dimensional plot based on their political positions in areas of economic,
social, and international policy. We then generated hypothetical ballots based on each candidate’s distances
from each other. Preliminary results indicate that the centrist, third-place finisher, François Bayrou, would
have faired much better in these alternative voting systems. If these preliminary results hold up to be true,
then this study can be used to inform those who seek to change any existing constructed electoral system.
82
P02
Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials with Isolated Singularities
Presenter(s)
Irene Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stephen Yau, University of Illinois at Chicago
Let +(a,b,c,d,e) be an 5-dimensional real simplex with vertices at (a,0,0,0,0), (0,b,0,0,0), ... , (0,0,0,0,e), and
let P5 be the number of positive integral points found within +(a,b,c,d,e). Given these hypotheses, we
naturally wonder how P5 can be either bounded or calculated. In this paper, we explore the question of
counting the number of integral points in a 5-dimensional simplex and find an upper bound for P5. We
prove that 5!*P5 ' (a-1)(b-1)(c-1)(d-1)(e-1) - [(e-1)^5 - (e-1)(e-2)(e-3)(e-4)] for a ( b ( c ( d ( e ( 4.25.
Consequently, we have proved the Yau conjecture for n = 5, which is: n!*p ' " - h(v), where p, ", and v are
the geometric genus, the Milnor number of the singularity and the multiplicity, respectively.
P03
On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and Torus
Presenter(s)
Bonny Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince
The degree sequence of a graph is the list of its vertex degrees counted with multiplicity (usually given in
nonincreasing order). A graphic realization of a sequence S is a graph with degree sequence S. An
embedding of a graph is a drawing of its edges and vertices on a surface such that no edges cross. The
problem of determining which degree sequences have the property that every graphic realization is planar
was addressed by Prince and Wenger. This raised the question of which degree sequences have every
realization embed on other surfaces, namely the projective plane and the torus. In this talk we discuss joint
work with Prince regarding the embedding of realizations of degree sequences on the projective plane and
torus.
83
Q01
Pegylated Interferon-Induced Graft Dysfunction after Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Case
Control Study
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Levitsky, Northwestern University
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has now become the most common indication for liver
transplantation in the United States. Hepatitis C recurrence is virtually universal after liver transplantation;
interferon-alpha (INF) has been utilized to delay the progression of recurrent hepatitis C, which causes
damage to transplanted livers. In this investigation, the population studied involved ten cases of liver
transplant recipients demonstrating evidence of graft dysfunction treated with PEG INF. These patients
were compared to a control population of liver transplant recipients without graft dysfunction. Preliminary
data collection revealed that HCV allograft dysfunction can be affected by PEG INF therapy; however, as
the project continues, a greater number of patients will be enrolled to determine the dose and the duration
of this therapy to affect outcome. Potential risk factors to be considered that were identified in analysis
ranged from ethnicity to medication dose; these factors could significantly alter the decision-making
process regarding which patients to consider for PEG INF treatment. Also, knowledge of management and
outcomes would provide useful guidance for physicians treating patients who develop this complication,
particularly data regarding HCV recurrence as well as patient and graft survival in those requiring
retransplantation.
Q02
Mapping Genes Involved in Chronic Sinusitis
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jayant Pinto, University of Chicago
Chronic sinusitis is an important public health problem causing significant impact on quality of life. Our
studies were initiated in the Hutterites, a religious group that practices a communal lifestyle and shares
common environmental exposures. We completed a genome-wide screen for genetic variation influencing
susceptibility to chronic sinusitis. The largest linkage signal (P=.0023) was discovered on chromosome
7q31, suggesting a role for genetic variation in this region influencing susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in
the Hutterites. We sought to expand these results by enlarging the number of subjects in our study through
new phenotyping field trips to South Dakota. Approximately three hundred more subjects were studied, and
their medical histories were reviewed. Relevant environmental exposures and medical history were
obtained, along with relevant testing (allergy and smell). We also reviewed medical records of subjects who
presented sinus symptoms. We are in the process of analyzing these data and plan to conduct a genomewide
association study using the enlarged data set to improve upon our prior results. We have concluded
that genetic factors affect cause for chronic sinusitis, and as the project continues, we plan to investigate
genes demonstrating significant associations in the Hutterites. Ultimately, understanding the molecular
pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis may lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this
burdensome disease.
84
Q03
The Effects of Different Surfactants, Curosurf and Survanta, on the Survival and Outcome of Infants
with Birth Weight Equal to or Less than 1000 Grams from Three Time Periods
Presenter(s)
Shelly Bhanot, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shilpa Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christine Sajous, Loyola University Medical Center
In our study, we examined the effects of Curosurf and Survanta on babies weighing 1000 grams or less.
Curosurf and Survanta are medications used on premature to aid in respiratory development. Babies from
the year 1984 prior to the use of surfactants were compared to those from 1994 and 2004-2006. The overall
survival and survival within specific sub-groups, such as race and gender, were observed over the
researched time periods. Additional observations included: babies with homecare, discharge type, hearing
screen, and the newborns who required laser surgery for severe Retinopathy of Prematurity. We studied
these figures to see a possible relationship between the advancement of surfactant, survival rate, and longterm
development of premature babies. Our current analysis from our retrospective chart review is
underway. A comparison of Curosurf and Survanta will provide a further understanding of the effectiveness
of each surfactant which could advance the medical community.
Q04
Patient Safety in Surgery: An Examination of Hand Hygiene and Physician Communication
Presenter(s)
Andrea Castaldo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Czaplicki, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy McDonald, University of Illinois at Chicago
Developing a safe environment for patients is of utmost concern to hospitals and surgery centers.
Appropriate hand hygiene decreases the number of hospital acquired infections. Effective communication
between physicians decreases adverse events. Over four months, the hand hygiene habits of physicians and
other staff at the University of Illinois Medical Center (UIMC) were measured, establishing a hand washing
compliance rate between patient contacts at only 28.7%. After we developed and implemented a program,
approved by the Department of Safety and Risk Management, to meet the needs of the Surgicenter at the
UIMC, the hand washing compliance rate increased to 63.3%. This effective program included posters,
stickers, portable hand sanitizers, and personal interventions. To improve physician communication, a
training program for residents was implemented by medical staff at UIMC. This program’s effects,
currently being observed, are to promote effective communication of patient information during hand-offs
of surgery patients between physicians. These preliminary results reveal the potential for significant
improvement in patient safety. Through UIMC’s willingness to share data and programs that work to
improve patient safety, it is hoped that many other medical centers will learn ways to improve patient
safety at their institutions and save lives in the process.
85
Q05
Epidemiological Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Presenter(s)
Brian Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Childrens Memorial Research Center
Guorong Liu, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
A recurring problem throughout health care facilities is the occurrence of nosocomial infections. One
bacterium in particular, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequently encountered in
hospital settings. Identifying the source of nosocomial infections is complicated because community
acquired MRSA must be distinguished from resident hospital strains. In an effort to distinguish between the
two, the CDC and others have developed the current USA typing system. This system uses pulsed-field gel
electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns as a primary tool for typing. Recently a semi automated typing system,
Diversilab, was developed. This study was designed to assess the utility of the Diversilab system in
examining strains of community-acquired MRSA and their USA types to compare standard PFGE to
Diversilab results. Strains previously characterized by the Diversilab system were tested with PFGE. Next,
analysis software determined percent relatedness (using a similarity index) between samples by PFGE.
Finally, Kirby Bauer susceptibility tests were used to determine antibiograms to support PFGE results.
Strains within USA typing groups as determined by Diversilab show different PFGE patterns and
susceptibilities. Our results suggest that the current Diversilab system may not be robust enough to
discriminate between community-acquired strains and nosocomial strains of MRSA if found in a hospital
setting.
Q06
Cardiovascular Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Presenter(s)
Lakshmi Girijala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Louis Cohen, University of Chicago
Ankit Desai, University of Chicago
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH), the increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, vein, or
capillaries, often occurs in patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD). In a survival study of patients with SCD
and PH, 70 percent of patients without PH lived through the ten-year study, while the median survival for
patients with SCD and PH was 26 months (Castro, 2003). Given this dramatic increase in mortality, this
investigation aims to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of PH in SCD patients by better
characterizing their cardiopulmonary complications by utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and
trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). The study seeks to recruit patients with SCD and perform CMR
and TTE on participants, and compare the findings to control patients. Because the IRB proposal approval
is pending, researchers have read journal articles and medical textbooks describing normal human anatomy
and physiology, SCD, PH, CMR, and echocardiography in order to draw connections between these topics.
To summarize the information from the journal readings and discussions, interval reviews were written.
From these reviews, the pathophysiology of PH in correlation with SCD and the uses of CMR and
echocardiography in identifying SCD complicated PH was drawn. Finally, to obtain the practical
background knowledge on these new imaging modalities used in this project, imaging conferences have
been attended.
86
Q07
The Feasibility of Melanoma-Related Immunotherapy Methods in Patients with
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Mary Reust, Loyola University
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease which is characterized by the hyperproliferation
of smooth muscle throughout the lung parenchyma. There are few effective treatments of the disease;
however, the expression of certain melanoma-related antigens in LAM suggests that immunotherapy may
be a feasible treatment for LAM patients. To test this, we used both single and double
immunohistochemistry methods (indirect) to compare the abundance of expression of melanoma-related
antigens and immune infiltrates between five LAM, three normal, and three melanoma tissue samples. We
found that in partially overlapping subsets of cells in LAM lung tissue samples gp100, MART-1, TRP-1,
and TRP-2, all melanoma-associated antigens, were expressed. On the other hand, tyrosinase, also a
commonly targeted antigen in melanoma, was not observed. We also found that the presence of T cells in
LAM samples was comparable to that in normal tissue and less compared to Melanoma samples. This
indicated that although in the LAM samples there was a broad expression of potential target antigens, the
immune system was not presenting these antigens to cytotoxic T cells (such as CD8) as well as in
Melanoma. The immune response to the melanoma associated antigens in LAM patients still has room for
improvement, supporting the feasibility of immunotherapy aimed towards these specific antigens.
Q08
Anti-Cancer Drug Nanoparticles as Carriers of DNA into Cells
Presenter(s)
Sushma Kola, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Gemeinhart, University of Illinois at Chicago
A rising number of potential pharmaceuticals are poorly soluble in solutions, leading to abandoned drug
development efforts. A promising remedy to this impasse is the use of drug nanoparticles. Nanotechnologybased
drug delivery systems have become increasingly important in treating cancer, genetic diseases, and
other illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether drug nanoparticles can interact with
DNA to form a potential drug delivery agent. Estradiol (E2) (0, 5, 10, 25 mg/mL) was precipitated from
acetone in the presence of DNA (0, 125, 250, 500 ng/mL) to create DNA-coated drug nanoparticles.
Fluorescence spectrometry was used to quantify the amount of DNA coating the E2 particles. Following,
the effects of varying E2 concentrations on particle appearance were examined using light microscopy.
PicoGreen reagent was then added to the suspension of DNA-coated drug nanoparticles which were
exposed to a culture of MCF7 cells. As expected, higher concentrations of E2 yielded larger particles. It is
anticipated that higher concentrations of DNA will result in a greater degree of DNA transfection.
Fluorescence microscopy is underway to determine the quantity of GFP produced by the cells as a result of
E2 particle uptake. Results suggest that DNA-coated drug nanoparticles have the potential to serve as
quality therapeutic agents for cancer and other diseases.
87
Q09
The Effect of Platelet Activating Factor on Nuclear Factor kappa B Dependent Luciferase Activity in
vivo in a Mouse Model of Acute Bowel Injury
Presenter(s)
Pruthvi Kothari, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabelle De Plaen, Children's Memorial Research Hospital
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal illness that causes acute bowel inflammation
and necrosis, and occurs predominantly in premature infants. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), an
endogenous phospholipid, is thought to play a central role in the development of NEC. When injected
systemically into mice, it produces acute bowel injury. Our laboratory has shown that PAF activates
nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B), a transcription factor that regulates the transcription of inflammatory genes, in
the intestine within 30 minutes of exposure. In this study, we wanted to determine whether PAF induces
NF--B-dependent luciferase activity in vivo in young adult male transgenic mice that produce GFPluciferase
upon NF-,B activation (NGL). Mice were anesthetized and their carotid artery was catheterized
for a PAF injection. Luciferin was injected every hour and imagings were performed every 5 minutes for
the 4-hour experimental period. We found that the levels of luminescence were highly variable from mouse
to mouse and there were no statistically significant differences between PAF-treated animals and controls
at the times examined. We will now confirm these findings by performing a luciferase assay on the
collected intestinal tissues.
Q10
The Effect of Dichloroacetate on Cancer Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Kyi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Morris Kletzel, Childrens Memorial Hospital
Marie Olszewski, Childrens Memorial Hospital
A unique metabolic characteristic of most cancer cells is glycolysis. Glycolysis shuts down the
mitochondria in the cell. The cell’s ability to then resist against apoptosis is greatly enhanced. As a result,
cells begin to divide uncontrollably which result in what we know today as cancer. The drug tested in this
experiment is called dichloroacetate. Dichloroacetate or DCA is a chemical compound which upstarts
“sleeping” mitochondrial cells and restart the apoptotic process. In the following experiment, the effect that
DCA had on a cancer stem cell line was tested. Two groups of cells were tested: treated groups with 5mM
or 10mM DCA. On a weekly basis, cells were run through a viability test and a cell count test. In both tests,
cell death was observed. RNA was extracted from the cell group and a RT-PCR test was run on the
extracted RNA. By running the RT-PCR, a particular sequence of RNA would be amplified, allowing for
the viral sequence to be identified. The results gathered in this experiment strongly supports our prediction
that DCA would cause the cancer cells in culture to die. It was observed that the higher the concentration of
DCA, the more effective the treatment was.
88
Q11
Gene Therapy Treatment of Breast Cancer Involving Transforming Growth Factor-! Inhibition
Promoted by Modified Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
Presenter(s)
Bob Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Prem Seth, North Shore University Health System Research Institute
Zhenwei Zhang, North Shore University Health System Research Institute
This new advancement in the treatment of breast cancer involves gene therapy resulting in the inhibition of
the TGF-# signaling pathway. All somatic cells in the body depend on the TGF-# signaling pathway to
regulate cellular growth, and the pathway has also been shown to be a major factor promoting the
metastasis of cancer cells and bone osteolysis. In earlier investigations, adenoviral vector Ad.sT#RFc,
which expresses the sTGF#RIIFc protein that arrests the TGF-# signaling pathway, was constructed. The
application of this virus to nude mice bearing xenografted human breast cancer tumors has demonstrated
verified results in successfully destroying cancer cells. This investigation focuses on a new development in
the experimental treatment, the addition of modified human telomerase, a reverse transcriptase enzyme that
assists viral replication with high efficacy in cancer cells, which created adenoviral vector
mhTERTAd.sT#RFc. This enzyme allows the adenoviral vector to better target and restrict its TGF-#
inhibitory effects to breast cancer cells. Experimental results have shown a 6,000-fold increase in viral
production in a 48-hour infection period. The effects of protein TGF#-1 have been shown to be nullified,
preventing downstream SMAD-3 phosphorylation and IL-11 production. Further investigation of using
mhTERTAd.sT#RFc as an anti-tumor agent shows much promise.
Q12
The Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition on Disc Degeneration
Presenter(s)
Kristen Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hee-Jeong Sampen, Rush University Medical Center
The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13) degrades a critical component of the intervertebral disc (IVD),
type II collagen, which can lead to decreased IVD strength. Lower back pain is linked with disc
degeneration and at present, treatments center around relieving the symptoms, not the cause. Because
activated MMP-13 plays a pathogenic role in IVD, it may be an ideal target for inhibition due to its
distribution throughout normal tissue. Direct response to disc degeneration may offer a more direct
treatment to LBP. This investigation assessed whether selective inhibitors of MMP-13 activation would
prevent collagen degradation and restrain disc degeneration. By treating bovine cells with the anabolic OP-
1, catabolic IL-1alpha, a control, and the MMP-13 inhibitor, I attempted to determine if the MMP-13
inhibitor would retard collagen degradation. By conducting a DNA assay, I examined the effects of the
fore-mentioned treatments on cell proteoglycan levels, elements of the IVD, normalized to DNA levels.
The data yielded inconclusive findings and demanded that the experiment be re-administered or another
pathway be taken to determining the effects of an MMP-13 inhibitor on collagen degradation.
89
Q13
Effects of DNMT3B7, a Truncated DNMT3B Protein Found in Human Tumors, on Murine
Lymphomas
Presenter(s)
Bohao Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Godley, University of Chicago
Aparna Vasanthakumar, University of Chicago
Cancer cells display abnormal splicing of the DNMT3B gene, which encodes one of the DNA
methyltransferase enzymes. Splicing of this gene in cancer cells commonly produces a truncated protein
called DNMT3B7 which causes abnormal methylation. Currently, little is understood about exactly how
DNMT3B7 alters DNA methylation. In this study, we tested the effects of DNMT3B7 on E"Myc-induced
murine lymphomas. E"Myc and DNMT3B7 transgenic mice were interbred to create E"Myc/DNMT3B7
double transgenic mice. We found that these double transgenic mice exhibit a higher incidence of
mediastinal lymphoma formation versus the E"Myc mice. We performed gene expression profiling using
microarray technology and found that 227 genes showed differential expression between the E"Myc single
transgenic and the E"Myc/DNMT3B7double transgenic mice. We mapped these genes onto the mouse
chromosomes and identified a significant number of differentially expressed genes located in clusters on
chromosomes three and five. In order to determine how DNMT3B7 causes these alterations, we are
analyzing the DNA methylation patterns in selected genes on chromosome five using bisulfite-sequencing
of DNA obtained from mediastinal lymphomas. Bisulfite sequencing will allows us to measure the DNA
methylation of individual CpG dinucleotides within the promoters of the differentially expressed genes.
Our analysis of these DNA sequences may lead the way to understanding how truncated DNMT3B
isoforms function in cancer.
Q14
All-trans Retinoic Acid induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Death in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Cells
Presenter(s)
Yue Lu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Amareshwar Singh, Northwestern University
Mantle cell Llymphoma (MCL) is a blood cancer that accounts for 5-10% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. It is a subtype of B-cell lymphoma with a poor response to chemotherapy. In our studies, we
have shown that a drug, ATRA, a Vitamin A metabolite, caused the production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS), also called as oxygen radicals, in MCL cells. We think that this generation of ROS may have a role
in killing MCL cells. Toward this end, we tested the effects of ATRA on apoptosis (programmed cell
death) in Granta cells (MCL cells). ATRA used in this study was packaged into nanoscale particles to
increase solubilization and delivery into the cells. To determine their effects on apoptosis, Granta cells were
incubated with ATRA-ND for 24 hours and apoptosis measured with annexin V/propidium iodide binding
and FACS analysis. ATRA-ND significantly induced apoptosis at 24 hours compared to an untreated
control. We measured ROS by H2 DCFDA staining and FACS following incubation of Granta cells with
ATRA-ND. At 6 hours, ATRA-ND induced a significant ROS generation in Granta cells. In summary, our
data indicate that ATRA-ND stimulated ROS in Granta cells and that this observation is correlated with the
induction of apoptosis in Granta cells.
90
Q15
Generating a Dendritic Cell Activating DNA Vaccine for Melanoma
Presenter(s)
Harika Nalluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, occurs by malignant transformation of melanocytes. The
aim is to induce anti-tumor responses in patients with melanoma by vaccinating them with a DNA
construct encoding a fusion protein involving a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) derived peptide and fulllength
melanoma-associated antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1). We hypothesize that the 11-mer
HSP70 peptide is sufficient to activate dendritic cells, which will efficiently present MART-1 peptides and
stimulate an immune response against the melanoma. We isolated RNA from a melanoma cell line and
conducted a reverse transcriptase polymerized chain reaction (RT-PCR) with gene-specific primers to
obtain full-length 0.354 kB MART-1 cDNA. Additional primers were designed to tag the HSP70 peptide
encoding sequence in-frame to either end of the MART-1 sequence. The DNA was inserted into a
eukaryotic expression vector and amplified in bacteria. Isolated plasmid was commercially sequenced using
the T7 primer annealing site upstream of the open reading frame. Three of the twenty-nine sequenced
inserts were 100% homologous with reference sequences and in the correct orientation. The next step is to
transfect plasmid DNA into human embryonic kidney cells and to analyze for functional protein synthesis
by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The construct will later be tested in functional assays.
Q16
Blood Type as a Risk Factor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates
Presenter(s)
Hannah Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University Medical Center
Sherri Yong, Loyola University Medical Center
There are 7,000 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) per year, and it is responsible for an increasing
number of infectious disease-associated late deaths in low birth weight infants. Numerous studies have
examined risk factors in infants for NEC; however, no studies have examined blood type as a risk factor.
We have retrospectively analyzed twenty years of medical data for infants that had NEC, specifically
analyzing the blood types and NEC occurrence rates and outcomes. We established the control group by
inputting data for three hundred infants without NEC in the same setting and time span. We believe blood
type is a possible risk factor for infants regarding NEC. Preliminary findings indicate that AB blood type
could put infants at risk for a more severe course of NEC. This may be because the O infants have A and B
antibodies, where as the AB infants have no antibodies. Conclusive results would indicate that a possible
treatment for AB infants to increase survival rates is the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment,
which contains IgG immunoglobulins (antibodies) from plasma donors. Being able to identify the infants at
highest risk of developing NEC at an earlier point in time may help increase their survival chances.
91
Q17
Predicting Academic and Clinical Distinction in a Sixty Minute Medical School Interview
Presenter(s)
Hannah Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University Medical Center
Previous studies have shown the medical school interview to be unreliable in predicting success in medical
school. Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) is a national medical school honor society that recognizes the top 15%
of a graduating class. Our objective was to determine if a sixty minute interview by a single, experienced
interviewer can predict academic distinction in medical school. Between 1987 and 2003, 1190 medical
school applicants were interviewed by a single interviewer with a closed file and received a score of: 1-5
with 5 being outstanding. The applicants were cross referenced with the National AOA Registry and their
interview score, gender, and AOA status were recorded. We propose twelve insightful components for an
interview. Of these 1190 interviewed candidates, 185 were inducted into AOA nationally. Interview scores
were significantly higher in AOA inductees (p < 0.05). In this cohort, significantly more males than
females became AOA inductees (p < 0.05). The interview process described is effective in getting to the
core of the applicant’s character and potential. This process significantly predicted academic and clinical
distinction in medical school. The induction of more males than females in this cohort warrants more
investigation.
Q18
The Affect of the Implementation of Computed Tomography on the Negative Appendectomy Rate at
Loyola University Medical Center
Presenter(s)
Sarah Rokosh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Santaniello, Loyola University
Out of the roughly 250,000 appendectomies performed each year, about 15%, or 37,500, of these surgeries
result in the removal of a healthy appendix, with women far more likely to have a negative appendectomy
(25%) compared to men (12%). Until the recent transition from clinical diagnosis to more accurate
imaging, physicians relied largely on clinical examinations and lab workups in diagnosis of acute
appendicitis. The implementation of CT scans in diagnosis should arguably decrease the number of
appendices needlessly removed from the traditionally accepted 15% to a more acceptable 2%. Therefore, I
conducted retrospective research over the past six years (2003-2008) to evaluate the significance in the
change, if one is observed, in the negative appendectomy (NA) rate at Loyola University Medical Center
(LUMC) after the implementation of computed tomography (CT) scans in diagnosis. From these patients’
charts, I recorded age, gender, white blood cell count, noteworthy observations in the CT scan, as well as
notes on the operative and pathological reports. Data analysis demonstrated that the NA rate at LUMC is
2%, the rate the current medical community is pushing to be the new standard.
92
Q19
A Case Control Study of Polymorphisms in the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Patients with
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms versus Healthy Controls
Presenter(s)
Aldo Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isolina Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Pearce, Northwestern University
Vera Shively, Northwestern University
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease. In AAA, the enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase-9
(MMP-9), weakens the walls of the aorta by degrading structural proteins, which can lead to a fatal rupture.
AAAs are most commonly seen in white males over age fifty years, who have a history of smoking.
Previous studies have shown that there are increased amounts MMP-9 in AAA tissue specimens. We
analyzed a polymorphic portion of the MMP-9 gene; a location on the gene that is known to show natural
variation in humans. In our case, we analyzed a single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, that is located at
position -1562 in the promoter of the gene. A cysteine (C) or thymidine (T) is found at this location. The T
allele has been associated with higher transcription rates of the gene. We hypothesize that AAA patients
will have more T’s at -1562 versus a population of healthy age-matched white male controls. To date, our
results do not support this hypothesis. Of the samples we have genotyped, only three of nineteen AAA
samples have a T allele, while eight of twenty-four control samples have the T allele.
Q20
The Severity, Causes, and Effects of Sleep Deprivation at IMSA
Presenter(s)
Priya Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA students often complain that they don’t receive an adequate amount of sleep, although the reasons
for this remain unclear. While some people attribute this to improper time management, others believe that
IMSA’s challenging atmosphere forces students to forgo sleep in order to complete schoolwork. To better
understand the causes and effects of sleep loss at IMSA, a questionnaire concerning sleep loss and habits
was distributed to seventy-five students. Included was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), a selfadministered
questionnaire which assesses sleepiness on a scale of 0-24; a score higher than 10 indicates
excessive sleepiness. The average score on the ESS was 10.62. Also included in the questionnaire were
questions concerning students’ sleep, such as students’ time management, sleep hygiene and quality, and
the effects of their sleep. These data were used to test the hypothesis that IMSA students receive an
inadequate amount of sleep (5.75 hours per night) compared to the recommended nine hours (t=20.649,
df=74, p=3.318x10-32). Understanding the severity, causes, and effects of sleep deprivation at IMSA allows
for solutions to this growing problem to be utilized, such the improvement of sleep hygiene and later school
starting times. Not only would this be beneficial to students’ quality of sleep, but their overall lifestyle
could also improve.
93
Q21
Relationship Between Horizontal Reaction Force and Walking Velocity in People Post-Stroke
Presenter(s)
Evan Schwerbrock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Brown, Northwestern University
Our investigation was to determine and analyze the force-velocity curve in walking motion in both nonimpaired
and impaired test groups and compare the two. Using the KineAssist robot to collect data and
assist in the safety of our experiment, a range of velocities is chosen. The KineAssist’s isokinetic testing
capabilities are used and subjects must walk against that force with maximal effort all while keeping a
natural walking motion. Maximum and average force outputs are recorded. We found that as velocity went
up, force output went down. The trends for this decrease can vary. So far, our results indicate strikingly
similar trend lines for the stroke survivors (N=3) and control subjects (N=9). The difference, however, is
that the stroke survivors have smaller velocity ranges (they are incapable of walking as fast as the control
group) and their force outputs plummet much faster (they can’t produce as much force at a higher velocity).
The force outputs at low velocities however are quite high and similar to those of the control group. In fact,
thus far we have found that the theoretical force outputs at 0 m/s (maximal outputs) are not statistically
different. This leads us to propose that it would be more beneficial to train stroke survivors at low velocities
with heavy resistance in order to stimulate increases in muscle strength.
Q22
Determining Postoperative Risks of Preoperative Frailty and Hypoalbuminemia
Presenter(s)
Joan Steffen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathleen Grady, Northwestern University
Richard Lee, Northwestern University
Michael Yensel, Northwestern University
Frailty is a syndrome which is often associated with higher risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality. The
purpose of this investigation is to determine whether frailty and serum albumin levels are preoperative risk
factors for post operative morbidity, mortality, and poor quality of life. The sample size for this study was
thirty patients. Data were collected through chart review and patient performance and self-report. A
dynanometer was used to measure grip strength, a stopwatch was used to time a fifteen foot walk, and the
medical outcomes study 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was used to collect self-report quality of
life data. Statistical analyses included the use of descriptive analyses, such as frequencies and measures of
central tendency, and correlations. Findings included a significant relationship between pre-operative frailty
and post-operative morbidity, mortality, and poorer quality of life. A strong correlation between preoperative
frailty and pre-operative hypoalbuminemia was found. The identification of the relationships
between frailty, serum albumin, and post-operative outcomes could aid clinicians in the pre-surgical
education of patients regarding post-surgical outcomes. Also, clinicians would be better informed of frailty
as a risk factor for post-surgical morbidity, mortality, and poor quality of life and therefore could develop
and test interventions to reduce frailty pre-operatively and promote good outcomes post-operatively.
94
Q23
Calcium Handling Heterogeneity within Normal and Failing Myocytes
Presenter(s)
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Ca2 cycling within the heart regulates the contraction and relaxation cycles that allow blood to circulate
throughout the body consistently. However, during congestive heart failure (CHF), many changes occur in
this cycling that reduce the heart's performance under resting and elevated heart rates. Our purpose is to
compare the heterogeneity in cellular Ca2 cycling between normal hearts and those in CHF. Ca2 transients
were measured across single cells in two different sets of rats: WKY (control) and aged-matched SHR
(spontaneously hypertensive) in CHF using flou-4 fluorescent dye and confocal microscopy. Various
transient characteristics were measured under a basal (basic cycle length - 700 ms) and rapid pacing
conditions. Preliminary trends include: 1) calcium handling defects occur in CHF that result in prolonged
transient duration and decreased transient amplitude; 2) the natural heterogeneity of calcium transients
between sarcomeres is exaggerated in heart failure; 3) the initiations of calcium transients has increased
heterogeneity in CHF compared to normal hearts. These trends are based upon the preliminary analysis
done on four different SHR and WKY rats. Currently, the analysis is still ongoing and in the future a
greater scope of trends and the specific changes that occur during CHF are hoped to be found.
Q24
Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue Microarrays and Digital
Microscopy
Presenter(s)
Arika Verma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Funmi Olopade, University of Chicago
Identification of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) subtypes and invasive breast cancers (IBCs) through
predictive genomic biomarkers followed by statistical analysis of prognosis factors may reveal correlations
useful for determining tumor progression in patients. Through the use of Automated Cellular Image
Analysis, biomarker status was identified following immunohistochemical staining of four tissue
microarray (TMA) whole slide image batches from tumor samples. Five predictive biomarkers used for
therapy were identified; estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
(HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK-5/6). From these protein
expression results, hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed cancer subtype identities. Preliminary results
show that the DCIS TMA predominantly contains luminal A subtypes, whereas IBC TMAs represent
multiple breast cancer subtypes. Statistical analyses were also performed comparing histological grade,
race, age, survival rate, tumor size, and lymph node status associated with the prevalence of subtypes
between DCIS tumors and those which progressed to IBCs. Significant correlations provided by these
analyses may lead to earlier detection of progressively invasive tumors and consequently allow for timely
aggressive treatment for these patients.
95
Q25
The Effect of Interleukin-6 on Iron Concentrations and Prostate Cancer Progression
Presenter(s)
Mark Xue, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Iron is an essential element for angiogenesis and aggressive tumor growth. Therefore, it is reasonable to
assume that there are higher levels of iron concentration in the recurring prostate cancer tissues than the
non-recurring prostate cancer tissues. However, an analysis of the iron concentration in 40 matched-pairs of
prostate tissues from subjects with recurring and non-recurring prostate cancer indicated that there was a
lower concentration of iron in the recurring prostate cancer tissues than the non-recurring prostate cancer
tissues. To investigate this phenomenon, the effect of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) on iron concentration in the
prostate cancer tissues was studied. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that is involved in the regulation of
immune reaction, proliferative response, and cellular differentiation. In particular, past studies has
implicated that high concentrations of IL-6 induces iron deficiency in the human body. Thus, it is
hypothesized that there is a higher level of IL-6 in the worse cases of prostate cancer progression tissues,
which in turn causes the iron deficiency expressed in those tissues. In addition, we hope to find a
correlation between the level of IL-6 present in prostate cancer tissues and the severity of the prostate
cancer progression.
Q26
Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary Gland Development of
Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Presenter(s)
Jing Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nancy Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Charles Clevenger, Northwestern University
Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Prolactin (PRL) is a protein that promotes cell growth
and differentiation in normal and malignant breast tissues. PRL signals through its receptor, the prolactin
receptor (PRLr), which in turn sequentially activates the Jak2 tyrosine kinase and the Stat5 transcription
factor. Certain genes that promote cell proliferation contain a GAS sequence (TTCNNNGAA) located at
the promoter. Stat5 binds to this sequence, which induces transcription of the target gene. The prolyl
isomerase CypB serves as an activator of Stat5 activity in the nucleus, by inducing the release of the Stat5
repressor PIAS3. To test the in vivo function of CypB, knockout mice—mice lacking expression of CypB,
and wildtype mice—mice positive for the expression of CypB, were examined. Mammary glands 4 and 5
were dissected from these two types of mice and preserved in formalin. These mammary glands were
stained with carmine alum. Whole mounts, stained mammary gland slides, were observed under a
dissection microscope at 10x, 20x, 40x, and 100x. Digital images were taken with an AxioCam CC1 and
the images of the alveolar buds and lactiferous ducts were analyzed. There is strong evidence from this
investigation to support that CypB plays a major role in the growth of alveolar buds and lactiferous ducts in
vivo. These results could lead to new methods of limiting CypB expression and aid in the development of
new treatments for breast cancer.
96
Q27
New Battles Against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Presenter(s)
Amy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Childrens Memorial Research Center
Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children's Memorial Research Center
Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common bacterium that has developed increasing
resistance to many antibiotics used to combat this organism and has been spreading through both hospitals
and communities with a high death rate. The objective of this project was to determine the minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) for twenty-nine different strains of MRSA with each individual drug and
then the changes in the MIC when two antibiotics were combined, thus determining if the two drugs were
synergistic, additive, partially synergistic, non-synergistic, or antagonistic. The antibiotics used in
combination include rifampin with linezolid, bactrim, and levaquin. Preliminary results demonstrated that
the most synergistic combination was rifampin and levaquin, which positively influenced the synergy
between the two agents and resulted in reduced MICs for eleven of the strains. For other isolates, there
were no synergistic effects and one antagonistic effect. The least synergistic combination was rifampin and
bactrim, which reduced MICs in nineteen isolates but showed no synergy in nine strains and antagonism in
one isolate. Further results will be used to examine the correlation between the effectiveness of the drug
combination and the genetic properties of the MRSA isolates.
R01
Searching for the Role of Chemokines in Neuropathic Pain
Presenter(s)
Audrey Auyeung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kathryn Stromdahl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matt Ripsch, Loyola University
Fletcher White, Loyola University
Chemokines are a family of small cytokines known to attract immune cells to sites of inflammation.
Chemokines are also expressed in the nervous system, where they play a crucial role in pathological
conditions including neuropathic pain. In particular, the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
(MCP-1), increases the excitability of sensory neurons involved in pain and mice deficient in the
chemokine receptor for MCP-1, CCR2, do not exhibit neuropathic pain responses that commonly follow
nerve injury. A factor known to increase the production of MCP-1in the nervous system is the proinflammatory
cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1b). Using a Loyola University-approved rodent model of
neuropathic pain, we attempted to determine if IL-1b protein is present in the injured nervous system on
post-operative day (POD) 7 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Low protein levels of IL-
1b were present in all tissues. However, there were not statistically significant differences between injured
and sham controls at POD7. We conclude that levels of IL-1b at POD7 are likely not responsible for injuryinduced
MCP-1. It is possible that IL-1b regulation of MCP-1 following nerve injury may occur at earlier
time points. If these chemokines are found to be responsible then new alternative medications could be
made in place of opioids.
97
R02
The Effect of GT1061 on Open Field Behavior of Mice
Presenter(s)
Aryssa Burton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jayanshu Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Rudolph, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jia Luo, University of Illinois at Chicago
Greg Thatcher, University of Illinois at Chicago
The open field test is used to evaluate locomotor activity, exploratory activity, and anxiety in mice or rats.
In this test, a mouse is placed inside a square arena for a period of time, and its activity levels and
movements are recorded. The test can help determine a drug’s effect on the mouse’s anxiety and behavior,
depending on its activity in the center of the arena. Other experiments have shown that the transgenic
Tg2576 mouse, often used to model the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, exhibits an elevated amount of
locomotor activity. GT1061, a NO mimetic novel nitrate in clinical trials for treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease, has been proven to enhance cognition after a deficit was induced by scopolamine, but its effects on
locomotor activity have yet to be determined. In this experiment, an ANOVA test will determine if results
are significantly different, which would indicate that GT1061 affects behavior. Ideal results would show
either no statistically significant difference or a significant decrease in time spent on the edges of the arena,
indicating reduced anxiety. The results may help bring GT1061 closer to the market, and they may
influence the development of this drug or other possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
R03
The Neuropsychology of Adolescent Romance
Presenter(s)
Mamatha Challa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lucas Delort, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Teenagers everywhere believe they are in love, but a large part of society believes that teen love is merely
infatuation. There seems to be no consensus when it comes to the question this inquiry poses: Can an
adolescent feel romantic love on a psychological and neurochemical level in the same way as a fully
developed adult? Through a thorough literature review, the psychological and neurological processes of
adolescent and adult romantic love were defined, with which we carefully compared adults and
adolescents. A survey will be used to gauge the presence of various aspects of love in adults and
adolescents at IMSA. With this, we will attempt to confirm our conclusion: The same processes defining
adult romantic love are present in adolescents. Both adults and teens can feel a deep, exclusive attachment
to another human being for emotional and sexual fulfillment. Teens, especially males, tend to focus more
on the physical, showing that their tendencies are slightly more primitive and lustful, but the capacity for
love is undoubtedly present. These results show that teens need not fear the long held belief that all they are
feeling is a temporary infatuation.
98
R04
The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Presenter(s)
Grace Chan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Anthony Sharp, University of Illinois at Chicago
Insulin-sensitizing drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are FDA approved for the treatment of
diabetes mellitus type II, but they also can cause cell death in brain tumor cells. My project uses the TZD
pioglitazone (Pio) to reveal more about how TZDs kill brain tumor cells. The effect of Pio on glucose
uptake in rat C6 glioma cells was determined by measuring glucose concentrations in the culture media at
varied initial concentrations of glucose and after different time lengths. At low concentrations of glucose (5
and 10 mgs/dL), Pio increased rate of glucose uptake by 6 %; at higher concentrations (50 and 100
mgs/dL), the increase was 57 %. Lineweaver-Burke plots showed that Pio increased the maximal rate of
glucose uptake (Vmax) and the apparent affinity for glucose (Km). These data show that Pio increases
glucose uptake at high substrate concentrations due to an increase in Vmax. Since Pio has been shown to kill
tumor cells, we hypothesize that when glucose levels are low, Pio further reduces uptake and this
contributes to glioma cell death.
R05
Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand Binding in Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
The discovery of Abeta-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs), responsible for the development of
Alzheimer's disease, has opened a new field of investigation. Studies have shown that ADDLs bind to the
synapse of specific neurons, impairing long-term potentiation and reducing synaptic plasticity, yet the
mechanisms behind ADDL binding are not fully understood. Our project investigates the roles of Homer,
an intracellular scaffolding protein, and the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) it anchors to the
plasma membrane in determining regions where ADDLs have an affinity to bind. Through dot blots,
Western blots, immunofluorescence tagging, and morphometric analysis, we have attempted to visualize
and quantify the relationship between these proteins. Our experiments have shown evidence that the
aggregation of mGluRs with Homer may affect memory formation due to Homer's ability to target mGluRs
to synapses. Similarly, ADDL binding was found to have a high affinity to sites enriched in Homer proteins
and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The clustering of Homer proteins we have observed identifies them
as a mediator of a novel mechanism that regulates metabotropic glutamate signaling, and ADDL
localization.
99
R06
Predictors of Reactivity to Stress and Cigarette Usage
Presenter(s)
Paul Chung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siddharth Narayanan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Our two part analysis investigated what factors predict stress response and cigarette usage among young
adult, light smokers. To quantify stress, the experimenter took measurements of cortisol, a hormone
produced by the adrenal cortex, which is released following physical or psychological stressors. In the first
part of this experiment, subjects performed TSST - a stressful standardized public speech task. The
experimenter measured participants’ cortisol level before the stress and at intervals for ninety minutes after.
This gave us the baseline cortisol level and the response to stress of every subject. In the second part of the
study, the experimenters followed the smoking habits of the subjects from the time of the stress session to a
follow-up interview 6 months after the initial tests. The variable of interest was change in the number of
cigarettes smoked per month. Two main analyses were conducted with SPSS. First, males had higher
baseline cortisol levels than females, and both ethnicity and marijuana use affected stress response. In the
second analyses we found that males increased smoking more than females over the six month follow-up.
R07
Determining Latencies of Auditory Evoked Potentials Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Presenter(s)
Shravanthy Gumidyala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathon Schwarzbauer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brent Parris, University of Chicago
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by chronic and unprompted seizures that originate in various areas of
the brain, and affects approximately 2.5 million people in the United States. Seizures that occur in certain
areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, can potentially affect a patient’s memory. Our study’s purpose
was to determine the effect of epilepsy on memory by examining the latency of the event-related potentials
relating to the recollection of words from a memory paradigm in patients. To observe these effects, subjects
underwent verbal memory tasks; brain activity was recorded while the subjects heard, recognized, and
recalled different words. The recorded electroencephalogragh (EEG) and electocorticograph (EcoG) files
were filtered through the NeuroScan® EDIT module and were used to create power spectrums. The
latencies of the event-related potentials resulting from the tasks in epilepsy patients were then compared
with those of non-epilepsy patients. We have observed so far that the peak in the power spectrum for
recollection of new words is approximately one second after the subject is presented with the word. If our
hypothesis proves to be correct, patients with epilepsy will exhibit a higher latency when asked to recall
words than patients without epilepsy. Understanding exactly how much epilepsy affects the memory can be
particularly useful for improving surgical proceedings by determining which areas not to resect in patients
with epilepsy.
100
R08
Brain Aging and Soy Consumption
Presenter(s)
Sara Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In general, soy is thought to be beneficial to health. Yet some studies indicate that soy products may have
unhealthy effects on cognitive function. The objective of this project was to discover the effect of nutrition,
specifically the effect of soy products, on cognition. I conducted interviews using the Mini Mental State
Exam on thirty-two members of the IMSA faculty and staff. Scores from this test as well as observations
about subjects were compiled and compared to see if any trends in scores existed as a result of age, diet,
body mass index, or soy consumption. Statistical analysis will be performed on the data collected. Knowing
about the risk factors that may prompt cognitive impairment can help us avoid them. This knowledge about
the relationship between health and diet can help us make the best lifestyle choices.
R09
The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Adult neurogenesis is an individualistic process that produces new neurons in an already developed system.
Two major areas (the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus) of the adult mammalian brain contain neural
stem cells (NSCs) that differentiate into new neurons and glia throughout life. Commonly in conjunction
with familial Alzheimer's disease, mutations in the multi-pass transmembrane protein, presenilin-1 (PS-1),
the catalytic core of the cleavage enzyme, gamma secretase has been implicated in alterations of
neurogenesis. This individualized process may therefore be influenced by PS-1's cleavage of numerous
cell-fate proteins such as Notch I. Our research on the function of PS-1 has been to determine its possible
role in cell-fate decision, differentiation, and proliferation of neural progenitor cells. By ablating PS-1
expression, down regulating gamma-secretase activity, and using different techniques such as Western
blots, glial differentiation assays and immunohistochemistry, we can quantify these different processes.
Since glial cell and neural cell functioning are intertwined, our research holds many implications for the
factors involved in adult neurogenesis.
101
R10
The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Parkinson's Disease
Presenter(s)
Abraham Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Corcos, University of Illinois at Chicago
David Vaillancort, University of Illinois at Chicago
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a central nervous system disorder that hinders or reduces one’s motor control
skills and speech. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, there is an evident loss of dopamine and
dopaminergic neurons due to damage done to the ventrolateral and caudal substantia nigra in the brain.
Although the cause that triggers the depletion of dopaminergic neurons is still unknown, the use of
diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may provide methods to detecting early signs of PD. In my experiment,
fourteen control patients and fourteen patients with early PD underwent both a DTI and MRI scan. Using
the images from the scans, I analyzed them through DTI software that allowed me to extract the fractional
anisotropy (FA), or directional dependency, values and eigenvalues 0, 1, and 2. Due to time constraints, I
only extracted FA values and eigenvalues from the putamen and globus pallidus regions of the basal
ganglia. It has been hypothesized that the depletion of dopamine levels directly results in lower FA values
for PD patients. The preliminary results from my experiment support this hypothesis so far, but we have yet
to analyze the effect of a lack of dopamine on eigenvalues 0, 1, and 2.
R11
The Effect of Exercise on Sleep
Presenter(s)
Vaisak Nair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Reid, Northwestern University
The focus of this research is to examine the effects of exercise on improving the sleep of chronic
insomniacs over the age of fifty-five years. At this point, there are limited effective treatments for older
people with insomnia. If positive, the findings from this study could be used by physicians to improve sleep
quality. Data is available for seventeen sedentary adults over the age of fifty-five with insomnia. After
completing a screening sleep study, the subjects were randomized to one of two sixteen-week intervention
groups: exercise and sleep hygiene education or non-physical activity and sleep hygiene education. After
the intervention period, the subjects underwent post-treatment testing for three days. Analysis of the data
from the wrist activity-monitoring device worn by the subjects showed that there was no significant
difference between the objectively recorded sleep latencies of the exercise and non-physical activity groups
(p-value greater than 0.05). But there was a significant difference between the subjective sleep latencies of
exercise and non-physical activity (p-value= 0.035), which was analyzed from the baseline and posttreatment
questionnaire data. The results from this study suggest that while exercise does not significantly
improve objective sleep measures, it does improve how the person feels about their sleep. So, the
intervention may have clinical significance for the patient. Further study is required to determine whether
these findings hold up in a larger sample.
102
R12
FALS5 Gene Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Hassan Qureshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaouther Ajroud, Northwestern University
Faisal Fecto, Northwestern University
Teepu Siddique, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by the loss of upper and
lower motor neurons primarily in the spinal cord. Approximately 10 % of ALS cases are familial. Typical
expression of ALS is accompanied by the presence of protein aggregates in the cell, which cause a toxic
gain of function within the cell. These aggregates may be due to the dysfunction of protein degradation
pathways. We selected FALS5 as a candidate gene to sequence in ALS because this gene is involved in
mediating protein turnover in cells. In this study, we proposed to amplify and sequence fifty patients with
ALS and one hundred individual controls for FALS5 using Beckman Coulter’s CEQ 8000 Genetic
Analysis system, and to perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) on autopsy specimens from ALS patients to
look for protein aggregation. The sequence comparison revealed a single missense mutation in our ALS
cohort. This change was absent within the control population. The IHC showed FALS5 aggregates in the
ALS spinal cord and not in the control sample. These results show that mutations in the FALS5 gene are
present in patients with a familial history of ALS and the protein encoded by this gene aggregates in ALS
pathology.
R13
The Effect of Chronic Stress on Interneurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area
Presenter(s)
Nirali Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Louis Lucas, Loyola University
Chronic stress is a significant factor correlated with heart disease, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
It can damage one’s emotional equilibrium and physical health, thus impairing one’s ability to think and
function normally. To manage chronic stress, we must first understand how it affects the body, specifically
the brain. This project aimed to determine how chronic stress affects gene expression in the brain by using
rat models. The rats were stressed by being immobilized two hours a day for eleven days. They were then
sacrificed under anesthesia and their brains were removed for analysis. The specific enzyme observed was
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate limiting enzyme for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine
(DA), which increases in response to stress. The expression of TH was assessed via in-situ hybridization
image analysis of exposed x-ray films of brain tissue sections. It was found that the levels of corticosterone,
a stress hormone, increased in the stressed vs. non-stressed controls. This supports the hypothesis that the
levels of complementary DNA (cDNA) will be increased in the stressed versus non-stressed controls,
indicating that there was a greater amount of brain activity in the stressed vs. non-stressed rats. The results
of this study will aid in learning how to manage or prevent stress, as it is a daily part of our lives.
Ultimately, this project will better the human condition by opening new doors in coping with stress-related
illnesses.
103
R14
If You Want To Learn, Don’t Think, and Don’t Blink
Presenter(s)
Milan Udawatta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah Little, University of Illinois at Chicago
The purpose of this study was to quantify and qualify the patterns of brain activation as well as the
underlying brain regions which support category learning. To accomplish this goal, twenty-five collegeaged
adults completed two sessions of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a
category matching task. This task required subjects to view two patterns of dots and determine whether
they belong to the same category. Between the first and second fMRI, subjects completed seven hundred
and fifty trials of training during which subjects learned to categorize patterns of dots with feedback.
During training, half of the subjects saw the patterns for two hundred milliseconds and the other half for
five seconds. This method allowed us to test our hypothesis that increased exposure duration or study time
should facilitate learning. The behavioral data from the training sessions disproved our hypothesis and
demonstrated that exposure duration was inversely related to learning. The imaging data demonstrated that
that short duration subjects exhibited an increase in activation in cortical regions such as those involved in
memory and problem solving. This finding that study time interferes with category learning contradicts
virtually every other type of learning. This may be due to the ecological requirement that categorization
must be rapid, easy, and almost automatic.
R15
An Innovative Model for Measuring Pain Sensitivity in Chronically Injured Rats
Presenter(s)
Shivam Vedak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
A. Vania Apkarian, Northwestern University
Although methods are currently available for measuring pain sensitivity in chronically injured rats, they can
be considered excessively time consuming, especially the von Frey filament test. In the present study, we
introduced the combination of illumination and other aversive conditions on the place preference of rats
experiencing neuropathic pain as a possible new means of pain measurement. The place preference was
assessed over a fifteen minute period in intervals of five minutes in a chamber that contained a dark section
with a 40-grit sandpaper surface and a lighted section with a smooth copy paper surface. The two variables
create a conflict of interest in the rat. Being nocturnal animals, they naturally prefer the dark, whereas their
injury may cause them to avoid the rough surface. Thus, we intended to correlate the degree of pain
sensitivity experienced by rats with the amount of time spent in the lighted and smooth-surfaced portion of
the chamber out of the fifteen minutes. The results indicate, however, that the rats’ aversion of the light, in
accordance with their natural instinct, is too great to incline them to avoid the sandpaper. Further
adjustments needed to develop the model include removing the illumination variable and repeating the
aforementioned test.
104
S01
The Validation of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ricardo Eusebi, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This investigation studies the data that is collected from the so-called Gap triggers in the CDF detector at
Fermilab. Gap Triggers utilize parts of the detector that have not been previously used. This research will
provide insight on whether or not the data from the gap triggers would be useful in further scientific
investigations. Currently, gap trigger data is being collected, but not utilized. In order to use this data, it
must first be validated. One way of validating this data is to show that the production rates of Z->mm (a
collision event that involves a Z boson decaying into 2 muons.) using gap triggers and the production rates
measured with triggers that use other parts of the detector are the same. Production rate values should be
independent of the triggers that they come from. Because there is a very large amount of data, we use a
computer, and C to process it. We have made these computations, that show that the production rates of Z-
>mm are equivalent, regardless the detector portion used for triggering. Based on this, we can conclude that
gap trigger outputs valid data, and that it should be used in further studies at CDF.
S02
Reconstruction of FCNC Top-Antitop Decay
Presenter(s)
Amy Allen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Datta Mousumi, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This SIR presents the search for rare flavor changing neutral current (FCNC) production of a photon ($)
and charm quark (c) via top-antitop (ttbar) decay using 2.7 fb-1 of CDF Run II data. The Standard Model
predicts the rate of FCNC production to be one event in every 10^14 top events. Events are produced in
collisions at )s = 1.96 TeV in the Tevatron. Top events where one top quark decays into a bottom quark (b)
and a leptonically decaying W and where the other top decays into a $ and c were analyzed in this
investigation by requiring events to contain an identified b-jet, an electron or a muon with high transverse
momentum, large missing transverse energy, a high PT photon and a high PT jet. Monte Carlo (MC) events
were used to model the FCNC ttbar signal events and evaluate signal efficiency. The background events are
estimated using data side bands. Selection cuts are optimized based on signal MC and backgrounds to
calculate an upper limit. Extraneous signal for this FCNC decay in the CDF detector may indicate that there
is something that we do not understand about the Standard Model and the presence of New Physics.
105
S03
A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Angle Decorrelation Over Several Rapidities
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Brandt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The DØ detector at Fermilab measures jets of particles that are produced in proton-antiproton collisions in
the Fermilab Tevatron. The theory describing these sorts of collisions, Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD),
describes data well for jets emitted at a polar angle near 90º, but a measurement of the difference in
azimuthal angle +., between jets that are emitted with a polar angles nearing 180º have not been measured.
This analysis compared data taken by the DØ experiment to leading order and next-to-leading order QCD
calculations of +., over a span of transverse momenta and angles. Jet quality cuts were applied to data to
ensure that only good collisions were used in the analysis and cut efficiencies were studied to ensure that
data was not reshaped as a result of them. Histograms containing +. distributions were created, and
binning was chosen so that the width of each bin is twice the +. measurement resolution. A preliminary
correction factor was determined that removed instrumental effects from the final measurement. Data and
theoretical predictions appear to be in reasonably good agreement, although the theory over-estimates the
number of two-jet events. This agrees with expectations, as QCD approximations are truncated after the
first two terms, which causes it underestimate the number of events with two large pT events and additional
low pT ones.
S04
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Presenter(s)
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arthur Freeman, Northwestern University
Jung-Hwan Song, Northwestern University
Thermoelectric materials are promising for the conversion of solar energy or waste heat into usable
electricity. These materials' efficiency is determined by their thermoelectric figure of merit, zT: zT =
TS2/,, where S is the Seebeck coefficient (or thermoelectric power), / and , are the electrical and thermal
conductivities, respectively, and T is the absolute temperature. The figure of merit may be increased by
means of doping. We investigated the effects of doping supercells of a promising thermoelectric alloy,
PbTe, with Na, Li, In, Ge, and Tl by means of computational modeling. Our approach is based on quantum
mechanical first principles calculations using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method
(FLAPW). We first investigated the effects of computation parameters (k-point mesh, plane-wave cutoff,
star-function cutoff, inclusion of spin-orbit coupling) on the convergence of our simulation. We showed
that dopant atoms create electronic levels in the semiconductor band gap that can be beneficial for
improvement of thermoelectric properties. We explored possible enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient of
the alloy for certain anion/cation doping schemes as a result of distortion of the electronic density of states
at the Fermi level.
106
S05
Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Presenter(s)
Kelsey Lawhorn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anthony Yunker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Gravitational lensing is the bending of the trajectory of light by mass. Weak gravitational lensing is
detected through a statistical analysis of the background galaxies. Mass estimates from lensing depend only
on the mass of the object, unlike other methods. Most weak lensing studies use clusters with redshifts of 0.2
or greater because higher redshift involves a smaller area to survey. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS),
which surveys a large area, allows us to study lower redshift clusters. Last year we obtained mass estimates
using SDSS DR6 data for twenty-two low redshift clusters, seven of which were detections. This year, we
found mass estimates for low redshift clusters in the Abell cluster catalog, which contains about two
thousand galaxy clusters. The analysis includes calculating the shear caused by each cluster using data from
the SDSS DR6, fitting a Navarro-Frenk-White shear profile to the observed shear profile and deriving an
estimate of the mass within the virial radius. To analyze this many clusters, we had to automate our weak
lensing analysis. From preliminary analyses on one hundred clusters, we found that our reasonably
significant measurements were above 2x1014 solar masses and that large scale structure is a significant
source of error in our weak lensing measurements.
S06
Superconducting Radiofrequency Diagnostics
Presenter(s)
Andrew Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aseet Mukherjee, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The manufacture of niobium particle accelerator cavities requires the cavity to be perfectly smooth and free
of contamination, lest the defects cause sufficient heating to bring the entire system out of its
superconducting state. The repair of any cavity defects requires knowledge of the defect locations. We
developed cost-effective systems to efficiently troubleshoot cavities on a large scale, as thousands of
cavities have to be tested. Expanding on methods initially explored by other research institutions, we used a
combination of custom hardware and software to develop all the components of a troubleshooting system.
To date we have developed and tested two types of thermometry systems. After some setbacks with the
readout component of the first system, we successfully developed and tested a complete diode thermometry
system. Additionally, we have successfully built an X-ray flux detector and a single photon detector which
works at cryogenic temperatures. The systems we have developed can be used almost immediately to
troubleshoot cavities, but work is still in progress to analyze the data and optimize the systems.
107
S07
Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Presenter(s)
Zhengzheng Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Several experiments have searched for evidence of hypothesized and very high energy neutrinos from
energetic galaxies called active galactic nuclei (AGN). When scientists are looking for a new phenomenon,
they often do not find any signal and, instead, put forth a “limit” using an appropriate variable. So far, no
positive evidence for AGN-induced neutrino events has been presented; so experiments have therefore
placed limits on the flux. However, one experiment, called Fréjus, has presented such a limit based on
faulty logic. Due to inferences heard during public seminars and read from published papers about two
other projects, IceCube and Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detection Array (AMANDA), it was possible
that these two projects have also come about their flux upper limit by using faulty logic. The procedures of
AMANDA and IceCube have been compared to Soudan 2’s correct method and Fréjus’ faulty method to
determine the accuracy of their own flux upper limit calculating method. The results have revealed that
IceCube and AMANDA have correctly come about their flux upper limit. The outcome of this project will
help further advance the study and detection of AGN-induced neutrinos by providing confidence in
previously published results.
S08
Observation of Neutrino Disappearance at the MINOS Far Detector
Presenter(s)
Travis Mui, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
The MINOS experiment looks for neutrino oscillation events, the changing of a neutrino's mixture of mass
and flavor eigenstates, by sending a beam of neutrinos from Fermilab’s Main Injector to the Far Detector at
the Soudan Mine in Minnesota. At the Far Detector, neutrinos interact with the steel and scintillator strips
within the detector and the rock surrounding it. During an interaction, a neutrino can either interact and
form the corresponding charged particle or remain as a neutrino. Particles from the interaction create
scintillation light which is recorded by photomultiplier tubes. Our research investigates these events by
categorizing them based upon computer-generated reconstructions of the events, looking for specific
characteristics like the presence of charged particle trails and location within the detector. The scanning has
categorized a total of about nine hundred events. Approximately two-hundred thirty of these events were
charged current, one-hundred ninety were neutral current, and two hundred were rock muons. The ratio of
neutral to charged current events as determined from the data set is compared to an expected ratio which
will then determine neutrino disappearance. The final results of this work, along with other previous
research, will be used to more accurately measure one of the neutrino oscillation parameters and further our
understanding of neutrino oscillation.
108
S09
The Search for Theta 13
Presenter(s)
Alexander Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Mayly Sanchez, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos, neutrally charged leptons that pass through the earth hardly ever reacting, come in three flavors
made up by a mix of the three neutrino masses. In order to determine the amount of mixing if the masses in
the flavors, a trigonometric value is found which represents the ratio between two of the masses. Two of
these ratios, sin2(2023) and sin2(2012), are already known, but a third is needed if we want to understand the
origin of matter and antimatter. Thus by limiting the ratio between 11 and 13, better known as sin2(2013), we
can determine if the mass hierarchy of the neutrinos is inverted or normal. This is being done by finding the
probability value that a muon neutrino oscillates and becomes an electron neutrino in a long baseline
experiment. This value will be obtained through the analysis of collision data from the MINOS experiment,
a neutrino oscillation experiment. I have worked on visually identifying the charged current electron
neutrino interactions in the MINOS Far Detector, and separating them from the background neutral current
and charged current muon neutrino interactions. This allowed us to measure the probability of these
oscillations occurring and thus limit 013.
S10
Development of an Algorithm to Differentiate Between Hadronic Jet and Photon Signatures
Presenter(s)
James Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sasha Pranko, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In the Collider Detector at Fermilab, photons and hadronic jets are produced in proton anti-proton
collisions. Photons are often used in searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model. However, a jet
may imitate the signature of a photon by emitting a *0 or 20 meson which then decays into two photons,
faking a prompt photon signature. Given the large production rates of hadronic jets, fake photons from jets
can be a significant source of background for measurements involving photon signatures. This makes it
more difficult to search for anomalies in the Standard Model. True and fake photons are expected to have
different amounts of additional energy deposited in cones around them (isolation cones). In this inquiry the
variables concerning the pattern of energy distribution in isolation cones around photon candidates are
investigated and the best algorithm for differentiating between the true and fake photon signatures is being
sought. Each photon or fake photon isolation cone also has a complementary cone. We searched for
correlations between variables of these complementary cones. Some correlations that we found were in the
transverse energy and in the Iso24 values.
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S11
The Effect of Surface Processing on Superconducting Radiofrequency Cavities
Presenter(s)
Eric Shinn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Camille Ginsburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Superconducting RF cavities used in particle physics research experience quenches due to imperfections on
the surface of the superconducting cavity. Although processing techniques have been developed to improve
their performance, it is difficult to determine how the processing affects the flaw, due to the small size of
the flaws and the macroscopic nature of the performance tests. In order to explore the effects of surface
processing, I investigated data concerning the position of the initial quench cell in nine-cell cavities and the
performance of the cavities after processing. I analyzed the correlation between the probability of a change
in position of the quench cell and the amount of material removed in the processing. The probability that
the position of the quench cell would move demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the
amount of material removed in the surface treatment. However, analysis of the relationship between the
acceleration gradient in the cavities and the amount of material removed did not produce a statistically
significant correlation. These results show that while current surface treatments are indeed affecting the
flaws of the cavities their effectiveness is questionable. Further study on cavities should focus on the exact
effect of processing techniques on their imperfections.
S12
The Galfitting of LRG 3-817
Presenter(s)
Anderson West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A gravitational lens occurs when light from a distant object bends toward a nearer object to form a path that
intersects with the earth. The lens reveals a galaxy hidden behind the nearer object that we would otherwise
not have been able to see. To study these lenses we take the raw data from the telescope and remove the
error from the telescope and the sky at the time of collection by subtracting bias images and flat images
from the raw data. Galfit was used to create models of objects and fitted a total of sixteen objects in and
around the gravitational lens and galaxy LRG_3-817. The three bands were fitted separately and had chi
squared values of 1.41 for I-band, 1.29 for G-band and 1.88 for R-band. Currently we are creating a threedimentionional
model of the system, we hope to learn about both the lensing and the lensed objects.
110
T01
The Effects of Music Therapy on Autism
Presenter(s)
Siana Aspy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Emerald Fannin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Samantha McPeak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paula Altekruse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
MaryBeth McCarthy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study observed the effects that music therapy has on autistic children and determined if it successfully
improves the symptoms of their condition. Reviewing current literature provided the foundation necessary
to understand what changes in behavior indicate improvement. Interviews and surveys were also used to
gain professional insight. One such interview with a music therapist at Delnor hospital provided
information on how music therapy is applicable in other areas of medicine, as with the treatment of pain. At
Giant Steps autism center, three music therapy sessions were observed. The therapists used music to teach
the children basic abilities, such as socializing with peers, navigating their surroundings safely, and
improving fine motor skills. Each student has individualized goals, depending on their needs, and the
therapists track their progress over time. The number of times students correctly responded to verbal
commands during each session was recorded. This, along with observation, demonstrates that children
think of the therapy as a game, even though they are learning valuable skills that are difficult for autistic
children. In combination with previous research, there is sufficient evidence to assert that music therapy
can be used as an effective tool to improve the symptoms of autism.
T02
The Physiological Effects of Chewing Gum on Human Heart Rate, Reaction Time, Stress Response,
and Memory
Presenter(s)
Jake Ayala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Ericson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Chewing gum is commonly used as a relaxant. Many people utilize it during stressful situations. A study of
the effects of chewing gum on human physiology is presented in this experiment. To assess the
physiological effects of chewing gum, data on heart rate variability, memory test accuracy and reaction
time, and skin conductance were collected. The experimental procedure consisted of periods of a letter
recognition memory test combined with periods of rest and stress with the intervention of chewing gum.
Subjects were attached to a heart rate monitor and galvanic skin response electrodes in order to collect data.
It was found that during periods with the chewing gum intervention, reaction time was significantly faster,
and it was also found that the change in skin conductance (as it relates to stress) decreased during the
intervention of gum. Based on these findings, gum can increase reaction speed and reduce stress.
111
T03
Are You What You Eat and Do?
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Bernardo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gabriela Cardoso, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Salvador Esparza, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation explores the connections between an IMSA student’s eating and exercising habits with
the depressive moods that they may experience. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey was administered earlier
this school year in the fall of 2008 to IMSA seniors and sophomores. It addressed questions on their health
habits and depressive moods along with questions pertaining to other topics such as drug abuse. We
analyzed data from the questions on health habits and depressive moods from the survey to draw
conclusions about how a person’s health can correlate to how they feel. Some of the questions we
addressed pertained to the types of food the students would eat, how often they would exercise, and the
kind of emotional behaviors that they would experience. Along with basic analysis of the responses such as
summaries of healthy and non-healthy students, we investigated the trends of the three variables in
question. Furthermore, the results of several demographics were compared such as their ethnic background
and their gender. Modern day studies show that good health habits lead to better moods. How do IMSA
students compare to these trends? From taking a look at this investigation, maybe you’ll want to re-evaluate
your health habits.
T04
The Effects of Caregiver Input on Narrative Skills in Children with Pre- or Perinatal Brain Injury
Presenter(s)
Gabriella Heller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ozlem Ece Demir, University of Chicago
Children with pre- or perinatal unilateral brain injury (PL) demonstrate remarkable brain plasticity for early
developing language skills (e.g. vocabulary, syntax). However, this early plasticity might not extend to later
developing, decontextualized language skills. Decontextualized language refers to language that is removed
from the current context such as narrative production. The current study aims to examine whether early
parental decontextualized language relates to narrative skills in children with PL. We studied both general
language input and decontextualized language input by the primary caregivers in spontaneous interactions
with their 30 month-old children. General language input was assessed by the caregivers’ number of word
types. Decontextualized language input was assessed by the caregivers’ number of utterances of pretend
play, narrative, book reading, functional definition, and explanation. Children’s later narrative production
and vocabulary comprehension were assessed at four to six years of age. Results show that caregivers’
decontextualized language relates to children’s later narrative production and vocabulary comprehension,
over and above the overall language input. These findings suggest that caregivers’ decontextualized
language input might have an influence on children with PL’s later narrative skill, which is not only an
important predictor of academic success, but also a specific area of difficulty for this group of children.
112
T05
Defining Beautiful Within Two Cultures
Presenter(s)
Meena Iyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Genna Bebko
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Whether or not we choose to admit it, superficiality is prominent within every civilization throughout the
world. Because superficiality exists within all cultures, it can be concluded that beauty and attractiveness
are always valuable traits to have. Looking at our own American society, people, specifically women, are
taking drastic steps to become physically attractive. Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery indicate that there was a record 11.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in the year
2007 alone; 91% of which were performed on women. But what, exactly, is considered beautiful? What
makes women want to undergo expensive (and cumbersome) procedures to be attractive? Precedence
indicates that the definition of beauty changes from one culture to the next. This study examines a
preference between the South Asian culture and Caucasian-American culture. By altering the level
masculinity in a series of faces using FaceGen® software, this study tries to determine if there is a certain
stereotype for beauty within each culture or if there is a universal definition of attractive.
T06
The Various Effects of Religion on Perception
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donna Jo Bridge, Northwestern University
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Religion has been a cornerstone of society since ancient history, and over time it has become engrained in
the psyches and cultures of many different peoples. Different religions, however, have various effects on
cognitive mechanisms and certain behaviors. For example, many studies have found that various Christian
denominations differ greatly in terms of prejudice against members outside of their religious group. While
many similar experiments have been conducted with other aspects of perception, they have mostly been
limited to comparisons within Christianity. This study uses several online surveys to collect preliminary
information that can be used to compare various personality traits, behavioral patterns, and cognitive
strategies across representative sample populations of Christians (any denomination), Hindus, Muslims,
and Buddhists from the Northwestern University community. Differences in time construal, promotion
versus prevention, emotional regulation and intrinsic versus extrinsic religiosity will be measured both
across religions and within them. Surveys are currently being distributed and analyzed.
113
T07
The Social Structure of IMSA
Presenter(s)
Alina Kononov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Research examining the nature of adolescent peer groups in average school and neighborhood settings has
been done, but IMSA is by no means average in either of these two aspects. In my investigation, I will
describe the social structure of the IMSA student body in terms of group types, group structure and
interactions within and between groups; determine whether it differs from the average structure found in
previous investigations, and identify any differences as well as their causes and implications. Responses to
modified survey questions from Sussman and Thorkildsen will be analyzed with the chi-square test for
independence to identify group types, their boundaries and how they’re enforced; chi-square goodness-offit
and t-tests to compare my results to the norms observed in previous studies; and descriptive statistics to
determine which explanations to any differences in IMSA’s social structure are most plausible. If the
conclusions derived from my data are inconsistent with those proposed in other investigations, the social
groups of IMSA students differ from those of other schools, and if not, the social aspect of our school is the
same as that of any other’s.
T08
The Effects of Confidence and Self-Esteem on Performance
Presenter(s)
Allison Larrabee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do differently if you had the key to
success? Through research of past investigations, I’ve sought to develop a course that teaches young
children how to be successful by improving their confidence and self-esteem. Confidence is a feeling that
one gets from preparedness and certainty. Our goal is to teach young children methods by which they can
raise their own confidence and self-esteem. By introducing and developing these techniques, these children
can perform well in challenging situations throughout their lives. I have tested elementary students on the
effects of verbal encouragement and discouragement in a testing situation. Results are pending. With these
results, I can assess how to effectively teach children and increase their self-esteem. I’ve begun developing
a website to spread my knowledge to a greater population and will continue to reach out to schools,
teachers, and parents in order to gain interest and support.
114
T09
The Effect of Gender-Priming on Empathy
Presenter(s)
Ranait O'Connor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
Vani Mathur, Northwestern University
Empathy can be defined as a person’s vicarious affective response. A common stereotype is that women are
more empathic than men; however, psychologists have not confirmed this conclusion. Some researchers
believe that empathy is directly affected by socialization, while others maintain that it is dependent upon
genetics. We completed two experiments to examine gender effects on empathy. In the first experiment,
participants completed behavioral surveys that measured trait level empathy. No significant difference was
found between female and male scores, though these results were limited by small sample size and unequal
grouping. Given the results and those from Klein and Hodges, which suggest that women are more
empathically accurate than men (when aware they are testing for empathy), a second study was designed to
examine the effects of gender-role on empathic response. Eighty eight participants were primed with the
same or opposite gender. Empathy was measured through ratings in response to pictures of people in pain,
the Empathy Quotient and the Independent Reactivity Index. Participants completed the Bem Sex-Role
Inventory for gender-role orientation. We are currently analyzing data for this second study.
T10
Parenting Style and a Child’s Perception of Parents
Presenter(s)
Rachel Rasp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Patricia Schacht, North Central College
It is a matter of common knowledge that the way our parents raise us has some kind of effect on us as we
grow older. An important question, therefore, is how do we come to view our parents after what is likely
the first time we are liberated from them in college? This investigation focused on discovering whether or
not there exists a correlation between parenting style as set forth in Diana Baumrind’s model and children’s
positive or negative view of their parents later in life. Students at North Central College were asked to fill
out four questionnaires designed to determine both the parenting styles used by parents (authoritarian,
authoritative, or permissive, based on Baumrind’s research) and whether their feelings towards their parents
were positive or negative. Analyses will be conducted through SPSS. While previous research believes that
authoritative parenting is the best style of parenting and assumes that there will be a positive correlation
between a positive view of parents and this style of parenting. We hypothesize that a positive correlation
could also exist between authoritarian and permissive styles of parenting and children’s positive views of
their parents.
115
T11
Achievement Goals, Effort, Satisfaction, and Personal Performance in Marathon Running
Presenter(s)
Margaret Tu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aaron Sackett, University of Chicago
Rebecca White, University of Chicago
George Wu, University of Chicago
Do people with goals exert greater effort and obtain higher performance and satisfaction than those without
goals? This study attempts to answer this question by examining the highly goal-oriented activity of
marathon running, which offers a compelling and real-world context in which marathoners engage in
lengthy preparation, construct and modify performance goals, and develop performance expectations. To
understand the motivating forces underlying goals, more than one thousand marathon runners from the
seven major marathons in 2007 (Chicago, Honolulu, Marine Corps, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, and
Twin Cities) completed a series of online surveys regarding their marathon goals, preparation, satisfaction,
and performance, both before and after their participation in the actual marathon. Preliminary results
indicate that on average, participants with a time goal in mind not only took a shorter amount of time to run
the length of the marathon, but were also more likely to beat their last and even best marathon times. Data
is currently being analyzed to determine the correlations between goals and other variables, such as training
effort, marathon running experience, and so forth. The results of this study may have large-scale
implications in today’s society, helping everyday people achieve greater efficacy, satisfaction, and
performance in their work. A discussion of the effectiveness of goal-setting may stem from the results of
this study.
T12
The Effect of Orion Filters on Visual Acuity During Dark Adaptation
Presenter(s)
Vaishali Umrikar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Sawyer, North Central College
Spectrum Technologies International developed a filter technology designed to lower the dark adaptation
time for the human eye. Dark adaptation is the time taken for vision to adjust when moving from high light
levels (photopic) to low light levels (scotopic). The company also claims that the filters allow visual acuity
to be maintained during dark adaptation. After already testing for the absolute threshold of the filters, our
goal was to check the acuity claim made by the company. To do this we created a program in which the
letter "E" or "C" showed up in the middle of a screen, varying in size and orientation. Nineteen participants
were asked to respond by moving a joystick in the direction that the letter opened up. We expected that the
longer a participant wore the experimental lenses, the quicker and more accurate he or she should have
been at identifying what direction the letters opened up. Various applications for the filters include usage
while night driving, for firefighters, and in military and law enforcement. Pilot results have not shown the
expected acuity benefits of the lenses; however, further analyses are being done to confirm this conclusion.
116
U01
After Babelfish: The Art and Science of Translation
Presenter(s)
Emmaline Conover, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Katherine Evans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Troy Nelson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Colburn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Paavo Husen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In todayýs global, multilingual society, published work can be distributed at ever-quickening rates. In order
to be understood by a global audience, novels, political speeches, and essays must be translated into
multiple languages. This investigation examines these methods, their reliability, and their application to the
real world. Through reading, discussion, and analysis of our experimental findings, we hope to gain a new
outlook and a greater understanding of the field of translation. An experiment was performed in Spanish 4,
French 4/5, and German 4/5 classes, who were provided with a brief passage, in said languages, to translate
into English. The findings were analyzed for method and compared with official English translations. This
investigation shows the methods of translation of students not familiar with the heavily divided field of
translation. When analyzing the translations we looked for patterns in word choice, syntactic structures, and
how the students handle cultural references. Students provided an explanation of how they translated the
text, and we searched for evidence of the methods used by these untrained translators.
U02
The Unveiling of a New American Perspective: Latino Demographics of the Fifty United States
Presenter(s)
Nicacio Corral, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alejandro Rojas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gustavo Ulloa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabel Reyes, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Currently, the United States is going through one of the most difficult times since the Great Depression. In
2008, America was given the opportunity to elect their next leader who would have to identify the needs of
the people in order to take action and improve the nation. Our study specifically focused on the research
and creation of Latino demographic profiles for the fifty states of America. In doing so, we were able to
discover trends in our data that depicted significant issues addressed by, now President, Barack Obama.
Nevertheless, our data ranged far beyond just a couple of variables and eventually allowed us to see the
little things that cause the bigger issues. For instance, voter registration for the Latino population increased
immensely from the 2004 presidential elections to the 2008 presidential elections. The rate of increase was
higher than that of any other race in the United States. This fact does not only speak of the importance the
Latino population deserves but rather about the specific issues public officials must consider in order to
understand their political view. Therefore, in an attempt to identify and address these issues, we looked at
variables such as health care, education, economic status, voting age population, among many others in our
profiles.
117
U03
An Independent Approach to Health Care: Analysis of the Necessity and Methodology of
Comparative Effectiveness
Presenter(s)
Kevin Crews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jimmy Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Carter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Douglas Saunders, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Scott Serota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The health care industry now accounts for 16.5% of America's Gross Domestic Product, which has made
the industry a national priority. An independent approach to and analysis of the industry has revealed
Comparative Effectiveness to be a plausible proposal to address the increasing costs and decreasing quality
of care. After conducting a review of literature, we synthesized five key assertions that support the
development and implementation of an Independent Comparative Effectiveness Institute. The Institute is
envisioned as a consortium of institutions, both public and private, that would test the effectiveness of
treatment and imaging techniques, medicines, and diagnostic procedures and then publish the results of the
studies for both patients and physicians to use in making treatment decisions. This system would increase
the value of the health care dollar in America by eliminating wasteful spending and by increasing the
quality of care, which would result in fewer recurring issues. As our country is looking for improvements to
the health care system, it is important to consider Comparative Effectiveness because of its multistakeholder
structure that facilitates cooperation and compromise and leaves no single component of the
industry to absorb all of the changes. Ultimately, Comparative Effectiveness will decrease the cost of
healthcare and increase the quality.
U04
What’s in a Name? Investigating the Relationship between Given Names and Physical Attractiveness
Presenter(s)
Robert Dawson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
When you hear someone’s name in conversation, without any other details, do you automatically generate a
mental picture of them? You most likely do. Does the name you hear change the image you make? Certain
names may sound older to you, or like they belong to a person of a certain ethnicity. Tests on these types of
effects have been performed in the past, to see whether people’s views of attractiveness were affected by
names, and even to see if children felt certain names were popular; both of those surveys found a
significant relationship. However, other studies have found the effect insignificant. In my investigation, I
sought to determine whether certain names are more frequently paired with people who are more attractive,
within a certain population. To do so, I compiled a survey with male and female faces, and names of each
gender. I asked participants to rate the faces in order of attractiveness, as well as to match the names with
the faces they thought fit the name. This data was collected, and then analyzed to see if there was a
significant relationship between the name assigned to a face and attractiveness.
118
U05
A Search for the Importance of Ethics
Presenter(s)
Robert Delaney, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation examined the necessity of finding a standardized ethical norm in today's global society.
The question of what proper ethics are has persisted for millennia, and debate still rages over who is
correct. In my study, the goal is to take the focus off of what ethical system to use, and instead focus on the
basic necessity of having one universal ethical system. This study began in the Hellenistic period of Greece
where scholars first became concerned with universal ethics in the form of cultural relativism. After
skipping a few hundred years, the theories of Grotius and his comments on the importance of international
law were then examined, along with the ideas of his contemporaries. The study continues, to finally end in
today’s modern world where the loss of traditional values has lead our world and our nation into what has
been deemed, by Dr. Len Marrella, a moral meltdown. After showing the importance of a common ethical
system, the necessity to teach this system is addressed. With research and writings from the twentieth and
twenty-first centuries, the significance of teaching ethics in schools is addressed, along with a suggested
method for doing so. The conclusion found: if we want to improve the condition of our global society, we
must improve and standardize our system of ethics first.
U06
Is There Correlation Between Health-Risk Behaviors?
Presenter(s)
Yaseen Jamal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jiabo Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gene McFadden, Northwestern University
Bonnie Spring, Northwestern University
Lifestyle risk behaviors, such as a high saturated fat diet or low physical activity, are the main causes of
obesity and other lifestyle-associated diseases. This investigation examined the correlations between these
risk behaviors and looked for concurrency. Four specific risk behaviors were identified (high saturated fat
intake, low physical activity, low fruit/vegetable intake, and high sedentary behavior) as the most common
factors of lifestyle-related diseases. Patients with a history of unhealthy behaviors were selected for data
collection and each patient was videotaped for eight hours in a common household setup. Data was
obtained by recording all concurrent behaviors that each patient performed throughout their laboratory
time. Statistical evaluation of the video data revealed conclusive results about the correlations between
specific risk behaviors. More than fifty-percent of the concurrent behaviors showed a link between
sedentary activity and saturated fat intake. This shows that there was a significant correlation between
engaging in sedentary activity and consumption of foods high in saturated fat. In context, it is apparent that
a highly sedentary lifestyle in many Americans is often times paired with a high saturated fat intake, and
consequently this correlation may increase the chances of numerous life-style related diseases or obesity.
119
U07
A Comparison Between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama
Presenter(s)
Jade Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Youlia Racheva, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation discusses the similarities and differences between John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Barrack
Obama. We compared and contrasted the historical and social environments of each era and how they
affected the issues the two candidates emphasized. Throughout the course of our research, we focused on
several components of Mr. Kennedy’s and Mr. Obama’s lives and campaigns. We noted the similarities and
differences in the way they grew up and their aspirations in adulthood. We took into consideration the
obstacles both men overcame throughout their campaigns. These include religious and racial differences, as
well as family backgrounds. Our main interest was comparing Mr. Kennedy’s and Mr. Obama’s
presidential platforms. We analyzed how the candidates’ marketing techniques shaped the demographics of
their supporters. We also assessed the influence women and young adults (18-24 years-old) had on the
presidential races. Our project discusses press coverage and approval ratings during the respective
presidential races. From our investigation we concluded that John F. Kennedy and Barrack Hussein Obama
are similar in that both had comparable struggles to overcome, were largely defended by the mainstream
media, and received support from similar demographic groups. However, the two differed in the issues they
emphasized, in that Mr. Kennedy focused on the Cold War and Mr. Obama on domestic issues.
U08
Addressing the Obstacles that Prevent Nongovernmental Organizations from Spreading Girls’
Education to Developing Countries
Presenter(s)
Laura Thompson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Grace Glass, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Radcliff, New Community Project
Countries with gender equality tend to have lower poverty rates, meaning developing nations are often
lacking in resources to enable the spread of education to girls. In the past thirty years, a large majority of
the responsibility has fallen into the hands of non-governmental organizations. After the fall of the Berlin
Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGO) was
redefined. Suddenly, NGOs were recognized as a legitimate force capable of bringing permanent change.
These organizations are now attempting to bring about a sustainable solution to some of the greatest
problems facing the world today. However, many complications have arisen. These complications range
from specific socioeconomic deprivations to questions rising from the clash of contradictory cultures. The
question the Western world now faces is: Does the necessity to preserve all cultures take precedence over
the insurance of human rights for all? Before girls can readily receive education and before these
developing nations can reap the benefits, this question, among others, needs to be addressed.
120
121
V01
Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Presenter(s)
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nathaniel Simpson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
To maintain their orbit in space, current satellites rely on hazardous and limited fuel stores as a means of
propulsion. In response to this issue, we have performed a technical feasibility study on a novel method of
propellant-less station keeping that utilizes laser ablation of slag targets. Lasers mounted on the body of a
satellite will fire at targets mounted on the periphery and by Newton’s Third Law the impacts will result in
a torque that will be able to move the satellite with six degrees of freedom. This study is part of and
investigates some issues from a larger project on lunar in situ resource utilization methods already
underway, such as the feasibility of using high temperature refractory slag waste from lunar solar cell
factories as ablation targets and possible methods of transporting the slag targets and solar cells from the
moon to Earth’s orbit. We then applied our findings to the concept of space solar power satellite arrays,
researched the potential synergy between our propellant-less station keeping method and space solar power,
and concluded that this method would be more than sufficient to orient a satellite for its entire operational
lifetime.
V02
The Formation of Supermassive Black Holes
Presenter(s)
Sapna Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don York, University of Chicago
For years, the idea of giant black holes seemed more science fictional than something relevant to the real
world. Known as the most destructive force in the universe, supermassive black holes (SMBH) did not
easily fit into the highly ordered view of the universe. However, astronomers now know that millions of
SMBHs are lurking within the universe. The question puzzling astronomers now is how SMBHs form. One
possible theory involves black holes of stellar mass, formed from supernovae, merging to form a SMBH.
Recently, unusual objects, known as peas, have been discovered which may contain such black holes and
also be associated with star formation. This can be confirmed by observing the emission spectra of the peas.
Certain emission lines, such as those from hydrogen and oxygen, cannot have been produced unless
electrons were moved from hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This can only occur by ultraviolent photons
hitting these atoms. There are only a couple sources of UV photons including radiation from hot, young
stars and radiation from black hole accretion of gas. The spectra of peas are being searched to prove that
stellar mass black holes are present in star forming regions, in high enough numbers to eventually form
SMBHs.
2007-2008 Student Accomplishments
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2007-08 academic year.
Megan Abel: An Epicardial Analysis in the Late Gestational Heart
Advisor: Dr. Robert Dettman, Northwestern University Feinburg School of Medicine
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007
Dimple Adatia: The Role of Histology in Response to Chemotherapy and Impact of Radiation on
Outcome in Pediatric and Adolescent Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Advisor: Dr. James Nachman, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Perry Bradford: Comparison of DNA in Large Breed Bichons With and Without Hip Dysplasia
Advisor: Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Gold Medal Winner and Silver
Medal in biology at the national competition
Steven Cai: Studies of the Structures of the Channeled Si and Si/Ge Stressors in a 30-nm Field-Effect
Transistor Using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Data System Modeling
Advisor: Dr. Jin Wang, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Hyunjii (Justina) Cho: The Detection of Differences Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells
Through Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, And Effects of Dichloracetate
Advisors: Dr. Morris Kletzel and Mrs. Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for
Microbiology, Special Award First Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research
Lindsey Choi: Targeted Fluconazole Prophylasis for the Prevention of Systematic Candidemia in
Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Advisors: Dr. Brett Galley and Dr. Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Japan RITS
Yangbo Du: Promoting Bio-Ethanol in the United States by Incorporating Lessons from Brazil’s National
Alcohol Program
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Linn, University of Illinois and Dr. R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
Published in: National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and
Technology Journal. Fall 2007. 13(1): 12-17.
Zexi J. Fang: Hydrogen Sensors Based on Ultra-thin Palladium Nanobead Arrays on Porous Anodic
Aluminum Oxide (AAO) Substrates
Advisor: Dr. Zhili Xiao, Argonne National Laboratory
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven Fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
EPA P3 Sustainability Expo April 20-22, 2008 in Washington, DC
Frances Mei Hardin: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisors: Dr. James Annis and Dr. Albert Stebbins, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
122
Forrest Iandola: Calculating the Accuracy of the Beam Position Monitors in a Fermilab Electron
Accelerator
Advisors: Dr. Michael Syphers and Dr. Raymond Filler III, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Elizabeth Ikejimba: Microsatellite loci for two East African tree species, Leptonychia usambarensis
(Sterculiaceae) and Sorindeia madagascariensis (Anacardiaceae)
By: Dr. N.J. Cordeiro, Dr. K.A. Feldheim, Ms. E. Ikejimba and Dr H.J. Ndangalasi, Molecular Ecology
Resources (in press); research award recipient: The Council for Africa, The Field Museum for "Genetic
studies and training of a high school student in The Field Museum's Pritzker Molecular Lab"
Sushma Kola: Overexpression of Aquaporin-1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Advisor: Dr. Anjana V. Yeldandi, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for Health
Science, Special Award Third Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research; 2008 sanofiaventis
International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State finalist, Midwest Region finalist, and
International Competition competitor; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair: fourth place in
the Cellular and Molecular Biology category and third place special award from the National Anti-
Vivisection Society.
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisors: Dr. James Annis and Dr. Albert Stebbins, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
Kristen Lee: The Role of Protein Kinase C in the Degradation of the G-Protein Coupled Receptor CXCR4
Advisor: Dr. Adriano Marchese, Loyola University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Competitor and IJAS Region V special award recipient from the
Society for In Vitro Biology
Jimmy Liu: The Detection of Differences Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through Analysis
of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate
Advisors: Dr. Morris Kletzel and Mrs. Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold), Best in Category Senior Division for
Microbiology, Special Award First Place from the Anti-Vivisection Society, for Humane Research
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: The Effects of Different Socioeconomic and
Environmental Factors on a School’s Ability to Meet or Exceed State Standards
Advisor: Mr. Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Behavioral Science
Sylwia Matlosz: Gender Based Persecution as a Ground for Asylum: Establishing a Social Group
Advisor: Beatriz Sandovol; Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick, Dym Ltd.
Presentation: Annual Social Justice Student Exposition, May 23, 2008 at the University of Illinois at
Chicago
Anita Mehta: Exploring the Efficiency of the MINOS Experiment in the Far Detector
Advisor: Dr. Niki Saoulidou, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Japan RITS
Vineet Mohanty: Evaluation of Ultrasensitive p24 Antigen Assay as an Alternative to Standard Viral
Load and Antigen Assays in Diagnosis and Patient Treatment Monitoring
Advisor: Mr. Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Hospital
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007: Second Honorary Mention (5th) in Oral
Presentation in Biology
123
Jagannath (Sam) Nayak: Magnetic Nanostructures for Biomedicine
Advisor: Dr. Vinayak Dravid, Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Birce Onal: Identification of a Gene Responsible for Membrane Resistance in Escherichia coli
Advisor: Dr. Eric Vimr, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Karan P. Patel: Angiogenic Inhibitors and Inhibitors of Histone Deacetylases - A New Way to Block
Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis?
Advisor: Dr. Olga Volpert, Northwestern University
3rd International Students' Science Fair (ISSF) 2007: second place oral presentation in biology, third
place (overall) in poster presentation
Sophia Pilipchuk: The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), a Green Tea Polyphenol, on HeLa
Cell Viability and Proliferation
Advisor: Dr. Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
Ashima Sarup: Gender Based Persecution as a Ground for Asylum: Establishing a Social Group
Advisor: Beatriz Sandovol; Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick, Dym Ltd.
Annual Social Justice Student Exposition, May 23, 2008 at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Shailee Shah: Dietary Implementation of Flax Seed/Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Ovarian Cancer in the Gallus
Domesticus Laying Hen
Advisor: Dr. Dale Buchanan Hales, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold)
Jianning (Jenny) Shao: A Novel Nonlinear Secret Encryption Scheme Generates Escalating Entropy
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: regional finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state
finalist (gold), and Best in Category Senior Division for Computer Science; IJAS Region V special award
recipient from the Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award
Sarah Shareef: The Response of Oligodendrocytes to Normal Appearing White Matter
from Multiple Sclerosis and Control Patients-A Study of the Early Pathology of
Multiple Sclerosis
Advisor: Dr. Sara Becker-Catania, Edwards Hines VA Hospital
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: regional finalist
Eric Shyu: On a Number-Hiding Game
Advisor: Dr. Mark Fischler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Competitor, IJAS Region V special award recipient: Mu Alpha Theta
Award
Sonny Song: The Analysis and Implementation of Live Cell Imaging in the Study of
Interactions Between LMP4 and Actin Filament
Advisor: Dr. Teng-Leong Chew, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Japan RITS
Anisha Vyas: Using Spectral Absorption Information to Identify Tumors
Advisor: Dr. Xu Li, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (silver), IJAS Region V special award recipient: Yale
Science and Engineering Award, sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge: Illinois State
finalist
124
125
Evelyn Wang: A Test of the Hypothesis That Transposon Exclusion Zones (TEZs) in
Mammalian Genomes are Associated with Haplo-insufficient Genes
Advisor: Dr. Patrick Venta, Michigan State University
Siemens Competition semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium: second place in regional
competition, advancing to national competition
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Clusters of Galaxies
Advisor: Dr. James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences state finalist (gold) and Best in Category Senior Division for
Astronomy
Emily Zhao: Correlation Mapping: An fMRI Analysis of the Neural Response to Visual
Stimuli
Advisor: Johannes Haushofer, Harvard University
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium
Index
Poster
Number Page Name Time Room
C01 36 Dimple Adatia 10:00 A-131
L01 75 Vashti Aguilar 9:35 A-147
S01 105 Sara Akgul 2:10 A-151
A01 29 Oluwakemi Aladesuyi Arogundade 1:20 A-119
I01 61 Mariam Alaka 10:00 A-113
S02 105 Amy Allen 1:45 B-110
D01 49 Spencer Andrews 1:45 A-113
T01 111 Siana Aspy 2:10 D-107
R01 97 Audrey Auyeung 10:00 B-110
I02 61 Elizabeth Awoyemi 10:25 LH B-206
T02 111 Jake Ayala 12:55 D-110
I03 62 Mehmet Badur 10:50 A-113
K01 73 Dawna Bagherian 10:25 A-119
Q01 84 Amishi Bajaj 10:50 A-135
Q02 84 Amishi Bajaj 11:15 A-135
I04 62 Duncan Baker 12:55 KI E-115
L02 76 Jennifer Bennett 2:10 D-103
T03 112 Stephanie Bernardo 12:55 D-107
Q03 85 Shelly Bhanot 12:55 A-149
C02 37 Erika Bongen 10:50 A-117
S03 106 Stephanie Brandt 11:15 A-117
J01 66 Cameron Breedlove 1:45 KI E-115
I05 63 Aaron Bruder 10:00 AP A-138
C03 37 Jessica Burash 1:20 D-103
R02 98 Aryssa Burton 1:45 A-155
K02 73 Jennifer Byers 1:45 A-151
M01 78 Kayla Campbell 11:15 D-103
T03 112 Gabriela Cardoso 12:55 D-107
Q04 85 Andrea Castaldo 1:20 A-147
P01 82 Matthew Castillon 1:20 A-114
R03 98 Mamatha Challa 10:25 AP A-138
R04 99 Grace Chan 1:20 A-151
Q05 86 Brian Chang 10:50 B-116
A02 29 Cecilia Chang 10:25 KI E-115
E01 52 Abigail Chao 9:10 A-135
C04 38 Anna Chen 9:10 A-149
126
C05 38 Anna Chen 10:00 A-147
P02 83 Irene Chen 12:55 A-151
D02 49 Kaijia Chen 9:10 A-133
R05 99 Kevin Chen 1:45 A-119
B01 33 Susan Chen 12:30 A-147
H01 57 Robert Cheung 10:00 KI E-115
A03 30 Hyun Cho 10:25 A-113
R06 100 Paul Chung 11:15 KI E-115
O01 81 Amanda Cohen 10:25 D-110
U01 117 Emmaline Conover 2:10 A-131
J02 66 David Contreras 9:10 KI E-115
U02 117 Nicacio Corral 10:50 AP A-138
N01 80 Elsa Costa 9:10 A-147
E02 52 Catherine Crawford 9:10 B-133
U03 118 Kevin Crews* 10:50 A-119
H02 58 Mari Crook 9:10 A-119
Q04 85 Ashley Czaplicki 1:20 A-147
E03 53 Jonathan Czerwonka 1:20 B-110
C06 39 Hannah Dada 9:10 B-110
B02 34 Frederick Damen 1:20 A-135
U04 118 Robert Dawson 10:00 A-149
U05 119 Robert Delaney 1:20 A-131
R03 98 Lucas Delort 10:25 AP A-138
J03 67 David Derry 10:25 A-117
B03 34 Hendrik Dewald 9:10 D-103
H01 57 Sharada Dharmasankar 10:00 KI E-115
F01 56 Alexander Drummond 2:10 LH B-206
O02 81 Ana Dumitrescu 9:35 A-135
E02 52 Jessica Durden 9:10 B-133
T02 111 Andrew Ericson 12:55 D-110
T03 112 Salvador Esparza 12:55 D-107
U01 117 Katherine Evans 2:10 A-131
I06 63 Jingsi Fan 9:35 A-117
T01 111 Emerald Fannin 2:10 D-107
C07 39 Anamaria Filipac 11:15 A-113
J04 67 Jesse Fitzpatrick 2:10 B-110
O03 82 Abigail Flynn 9:10 B-116
C08 40 Bernice Fokum 12:30 A-151
I06 63 Anjulie Gang 9:35 A-117
H03 58 William Getz 9:10 A-155
127
Q06 86 Lakshmi Girijala 1:20 B-116
L03 76 Justin Glasper 10:00 D-103
J05 68 Michael Gleeson 1:45 D-107
H04 59 Nina Gnedin 10:25 A-149
I03 62 Cora Goldston 10:50 A-113
J01 66 Ricardo Gonzalez 1:45 KI E-115
I07 64 Vidya Govind-Thomas 11:15 AP A-138
C01 36 Linna Guan 10:00 A-131
R07 100 Shravanthy Gumidyala 2:10 A-147
J04 67 Trevor Hahm 2:10 B-110
J02 66 Jackson Hallauer 9:10 KI E-115
F01 56 Kyle Hanson 2:10 LH B-206
N02 80 Lauraleigh Heffner 1:20 D-110
T04 112 Gabriella Heller 1:20 A-133
I06 63 Seung Heo 9:35 A-117
J01 66 Andrew Heuser 1:45 KI E-115
D03 50 Nicholas Higgins 11:15 A-131
C09 41 Alexandra Hizel 11:15 A-151
L04 77 Judith Hooymans 1:20 D-107
B04 35 Nicole Howard 9:35 B-133
Q07 87 Jennifer Hu 9:10 A-117
J06 68 Yifei Huang 9:10 A-131
T05 113 Meena Iyer 10:50 A-149
P03 83 Bonny Jain 2:10 A-155
R02 98 Jayanshu Jain 1:45 A-155
U06 119 Yaseen Jamal+ 9:35 A-113
C10 41 Janel Jin 9:35 A-119
R08 101 Sara Johnson 9:35 A-131
J07 69 Adam Jung 9:35 D-107
T06 113 Ankita Khandai 12:55 A-147
O03 82 Catrina Kim 9:10 B-116
J07 69 Lawrence Kim 9:35 D-107
E04 53 Seohyun Kim 1:20 A-155
I02 61 Issurah King 10:25 LH B-206
D04 50 Yoonjung Koh 10:25 B-110
Q08 87 Sushma Kola 9:35 AP A-138
J08 69 Adelina Koleva 2:10 A-133
T07 114 Alina Kononov 1:20 KI E-115
S04 106 Vladislav Kontsevoi 1:45 A-133
Q09 88 Pruthvi Kothari 9:35 A-133
128
C11 41 Akash Kumar 12:55 A-155
R09 101 Anusha Kumar 1:20 A-117
C12 42 Kaitlyn Kunstman 12:30 A-155
H01 57 Dong Kwak 10:00 KI E-115
J07 69 Eric Kwan 9:35 D-107
B01 33 Jasmine Kwasa 12:30 A-147
Q10 88 Benjamin Kyi 9:35 A-149
R05 99 Kevin Lam 1:45 A-119
E05 54 Rachael Lambert 10:25 A-133
T08 114 Allison Larrabee 1:20 A-149
S05 107 Kelsey Lawhorn 1:45 A-131
R10 102 Abraham Lee 10:00 A-133
S06 107 Andrew Lee 11:15 A-155
Q11 89 Bob Lee 10:00 A-119
L05 77 Kristen Lee 9:35 KI E-115
Q12 89 Kristen Lee 10:50 A-131
M01 78 Donald Lee-Brown 11:15 D-103
A04 30 Yize Leng 2:10 A-113
F02 56 Cathy Li 10:50 A-155
J09 70 Ruohan Li 10:25 A-155
V01 121 Eric Lin 10:00 A-155
C13 42 Sheng-Ting Lin 9:35 A-155
Q13 90 Bohao Liu 9:35 B-110
U03 118 Jimmy Liu* 10:50 A-119
C14 43 Xuxuan Liu 1:20 B-133
S07 108 Zhengzheng Liu 11:15 A-147
H03 58 David Lorentzen 9:10 A-155
I08 64 Jonathan Loucks 1:45 AP A-138
Q14 90 Yue Lu 9:35 LH B-206
N01 80 Guy Macarol 9:10 A-147
I04 62 Troy Makulec 12:55 KI E-115
A02 29 Zack Maril 10:25 KI E-115
U07 120 Jade Martin 10:25 A-131
I01 61 Leslie Martin 10:00 A-113
J10 70 Maria Martinez 1:45 B-116
I05 63 Stephanie Martinez 10:00 AP A-138
H05 59 Brandan Matthews 10:50 LH B-206
G01 57 Matthew Brian McDermott 2:10 D-110
E06 54 Max McKittrick 10:00 LH B-206
T01 111 Samantha McPeak 2:10 D-107
129
L01 75 Christina Mikulka 9:35 A-147
H06 60 Michael Mirski 1:45 D-103
S08 108 Travis Mui 2:10 A-117
S09 109 Alexander Munoz 1:45 A-147
C03 37 Elizabeth Murphy 1:20 D-103
R11 102 Vaisak Nair 1:45 D-110
Q15 91 Harika Nalluri 10:00 A-117
R06 100 Siddharth Narayanan 11:15 KI E-115
J03 67 Peter Nebres 10:25 A-117
M02 79 Daniel (Mac) Nelsen 11:15 LH B-206
U01 117 Troy Nelson 2:10 A-131
S05 107 Liana Nicklaus 1:45 A-131
T09 115 Ranait O'Connor 11:15 A-149
I04 62 Thomas Oberhardt 12:55 KI E-115
J11 71 Karl Ochmanek 9:10 AP A-138
D05 51 You Na Oh 12:55 A-117
H04 59 Meaghan Pachay 10:25 A-149
E07 55 Christine Pak 12:55 A-113
S10 109 James Pan 11:15 D-110
D02 49 Anita Parikh 9:10 A-133
C15 43 Jonathan Park 1:45 A-117
V02 121 Sapna Patel 1:45 B-133
I03 62 Colin Phillips 10:50 A-113
C16 44 Varun Pilla 2:10 B-116
I07 64 Anne Pipathsouk 11:15 AP A-138
R12 103 Hassan Qureshi 11:15 D-107
U07 120 Youlia Racheva 10:25 A-131
T10 115 Rachel Rasp 10:50 D-110
M03 79 Nicholos Reid 10:50 D-103
D06 51 Michael Reinhart 10:50 B-110
Q16 91 Hannah Reiser 10:25 B-116
Q17 92 Hannah Reiser 11:15 B-116
J12 71 Angad Rekhi 10:00 B-133
L04 77 Elizabeth Richardson 1:20 D-107
C17 44 Dana Robinson 10:50 D-107
K03 74 Allison Rodriguez 10:25 A-147
U02 117 Alejandro Rojas 10:50 AP A-138
Q18 92 Sarah Rokosh 10:00 A-135
Q19 93 Aldo Rossi 10:25 D-107
Q19 93 Isolina Rossi 10:25 D-107
130
A05 31 Grant Rotskoff 12:55 A-119
Q20 93 Priya Roy 1:45 LH B-206
R02 98 Michelle Rudolph 1:45 A-155
L06 78 Shyam Saladi 2:10 A-149
A06 31 Bani Saluja 2:10 B-133
I09 65 Sidanth Sapru 1:45 A-135
R07 100 Jonathon Schwarzbauer 2:10 A-147
Q21 94 Evan Schwerbrock 9:35 B-116
C18 45 Jasmine Shah 10:50 B-133
R13 103 Nirali Shah 10:00 D-107
A07 32 Rital Shah 9:35 D-103
C19 45 Shailee Shah 12:55 A-131
C20 46 Caroline Shin 10:25 A-135
S11 110 Eric Shinn 10:25 D-103
V01 121 Nathaniel Simpson 10:00 A-155
J13 72 Grant Skudlarek 10:00 B-116
D04 50 Sabrina Song 10:25 B-110
Q22 94 Joan Steffen 10:00 D-110
I05 63 Christopher Stovall 10:00 AP A-138
R01 97 Kathryn Stromdahl 10:00 B-110
H07 60 Zehua Sun 9:35 D-110
C21 46 Isaiah Tan 2:10 A-119
A08 32 Yiru Tao 9:10 D-110
B05 35 Velin Tchalakov 9:35 A-151
C22 47 Jessina Thomas 9:10 A-151
U08 120 Laura Thompson 12:30 A-131
Q03 85 Shilpa Topudurti 12:55 A-149
I10 65 Katherine Tu 9:10 D-107
T11 116 Margaret Tu 12:30 A-149
E08 55 Ruhiyyeh Turner 12:55 B-133
R14 104 Milan Udawatta 12:30 A-117
U02 117 Gustavo Ulloa 10:50 AP A-138
T12 116 Vaishali Umrikar 10:25 B-133
C23 47 Anil Vaitla 2:10 A-135
C24 48 Stephanie Vanchipurakal 12:55 D-103
B06 36 Karthik Vantakala 9:10 A-113
R15 104 Shivam Vedak 12:55 A-133
Q23 95 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni 12:30 A-133
Q24 95 Arika Verma 10:00 A-151
L03 76 Alisha Vimawala 10:00 D-103
131
132
Q26 96 Jing Wang 10:50 A-133
H06 60 John Wang 1:45 D-103
S12 110 Anderson West 11:15 A-133
M03 79 Stephanie Williams 10:50 D-103
G01 57 Kelly Wu 2:10 D-110
C25 48 Shirley Xiao 11:15 B-133
Q25 96 Mark Xue 10:50 A-151
I05 63 Mao Yamakawa 10:00 AP A-138
D06 51 Feiyang Ye 10:50 B-110
Q26 96 Nancy Yu 10:50 A-133
A09 33 Eva Yuan 1:45 A-149
S05 107 Anthony Yunker 1:45 A-131
K04 74 Elizabeth Zaretsky 10:25 A-151
C08 40 Ruijie Zhang 12:30 A-151
K05 75 Shuang Zhang 10:50 A-147
J14 72 Terence Zhao 10:50 KI E-115
U06 119 Jiabo Zheng 9:35 A-113
R07 100 Weili Zheng 2:10 A-147
Q27 97 Amy Zhou 11:15 B-110
* Presentation has a double time block scheduled
LH = Lecture Hall B-206
AP = Academic Pit A-138
KI = Kids Institute E-115
+ Student will not present at IMSAloquium
April 2010
Dear IMSA Friends:
This has been an extraordinary academic year for IMSA and its Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) Program.
At this time last year, during IMSAloquium, we were engaged in a site visit by Intel. Having been named one
of eighteen semi-finalists in the Intel Schools of Distinction Program, from a nation-wide applicant pool of
more than 700, we were being evaluated to see if we actually “walked the talk” of delivering innovative science
education for our students. We met the challenge. IMSA was named Intel’s top high school for science
excellence in May, and then in September of 2009, at an awards celebration in Washington DC, IMSA was
named the 2009 Star Innovator School of Distinction, Intel’s top honor awarded to only one educational
institution in the nation.
Receiving this honor, however, is about more than just SIR and our Science Program. IMSA’s mission, “to
ignite and nurture creative ethical minds that advance the human condition,” requires that all staff and students
at IMSA, in all areas and disciplines - English, Fine Arts, History/Social Science, Leadership, Mathematics,
Student Life, Wellness, and World Languages – be exceptional. And they are. Evidence of our students’
excellence, in all fields is found within this proceedings book of our twenty-third IMSAloquium. IMSA
students engage in investigations in nanotechnology, particle physics, law, neonatal medicine, literature,
transplantation biology, water purity, the educational achievement gap, neurobiology and memory, ethics,
theatre, discrete mathematics, economics, and more.
Through the Student Inquiry and Research Program, IMSA provides a mechanism that enables students to
pursue personalized learning and to pursue solutions to problems and issues that challenge our global
community. Partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities, research institutions,
businesses, and museums allow our students to gain experience in real-world problem-solving, collaboration,
and scholarship. The ability to work with professionals is life-changing for our students. In many cases, our
students have already contributed to IMSA’s mission and our goal to have IMSA students improve our global
world. You’ll find evidence of this in the students who have already, in high school, published and presented
at local, national, and international venues.
In just over two decades, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) has become one of the
premier institutions of its kind in our state, our nation, and the world. With receipt of Intel’s Star Innovator
Award, we also feel responsibility to continue sharing our expertise with others. Toward this end, we
aggressively deliver services through innovative programs, such as SIR and our Field Services Offices, as we
strive to become “the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry.”
We set high expectations for ourselves and for our students. We believe that you will find that IMSA students
far exceed traditional expectations for high school student accomplishments and contributions to society. IMSA
students are well-prepared to continue solving challenges and to take on global issues that we will face in the
future. We are living into our mission to nurture the next generation of talent and leadership.
Thank you for your participation in and celebration of our students’ successes in Student Inquiry and Research!
Sincerely,
Glenn W. “Max” McGee, Ph.D.
President
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
1
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-second Annual IMSAloquium
April 28, 2010
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research ……………………….…………………………………………….…. 2
Student Recognition ………………………..…………………………………………………….. 3 - 8
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………................... 9
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 10 - 20
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….. 21 - 24
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….…………25 - 37
Student Abstracts, organized by topic…………………………………..………….………….. 38 - 145
• A Biochemistry 38 - 40
• B Bioengineering 40 - 45
• C Biology 45 - 61
• D Business 62 - 63
• E Chemistry 63 - 68
• F Computer Science 69 - 71
• G Economics 71 - 77
• H Education 77 - 80
• I Engineering 81 -90
• J English 90 - 92
• K Environmental Science 92 - 94
• L Fine Arts 95
• M History 95 - 101
• N Law 102- 103
• O Mathematics 103 - 108
• P Medicine 109 - 120
• Q Neurobiology 120 - 128
• R Physics 128 - 134
• S Psychology 135 - 139
• T Social Science 140 - 143
• U Space Science 143 - 145
SIR 2008-09 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..146 - 150
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 151 - 158
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
Cover and IMSAloquium designer is Irene Norton, IMSA staff member.
The images used to compose the cover were taken by Irene Norton and Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
2
Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized learning
at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown into a
program that encompasses all disciplines and participation by over 88% of the class of 2010. Our students’
accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from college to begin to
make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world around them.
IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is paying
attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial list)
• The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
• Learning and Leading with Technology
• Nature
• NCSSSMST Journal
• The Science Teacher
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the collaborative
student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A. Scheppler,
Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the nation to
have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12
(2005, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
Presentations (partial list)
• American Physical Society
• American Society of Cell Biology
• American Society of Microbiology
• Illinois Association for Gifted Children
• Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference
• International Water Forum
• Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
• Midwest Society of Pediatric Research
• NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Competitions (partial list)
• iBioGENEius
• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
• Intel Science Talent Search
33 semi-finalists and 10 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Neuroscience Research Prize
• Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
36 regional semi-finalists resulting in 5 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
3
2009-2010 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit, at 12:30, for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate and IMSA Resident Scholar
And
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Ruchi Aggarwal: How Does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Advisors: Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1, Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
Vashti Aguliar: Mercury Contamination in Lake Michigan and its Impact (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Robert Kiely; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan
Sara Akgul: Validity of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Advisor: Ricardo Eusebi; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Lisa Akintilo: Induction of Triggered Activity by Spontaneous Intracellular Calcium
Release in Whole Heart – Experimental and Modeling Studies
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of manuscript in preparation (J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Yohannes Shiferaw, Satvik
Ramakrishna, Heetabh Patel, James E. Kelly, Matthew J. O’Toole, Amanda Pappas, Nimi
Chirayali, Nikhil Bassi, Lisa Akintilo, Meghan Wu, Rishi Arora, Gary L. Aistrup)
Amishi Bajaj: Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as
Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-Transplant
Renal Dysfunction
Advisor: Josh Levitsky; Northwestern University
2010 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist1, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project
Exposition Finalist1; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Shelly Bhanot: Effects of Surfactant on the Survival Rate and Incidence of Intraventricular
Hemorrhages in Infants with Birth Weight Equal or Less Than 1000 Grams During Three
Different Periods in a Single Tertiary Center (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Christine Sajous; Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society of Pediatric Research, October 7-9, 2009, Chicago, IL
Grace Chan: The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Advisors: Douglas Feinstein, Anthony Sharp; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan
Irene Chen: Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials with Isolated
Singularities
Advisor: Stephen Yau; University of Illinois at Chicago
69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist
4
Dane Christianson: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
David Derry: Magnetic Quantum Dot Cellular Automata and its Applicability in Replacing
Transistors
Advisors: Viatli Metlusho, Josh Sautner; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan;
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Amber Farrell: Removal of Organic Nitrogen Present in Wastewater Effluents to Prevent
Drinking Water Sources Contamination
Advisors: Marina Arnaldos, Krishna Pagilla; Illinois Institute of Technology
Co-presenter at National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Summit, April 21, 2010,
Chicago, IL
Michael Gleeson: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisors: Brent Parris, Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Eric Huang: Proteasome Inhibition of Lithocholic Acid Derivatives
Advisor: Chin Ho Chen; Duke University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Bonny Jain: Modification of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films to Increase Cation Selectivity
Advisor: Merlin Bruening; Michigan State University
69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist
Vladislav Kontsevoi: Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Advisors: Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist; 69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist;
Presented at American Physical Society annual conference, March 15-19, 2010, Portland, OR;
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Anusha Kumar: Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the β-adrenergic System of the Texas
Toad, Bufo speciosus
Advisor: James Carr; Texas Tech University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist; 69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist; 2010
sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist ; Presented at the
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology National Conference, Jan. 3-7, 2010, Seattle,
Washington, (A. Kumar, R. Larson, C. Brown, J.A. Carr), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
Paper Exposition Finalist1; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
5
Anusha Kumar: Conservation Tillage as a Carbon Wedge
Advisors: Willa Shultz, Audrey Wells; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Keystone Energy Board annual meeting, Oct. 14, 2009, Washington, DC
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010 San Diego, CA
Allison Larrabee: Building Self-Esteem and Confidence in Young Children
Advisor: David Evenson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Illinois Association of Gifted Children Conference, Feb. 7-9, 2010, Chicago, IL
Iris Liu: Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Advisor: Maury Goodman; Argonne National Laboratory
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Janani Mandayam Comar: Development of Motor Neurons
Advisor: Donald Dosch; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist1
Madhav Mohandas: Climate-based Predictive Modeling of Seasonal Influenza
Outbreaks
Advisor: Guanglin Li; Northwestern University
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Peter Nebres: The Potential of Fe/Au Nanoparticles as a Magnetic Refrigerant
Advisor: Ronald P. Andres; Purdue University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Liana Nicklaus: The Sloan Nearby Cluster Weak Lensing Survey
Advisors: Jeffrey Kubo, James Annis, Donna Kubik, Albert Stebbins; Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 702, Issue 2, pp. L110-L113 (2009;
(J. M. Kubo, J. Annis, F.M. Hardin3, D. Kubik, K. Lawhorn3, H. Lin, L. Nicklaus, D.
Nelson, Dylan; R.R.Reis, H-J. Seo, M. Soares-Santos, A. Stebbins, T. Yunker3)
6
Daniel Pak: Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Advisors: Seungpyo Hong, Su-Eon Jin; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Regional Finalist1, Intel International
Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection (SIR 2009)
Advisors: Christopher O'Donnell, Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Siemens Competition semi-finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb.
17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Varun Pilla: Increase in Prevalence of CTX-M-Producing E. coli Recovered from Outpatient
Urine Cultures
Advisor: Qi Chao; Northwestern University
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Shyam Saladi: Structural Examination of Na+ Channels
Advisor: Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Regional Finalist1
Shyam Saladi: Post-Myocardial Infartion Repair and Angiogenesis
Advisors: David Simpson, Samuel Dudley; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Regional Finalist1
Sidanth Sapru: Neurogenesis Permissive Chromatin in Neural Crest Cells as Novel
Epigenetic Marks During Mouse Neural Tube Closure
Advisor: Chandra Mayanil; Northwestern University
Co-author of abstract presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting of the American Society of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology April 18-22, 2009, New Orleans, LA (S. Ichi, Y. Shen, H.
Nakazaki, S. Sapru, B. Mania-Farnell, T. Tomita, D.G. McLone, C. S. K. Mayanil)
Mehal Shah: How Does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Advisors: Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1, Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
Caroline Shin: Post-Myocardial Infartion Repair and Angiogenesis
Advisors: David Simpson, Samuel Dudley; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Yiru Tao: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics and
Germicidal Properties
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Shilpa Topudurti: Effects of Surfactant on the Survival Rate and Incidence of Intraventricular
Hemorrhage in Infants with Birth Weight Equal or Less Than 1000 Grams During Three
Different Periods in a Single Tertiary Center (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Christine Sajous; Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society of Pediatric Research, October 7-9, 2009
7
Anderson West: The Search for Dark Matter: Using Strong Gravitational Lenses to Quantify
the Dark Matter in Two Galaxy Clusters
Advisor: Thomas Diehl; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan
Megan Wu: Induction of Triggered Activity by Spontaneous Intracellular Calcium
Release in Whole Heart – Experimental and Modeling Studies
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of manuscript in preparation (J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Yohannes Shiferaw, Satvik
Ramakrishna, Heetabh Patel, James E. Kelly, Matthew J. O’Toole, Amanda Pappas, Nimi
Chirayali, Nikhil Bassi, Lisa Akintilo, Meghan Wu, Rishi Arora, Gary L. Aistrup)
Nancy Yu: The Activation Kinetics of CD4 and CD8 T Cells in Response to Listeria
monocytogenes Infection
Advisors: Mark Miller, Baomei Wang; Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisors: Brent Parris, Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Weili Zheng: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisor: William Kabat; Children’s Memorial Hospital
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) State Paper and Project Expositions are May
7-8, 2010 in Urbana, Illinois
2) Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is May 9-14, 2010 in San Jose, California
3) IMSA Class of 2009
8
8
9
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 28, 2010
SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
7:45 – 8:35 a.m. Poster Session
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 - 9:25 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 - 9:50 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 - 10:40 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 - 11:05 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 - 1:10 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 - 1:35 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 12
10
IMSAloquium Poster Session
Biochemistry
Title Time Room
A01Susan Chen Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening
System to Identify Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
11:15 B-108
A02Allan Dong Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1 11:15 A-149
A03Leti Nunez Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for
Melanoma
09:35 A-147
A04Irina Pushel Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by
ProP in Escherichia coli
2:10 B-133
A05Vamika
Venkatesan
A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis 09:10 A-147
Bioengineering
Title Time Room
B01Kevin Chen sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated
Sensing Nanolayers
1:45 A-149
B02Wesley Herron
Elizabeth
Richardson
Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in
Tympanic Membrane Vibrations
1:20 A-151
B03Nicole Howard Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for
Glioblastomas
10:50 D-110
B04Jennifer Hu Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular
System
12:55 E-115
B05Eric Huang Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update 2:10 A-147
B06Mahir Khan Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient
Use in Residential Settings
10:25 A-149
B07Matthew Brian
McDermott
Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body 08:45 B-110
B08James Parkin Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps 1:45 B-116
B09Tiffany Sinclair The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-Selectins 10:00 A-131
B10Mao Yamakawa Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States
and Japan
12:55 A-149
Biology
Title Time Room
C01Lisa Akintilo Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level 08:45 D-110
Megan Wu
C02Morenibayo
Bankole
Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in
Arabidopsis
1:45 B-108
C03Aryssa Burton Optimization of a DNA Sequencer 10:25 B-116
C04Cecilia Chang
Harika Nalluri
A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac
Sarcoidosis
10:25 B-110
C05Wen Chen Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria 12:30 B-133
Wen Li Chen
11
Biology
Title Time Room
C06Nitin Chilukuri
Jongmin Lee
Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria 10:25LectHall
B-206
C07Imran Choudhry A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque 1:45 A-131
C08Andrew Go Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid
Neoplasms
09:10 B-108
C09Linna Guan Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of
Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel Function
08:45 B-108
C10Alexandra Hizel
Nicholas Virgl
Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma
gondii with Respect to Its Effect on the Growth, Survival, or
Persistence of the Parasite in Tissue Culture and in vivo
10:50 A-131
C11Ingrid Hsiung Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance
and Mobilization
10:25 D-110
C12Anusha Kumar Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of
the Texas Toad, Bufo speciosus
10:00 A-147
C13Anusha Kumar Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism 09:10 A-149
Viral Patel
C14Lydia Matthews The Role of Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor in the Expression
of p21 and p27 in Pancreatic Cancer
12:55 A-113
C15Jonathan Munoz Alterations in Hsp27 08:45 A-149
C16Elizabeth Murphy Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation
in Adipose Tissue in Mice
12:55 A-147
C17Luke Nayak Role of Interleukin 1-β in Modulating Immune Responses 10:25 A-147
C18Cassie Parks A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor:
Its Role in Megakaryopoiesis
10:00 A-155
C19Lisa Patel
Lokamitra
Veeramasuneni
Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor
Expression
1:20 B-116
C20Varun Pilla The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli
Recovered from Urine Cultures
2:10 A-135
C21James Quigley Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the
Mixed Lineage Leukemia Gene
11:15 A-155
C22Rital Shah The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels 12:30 A-113
C23Kevin Shi
Vivek Thakkar
Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG
Capsule in CMRL 1066 Culture Media
10:25 D-107
C24Mahi Singh Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency
and the DNA Methylation Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1
Genes
08:45 B-116
C25Aditya Suresh The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression 09:10 D-103
C26Michael Teng The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory
Cytokine Important in Mediating Experimental Autoimmune
Encephalomyelitis.
12:55 B-133
C27Sumana Vardhan Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients 2:10 B-110
C28Candice Yi Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human
Commensal Species in the Genus Neisseria
11:15 A-131
C29Candice Yi Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against
Toxoplasmosis
10:25 A-131
12
Business
Title Time Room
D01Bo Chen Recipe for the Perfect Intervention 08:45 B-133
Sarah Vo
D02Benjamin Diaz
Nikolay
Glavanakov
A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English
Premiership and Major League Soccer Teams and Players
1:20 A-155
D03Jennifer Hu
Weili Zheng
Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and
Evaluating the Role of Private Health Insurance Within it
08:45 A-117
Chemistry Title Time Room
E01Dane ChristiansonThermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of
Ferrium M54
2:10 D-103
E02William Erwin
Andrew Jung
Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and
Spectrometer Data
10:50 A-135
E03Amber Farrell Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic
Nitrogen from Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents
09:10 B-133
E04Andrew Gray Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol 11:15 A-135
Richard Smith
E05Bonny Jain Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-
Oxygen Ratios
1:45 A-147
E06Pan Luo Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl
methacrylate), and Poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) and
Its Photomodified Form
10:50 B-108
E07Samir Mishra Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with
Manganese Complexes
10:50 B-110
E08Daniel Pak Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells 10:25 A-119
E09Sai Parepally Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides 08:45 A-151
E10Yiru Tao Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual
Molecular Dynamics and Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
10:50 A-113
E11Johannes Zhou Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata 11:15 E-115
Computer Science Title Time Room
F01Quadis Evans The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement 10:50 A-149
Eric Shinn
F02Naomi Liu
Si Si
Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis
Images
09:35 A-151
F03Marat Purnyn Developing Smartphone Applications 11:15LectHall
B-206
F04Benjamin Taylor Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA
Environment
2:10 A-119
F05Gary Wang An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a
Multi-Dimensional Database
09:10 A-135
13
Economics Title Time Room
G01Ramtej Atluri
Minjae Lee
Reichert Joshua
Zalameda
Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and
Solutions
11:15 A-119
G02Robert Cheung
Sharada
Dharmasankar
The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success 1:45 D-107
G03Govind Govind-
Thomas
The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals 1:45 A-113
G04Joseph Hecker The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets 10:50 D-103
G05Jialin Huang Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics 10:00 A-119
G06Michael Kobiela The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges 2:10 A-113
G07Michael Mirski
John Wang
School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle
School Model Affects Blacks and Whites
10:00 D-107
G08Dharti Shah What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on
Banking and Beauty Aids in the Twenty-First Century
10:50 A-117
G09Saurin Shah Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding 09:10 B-116
G10Samuel Simon Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different
Economic Classes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and
Other Countries Throughout the World
08:45 A-135
G11Courtney Alexa
Smith
The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators 1:45 B-133
G12Zehua Sun To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing 09:10 E-115
Education Title Time Room
H01Kirthi Banothu
Yoo (Jenny) Kim
Morgan Rehberg
Brendan Wesp
Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is
More Effective?
1:20 D-110
H02Cevdet Dogan
Jonathan Loucks
Sidanth Sapru
Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A
Comprehensive Examination of Academic Progress and the No Child
Left Behind Act
1:20 A-147
H03Meena Iyer IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process 2:10 D-107
Victoria Lo
H04Daniela Lefticariu Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem:
Website Hosting Survey
09:35 B-133
H05Nidhi Narielwala High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics 1:20 AcPit
A-138
H06Cai O'Connell
Alexandra Smick
Inspiring Youth to Lead 2:10 AcPit
A-138
14
Engineering
Title Time Room
I01Natasha
Arvanitis
The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab 1:45 A-133
I02Dane
Christianson
Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral
Thickness in Ceramic Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
1:45 D-110
Michael
Gleeson
Yiru Tao
Weili Zheng
I03Samuel
Contreras
Geothermal Energy 09:35LectHall
B-206
Audel
Gutierrez
I04Justin Glasper The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase
TiO2 as a Function of Support Treatment Procedures for the Production
of C2+ Oxygenates
10:00 B-110
I05Alexander
Goins
Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple
Task Automator
12:55 D-103
Brian Page
I06Shawon
Jackson
Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and
Nanocapacitor Diameter
09:35 D-110
I07Adam Jung Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn 12:30 A-131
Faith Quist
I08Lawrence Kim
Eric Kwan
Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and
Consumer Applications Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
1:45 B-110
I09Zack Maril Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology 09:10 B-110
I10Ian McInerneyReducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology
Laboratory Activity
12:30 A-147
I11Jacob Miller Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks 11:15 A-147
Kenneth
Wang
I12Peter Nebres A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic
Nanoparticles
2:10 A-149
I13Brenton
Noesges
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft 09:10LectHall
B-206
I14Jonathan Park Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from
Liquid Precursor
1:45 A-151
I15Hannah
Schmitt
City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van
Der Rohe's Lafayette Park and Farnsworth House
10:00 D-103
I16Navdeep
Singh
Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex
Manipulation Tasks
08:45LectHall
B-206
I17Oscar To The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon
(100)
1:20 B-133
I18Faythe Wu S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study 09:35 E-115
I19Baihan Yang Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a
Quick Release by the Quarterback
1:20 E-115
15
English Title Time Room
J01 Katherine
Funderburg
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader 10:25 B-133
J02 Miguel Garcia A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish
Language
10:50 B-133
J03 Amogh
Kambalyal
Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to
Appeal to Teens
1:45 E-115
Richard Song
Karna Warrior
J04 Emily Weiland Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving
Cultural Consciousness, 1839 to Present
1:45 LectHall
B-206
Environmental Science
Title Time Room
K01Vashti Aguilar Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand
for Lake Michigan
08:45 A-147
K02 Sharada
Dharmasankar
Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions 09:10 A-113
Eric Lin
Hassan Qureshi
Kenneth Wang
K03Denise Mol Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and
Ultraviolet Radiation
12:55 A-131
K04Gary Sheng Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future 1:45 AcPit
A-138
K05William Zhou The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence
of Complexing Agents
1:20 LectHall
B-206
Fine Arts Title Time Room
L01 Nicholos Reid Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage
Productions
09:35 D-107
History
Title Time Room
M01Paul Angelillo Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece 09:10 A-117
Ryan Jordan
M02Cindy
Angpraseuth
The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War 10:50 A-119
M03Elsa Costa Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature 09:35 A-131
M04Diliana
Dimitrova
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord 10:00 A-133
M05Joseph Donahue Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British
Monarchy
12:30 A-119
M06Ana Dumitrescu The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications
for Romania
12:55 A-119
16
History
Title Time Room
M07Brittney Hanson Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma 09:10 A-119
M08Lauraleigh
Heffner
The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications 2:10 E-115
M09Andrew Heuser A Simulation of Early Modern Europe 10:25 A-133
Liana Nicklaus
Thomas
Oberhardt
M10Molly Pachay An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel 09:10 D-110
Kavita Patel
M11Kelly Wallin The Consequences of Modern Agriculture 2:10 D-110
M12Sarah
Weitekamp
America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social
Consequences in American Agriculture from Post-Civil War to
Today
1:20 D-103
M13Lisa Wendel Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Versus Piloted Aircraft
10:25 A-117
Law Title Time Room
N01 Stephanie
Bernardo
Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results
and Process) Through Pro Se and Legal Representation
10:50 E-115
Leslie Martin
N02 Abigail Flynn An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the
World
1:20 D-107
Jade Martin
N03 Satoe Sakuma The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives 10:25 A-155
Mathematics
Title Time Room
O01Kevin Baker Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals 09:10 A-133
O02 Shiladitya
Bhattacharyya
Explorations of 3-Free Sequences 2:10 A-117
Andrew Lee
Nathan Yan
O03Victor Duan How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions
they are Applied to Change
10:00 B-108
O04Derek Hardin Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the
Projective Plane
12:30 A-133
O05 Jason
Hempstead
Quadrilateral Investigations 09:35 A-133
Elizabeth Ott
O06 Sara Johnson The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models 12:55 A-133
O07 Jisoo Kim Designing Origami Models 11:15 A-133
Lucy Li
Sheng-Ting Lin
O08Alina Kononov Adic Expansions 1:45 A-117
O09Eric Lin
Siddharth
Narayanan
Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes. 10:00 A-113
17
Mathematics Title Time Room
O10Corinne MadsenAn Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums
in Zn
1:45 A-119
O11 Michael Wong Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in
Poker
1:20 A-119
Medicine Title Time Room
P01 Amishi Bajaj Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate
Mofetil as Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant
Recipients with Pre-Transplant Renal Dysfunction
9:35 A-149
P02 Amishi Bajaj Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis 10:00 A-149
P03 Sonia Bajaj The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer 10:00 B-116
P04 Shelly Bhanot
Shilpa
Topudurti
Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main
Diagnosis, and Necessity for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
in Patients with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborns
from Between the Years 2000 and 2007.
10:25 A-135
P05 Madeline
Booton
MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical
Practices in the United States and Europe
12:55 D-110
P06 Andrea Castaldo
Ashley
Czaplicki
Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical
Procedures
12:55 D-107
P07 Kevin Chen Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic
Lesions in Experimental Stroke
1:20 A-149
P08 Bernice Fokum Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIVInfected
Population with Kaposi’s Sarcoma
9:10 A-151
P09 Lakshmi
Girijala
Vaisak Nair
The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor
Levels in African American and Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
12:55LectHall
B-206
P10 Ankita Khandai Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of
Babies
12:30 A-117
P11 Ankita Khandai Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in
Orissa, India
2:10 A-131
P12 Jiwon Kim
Aubrey
Sumaydeng
Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior,
Environment, and Genetics
1:20 A-117
Joly Wu
P13 Pruthvi Kothari Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise
Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening
10:00 A-135
P14 Justine Ly
Katherine Shi
The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's
Disease
11:15 B-110
P15 Pujan Patel Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins 10:00 B-133
P16 Aldo Rossi
Isolina Rossi
Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
in Sprague-Dawley Rats from Charles River Versus Harlan
10:50 A-155
P17 Shyam Saladi Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis 10:50 A-151
Caroline Shin
P18 Rital Shah The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain 1:20 A-113
18
Medicine
Title Time Room
P19 Divya TankasalaDetermining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid
Leukemia Cell Lines to Chemotherapy
08:45 D-103
P20 Amy Zhou Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood
Spot Primary Samples Tested on the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
11:15 A-117
Neurobiology Title Time Room
Q01Ruchi
Aggarwal
How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1
Endocytosis?
09:10 A-155
Mehal Shah
Q02Dawna
Bagherian
Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response 11:15 D-103
Q03Omotayo
Balogun
Kari Tyler
Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of
Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Periventricular Leukomalacia in
Premature Multiple Births
09:35 B-116
Q04Ayse CetinkayaInvestigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity
in Mouse Models of Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
1:20 B-108
Q05Janani
Mandayam
Comar
Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a
Novel Delivery System in Mice
2:10 A-151
Q06Cecilia
Countryman
hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila 10:25 B-108
Pranusha Pinna
Q07Justin Feng Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention 11:15 D-110
Yanchen Shi
Q08Brielle James
Paul Yuan
Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through
Electrocorticographic Readings of Subdural Electrodes
10:00 A-117
Q09Monica
Kozbial
Brainwave Technologies 10:25 A-113
Q10Samuel Kwak How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of
a Two-Minute Bout of Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-
Walking Training in a Young, Nonimpaired Group of Subjects
09:35 D-103
Q11Ashley Ro
Nikita Veera
Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time 10:00LectHall
B-206
Q12Priya Roy Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive
Neuron Incidence of the Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
12:30 B-116
Q13Nicole Runkle Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and
Cognition in Schizophrenia
11:15 A-151
Q14Shivam Vedak Modeling Thermal Pain Perception 08:45 E-115
Q15Jing Wang The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating
Canonical Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling
2:10 LectHall
B-206
Q16Weili Zheng What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural
Activity Relating to Memory Through Intracranial
Electroencephalography
09:35 A-113
19
Physics
Title Time Room
R01Alexander
Abbinante
At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist? 09:35 A-155
Wesley
Bradley
R02Sara Akgul Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector
at Fermilab
11:15 B-116
R03Sara Akgul Asymmetric Dice 10:50 B-116
Kevin Zhao
R04Amy Allen Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e
Cosmic Ray Veto Shield
2:10 B-108
R05Mohammed
Hayat
Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment 12:55 A-135
R06Vladislav
Kontsevoi
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by
Doping
1:20 A-131
R07Zhengzheng
Liu
Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data 1:20 A-135
R08Alexander
Munoz
Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data 12:30 A-135
R09Liana Nicklaus The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters 10:50 A-133
R10James Pan Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between
Hadronic Jets and Photons
2:10 B-116
R11Jay Patel Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW 11:15 D-107
R12Shobhit Roy The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier 1:45 A-155
R13Anderson West Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco
Cosmology Survey
10:25 A-151
Psychology Title Time Room
S01 Kaijia Chen Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique? 09:10 AcPit
A-138
S02 Gabriella
Heller
Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of
Children with Early Unilateral Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary
and Narrative Development
2:10 A-155
S03 Jayanshu Jain Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments 1:45 D-103
Kaitlyn
Kunstman
Michelle
Rudolph
S04 Jasmine Joda Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia 08:45 A-131
S05 Matthew
Kleinjan
The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol
Consumption
10:00 E-115
S06 Elizabeth
Knowlton
The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism 10:00 AcPit
A-138
William
Lindemann
S07 Jeselle
Santiago
Increasing Motivation in Schools 09:10 D-107
Nirali Shah
20
Psychology
Title Time Room
S08 Ashley Smith Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at
IMSA
10:50 AcPit
A-138
S09 Christopher
Wallis
The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators 1:45 A-135
S10 Claire Zhang How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions 09:35 AcPit
A-138
Social Science
Title TimeRoom
T01Grace Chan China and the World 11:15A-113
Nancy Yu
T02Nicacio
Corral
The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout
the Urban Cities of the United States
11:15AcPit
A-138
Rhett Partida
Isiah Ramos
Alejandro
Rojas
T03Jessica
Hunter
Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
from Downstate and Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
10:25AcPit
A-138
T04Melissa
O'Brien
Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics 09:35A-135
Kimberly
Sherwin
T05Joan Steffen Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights 09:35A-117
Space Science Title TimeRoom
U01Natasha
Arvanitis
Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites 2:10 A-133
U02Amber
Betzold
Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey 10:00A-151
U03Stephanie
Cheng
Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its
Star Formation
1:20 A-133
U04Vijay
Jayaram
Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation 09:35B-110
Thomas Reith
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 B02 B08 C04 C10 C16
A02 B03 B09 C05 C11 C17
A03 B04 B10 C06 C12 C18
A04 B05 C01 C07 C13 C19
A05 B06 C02 C08 C14 C20
B01 B07 C03 C09 C15 C21
C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 D01 D02 D03 E01 E02 E03
E04 E05 E06 E07 E08 E09 E10 E11 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 G01
G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 G09 G10 G11 G12 H01 H02 H03 H04 H05 H06 I01
I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 I11 I12 I13 I14 I15 I16 I17 I18 I19
K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 M01 M02 M03 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10
Old Cafeteria/Commons
J01
J02
J03
J04
M11 M12
M13
N01 Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A05 * Economics: G01-G12 * History: M01-M13
* Bioengineering: B01-B10 * Education: H01-H06 * Law: N01
* Biology: C01-C29 * Engineering: I01-I19 continued
* Business: D01-D03 * English: J01-J04
* Chemistry: E01-E11 * Environmental Science: K01-K05
* Computer Science: F01-F05 * Fine Arts: L01
Poster Map
C133
C142
C145
Stairs
R10 R11
C135
R09 A
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research
Conference Room
R08
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
P14 P15 P16 P17 P18 P19
P20 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 Q05
Q06 Q07 Q08 Q09 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 R01
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life R07
R06
R02 R03 R04 R05
A108
C122A
C121A
Offices
C125
C126
C127
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine continued: P14-P20
* Neurobiology: Q01-Q16
* Physics: R01-R11
continued
CAC Office
D
A107
Poster Map
Math Study Area
A145
Copy Room
A147
Classrooms
A149 A151
Math Study Area
U04
T05 U01 U02 U03
T01 T02 T03 T04
C166
A148
Classrooms
A150
S07 S08 S09 S10 Mail A137B
Room S03 S04 S05 S06
A138 A137
A144 A143
Classrooms
A141
Leon Ledeman
Office
A144B
Mail Conference
Room
Mail
Room
Stairs to the
President’s Office
R12 R13 S01 S02
C141
Offices
Academic Pit
A138
A140 A150A G E C
S
T
A
I
R
S
A102
Horwitz Conference Room A103 A105 F D B
C144
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics continued: R12-R13
* Psychology: S01-S10
* Social Science: T01-T05
* Space Science: U01-U04
25
IMSAloquium Schedule
08:45 - 09:00
Room Poster
ID
A-117 D03 Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and Evaluating the
Role of Private Health Insurance Within it
Jennifer Hu, Weili Zheng, Mary Carter, Annette Marek
A-131 S04 Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia
Jasmine Joda, David Evenson
A-135 G10 Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different Economic Classes
in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Other Countries Throughout the
World
Samuel Simon, Joshua Elliott
A-147 K01 Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand for Lake
Michigan
Vashti Aguilar, Peter Clancy
A-149 C15 Alterations in Hsp27
Jonathan Munoz, Jody Martin
A-151 E09 Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides
Sai Parepally, Michael Trenary
B-108 C09 Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of Inward Rectifier
Potassium Channel Function
Linna Guan, Yulia Epshtein, Irena Levitan, Avia Rosenhouse-Dantsker, Dev Singh
B-110 B07 Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body
Matthew Brian McDermott, Thomas Royston
B-116 C24 Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency and the DNA
Methylation Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1 Genes
Mahi Singh, Lucy Godley, Janet Lepore, Aparna Vasanthakumar
B-133 D01 Recipe for the Perfect Intervention
Bo Chen, Sarah Vo, Pradeep Chintagunta
D-103 P19 Determining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell
Lines to Chemotherapy
Divya Tankasala, Kenan Onel, Sapana Vora
D-110 C01 Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level
Lisa Akintilo, Megan Wu, J. Andrew Wasserstrom
E-115 Q14 Modeling Thermal Pain Perception
Shivam Vedak, A. Vania Apkarian
LectHall
B-206
I16 Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex
Manipulation Tasks
Navdeep Singh, Laxman Saggere
26
09:10 - 09:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 K02 Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions
Sharada Dharmasankar, Eric Lin, Hassan Qureshi, Kenneth Wang, Mark Carlson
A-117 M01 Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece
Paul Angelillo, Ryan Jordan, Robert Kiely
A-119 M07 Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma
Brittney Hanson, Jim Victory
A-133 O01 Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals
Kevin Baker, Michael Keyton
A-135 F05 An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a Multi-
Dimensional Database
Gary Wang, Joshua Elliott
A-147 A05 A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Vamika Venkatesan, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-149 C13 Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism
Anusha Kumar, Viral Patel, Glyn Dawson, Sylvia Dawson, John Kilkus, Jingdong Qin
A-151 P08 Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIV-Infected
Population with Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Bernice Fokum, Margaret Telfer
A-155 Q01 How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Ruchi Aggarwal, Mehal Shah, Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran
AcPit
A-138
S01 Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique?
Kaijia Chen, Joan Y. Chiao
B-108 C08 Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid Neoplasms
Andrew Go, Michelle LeBeau, Angela Stoddart
B-110 I09 Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology
Zack Maril, Robert Erck
B-116 G09 Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding
Saurin Shah, Eric Smith
B-133 E03 Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen from
Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents
Amber Farrell, Marina Arvaldos, Krishna Pagilla
D-103 C25 The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression
Aditya Suresh, Galina Khramtsova, Rita Nanda
D-107 S07 Increasing Motivation in Schools
Jeselle Santiago, Nirali Shah, Deborah McGrath
D-110 M10 An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel
Molly Pachay, Kavita Patel, Jennifer Bing-Canar
E-115 G12 To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing
Zehua Sun, David Herberich, John List
LectHall
B-206
I13 Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Brenton Noesges, Francisco Ruiz
27
09:35 - 09:50
Room Poster
ID
A-113 Q16 What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural Activity
Relating to Memory Through Intracranial Electroencephalography
Weili Zheng, Vernon Leo Towle
A-117 T05 Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights
Joan Steffen, Robert Kiely
A-131 M03 Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Elsa Costa, Christian Nokkentved
A-133 O05 Quadrilateral Investigations
Jason Hempstead, Elizabeth Ott, Michael Keyton
A-135 T04 Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics
Melissa O'Brien, Kimberly Sherwin, Lee Eysturlid
A-147 A03 Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for Melanoma
Leti Nunez, Vidhya Hariharan, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-149 P01 Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as
Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-
Transplant Renal Dysfunction
Amishi Bajaj, Josh Levitsky
A-151 F02 Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis Images
Naomi Liu, Si Si, Robert Nishikawa, Ingrid Reiser
A-155 R01 At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist?
Alexander Abbinante, Wesley Bradley, Ryuji Yamada
AcPit
A-138
S10 How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions
Claire Zhang, David Evenson
B-110 U04 Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation
Vijay Jayaram, Thomas Reith, Dan Hooper
B-116 Q03 Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of Intraventricular
Hemorrhage and Periventricular Leukomalacia in Premature Multiple Births
Omotayo Balogun, Kari Tyler, Maliha Shareef, Tricia Thomson
B-133 H04 Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem: Website Hosting
Survey
Daniela Lefticariu, James Bondi, Christopher Kolar, James Page, Ken Swails
D-103 Q10 How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of a Two-
Minute Bout of Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-Walking Training in
a Young, Nonimpaired Group of Subjects
Samuel Kwak, David Brown
D-107 L01 Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage Productions
Nicholos Reid, Steve Scott
D-110 I06 Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and
Nanocapacitor Diameter
Shawon Jackson, Leonidas Ocola
E-115 I18 S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study
Faythe Wu, Mark Sexton
LectHall
B-206
I03 Geothermal Energy
Samuel Contreras, Audel Gutierrez, Eric Hawker
28
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O09 Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes
Eric Lin, Siddharth Narayanan, Steven Condie
A-117 Q08 Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through
Electrocorticographic Readings of Subdural Electrodes
Brielle James, Paul Yuan, Vernon Leo Towle
A-119 G05 Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics
Jialin Huang, Richard Stalmack
A-131 B09 The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-Selectins
Tiffany Sinclair, Seungpyo Hong, Ja Hye Myung
A-133 M04 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord
Diliana Dimitrova, William Mock, Christian Nokkentved
A-135 P13 Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise
Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening
Pruthvi Kothari, Jonathon Muraskas
A-147 C12 Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of the Texas
Toad, Bufo speciosus
Anusha Kumar, James Carr
A-149 P02 Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis
Amishi Bajaj, Jayant Pinto
A-151 U02 Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Amber Betzold, Evalyn Gates
A-155 C18 A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor: Its Role in
Megakaryopoiesis
Cassie Parks, John Cunningham
AcPit
A-138
S06 The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism
Elizabeth Knowlton, William Lindemann, David Evenson
B-108 O03 How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions they are
Applied to Change
Victor Duan, Barbara Engelhardt, Matthew Stephens
B-110 I04 The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase TiO2 as a
Function of Support Treatment Procedures for the Production of C2+ Oxygenates
Justin Glasper, Randall Meyer
B-116 P03 The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Sonia Bajaj, Donald Dosch, Judith Scheppler
B-133 P15 Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins
Pujan Patel, John O'Bryan
D-103 I15 City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van Der
Rohe's Lafayette Park and Farnsworth House
Hannah Schmitt, Joy Meek
D-107 G07 School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle School Model
Affects Blacks and Whites
Michael Mirski, John Wang, Kerwin Charles
29
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
E-115 S05 The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol Consumption
Matthew Kleinjan, Harriet de Wit, Margaret Wardle
LectHall
B-206
Q11 Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time
Ashley Ro, Nikita Veera, Chunyu Liu
10:25 - 10:40
Room Poster
ID
A-113 Q09 Brainwave Technologies
Monica Kozbial, Mark Carlson
A-117 M13 Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Versus
Piloted Aircraft
Lisa Wendel, Jim Victory
A-119 E08 Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Daniel Pak, Seungpyo Hong, Su Eon Jin
A-131 C29 Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis
Candice Yi, Rima McLeod
A-133 M09 A Simulation of Early Modern Europe
Andrew Heuser, Liana Nicklaus, Thomas Oberhardt, Lee Eysturlid
A-135 P04 Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main Diagnosis, and
Necessity for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Persistent
Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborns from Between the Years 2000 and
2007.
Shelly Bhanot, Shilpa Topudurti, Christine Sajous
A-147 C17 Role of Interleukin 1-β in Modulating Immune Responses
Luke Nayak, Balaji Ganesh, Bellur Prabhakar
A-149 B06 Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient Use in
Residential Settings
Mahir Khan, Patrick Rousche
A-151 R13 Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco Cosmology
Survey
Anderson West, Tom Diehl
A-155 N03 The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives
Satoe Sakuma, Mark Heyrman
AcPit
A-138
T03 Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students from
Downstate and Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
Jessica Hunter, David Evenson
B-108 Q06 hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila
Cecilia Countryman, Pranusha Pinna, Jane Wu
B-110 C04 A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Cecilia Chang, Harika Nalluri, John Beshai
30
10:25 – 10:40
Room Poster
ID
B-116 C03 Optimization of a DNA Sequencer
Aryssa Burton, Jamie Tweedle
B-133 J01 Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader
Katherine Funderburg, Tracy Townsend
D-107 C23 Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG Capsule in CMRL
1066 Culture Media
Kevin Shi, Vivek Thakkar, Jose Oberholzer, Meirigeng Qi, Yong Wang
D-110 C11 Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance and
Mobilization
Ingrid Hsiung, Min Cheng, Qin Gangjian
LectHall
B-206
C06 Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria
Nitin Chilukuri, Jongmin Lee, Julie Polz
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E10 Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual Molecular
Dynamics and Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
Yiru Tao, Karl Freed
A-117 G08 What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on Banking and
Beauty Aids in the Twenty-First Century
Dharti Shah, Robert Kiely, Jim Victory
A-119 M02 The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War
Cindy Angpraseuth, Claiborne Skinner
A-131 C10 Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii with
Respect to Its Effect on the Growth, Survival, or Persistence of the Parasite in
Tissue Culture and in vivo
Alexandra Hizel, Nicholas Virgl, Rima McLeod
A-133 R09 The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters
Liana Nicklaus, James Annis, Huan Lin
A-135 E02 Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and Spectrometer Data
William Erwin, Andrew Jung, Dave DeVol
A-149 F01 The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement
Quadis Evans, Eric Shinn, Mike Ososky
A-151 P17 Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis
Shyam Saladi, Caroline Shin, Samuel Dudley, David Simpson
A-155 P16 Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Sprague-
Dawley Rats from Charles River Versus Harlan
Aldo Rossi, Isolina Rossi, Melina Kibbe, William Pearce, Vera Shively
AcPit
A-138
S08 Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at IMSA
Ashley Smith, Adrienne Coleman, Barbara Miller
B-108 E06 Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate), and
Poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) and Its Photomodified Form
Pan Luo, Steve Sibener
31
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
B-110 E07 Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with Manganese
Complexes
Samir Mishra, Justin Notestein
B-116 R03 Asymmetric Dice
Sara Akgul, Kevin Zhao, Mark Fischler
B-133 J02 A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish Language
Miguel Garcia, Margaret Cain
D-103 G04 The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets
Joseph Hecker, Doug Adams
D-110 B03 Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Nicole Howard, Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal
E-115 N01 Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results and Process)
Through Pro Se and Legal Representation
Stephanie Bernardo, Leslie Martin, David Yanoff
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
A-113 T01 China and the World
Grace Chan, Nancy Yu, Robert Kiely
A-117 P20 Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood Spot Primary
Samples Tested on the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
Amy Zhou, Bill Kabat
A-119 G01 Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and Solutions
Ramtej Atluri, Minjae Lee, Reichert Joshua Zalameda, Eric Smith
A-131 C28 Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human Commensal
Species in the Genus Neisseria
Candice Yi, Cynthia Cornelissen
A-133 O07 Designing Origami Models
Jisoo Kim, Lucy Li, Sheng-Ting Lin, Vincent Matsko
A-135 E04 Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol
Andrew Gray, Richard Smith, Dave DeVol
A-147 I11 Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks
Jacob Miller, Kenneth Wang, Rachel Getman, Randall Snurr
A-149 A02 Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1
Allan Dong, Guohua Lei, Honglin Li, Mei Mei, Jianchun Wu
A-151 Q13 Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and Cognition in
Schizophrenia
Nicole Runkle, Matthew Smith, Lei Wang
A-155 C21 Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the Mixed
Lineage Leukemia Gene
James Quigley, Manuel Diaz, Ute Osmers
32
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
AcPit
A-138
T02 The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout the
Urban Cities of the United States
Nicacio Corral, Rhett Partida, Isiah Ramos, Alejandro Rojas, Isabel Reyes
B-108 A01 Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to
Identify Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
Susan Chen, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn
B-110 P14 The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's Disease
Justine Ly, Katherine Shi, Chien-Min Kao
B-116 R02 Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector at
Fermilab
Sara Akgul, Enrique Palencia
D-103 Q02 Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response
Dawna Bagherian, Nina Kraus, Jen Krizman, Erika Skoe
D-107 R11 Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW
Jay Patel, Venkat Chandrasekhar
D-110 Q07 Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention
Justin Feng, Yanchen Shi, Todd Parrish
E-115 E11 Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata
Johannes Zhou, Hong Jie Zhang
LectHall
B-206
F03 Developing Smartphone Applications
Marat Purnyn, Namrata Pandya, Phadmakar Patankar
12:30 - 12:45
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C22 The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels
Rital Shah, Fang Feng, John Varga, Jun Wei
A-117 P10 Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of Babies
Ankita Khandai, Bill Kabat
A-119 M05 Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British Monarchy
Joseph Donahue, Eric Smith
A-131 I07 Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn
Adam Jung, Faith Quist, Philip Nash
A-133 O04 Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the Projective Plane
Derek Hardin, Noah Prince
A-135 R08 Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data
Alexander Munoz, Maury Goodman
A-147 I10 Reducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology Laboratory
Activity
Ian McInerney, James Gerry, Joseph Muskin
B-116 Q12 Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive Neuron
Incidence of the Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
Priya Roy, Paul Carvey
33
12:30 – 12:45
Room Poster
ID
B-133 C05 Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria
Wen Chen, Wen Li Chen, Dennis Nyberg
12:55 - 1:10
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C14 The Role of Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor in the Expression of p21 and p27
in Pancreatic Cancer
Lydia Matthews, Paul Grippo
A-119 M06 The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications for Romania
Ana Dumitrescu, Karen Alter, Eric Smith
A-131 K03 Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and Ultraviolet
Radiation
Denise Mol, Geza Gyuk, Mark Hammergren
A-133 O06 The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models
Sara Johnson, Vincent Matsko
A-135 R05 Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment
Mohammed Hayat, Maury Goodman
A-147 C16 Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Adipose
Tissue in Mice
Elizabeth Murphy, Giamila Fantuzzi, Maria Pini, Davina Rhodes
A-149 B10 Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States and Japan
Mao Yamakawa, Kyo Shunei
B-133 C26 The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory Cytokine
Important in Mediating Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
Michael Teng, Stephen Miller
D-103 I05 Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple Task
Automator
Alexander Goins, Brian Page, James Gerry
D-107 P06 Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical Procedures
Andrea Castaldo, Ashley Czaplicki, Timothy McDonald
D-110 P05 MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical Practices in the
United States and Europe
Madeline Booton, Donald Dosch
E-115 B04 Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular System
Jennifer Hu, Andreas Linninger
LectHall
B-206
P09 The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Levels in
African American and Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
Lakshmi Girijala, Vaisak Nair, Timothy Niewold, Nadera Sweiss
34
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
A-113 P18 The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain
Rital Shah, Jennifer Koblinski
A-117 P12 Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior, Environment,
and Genetics
Jiwon Kim, Aubrey Sumaydeng, Joly Wu, Donald Dosch, Richard Stalmack
A-119 O11 Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in Poker
Michael Wong, Noah Prince
A-131 R06 Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song
A-133 U03 Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its Star
Formation
Stephanie Cheng, Lucy Fortson, Geza Gyuk, Mark Subbarao
A-135 R07 Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data
Zhengzheng Liu, Maury Goodman
A-147 H02 Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A Comprehensive
Examination of Academic Progress and the No Child Left Behind Act
Cevdet Dogan, Jonathan Loucks, Sidanth Sapru, Glenn "Max" McGee
A-149 P07 Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic Lesions in
Experimental Stroke
Kevin Chen, Agnieszka Ardelt
A-151 B02 Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in Tympanic
Membrane Vibrations
Wesley Herron, Elizabeth Richardson, Claus-Peter Richter
A-155 D02 A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English Premiership
and Major League Soccer Teams and Players
Benjamin Diaz, Nikolay Glavanakov, Mathias Drton
AcPit
A-138
H05 High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics
Nidhi Narielwala, Gary Ernst, Barbara Miller
B-108 Q04 Investigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity in Mouse
Models of Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Ayse Cetinkaya, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
B-116 C19 Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor Expression
Lisa Patel, Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Ghadah Karasneh, Deepak Shukla
B-133 I17 The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon (100)
Oscar To, Christos Takoudis
D-103 M12 America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social Consequences in
American Agriculture from Post-Civil War to Today
Sarah Weitekamp, Kathryn Kadel
D-107 N02 An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the World
Abigail Flynn, Jade Martin, Sandra Babcock
D-110 H01 Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is More
Effective?
Kirthi Banothu, Yoo (Jenny) Kim, Morgan Rehberg, Brendan Wesp, Julie Dowling
35
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
E-115 I19 Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a Quick
Release by the Quarterback
Baihan Yang, Matthew Spenko
LectHall
B-206
K05 The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of
Complexing Agents
William Zhou, Jean-Francois Gaillard
1:45 – 2:00
Room Poster
ID
A-113 G03 The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals
Govind Govind-Thomas, Sloane Frost, Anup Malani
A-117 O08 Adic Expansions
Alina Kononov, Micah Fogel
A-119 O10 An Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums in Zn
Corinne Madsen, Noah Prince
A-131 C07 A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque
Imran Choudhry, Habibal Ahsan, Brandon Pierce
A-133 I01 The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab
Natasha Arvanitis, Craig Foster
A-135 S09 The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators
Christopher Wallis, Peter Clancy, Brenda Dunne
A-147 E05 Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-Oxygen Ratios
Bonny Jain, Owen Compton, SonBinh Nguyen
A-149 B01 sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated Sensing
Nanolayers
Kevin Chen, Dimitra Georganopoulou
A-151 I14 Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from Liquid
Precursor
Jonathan Park, Ralu Divan, Alexandra Joshi-Imre
A-155 R12 The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier
Shobhit Roy, C. Shekhar Mishra, Arun Saini, Genfa Wu
AcPit
A-138
K04 Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future
Gary Sheng, Branson Lawrence
B-108 C02 Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in Arabidopsis
Morenibayo Bankole, Joanna Jelenska
B-110 I08 Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and Consumer
Applications Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Lawrence Kim, Eric Kwan, Michael Corbat, Lawrence Ost, Philip Winters
B-116 B08 Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps
James Parkin, Farid Amirouche
B-133 G11 The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators
Courtney Alexa Smith, Jiro Kondo
36
1:45 – 2:00
Room Poster
ID
D-103 S03 Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments
Jayanshu Jain, Kaitlyn Kunstman, Michelle Rudolph, David Evenson
D-107 G02 The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success
Robert Cheung,, Sharada Dharmasankar, James Heckman, John Humpries, Nick
Mader
D-110 I02 Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral Thickness
in Ceramic Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
Dane Christianson, Michael Gleeson, Yiru Tao, Weili Zheng, Mark Carlson, Sarah
OLeary
E-115 J03 Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to Appeal to
Teens
Amogh Kambalyal, Richard Song, Karna Warrior, Audrey Wells
LectHall
B-206
J04 Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving Cultural
Consciousness, 1839 to Present
Emily Weiland, Daniel Gleason
2:10 - 2:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 G06 The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges
Michael Kobiela, Jim Victory
A-117 O02 Explorations of 3-Free Sequences
Shiladitya Bhattacharyya, Andrew Lee, Nathan Yan, Micah Fogel
A-119 F04 Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA Environment
Benjamin Taylor, Noah Prince
A-131 P11 Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in Orissa,
India
Ankita Khandai, Donald Dosch
A-133 U01 Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites
Natasha Arvanitis, Mark Hammergren
A-135 C20 The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli Recovered from
Urine Cultures
Varun Pilla, Chao Qi
A-147 B05 Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update
Eric Huang, Simon Lin
A-149 I12 A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Peter Nebres, Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner
A-151 Q05 Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a Novel
Delivery System in Mice
Janani Mandayam Comar, Elliott Mufson, Cassia Overk
A-155 S02 Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of Children
with Early Unilateral Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary and Narrative
Development
Gabriella Heller, Ozlem Ece Demir, Susan Goldin-Meadow, Susan Levine
37
2:10 – 2:25
Room Poster
ID
AcPit
A-138
H06 Inspiring Youth to Lead
Cai O'Connell, Alexandra Smick, Linsey Crowninshield
B-108 R04 Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e Cosmic Ray Veto
Shield
Amy Allen, Douglas Glenzinski, Craig Group
B-110 C27 Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients
Sumana Vardhan, Kimberley Dilley
B-116 R10 Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between Hadronic Jets
and Photons
James Pan, Sasha Pronko
B-133 A04 Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by ProP in
Escherichia coli
Irina Pushel, Jeong Choe-Hwang
D-103 E01 Thermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of Ferrium M54
Dane Christianson, Christopher Kern, Charles Keuhmann
D-107 H03 IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process
Meena Iyer, Victoria Lo, Michelle Kolar, Glenn "Max" McGee
D-110 M11 The Consequences of Modern Agriculture
Kelly Wallin, Kathryn Kadel
E-115 M08 The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications
Lauraleigh Heffner, Claiborne Skinner
LectHall
B-206
Q15 The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating Canonical
Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling
Jing Wang, Anjen Chenn
38
A01
Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to Identify Compounds for
Antiparasitic Drugs
Presenter(s)
Susan Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Protozoan parasites cause enormous health problems to people worldwide. Vaccines are ineffective and
some parasites are becoming drug-resistant. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is an enzyme essential to
fatty acid metabolism in parasites and is a potential target for drugs. Drug screening using live parasites is
impractical so a surrogate system was needed. In our strategy, introducing parasite ACC genes into wild
type yeast to replace its native ACC created recombinant yeast strains whose growth depends on the
parasite ACC and specific inhibitors. The yeast are in a 96-well plate set up compatible with screenings of
chemical libraries. Herbicides targeting ACC of grasses, which is similar in structure and function to
parasitic ACC, were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of yeast containing the ACC of the
parasite Leishmania braziliensis. The growth of the yeast cells in the wells was monitored for several
days with a spectrometer/plate reader. When the results were analyzed, two herbicides, tepraloxydim and
tralkoxydim, inhibited the growth of the yeast. A toxicity test was run on human cell lines and the results
showed that there is no toxicity of these two herbicides on the cells. With this, large steps are taken to
fight parasitic infections.
A02
Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1
Presenter(s)
Allan Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Guohua Lei, Children's Memorial Research Center
Honglin Li, Children's Memorial Research Center
Mei Mei, Children's Memorial Research Center
Jianchun Wu, Children's Memorial Research Center
Ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (Ufm1) is a recently identified ubiquitin-like protein that modifies other protein
targets. Very recent genetic studies suggest that the Ufm1 conjugation system is essential for animal
development. Like other ubiquitin-like systems, Ufm1 modification is accomplished with the help of its
E1, E2, and E3 enzymes. Ubiquitin-fold modifier conjugating enzyme 1 (Ufc1) is the E2 enzyme for
Ufm1 conjugation. Preliminary data suggests that Ufc1 can be covalently modified by Ufm1; however,
the exact location has yet to be determined. PCR mutagenesis was used to mutate individual Ufc1 lysine
residues to arginine. Wild-type Ufm1 was then over expressed with each Ufc1 mutant to determine
whether or not the Ufc1 mutants were capable of being modified by Ufm1. By using wild-type Ufm1 and
Ufc1 mutants tagged with Myc and Flag proteins respectively, a Western blot will be able to show
whether or not the Ufc1 mutants can be modified by the wild-type Ufm1, thus allowing us to determine a
possible modification site for this interaction. These results may increase the understanding of the
functionality of Ufm1 and provide a foundation for the search for Ufm1's target proteins and biological
functions.
39
A03
Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for Melanoma
Presenter(s)
Leti Nunez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vidhya Hariharan, Loyola University
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
The purpose of this study is to characterize a mouse model for melanoma. We hypothesized that offspring
generated from a crossbreed of tumor bearing Ink4a-/Y-Tyr RAS mice and epidermally pigmented K14-
SCF mice will develop pigmented, epidermal melanomas. We characterized the mouse model by testing
tumor cells for expression of melanoma-associated proteins by techniques that included: Western blot,
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence
activated cell sorting (FACS). We tested frozen optimal cutting temperature-embedded tissue as well as
cultured cells from tumor digests. Results from Western blot, using a combination of antibodies against
TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase, and MART-1, showed that there were no melanoma markers in the SCAM
mice. Assays involving immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were inconclusive due to the
antibodies nonspecific binding; the secondary antibodies bound to tissue even in the no primary controls.
FACS staining showed minimal positive staining as compared to no primary controls, though this was
also observed in our cervical cancer control cells. There were also positive PCR results, but the water
control had positive results as well. The unexpected phenotype, unpigmented crossbreed tumors and data
which show no melanoma-associated proteins present in these tumors, indicates that the genotype needs
to be reexamined.
A04
Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by ProP in Escherichia coli
Presenter(s)
Irina Pushel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
ProP is a proton-symport transmembrane protein responsible for osmoregulation and transport of
compatible solutes into the cytoplasm of a cell when undergoing sufficient osmotic stress. The relative
simplicity of E. coli and its dependence on ProP to maintain function made it an ideal subject for the
examination of the protein's osmoregulatory properties. The focus of this investigation was to analyze the
structure of ProP and its relation to the functional transport of proline and glycine betaine into the cell.
Using AutoDock Vina and a previously proposed model of ProP, we were able to predict the binding site
of both substrates to be located in a hydrophobic pocket between periplasmic loops 1 and 2. The predicted
binding affinities for proline and glycine betaine (3.8 kcal/mol and 3.6 kcal/mol, respectively) are in
conjunction with previous studies on substrate transport and the role of the anti-parallel coiled-coil
orientation of the C-terminus in osmoregulation. Further analysis and experimentation is necessary to
more thoroughly elucidate the transport mechanism as far as conformational changes and osmosensing
capabilities of the C-terminus are concerned, the results of which could lead to a clearer understanding of
the metabolism and adaptations of E. coli.
40
A05
A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Presenter(s)
Vamika Venkatesan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease in women of child-bearing age. Slow-growing,
but deadly tumors in LAM can be identified by expression of melanoma-associated proteins. LAM is
sometimes associated with the disease tuberous sclerosis (TS), another tumor-causing disease. We
hypothesized that tumors found in mice prone to TS also express melanocyte proteins, similar to LAM. If
these proteins are found, these mice can serve as a model for LAM. Tuberous sclerosis complex tumors
from these mice were tested for specific melanocyte proteins gp100, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MART-1.
Relevant tissues were tested through Western blotting, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions,
and immunohistochemistry, which did not show any melanocyte proteins. Full length gp100 cDNA was
generated from mouse tissue mRNA, cloned into an expression vector, and amplified in bacteria for
transfection into mouse smooth muscle cell line MOVAS. Since LAM tumor cells have smooth muscle
cell characteristics, stable, gp100-transfected MOVAS cells were generated to mimic LAM cells.
Transfected cells will be assessed for smooth muscle actin and gp100 expression before injection into
C57B/6 mice. Lungs of injected mice will be dissected to look for melanocyte proteins. If successful, a
new model for LAM will be created for use in therapeutic studies.
B01
sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated Sensing Nanolayers
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dimitra Georganopoulou, Ohmx Corporation
Social and industrial factors are pushing the field of disease diagnostics away from the costly, timeconsuming
immunoanalyzers of the past and toward the inexpensive, efficient devices of the future.
Ohmx Corporation, a pioneer in developing handheld devices operating biochips modified with selfassembled
nanolayers for the detection of various diseases, is researching the use of its technology in
diagnosing stroke in emergency settings. This project investigates the implementation of the
inflammatory protein sP-selectin, a proposed biomarker for stroke, with Ohmx Corporation’s innovative
technologies. By comparing sP-selectin concentrations estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISAs), the current industry standard for diagnostics, with concentrations estimated by Ohmx
Corporation’s biochips, I have attempted to assess the applicability of sP-selectin and Ohmx
Corporation’s technology as a handheld in situ diagnostic tool in the clinical arena. My research
demonstrated that the biochips estimate sP-selectin concentration with a significant correlation to actual
concentration. There is evidence that future development of Ohmx Corporation's proprietary device will
be able to replicate ELISA results closely. Overall, this project suggests that with continued research, sPselectin
holds great potential as a biomarker for stroke on Ohmx Corporation’s novel handheld platform
for immediate stroke diagnosis.
41
B02
Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in Tympanic Membrane Vibrations
Presenter(s)
Wesley Herron, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Richardson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
A laser shined on a surface creates a speckled pattern. As the surface moves, the speckles blur together.
The blurring can be used to determine the amplitude of the movement. Magnified images taken of a
vibrating piezo were analyzed using a technique called laser speckle contrast analysis. The blurred pattern
of speckles caused by the vibration and speckle intensities were both analyzed and velocity maps were
created using code developed in MATLAB. After creating velocity maps of a piezo vibrating at various
speeds, mean contrasts were computed and plotted to form a calibration curve. A similar procedure was
then used on a tympanic membrane (TM) of a guinea pig. Images of the membrane vibrating at various
sound levels and frequencies and with different volumes of fluid in the middle ear (simulating a middle
ear effusion) were taken. After analyzing the images, new contrast calibration curves were plotted and
used to compare the changes in vibration pattern(s) between healthy and effused ears. The results show
how the TM vibrates differently with the presence of fluid in the middle ear. The aim is that this
technique can be used to aid in early diagnosis and treatment of otitis media.
B03
Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Presenter(s)
Nicole Howard, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
A common type of primary brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is also the most deadly and
invasive. As oligosaccharide structures are critical to tumor cell proliferation and invasivity, changing the
expression of glycogenes involved in the biosynthesis of these cell surface structures may have
therapeutic potential for treating GBM. The o-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) mRNA, a gene that synthesizes
these structures, is down-regulated in clinical GBM specimens and malignant glioma cell lines. My
research focused on the creation of GBM cell lines with different levels of expression of OGT mRNA
transcript variants 1 and 2, and using these modified cell lines to study the effect of increased expression
on cellular proliferation, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and altered signal transduction. Human
U373MG glioma cell lines with increased expression of both OGT variants were created through
liposomal-mediated transfection. The level of OGT mRNA expression for each of the resultant fifty
clones was determined by qRT-PCR. A low, medium, and high expresser for each variant was selected,
and altered cellular adhesion to human fibronectin matrix was demonstrated in each clone. Signal
transduction assays are underway to determine if altered adhesion-mediated protein tyrosine
phosphorylation plays a role in this altered adhesion. These results set the stage for experiments to
determine if forced expression of OGT alters in vivo tumorigenicity in preclinical mouse models.
42
B04
Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular System
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
The ventricular system in the human brain is extremely difficult to visualize using traditional MRI or CT
scans. However, it has recently become possible to piece together three dimensional digital
reconstructions of the brain’s ventricles. Our goal was to create a video animation that simulated flying
through these structures. The reconstruction of the ventricles (created previously) was imported into a
program which could export the model as well as the coordinates of cerebrospinal fluid particle path lines
into an animation program. Then, using the coordinates, we created path lines for the particles and a
virtual camera. Time coordinates were entered for all moving objects, resulting in a video that yielded a
smooth journey with accurate velocities based off of cerebrospinal fluid flow. In the final editing
program, not only were captions added but also a video insert which showed where the camera was
traveling by viewing the ventricles from the outside. In all, two videos were created: one that mimicked
flying through solely the ventricles and another that flew through the ventricles and subarachnoid space. It
is hoped that this video is informative and offers students and educators of all ages another perspective of
the human brain's ventricular system.
B05
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update
Presenter(s)
Eric Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Simon Lin, Northwestern University
With the rise of sequencing technologies that allow scientists to rapidly test a section of DNA, the
business of direct-to-consumer genetic testing has grown tremendously since 2008. New methods to
improve genetic testing are being developed that will benefit the consumer. In this investigation, six
recent patents concerning the field of consumer genetic testing were researched. Then, a summary of each
patent was written along with an analysis of how the patent created a novel product or process and how it
would affect the field of genetic testing. Three of the patents concerned the entire process of direct-toconsumer
genetic testing. These three patents dealt with issues such as anonymity of the consumer,
efficiency of the genetic testing process, and continued research about genes of interest being delivered to
the consumer. Two of the other patents created processes for comparing the genetic information of
individuals and how to develop user-friendly ways to display the comparison results. The final patent was
related to providing information to the internet securely. These patents demonstrate that the field of
genetic testing is moving towards creating a process that is more accessible to the consumer by increasing
security, privacy, understandability, and efficiency.
43
B06
Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient Use in Residential Settings
Presenter(s)
Mahir Khan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Patrick Rousche, University of Illinois at Chicago
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is known to result in paralysis and loss of
mobility. Stroke therapy is necessary for several patients; however, a lack of clinical therapy is available.
Robotic therapy is currently available, but exclusively in university clinics. This engineering design
project attempted to produce a model that is feasible for stroke victims to utilize in a residential setting for
therapy. Literature was reviewed in order to learn about stroke and rehabilitation. Google SketchUp
software was used to create designs for the model. The model needed to be portable, robot-enabled,
electrically powered, and connected to the Internet for optimal efficiency. Design was based on the
necessity of patients, and a prototype has been constructed using ordinary office materials. We hope to
use metal or wood to create a more practical model soon. The current prototype’s dimensions are thirtysix
inches by twenty-four inches by twelve inches. The results of this investigation are an attempt to
progress the current state of therapy to better utilize technology. This type of model can hopefully impact
the future of bioengineering so that stroke patients have their own therapy systems to take home in the
near future.
B07
Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body
Presenter(s)
Matthew Brian McDermott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Royston, University of Illinois at Chicago
Auscultation, the practice of listening to sounds produced by and transmitted through the body, is a skill
many physicians lack. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, very few physicians can accurately
diagnose based on auscultation. Determining a computational way to quantify and interpret results from
acoustic data would significantly advance research, education, and clinical practices. Through literature
review, mathematical modeling, physical modeling, and human testing, several new means of gathering
acoustic data have been developed. These new ways have shown, through testing, to be capable of
producing reliable data. More conclusive testing of the devices is underway to more thoroughly verify
that they can perform as intended. What’s more, preliminary sample data about the acoustic response of
the lung parenchyma has also been gathered. These results will change the way scientists use auscultation
and view the acoustic response of the human body in general.
44
B08
Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps
Presenter(s)
James Parkin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Farid Amirouche, University of Illinois at Chicago
With the rise of unhealthy diets, diabetes has become epidemic in America. To help in treatment of
diabetics, micropumps, which are safer, less expensive, and less obtrusive than conventional treatment
methods, have been developed. Micropumps can be categorized into two groups: dynamic and
displacement. Dynamic pumps use physical properties of the target fluid to induce movement while
displacement pumps exert a force on the fluid with a movable barrier to cause motion. Insulin pumps
often employ displacement pumps with diaphragms. The flow rates, volume displacement accuracy, and
failure criteria for these pumps are determined by the properties of the diaphragm. For this research
project, a Nanoindenter™ XP manufactured by MTS was going to be used to determine the relationship
between thickness and elasticity of common diaphragms used in insulin micropumps. Nanoindentation
devices such as the Nanoindenter™ XP press diamond tips into thin membranes to determine, among
other physical quantities, their elasticity. However, the only available Nanoindenter™ XP was in need of
a new diamond tip and fixation. Therefore, the experimental part of the research was halted and focus
turned to a literature review summarizing the subjects of nanoindentation and micropumps and also
providing a rationale for the experimental procedure.
B09
The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-selectins
Presenter(s)
Tiffany Sinclair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Ja Hye Myung, University of Illinois at Chicago
It is known that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) interact with endothelial cells in blood vessels during
metastasis. Cell rolling plays a key role in the initial step of cancer metastasis, that is, extravasation of
CTCs. To identify the interaction of cancer cells with endothelial cells, it is crucial to know which ligand
has binding affinities with receptors on vascular endothelial cells, for example E- and P-selectin. sLEx,
one of many covering glycoproteins on cancer cell membrane, was known as a ligand against E- and Pselectins.
To compare the strength of their interactions in overcoming shear stress against flow stress,
binding kinetics and affinity of sLEx against each selectin were measured by a BIAcore instrument based
on surface plasmon resonance. After evaluating binding kinetics for obtained binding curves of sLEx, we
found that sLEx has a binding affinity for both P- and E-selectin, though affinity for E-selectin (KD = 78.3
nM) was roughly three-fold higher than that of P-Selectin (KD = 210 nM). This suggests that the
decoration of sLEx on glycoproteins may enhance cell interaction with E-selectin-expressed endothelial
cells against shear stress. Using adhesive proteins such as selectin and their known ligands, the adhesive
protein-immobilized surface can induce cancer cell rolling.
45
B10
Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States and Japan
Presenter(s)
Mao Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kyo Shunei, University of Tokyo
The usage of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplantation (BTT) and destination
therapy (DT) has been a critical issue addressed by the medical community, as an alerting number of
cases of end stage heart failure has been affecting patients. This inquiry focuses on the difference of
waiting periods of donor hearts, legality issues, and ultimately the rationale behind modern LVAD
inventions in the United States and Japan, in order to examine the trends of LVAD improvements and
modifications. The evidence behind the research largely corroborates the predictions and observed
approach of device production in Japan, due to the fact that this project was conducted at the University
of Tokyo. This study narrows possible predictions that could be made towards the future technological
innovations of LVADs in Japan and the United States, and discusses what role each country will play in
international LVAD production. From my research it could be observed that due to the difference in
waiting period for donor hearts, the rationalization of enhancements and the enhancements themselves are
altered between both countries.
C01
Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level
Presenter(s)
Lisa Akintilo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Spontaneous calcium release (SCR) during intracellular calcium overload triggers extra heart beats and
arrhythmias. However, we do not know how this occurs. The goal of this study was to investigate how
SCR synchronization occurs between cells and how this causes a depolarization and an increase in the
likelihood of spontaneous beats. We extracted a rat heart and kept it alive by immersing it in an artificial
blood solution. We loaded the heart cells with various concentrations of calcium in the external solution
and altered the heart rate to record images of spontaneous calcium release. After obtaining this data we
analyzed the images to determine the correlation between concentration of calcium and pacing of the
heart to the likelihood of SCR. Results showed that during calcium overload, spontaneous calcium release
occurs earlier and becomes progressively more coordinated between myocytes. The greater the
coordination of the calcium release, the greater the depolarization of that tissue, increasing the likelihood
of a spontaneous heart beat. When we use experimental means to produce calcium overload in the
myocyte, SCR between cells becomes more synchronized. Greater synchronization causes depolarization,
which leads to a greater likelihood of spontaneous beats and arrhythmias.
46
C02
Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in Arabidopsis
Presenter(s)
Morenibayo Bankole, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joanna Jelenska, University of Chicago
The presence of the acd6-1 gene mutation in Arabidopsis is reflected by improved plant defenses,
dwarfism, and accelerated cell death among other traits. However, these phenotypes are not expressed
when the plants are grown in higher temperatures. Wild type and acd6-1 plants were grown in different
temperatures and they were observed in order to document phenotype changes. Our hypothesis pointed to
salicylic acid as the reason for the difference in expression of the acd6-1 phenotype. Production of
salicylic acid is regulated by the ICS1 (isochromate synthase 1) protein. Protein extracts were put through
gel electrophoresis and Western blot in order to observe protein expression. Through the Western blot, we
discovered that the cause of the phenotype expression at certain temperatures was not directly related to
the production of ICS1. Some mutants grown did exhibit the acds6-1 phenotype at higher temperatures;
however they have not been studied in close detail yet. The expression of acd6-1 is linked to temperature,
however it is not yet known how. The experiments carried out have shed some light on the nature of the
mutation and the proteins it acts through and made easier further studies to investigate the nature of this
mutation.
C03
Optimization of a DNA Sequencer
Presenter(s)
Aryssa Burton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jamie Tweedle, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students often learn how polymerase chain reactions (PCR) can be used for DNA sequencing but are
usually not given the chance to determine specific sequences of DNA themselves. Besides medical and
research purposes, DNA sequencing is also a valuable educational tool. This experiment investigated
ways of optimizing procedures for DNA sequencing to be used in high school and undergraduate classes.
To produce the most efficient methods possible, several PCR reactions and trials of DNA sequencing
were run with varied conditions and reagents. Differing amounts of ExoSAP-IT (a PCR clean up
protocol), DNA template, buffers, DNA Taq polymerase, dNTPs and ddNTPs were tried in order to find
the optimal amount of each. Trials were run with varying DNA templates and primers. The annealing
time, elongation time and temperatures in the PCR reactions were varied to create optimal results. The
DNA sequencer will be run multiple times to correct errors in procedure and to produce clear results .The
outcome of this experiment may help students learn about DNA sequencing with greater ease. Teachers
may also use these procedures to implement lab activities with minimal time preparation and at a smaller
cost.
47
C04
A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Harika Nalluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Beshai, University of Chicago
Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ disease, of unknown etiology, in which there is an infiltration of granulomas
within soft tissue. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a major concern because it accounts for sixty-five percent of
sudden deaths in patients with sarcoidosis. Though the cause is unspecified, some studies show a
predisposition within families, monozygotic twins, African Americans, and females. We hypothesized
that the blood work parameters and the pulmonary function parameters would show a high correlation
within the patients that had cardiac sarcoidosis versus the patients with other forms of sarcoidosis. We
analyzed data collected from multiple patients with sarcoidosis (cardiac and noncardiac). We conducted
two-tailed t-tests on twenty-three parameters, assuming equal or unequal variance based on individual ftests.
We found a statistical difference in the means of the two groups (patients with cardiac versus noncardiac
sarcoidosis) within four of the parameters: septal late diastolic mitral annular velocity
(p=0.0158), forced vital capacity (p=0.0099), forced vital capacity percent (p=0.0276), atrial peak filling
(p=0.0287). These statistical differences found in the two groups show a correlation between the four
parameters and patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. This can help predict future cases of cardiac sarcoidosis.
C05
Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria
Presenter(s)
Wen Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Wen Li Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Nyberg, University of Illinois at Chicago
Trees capture CO2 from the air and turn it into decay-resistant compounds. Tree death causes captured
carbon to be eventually returned to the atmosphere, but the length of time and transitional stages that the
tree undergoes during that return are little studied. An oak woodland site of 1267 m2 with trees dying due
to fungal disease was inventoried several times from 1993 to our 2010 study. Disease converts living trees
into snags which fall down and become logs which eventually disappear. In 1993 the plot contained fortyfour
trees and fifty-eight trunks, thirty-one of which were alive. Between 1993 and 2000, sixteen trees
died. The fourteen trees still alive in 2010 have a growth rate calculated to average 0.8 cm of
diameter/year. Trees that were snags in 2000 have all fallen down by 2010, but only two of the twentytwo
logs that existed in 2000 have disappeared by 2010. Almost all trees and snags mapped in 1993 are
still present as down logs in 2010, despite four fires. While part of the carbon of the log is returned to CO2
before the log is gone, transition rates we measured suggest that oak trees store carbon for many years
after death.
48
C06
Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria
Presenter(s)
Nitin Chilukuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jongmin Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Polz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Many students miss school due to illness, which can be avoided with better sanitation practices. In this
project, different brands of cleaning solutions are used on bacteria to compare their effects. Five different
brands were used: Windex, 409, Clorox Green Works, Greased Lightning, and the cleaner most used at
IMSA. The common bacteria used in this experiment were Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli,
and Bacillus cereus. Paper discs were soaked in a specific cleaning solution for ten seconds and placed in
nutrient agar plates that were smeared with five-hundred microliters of a specific bacterium. The averages
of the radii of the area of inhibition were compared. Data is still being collected, but from the information
we have, it can be understood that Greased Lightning works best against Escherichia coli and Bacillus
cereus; overall Escherichia coli is more resistant than Bacillus cereus. The information from this
experiment can be used to help protect students from some illnesses.
C07
A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque
Presenter(s)
Imran Choudhry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Habibal Ahsan, University of Chicago
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
The buildup of carotid artery plaque can have deadly consequences, which can be avoided by early
detection and treatment. One pathway to prevention could be uncovering genomic factors that are
associated with increased susceptibility to this disease. A genome-wide association study facilitates such
discovery, allowing us to search for correlations between observable disease and germline genetic
variants, using large samples of individuals typed for >200,000 genetic variants. To ensure the validity of
any associations found, many quality control procedures were carried out, including identifying (and
excluding) individuals with (a) incorrectly reported gender, (b) genetic relatedness to other participants,
(c) elevated heterozygosity, (d) high levels of missing data or (e) ancestry that differs from the other
participants. In addition, genetic variants with high levels of missing data or deviations from Hardy-
Weinberg equilibrium must be excluded. Using statistical programs such as R and PLINK, both of which
utilize command line-based interfaces, we tested ~250,000 genetic variants for association with a clinical
measure of carotid artery plaque within three ethnic groups: whites (n=160), blacks (n=230), and
Hispanics (n=530). We have identified several candidate genes that should be investigated in future
studies.
49
C08
Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid Neoplasms
Presenter(s)
Andrew Go, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle LeBeau, University of Chicago
Angela Stoddart, University of Chicago
Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/t-AML) are late
complications of cytotoxic therapy used for treating cancers, and are usually characterized by the deletion
of chromosomes 5 and/or 7 [-5/del(5q), -7/del(7q)] and a poor prognosis. Early growth response 1
(EGR1), a candidate tumor suppressor gene within the commonly deleted segment of 5q that encodes a
zinc finger transcription factor, was determined to act by haploinsufficiency and to cooperate with second
hit mutations induced by alkylating agents to cause myeloid leukemias. To identify the mutations that
cooperate with this haploinsufficiency, we used retroviral insertional mutagenesis. We have injected
cohorts of Egr /, Egr1 /-, and Egr1-/- neonate nice with the MOL4070LTR retrovirus. The Egr1 /- mice
injected with MOL4070LTR developed myeloproliferative disease (MPD) or AML with a shorter latency
and at a higher overall frequency than the controls (Egr1 / mice). An initial analysis of the retroviral
integrations has identified a common insertion site upstream of the Evi1 locus. Moreover, the Evi1
transcription factor gene was over-expressed (7-1671 fold) in Egr1 /- mice that developed MPD or AML
compared to the controls. In humans, transcriptional activation of EVI1 is often associated with AML.
Since many t-MDS/t-AML patients have abnormalities of chromosome 5, chromosome 7, or both, our
data may suggest that Evi1 cooperates with haploinsufficient levels of Egr1 to develop myeloid
neoplasms.
50
C09
Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel
Function
Presenter(s)
Linna Guan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yulia Epshtein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Irena Levitan, University of Illinois in Chicago
Avia Rosenhouse-Dantsker, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dev Singh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Today over 42 million Americans are diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, or high levels of cholesterol,
and 63 million more have borderline hypercholesterolemia. However, many do not fully understand the
risks of having high cholesterol. On the molecular level hypercholesterolemia causes much more damage
than what is visible on the outside including modulating the function of inward rectifier potassium (Kir)
channels possibly by binding to them. The dysfunction of these channels can eventually lead to heart
failure. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol affects Kir channel function is unknown.
Our goal is to gain insight into the mechanism by which cholesterol affects channel function by
investigating the effect of mutations in the channel on cholesterol sensitivity. As a first step to achieve our
goal, we have designed and made several mutants whose effect on cholesterol modulation on Kir channels
will be tested in future. We hope that through our research we can shed some light on ways to prevent
cholesterol effect on Kir channels and reduce some of the negative ailments caused by
hypercholesterolemia.
C10
Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii with Respect to Its Effect on
the Growth, Survival, or Persistence of the Parasite in Tissue Culture and in vivo
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Hizel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nicholas Virgl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects over one-third of the world’s population, damages eyes and
brain. The bradyzoite stage persists in all infected people and no medicines can eradicate it. In this stage,
the gene lactose dehydrogenase 2 (LDH2) catalyzes the reaction of lactate to pyruvate, providing energy
to the parasite. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether this gene is essential for the
parasite to persist. If so this protein would be validated as a molecular target against which medicines can
be directed to eliminate latent infections. A conditional knock-down was created and inserted into the
parasite DNA. This was completed by mapping out the promoter region to find the ideal place to insert
the tetracycline response elements. Four tetracycline operons (tet-o) were successfully added to this
region of the promoter by site directed mutagenesis. The plasmid was amplified in E. coli, purified via
maxi-prep, and transfected into the parasite. The parasite is currently being observed in both fibroblasts
and mice brain to see possible changes in cyst formation. These results have will contribute to validation
of LDH2 as a molecular target and thus to improved medicines.
51
C11
Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance and Mobilization
Presenter(s)
Ingrid Hsiung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Min Cheng, Northwestern University
Qin Gangjian, Northwestern University
The new concept of cell-based therapies can eliminate prior heart-disease therapy limitations of restenosis
through stimulating stem cells to grow into new vessels and cardiomyocytes to repair ischemic heart
tissue. Since proteins CXCR4 and c-kit play major roles in bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor
cell mobilization, CXCR4 relations with c-kit were discerned through counting mobilized endothelial
progenitor cells and treating c-kit deficient (c-kit W/W-V) and wild type (WT) mice with CXCR4
antagonist AMD3100 and agonist SDF-1. Through using procedures including DNA isolation, PCR,
Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, colony assay, proliferation assay, and bone marrow isolation, it
was learned that CXCR4 and c-kit are related. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, CXCR4 regulated c-kit
activity. In c-kit knockout mice, fewer cells were mobilized, confirming that CXCR4 needs c-kit to
mobilize cells; while in the wild type mice, cells were mobilized. In the ex vivo adhesion assay,
AMD3100 attenuated c-kit phosphorylation. Activating CXCR4 upregulates c-kit activity and blocking
CXCR4 downregulates c-kit activity. This research is expected to contribute to eventually developing a
low-risk, successful cure for ischemic heart disease.
C12
Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of the Texas Toad, Bufo
speciosus
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Carr, Texas Tech University
Background adaptation refers to a predator avoidance mechanism present in certain animals, such as the
frog Xenopus laevis and the toad Bufo speciosus. Proportionate to the level of external lighting,
melanophore stimulating hormone (MSH) is released to trigger melanin dispersion within melanocytes,
resulting in temporarily darkened skin. Epinephrine binding to β-adrenoceptors underlies the initiation of
background adaptation in X. laevis, causing immediate skin darkening before the MSH system activates.
B. speciosus, however, lacks this stress-response mediated accelerated coloration. This study, through
radioligand binding assays and high performance liquid chromatography quantification of integumentary
catecholamines, shows significantly lower [3H] DHA binding and epinephrine and dopamine levels
associated with B. speciosus, implicating both reduced β-adrenergic binding sites and diminished ligand
concentration as responsible for B. speciosus’ inability to rapidly background adapt. Given the nocturnal
and fossorial behavioral characteristics of B. speciosus, this investigation reveals a coevolutionary loss of
both the receptor and signal within a stress-response system deprived of a stressor. Such a finding
suggests similar stress mechanism variation may exist among human populations with divergent life
histories. Such evolved differences may influence group-specific disease rates, an important consideration
in personalized medical treatment.
52
C13
Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Viral Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Sylvia Dawson, University of Chicago
John Kilkus, University of Chicago
Jingdong Qin, University of Chicago
Chronic alcoholism, a major health concern throughout much of the world, has promoted research on the
diverse molecular effects of alcohol on the brain. Our own investigation sought to understand the
differential membrane lipid composition and associated enzyme activity in tissue damaged by alcohol
abuse. We conducted thin layer chromatography to identify and measure unique lipids, such as
phosphatidylethanol, within the membranes of ethanol treated cells. Numerous hydrolase assays were also
run to quantify enzymatic activity within and surrounding human oligodendrocyte (HOG) cells subjected
to varying ethanol doses. Activity was measured through the processing of fluorescent-tagged substrates
by their corresponding enzyme, graphed as fluorescence per unit of protein or volume. Our study found
that several enzymes, including β-hexosaminidase A and β-glucuronidase, show inhibited activity with
increasing ethanol dose treatments. Interestingly, other enzymes, in particular α-mannosidase, display
significantly higher levels of activity in the cellular media following ethanol treatment. These findings
may help identify a biochemical marker for chronic alcoholism, which can be used to diagnose the
disorder. In addition, our results may aid the development of drug-based therapies for alcoholism by
identifying potential enzymatic targets for such treatments.
53
C14
The Role of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor in the Expression of p21 and p27 in Pancreatic
Cancer
Presenter(s)
Lydia Matthews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Pancreatic cancer, a disease with high mortality rate, is known for its rapid growth and metastasis, due, in
part to an unregulated cell cycle. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an anti-angiogenic protein,
observed at decreased levels in cancerous cells. The expression of p21 and p27, cyclin dependent kinase
(CDK) inhibitors, may be correlated with the expression of PEDF. Some studies suggest that p21 and p27
undergo random genetic mutations resulting in reduced or no expression in cancer cells. Thus, we
hypothesize that in mutant Kras mice with complete loss of PEDF, there will be a decrease in p21 and p27
protein expression. Through Western blotting, p21 and p27 are being probed with mouse-monoclonal
antibodies in both wild-type and knock-out mice. Although all the results have not been analyzed, there
appears to be a significant correlation with PEDF; reduced PEDF leads to an astonishing increase in p21
and p27. DNA sequencing will help identify if these CDK inhibitors have been mutated, which can lead
to altered cell cycle function. PEDF administration to these cells may reestablish proper expression levels
and function of p21 and p27, restoring normal cell cycle and reversing cancer development, thus serving
as a potential therapeutic.
C15
Alterations in Hsp27
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jody Martin, Loyola University
Heat shock proteins (HSP) are widely recognized as a necessity for protecting the cells against stresses
such as extreme temperature, ultra violet light, or oxidants which interfere with normal cell functions and
often result in necrosis. In response to environmental strains, stress activated pathways phosphorylate
HSPs which oligomerize and chaperone processes essential to survival. One HSP mutation, C137A, was
investigated because scientists theorize the reactive properties of cytosine are responsible for the
protective nature and localization of HSPs within the cell. H9c2 myoblast cells transduced with green
fluorescent protein, Hsp27, Hsp27 tagged with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), Hsp27 with a C137A
amino acid mutation fused with CFP, a blank virus, or nothing were treated with four dilutions of a H202,
nothing (control), or heat shocked. After being incubated for 4.5 hours, the cell cultures were tested for
survivability and protein content. As expected, a general trend of increased survivability was shown in the
H9 cells overexpressing Hsp27, but, surprisingly, the fusion proteins showed a decrease in survivability
and the C137A mutation showed no significant difference. Similarly, time lapse microscopy showed no
difference in localization between the C137A alteration and the controls. The data confirms the protective
nature of Hsp27, and it also cautions about the use of fluorescent fusions and other proteins because of
their detriment to the function of HSPs.
54
C16
Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in Mice
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Murphy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Giamila Fantuzzi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Maria Pini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Davina Rhodes, University of Illinois at Chicago
If the molecular root of problems that occur in overweight people was found, many would lead healthier
and happier lives. The implications of studying the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) deficiency on obesityinduced
inflammation in mice encompass possibly preventing or stopping inflammation from happening
in adipose tissue. Ten lean wild type (WT) mice, ten lean IL-6 KO mice, fifteen high-fat diet-fed (HFD)
WT mice, and fifteen HFD IL-6 KO mice all started out at the same age and at similar weight. After three
months, the HFD mice weighed an average of 14.57 grams more than the lean mice. To analyze the
frequency of genes present in the adipose tissue, I used the trizol method for RNA isolation, RT-PCR,
qPCR, and ELISA testing. I also analyzed the results of a glucose tolerance test performed on the mice. I
found that the HFD mice and the lean mice had significantly different weights and glucose tolerance test
levels. However, the HFD IL-6 KO mice and the HFD WT mice did not have significantly different
weights or glucose tolerance test levels, nor did the lean IL-6 KO and lean WT mice. HFD IL-6 KO mice
had significantly higher MCP-1 levels than any other mouse, but otherwise HFD IL-6 KO mice showed
similar inflammation patterns as HFD WT mice; however, more research needs to be done to test other
genes involved in inflammation.
C17
Role of Interleukin-1-β in Modulating Immune Responses
Presenter(s)
Luke Nayak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Balaji Ganesh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bellur Prabhakar, University of Illinois at Chicago
Common autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
affect over eight and a half million Americans. Autoimmunity is caused by a perturbation of the immune
system, particularly T cells. Cytokines including IL-1-β have a crucial role in determining the fate of
immune response and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Earlier studies in the lab had established
the pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1-β secreted by inflammatory dendritic cells (DCs) may
cause autoimmunity. In this investigation, I have tried to study the role of IL-1-β on DCs and their
subsequent effects on T cells. This problem was approached by characterizing DCs for their phenotype
upon treatment with IL-1-β. Methodologies used included RNA isolation, RT-PCR, and DC and CD4 T
cell separation. Preliminary results showed that there was an issue with a primer, resulting in false
positives. After changing primers, subsequent experiments showed that IL-1-β had no direct effect on
DCs. Instead, it affected T cells and in an unexpected manner. This result is interesting because past
scientific literature suggests that IL-1-β drives effector T cell response. Our results contradict these
previous observations and interestingly show a significant increase in the regulatory T cell population.
55
C18
A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor: Its Role in Megakaryopoiesis
Presenter(s)
Cassie Parks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Cunningham, University of Chicago
Erythroid Kruppel-like transcription factor (EKLF) plays a key role in the differentiation of the
megakaryocyte–erythrocyte progenitor (MEP), a hematopoietic bipotential progenitor. Initially believed
to be involved solely in erythropoiesis, more recent studies suggest an additional essential role in
megakaryocytic differentiation. Here, I examine the effect EKLF has upon specific megakaryocytic gene
expression during the latter stages of this process. I used the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
(RTPCR), an assay which measures specified genes, replicating gene sequences exponentially, and
measuring the mass of the resultant DNA. One gene we targeted was Tubulin β-1, whose protein product
is present on the surface of proplatelets, the progeny of megakaryocytes . Quantitative RTPCR showed
that Tubulin β-1 Chain expression was diminished in day 8 knockout (KO) megakaryocytes as compared
to day 8 wild type (WT) megakaryocytes. Conversely, Tubulin expression was up-regulated in day 4 KO
megakaryocytes as compared to day 4 WT megakaryocytes. These results, consistent with a lack of
proplatelet production, suggest that EKLF is necessary for the formation of proplatelets in the latter stages
of megakaryopoiesis.
C19
Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Lisa Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ghadah Karasneh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases that infects
nearly thirty to ninety percent of the adult population. An essential stage of HSV pathogenic entry is the
binding of viral glycoproteins to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) on the host cell surface. HSPGs
are complex molecules composed of core proteins covalently attached to glycosaminoglycan chains.
Syndecans are a family of four HSPGs that serve as coreceptors in herpes simplex viral entry and are the
focus of our study. We investigated varied syndecan expression in different cell lines and looked to
determine a correlation between the expression and infectivity of the virus into these cells. Syndecan
fluorescence was measured across four different lines: human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human
corneal epithelial cells (HCE), retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), and vaginal keratinocyte cells
(VK2) using flow cytometry. Each line was also tested with a plaque assay in order to quantify virus
infectivity and compare the results with syndecan expression. Data analysis is currently ongoing and a
correlation is yet to be found.
56
C20
The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli Recovered from Urine Cultures
Presenter(s)
Varun Pilla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chao Qi, Northwestern University
This study investigates the prevalence of different populations of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
(ESBL) E. coli in the community and the hospital. Two-hundred and four inpatient and one-hundred and
fifty-one outpatient E. coli isolates collected from outpatient/inpatient urine samples from 2003 to 2009
have been tested for the presence of the genes blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM. Having the specific
conditions of the PCR protocol determined by previous literature, gel electrophoresis established the
genotypes of the isolates. Kirby-Bauer agar dilution will be used to develop antibiograms for the three
strains. Currently, testing for CTX-M has been completed for all isolates. This project will broaden the
scope of our understanding of the epidemiology of ESBL E. coli and the antibiotic sensitivity tests will
reveal to us a more efficient empiric therapy.
C21
Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia Gene
Presenter(s)
James Quigley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Manuel Diaz, Loyola University
Ute Osmers, Loyola University
Myeloid lymphoid leukemia (MLL) is a multi-domain protein involved in the regulation of genes
important during embryogenesis and hematopoiesis. When breakage of the MLL gene occurs, it can be
translocated to over fifty fusion partners, producing a chimeric gene which can lead to leukemia. The goal
of this project was to investigate the purpose of a conserved acidic patch of amino acids in a domain of
MLL called PHDf3 by mutating the DNA sequence encoding the acidic patch to test the function of MLL.
Since Cyp33 and trimethylated histone H3K4 interact with the PHDf3 domain of MLL, we first wanted to
test whether the mutation of the acidic patch affected binding of Cyp33 or trimethylated histone H3K4 to
PHDf3. The interaction was tested by a co-immunoprecipitation using hemagglutinin-tagged PHDf3 with
flag-tagged Cyp33 and glutathione-S-transferase-tagged PHDf3 with synthetic H3 peptides. After having
established that the interaction is not affected, the wild type and mutated MLL protein can be tested with
other functional assays.
57
C22
The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fang Feng, Northwestern University
John Varga, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease with unidentified causes and no cure due to an incomplete
understanding of the relationship between scleroderma and the proteins promoting the disease.
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays an important role in cell function and is known to
stimulate fibroblasts which synthesize collagen. When there is an over production of fibroblasts, the
excess collagen created leads to fibrosis and ultimately forms scleroderma. TGF-β is known to have a
connection with a complex network of proteins, called wnt, which are also essential in cell function and
have a role in tissue repair and fibrosis. Other studies found a correlation that wnt increases levels of
TGF-β. To address this relationship, cells were treated with wnt for a period of three or five days. Then an
enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was employed to calculate the levels of activated TGF-β in the cells.
According to the data collected, there was an increase of activated TGF-β levels in wnt treated cells,
which confirmed previous studies. These results substantiate that TGF-β levels are amplified due to wnt,
providing a better understanding of scleroderma etiology.
58
C23
Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG Capsule in CMRL 1066 Culture
Media
Presenter(s)
Kevin Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vivek Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jose Oberholzer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Meirigeng Qi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Yong Wang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Within pancreatic islets are insulin-producing beta cells (β-cells) that function to breakdown glucose in
the body. Type I diabetes is characterized by the dysfunction of β-cells; the resulting insulin deficiency
can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). To prevent hyperglycemia islets can be isolated
from a donated pancreas and transplanted to a diabetes patient. Synthetic, gel-like membranes (capsules)
composed of sodium alginate encapsulate and prevent islets from being degraded by immune rejection
within the diabetic host. Assurance of the long term viability of encapsulated islets is necessary to
optimize human islet transplantation. Our experiment focused on viability outside the body using islets
encapsulated by a PMCG alginate capsule in CMRL 1066 culture media made up of various salts to
mimic environment within the body. Specifically, the islet viability test, glucose static incubation test,
ditizone test, and capsule size observation were applied to determining islet viability over six weeks.
Although no significant difference has been observed between the encapsulated and free islets (control
group) in terms of viability, we expect that the encapsulated cells will eventually have a significantly
greater viability. If the desired results are achieved, researchers can speculate about the efficiency of isletprotecting
PMCG capsules within the human body.
59
C24
Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency and the DNA Methylation
Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1 Genes
Presenter(s)
Mahi Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Godley, University of Chicago
Janet Lepore, University of Chicago
Aparna Vasanthakumar, University of Chicago
DNA methylation, or the attachment of a methyl group to specific cytosines in the genome, is altered in
cancer cells. Previous studies have shown that aberrant transcription of the DNMT3B gene is common in
human cancers. When one of these aberrant forms, DNMT3B7, was introduced into Eμ-Myc transgenic
mice, the mice developed mediastinal lymphomas (cancer) at a frequency of approximately fifty-five
percent, whereas the single transgenic Eμ-Myc mice developed mediastinal lymphomas at a frequency of
only fifteen percent. This result suggested tumors that develop in Eμ-Myc transgenic mice are very
dependent on DNA methylation. In this study, we look at what happens when we remove one copy of
Dnmt3b from the mouse genome (Eμ-Myc/Dnmt3b+/-). We discovered that this type of mouse developed
mediastinal lymphomas at an alarming frequency of almost 100%. We looked at the DNA methylation the
genes Thrap2, Bri3bp, and Mum1 in these Eμ-Myc/Dnmt3b+/- tumors. Our preliminary studies show that
in comparison to Eμ-Myc and the Eμ-Myc/DNMT3B7 tumors, Mum1 and Thrap2 are hypomethylated.
Taken together, these data suggest that alteration of DNMT3B function, either by 3B7 or by 3b
inactivation, accelerate Myc-induced tumorigenisis.
C25
The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression
Presenter(s)
Aditya Suresh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Galina Khramtsova, University of Chicago
Rita Nanda, University of Chicago
Within tumors, stromal cells assist with tumor growth. Studies have shown that tumor-associated
macrophages are essential for promoting this growth. There are two types of macrophages: M1
macrophages, which kill microorganisms and tumor cells, and M2 macrophages, which promote tumor
growth and angiogenesis. We sought to determine the role macrophage subtypes play in breast cancer
progression. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) specimens were obtained from the breast cancer tissue bank
under institutional review board approved protocols. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed and
macrophage phenotype was determined using double immunostaining with CD68/CD163 (M2) and
CD68/CD80 (M1). The percent of M1 and M2 macrophages were calculated for DCIS alone and DCIS
associated with invasive cancer. Preliminary results suggest that DCIS alone has a lower percent of M1,
M2, and total macrophages than DCIS which is associated with invasive cancer. If we observe that there
is a difference in the percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in DCIS alone versus DCIS with cancer, we
may be able to identify which cases are most likely to progress to cancer. Understanding the role of
macrophages in this setting will allow us to develop better ways to prevent breast cancer.
60
C26
The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory Cytokine Important in Mediating
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Presenter(s)
Michael Teng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stephen Miller, Northwestern University
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in humans, resulting in the demyelineation of neurons
in the central nervous system (CNS). MS is mediated by CNS-infiltrating myelin-specific Th-17 cells that
produce a proinflmmatory cytokine, interleukin-17 (IL-17). Astrocytes are brain resident cells capable of
responding to inflammation, however it is unknown how they respond to IL-17. It is hypothesized that
astrocytes respond to IL-17 stimulation with the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. IL-17 and a
control proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were tested to examine whether
or not they trigger a change in the production of cytokines in primary astrocytes in vitro. After stimulation
of the culture plates, mRNA was extracted and cytokine responses were analyzed by quantative real time
polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). IL-6, IL-23, and actin mRNA samples isolated from stimulated
cells were compared against unstimulated cells to determine if there was an upregulation or
downreulgation of the genes. Data analysis is currently in progress.
C27
Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients
Presenter(s)
Sumana Vardhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kimberley Dilley, Northwestern University
Children who survive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) tend to have a higher likelihood of sustaining
a bone fracture before and during treatment and have reduced bone mineral density (BMD) long-term in
comparison with children who did not suffer from ALL. Recent data show that up to sixteen percent of
newly diagnosed ALL patients will have asymptomatic vertebral compression fractures associated with
lower bone mineral density. We believe that the process of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) development
into osteoblasts and adipocytes may be disrupted in patients suffering from ALL, and will use the
following in vitro methods to study the possible disruption. MSC development into osteoblasts in vitro
will be examined and compared between ALL patients and normal conditions using quantitative calcium
deposition assays as well as measurement of osx, msx2, and runx2, three important molecules in
osteoblast signaling pathways. If we are able to demonstrate a measurable difference in osteoblast
biology, that difference might give clues to why BMD is clinically affected in these patients. In
conclusion, a better understanding of MSC behavior in the leukemic bone marrow microenvironment
could possibly lead to a way to identify those who are at risk for reduced BMD early on.
61
C28
Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human Commensal Species in the Genus
Neisseria
Presenter(s)
Candice Yi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Cynthia Cornelissen, Virginia Commenwealth University
In this study, the iron acquisition pathways of the human commensal species of the genus Neisseria were
investigated. The pathways were investigated to determine the possible scope of antigenic variation
Neisseria gonorrhoeae could possibly undergo. These pathways were investigated using polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the transferrin-binding protein A (TbpA) plug domain, Western blot
analyses to determine which commensals expressed TbpA or transferrin-binding protein B (TbpB), and
plate assays to determine which commensals bound human transferrin (hTf) or human lactoferrin (hLf).
Through these experiments, I have determined which commensals bind hTf or hLf, which posses the tbpA
plug domain, and which express the Tbp proteins. The results show that most commensals are very
different genetically and obtain iron differently than N. gonorrhoeae. This could provide further studies to
determine exactly how the commensal species obtain iron, as well as narrow down a vaccine for N.
gonorrhoeae specific to the pathogen.
C29
Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis
Presenter(s)
Candice Yi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii can cause loss of sight and brain function if a fetus contracts this during gestation
when the mother is not immune. An immune mother does not transmit infection. The purpose of this
investigation is to define parasite peptides that elicit the production of protective interferon gamma
(IFNγ). A bioinformatics algorithm was applied to predicted proteins that might induce a protective
immune response. Peptides identified were tested with human and mouse immune cells to determine
whether they elicited IFNγ production using an IFNγ ELISPOT assay. This was done with pools of
peptides predicted to bind to a specific HLA supertype. Individual peptides of pools that elicited a
response were tested to see which peptides elicited responses. Peptides that produced a response can now
be tested in vaccines. We tested peptides that bind to specific HLA haplotypes A2, A3, and B7 and found
eighteen of fifty-five peptides to be potentially effective. Currently, we are testing peptides predicted to
bind to HLA supertypes A01, A24, and B44 to determine effective peptides that can be incorporated into
the future vaccine. These results help determine which peptides may elicit protective IFNγ in a vaccine,
and bring us closer to development of a vaccine.
62
D01
Recipe for the Perfect Intervention
Presenter(s)
Bo Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah Vo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pradeep Chintagunta, University of Chicago
Adolescent substance abuse has been long instilled in our culture and is currently on the rise. Many
foundations have launched campaigns in an effort to curb these mounting numbers. Over the course of
this year, we have looked into the marketing techniques of several different campaigns including The
Montana Meth Project, Above the Influence, and MTV Truth. We examined each campaign closely, pinpointing
which techniques were most effective and which were not based on both statistics from
previously conducted surveys and personal judgment. Each campaign exercised techniques such as social
marketing and direct-to-consumer advertising. However, they also varied in methodology; some utilized
satire, others employed fear, and a number were thought-provoking. We believe that combining the
strategies our research has deemed effective would produce a very successful campaign.
D02
A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English Premiership and Major League
Soccer Teams and Players
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Diaz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nikolay Glavanakov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mathias Drton, University of Chicago
Our study analyzed associations between performance and pay based statistics of professional soccer
teams and players in the English Premier League (EPL) and Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as the
relationship between pay and performance in National Football League (NFL) teams. We analyzed this
relationship primarily by performing linear regressions. We found that the correlation between pay and
performance was strong in the EPL in contrast to a lack of correlation in the MLS and the NFL, which
could possibly be explained by the American Leagues’ use of salary caps. We also assessed the effects of
individual, on-pitch performance upon a team’s overall success, as well as upon individual players´
salaries, with mixed results. Finally, we investigated the impact designated players have in the MLS, and
found no statistical evidence to support the popular notion that designated players improve their team’s
performance, nor that these highly compensated players affect attendance in either home or away
matches. We did, however, find that designated players draw a significantly larger number of fouls than
their lower earning teammates, possibly implying that either there is tactical incentive to foul designated
players, or that referees more readily call fouls committed against superstars.
63
D03
Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and Evaluating the Role of Private
Health Insurance Within it
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Carter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Annette Marek, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
We examined the progression of the healthcare industry in India over the past decade in order to evaluate
the feasibility of expanding the role of private health insurance. After thorough examination and
interviews, we came to four main conclusions. First, the middle class in India is increasing in both
population and economic power, which has resulted in a larger disposable income for a larger segment of
the population. Second, this group will seek to improve its healthcare from the underfunded, inefficient,
and often inferior care provided through the public healthcare infrastructure to private care which, though
expensive, is more effective and well-equipped. Third, private health insurance may help shoulder the
rising cost of treatment from out of pocket payments to affordable premiums. Finally, private insurance
gives the middle class a means to afford care that is otherwise unavailable to them, therefore it is
becoming increasingly desirable. Based on these assertions, we have concluded that the market for private
health insurance in India is growing but there are several considerations on entry, such as the efficiency of
third party administrators, prevalence of employer based insurance, and favorable political changes in
foreign direct investment regulation. Above all, private health insurance must be tailored to the Indian
healthcare infrastructure as well as to Indian culture.
E01
Thermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of Ferrium M54
Presenter(s)
Dane Christianson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kern, QuesTek Innovations LLC
Charles Keuhmann, QuesTek Innovations LLC
Ferrium M54 is an ultra high strength structural steel that was computationally designed and developed
by QuesTek Innovations LLC for use in applications, such as landing gear for aircraft. A key hurdle for
its implementation is the increased difficulty machining compared to current Fe-C steels, due to the
increased alloy content. This study aims to optimize the thermal processing of M54 prior to machining by
evaluating different solution treatment and annealing temperatures to achieve the optimal microstructure.
A full factorial design of experiments was developed to analyze the effect of different temperatures on
martensitic content and hardness. Temperatures for the solution treatment and annealing phases were
chosen to precipitate specific carbides to pull carbon out of the matrix to promote additional martensitic
transformation. The test matrix was later refined by performing preliminary analyses on particular
temperatures to eliminate unnecessary experiments. Results indicate that the incomplete solution
treatment and double anneal steps may affect the overall hardness of the material. The strength of M54
was reduced by about five to ten percent in this study. This indicates that there may be potential for
further reduction of the hardness of M54 with further thermal process optimization.
64
E02
Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and Spectrometer Data
Presenter(s)
William Erwin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Computational chemistry is an area of chemistry that uses software on servers based on complex
mathematical equations to model molecules and run tests on them. The goal of our experiment is to
compare the data from the computational chemistry servers with physical data and examine the accuracy
of the computational chemistry servers. Our experiment involves modeling two molecules, water and 1-
propanol, running computational and lab-based tests on them, including infrared and ultraviolet
spectroscopies, and comparing the results. We are also examining different ways of modeling the
molecules, such as the optimization of the molecular geometries. We have currently run infrared
spectroscopy tests on both of these molecules using the Gaussian and GAMESS online servers and using
an infrared spectrometer. We assumed that the spectra given from the spectrometer was correct, so when
we compared the computational data to it, our results showed that the Gaussian program was more
accurate, with approximately one-third of the error of the GAMESS program. If our results show that the
computational chemistry programs model molecules and run tests with accuracy, then computational
chemistry can become a viable alternative to actual experimentation. This could potentially be a very
useful alternative to running expensive experiments with large molecules.
E03
Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen from Wastewater
Treatment Plant Effluents
Presenter(s)
Amber Farrell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marina Arvaldos, Illinois Institute of Technology
Krishna Pagilla, Illinois Institute of Technology
After water from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) has been discharged into the environment,
dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is a dangerous chemical that can still be present. It is very hazardous to
humans and to the bodies of water into which it is released. DON can act as a nutrient for algae which, if
exposed to large amounts, can grow into algae blooms and cause hypoxia. DON can also react with
chlorine, which is added to WWTP effluents in order to eliminate disease causing bacteria. When DON
reacts with chlorine, substances that do not kill these bacteria are produced. The purpose of this
investigation is to determine the most effective method for removing DON from wastewater treatment
plant effluents. Two advanced technologies for wastewater filtration, carbon adsorption and enhanced
coagulation and flocculation, were chosen because they are commonly used as tertiary treatment in
WWTP. After running WWTP effluents through each of these treatments, the amount of DON is
measured in each sample. This will determine the most effective method for DON removal in WWTP
effluents. The implications of these results will determine the wastewater tertiary treatment method that is
safest of the three for the environment and for society.
65
E04
Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol
Presenter(s)
Andrew Gray, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Computational chemistry is a form of chemistry used for modeling atoms and compounds electronically.
We have spent these past two semesters determining the accuracy of two North Carolina computational
chemistry server programs, GAMESS and Gaussian. We modeled ethanol and methanol molecules with
the GAMESS program. We ran an infrared spectrum test on these molecules and compared the data with
experimental data from the laboratory. We ran tests on an infrared spectrophotometer machine with
ethanol and methanol. After analyzing our results, we have discovered that the GAMESS program is not
nearly as accurate as Gaussian, and that while these modeling programs portray a generally correct
infrared spectrum, there are many differences between the computer data and the spectrophotometer data.
These findings will be perceived as detrimental to the computational chemistry field, due to the fact that
they are not nearly one hundred percent accurate. However, these results might provide valuable insight
to where the dissimilarities between the software data and the laboratory data, potentially improving the
computational chemistry field as a whole.
E05
Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-Oxygen Ratios
Presenter(s)
Bonny Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Owen Compton, Northwestern University
SonBinh Nguyen, Northwestern University
Synthesis of colloidal graphene from dispersions of graphene oxide is typically performed via reduction
with hydrazine derivatives, increasing the carbon-oxygen ratio of the graphene nanosheets to
approximately 10:1 from around 2:1. However, few avenues have been described thus far in the literature
for the synthesis of graphene-based materials with carbon-oxygen ratios in between those of graphene and
graphene oxide. In this work, we report a method to yield partially reduced graphene oxide through
thermal reduction of graphene oxide in a number of solvents. Specifically, we report that refluxing
graphene oxide for 1 hour in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 160°C, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 200°C,
and methylpyrrolidone (NMP) at 210°C raises carbon-oxygen ratios from 1.6 to 2.67 in DMF, 1.79 to
3.98 in DMSO, and 1.77 to 4.36 in NMP. Furthermore, we demonstrate that paper-like materials
produced by vacuum-assisted self-assembly from dispersions of thermally-reduced graphene exhibit both
electrical conductivity chemical activity, properties that are mutually exclusive for most graphene-based
materials.
66
E06
Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate), and Poly(styrene-blockmethyl
methacrylate) and Its Photomodified Form
Presenter(s)
Pan Luo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Sibener, University of Chicago
Controlling interfacial interactions has found a wide range of applications in areas such as surfaceresponsive
materials in biological systems, coating technologies, adhesives and self-cleaning surfaces.
Polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate)
(PS-b-PMMA), along with its photomodified counterpart, were used in this study because of their unique
microstructures, hydrophobicity, and important application in nanoscale lithography, electronics and
magnetic memory. In this experiment, PS, PMMA and PS-b-PMMA films were used to investigate how
surface morphology affects interfacial properties and thus influences macroscopic properties such as
wetting. Samples of PS-b-PMMA were photomodified to obtain greater surface corrugation. Upon
exposure to UV radiation, PMMA was removed from the diblock polymer, leaving behind fingerprint PS
domains. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface morphology of those
substances at a nanoscopic level. The contact angles formed between those surfaces and water droplets
were measured. PS and PMMA polymers yielded contact angles around ninety degrees, while PS-b-
PMMA gave higher angles around one hundred degrees because of its mild intrinsic corrugation of one
nanometer. Irradiated PS-b-PMMA produced the highest contact angles, greater than one hundred
degrees, due to its enhanced roughness, ten nanometers, from the photomodification. Interfacial energies
can be extracted from these contact angle measurements through Young’s relation.
E07
Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with Manganese Complexes
Presenter(s)
Samir Mishra, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Justin Notestein, Northwestern University
Hydrocarbon fuels are a conventional natural resource, but modern catalysts are being developed to create
hydrocarbons from biomass. This project focuses on using catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation reactions
to convert fatty acids to hydrocarbons. The normally slow reaction is catalyzed by a manganese
compound. Nonanoic acid was used as a model fatty acid, which is converted to octane and octene if the
reaction is successful. Mixtures containing known concentrations of nonanoic acid, dichlorobenzene,
hydrogen peroxide and manganese catalyst were allowed to react at different temperatures and for
different times. Samples were extracted every two hours and analyzed using gas chromatography / mass
spectrometry (GC/MS), to quantify the amount of product and rate of reaction. GC/MS separates
chemical mixtures and outputs a chromatogram that has peaks whose different retention times, peak areas,
and mass spectra help identify compounds. Using known concentrations, a calibration curve was created
to correlate concentration and peak area. The calibration curves will then be used to quantify the
concentrations of samples from catalyst runs. The results of these analyses will be used to evaluate the
efficiency of different reaction conditions. With this information, optimal reaction conditions will be
determined which then can be used in alternative energy technologies.
67
E08
Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Daniel Pak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Su Eon Jin, University of Illinois at Chicago
Folic acid receptor (FAR) is generally overexpressed in cancer cells. For this reason, folic acid (FA) has
been widely used as a targeting ligand in cancer. In this study, stabilized liposomes with folic acid (FAliposomes)
were prepared for specific cancer targeting and liposomes without FA were used as a control.
The physical properties of liposomes were characterized by the measurement of size and zeta potential
(surface charge) of liposomes. To control FAR expression by KB cells, cells were incubated in FAdeficient
(FAR KB cells) and FA-containing (FAR- KB cells) medium, respectively. The fluorescencelabeled
liposomes with and without FA were used to visualize the cellular uptake of liposomes into the
two different cancer cells (FAR and FAR-) by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that FAattached
liposomes directly enhanced the specific cellular uptake by FAR KB cells compared to FAR- KB
cells. In conclusion, this system can be effective in enhancing the specific cellular uptake of anticancer
therapeutics encapsulated in FA-liposomes.
E09
Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides
Presenter(s)
Sai Parepally, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Trenary, University of Illinois at Chicago
Metal borohydrides show a great deal of potential as hydrogen storage materials because they can
reversibly absorb and desorb hydrogen. Although the desorption reactions of many metal borohydrides
have been reported, the reaction mechanisms and intermediates are not yet fully understood for most
compounds. In this investigation, we aim to utilize infrared spectroscopy to better understand the
hydrogen desorption and absorption of metal borohydrides. Spectra of Ca(BH4)2, LiBH4, and KBH4 with
KBr background were taken at varying temperatures in high vacuum (pressures of 9 x 10-2 torr). Samples
were pressed onto a tungsten grid which was cleaned thoroughly in order to ensure that the sample was
not contaminated. Additionally, we are investigating the optimal conditions for sample preparation. We
have started collecting spectra from the background (KBr) and we are waiting to acquire spectra on the
metal borohydrides.
68
E10
Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual Molecular Dynamics and
Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Karl Freed, University of Chicago
Visual simulations are often performed to help gain knowledge about the mechanism of biological
molecules. These simulations mimic somewhat of the reality that could not be achieved using
experimental tools. There are many types of RNA; two that will be analyzed in this study are tRNA and
rRNA. In order to better understand RNA, molecular dynamics simulations were performed in explicit
water as the solvent on these two types of RNA. Simulations were created through stages of preparation,
minimization, heating up, equilibration, and production. The results are then compared with implicit
simulations performed by other members within our group. The explicit rRNA simulation reached a
stable average confirmation with root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 2.5 Å from the initial structure
which compared to the implicit RMSD is lower. Explicit tRNA simulation reached a stable RMSD of
2.75 Å. Overall, the explicit simulations were more stable compared to the implicit ones. Also when the
implicit model is aligned with its initial structure, the center is aligned while the ends deviated. These
explicit results will thus help to modify the implicit models, in the hopes of creating the first working,
stable implicit RNA simulations.
E11
Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata
Presenter(s)
Johannes Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hong Jie Zhang, University of Illinois at Chicago
A perfected treatment for cancer patients has remained frustratingly elusive to modern society. Naturally,
there is a considerable scientific and commercial interest in the continuous discovery of new anticancer
agents from all sources, including natural plant-derived agents. This study examines the plant Fagerlindia
depauperata, a woody vine native to eastern regions of the world. After screening of thousands of plants,
the methanol extracts of this vine has shown potent inhibition effects against several cancer cell lines.
Such effects can be traced to the biologically active compounds within the plant, which can be isolated for
further bioassay study. The current investigation uses thin layer chromatography and column flash
chromatography to separate compounds within plant extracts, and high performance liquid
chromatography may be used to further purify compounds from separated fractions. Spectrometers such
as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance are powerful tools used to determine the chemical structures
of the isolated compounds. Studies continue on evaluation of the anticancer activity of these compounds,
and isolation of additional anticancer active compounds from the plant.
69
F01
The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement
Presenter(s)
Quadis Evans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Shinn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
Our investigation is directly concerned with the societal implications of the Law of Accelerating returns
proposed by Kurzweil, in his book, The Age of Spiritual Machines. We used a survey, historical research,
and science fiction books to analyze how society will respond to the effects of Kurzweils Law. Applying
his law to life and technology, Kurzweil asserts that the time interval between significant advances made
in this evolutionary system is exponentially decreasing. Our civilization lies on the knee of this
exponential curve – the transition between sluggish technological advancement and unimaginable
progress. According to Kurzweil, significant technological advancements will occur by the week, and
then by the day until they occur almost instantaneously. How will this come about? Who is to say we are
prepared for another information shock? How will society respond to this rapid forthcoming of
technology, ideas, and artificial intelligence? Will people respond as the Luddites did in England 1812 or
like they did to Darwin in 1859? Our investigation aims to answer these questions. The results of this
investigation are anthropological, simply to study the reactions of society in terms of technology.
F02
Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis Images
Presenter(s)
Naomi Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Si Si, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Nishikawa, University of Chicago
Ingrid Reiser, University of Chicago
In computer-aided detection (CAD), a computer algorithm attempts to detect microcalcifications, tiny
calcium deposits in breasts that can be indicative of cancer, with a high sensitivity. After all suspect
calcifications are found, a feature analysis phase occurs where features of the detected signals are used to
remove false detections. In our project, we analyzed the effectiveness of Initial Detect, an algorithm for
stage one of CAD on two types of images, TV and EM, which were produced using different
reconstruction algorithms. We aimed to determine which reconstruction algorithm more effectively
produced a tomosynthesis volume that allowed for efficient detection of microcalcifications. After
running images through Initial Detect, plotting free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC)
curves, and creating scatter plots, we find that using TV images detect more microcalcifications with less
false positives. Graphs of FROC curves showed a steeper rise in accuracy for TV images, along with a
starting accuracy of sixty-seven percent of true positives, whereas EM images had forty-six percent
accuracy. Thus, we conclude that Initial Detect is more effective on TV images. In the future,
tomosynthesis images should be reconstructed as TV images to improve microcalcification detection
efficiency in CAD. CAD can then be used as an aid for radiologists.
70
F03
Developing Smartphone Applications
Presenter(s)
Marat Purnyn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
With the advent of smartphones, phones are able to replace a laptop in many situations. My goal in this
investigation was to expand my knowledge of the Java programming language and write an application
for Google’s Android operating system (OS). By using books and websites on the topic, I researched the
Android application programming interface (API). I was able to learn how to develop an application for
the Android OS with proficiency, learning about many of its differences with standard Java programs. I
learned how to utilize, manipulate and override methods in the Android API, use many different layouts
and modify them with (Extensible Markup Language) XML or code during the execution of the program,
as well as how to write the program so that it is efficient and requires the least amount of resources to run.
I have become proficient with both Java and the Android API and have created a Blackjack game that
runs without problems on an Android phone. Although I have accomplished my goals in this investigation
I hope to further my knowledge of the subject by continuing to write Android applications.
F04
Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA Environment
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Taylor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A cloud computing paradigm is one in which data and applications are stored remotely while users access
them from a thin client. The goal of this investigation was to determine the feasibility, potential benefits,
and potential detriments of a cloud computing infrastructure in a higher education environment similar to
IMSA. It was concluded that a cloud model is not at this time feasible in such environments for a variety
of reasons including maturity and availability of software, various concerns with hardware such as power
consumption and cost, as well as issues with the legality of data storage and application licensing. The
model does, however, present the potential for a number of benefits such as greater collaboration between
institutions, consistent and equal availability of resources, and reduced cost. Cloud computing also has
some flaws associated with it, such as increased security risks, increased power consumption, and greater
initial cost to the institution. As the cloud paradigm matures and becomes more clearly defined, while
being combined with different and more mature software and the accompanying licensing and laws, many
of the issues will likely be resolved and a cloud could provide great benefit to both students and the
institution.
71
F05
An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a Multi-Dimensional Database
Presenter(s)
Gary Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joshua Elliott, University of Chicago
Scientific models produce large amounts of data that need to be processed and accessed by tools that are
versatile because users want to change variables and parameters. One solution to effectively handle such
large amounts of data generated by such models is the utilization of a database. However, such a database
requires much time to design and implement, especially when the model is large. A Community
Integrated Model of Economic and Resource Trajectories for Humankind (CIM-EARTH) is an example
of such a model. I aimed to design and implement a multi-dimensional database to handle data generated
by the CIM-EARTH model. A prototype was built using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. The prototype was
successful in handling a small sample of processed data and demonstrated the efficiency of databases. The
prototype was then expanded to include a large amount of raw data and to run simple statistical analyses
on it. Although these prototypes will not be implemented directly into the data flow generated by CIMEARTH,
the process of designing and implementing the prototype provided valuable experience for
future endeavors. Future databases may be based off the prototypes I built, but scaled to a larger size and
adjusted to accommodate different variables of the model.
G01
Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and Solutions
Presenter(s)
Ramtej Atluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Minjae Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Reichert Joshua Zalameda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In 2007, the economy fell into a recession. In reality, the economy goes through a business cycle that is
highlighted by periods of growth and contraction. Although, the recent state of the economy was just a
product of this cycle, economists still had trouble predicting that the stock market and the economy would
crash. We believe that economists failed to predict the recession because each group of economists would
only look at a specific area of economy that pertained to their field. However, we can find trends in the
United States economy to predict and resolve future conflicts by analyzing employment and
unemployment rates as well as variety of data that provide consumers with information on the job market.
This resolves the problem of the economist by looking at a variety of data, and it allows us to construct a
better idea of the events that happened during the recession and to offer some possible resolutions.
72
G02
The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success
Presenter(s)
Robert Cheung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Heckman, University of Chicago
John Humpries, University of Chicago
Nick Mader, University of Chicago
According to 1979 longitudinal data, males have an average wage that is thirty-eight percent higher than
females. We examine both cognitive and non-cognitive skills to find potential explanations for this
difference. Non-cognitive skill is measured by the Rotter Locus of Control scores and the Rosenberg Self-
Esteem Scale while cognitive skill is measured by the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Conditional on
the amount of schooling received, we find that the gap decreases by five percentage points. When
controlling for non-cognitive skills, we find that of the wage differential among males and females
increases by forty-seven percentage points. Interestingly, we find that when controlling for cognitive skill,
the gender gap in wage is enlarged by one percentage point.
G03
The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals
Presenter(s)
Govind Govind-Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sloane Frost, University of Chicago
Anup Malani, University of Chicago
This investigation questions whether state tort litigation against pharmaceutical companies makes the
market for pharmaceuticals more efficient. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) heavily regulates
the market for pharmaceuticals. On the path to being approved, a drug must go through a wide variety of
tests and trials, and must face severe scrutiny by the FDA. Pharmaceutical companies face not only a
stringent regulatory process, but also they assume the risk for consumer tort litigation. Thus, the cost of
innovation in the market for pharmaceuticals is very high. The purpose of tort litigation is to provide
compensation for consumers who were harmed by the use of drugs. Yet the benefit of the increased
consumer compensation may be outweighed by the cost of the additional burden that pharmaceutical
companies must maintain. This investigation questions whether tort litigation could lead to increased
efficiency in the market, by analyzing the effect of tort litigation on FDA-mandated labeling changes. Our
findings have interesting implications for the role of tort litigation in the market for pharmaceuticals and
for many competitive markets.
73
G04
The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets
Presenter(s)
Joseph Hecker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, Aardvark Trading
Futures contracts for agricultural commodities have been traded in the U.S. for over one hundred years,
and serve various purposes in the markets today. The purpose of this investigation was to discover the
ways in which they are traded, and why. I started reading a few books, entitled Trading and Exchanges,
The Art of Grain Merchandising, and Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives. These books described
how trading worked, and the ways in which futures are traded. I saw them electronically being traded,
along with bonds and currencies. This opened up many different questions, and I applied my knowledge
to discussions and examples with my advisor. Futures derive their value from an underlying asset,
otherwise making them a derivative contract. There are many different players that participate in this
trading, and they move a good from one time to another. This creates opportunities to profit, enabled by
differences between prices in the current time and what they might be in the future. Through this, I
discovered that the contracts are not usually delivered, but are traded before expiration. Since the futures
market has increased trader participation in the commodities market, the greater amount of liquidity
means larger potential profits for different producers.
G05
Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics
Presenter(s)
Jialin Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of my experiment is to determine the role that Keynesian economics plays in the economic
growth of Asian countries. On a more general term, my purpose is to find the role that government policy
and involvement plays in Asian economies. In order to decipher any sort of conclusion, we tracked the
economic growth of three select Asian nations known for their economic growth in spite of their
authoritarian histories, namely China, Japan, and Korea. We tracked the historical state of politics in each
country and searched for any correlation between these changes and the economic development of these
respective nations. Our investigation has yielded the impression that government policies that work
cooperatively with their respective economies facilitate economic growth, as opposed to governments that
try to suppress and control their economies. It seems that while some government involvement is
necessary to set boundaries for the freedoms of the market, a policy that is too overbearing is extremely
counterproductive. This investigation examines current economics policies in current Asian governments.
Stemming from the recent economic recession, governments have taken a more direct approach to
mitigating the economic crisis. Hence, this experiment will help determine the validity of such actions.
74
G06
The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges
Presenter(s)
Michael Kobiela, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The 2009 economic crisis has led to the worst recession in U.S. history since the Great Depression. This
project strives to answer two questions: What caused the crisis, and how does it affect colleges and
college-bound students? A review of the literature suggests that irresponsible risk-taking within the
financial and banking sectors was the root cause of the crisis. A rise in defaults of subprime borrowers
and the collapse of many derivative securities (both areas in which risk was not well-understood) caused
over-leveraged banks to collapse. Government intervention slowed the crisis, yet the damage was done.
Many colleges lost upwards of thirty percent of their endowments, but most private colleges had only
single-digit tuition increases. Even public schools, which face severe budget cuts nationwide, rarely had
hikes above the ten to fifteen percent range. Anecdotal evidence suggests that institutions are responding
with other, less drastic measures such as class sizes increases and reduced hiring. While the quality will
suffer, higher education has not fallen out of reach due to the crisis. I am in the process of conducting a
survey of IMSA seniors to gauge their college cost perceptions, which will be used to design an online
resource about colleges and the economy for future students.
G07
School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle School Model Affects Blacks and
Whites
Presenter(s)
Michael Mirski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kerwin Charles, University of Chicago
The black-white achievement gap is an inexplicable and damaging aspect of the school system. Previous
research has suggested that differences in school structure between elementary and middle school play a
role in determining motivation and academic success for black students. We utilize regression analysis on
survey data previously collected through the Tennessee Student Teacher Achievement Ratio project and
the Common Core of Data, a database of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Using
grade point average and on time high school graduation rates as measures of academic success, we
determine the impact of school structure on achievement across both races. We confirm that graduating
from elementary to middle school in the fifth grade has a differential negative impact on blacks, while
graduating in the fourth grade has the opposite effect. These results are robust to numerous specifications.
Adoption of the middle school structure by school districts seems to be linked with decreasing academic
performance in general and affects the achievement gap acutely. More distressing is that education has
been defined by a shift to a middle school model over the past few decades. Policy implications of our
research include a reversion to the elementary school model, which would potentially have a positive
effect in narrowing the black-white achievement gap.
75
G08
What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on Banking and Beauty Aids in the
Twenty-First Century
Presenter(s)
Dharti Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What motivates the consumer? After September 11, 2001, the economy faced a stand still. The chairman
of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, feared that the shock of the terrorist attacks would cause the
economy to cease functioning because people were no longer interacting with one another. Still, despite
the devastating conditions of the economy, people desired barely affordable houses, and were left paying
off overwhelming mortgages for years on end. One may question why people are purchasing items or
products that are beyond their financial limits. The answer is simple: persuasion and social status.
Advertisement plays a crucial role in creating a need for a product in the mind of the consumer, and
ultimately, advertisement creates the demand for a given product. We use the small scale example of
mascara purchases, to address the large scale issues on mortgages. People buy mascara, a pricey cosmetic,
because they are envious, or because they want to be beautiful or popular. People buy expensive houses to
be seen in a higher class and to live the luxurious American Dream of owning a home. This investigation
addresses business ethics and the effects of advertising on the consumer and the economy in the twentyfirst
century.
G09
Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding
Presenter(s)
Saurin Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Terrorist organizations have become large and complex networks able to plan operations around the
globe. In order to support their infrastructure which allows the planning of attacks, terrorist organizations
rely on a diverse spread of funding including state sponsorship, organized crime such as the drug trade
and smuggling, charities, informal money systems, and personal donations. This study analyzes terrorist
funding as well as information on the organization of terrorist organizations and the laws and other
legislation of national governments and international organizations to mitigate it. What is clear about
national responses is that, while they emphasize the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in
tracking and arresting terrorist funding, they are often mired in political interests. International responses
meanwhile often lack the power and support to give meaningful results. Since terrorists are no longer only
regional or national, cooperation between nations afflicted by terrorism and world powers able to block
terrorist financing is imperative. International cooperation between law enforcement and financial
departments of nations as well as private entities is necessary to suspend terrorist financing in the future.
76
G10
Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different Economic Classes in the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Other Countries Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Samuel Simon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joshua Elliott, University of Chicago
We are studying the distributional impacts of recent economic changes such as carbon taxing by looking
at the different income groups in expenditure surveys of multiple countries. We are using the Consumer
Expenditure Survey from the United States, the Family Expenditure Survey from the United Kingdom,
the Expenditure Survey for Brazil, and the Family Income and Expenditure Survey for Japan. First we
found the data for the respective countries and formatted it to fit the grouping in the U.S. Consumer
Expenditure Survey. This involved looking at the definitions of each category to see what it included and
to group the data accordingly. We also documented which countries have easy accessibility to their
expenditure surveys for future expansion. By comparing and understanding the data, we can draw a
connection between the changes we see and the expenditure of different income classes throughout the
world. Currently we have just documented the available data but we are hoping to format and make a
model out of the data.
G11
The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators
Presenter(s)
Courtney Alexa Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jiro Kondo, Northwestern University
The 2007 merger of two major self-regulatory organizations (SROs), the New York Stock Exchange and
National Association of Securities Dealers, brought into question the effects of competition between
SROs on the aggressiveness of enforcement of misbehavior by industry participants. In this investigation,
I analyzed investor-broker arbitrations from both before and after the merger, as well as reviewed media
about the merger, noting the incentives of those making comments. Preliminary results show that
investment firms that were members of only one SRO before the merger (and therefore were not
influenced by competition) were punished more after the merger while investment firms that were
members of both SROs (and therefore were influenced by competition) were punished slightly less after
the merger. The outcomes of this study could lead to a greater understanding of the implications of
competition with respect to regulation of financial markets.
77
G12
To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing
Presenter(s)
Zehua Sun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Herberich, University of Chicago
John List, University of Chicago
Have you ever considered stealing something before? Whether you managed to execute, successfully or
not, such a stunt, the economic motive for doing so remains the same: the utility of stealing a good
(accounting for the probability and consequences of getting caught) outweighs the utility from buying the
same good. Our study examines the effect on the propensity of a customer to steal a good by changing its
nominal value, thus changing the nominal benefit that the customer believes to have received from that
good, while controlling for the consequences of getting caught. At a family-owned store called AiNi, fake
jade bracelets were displayed in a location out of the view of the cashier, and three different prices
($99.99, $49.99, and $9.99, respectively) were interchanged periodically. At each price level, the number
of bracelets stolen per day was recorded, and a t-test that compared the number of bracelets stolen per day
for the $99.99 and $9.99 price levels was calculated. Although results suggested that there was no
statistically significant difference between the number of bracelets stolen at $99.99 and $9.99 (p->0.288),
the total number of bracelets stolen at the price level $99.99 did exceed that of $9.99.
H01
Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is More Effective?
Presenter(s)
Kirthi Banothu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yoo (Jenny) Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Morgan Rehberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brendan Wesp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Dowling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study compares the effectiveness of conventional (lecture-based) and inquiry-based teaching
methods. The four IMSA student authors taught six diverse sixth grade classes at a local middle school.
Over the course of two units and four class sessions, the authors taught science classes about waves and
erosion. During the units, the IMSA students brought hands-on activities that correlated with the material
in the students' textbooks. The IMSA students gave short assessments at the end of every class period to
gather data to compare lecture-style teaching by the regular teacher and the inquiry-based hands-on
teaching by IMSA students. The assessments were created based on the textbooks and not on the studentwritten
lessons. The results will help teachers make more informed decisions about what teaching
methods to use in their classes. This study compares the students' assessment scores after the inquirybased
classes taught by IMSA students and after the lecture-based classes taught by the students' science
teacher. After three of the four class sessions, preliminary data shows higher assessment scores from the
inquiry-based classes.
78
H02
Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A Comprehensive Examination of
Academic Progress and the No Child Left Behind Act
Presenter(s)
Cevdet Dogan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathan Loucks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sidanth Sapru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as the No Child Left Behind Act) has been
denounced by educators and researchers alike as ineffective and impractical, especially in its mandate that
every single student nationwide meet state education standards by the year 2014. The purpose of this
investigation was to create a series of recommendations for the federal reauthorization of the No Child
Left Behind (NCLB) Act by identifying instructional and administrative commonalities between schools
achieving significant gains in student performance. A comprehensive survey was sent out to one hundred
fifty-three principals whose schools received the Academic Improvement award from the Illinois State
Board of Education, with survey participants being asked to identify and explain the processes and
initiatives leading to their school’s success. Case studies were performed at a number of these schools,
and on-site interviews were conducted with teachers and administrators. Preliminary recommendations
include the introduction of a rewards-based accountability system into NCLB, as well as the creation of a
single set of nationwide learning standards and an increased focus on teacher effectiveness. These
recommendations – if integrated into NCLB – can help to provide the framework for an effective school
accountability system that significantly improves student achievement throughout the United States.
79
H03
IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process
Presenter(s)
Meena Iyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Victoria Lo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Within the city of Chicago, a plethora of studies indicate that high schools are falling short of national
benchmarks. There are many contributing factors to student underperformance, however many experts
have concluded that high schools themselves are not providing students with a sufficient education and
are the reason for students failing to meet national benchmarks. IMSA is a state agency that runs a
residential high school program for talented and gifted students from all over the state. Through state
funds, IMSA provides invaluable opportunities many public and private high schools do not have the
means of providing. This residential program in Aurora, Illinois is exploring the creation of a second
campus in Chicago to provide more opportunities for talented inner-city students. Through interviews
with Chicago Public High School personnel, we have learned that different types of high schools
(selective enrollment versus charter) have different admissions processes. Some high schools only rely on
one single composite score whereas others use the blind lottery method. Using IMSA’s admissions
process and identified key components in Chicago admissions processes, we hope to create an ideal
admissions process that targets students in Chicago with demonstrated potential in math and science.
H04
Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem: Website Hosting Survey
Presenter(s)
Daniela Lefticariu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
James Page, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
Ken Swails, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
My investigation focuses primarily on conducting a survey to send throughout police and investigative
offices that are part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) throughout Illinois. The goal
is to better understand exactly what features of a website would be beneficial to ILEAS in informing the
public about important issues. The issues are significant to ILEAS because their goal is to meet the needs
of law enforcement throughout the state of Illinois in matters of mutual aid, emergency response, and the
combining of resources for public safety. The survey questions what webpage services would be helpful
for ILEAS to host so its members can spread information to the public in their respective districts, as well
as amongst investigative officials throughout the state. The results from the survey will give ILEAS
helpful recommendations as to what kinds of services they should offer when building this website.
80
H05
High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics
Presenter(s)
Nidhi Narielwala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gary Ernst, North Central College
Barbara Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
My study focuses on the ethical and unethical principles of students in the classroom. It has been shown
that students whose ethical decision making is skewed in the classroom may carry these same qualities
into their work ethic, which can greatly impact society. I am surveying a wide range of high school
students about their perceptions of ethical situations in academics and business. This research uses a
previously designed survey which was administered to college students. I will use high school students
from three different high schools. Once I have surveyed the students, I will analyze the data and compare
it to the original study. To analyze the data, I will be using a chi-square statistical test for independence. I
will also be comparing the overall classes, for example, class of 2010 versus class of 2011, class of 2011
versus class of 2012, and class of 2010 versus 2012. Also, I will be comparing males to females and may
additionally compare different school data. With this, I will be able to determine the ethical standard of
high school students in society today, as well as how gender and school type affects one’s ethical
decision-making skills.
H06
Inspiring Youth to Lead
Presenter(s)
Cai O'Connell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexandra Smick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Linsey Crowninshield, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Inspiring Youth to Lead (IYL) is an experiential, hands-on program that aims to develop children’s
confidence as leaders and students in and outside of school. It also investigates the outcome of the
program to evaluate equal progression in each gender. This eight-week, five-module program focuses on
leadership, self-awareness, group dynamics, and communication. These skill sets are intertwined with the
seven pillars of Character Counts: character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and
citizenship. The entire program is paired with surveys that assess participants’ performance in school,
participation in after-school activities, involvement in the community, and the specific topics covered in
each module. Fourteen children enrolled at Gates Elementary School in Aurora, IL participated in this
program. The pre-survey results showed that eight of nine females want to do better in school, versus four
of five five males. Also, two of five males were confident in raising their hand in class versus two of nine
females. To fundamentally improve confidence and participation in school and community children are in
need of a program that offers development of skill sets in the seven pillars of Character Counts and
Leadership. Further results will indicate the successfulness of IYL in doing this.
81
I01
The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab
Presenter(s)
Natasha Arvanitis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Craig Foster, University of Illinois at Chicago
Visualization of various quantities in mathematical models provides a simple way to perform a
reasonability check, and thus can be used to verify large programs easily. We worked on the visualization
of displacement, strain, and stress in solids and of volumetric flux and pressure in fluids. We used Matlab
and a program named Fred to process data and display our diagrams. Fred took input in the form of partial
differential equation meshes and calculated the values listed above. Its output was in the format of several
complex matrices, which we processed and graphed. We created a flexible, efficient program complete
with graphical user interface to take data and plot it. The program successfully plotted multiple sets of
data and was able to perform a basic reasonability check on the data, providing a visual way to verify the
feasibility of the inputted data and the program as a whole. This program and others like it will be helpful
in modeling stresses on major engineering endeavors and small, specialized designs under stress. Finally,
the visual output of the program is an easy way to communicate engineering to the general public. This
program will facilitate further engineering research.
I02
Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral Thickness in Ceramic
Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
Presenter(s)
Dane Christianson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michael Gleeson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah OLeary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effect that the lateral thickness of a conical clay filter
has on its flow rate. Optimizing flow rates brings us one step closer to designing a successful, low-cost
water filter. Using an even mixture of clay and sawdust, conical filters of the same approximate height
(~150 mm) but different wall thicknesses (15 mm, 13 mm, 10 mm, 7 mm, and 5 mm) were made. They
were then kiln fired, causing the sawdust to burn out, leaving pores behind, and then painted with silvercoated
silica (for its antibacterial properties). Two hundred fifty milliliters of water were run through each
filter, and the flow rate was measured. When we compared our flow rates to the filters’ thicknesses, we
found that there is a general negative relationship between the rate of water flow through the filters and
the thickness of the filters. These results will assist us in optimizing the filter dimensions in order to
balance the flow rate and the antimicrobial property in order to reach our performance goals for our filter
(two liters of water filtered per hour, 99.99% killing efficiency).
82
I03
Geothermal Energy
Presenter(s)
Samuel Contreras, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Audel Gutierrez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Throughout recent years, the fluctuation of cost of renewable and non-renewable energy sources has
altered the demand for energy. As technology becomes more available, people take advantage of
renewable alternatives as a means to lower fuel costs, such as hybrid technology and eighty-five percent
ethanol fuel in cars. In homes today, most people heat and cool their homes using natural gas or
electricity. However, there is an alternative to these non-renewable resources: geothermal energy. The
purpose of this study was to consider the feasibility of a geothermal energy system and find out whether
nonrenewable energy can be conserved in residential areas such as the Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy residence halls. Research on the components of geothermal systems, the temperature of the
ground, the specific heat of the materials, the type of materials and substances used to keep the system
operating, and the laws of thermodynamics, were all used to understand a realistic heating and cooling
possibility. Using standard thermodynamics the conclusion was made that a geothermal system was a
viable alternative. Our presentation will provide a background on geothermal energy and lead into the
basics of how a geothermal energy system works.
I04
The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase TiO2 as a Function of
Support Treatment Procedures for the Production of C2+ Oxygenates
Presenter(s)
Justin Glasper, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Heterogeneous catalysts play a significant role in the petrochemical industry. They are used to increase
productivity under mild conditions and increase selectivity and thereby reduce waste. As many catalytic
materials are typically precious metals dispersed on high surface area supports, generally we desire that
the metal particles are as small as possible such that exposed surface area is maximized. In this study,
rhodium was supported onto an anatase titania (TiO2) support through strong electrostatic adsorption.
Rhodium catalysts can be used to convert synthesis gas (a mixture of CO and H2) into ethanol and other
alcohols. Before the catalyst can be used, the catalyst must go through a variety of treatments including
calcination, reduction, and steam treatment. Several samples were subjected to each treatment in various
orders. These samples were analyzed as to particle size and Rh dispersion during different phases of the
treatments. Characterization of the catalysts included transmission electron microscopy, X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction in order to analyze our samples. Although results are
still being analyzed, if the results prove to be successful, using strong electrostatic adsorption we can
achieve particle sizes which may beat the best current industrial formulations.
83
I05
Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple Task Automator
Presenter(s)
Alexander Goins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brian Page, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In this investigation we strove to create a fully functional home automation system on a small scale.
Through the use of Phidget modular electronics we were able to create a simple, yet effective home
automation system named VESTA. With it, users can control room climate, door position, music, lights,
and other elements of their home. This setup, designed from scratch, presented us with the challenge of
selecting parts that were both cost-effective and practical. Our experiment had us working with radio
frequency identification, sensors, servos, and stepper motors controlled by custom software implementing
languages such as C, PHP, and BASH. Through the use of our expandable automation software and
custom protocols, we were able to control VESTA via multiple frontends, retrieve feedback from each
module, and keep tabs on the room's environment. The automation of the door provided both the biggest
challenge and the most obvious improvement of living conditions, so this was our primary focus. VESTA
is designed to be simple enough to implement in virtually any home, and with improvement could provide
a marketable alternative to the expensive home automation systems available today.
I06
Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and Nanocapacitor Diameter
Presenter(s)
Shawon Jackson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Nonvolatile memories have critical impact in emerging computer science. To optimize such memory,
nanocapacitors are used to store electric charge. A nanocapacitor contains two conducting layers with a
dielectric field in between them. Nanocapacitors with a ferroelectric film in between the electrodes are
unique because ferroelectric materials, such as bismuth ferrite (BFO), exhibit polarization capabilities
when an external electric field is applied between the two electrode layers. This polarization provides the
unit of memory. Therefore, this research project focused on studying BFO as a new ferroelectric material
to create nanocapacitors. These nanocapacitors were fabricated on a strontium titenate (STO) substrate,
consisting of a top and bottom layer of strontium ruthenate (SRO) with BFO in the middle of the
nanocapacitor. The process of producing such nanocapacitors required us to create a design for each layer
of the nanocapacitor, transfer the layout to the substrate using electron-beam lithography, and etch
unnecessary material to isolate the nanocapacitor. These steps were repeated multiple times to construct
each layer of the nanocapacitor. Our main objective is to use these nanocapacitors to find a correlation
between the film thickness and nanocapacitor diameter on the nanocapacitor polarization characteristics.
In doing so, we hope to enhance nonvolatile memory in electronic devices that contain nanocapacitors.
84
I07
Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn
Presenter(s)
Adam Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Faith Quist, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
Heusler alloys often have interesting ferromagnetic properties. These properties make them ideal for spin
electronic devices such as polarized light emitters and spin injection devices. We have researched the
properties of two Heusler alloys, Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn. We studied the crystallographic structure of the
compounds using X-ray diffraction and electron dispersive analysis. We examined thermochemical
properties using calorimetry. We used dilatometry and a variety of other techniques to study the physical
properties of the alloys. In this study, we have found that the materials did not show a Curie temperature
down to -200°C. The enthalpy of formation and the heat content of each alloy are unusually small
compared to Neuman-Kopp calculations based on the elemental composition. This is a possible indication
of half metallicity. At equilibrium, the Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn compounds synthesized contained two other
phases, accounting for approximately twenty percent of each system. Both alloys are very brittle and
could not be hot formed without cracking. Due to the low Curie temperature and the brittleness of the
alloys, they may not find practical use in spintronics except as thin films. Neither compound exhibited
any clear phase transformation on heating above room temperature so the shape memory effect is absent.
I08
Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and Consumer Applications Using
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Lawrence Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Kwan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Corbat, Filtration Group
Lawrence Ost, Filtration Group
Philip Winters, Filtration Group
Turbulent flow coming from an air filtering unit quickly becomes contaminated with particulates as it
leaves the filter. To develop a larger region of clean air, a thin mesh sheet is appended to the end of the
unit, creating unidirectional flow. This technology would ideally allow the air filtering unit to take the
place of a clean room. Using three dimensional modeling and computational fluid dynamics software, a
digital model of the filtering unit and fluid flow was replicated. Comparing these results with physical
measurements such as particle counts or velocity distributions, the accuracy of the model can be
validated. If the model replicates the real-world behavior of the air flow, the computational fluid
dynamics software would be able to predict the effects of certain external stimuli, such as an open
window or a person walking by, on the size and range of the clean air pocket. The data collected from the
digital model would give a quantitative estimate for the effectiveness of the device. This would help
determine the optimal settings and conditions for the air filtering unit.
85
I09
Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology
Presenter(s)
Zack Maril, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Erck, Argonne National Laboratory
Scuffing is a form of mechanical wear of metals, which is due to adiabatic shear instability that can cause
sudden catastrophic failure in engines and machines. Applying chemical coatings to heavily-loaded parts
can improve scuffing resistance, and therefore improve power density and efficiency. The long-term goal
of the project is the investigation and assessment of the efficacy of such coatings to prevent scuffing. I
spent the past school year upgrading a testing machine at Argonne National Laboratory that is used to
assess scuffing performance, and conducted several preliminary tests. Machine improvements included
replacing worn parts, installing and improving a new sample holder that prevents specimen misalignment
and, improving fixturing for accuracy and ease of use. I conducted several baseline test runs, and under
my operation, the test machine produced several controllable localized scuffing events. I learned to
operate the computer that does the data acquisition and machine control, and became proficient at
recognizing the sound of an impending scuffing event to stop the test at the correct time to produce the
best data. I also graphed the results obtained from the data acquisition system, and took digital
photomicrographs of tested specimens.
I10
Reducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology Laboratory Activity
Presenter(s)
Ian McInerney, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joseph Muskin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Nanotechnology is a growing industry with new technologies developed everyday. In order to support this
industry the current high school population must be taught about nanotechnology and its impact. One
activity that does this has grown out of nanoscale research based on microstereo lithography. A threedimensional
solid is created using a polymer consisting of 1,6 hexanedial diacrylate, irgacure 819 and
sudan 1. Objects are made layer by layer using a computer projector and a simple staging device. This
activity can be done safely in a high school laboratory environment. We have noticed through observing
the process that the polymer will sometimes vaporize if exposed to too much light at one time, causing
toxic fumes. Through experimentation it was determined that by changing the pixel values of the exposed
area to be a gray-scale image, the vaporization of the polymer can be reduced. From this we will be able
to develop a C algorithm to relate the surface area of the object to the correct gray-scale value of the
image so as to reduce the amount of vaporization of the polymer.
86
I11
Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks
Presenter(s)
Jacob Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rachel Getman, Northwestern University
Randall Snurr, Northwestern University
In the face of problems with oil and other fossil fuels, the Department of Energy has set goals for the
scientific community’s creation of a hydrogen fuel cell by 2015. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are
one of the most promising methods of storing molecular substances such as hydrogen for fuel. One of the
many ways to improve these structures is through metal ion doping. Through computational chemical
studies using the Gaussian program, we have reevaluated the rationale behind using lithium, the most
commonly doped metal, in such a role. Throughout our study, we examined hydrogen molecular physical
bonds to alkali and alkaline earth metals and alkoxide benzenes of the most promising metals. Finally, we
used grand canomical Monte Carlo (GCMC) classical simulations to investigate H2 storage in magnesium
alkoxide. In this way, the Department of Energy’s 2015 goals for hydrogen storage can be met.
I12
A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Peter Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vitali Metlushko, University of Illinois at Chicago
Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
The purpose of this project was to determine how to create an efficent system for drug delivery using
nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were fabricated and tested for functionalization. This led to the focus on
certain characteristics of the nanoparticles such as its biocompatibility, propagation capabilities, and cell
attachment. The tests have shown these nanoparticles can be moved in a fluidic environment using a local
magnetic field and that they will go onto the nanotransmitter that has been created. However, other
problems still include how to precisely put the nanoparticles on the transmitter and how to make the
nanoparticles not stick together and to the surface. If this technology works, this would revolutionize
treatment strategies. For example, it would allow a more concentrated attack on a cancer site as opposed
to a treatment that could affect the entire body.
87
I13
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Brenton Noesges, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
In my investigation, I have been working with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The
simplicity of this type of aircraft can potentially lead to a flying car because of the lift created, and there is
no need for a complicated steering system. I work with an electric and a gas powered model. For each of
these models, I have been working towards testing the lift capabilities. In order to test for lift in both
models, improvements must be made to each model. On the electric model, I have been designing a
gimball assembly and on the gas powered model, I look to improve its reliability. The results of my
investigation are still inconclusive; I have been unable to test models at this point. Currently I am
improving my gimball designs and trying to learn CAD programming in order to get these parts created in
order to test them. I am also still researching ways to create molds for plastic cogs of the gas powered
model in order to recreate these plastic gears into stronger materials such as bronze. The gears are too
weak to hold up against the engine torque and need to be strengthened. Developing this technology can
help improve transportation.
I14
Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from Liquid Precursor
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Alexandra Joshi-Imre, Argonne National Laboratory
Electron beam-induced deposition using gas phase precursor molecules is an extensively studied
fabrication technique. Liquid phase metal deposition has recently been shown to achieve higher purity
levels than traditional gas phase deposition, and the goal of this investigation was to characterize liquid
phase silver deposition in particular. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to deposit silver on
polyamide membranes in Quantomix capsules containing aqueous AgNO3 solution at 0.001M by means
of accelerating electrons into the solution at a couple nanometers diameter spot for silver ion reduction.
Atomic force microscopy and SEM were subsequently used to characterize size (height and width,
respectively) to relate to electron dosage. The Monte Carlo simulation of electron trajectory in solids
program was used to model electron trajectory in the solution to relate the size data with electron spread.
During depositions, different electron beam energies were used to see how electron energy influences
deposition. We observed granular growth of silver with sub-100 nm grain size and ~300nm aggregation
size. These results could be applied in various fields, especially in photonics and biology, as results
indicate that with some limitation we can fabricate granular silver structures with this novel method.
88
I15
City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van Der Rohe's Lafayette
Park and Farnsworth House
Presenter(s)
Hannah Schmitt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joy Meek, Wheeler Kearns Architects
The buildings of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe possess a unique modern style. Mies not only
produced a new design style, he changed the meaning of simplicity in architecture through his focus on
basic materials of steel and glass. Structure, material, function, and technology are important parts of the
design and construction processes of a building. This investigation compared and contrasted the role of
these four elements within two of Mies’ masterpieces, the multi-family residential Lafayette Park
townhouses (1955-1963) in Detroit, Michigan and the single family residential Farnsworth House (1946-
1951) in Plano, Illinois. Lafayette Park functioned as an affordable housing complex; Mies had to create
uniform housing units that met the developer’s budget and the market of the time. He emphasized the use
of steel and glass in both, however with more simplicity in the Farnsworth House where he had an
opportunity to create a private weekend home with few limitations. Though the buildings were
constructed for different needs, the overall Miesian style and technology was similar. A visual and textual
comparison of the two structures was created by reading critical reviews and bibliographies on Mies,
building study and final models of both spaces, and visiting the Farnsworth House.
I16
Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex Manipulation Tasks
Presenter(s)
Navdeep Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Laxman Saggere, University of Illinois at Chicago
Grasping and manipulation of microparticles suspended or floating in a fluid is important for applications
such as the physical handling of biological matter. Currently there is a lack of reliable methods to
accomplish such manipulations, which present challenges due to motility of the particles in the medium.
Conventional methods do not fully take into account the rapid movement of particles through
phenomenon such as Brownian motion and fluid flow induced forces. Adding to the difficulty are
adhesion and surface tension at the liquid-air interface which make successful manipulation more
difficult. This project tests the applicability of a novel microgripper, called the microclasp, for the
challenging task of grasping microparticles suspended in fluid. The microclasp has a unique structure that
circumvents the problem of particle motion through an enclosing multipoint grasp. In order to
demonstrate in-fluid microclasping, a two-arm micropositioning system was built for high-precision
positioning and actuation of the micro-clasp under a microscope. Using this system, the microclasp was
introduced into a water environment in which polyethylene microspheres were suspended. We
successfully accomplished stable grasps of trapped microparticles in each of the experimental runs,
notwithstanding the unpredictable motion of microparticles in fluid, thereby demonstrating the
effectiveness of the microclasp in accomplishing reliable and stable grasps in fluid environments.
89
I17
The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon (100)
Presenter(s)
Oscar To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
As the size of transistors has been shrinking over the past few decades, alternative high dielectric constant
(high-k) materials are needed to replace silicon oxide (k = 3.9) in order to meet the needs for low energy
applications and future nanoelectronics. Recently, several high dielectric constant materials have been
widely investigated as replacements for SiO2. Among the potential alternative high-k materials,
lanthanide oxides have attracted considerable interest due to their favorable properties, including high
dielectric and thermal stability. Compared to other lanthanide oxide thin films, erbium oxide is more
thermodynamically stable (~ 900°C) as a result of the small radius of erbium and erbium oxide’s
negligible interaction/reaction with silicon substrates. In this study, erbium oxide is being deposited using
a novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) system. Preliminary optimal conditions, including system
pressure, precursor/oxidizer pulse and purge time, and substrate temperature have been obtained; these
show self-limiting thin film growth and saturation of the surface deposition reaction. The ALD
temperature window has been founded to be between 160°C and 330°C. Thicknesses of the resulting thin
films are determined by using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The ultimate goal for this investigation is to
determine optimal conditions, growth rates and process – structure interrelationships in the ALD of
erbium oxide thin films.
I18
S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study
Presenter(s)
Faythe Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Sexton, Krueck and Sexton, Architects
Called by some as the modern Parthenon, S. R. Crown Hall, on the campus of the Illinois Institute of
Technology in Chicago, was designed by the leading modernist architect of the twentieth century, Ludwig
Mies van der Rohe. Researching the life history and works of Mies allowed for an understanding of his
general design ideas of universal space and simplicity which stemmed from his experiences as a German
architect during World War II under Nazi political pressure during the new industrial age. Crown Hall
was field dimensioned, and plans, sections, elevations, and details, which were produced using a
computer drafting program, were then compared to the original drawings giving insight on Mies’
appreciation for simplicity in the exposed steel and glass of the structure. The plans also show the
particular heating, cooling, and lighting systems which utilize ventilation and sunlight and thus improve
sustainability. Meetings with a structural engineer shed light on the main floor’s unusual columnless
nature by explaining the load flow of the building. First hand observations as well as weekly meetings
with the architects that renovated Crown Hall in 2005 also gave unparalleled insight into the building.
These months of study have given an understanding of Crown Hall and the reasons behind its continuing
impact on modern architecture.
90
I19
Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a Quick Release by the
Quarterback
Presenter(s)
Baihan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Spenko, Illinois Institute of Technology
The goal of this project is to design and develop a novel football which enforces a quick release by the
quarterback. It does this by measuring the time between when the football is snapped by the center and
released by the quarterback. This football will be used for recreational games that do not have an even
number of players and competitive players who need to practice a quick release. To accomplish this, the
football utilizes a PIC (programmable interface controller) microcontroller that flashes light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) if the quarterback holds the ball too long. The prototype currently in development utilizes
a normal football modified with a small circuit containing a button, a PIC, and LEDs. Most of the
development time was spent on learning PIC programming in C and circuit building. The initial prototype
will be completed by the end date.
J01
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader
Presenter(s)
Katherine Funderburg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Historical fiction was read for content but also to discover the process of writing historical fiction, which
was accomplished in part by reading authors' extensive endnotes. Research was conducted to obtain
information on the village of New Salem, Illinois, which was founded along the Sangamon River in 1828
and abandoned by 1840. A portion of each week was spent developing and then writing an original work
of historical fiction set in New Salem, which included developing multiple fictional characters and
placing them in a historical context. This original work was discussed with a current published historical
fiction author. The writing was then discussed with a group of IMSA staff and students who had read a
significant excerpt. This was beneficial in deciding what literary characteristics make historical fiction
appealing or unappealing to modern readers. It was determined that the most valuable techniques for
writing involved creating an accurate historical atmosphere to the written work through the incorporation
of small details such as weather and descriptions of the land, rather than through relating actual historical
events. The original work was revised and bettered using the readers' suggestions in an attempt to create a
polished piece that would draw attention to historical fiction as a genre of literature and New Salem as a
forgotten piece of Illinois history.
91
J02
A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish Languages
Presenter(s)
Miguel Garcia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margaret Cain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Spanish language, an amalgam of Latin, the Visigothic tongue and Arabic, has been spoken and
written for almost twelve centuries. Interestingly, it has changed very little in all that time. English from
1200 years ago, on the other hand, is so different from today's version that it is almost unreadable. The
purpose of this project was to research the origin and development of the Spanish language and
understand why it has remained relatively unchanged. Then, we compared these findings to the
development of the English language. Our research has led us to conclude that it is largely the
geographical features of Spain that have shaped and maintained the language. Due to the isolation of the
Iberian Peninsula, and its internal geography, the Spanish language underwent much less change than
English
J03
Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to Appeal to Teens
Presenter(s)
Amogh Kambalyal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Song, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Karna Warrior, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The goal of our investigation was to make a film that would appeal to both males and females between
the ages of fifteen and nineteen. We analyzed film reviews and box office exit polls of various movies in
order to see what appeals to each gender. We found that females appreciate relationships between
characters more than males, while males focus more on action and overall plot, ignoring smaller details.
We decided to use the genre of romantic comedy because it combines complex relationships, to appeal to
females, with broad comedy, that appeals to males. After researching this genre, we scripted, cast, and
shot an original film set on the IMSA campus. We plan to survey audiences to see if our film has equal
appeal to females and males between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. The early results of our inquiry are
that we learned how each decision in the film-making process can affect audience appeal. By making
movies that appeal to both males and females, directors, producers and companies can market their films
more effectively.
92
J04
Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving Cultural Consciousness, 1839 to
Present
Presenter(s)
Emily Weiland, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Post-apocalyptic literature has existed for as long as science fiction has existed, and continues to be
popular in various media in the present day. The earliest example is perhaps Mary Shelley's The Last
Man, which is often considered the first science fiction novel. This inquiry seeks to trace the development
of the genre from its earliest incarnations through the present day. This includes critical readings of
twelve works by eleven authors, as well as context for each and its place in the larger canon. Postapocalyptic
fiction often mirrors the common fears and concerns of the day, such as the threat of nuclear
warfare in the Cold War and environmental and biological issues in recent years. The genre has also had
an influence on other media, including music and film. I am Legend by Richard Matheson is not only an
important post-apocalyptic novel, but may be considered the first modern horror novel and the progenitor
of the modern zombie story. The genre is not limited to adult fiction; children’s novel The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau was a bestseller and received a film adaptation. The future of post-apocalyptic fiction
will be determined by the fears that define the coming decades.
K01
Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand for Lake Michigan
Presenter(s)
Vashti Aguilar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Radium contamination in well water sources and population growth has driven many outer Chicago
suburbs to petition for Lake Michigan drinking water. Some suburbs have been denied this and must deal
with radium contamination. Joliet is an outer Chicago suburb that has serious radium contamination in its
water. Joliet has tried changing to Lake Michigan water, but it has not been possible. Removal of radium
in Joliet has resulted in radium-containing sludge that is dumped in area farms. Plainfield and Naperville
changed to Lake Michigan water in the last ten years due to a rapid population increase and to avoid the
use of radium-contaminated well water. This investigation will address environmental and health risks
due to radium-contaminated drinking water and how to deal with allocation of water with increasing
populations.
93
K02
Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions
Presenter(s)
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hassan Qureshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is a universal understanding that many developing countries lack the facilities needed to
continuously provide fresh, clean water for everyday use, especially in nations with high populations and
lack of industrial regulation. We aim to provide a robust, cost-efficient water filter capable of removing
the threat from waterborne pathogens. Our goal is to create a sustainable ceramic filter that filters at least
forty liters of water per day, with a 99.99% killing effectiveness, and a maximum cost of 20 U.S. dollars.
Using nanoparticulate silver impregnated clay, we have made conical ceramic filters that reach those
target values. Currently we are altering the cone thickness to reach an optimal tradeoff between flow rate
and killing effectiveness.
K03
Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and Ultraviolet Radiation
Presenter(s)
Denise Mol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
The purpose of this investigation was to research the relation between altitude and amount of ozone in our
atmosphere. Ozone is a molecule that is constantly destroyed and recreated by ultraviolet radiation
(UVR). We assume there is a close enough correlation between O3 and UVR; that is, that there is nothing
else significantly blocking UVR on its way down to the surface. Thus UVR makes a good proxy for
measuring the distribution of ozone at different altitudes. We expect to see a rise in UVR as the balloon
travels through the ozone layer, and a significant amount more at the peak of its flight. To calculate the
distribution, we built a photometer to send up in a balloon launch. This instrument uses a photodiode (like
a solar cell) and other simple electronics to record UVR by creating a small current as the balloon sails
higher through the atmosphere. When the balloon reached extreme altitudes, the air around became so
thin that the balloon burst. The data from this launch showed that ozone is confined to a particular region
of the atmosphere, although the numbers were not precise enough to determine an exact amount of ozone.
94
K04
Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future
Presenter(s)
Gary Sheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Increased attention to food-based biofuels has spurred controversy about their impact on food prices and
the environment. Debate results in skepticism about their sustainability. This paper discusses
environmental and social sustainability in the context of biofuels and the factors affecting the economic
viability of present and future biofuel production. Putting together this review first involved a
comprehensive process of building proficiency with the concepts of biofuels and sustainability. The
majority of the process involved the enlistment of a multifarious, but meaningful, selection of articles
useful in answering the sustainability question. This independent study paved an understanding to the
world of biofuels as alternative energy and the importance of sustainability in determining funding.
Importantly, cellulosic biofuels from dedicated energy crops offer considerable promise as a main
alternative energy. These energy crops show promise in reducing the competition for land and undesirable
environmental impacts negatively associated with ethanol. The investigation is almost complete and all
that is needed is piecing together of each piece of information in a final, argumentative paper.
Furthermore, technological innovation and policy incentives are needed to develop more sustainable
biofuels, guide the mix of feedstocks, their methods and locations of production.
K05
The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Complexing Agents
Presenter(s)
William Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean-Francois Gaillard, Northwestern University
Mercury contamination of freshwater systems is an increasing environmental problem. The accumulation
of mercury within food webs and its transformation to more toxic chemical forms, such as methyl
mercury, in the aquatic environment is controlled by its bioavailability, that is, the fraction of the metal
that is incorporated inside living cells. We have conducted a study on how complexing agents, or ligands,
would affect the bioavailability of mercury to microorganisms. We have used a genetically engineered E.
coli bacteria that reports on the presence of intra-cellular mercury by producing a luminescent signal. The
response of this bioluminescence biosensor allows us to measure the flux of mercury that is bioavailable
and assess how it is affected by the presence of different ligands. Preliminary results show that some
ligands facilitate the biouptake of mercury whereas other ligands inhibit it. Control experiments are being
conducted to determine whether these ligands promote or slowdown the metabolism of the
microorganism used, since it would then affect the outcome of the test. The results of this study suggest
that the free ion model is not a good proxy for assessing the bioavailability of mercury and that the release
of anthropogenic ligands contributes to the mobility of mercury.
95
L01
Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage Productions
Presenter(s)
Nicholos Reid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Scott, Goodman Theatre
Theater is a unique art form that has influenced its spectators for decades. Theater serves as a way to
allow audiences to think, expose themselves to new experiences, reflect on their own lives, and simply be
entertained. Putting on successful theatrical stage productions involves an entire network of people from
various backgrounds and departments, all working towards a common goal. This unique form of business
collaboration and communication is what it takes for a theater company like the Goodman Theatre in
Chicago, Illinois to be successful. In order to fully understand the creative process in developing
successful theater, a study was done at the Goodman Theatre on the development of theatrical stage
productions from the ground-up. Employees in various departments of the theater were interviewed about
what they do and how they work with others to make the shows at the theater successful. In addition to
that, many operations in the theater were observed, such as rehearsals for an upcoming play and script
evaluations. My results showed that successful theater companies like the Goodman Theatre, must work
as a single unit. There is no assembly line behavior when putting together a season. Every department,
from lighting, to costumes, to marketing, must work in sync in order to have profitable productions.
Through my investigation, I found that with the cooperation of everyone in this business, the stories that
unfold in a playwright's mind may become a spectacle on stage.
M01
Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece
Presenter(s)
Paul Angelillo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ryan Jordan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
While medical practice before the dawn of the scientific revolution could hardly have been called
scientific, each early attempt to develop a working theory of medicine drew upon, in different amounts,
mythological and theoretical beliefs as well as first-hand, practical knowledge. Such an atmosphere of
medical thought existed in Ancient Greece, where the two sides both contrasted and intertwined, inspiring
and forming medical thought to this day. Through personally reading and analyzing the translated works
of Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen and comparing our thoughts with secondary sources, we developed
two categories of Grecian medical thought, the theoretical and the practical. Comparing and further
analyzing the contents of these two groupings brought us to the conclusion that, while theories based on
mythology continually fell in and out of favor, Grecian nature ideologies (namely humorism) held
constant sway in their medical practices, although often practical data disagreed with the theory.
96
M02
The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War
Presenter(s)
Cindy Angpraseuth, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chivalry, honor, bravery, glory: these are all characteristics of the knight in shining armor. How did this
icon come to be? Through poetry and war, I have been researching the rise and fall of the armored
horseman and their impact on history to the modern day. I have discovered how these soldiers originated
and why they had to fall. I shall tell you the tale of how the common foot soldier from the fall of Rome
evolved into the armored horseman of the Middle Ages and how that high and mighty figure became a
foot soldier once again. Knights influenced European war and politics until the twentieth century, their
impact lasting over a thousand years. Western nations have preserved the ideas of chivalry and hierarchy
right up until today.
M03
Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Presenter(s)
Elsa Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The nineteenth century was a time of conflicting ideologies and aesthetics. With the rise of the Romantic
movement, the competing ideals of romanticism and classicism shaped the course of an empire. This
investigation is an attempt to explain the context for major works of British literature during this century
in light of this dichotomy. Surprisingly, when examining the early Romantic movement, the lines between
these two standards start to blur. Still more intriguing are the common origins of seemingly opposed
political movements: the seeds of both early socialism and modern libertarian ideology can be found in
the writings of the early Romantics. What is ultimately presented here is not only a study in distinctions:
it reveals a remarkable common heritage.
97
M04
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord
Presenter(s)
Diliana Dimitrova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Mock, The John Marshall Law School
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The focus of this research project has been on the United Nations’ Copenhagen Climate Change
Conference and its expectations and outcomes, predominantly the Copenhagen Accord. The investigation
deals with the major issue of climate control, and as with any current problem, there are many sides and
opinions. The main issues facing the participant nations at the conference were those of funding,
mitigation of emissions, and adaptation to new control policies, especially for developing countries. The
project has dealt with the viewpoints, for dealing with these problems from the sides of developed and
developing nations, and on more specific nations which have come out as powerful participants in the
climate debate. Literature review from both first-hand and second-hand sources has been employed as the
method of investigation in order to get the most clear idea of the various viewpoints on this conference
and the resulting document. The results, although they may not be accepted by all parties involved in the
current climate debate, represent a careful analysis of the actions and expectations of various major
participant nations in the climate debate, and their implications for the future of climate change
regulation.
M05
Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British Monarchy
Presenter(s)
Joseph Donahue, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alternate History is a genre of literature and historical research which explores the consequences of
changing the outcome of one historical event. This investigation creates an alternate history scenario in
which the United Kingdom’s King Edward VIII defies Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and his cabinet by
marrying the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson, and refusing to abdicate the throne, resulting in Baldwin
leading Parliament in abolishing the British monarchy. While researching this scenario, books on the time
period and key figures embroiled in the events were read. A timeline depicting events in the alternate
history was derived from events which actually occurred. In the alternate timeline, the United Kingdom
dissolves into the Republic of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Canada and New Zealand. Neville
Chamberlain is elected Britain’s first president, and he engages in a power struggle with the Prime
Minister, Winston Churchill, over involvement in World War II. These events transform the war as we
know it into a longer-lasting, nuclear struggle. At the end of the war, Russia invades Japan, and both
Japan and Germany are divided. This sets the stage for a more intense Cold War. This inquiry shows how
changing one historical event can affect countless other seemingly unrelated events and, in effect, can
rewrite history.
98
M06
The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications for Romania
Presenter(s)
Ana Dumitrescu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Karen Alter, Northwestern University
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
After World War II, Japan experienced significant growth in its economy, which became known as the
Japanese Miracle. In my investigation, I have been working to determine the specific factors that
contributed to Japan’s economic success and whether Romania could use similar factors in order to rise to
financial stability and become a regional leader. I have found three major factors that played a role in
Japan’s economic success. One of these factors was the allegiance between Japan and the United States.
The United States helped Japan quickly recover from the destruction caused by World War II. The welleducated
work force in Japan also contributed to the Japanese Miracle. The third factor that contributed to
Japanese progress was that China was no longer a front runner in the global economy. The results of my
investigation are still fairly inconclusive. However, I can state that the three factors that contributed to
Japan’s success do not seem to be present in Romania. After further research, I will be able to determine
what attributes Romania does have that might help it improve its economic standing.
M07
Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma
Presenter(s)
Brittney Hanson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the past Rockford has been famous for being home to the world's first women's baseball team, but
unfortunately, now the city is getting more press for a very different reason. It is home to one the highest
unemployment rates in the state and the country. Through my research, I worked to explore why the
economic failure of the past ten years has hit the city of Rockford with such tremendous force. I used
information from city directories and the United States Census Bureau to understand why industry was so
important to the city. I came to discover that, because the city was built on industry and being employed
was historically more important than being educated, more emphasis was placed on building up business
and less on education. The city became completely dependent on the industry. When more competitive
countries and companies began to grow and the industries bee to evolve to use new equipment and
techniques, the Rockford workers were often left in the dust. As a result of my research, I have devised a
plan to revitalize Rockford and other cities that have been affected in the same way by the economic
downfall.
99
M08
The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications
Presenter(s)
Lauraleigh Heffner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The recent spate of piracy off the coast of Somalia has renewed international interest in this ancient
profession. Though piracy consists of a good deal of swashbucklin’, few pirates resembled Johnny Depp.
In my investigation, I examined patterns of piracy from the Bronze Age to the modern era. I searched
through books and historical documents learning that certain patterns exist which promote piracy. I began
researching the Sea People, who tormented the eastern Mediterranean in the sixteenth century B.C. Piracy
continued until pirates captured Julius Caesar, leading to a revolutionary extermination. Later the Vikings
of northern Europe sought to pillage villages and steal goods. Several of these and Russian communities
then invited these strong, fearless Norwegians to lead their people. I concluded that piracy always
prevails, but increases with political and economical instability. Only a strong thalassocracy, often
imperial, can eliminate these scallywags. Ironically, such thalassocracies often result from piracy.
Through Francis Drake, Martin Frobisher, and Henry Morgan, the modern British Navy and the British
Empire were formed, destroying their own profession. With the breakup of this empire, piracy has
returned, most predominantly off the coast of Somalia.
M09
A Simulation of Early Modern Europe
Presenter(s)
Andrew Heuser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Oberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As a result of research using maps and secondary sources, this independent study has created a board
game to simulate the political, military, and economic climate of Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries. In particular, we have created scenarios for the reign of Charles V, the French Wars of
Religion, and the Thirty Years’ War. The game is loosely modeled after Machiavelli, a simulation of
Renaissance Italy. Participants use a map that encompasses Western and Central Europe, parts of the
Ottoman Empire and Northern Africa, as well as the surrounding bodies of water. The map is divided into
small provinces and seas which players conquer in order to meet each scenario’s objectives. Additionally,
because siege warfare was integral to the military campaigns of this era, many regions contain fortresses
which must be taken. To simulate finances, players collect taxes from their controlled regions and
fortresses, and spend these funds to purchase armies, fleets, and other pieces. To win, players must
negotiate with one another, representing the dynamic, often cutthroat political dealings of the era. We
have also pursued modeling the influences of trade, religion, plague, and rebellion. In sum, we feel this
simulation is an entertaining and accurate portrayal of the specific scenarios, and can be used as an
effective teaching tool.
100
M10
An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel
Presenter(s)
Molly Pachay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kavita Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennifer Bing-Canar, American Friends Service Committee
Through media review and interviews with Israelis and Palestinians in Chicago, our investigation
considers the pros and cons of the U.S. and Israel alliance. Internationally, America is associated with
many of Israel's actions. American policy on Israel, stems from potent pro-Israeli (Jewish and non-
Jewish) political opinion that sometimes digresses from democratic values and respect for human rights.
The United States' alliance with Israel has affected international relations and the perception of the U.S. in
a myriad of ways worldwide. The two nations have a strong military alliance, with the U.S. supplying
weapons and aid to Israel, and Israel providing a base in the Middle East for military operations.
However, Israel has continuously committed human rights violations against the Palestinians, such as
during the Gaza Crisis in January 2009. America's enduring alliance with Israel is of special interest to all
citizens because Israel receives $3 billion from the U.S. each year, which is more financial aid than any
other country receiving aid from the U.S. The many different view points, stories and experiences from
Palestinians, Israelis living in fear of attack, Christians, refugees, Zionists, and Jews across the world,
makes this conflict multifaceted and creates a quagmire difficult to untangle.
M11
The Consequences of Modern Agriculture
Presenter(s)
Kelly Wallin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Kadel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
We are, as a nation, quite literally made of corn. The New Deal contained several bills directly affecting
farmers, giving them price supports, and a way to manage the market to protect the agricultural economy
from collapse. Since the 1970s, these sustainable price supports have given way to subsidies, which
continue to degrade the value of America’s crops, and have contributed to the invention of new pesticides,
herbicides, and foods, including high fructose corn syrup. These in turn have resulted in the degradation
of human and environmental health in the United States. With the rise of fast food, spurred by an
overabundance of cheap beef and grains, has come obesity and the associated heart conditions and
diabetes, leading to higher medical costs for citizens and the government. It is no longer profitable to raise
cattle in the manner their bodies are designed to handle - a diet of mostly grasses - and so we stuff them
with cheap corn, creating health problems and pain for the animals, but also allowing for a more rapid
spread of mutated food-borne illnesses. America’s farmers have lost respect for their jobs, and for corn
which rapidly destroys our fertile lands and pollutes our water.
101
M12
America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social Consequences in American Agriculture
from Post-Civil War to Today
Presenter(s)
Sarah Weitekamp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Kadel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the last one hundred and fifty years, industrialization and changes in policy on the part of the United
States government dramatically transformed small-scale farming, making it unable to maintain long-term
profitability and leading to gradual commercialization and loss of the traditional family-farm structure.
Through study of literature reviews and interviews, this project examined this large-scale abandonment of
farming by immense sectors of the population and the resulting shifts in the lifestyle of both non-farm and
farming Americans. Due to overproduction, lack of parity in production, uneven foreign trade markets,
expensive farming equipment, and governmental policies that favored large-scale, industrial farming
practices, small-scale farming was no longer a feasible means of making a living. Ideologically, American
agriculture has left the Jeffersonian, independent, self-sustaining mores of its past and shifted to a highly
interdependent system largely controlled by a few corporations and highly reliant upon financial
assistance from the American government. These changes have hugely diminished rural culture, leaving
rural towns and countryside’s barren as former farmers leave for suburban and urban lifestyles.
Understanding these shifts and transformations in agriculture is crucial to understanding the importance
of agriculture as a whole upon America and the impact the ideological shift from agrarianism to
industrialism has had.
M13
Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Versus Piloted Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Lisa Wendel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The initial push for the technological initiative of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) arose during the
Vietnam War. Although the unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the United States Military have been
successful in certain roles, it is clear that there will always be missions only manned aircraft can
accomplish. These include air superiority missions and heavy bombing missions, which require the
judgment of a trained and experienced pilot. Through literature review as well as data analysis, I have
explored the limitations of UAVs. The key standard of my comparison has been the number of civilian
deaths due to UAVs versus piloted aircraft and overall cost. To understand the nature of UAVS one must
first analyze maneuverability, payload, surveillance capabilities, and amount of armor required. The
results of my study show that UAVs have not been as successful in their ability to replace human pilots or
decrease collateral damage, as was originally hoped.
102
N01
Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results and Process) Through Pro Se
and Legal Representation
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Bernardo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Leslie Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Yanoff, David L. Yanoff Law Office
As a result of our current economic situation, it has become common for litigants to represent themselves
in civil courts to cut down on expenses. This increase in self-represented litigation causes us to wonder
what advantages an attorney has over a Pro Se litigant. Our inquiry investigates both attorneys and Pro Se
litigants within personal injury, contracts, and the eviction courts of the Chicago Circuit Court System.
Through interviews, case study research, and court observations it has become evident that Pro Se
litigants are more common in courts such as evictions, but as cases become more complicated, like those
in contracts and personal injury, it becomes more difficult to understand the court room procedures.
Results determined that several factors contribute to how each Pro Se litigant will fare, such as their
economic standing, the specifics of their particular case and how informed they are about the process but
there are also numerous resources available for their assistance. In just some instances though, having
legal representation is necessary.
N02
An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Abigail Flynn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jade Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
Around the world, the use of the death penalty is reducing, but fifty-eight countries are still retentionist,
meaning they still practice the death penalty, which many call an inhumane and unjust punishment. In
addition, there are thrity-five de facto abolitionist countries, meaning they have not executed anybody in
over ten years. At Northwestern Law’s Center for International Human Rights, we have been conducting
an investigation that is part of a large death penalty research project, with the goal of creating an online
database of death penalty policies and procedures. Our research has centered on looking at the laws and
practices around the world. We have conducted this research by obtaining penal codes, which are the
most accurate documents available for researching punishments for crimes, and researching the policies
and procedures related to death penalty as well as information such as ratification of international treaties
and trends in the application of the death penalty for retentionist and de facto abolitionist countries.
Although the database is not yet complete, with our work and the continued work of other researchers it is
scheduled to launch by the end of 2010.
103
N03
The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives
Presenter(s)
Satoe Sakuma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Heyrman, University of Chicago
Insanity is the legal term for not being able to distinguish the difference between right and wrong in the
moment of the crime. At present, the legislatures of the fifty states are allowed to determine their own
form of the insanity defense or determine to abolish it, which five states already have. These five states
include: Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, and Utah. By analyzing the differences between the forty-five
states that offer an insanity defense as a valid defense in court and the five states that do not, I found that
the five states, with the exception of Nevada, are all conservative states. A reoccurring pattern can be
drawn from the incarceration rates, as well as the punishment available in each of the five states which
indicate the difference between the states that have abolished the insanity defense and the states that have
not.
O01
Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals
Presenter(s)
Kevin Baker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Keyton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Geometry has always been a fascinating subject for mathematicians, full of incredible and surprising
results and discoveries. This investigation primarily focused around quords (segments in quadrilaterals),
specifically, midvexes (segments drawn from a vertex to the midpoint of an opposite side). Cabri
Geometry II, a computer program, was used to enhance the exploration process. A relatively unexplored
topic in geometry, groundbreaking work was both expected and found, providing insight and parallels
previously unknown in the vast realm of quadrilaterals and midvexes.
104
O02
Explorations of 3-Free Sequences
Presenter(s)
Shiladitya Bhattacharyya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nathan Yan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Micah Fogel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sets with arithmetic properties are of great interest to number theorists. One particular type of set, first
described by Erdos, is a 3-free set. 3-free sets are sets that do not contain an arithmetic progression of
length 3; in other words, you cannot find two elements of the set x and y such that xy=2z, where z is also
an element of the set. A naïve way to generate 3-free sets is by the greedy algorithm, which always takes
the next available number, inductively. Although the greedy algorithm does not always generate the
largest 3-free subset possible, it exhibits elegant properties. In fact, for numbers of the form Σ 3n the
greedy algorithm does in fact generate the largest 3-free subset.
O03
How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions they are Applied to Change
Presenter(s)
Victor Duan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Engelhardt, University of Chicago
Matthew Stephens, University of Chicago
The power of a statistical test is a measure of how well a test determines a true difference between
populations. Power is affected by a variety of variables including sample size, standard deviation, and
effect size. However, this study analyzes how the powers of several widely used statistical tests change as
the distributions of the populations vary. It is expected that different tests perform with varying power
under different circumstances, so this study aims to see how the Students t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test,
and normal-scores test perform under a variety of distributions, including t-distribution, normal
distribution, gamma distribution, uniform distribution, and log-normal distribution. Power was computed
by running simulations in the statistical program R. Two samples were created using random simulations
of varying distributions. Afterwards, the tests were applied and powers were compared. Results showed
that the normal-scores test often achieved the highest power. When it did not, it still performed very well
compared to the other tests. Because we do not usually know the population distribution, this allows us to
select a robustly powerful test to analyze data that are distributed under varying distributions, the normalscores
test.
105
O04
Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the Projective Plane
Presenter(s)
Derek Hardin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A graph's degree sequence is the list of its (not necessarily distinct) vertex degrees, generally in nonincreasing
order, and a realization of a sequence S is a graph which possesses degree sequence S.
Previous work by Prince and Wenger on determining degree sequences which possess some planarembeddable
graphic realization has raised the question of which degree sequences possess some
embeddable realization on other surfaces. In this investigation, we discuss work with Prince on the
projective plane, which includes an outline of a proof that graphic degree sequences with minimum
degree one have some embeddable realization on the projective plane if the sum of the vertex degrees
S(n) satisfies S(n)<= 2n 18. We also prove a similar characterization for the existence of a projective
planar embeddable realization of arbitrary graphic sequences with minimum degree two. In addition, we
also provide a proof for a lemma which simplifies inductive investigation of bounds on projective planar
and planar graphs. These results indicate the existence of significant commonalities between bounding
values on surfaces of differing genus, and the major lemma proven, if properly generalizable, has the
potential to greatly facilitate analogous research into surfaces of greater genus.
O05
Quadrilateral Investigations
Presenter(s)
Jason Hempstead, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Ott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Keyton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over the past few millennia, the Euclidean triangle has been the basic foundation for all of geometry. This
basic shape has been examined to the point where little original research exists in relation to it. Due to
this, our investigation focused on a figure that has been given hardly any attention: the quadrilateral. Our
project was centered on organizing and classifying all possible quadrilaterals based on relationships
between their sides, diagonals, and angles in a way that no other project has been. Using a computer
program, Cabri Geometry II, we worked to construct these quadrilaterals. Because the nature of our
project was more classification than research, the bulk of our work can be seen in an extensive list of
quadrilaterals we compiled. This list includes the explanation of every one of over one hundred
quadrilaterals alongside the constructions of those quadrilaterals. Our original work will aid other
geometers in their exploration of yet unstudied areas of quadrilaterals.
106
O06
The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models
Presenter(s)
Sara Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The study of spherical geometry has made it possible for people, notably Magnus Wenninger, to design
and build paper spherical models. A year-long investigation has been conducted to explore these spherical
models, as well as to extend the ideas of geodesics and model building to other surfaces, such as tori and
ellipsoids. Several models were made, some predesigned and others developed during this inquiry. As a
result of this project, a better understanding of geodesic models, especially non-spherical models, was
achieved. The resulting models and mathematical ideas will be presented in this investigation.
O07
Designing Origami Models
Presenter(s)
Jisoo Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lucy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sheng-Ting Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Countless origami diagrams have been published to show step-by-step instructions on how to fold paper
models. However, they rarely communicate the actual designing process. In this investigation, we learned
about some of the design techniques by analyzing the crease patterns of existing origami models. We then
applied this knowledge to design our own models. We folded new origami models by using a technique
called circle packing. Circle packing maximizes the area of circular regions representing different parts of
the model within the constraints of the paper used. We arranged circles on sheets of paper in the general
design of the model we wanted to create. However, we found that freely moving the circles sometimes
left a large amount of unused paper. We then rearranged these circles to better utilize this space. We have
also designed bases, the preliminary forms of origami models. So far, we have successfully designed two
models that resemble birds from these bases. Besides its aesthetic value, origami has countless
mathematical and scientific applications. By exploring the techniques of designing origami models, we
could find ways to efficiently use paper in folding sophisticated models and perhaps expand the scope of
origami applications in math and science.
107
O08
Adic Expansions
Presenter(s)
Alina Kononov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Micah Fogel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In a metric where two numbers are close in value if they differ by a large power of 10 (that is, 333 is
closer to 433 than 33 is to 43), some numbers have representations that extend indefinitely to the left
instead of to the right. For example, ...999 is a 10-adic representation of -1. I studied which numbers have
such representations in which bases, which of those representations are unique, and other properties of the
adic rings. In an arbitrary base, all rationals have unique expansions that terminate on the right and are
periodic on the left. However, not every real has a terminating representation in every base, and not every
adic number is real. Furthermore, if a real number does have a terminating representation, it is not unique.
The special case when the base is prime (the p-adics) has many applications to other fields of
mathematics and is essential to elliptic curve cryptography and public key cryptography. The general case
has been less studied, but it is possible that it will have applications of similar caliber.
O09
Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes
Presenter(s)
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siddharth Narayanan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Condie, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Our project focuses on the tiling of the half- and quarter-planes using exactly one square of each positive
integer side length. In 2008, Henle and Henle found a tiling of the infinite, unbounded plane using such
squares. The question of squaring a square dates back to 1936 when Tutte solved certain systems of
squares using a modification of the Kirchoff electric circuit laws. Henle and Henle, inspired by Tutte,
approached the problem of tiling differently, using six-sided figures called ells and recursive algorithms
to fill a plane with unique squares. Unfortunately, their method is inapplicable to the half- and quarterplanes.
While we have made some possible algorithms for accomplishing the desired tiling, brute force
computer simulations have shown that our methods are flawed because numerous iterations resulted in
diverging sequences, which is not what we are looking for. Our work is important because it deals with
open problems in tiling that have remained unsolved for nearly three-quarters of a century.
108
O10
An Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums in Zn
Presenter(s)
Corinne Madsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv (EGZ) theorem is an important theorem in additive number theory stating that
any sequence of 2n-1 elements from Zn has a subsequence of length n summing to 0. This theorem has
been generalized to Zn
2 by Reiher. Alon and Dubiner conjectured that in Zn
d a sequence of (n-1)*2d 1
elements has a subsequence of length n summing to 0. The EGZ theorem has also been generalized to
groups other than Zn with the Ballobàs-Leader theorem, which proved a much stronger form of the EGZ
theorem for all finite abelian groups. In this investigation, we looked at generalizing to non-zero sums in
Zn. Our results showed that a sequence of 2p-2 elements from Zp has a p-length sum to x, where x is any
non-zero element from Zp. We also found that behavior of subsequences of length of n that sum to x of
sequences of Zn varied depending on whether or not n and x are coprime.
O11
Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in Poker
Presenter(s)
Michael Wong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The legality of online poker has come under discussion in the news due to recent legislation banning
certain types of online gambling. The argument stems from poker's debated status as a game of chance
rather than one of skill. The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate quantitatively that poker is not
a game of pure chance. The independent chip model (ICM) predicts the equity of a player relative to the
number of chips each player holds in tournament play, which effectively predicts that each hand of poker
is governed by pure luck, akin to a coin flip. By evaluating the ICM in a two-player format, we were able
to show through computations verified by simulations that a player having disproportionately few chips
has no strategy with non-negative expectation, a marked difference from a coin flip, demonstrating the
value of proper strategy, and hence, skill in poker. Preliminary results show that a dominating chip stack
can manipulate decisions in their favor in order to control a commanding amount of equity. Therefore, the
ICM's reliability in predicting equity does not hold, which provides basis of argument showing that luck
is not the sole determining factor of outcomes in poker.
109
P01
Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as Initial
Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-Transplant Renal
Dysfunction
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Levitsky, Northwestern University
Immunosuppression following liver transplantation is essential for survival of both the allograft and the
patient. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are essential to immunosuppression for organ transplantation but
are associated with significant side effects such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, an
approach towards combination therapy has been advocated to achieve dose reduction or withdrawal of
CNIs to decrease the incidence of side effects. Combination therapy involves delayed use of CNIs in
addition to high dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), which is devoid of nephrotoxicity and
neurotoxicity. In this investigation, a case group consisting of liver transplant patients with pre-transplant
renal failure was compared to a control group of liver transplant patients on currently applied
immunosuppressive regimens. Fifteen cases have been reviewed to measure the effectiveness of
combination therapy on the function of the liver and the kidney in patients with pre-transplant renal
failure. Results have demonstrated that combination therapy is indeed effective; it has improved organs’
conditions and allowed for continual decrease in medication doses. The next step in this project involves
the review of a control group and conduction of comparative analyses between the two groups.
P02
Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jayant Pinto, University of Chicago
The major objective of this project was to identify the gene(s) that confers susceptibility to chronic
sinusitis, an important public health problem causing significant impact on quality of life. Our studies
were initiated in the Hutterites, a religious group that practices a communal lifestyle and shares common
environmental exposures. Previous studies have suggested a role for genetic variation in the chromosome
7q31 region influencing susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in the Hutterites. Our preliminary results have
reflected that chronic sinusitis maintains a genetic basis, and we continued investigating this by recruiting
case and control samples of outbred Caucasian subjects with chronic sinusitis at the University of
Chicago as well as members of Hutterite colonies to examine differing factors between the two groups.
We specifically examined a group of twenty cases of Hutterites exemplifying sinus disease with acute
interest for medical history, medicines taken, allergy status, and ability to smell properly. We have
concluded that genetic factors cause chronic sinusitis; as the project continues, we plan to investigate
genes demonstrating significant associations in the Hutterites. Ultimately, understanding the molecular
pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis may lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this
burdensome disease.
110
P03
The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Presenter(s)
Sonia Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Judith Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ovarian cancer is the number one cause of death from a gynecologic malignancy. Of the 25,400 U.S.
woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, approximately 14,300 die. Chemotherapy, radiation,
and surgery have been applied as methods of treatment, but none has been recognized as a cure.
Curcumin, a component of the common cooking spice turmeric, was found to have anti-cancer properties
when tested on neoplastic ovarian cells. This study tested curcumin for possible therapeutic effects on
chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells. If capable of inducing apoptosis, the component could be
incorporated into cancer-fighting drugs as a form of treatment. The apoptotic effect of curcumin on
cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer was determined by a series of steps. Two cell cultures were maintained
in fresh media, and the cells were treated with varying doses of curcumin. These samples were then
applied to an acrylamide gel, and a Western blot was run to test for the protein caspase-3. Preliminary
results were negative.
P04
Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main Diagnosis, and Necessity for
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the
Newborns from Between the Years 2000 and 2007
Presenter(s)
Shelly Bhanot, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shilpa Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christine Sajous, Loyola University
We examined trends in mean gestational age, outcome, main diagnosis, and necessity for extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for infants who were at least thirty-five weeks with persistent
pulmonary hypertension of the newborns (PPHN). A comparison between the time periods, 2000-2003
and 2004-2007 was made in order to analyze any changes in the mean gestational ages of the infants with
PPHN, their outcome, and their main diagnoses. Beginning in 2000, the Loyola University Medical
Center (LUMC) began to administer a nitric oxide treatment to their PPHN patients. By studying these
two time periods, we determined if there was a change in the mean gestational age or in the common
diagnoses among the observed patients. Additionally, we looked at how the nitric oxide may have
influenced variances in the outcome of the infants, including referral of the patient for ECMO at another
hospital. Our current analysis from our retrospective chart review is underway. An analysis of these
factors will provide a further understanding of the effectiveness of PPHN treatments over time at the
LUMC and their effects on the infants.
111
P05
MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical Practices in the United States and
Europe
Presenter(s)
Madeline Booton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antibiotic-resistant bacteria commonly found in
many hospital-based infections in Europe and the United States, has recently become a contagion outside
of the hospital and is becoming increasingly community-based. Due to differing medical practices, such
as hand washing practices and antibiotic prescription policies, between Europe and the United States,
there are fewer cases of MRSA in various European countries than in the United States. An experiment
conducted to determine the percentage of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy students with
colonizing methicillin-resistant bacteria located on their hands revealed a percentage of about 6.4% of
students. The differences seen in Europe and the United States suggest changes in hospital practices that
might reduce the number of cases of MRSA in the United States.
P06
Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical Procedures
Presenter(s)
Andrea Castaldo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Czaplicki, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy McDonald, University of Illinois at Chicago
Preventable patient harm related to surgery, such as wrong-site procedures and patient misidentification,
can occur due to a lack of communication and teamwork amongst hospital staff and physicians. In order
to improve patient safety, through a goal of improved communication and teamwork, the University of
Illinois Medical Center adopted the World Health Organization safe surgery checklist. The checklist
includes two separate processes – a sign-in which occurs just after the patient enters the operating room
and time-out just before surgical incision. The sign-in is facilitated by the anesthesiologist, and covers
general patient and surgery information while the time-out, overseen by the attending surgeon, covers
additional checkpoints, which include risk of blood loss and operative duration. During the observation of
twenty-five surgeries in which the checklist document was used, the staff rarely engaged as a team and
the quality of the intended time-out conversations decreased as the study progressed. Of note, a review of
nursing documentation failed to identify the inadequacy of the expected engagement of the team. Our
observations show that the checklist became more of a documentation task than an effective tool to reach
the goal of improved patient safety-related communication.
112
P07
Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic Lesions in Experimental Stroke
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Agnieszka Ardelt, University of Chicago
Following an ischemic stroke, cells located in the center of the lesion rapidly perish, but those located at
the periphery (borderzone) may be salvaged and participate in neurorepair. It is important to investigate
the mechanisms of neurorepair to optimize stroke treatment. This project aims to characterize ischemic
lesion borderzones in an experimental model by studying molecular markers of injury. Through
immunolabeling in tissue sections and fluorescent microscopy of biomarkers in rat brain slices, I have
delineated spatial and temporal markers of the borderzone. My research indicates that by post-stroke day
3 (PSD3), nestin (an intermediate filament protein) is expressed at the borderzone, marking the region
where glial scarring is predicted to form by PSD30. Microtubule-associated protein 2(Map2) is present in
healthy neurons, and Map2 immunoreactivity overlaps with nestin immunoreactivity on PSD3, although
no double-labeling within a single cell occurs. Iba-1 (expressed in activated microglia), which is present
in both healthy and injured tissue by PSD3, is dramatically upregulated in necrotic tissue by PSD10. In
conjunction with other biomarkers, nestin, Map2, and Iba-1 are indicators of the ischemic borderzone
during the early post-stroke period and can be used to track the effectiveness of neuroreparative therapies
in this model.
P08
Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIV-Infected Population with Kaposi’s
Sarcoma
Presenter(s)
Bernice Fokum, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margaret Telfer, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) occurs in HIV-patients as a slow-growing malignancy. Chemotherapy must be
given carefully to avoid increasing infection rate. KS is treated with doxorubricin, a drug linked with
cardiotoxicity at doses above 500mg/m2. Previous studies found that PL-DOX, a new form of this drug,
could be given over long periods at low-doses without inducing cardiotoxicity. Later studies
recommended multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scans to monitor cardiac function. Our study is a
seven-year follow-up of fifty-five male KS patients treated with 20mg/m2 of PL-Dox every three weeks
until disappearance of lesion, withdrawal of treatment, or discovery of cardiac damage by MUGA scans
at six months. Patients were grouped by cumulative dose (mg/m2). Twenty-one patients received less than
200mg/m2, eleven received 200-399mg/m2, seven received 400-500mg/m2, and sixteen received greater
than 500mg/m2. Five patients died during this study. Of sixteen people receiving over 500mg, one died of
cancer, one was switched to another drug, and one patient stopped taking PL-DOX after finding an
abnormal MUGA which led to the diagnosis of coronary disease. The other thirteen in this group remain
alive with no evidence of heart problems. Four patients receiving doses less than 500mg/m2 died. Two of
these were victims of heart trouble. MUGA scans were accomplished only yearly, showing need for
improvement in hospital procedures. We find that patients can tolerate doses greater than 500mg/m2 when
closely monitored with physical examinations and MUGA scans.
113
P09
The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Levels in African American and
Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
Presenter(s)
Lakshmi Girijala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vaisak Nair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy Niewold, University of Chicago
Nadera Sweiss, University of Chicago
A multi-systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, sarcoidosis, is characterized by noncaesating
granulomas. In the attempt to identify its cause, environmental, occupational, and genetic
factors have all been implicated, but none have been statistically proven. The current assumption is that
genetic factors interact with environmental stresses to increase disease susceptibility. Therefore, the study
utilized retrospective data from ninety-eight sarcoidosis patients in order to collect data concerning
cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) levels, ancestry,
neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary involvement; from there, Microsoft Excel was utilized to determine
the correlations among that previously stated variables. The data analysis yielded two significant
correlations: in African Americans, there is a correlation between TNF-α and neurological involvement in
sarcoidosis, and in Caucasian Americans, there is a correlation between IFN-α and pulmonary
involvement in sarcoidosis patients. Agreeing with previous clinical studies, these correlations offer
insight into the pathogenesis of the disease. More importantly though is that we are now capable of
targeting the disease based on ancestry, developing drugs to target certain cytokines elicited in each
respective race.
114
P10
Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of Babies
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Research Center
Most newly infected children with HIV-1 contract the virus during birth. However, not all babies born to
HIV-infected mothers become infected. Uninfected babies undergo a process called seroreversion. This
occurs as maternal HIV-1 antibodies transferred during the third trimester gradually decrease, leaving the
baby HIV-uninfected. In developed countries, costly and repetitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and
Western blot tests are used for up to eighteen months to determine the final status of the baby, while many
developing countries use antibody assays instead. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of
HIV-1 rapid tests in determining infection status compared to customary lab tests. In this study forty-three
plasma samples from twenty-four previously tested uninfected patients were collected and tested on two
different Food and Drug Adminsitration approved HIV-1 rapid tests, OraQuick and UniGold. Some
samples were also tested by EIA and Western blot where original data was not available. Data was
divided into two subgroups: samples taken within eight months of birth and samples taken nine months
onward. The results showed that of the twenty-one samples in the nine month onward group, fifteen were
negative on the OraQuick and UniGold, while only six were negative on the ELISA. Based on these
results, it can be said that the OraQuick and UniGold rapid tests may be effective in accurately
determining infection status in as little as nine months after the HIV exposed baby is born.
P11
Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in Orissa, India
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Neonatal healthcare is the preservation of health of newborn babies, and is an issue of vital importance. In
countries with good healthcare infrastructure, and education, general knowledge of healthcare and
medicine is much more accessible. However, developing countries like India are still in the process of
improving such hospital and educational infrastructure, making the issue of keeping newborn babies alive
and healthy one at the forefront of international healthcare. One of the most important factors in neonatal
care is the parents. Their caretaking can only be adequate if their knowledge of their baby’s needs is also
sufficient. This project investigated the amount of knowledge mothers of newborn babies in the rural
versus urban areas of Orissa, India had about the healthcare of their babies. Eighty-three mothers of
children one year and younger were surveyed for this study: forty-two from urban centers in
Bhubaneswar, Orissa and forty-one subjects from villages nearby Bhubaneswar. The survey included
questions on illness and caretaking, as well as demographic information such as household income and
family size for purposes of comparison. The results were not conclusive; however, the lack of knowledge
across all demographics was significant in understanding the attitude towards medicine and healthcare in
developing countries.
115
P12
Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior, Environment, and Genetics
Presenter(s)
Jiwon Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aubrey Sumaydeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joly Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Determining prognosis and outcome of cancer can be approached by looking at many different factors,
including patient behavior, environment, and genetics. Analysis of databases of the varying factors of
behavioral risks and geographical location and their correlations with cancer development showed
unexpected and unaccountable complexities. However, with the analysis of genetics, through the field of
pharmacogenetics, the individual’s unique genome is examined. Now cancer patients receive novel and
more effective treatment. Pharmacogenetics is the study of genetic variations between individuals in order
to predict a patient’s ability to metabolize and respond to medicine. New advances in microarray
technology generate gene expression profiles for a patient to help analyze their individual response to
drugs by identifying patterns of markers and genes. With one in seven women developing breast cancer in
their lifetime, breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer threatening women, is on the frontier of
pharmacogenetics research. Already, significant discoveries such as the HER2 receptor, the tumor
suppressors BRCA1 and 2, and the estrogen receptor have significantly changed breast cancer treatment
and classification, making pharmacogenetics a key to diagnosing and treating cancer.
P13
Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise Retinopathy of Prematurity
Screening
Presenter(s)
Pruthvi Kothari, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathon Muraskas, Loyola University
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of a premature
infant and is the leading cause of childhood blindness. All infants with a gestational age (GA) below
thirty-three weeks and a birth weight (BW) below 1500 grams undergo multiple eye exams in order to
identify who needs further treatment. The purpose of our study was to validate a study done in Sweden
that showed post-natal weight gain as an indicator for earlier and more precise ROP screening with slight
modifications. We retrospectively identified all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at
Loyola University Medical Center (GA < thirty-three weeks, BW < 1500 grams) from 2005 to 2008. We
then set up a database in order to look at the birth weight, gestational age, medical interventions, daily
weight gain, discharge weight, discharge gestational age, and postnatal diagnoses of each infant. We
hypothesized our results to show that premature infants with adequate weight gain developed less severe
ROP compared to those infants with poor weight gain. If our hypothesis proved to be true, we would be
able to predict infants who would need earlier and more frequent ROP screenings versus those who would
not, therefore reducing the stress and cost of eye exams.
116
P14
The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's Disease
Presenter(s)
Justine Ly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Katherine Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chien-Min Kao, University of Chicago
Parkinson’s disease is classified as a disorder that impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions.
Typically, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s is based on the observations of regressing motor skills in addition
to a patient’s medical history. It is known that Parkinson’s disease is marked by the degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons. Using the tracer, TRODAT, to generate SPECT images of the brain, we
normalized the SPECT images to a standard template image using a common reference coordinate. Then,
a statistical analysis on the concentration of dopamine, which is indicated by the tracer, was conducted to
reveal the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons. By comparing the concentration of dopamine in
healthy patients to the concentration of dopamine in Parkinson’s patients, a trend can be detected. If these
quantitative measurements can be made earlier, a patient can be given an earlier diagnosis. Also, because
this method is more computer-based and requires less human proficiency, a more accurate diagnosis can
be given. Currently, our final results are still pending. Even so, we have found a possibility for inaccuracy
in this new method. Nevertheless, we hope that the technique we are working on with our advisors is
ultimately an improvement upon current methods of diagnosis.
P15
Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins
Presenter(s)
Pujan Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John O'Bryan, University of Illinois at Chicago
This study was conducted to categorize the targets of both isoforms of intersectin (ITSN) and identify
their possible involvement in cellular and biochemical pathways. As a scaffold protein, ITSN consists of
multiple interacting domains that bring together various proteins with multiple other interactions and
functions. A high throughput yeast-two hybrid screen was previously performed by the laboratory to
identify potential ITSN targets. Using the data from that study, research via databases and literature
review was done to gather information on the targets, such as interacting domains, functions, and
pathways. We then collated this information into a table, and after examining the targets, we hypothesized
that ITSN is involved in regulating multiple biochemical pathways. Most of the proteins that interacted
with ITSN were found to be involved in cellular endocytosis; however, additional pathways were
identified. One novel ITSN interaction was with mTRP53, a tumor suppressor gene, which suggests ITSN
involvement in the regulation of cancer. Using the results of this study, future researchers can test for the
involvement of ITSN in cellular and biochemical conditions such as cancer. Furthermore, drugs may be
developed to disrupt the functions of ITSN and create possible therapies.
117
P16
Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Sprague-Dawley Rats from
Charles River Versus Harlan
Presenter(s)
Aldo Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isolina Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Melina Kibbe, Northwestern University
William Pearce, Northwestern University
Vera Shively, Northwestern University
Surgical interventions used to treat atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, often fail due to a process
called neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). One of the common animal models for NIH is the rat carotid injury
model. Investigators noticed rats of the same strain, but purchased from different vendors, did not develop
the same rates of NIH. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in a candidate gene for NIH, endothelial
nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), were responsible for differences in response to injury seen in the rats. DNA
was isolated from twenty inbred Sprague Dawley rats that were purchased from two different vendors.
The rats were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease digestion
and electrophoresis. The primers were designed based on NOS3 sequences from the rat genome database.
The New England Biolabs NEBCutter software was used to find the enzyme used for genotyping. We
analyzed one NOS3 single nucleotide polymorphism, (SNP); either a guanine (G) or cytosine (C) is found
at this location. Of the rats that were analyzed, all had the G-G genotype, which does not support our
hypothesis. These results suggest that this NOS3 SNP may not be associated with variations of NIH
formation in the rats.
118
P17
Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis
Presenter(s)
Shyam Saladi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Caroline Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samuel Dudley, University of Illinois at Chicago
David Simpson, University of Illinois at Chicago
Pluripotent stem cells have been shown to harbor potential for enhanced myocardial infarct repair. One
potential mechanism of repair is stem cell secretion of paracrine factors. The purpose of this investigation
is to determine the angiogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and human embryonic
stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells (B4 cells) cultured in three-dimensional collagen patches. A vessel
formation assay was completed using conditioned media from hMSC and B4 cells exposed to hypoxia as
a monolayer or within a patch. The extent of vessel formation was quantified after twenty-two hours.
Additionally, mRNA was isolated from hypoxic hMSC and B4 cells cultured as monolayers or patches to
determine the extent of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by real time RT-PCR.
Results show that vessel formation properties are augmented for endothelial cells exposed to conditioned
media for hMSC and B4 cells cultured in patches compared to monolayers. Additionally, VEGF mRNA
abundance in increased in hMSC and B4 cell patches compared to monolayers. This suggests that the
culture of stem cells in three-dimensional collagen patches show increased angiogenic potential which
may be driven by increased expression of paracrine factors such as VEGF.
P18
The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennifer Koblinski, Northwestern University
Breast cancer patients die when the cancer metastasizes to the brain. The mechanisms of breast cancer
metastasis to the brain are poorly understood. Syndecan (SD)1-4 are a family of transmembrane heparin
sulfate proteoglycans that are widely expressed in developing tissues and are known to have a role in
cancer. The role of SD in breast cancer metastasis is currently unknown. We hypothesize that SD2 and 4
increase breast cancer metastasis to the brain. To address this hypothesis, SD2 and 4 expressions were
silenced in a breast cancer cell line, MDA-231, labeled with green fluorescent protein. Cells were injected
in the left ventricle of the mouse heart; four weeks later the tumors were examined in dissected fixed
brains of these mice using a fluorescent dissecting scope. The right hemisphere of the each brain was
sliced. Tumors within these slices were imaged and tumor size was quantified to determine tumor burden.
Quantitative PCR was also performed to confirm these results. We found that silencing of SD2 and 4
expression decreased tumor burden within the brain compared to the control. These results suggest that
SD2 and 4 play important roles in the growth of breast cancer cells in the brain.
119
P19
Determining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines to
Chemotherapy
Presenter(s)
Divya Tankasala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenan Onel, University of Chicago
Sapana Vora, University of Chicago
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with abnormalities of chromosomes five and/or seven are known
to respond more poorly to chemotherapy than their cytogenetically normal counterparts. Studies have
shown that some patients are more likely to have resistant forms of AML associated with poor-risk
cytogenetic features and multi-drug resistant phenotypes. The purpose of this investigation was to
determine how cytogenetically different acute myeloid leukemia cell lines respond to different
chemotherapeutics. Following a standard cytotoxicity protocol, a total of eleven different AML cell lines
were dosed with four chemotherapy drugs at various concentrations. Drug sensitivity was determined by
calculating an IC50 (inhibitory concentration) at twenty-four hours for each drug/cell line combination.
Two methods were used to measure viability; a standard MTT assay and the bench top flow cytometer.
Preliminary findings indicate that, as expected, certain cell lines are more sensitive/resistant to particular
chemotherapy agents than others; notably the Kasumi1 cell lines which are resistance to mitoxantrone.
The UOCM1 (Del5q, monosomy 7) line shows a marked sensitivity to cisplatin which, though apparently
effective against some AML cells, is not typically prescribed in the clinic. Experiments are ongoing, and
when completed, informed conclusions regarding the effect of chromosome 5/7 status on chemotherapy
resistance/sensitivity will be gathered.
120
P20
Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood Spot Primary Samples Tested on
the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
Presenter(s)
Amy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Research Center
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects about 0.6% of the world´s population. Testing of
plasma samples in some areas of the world can be difficult due to processing and storage equipment.
However, a new approach with dried blood spots (DBSs) is less difficult and time-consuming to perform,
and the DBSs may be safely stored at room temperature until transported to centralized testing
laboratories. The Abbott RealTime HIV RNA PCR processed and assayed on the Abbott m2000 sp
System uses the integrase gene as its primary target in comparison to other platforms that target the
envelope or gag gene for detection of HIV-1 proviral DNA. This project focused on finding the sensitivity
and specificity of the Abbott m2000 sp System in determining the HIV-1 RNA levels in samples taken
between 2009 and 2010. Results show that DBS samples are less sensitive than plasma using the system.
While standard plasma real time PCR has a lower limit of detection of around 40 copies/mL, using DBS
extracts from the same patients results in a preliminary lower limit of detection of 4000 copies/mL on the
system. Further testing must be done to determine the value of using dried blood spots for quantitative
viral load testing with the Abbott m2000sp System and the exact sensitivity and lower limit of detection
for clinical evaluation in select regional settings.
Q01
How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Presenter(s)
Ruchi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mehal Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Virginie Buggia-Prevot, University of Chicago
Gopal Thinakaran, University of Chicago
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of β-amyloid in the brain. BACE 1 is an essential
enzyme for the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which leads to the formation of β-
amyloid. Controlling BACE 1 levels will decrease the buildup of β-amyloid, which in turn will reduce the
occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathological lesions in the brain. BACE 1 is thought to
cleave APP when both proteins move from the cell surface into the cell. Therefore, in this investigation
we studied the endocytosis of BACE 1 in African green monkey (COS) cells. Endocytosis of wildtype
BACE 1 and a mutant where the dileucine motif has been mutated were studied by labeling BACE 1 and
using video microscopy. The dileucine motif was used in order to provide insight of this trafficking motif
on BACE 1 endocytosis. Preliminary data shows that the BACE 1 bearing the dileucine motif
significantly decreases the rate of BACE 1 endocytosis compared to wildtype BACE 1. Overall, the
outcome of this experiment will provide supplementary knowledge for possible ways to manipulate
BACE 1 movement within the neurons and brain β-amyloid levels ultimately reducing the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease.
121
Q02
Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response
Presenter(s)
Dawna Bagherian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nina Kraus, Northwestern University
Jen Krizman, Northwestern University
Erika Skoe, Northwestern University
The brain’s response to auditory stimuli can be objectively assessed through the auditory brainstem
response (ABR), a waveform showing the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound. BioMARK
is a clinical technology which uses a 40 ms speech stimulus, /da/, to determine the efficacy of the auditory
nervous system. The current study included the collection of the BioMARK response of seventy-six
subjects (thirty-eight females) to examine the effect of a subject’s sex on his or her ability to process
sound and demonstrated that female responses have shorter latencies and larger amplitudes, indicating
that their brains respond faster and more robustly to sound. Though previous studies have demonstrated
this for peak V of the click-evoked response, the current study shows significant differences in BioMARK
peaks V, A, F and O, but not in C, D and E. In addition, it has demonstrated that spectral encoding of high
frequencies (700-1100 Hz) is significantly larger in females than in males. These results suggest that
BioMARK is a useful clinical tool that does not display pervasive sex effects.
Q03
Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and
Periventricular Leukomalacia in Premature Multiple Births
Presenter(s)
Omotayo Balogun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kari Tyler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maliha Shareef, Loyola University
Tricia Thomson, Loyola University
We investigated trends involving the existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular
leukomalacia (PVL) in premature multiple births as a result of antenatal corticosteroids betamethosone
and dexamethosone. According to past research, betamethosone significantly decreases the risk of the
appearance of IVH and PVL, even more than dexamethosone which in some studies has been found to
increase occurrence of IVH in premature births. Through chart review of multiple births for 2006-2009
from the Loyola University Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit’s database, we have gathered data
to investigate these trends. The type of information we gathered includes but is not limited to: grade of
IVH, extent of PVL, gestational age, multiple type, birth weight, and Apgar scores specific to each
patient. The original intention was to analyze data from 1998-2008, but after data collection; we have had
to narrow the focus to later years. We are now analyzing data from 2006-2009. We also intended to
compare the trends of IVH and PVL in multiples with respect to each steroid with the trends of IVH and
PVL with respect to the same steroids in singleton births. Data analysis of the data collected 2006-2009 is
underway. Results from our research may be able to help the scientific community determine which
antenatal corticosteroid is better to use in cases involving mothers that are at risk for delivering
prematurely.
122
Q04
Investigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity in Mouse Models of
Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Ayse Cetinkaya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease which results in the progressive
degeneration of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) and spinal motor neurons. This leads to the loss of
motor function and muscular paralysis, and ultimately results in death. Point mutations on the superoxide
dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene have been linked to familial ALS cases, and mouse models of ALS with the
SOD1G93A mutation have been generated. In this study, CSMN integrity and health in wild-type,
SOD1G93A transgenic mice, and a novel mouse model, CSMNb -/- which shows an ALS-like phenotype
was investigated using structural, anatomical, and cellular analysis. Brain and spinal cord tissue were
prepared for further cellular and anatomical analysis by taking coronal and sagittal sections. After a
complete familiarization with the anatomical structures of the brain such as the motor cortex, striatum,
and hippocampus, Nissl staining was performed to visualize the layers of the cortex and axonal
projections. The initial findings upon comparison of identical sections suggest that CSMN are vulnerable
in ALS mouse models, and there is a significant reduction in subcortical axon projections, especially in
CSMNb -/- mice. These results build upon previously reported findings, and strongly suggest that
CSMNb -/- mice mimic ALS pathogenesis.
Q05
Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a Novel Delivery System in Mice
Presenter(s)
Janani Mandayam Comar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elliott Mufson, Rush University Medical Center
Cassia Overk, Rush University Medical Center
Low estrogen level is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Estrogen has been shown to
regulate AD-like neuropathology in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTgAD). However, it is
unknown if inhibiting estrogen production in the brain using an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, would
also increase plaque or tangle-like deposits. Due to poor palatability of anastrozole, a novel oral hydration
gel system was employed. This study evaluated the six-month consumption rate of the drug-treated versus
control gel and the corresponding plasma levels of anastrozole at the time of sacrifice using liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry. There was no significant difference in gel consumption between the
treated and control groups. Preliminary results also indicate that concentration of anastrozole in the
plasma was, on average, 1.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL. Further analysis will show if correlation exists between plasma
levels of anastrozole and the amount of drug consumed.
123
Q06
hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Countryman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Pranusha Pinna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The neuropathology of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) has been found to cause many human
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS). Studies have shown that in affected neuronal tissues, TDP-43 forms aggregates in the
cytoplasm. In order to expand our knowledge of TDP-43 proteinopathy, we examined how the human
TDP-43 (hTDP-43) gene was expressed in Drosophila melanogaster, a useful animal model because of
its genetic similarities to humans. We studied the expression of hTDP-43 protein in transgenic flies in
order to gain knowledge of the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathy. We found that the overexpression
of hTDP-43 protein may cause morphological changes and function deficits caused by TDP-43
proteinopathy, which can be seen in the animal model. The expression of wildtype hTDP-43 in
Drosophila led to age-dependent degeneration. In transgenic flies, neurodegeneration was detected
through the development of mushroom bodies, ommatidia loss, and photoreceptor degeneration. The
transgenic Drosophila served as a good model for our study because they showed pathological and
clinical features of ALS as well as neuropathological, biochemical, and functional features of hTDP-43
proteinopathy.
Q07
Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention
Presenter(s)
Justin Feng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yanchen Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
From walking to speech, our everyday body functions are controlled and coordinated by the brain.
Interactions between brain regions can now be studied with the use of functional magnetic resonance
imaging. With these images, effects of drugs on the brain can be studied as well. For our experiment, we
set out to use functional imaging to analyze and correlate the network connections inside the brain in
resting state, before and after the injection of caffeine. First we gathered both functional and structural
images, on eleven test subjects before and after the injection of caffeine. We then proceeded to analyze
these images. After reorienting motion correction and aligning each image, we processed the images in
several steps, including smoothing, normalizing, and so forth. From there, we analyzed the regions of
interest and proceeded to perform various statistical tests on them, including t-tests, paired t-tests, and
correlation analysis. We have found that in general, network correlations are less substantial after the
injection of caffeine at resting state than before the injection. Our average trends have shown that for the
most part there is more correlated activity before caffeine injection than after, contrary to what most
people feel after having a coffee. In the future, we will be able to further analyze more subtle but
significant trends in the functional connectivity and also eventually figure out whether if the source of
trends is physiological or neural.
124
Q08
Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through Electrocorticographic Readings of
Subdural Electrodes
Presenter(s)
Brielle James, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Paul Yuan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Affecting over one percent of the world’s population, epilepsy is a condition in which patients experience
recurring seizures that are potentially disabling and prevent them from leading normal lives. When
pharmacological treatment is ineffective, many patients choose surgery to remove the epileptic focus.
Unfortunately, some post-surgical patients experience a decline in memory while still facing the same
crippling effects of their seizures. We studied the electrocorticographic (ECoG) patterns of four righthanded
epileptic patients (three children, one adult) who had been surgically implanted with subdural
electrodes. Each was given a memory test that included tasks involving long and short term memory, as
well as mathematical calculations and word repetition. Local increases in gamma band activity (70-100
Hz) were observed in response to warning tones, presented words, and the patient’s verbal response.
Additionally, local activity in the temporal lobe and the posterior parietal cortex was found to increase
between the presented words and the patient response, signifying either memory retrieval or volition (the
act of deciding to speak). Moreover, it was discovered that during the word repetition task, words
received through auditory means were processed differently from those presented visually. Locating the
areas important to verbal memory may improve surgical outcomes for those suffering from epilepsy.
Q09
Brainwave Technologies
Presenter(s)
Monica Kozbial, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The goal is to observe the extent to which the real-time display of brainwaves enables a user to
manipulate them and to develop our own application. For over twenty-five years, neurofeedback has
sought to help people with a variety of situations ranging from treating depression to alleviating
headaches through the manipulation of brainwaves. Companies have developed game controllers based
on this concept to enhance the gaming experience. I am working with a single sensor headset developed
by Neurosky, called the Mindset, which scans the brain for activity at established frequencies and
interprets these signals in terms of mental states, such as attention and meditation. The Mindset data
stream can be accessed with different platforms. I have chosen to work with java, ActionScript and C. I
chose java because of my familiarity with it and ActionScript and C because of the sample code available
on the company’s website. I have written a program that has successfully accessed the Mindset data
stream and has retrieved values relating to brainwave activity. Currently, I am working on an application
that will utilize and manipulate the brainwave data retrieved from the Mindset.
125
Q10
How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of a Two-Minute Bout of
Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-Walking Training in a Young, Nonimpaired Group of
Subjects
Presenter(s)
Samuel Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Brown, Northwestern University
Two training approaches for improving walking speed post-stroke are resistance training and speed
training. Previous studies have shown that both speed and resistance training improves walking speed of
stroke survivors in the short term. Although experiments have looked at both types of training, they have
not compared the two with each other in the same patient cohort. The purpose of this study was to
examine the short term effects of speed-based versus resistance-based training in non-impaired
individuals to be compared with a future group of stroke survivors. Seven non-impaired individuals
walked around a 16.5 meter circle circuit at various paces for six by two minute intervals (two trials of
two minutes baseline, two minutes intervention, two minutes aftereffect measurement). Step rate, gait
speed, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured using data recorded during the experiment. Results
showed that neither speed-based nor resistance-based training had a statistically significant effect on the
immediate walking speed of subjects. However, lap four of the aftereffect measurement of the speedbased
training was significantly faster than the previous three laps. This experiment suggests that walking
speed accelerates shortly after speed-based training. These results can now be compared with stroke
survivors who, due to slower walking speeds and less ability to increase speed, may benefit more from
resistance training compared with speed training.
Q11
Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time
Presenter(s)
Ashley Ro, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nikita Veera, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chunyu Liu, University of Chicago
Gene expression and telomere length studies are currently popular in neuropsychiatric research. However,
these studies are complicated by the fact that epigenetic markers, gene expression and telomere length
vary during normal development and aging. Also, it is not known how similarly they change in blood
versus in brain tissue. This investigation focuses on how telomere length varies over developmental time
in the brain and blood of mice. To conduct the investigation, blood and brain tissue samples were
collected from inbred mice strain C57BL/6J at three developmental stages: infant (postnatal day 15
(p15)), juvenile (p35), and adult (p60). DNA was extracted from mouse leukocytes and cerebellum.
SYBR Green quantitative PCR was used to measure telomere length. Establishing how telomere length
changes over developmental time in normal mice will assist other researchers in conducting investigations
involving mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
126
Q12
Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive Neuron Incidence of the
Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Priya Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Carvey, Rush University Medical Center
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of about 50-75% of dopamine (DA)
neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the brain. In past studies, the degeneration of DA neurons within
the SN of the brain has also been linked with the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir)
neurons in the SN. This study used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated
mouse model to examine the relationship between DA neuron toxicity and TH-ir cell loss in PD. Twentyeight,
eight-month old male mice were split into two groups; each group was injected systemically four
times with MPTP or saline on a two-hour injection protocol. Once sacrificed, the mice’s brains were
removed, sliced at a thickness of forty micrometers using a sliding microtome, stained using the avidinbiotin
complex method, and examined stereologically by using the program StereoInvestigator to count
TH-ir neurons within the SN. Mice are currently being sacrificed. Staining and neuron counts are
pending. If decreased TH-ir neuron cell counts in the nigral region of the brain correlate with the number
of DA neurons, they can thus be used to determine the amount of DA neuron degradation in PD.
Q13
Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and Cognition in Schizophrenia
Presenter(s)
Nicole Runkle, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Smith, Northwestern University
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Research suggests that paracingulate gyrus (PCG) morphometry is related to temperament, and that
controls (CON) have an asymmetric PCG when compared to schizophrenia subjects (SCZ). Whether PCG
abnormalities are related to patterns of temperament, character, and cognition in schizophrenia is
unknown. In this project, we delineated PCG from MRI scans to assess prevalence, volume, thickness,
and surface area. These PCG measures were compared between SCZ and CON, and correlated with
temperament, character, and cognition. In contrast to prior research, we found a greater PCG asymmetry
(Left>Right) in SCZ when compared to CON. We also found that the PCG measures were unrelated to
temperament and character. However, SCZ with no PCG present had lower self-directedness and
cooperativeness than SCZ with the PCG. SCZ with no PCG present had higher cognitive scores than SCZ
with the PCG present, while CON with no PCG had lower cognitive scores than CON with PCG present.
These findings suggest that lack of PCG for SCZ is related to a more immature character profile. Our
findings also suggest that there may be an interaction between schizophrenia and the presence of PCG as
cognitive impairments were evident in SCZ with PCG and CON with no PCG.
127
Q14
Modeling Thermal Pain Perception
Presenter(s)
Shivam Vedak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
A. Vania Apkarian, Northwestern University
Previous studies have documented the pain ratings of subjects in response to noxious thermal stimuli. On
the contrary, very few have attempted to model these ratings, perhaps due to the notion that thermal pain
perception is a transitive process that is too complex to be modeled within a single mathematical model
with a high degree of accuracy. Within the present study, we sought to show otherwise by deriving the
simplest possible equations to model pain ratings of subjects in relation with corresponding temperature
profiles. For this, we used the computerized continuous visual analog scale (VAS) ratings of subjects with
data obtained from previous published articles. The equations were derived through the process of
iteratively optimizing variables within proposed equations to minimize variance between the model and
actual pain perception curves. Our findings indicate that though a first order differential equation with a
single constant sufficiently satisfies VAS ratings which are linearly related to the stimuli patterns, it loses
validity in more dynamic VAS ratings. In these situations, it is necessary to take into account the
derivative of the temperature curve. Thus, our final results suggest that the simplest optimal model is that
of a second degree differential equation with three independent constants, the physiological sources of
which remain to be determined.
Q15
The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating Canonical Wnt/ß-Catenin
Signaling
Presenter(s)
Jing Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anjen Chenn, Northwestern University
Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls many fundamental processes during embryonic development, and its
deregulation has been linked to tumorgenesis. Wnt signals stabilize β-catenin, allowing it to accumulate
within responding cells, and to cooperate with TCF DNA-binding factors in activating transcription of
target genes. β-catenin is also an integral component of the adherens junctions, where it links the
transmembrane protein cadherin to the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. Previous research has suggested
that N-cadherin’s function in cell-cell adhesion may regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In order to test this,
an N-cadherin mutant lacking the C-terminal β-catenin binding domain, which has been shown by its
maker to impair cell-cell adhesion, was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells to
test its effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling. After co-culture with Wnt-releasing 293T cells for 24 hours, a
luciferase reporter assay was conducted to quantify β-catenin signaling levels. The data from three
separate trials showed that Ncad-ΔC significantly down-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results
suggest that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion plays a role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
and may be important in embryogenesis and/or tumorgenesis.
128
Q16
What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural Activity Relating to Memory
Through Intracranial Electroencephalography
Presenter(s)
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Studies have shown that the brain exhibits different activity when it successfully encodes a memory.
Evidence of differential neural activity based on memory (Dm) has been previously found using
functional magnetic resonance imaging near the medial temporal lobe, as well as the prefrontal cortex.
This study is a further exploration in Dm using intracranial electroencephalography and a verbal memory
paradigm. Epilepsy patients with chronically implanted subdural grids were tested with a verbal memory
paradigm. Then, the EEG epochs during the successful memory encoding process, when the subject
subsequently remembers the word, were compared to epochs during failure to encode, when the subject
subsequently is unable to recall the word. Results showed that subsequently recalled words were
associated with significantly higher levels of activity in the delta and theta power (1-7 Hz), as well as in
the gamma frequency band (30 Hz). In addition, the study did not show any significant Dm activity in
either the medial temporal lobe or prefrontal cortex. This study can lead to improved understanding of
how the brain can successfully encode facts and words and may eventually lead to methods of improving
the human memory.
R01
At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist?
Presenter(s)
Alexander Abbinante, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Wesley Bradley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In the Standard Model of particle physics, one mystery that still remains is how each particle in the
universe obtained its own distinct mass. A particle known as the Higgs boson is theorized to have given
all other particles mass, and is the subject of our investigation. In preparation for the analysis of raw data,
tools such as Monte Carlo simulations, the ROOT programming language, and multi-variable analysis
programs are being studied and tested. Sample data sets have been collected and Monte Carlo simulations
have been applied to them in order to gain experience with the simulations. Data reduction of these sets
will soon begin so that an understanding of multi-variable analysis tools may be achieved. Testing and
analysis scripts have been written and existing ones have been manipulated in order to also achieve a
fluency in the ROOT programming language. These steps are providing a strong foundation of
understanding of the real data analysis that will be performed in the future. We will be continuing our
work and research through the summer and into the next school year, during which time we hope to make
much more progress in the hunt for the Higgs.
129
R02
Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector at Fermilab
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Enrique Palencia, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This investigation studies the efficiencies outputted from B-tagging algorithms used to analyze CDF Run
II data at Fermilab. The ability to identify jets having originated from a b-quark or other long-lived
particle is extremely important to many physics analysis at CDF. For example, search for the Higgs boson
at low masses (M_H <140 GeV/c2) and studies of the top-quark rely heavily on algorithms which "tag"
jets as b-jets. These algorithms rely heavily on the performance of the CDF silicon detector. One of the
goals of the calibration procedure is to measure b-tagging efficiency in a data sample. The b-tag scale
factor defined as the ratio of the positive b-tag rate in data and Monte Carlo, is then determined. Btagging
algorithms have had decreasing efficiencies so, in order to be useful in further scientific
investigations, the source of this error has to be understood and, if possible, corrected. The analysis I
performed has provided insight on the source of this decrease. Plotting detector efficiencies against time,
we can see that the rate of change of the correlation is significantly negative for all periods of time
analyzed. Since we know that luminosity has increased with time, we can conclude that B-tagging
algorithms decrease in efficiency is partly due to changing luminosities in the detector.
R03
Asymmetric Dice
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Fischler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
We investigate trends in the probability of an asymmetrical die landing on a specific side, given various
degree of asymmetry of the die. Using the equations of classical physics, we present equations modeling a
single bounce and collision of the die with the ground and combine bounces and collisions into a
trajectory calculating algorithm that tells us the side the die lands on given any initial conditions. The
model includes effect of ordinary single-corner bounces, and also cases where the die is sliding on a
single side or is tilting while (nearly) resting on a corner. We show that the behavior becomes a chaotic
function of the initial conditions, and thus the probabilities are independent of initial heights, velocities,
and angular velocities, as long as the initial energy is large. We present probabilities for a rectangular die
of slight and extreme elongations, and discuss the way the odds of landing on the small side go to zero, as
the die becomes longer.
130
R04
Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e Cosmic Ray Veto Shield
Presenter(s)
Amy Allen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Glenzinski, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Craig Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Mu2e proposes a detector of superior sensitivity to interact with an intense beam of slow muons and
actively look for neutrino-less muon (μ) to electron (e) conversion in the coulomb field of a nucleus (μ-N
--> e- N). Cosmic ray interactions in the Mu2e target and detector regions constitute three percent of all
expected background, as they can be mistaken for signal events. The Cosmic Ray Veto Shield (CRV) is
an active shield designed to detect and identify incoming cosmic rays to eliminate this background.
Neutron radiation originating from the creation and stopping of the muon beam in the Mu2e detector may
interfere with the CRV, causing it to be dysfunctional. In this investigation, neutron effect on the
scintillating material used in the CRV was tested using a californium 252 neutron source. Aluminum
plates were stacked at varying widths between the neutron source and CRV in an effort to increase the
purity of the source. Runs taken with no source and no aluminum had a trigger rate of 2.5 events/sec.
Runs taken with the source and without aluminum exhibited a trigger rate of 18 events/sec, an increase of
eighty-six percent. Ten centimeters of aluminum blocked seventy-five percent of the incoming particles,
leaving an eleven percent increase of unknown composition. Future studies include further testing with
aluminum to eliminate all gamma and beta particles and creating new trigger panels to improve selection
of cosmic rays with specific properties such as position or angle of incidence.
R05
Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment
Presenter(s)
Mohammed Hayat, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
A significant fact about neutrinos is that they have masses. This has been controversial in previous years
but it is concluded through neutrino oscillations that neutrinos have masses. Neutrino oscillation
experiments have revealed that neutrinos change flavor after propagating a finite distance. The NOvA
experiment is a particle physics experiment designed to detect neutrinos created by Fermilab’s NuMI
(Neutrinos at the Main Injector) beam. NOvA is intended to be the successor to MINOS. NOvA will
consist of a detector at Fermilab, the near detector, and a far detector in northern Minnesota, the far
detector. NOvA's main goal is to observe the oscillation of muon neutrinos to electron neutrino (νμ→
νe). This will assist particle physicists in constructing a matrix describing neutrino oscillation by finding
one matrix parameter for the Θ-13 angle. My investigation examines the theory and mathematics behind
the neutrino oscillations angles, specifically the Θ-13 angle, and it investigates how the NOvA experiment
relates in finding Θ-13. During my time at Argonne National Laboratory, I was asked to look at databases
for construction plans of the NOvA experiment to find and correct corrupted construction data. Along
with looking at data and technical designs, I further observe NOvA construction plans in order to find
how the detector functions and how it could potentially find Θ-13.
131
R06
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Presenter(s)
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arthur Freeman, Northwestern University
Jung-Hwan Song, Northwestern University
Thermoelectric materials have important applications including power generation and cooling. The focus
of modern thermoelectric research is to increase the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT =
TS2σ/κ where T, S, σ, and κ are the absolute temperature, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and
thermal conductivity, respectively. By means of first-principles calculations using the full-potential
linearized augmented plane wave method, we used band-gap engineering to improve the so-called power
factor S2σ. The calculations were performed for 64-atom supercells corresponding to 1.56% doping, and
site preferences for dopant atoms were established. To determine Seebeck coefficients and electrical
conductivities, we performed calculations based on the Boltzmann transport theory in the constant
relaxation time approximation. We found that doping creates electronic levels in the band gap which
modify transport properties. Quantitatively, p-type doping with As on the Te site or Ca or Sr on the Pb
site enhances the thermoelectric power factor due to increased electronic conductivity. Doping with As,
Sb, Cd, or Zn on the Pb site results in an enhanced n-type thermoelectric power factor at low carrier
densities. These results provide insight into the correspondence between the qualitative aspects of band
structures and densities of states and quantitative thermoelectric properties.
R07
Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data
Presenter(s)
Zhengzheng Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Far in the upper atmosphere, cosmic rays collide with the constituents of the atmosphere, interact or
decay, and form muons and muon neutrinos. These particles will then traverse the atmosphere and the
dense rock interior of the Earth, encountering energy losses by electromagnetic interactions. Then, the
muons and muon neutrinos are detected underground at places such as the MINOS detector and the
Soudan 2 detector. The atmosphere of the Earth is a gas, and as temperature increases, the gas will
expand, becoming less dense. When the atmosphere is less dense, fewer particles will interact and instead
decay, increasing the number of muons detected underground. Therefore, through an analysis of the
previously accumulated muon detection rate data from the Soudan 2 experiment, a correlation of muon
detection rate and change in temperature, αT value, was determined. At this point, the αT value was not
high enough to signify a strong correlation. Thus, Soudan 2’s historical database was analyzed in order to
make necessary cuts and improve the αT value. Furthermore, the muon detection data was used to
identify signs of a phenomenon in the upper atmosphere known as sudden stratospheric warmings. A
comparison of the experimental results was made to a previously conducted and similar experiment that
used the MINOS detector. The results will further the understanding of particles, their relationship to life,
and the temperature changes of the stratosphere.
132
R08
Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data
Presenter(s)
Alexander Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Using event, or neutrino collision, data, I have sought to accurately determine traits such as neutrino
flavor and charge by looking for unique indicators in the events themselves. More specifically, this year I
have been working with neutrino electron events and a special type of muon event, called rock muon
events, from the MINOS experiment. For the electron neutrino events, twenty-three events were found
that were thought to be electron neutrino events, and I checked whether eight of these events were
possibly miscategorized. In the end, the errors I found were not significant enough to change the label of
the event. As for the rock muon events, I looked at these events to determine if the magnet in the center of
the detector was bending the muon’s path towards or away from it. This bending is then used to determine
if a positive or negative muon was knocked out by a neutrino or antineutrino. The number of muons
found in the MINOS Far Detector is used to verify that current measurements of the value of ΔM2
32 hold
true when found with neutrinos and antineutrinos. As of right now, I am still scanning through rock muon
events with final results still being prepared.
R09
The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters
Presenter(s)
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Huan Lin, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Using MaxBCG galaxy cluster data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we studied the relationship
between the clusters’ weak lensing mass estimates and richness in three richness bins. Richness is a
measure of the number of galaxies in a cluster. While this relationship had been derived before using
stacked clusters, we analyzed individual clusters, allowing us to estimate the scatter in the masses.
However, due to the large amount of noise in the individual measurements, we grouped individual
clusters into small stacks of ten to minimize noise while still being able to estimate scatter. To account for
biases in our data, we had to consider contributions from both large scale structure and statistical noise.
To correct for large scale structure biases, we ran analyses on random pieces of sky from the same
redshift distribution as the clusters. We then subtracted the mass estimates of these fields from the cluster
estimates. When estimating the scatter, we again considered both large scale structure and statistical
noise, the latter found through analyzing cluster simulations. These contributions were subtracted to
obtain the intrinsic mass scatter. Our mass-richness relationship closely matched results from previous
studies, though our estimate of the mass scatter was larger than expected.
133
R10
Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between Hadronic Jets and Photons
Presenter(s)
James Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sasha Pronko, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Collider Detector at Fermilab detects photons and hadronic jets. The hadronic jet may imitate the
signature of a photon in the case where a π0 meson is emitted. The photon is important in searches for
new physics beyond the Standard Model and any hadronic jets confused as photons my skew such
searches. In this inquiry, the distributions of PT, dR, and Ntrack were studied to determine the chance of
each particle being formed. This probability is then transformed into a likelihood variable by multiplying
these three together and then taking the negative log. Currently the likelihood variable has data from just
the photons, but progress on integrating data from the hadronic jet distributions is well under way. With
data from just the true photons, the separation between the hadronic jet and photon signatures is already
surpassing the current identification criteria is both efficiency and rejection. Adding in the data from the
hadronic jets should continue to improve the cuts.
R11
Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW
Presenter(s)
Jay Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Venkat Chandrasekhar, Northwestern University
This investigation deals with revamping the programming of a scanning probe microscope (SPM). The
old program written in VisualBASIC requires programming knowledge to utilize fully, so for the sake of
simplicity, the new user interface is being written in LabVIEW. The SPM methods used encompass some
of the most useful ways of researching and seeing nanoscale images. The piezoelectric actuator built by
Attocube that the Northwestern University Mesoscopic Physics Group uses in its machine allows it to
move with enough precision to get lateral resolutions of less than fifty angstroms, making this machine an
important researching tool, and my work aims at making part of a simplified user interface to increase the
usability. LabVIEW is created by National Instruments and has a unique method which is very user
friendly and extremely easy to manipulate, as well as the increased functionality of being able to collect
data directly and operate it to display an image and control the microscope all from organized, easy to use
panels. Through the course of my work, I will have programmed a working front panel and the back end
interfaces to operate the approach mechanism for the machine.
134
R12
The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier
Presenter(s)
Shobhit Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
C. Shekhar Mishra, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Arun Saini, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Genfa Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The performance of a superconductive cavity depends upon the purity of the niobium used to make the
cavity. The RRR measurement is used to quantify the purity of the metal, therefore the precise
measurement of the RRR is necessary for making good cavities and helps to understand the material
history during manufacturing and processing. RRR measurement at Fermilab has been using DC current
source, which is susceptible to many sources of noise. In order to reduce the amplification of the noise,
the external signals have to be synchronized with the lock-in amplifier signal. The lock-in amplifier
technique has the ability to eliminate most of the noise except the signal generator. I have learned the
principles of using lock-in amplifier technique in measuring small signals. The work has demonstrated the
feasibility of lock-in amplifier technique in the Fermilab materials laboratory. I have identified the most
sources of noise which was the circuit, signal generator, and current source. The effort to further improve
the signal noise ratio is in progress. By increasing the accuracy of the RRR measurement, it will have a
positive impact in understanding the fabrication and the processing of niobium cavities.
R13
Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco Cosmology Survey
Presenter(s)
Anderson West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tom Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Strong gravitational lensing systems (SGLs) have proven to be useful tools in quantifying the mass
profiles of galaxies or galaxy clusters independently of the light emission distribution. A search for SGLs
was conducted over one hundred square degrees of the Blanco Cosmology Survey. A total of one
thousand and seventy-three candidates were selected from g-band black-and-white images based upon
morphology alone. Color thumbnails of these systems were produced. Requiring that star-forming lensed
source galaxies must have a consistent color that is typically bluer than the lensing galaxy, nine were
selected for further study. We will show false color images of the selected candidates with hypothesized
source images labeled.
135
S01
Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique?
Presenter(s)
Kaijia Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
In high schools all around the nation, the exaggerated stereotypes portrayed in movies and books are
shown to have some truth to them. I am investigating the differences in social perception between
Westerners and East Asianers and linking these differences to the formation and structure of high school
social cliques. Through a twenty question survey in which high school students at the Illinois Math and
Science Academy rank their agreement to statements regarding social cliques, we will be able to see
trends on how students of different races choose their respective social groups. I have not yet been able to
distribute my survey due to complications with survey development and approval, but it will be
distributed and analyzed as soon as possible. Some studies have shown that Westerners and East Asianers
do indeed perceive others differently: Westerners in an individualistic view and East Asianers in a group
context. My prediction is that this will prove true through the data the survey harnesses. This project will
lead to important conclusions about teenage minds and hopefully to better high school environments.
S02
Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of Children with Early Unilateral
Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary and Narrative Development
Presenter(s)
Gabriella Heller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ozlem Ece Demir, University of Chicago
Susan Goldin-Meadow, University of Chicago
Susan Levine, University of Chicago
Children with pre- or perinatal unilateral brain injury (PI) demonstrate remarkable brain plasticity when
developing primary communicative skills (for example, gesture production, lexical skills, and syntactic
comprehension). The plasticity might not extend to later-developing complex language skills, such as
narrative skills. The current study examines the role of parental input on a child’s later language
development. Spontaneous caregiver-child interactions were studied for both typically-developing (TD)
and PI children, and caregiver input (general language input and decontextualized language input) and the
child decontextualized language use was measured at thirty and forty-two months of age. Child
vocabulary and narrative skills were measured at six years of age as outcome variables. Results suggest
that caregiver decontextualized language input at thirty months positively correlates with vocabulary
outcomes of both TD and PI children. Early narrative talk of TD children positively correlates with later
narrative outcomes, after controlling for parental input. However, for PI children, only parental use of
narrative talk correlates with later narrative outcomes. Thus, findings suggest that decontextualized
language input is particularly important for later language outcomes of children with brain injury.
136
S03
Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments
Presenter(s)
Jayanshu Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Rudolph, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder precipitated by an extreme stressor. To
be diagnosed with PTSD, the patient must continue to re-experience the traumatic event by feeling their
original sense of fear, helplessness, and horror. While there are many treatments for PTSD, the focus of
this project was on counterconditioning, a type of behavior therapy used to eliminate a negative response
and replace it with a positive one. To get a complete view of the treatment and its efficacy, a literature
review was completed and then compared to a personal interview with a therapist who treats clients in a
PTSD clinic. The disorder is associated with over-activation of the amygdala as a result of a lack of
inhibitory control by ventromedial prefrontal cortex, as well as by deficient hippocampal function.
Because counterconditioning uses a similar neurological pathway to condition the patient not to elicit a
fear response to a stimulus, it was considered one of the most effective treatments for the disorder.
However, it is also one of the most stressful treatment options. The interview with the therapist elucidated
the truth: the best way to treat PTSD is with a mixture of treatment modalities.
S04
Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia
Presenter(s)
Jasmine Joda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that plagues about one to two percent of the population. The
implications of schizophrenia may be split into two main categories: genetic implications and
environmental implications. Although environmental factors play a large role in the disease, genetic
factors are more of a base or precursor. Environmental factors determine the severity of the disease for the
patient. This investigation focuses on genetic implications of schizophrenia. Through extensive research
of a broad base of articles and analysis of twin and adoption studies, one may conclude that the causes of
schizophrenia have multiple pathways. This psychological disorder cannot be narrowed down to just one
cause, but must be looked at from several perspectives. The results of this investigation can broaden the
public’s eyes about such an unknown disease.
137
S05
The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol Consumption
Presenter(s)
Matthew Kleinjan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Margaret Wardle, University of Chicago
In laboratory animals high response to stress predicts higher drug intake. This investigation examined
response to stress in normal human volunteers to determine if stress-reactivity in young adults predicted
progression in the habitual amount of alcohol consumed over a year. My hypothesis was that a high
response to stress would predict an increase in drinking over the next year. Forty-seven light-drinking
college students, aged eighteen to twenty-five, underwent the Trier Social Stress Test to determine their
response to stress. Their weekly alcohol consumption was assessed at baseline, six, and twelve months
after the stress procedure. Stress response was measured with self-reported anxiety, heart rate, and
salivary cortisol. Linear regressions were used to examine the relationship of stress response to change in
alcohol consumption with possible confounding variables included as covariates. Self-reported anxiety
after stress predicted a decrease in drinking (b = -0.300, p = 0.019) between baseline and six months.
However, none of the variables of interest significantly predicted changes in drinking (p = 0.163 to p =
0.727) from baseline to twelve months. This indicates that stress response can predict a change in
drinking over the short term (six months). However, the direction of the change was not as predicted. A
high response to stress actually predicted a decrease in drinking, suggesting that the more stressed
someone is the less they will drink over time.
S06
The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Knowlton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
William Lindemann, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Perfectionism is the general state of mind in which a person holds themselves to unrealistically high
standards of achievement or performance. Though much research exists in this area, there is no generally
agreed-upon definition of what it means to be a perfectionist. It was our goal to determine the precise
effect of perfectionism on aspects of a person’s life, including their general health, and their academics.
Towards this end, we created a working definition of perfectionism based on our relevant research.
Following that, we wanted to examine trends in perfectionists, so we worked to develop a survey to
conduct on students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), especially as this relates
to general health and academic performance. We then constructed a survey to search for and then analyze
variables related to perfectionism in the students at IMSA. From our results, we discovered trends in
several different areas including eating and sleep habits, parental influence, and grades, among other
variables. We believe this research helped us to understand the exact nature of perfectionism and identify
both some positive and negative aspects of this state of mind in IMSA students.
138
S07
Increasing Motivation in Schools
Presenter(s)
Jeselle Santiago, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nirali Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Procrastination, apathy, indolence: Many individuals indulge in these forms of indifference throughout
life and are haunted by it. A formidable foe that can help one escape these tendencies is motivation. This
project aims to conquer these initiative inhibitors by understanding how to approach motivation
effectively. We focused on several theories that comment on the mechanics of motivation, and then used
these theories to devise our own idea of how to heighten motivation and lessen apathy. As students, we
felt that it would be most helpful to our community to direct what we have learned towards increasing
student involvement in the classroom. With the goal-oriented, self-determinant, reward, and social
approval theories in mind, we constructed a survey requesting Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
teachers of different disciplines to comment on the teaching styles they personally employ to engage
students. The results of this survey will be beneficial to society by providing students, and by
extrapolation, people in general, a means to use motivation effectively.
S08
Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at IMSA
Presenter(s)
Ashley Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Barbara Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This is an approach to understanding the attitudes and behaviors of incoming IMSA students and the
specific changes they experience in their sophomore year. The National Research Center for the Gifted
and Talent conducted a study, The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted, which explains how
gifted students are used in comparative studies with other students, but they have not been sufficiently
studied. Thus, educational institutions do not have a true understanding of the needs of gifted students. To
better understand how the attitudes and behaviors of sophomores have changed, a pre and post survey was
distributed during the first semester of sophomore year and will be issued again during the second
semester. The results from the surveys will be compared and analyzed as to how sophomores have
adjusted to IMSA and whether or not they have developed new outlooks. This will inform IMSA about
the effectiveness of current programs, or the need to develop new programs that will foster the positive
development in attitudes and behaviors of sophomore students.
139
S09
The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators
Presenter(s)
Christopher Wallis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brenda Dunne, International Consciousness Research Laboratories
There is evidence to suggest that the conscious act of focusing on changing the output of a physical
random number generator (REG) or unconscious behaviors can be correlated with creating a statistically
significant amount more of 1's than 0's (or vice versa) in the output of the machine. It is hypothesized that
student engagement in a class can positively influence REG output. This hypothesis was tested by
running an REG in many classes with a control REG running in a separate location and a pseudo-random
number generator running at the same time. A list of questions was used to assess the level of student
engagement and interest in the class. More engaging classes were analyzed and compared to the less
engaging classes. The possible outcomes are that 1) the engaging classes have a greater effect on the
REG's output than the un-engaging class, 2) the un-engaging classes have a greater effect, or 3) there is
no statistical different between the outputs.
S10
How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions
Presenter(s)
Claire Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microexpressions are universal. People of different cultures and religions express what Paul Ekman
believes to be the seven basic facial microexpressions: anger, contempt, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and
surprise. This investigation has focused on a literature review of Ekman’s work and the completion of the
Subtle Expression Recognition Training Program. After taking the pre-test for the training program, I
discovered that it is possible for a beginner to identify most microexpressions without formal training.
However, the natural ability to identify the microexpressions does not necessarily translate into applying
this knowledge outside of the training program. These results suggest that more intensive training is
needed to accurately identify microexpressions in real world situations. Such results would also have an
impact on persons whose job depended on accurate recognition of microexpressions, such as interrogation
in law enforcement or in homeland security situations.
140
T01
China and the World
Presenter(s)
Grace Chan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nancy Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the past ten years, China has developed from a third-world country to one of the most economically
influential nations on the globe. Because of its rapid rise to prominence, China’s economic ties with the
United States and its approach to various global issues have acquired increased significance. For example,
the country has become the biggest buyer of U.S. treasury securities, which help fund U.S. government
activities. In return, the U.S. is the single largest importer of Chinese goods and China’s economic boom
is inevitably tied to its market. The Sino-American relationship has been a topic of much debate, and it
has been argued that China’s role in America’s economy contributed to the current recession. However,
regardless of its causes, that recession’s end will depend on China’s economy. Because of China’s
newfound economic strength, it has wielded great influence on global issues, such as nuclear proliferation
in North Korea and Iran. China uses its booming economy as leverage in international politics.
Furthermore, China’s industrial growth has also inflicted significant damage to the natural environment.
China’s carbon emissions top every other nation’ emissions, and as a result, China has been a center of
attention at global conferences, such as the recent one in Copenhagen. Our research has demonstrated the
interrelated character of economics, politics, and diplomacy in evaluating China’s relationship with the
U.S. and the world as a whole.
141
T02
The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout the Urban Cities of the
United States
Presenter(s)
Nicacio Corral, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rhett Partida, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isiah Ramos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alejandro Rojas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabel Reyes, US Hispanic Leadership Institute
Every day, immigrants from foreign countries enter the United States hoping for a better lifestyle.
Although the back-breaking work they are given is not exactly the America they had envisioned, they
continue performing their duties in hopes that their children will have even better opportunities. In order
to judge the effectiveness of programs such as The Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science
and Engineering Education (CAHSEE) and The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE),
which seek to help immigrants realize this dream, we along with the United States Hispanic Leadership
Institute collected workforce data in a variety of professions across a variety of cities for 2002-2008. We
analyzed this data and determined trends in job growth for different ethnic groups in these different
professions and locations. If a positive slope is found, our data would indicate the increase of Hispanics
associated with these jobs. If a negative slope is found, the data would signify a decrease in the Hispanic
workforce among certain professions over our time frame. Whether or not the number of Hispanics
increases in our selected professions over time has direct implications with the CAHSEE and the HACE.
An increasing Hispanic workforce would signal a need to continue funding and supplying such programs,
while a decrease would call the effectiveness of such programs into question.
142
T03
Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students from Downstate and
Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
Presenter(s)
Jessica Hunter, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students from outside the Chicago metropolitan area represent the second largest minority group at
IMSA. Therefore, it is important to determine if these students, and rural students, have unique nonacademic
needs, such as religious resources, better transportation to/from IMSA, or extra social support
that are unaddressed. The needs of downstate and rural students were determined through a survey of
current IMSA students, developed based on a literature review. Data from this survey were analyzed
using the chi-square test for independence and other statistical techniques. Responses to questions
concerning IMSA’s attitude toward downstate and rural students were found to vary depending on
whether the respondent self-classified as a downstate student. A similar variance was found between
students self-classified as rural and not rural. This suggests both rural and downstate students have unique
needs IMSA should address. Additionally, 27.3% of rural respondents indicated they had been made
uncomfortable about their rural background while at IMSA. While this represents only a small percentage
of total IMSA students, the fact that any students have been made uncomfortable because of their
hometown indicates IMSA could take more steps to address rural-urban diversity.
T04
Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics
Presenter(s)
Melissa O'Brien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kimberly Sherwin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In recent years, many ethics scandals have occurred within government. As a result, the public's trust in
legislators and the government has steadily declined. Throughout this study, we have expanded our
general knowledge of ethics as well as studied the process of passing laws. After developing a strong
background of our topic, we started creating two surveys. The first surveys the general public for their
perceptions of the role of ethics in government while the second is directed towards the legislators of
Illinois and their thoughts on how ethical they are. Although our study is not yet completed we plan to
analyze the survey results to generate recommendations for legislators on how the government can regain
trust in constituents and create a more ethical government.
143
T05
Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights
Presenter(s)
Joan Steffen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
When American and British forces invaded Afghanistan shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks,
one of the coalition’s many political goals was the promotion of the rights of Afghan women. However,
most Americans are unaware of the reasons such improvements are necessary in Afghanistan, the
strategies implemented by coalition forces to achieve these advances, and the obstacles impeding such
developments. This investigation explores these factors through the study of Afghan politics, gender
roles, and culture over the past hundred years. The study also examines American and international aid
efforts targeted at Afghan women and how these endeavors could be more successful. Thorough analysis
of books, news articles, research papers, and primary source documents has revealed that the rights of
Afghan women have declined over the past century in correlation with the rise of Islamic
fundamentalism. Although the initial revocation of women’s rights in Afghanistan may have been in the
form of political decrees issued by the repressive Taliban regime, these injustices have now become a part
of Afghan culture and society. American and international forces must work cautiously and, in many
cases, indirectly to promote the elevation of women in a society that fears Westernization, foreign
influence, and the retaliation of the Taliban.
U01
Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites
Presenter(s)
Natasha Arvanitis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Ureilites, which scientists believe are the remains of differentiated asteroids, are a rare type of meteorite
that is rich in carbon. Recently, scientists observed asteroid 2008 TC3 in space and as it entered the
atmosphere. Later, fragments of the meteorite, the Almahata Sitta ureilite, were recovered in the Sudanese
desert. This is the first occurrence of an asteroid studied as both an asteroid and a meteorite. In the search
for a difference between Almahata Sitta and other ureilites, I used Interactive Data Language to examine
the spectra of ureilites, minerals, and asteroids. The examination of a 1-micron absorption feature, caused
by silicate minerals and present in almost all ureilites, showed that, in general, the feature occurs at
wavelengths of around 0.95 microns in all ureilites in the sample. However, there was wide variation in
depth of the feature, probably caused by varying silicate to carbon ratios; the Almahata Sitta meteorite
displayed an unusually shallow feature. Thus, the Almahata Sitta meteorite has a lower silicate percentage
than other ureilites in the sample. This conclusion will aid future research involving the Almahata Sitta
meteorites.
144
U02
Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Presenter(s)
Amber Betzold, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Evalyn Gates, University of Chicago
White dwarfs are the remnants of low mass stars, and as such, the coolest of these are some of the oldest
objects in the universe. Within the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, one thousand two
hundred objects were identified as possible ultracool white dwarf (UCWD) candidates based on color
magnitudes and reduced proper motion parameters. Spectra of UCWDs are featureless and exhibit a
dramatic drop-off from the black body radiation curve. We examined and classified the spectra of all
SDSS targeted objects. Based on previous SDSS data, we expected to find five to ten additional UCWDs.
While we found a number of DC white dwarfs, a classification of white dwarf that has a featureless
spectrum but a temperature above four-thousand Kelvin, we did not discover any UCWDs. The lack of
UCWDs in this targeted population may be due to the small numbers of these objects, or it may indicate a
bias in the selection algorithm. Our results suggest that there is not a large population of faint UCWDs in
the halo of our galaxy.
U03
Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its Star Formation
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Cheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Fortson, Adler Planetarium
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Subbarao, Adler Planetarium
A spiral galaxy is a galaxy with pinwheel-shaped arms spiraling out of it. In up to two-thirds of these
galaxies, there is a visible bar extending across the galaxy's center. Despite their frequency, the effects of
the bar on a barred spiral galaxy are still unclear. This investigation examines whether a galaxy's bar fuels
star formation. Galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey were separated into barred or non-barred
classes using Galaxy Zoo II, an online program which utilizes the public to classify galaxies. In order to
characterize these galaxies, we constructed histograms and color versus magnitude graphs. We then used
Baldwin, Phillips, and Terlevich (BPT) diagrams to indicate the presence of star formation or an active
galactic nucleus (AGN) in the galaxy. As the BPT diagrams showed both star formation and AGN in
barred spirals, we created histograms of the derived average star formation rate, based on the technique
discussed in Brinchmann et. al (2004). By comparing the results for barred and non-barred galaxies, we
found a negative correlation between a galaxy's tendency to have a bar and its star formation rate. In
examining these results, we can better understand barred spirals, including our own Milky Way, and the
evolution of galaxies.
145
U04
Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation
Presenter(s)
Vijay Jayaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Reith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dan Hooper, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In recent years, there has been a general consensus amongst astrophys50ists that the matter we see makes
up only a small fraction of the total mass of the universe. The rest is made up by an elusive yet pervasive
entity known as dark matter, which only interacts with regular matter through the force of gravity and
possibly other weak forces. Their gravitational interactions lead to the formation of the large halo shaped
structures that surround each galaxy. To show the results of this interaction graphically, one must use the
Laws of Gravitation to simulate the movement of individual dark matter particles over time, with the
knowledge that after a sufficiently large interval, they will have formed a stable halo. The difficulty with
such a large scale simulation lies in the n-body problem, which states that it is impossible to
mathematically predict the motion of more than two particles in a gravitational field. Because of this
complication, simulations must be done discretely through the use of a computer program. In this project,
we wrote such a program that details the formation of this galactic halo.
146
2008-2009 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2008-09 academic year.
Stephanie Brandt: A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelation at Forward Rapidities
Advisor: Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Luis Carbajal: Real-Time Imaging of the Cellular Redistribution of HSP27-CFP and HSP70-
GFP Fusion Proteins in Cardiovascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Assess Actin
Cytoskeletal Remodulation
Advisor: Jody Martin, Loyola University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Matthew Castillon: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Kevin Chen: Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand Binding in
Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: William Klein and Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Susan Chen: Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Advisors: Sukhraaj Basati and Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Hyunjii Cho: Detecting the Difference between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Research Center
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Kevin Crews: Comparison of Substrate Mimetic Inhibitors of PKB
Advisos: Chaim Gilon and Yiftah Tal-Gan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
David Derry: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Sharada Dharmasankar: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Anamaria Filipac: Understanding the Origin of Murine Thymic Natural Killer Cells
Advisors: Markus Boos and Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Abbey Flynn: Children, Special Protection Measures, and the CRC
Advisor: Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
The Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): 1st Place in the
Special Protection Measures Category of the Campaign’s 2009 Cynthia Price Cohen Essay Contest for
“Children, Special Protection Measures, and the CRC”
Michael Gleeson: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
147
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jennifer Hu: Melanoma Associated Antigens as T Cell Targets in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Advisor: Caroline LaPoole, Loyola University Medical Center
Abstract submitted: LAMposium 2009: International LAM Research Conference
Yifei Huang: Chemical Sensing based On Optical Interference of Modified Anodized
Aluminum Oxide Surfaces
Advisor: Hsien-Hau Wang, Argonne national Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Bonny Jain: On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and Torus
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Yaseen Jamal: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Regional Finalist (second place), Chicago-area Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist,
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Janel Jin: The Effects of Pseudo-Phosphorylation on Tropomyosin Conformation and
Interaction with the Thin Filament
Advisor: Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Sushma Kola: Characterization of Copolymer Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery
Advisors: Eric Brewer, F. Michael Marks, and Anthony Lowman, Drexel University
2009 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist, Chicago Area Junior
Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist (third place), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Vlad Kontsevoi: Problem Solving in Elementary Mathematics: the IMO and Putnam Competition
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Finalist
148
Bob Lee: Treatment of Breast Cancer using an Oncolytic Adenovirus to Inhibit the
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Signaling Pathway
Advisors: Janhavi Gupta and Prem Seth, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Semi-finalist, Fifth International Students Science Fair
Yize Leng: Effect of Rosiglitazone on Transforming Growth Factor-Beta- Induced Fibroblast
Activation and Migration During Wound Healing
Advisor: Ashish Ghosh, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Eric Lin: Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Advisor: Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
Co-author of paper presented at American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2009
Conference and Exhibition, September 14-17, 2009
Santina Lin: Origami Axiom 6: Solving Cubic Equations and Trisecting Angles
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Iris Liu: Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Jimmy Liu: Detecting the Difference Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
(winner of Illinois Institute of Technology scholarship)
Travis Mui: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Peter Nebres: Lattice Geometry
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Sammy Nguyen: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection
Advisor: Christopher O'Donnell and Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
149
Suganya Rajendran: The NICHE (Non-Invasive Cardiac Hemodynamic Evaluation) Study
Advisor: Antony Kim, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Semi-finalist
Jamie Ray: Search for a Fermiophobic Higgs Boson Decaying into Diphotons at CDF
Advisors: Craig Groups, Ray Culbertson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation: American Physical Society, May 2-5, 2009
Hannah Reiser: Predicting Medical School Success in 60 Minutes
Advisors: Jonathan Muraskas, Adrian Jones, and LaDonna Norstrom, Loyola University
Presentation: 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference, March 14-15, 2009
Shyam Saladi: Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Advisor: Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
American Concrete Institute's Concrete Projects Student Paper Competition Fourth Place
Jonathon Schwarzbauer: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jenny Shao: A Comprehensive Mathematical Model of Tumor-Immune Dynamics
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Nathanial Simpson: Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Advisor: Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
Co-author of paper presented at American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2009
Conference and Exhibition, September 14-17, 2009
Eric Shyu: Luminescent Cadmium Cordination Polymers with Deverse Structural Morphologies
Advisor: Robert LaDuca, Michigan State University
Intel Science Talent Search National Finalist, Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Publication: Robert L. LaDuca and Eric Shyu, Divalent metal succinate/perchlorate coordination polymers
incorporating a kinked hydrogen-bonding capable diimine: Chains, layers and a (5,6)-connected binodal
network featuring alternating rectangular and hexagonal grids, Polyhedron 28(4): 825-834.
Publication: Eric Shyu, Ronald M. Supkowski, and Robert L. LaDuca, A Chiral Luminescent Coordination
Polymer Featuring a Unique 4-Connected Self-Catenated Topology Built from Helical Motifs, Inorganic
Chemistry: 48(7): 2723-2725.
Edward Song: Identification of Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 Binding Proteins
Advisor: Erik Sontheimer, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Yiru Tao: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Jessina Thomas: Mechanism of Primordial Follicular Death and the Regulation of Ovulation
Advisor: Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
150
Karthik Vantakala: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers, Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Regional Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Arika Verma: Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue Microarrays and Digital
Microscopy
Advisors: Andrey Khramtsov and Funmi Olopade, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jing Wang: Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary
Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Advisors: Charles Clevenger and Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
John Wang: The Educational Black-White Achievement Gap: Significant Factors in a Static-
State Intergenerational Model
Advisors: Jonathan Hersh and Emily Oster, University of Chicago
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Nancy Yu: Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary
Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Advisors: Charles Clevenger and Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Eva Yuan: Particulate Matter Causes Endothelia Cell Barrier Disruption and Induces acute Lung
Damage in a Murine Model of Asthma: Physiological and Genomic Contributions
Advisors: Joe Garcia, Liliana Moreno and Ting Wang, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Weili Zheng: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisors: Bill Kabat and Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children’s Memorial Hospital
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Johannes Zhou: Determination of Effectiveness of Leading Antacid Brands
Advisor: Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist
151
Index
Poster
Number
Page
Number Name Time Room
R01 128 Alexander Abbinante 09:35 A-155
Q01 120 Ruchi Aggarwal 09:10 A-155
K01 92 Vashti Aguilar 08:45 A-147
R02 129 Sara Akgul 11:15 B-116
R03 129 Sara Akgul 10:50 B-116
C01 45 Lisa Akintilo 08:45 D-110
R04 130 Amy Allen 2:10 B-108
M01 95 Paul Angelillo 09:10 A-117
M02 96 Cindy Angpraseuth 10:50 A-119
I01 81 Natasha Arvanitis 1:45 A-133
U01 143 Natasha Arvanitis 2:10 A-133
G01 71 Ramtej Atluri 11:15 A-119
Q02 121 Dawna Bagherian 11:15 D-103
P01 109 Amishi Bajaj 09:35 A-149
P02 109 Amishi Bajaj 10:00 A-149
P03 110 Sonia Bajaj 10:00 B-116
O01 103 Kevin Baker 09:10 A-133
Q03 121 Omotayo Balogun 09:35 B-116
C02 46 Morenibayo Bankole 1:45 B-108
H01 77 Kirthi Banothu 1:20 D-110
N01 102 Stephanie Bernardo 10:50 E-115
U02 144 Amber Betzold 10:00 A-151
P04 110 Shelly Bhanot 10:25 A-135
O02 104 Shiladitya Bhattacharyya 2:10 A-117
P05 111 Madeline Booton 12:55 D-110
R01 128 Wesley Bradley 09:35 A-155
C03 46 Aryssa Burton 10:25 B-116
P06 111 Andrea Castaldo 12:55 D-107
Q04 122 Ayse Cetinkaya 1:20 B-108
T01 140 Grace Chan 11:15 A-113
C04 47 Cecilia Chang 10:25 B-110
D01 62 Bo Chen 08:45 B-133
S01 135 Kaijia Chen 09:10 AcPit A-138
P07 112 Kevin Chen 1:20 A-149
B01 40 Kevin Chen 1:45 A-149
152
A01 38 Susan Chen 11:15 B-108
C05 47 Wen Chen 12:30 B-133
C05 47 Wen Li Chen 12:30 B-133
U03 144 Stephanie Cheng 1:20 A-133
G02 72 Robert Cheung 1:45 D-107
C06 48 Nitin Chilukuri 10:25 LectHall B-206
C07 48 Imran Choudhry 1:45 A-131
E01 63 Dane Christianson 2:10 D-103
I02 81 Dane Christianson 1:45 D-110
I03 82 Samuel Contreras 09:35 LectHall B-206
T02 141 Nicacio Corral 11:15 AcPit A-138
M03 96 Elsa Costa 09:35 A-131
Q06 123 Cecilia Countryman 10:25 B-108
P06 111 Ashley Czaplicki 12:55 D-107
K02 93 Sharada Dharmasankar 09:10 A-113
G02 72 Sharada Dharmasankar 1:45 D-107
D02 62 Benjamin Diaz 1:20 A-155
M04 97 Dilyana Dimitrova 10:00 A-133
H02 78 Cevdet Dogan 1:20 A-147
M05 97 Joseph Donahue 12:30 A-119
A02 38 Allan Dong 11:15 A-149
O03 104 Victor Duan 10:00 B-108
M06 98 Ana Dumitrescu 12:55 A-119
E02 64 William Erwin 10:50 A-135
F01 69 Quadis Evans 10:50 A-149
E03 64 Amber Farrell 09:10 B-133
Q07 123 Justin Feng 11:15 D-110
N02 102 Abigail Flynn 1:20 D-107
P08 112 Bernice Fokum 09:10 A-151
J01 90 Katherine Funderburg 10:25 B-133
J02 91 Miguel Garcia 10:50 B-133
P09 113 Lakshmi Girijala 12:55 LectHall B-206
I04 82 Justin Glasper 10:00 B-110
D02 62 Nikolay Glavanakov 1:20 A-155
I02 81 Michael Gleeson 1:45 D-110
C08 49 Andrew Go 09:10 B-108
I05 83 Alexander Goins 12:55 D-103
G03 72 Govind Govind-Thomas 1:45 A-113
153
E04 65 Andrew Gray 11:15 A-135
C09 50 Linna Guan 08:45 B-108
I03 82 Audel Gutierrez 09:35 LectHall B-206
M07 98 Brittney Hanson 09:10 A-119
O04 105 Derek Hardin 12:30 A-133
R05 130 Mohammed Hayat 12:55 A-135
G04 73 Joseph Hecker 10:50 D-103
M08 99 Lauraleigh Heffner 2:10 E-115
S02 135 Gabriella Heller 2:10 A-155
O05 105 Jason Hempstead 09:35 A-133
B02 41 Wesley Herron 1:20 A-151
M09 99 Andrew Heuser 10:25 A-133
C10 50 Alexandra Hizel 10:50 A-131
B03 41 Nicole Howard 10:50 D-110
C11 51 Ingrid Hsiung 10:25 D-110
D03 63 Jennifer Hu 08:45 A-117
B04 42 Jennifer Hu 12:55 E-115
B05 42 Eric Huang 2:10 A-147
G05 73 Jialin Huang 10:00 A-119
T03 142 Jessica Hunter 10:25 AcPit A-138
H03 79 Meena Iyer 2:10 D-107
I06 83 Shawon Jackson 09:35 D-110
E05 65 Bonny Jain 1:45 A-147
S03 136 Jayanshu Jain 1:45 D-103
Q08 124 Brielle James 10:00 A-117
U04 145 Vijay Jayaram 09:35 B-110
S04 136 Jasmine Joda 08:45 A-131
O06 106 Sara Johnson 12:55 A-133
M01 95 Ryan Jordan 09:10 A-117
I07 84 Adam Jung 12:30 A-131
E02 64 Andrew Jung 10:50 A-135
J03 91 Amogh Kambalyal 1:45 E-115
B06 43 Mahir Khan 10:25 A-149
P10 114 Ankita Khandai 12:30 A-117
P11 114 Ankita Khandai 2:10 A-131
O07 106 Jisoo Kim 11:15 A-133
P12 115 Jiwon Kim 1:20 A-117
I08 84 Lawrence Kim 1:45 B-110
154
H01 77 Yoo (Jenny) Kim 1:20 D-110
S05 137 Matthew Kleinjan 10:00 E-115
S06 137 Elizabeth Knowlton 10:00 AcPit A-138
G06 74 Michael Kobiela 2:10 A-113
O08 107 Alina Kononov 1:45 A-117
R06 131 Vladislav Kontsevoi 1:20 A-131
P13 115 Pruthvi Kothari 10:00 A-135
Q09 124 Monica Kozbial 10:25 A-113
C12 51 Anusha Kumar 10:00 A-147
C13 52 Anusha Kumar 09:10 A-149
S03 136 Kaitlyn Kunstman 1:45 D-103
Q10 125 Samuel Kwak 09:35 D-103
I08 84 Eric Kwan 1:45 B-110
O02 104 Andrew Lee 2:10 A-117
C06 48 Jongmin Lee 10:25 LectHall B-206
G01 71 Minjae Lee 11:15 A-119
H04 79 Daniela Lefticariu 09:35 B-133
O07 106 Lucy Li 11:15 A-133
K02 93 Eric Lin 09:10 A-113
O09 107 Eric Lin 10:00 A-113
O07 106 Sheng-Ting Lin 11:15 A-133
S06 137 William Lindemann 10:00 AcPit A-138
F02 69 Naomi Liu 09:35 A-151
R07 131 Zhengzheng Liu 1:20 A-135
H03 79 Victoria Lo 2:10 D-107
H02 78 Jonathan Loucks 1:20 A-147
E06 66 Pan Luo 10:50 B-108
P14 116 Justine Ly 11:15 B-110
O10 108 Corinne Madsen 1:45 A-119
Q05 122 Janani Mandayam Comar 2:10 A-151
I09 85 Zack Maril 09:10 B-110
N02 102 Jade Martin 1:20 D-107
N01 102 Leslie Martin 10:50 E-115
C14 53 Lydia Matthews 12:55 A-113
B07 43 Matthew Brian McDermott 08:45 B-110
I10 85 Ian McInerney 12:30 A-147
I11 86 Jacob Miller 11:15 A-147
G07 74 Michael Mirski 10:00 D-107
155
E07 66 Samir Mishra 10:50 B-110
K03 93 Denise Mol 12:55 A-131
R08 132 Alexander Munoz 12:30 A-135
C15 53 Jonathan Munoz 08:45 A-149
C16 54 Elizabeth Murphy 12:55 A-147
P09 113 Vaisak Nair 12:55 LectHall B-206
C04 47 Harika Nalluri 10:25 B-110
O09 107 Siddharth Narayanan 10:00 A-113
H05 80 Nidhi Narielwala 1:20 AcPit A-138
C17 54 Luke Nayak 10:25 A-147
I12 86 Peter Nebres 2:10 A-149
M09 99 Liana Nicklaus 10:25 A-133
R09 132 Liana Nicklaus 10:50 A-133
I13 87 Brenton Noesges 09:10 LectHall B-206
A03 39 Leti Nunez 09:35 A-147
T04 142 Melissa O'Brien 09:35 A-135
H06 80 Cai O'Connell 2:10 AcPit A-138
M09 99 Thomas Oberhardt 10:25 A-133
O05 105 Elizabeth Ott 09:35 A-133
M10 100 Molly Pachay 09:10 D-110
I05 83 Brian Page 12:55 D-103
E08 67 Daniel Pak 10:25 A-119
R10 133 James Pan 2:10 B-116
E09 67 Sai Parepally 08:45 A-151
I14 87 Jonathan Park 1:45 A-151
B08 44 James Parkin 1:45 B-116
C18 55 Cassie Parks 10:00 A-155
T02 141 Rhett Partida 11:15 AcPit A-138
R11 133 Jay Patel 11:15 D-107
M10 100 Kavita Patel 09:10 D-110
C19 55 Lisa Patel 1:20 B-116
P15 116 Pujan Patel 10:00 B-133
C13 52 Viral Patel 09:10 A-149
C20 56 Varun Pilla 2:10 A-135
Q06 123 Pranusha Pinna 10:25 B-108
F03 70 Marat Purnyn 11:15 LectHall B-206
A04 39 Irina Pushel 2:10 B-133
C21 56 James Quigley 11:15 A-155
156
I07 84 Faith Quist 12:30 A-131
K02 93 Hassan Qureshi 09:10 A-113
T02 141 Isiah Ramos 11:15 AcPit A-138
H01 77 Morgan Rehberg 1:20 D-110
L01 95 Nicholos Reid 09:35 D-107
U04 145 Thomas Reith 09:35 B-110
B02 41 Elizabeth Richardson 1:20 A-151
Q11 125 Ashley Ro 10:00 LectHall B-206
T02 141 Alejandro Rojas 11:15 AcPit A-138
P16 117 Aldo Rossi 10:50 A-155
P16 117 Isolina Rossi 10:50 A-155
Q12 126 Priya Roy 12:30 B-116
R12 134 Shobhit Roy 1:45 A-155
S03 136 Michelle Rudolph 1:45 D-103
Q13 126 Nicole Runkle 11:15 A-151
N03 103 Satoe Sakuma 10:25 A-155
P17 118 Shyam Saladi 10:50 A-151
S07 138 Jeselle Santiago 09:10 D-107
H02 78 Sidanth Sapru 1:20 A-147
I15 88 Hannah Schmitt 10:00 D-103
G08 75 Dharti Shah 10:50 A-117
Q01 120 Mehal Shah 09:10 A-155
S07 138 Nirali Shah 09:10 D-107
C22 57 Rital Shah 12:30 A-113
P18 118 Rital Shah 1:20 A-113
G09 75 Saurin Shah 09:10 B-116
K04 94 Gary Sheng 1:45 AcPit A-138
T04 142 Kimberly Sherwin 09:35 A-135
P14 116 Katherine Shi 11:15 B-110
C23 58 Kevin Shi 10:25 D-107
Q07 123 Yanchen Shi 11:15 D-110
P17 118 Caroline Shin 10:50 A-151
F01 69 Eric Shinn 10:50 A-149
F02 69 Si Si 09:35 A-151
G10 76 Samuel Simon 08:45 A-135
B09 44 Tiffany Sinclair 10:00 A-131
C24 59 Mahi Singh 08:45 B-116
I16 88 Navdeep Singh 08:45 LectHall B-206
157
H06 80 Alexandra Smick 2:10 AcPit A-138
S08 138 Ashley Smith 10:50 AcPit A-138
G11 76 Courtney Alexa Smith 1:45 B-133
E04 65 Richard Smith 11:15 A-135
J03 91 Richard Song 1:45 E-115
T05 143 Joan Steffen 09:35 A-117
P12 115 Aubrey Sumaydeng 1:20 A-117
G12 77 Zehua Sun 09:25 E-115
C25 59 Aditya Suresh 09:10 D-103
P19 119 Divya Tankasala 08:45 D-103
E10 68 Yiru Tao 10:50 A-113
I02 81 Yiru Tao 1:45 D-110
F04 70 Benjamin Taylor 2:10 A-119
C26 60 Michael Teng 12:55 B-133
C23 58 Vivek Thakkar 10:25 D-107
I17 89 Oscar To 1:20 B-133
P04 110 Shilpa Topudurti 10:25 A-135
Q03 121 Kari Tyler 09:35 B-116
C27 60 Sumana Vardhan 2:10 B-110
Q14 127 Shivam Vedak 08:45 E-115
Q11 125 Nikita Veera 10:00 LectHall B-206
C19 55 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni 1:20 B-116
A05 40 Vamika Venkatesan 09:10 A-147
C10 50 Nicholas Virgl 10:50 A-131
D01 62 Sarah Vo 08:45 B-133
M11 100 Kelly Wallin 2:10 D-110
S09 139 Christopher Wallis 1:45 A-135
F05 71 Gary Wang 09:10 A-135
Q15 127 Jing Wang 2:10 LectHall B-206
G07 74 John Wang 10:00 D-107
K02 93 Kenneth Wang 09:10 A-113
I11 86 Kenneth Wang 11:15 A-147
J03 91 Karna Warrior 1:45 E-115
J04 92 Emily Weiland 1:45 LectHall B-206
M12 101 Sarah Weitekamp 1:20 D-103
M13 101 Lisa Wendel 10:25 A-117
H01 77 Brendan Wesp 1:20 D-110
R13 134 Anderson West 10:25 A-151
158
O11 108 Michael Wong 1:20 A-119
I18 89 Faythe Wu 09:35 E-115
P12 115 Joly Wu 1:20 A-117
C01 45 Megan Wu 08:45 D-110
B10 45 Mao Yamakawa 12:55 A-149
O02 104 Nathan Yan 2:10 A-117
I19 90 Baihan Yang 1:20 E-115
C29 61 Candice Yi 10:25 A-131
C28 61 Candice Yi 11:15 A-131
T01 140 Nancy Yu 11:15 A-113
Q08 124 Paul Yuan 10:00 A-117
G01 71 Reichert Joshua Zalameda 11:15 A-119
S10 139 Claire Zhang 09:35 AcPit A-138
R03 129 Kevin Zhao 10:50 B-116
Q16 128 Weili Zheng 09:35 A-113
I02 81 Weili Zheng 1:45 D-110
D03 63 Weili Zheng 08:45 A-117
P20 120 Amy Zhou 11:15 A-117
E11 68 Johannes Zhou 11:15 E-115
K05 94 William Zhou 1:20 LectHall B-206
Dear IMSA Friends:
This has been an extraordinary academic year for IMSA and its Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) Program.
At this time last year, during IMSAloquium, we were engaged in a site visit by Intel. Having been named one
of eighteen semi-finalists in the Intel Schools of Distinction Program, from a nation-wide applicant pool of
more than 700, we were being evaluated to see if we actually “walked the talk” of delivering innovative science
education for our students. We met the challenge. IMSA was named Intel’s top high school for science
excellence in May, and then in September of 2009, at an awards celebration in Washington DC, IMSA was
named the 2009 Star Innovator School of Distinction, Intel’s top honor awarded to only one educational
institution in the nation.
Receiving this honor, however, is about more than just SIR and our Science Program. IMSA’s mission, “to
ignite and nurture creative ethical minds that advance the human condition,” requires that all staff and students
at IMSA, in all areas and disciplines - English, Fine Arts, History/Social Science, Leadership, Mathematics,
Student Life, Wellness, and World Languages – be exceptional. And they are. Evidence of our students’
excellence, in all fields is found within this proceedings book of our twenty-third IMSAloquium. IMSA
students engage in investigations in nanotechnology, particle physics, law, neonatal medicine, literature,
transplantation biology, water purity, the educational achievement gap, neurobiology and memory, ethics,
theatre, discrete mathematics, economics, and more.
Through the Student Inquiry and Research Program, IMSA provides a mechanism that enables students to
pursue personalized learning and to pursue solutions to problems and issues that challenge our global
community. Partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities, research institutions,
businesses, and museums allow our students to gain experience in real-world problem-solving, collaboration,
and scholarship. The ability to work with professionals is life-changing for our students. In many cases, our
students have already contributed to IMSA’s mission and our goal to have IMSA students improve our global
world. You’ll find evidence of this in the students who have already, in high school, published and presented
at local, national, and international venues.
In just over two decades, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) has become one of the
premier institutions of its kind in our state, our nation, and the world. With receipt of Intel’s Star Innovator
Award, we also feel responsibility to continue sharing our expertise with others. Toward this end, we
aggressively deliver services through innovative programs, such as SIR and our Field Services Offices, as we
strive to become “the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry.”
We set high expectations for ourselves and for our students. We believe that you will find that IMSA students
far exceed traditional expectations for high school student accomplishments and contributions to society. IMSA
students are well-prepared to continue solving challenges and to take on global issues that we will face in the
future. We are living into our mission to nurture the next generation of talent and leadership.
Thank you for your participation in and celebration of our students’ successes in Student Inquiry and Research!
Sincerely,
Glenn W. “Max” McGee, Ph.D.
President
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
1
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-second Annual IMSAloquium
April 28, 2010
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research ……………………….…………………………………………….…. 2
Student Recognition ………………………..…………………………………………………….. 3 - 8
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………................... 9
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 10 - 20
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….. 21 - 24
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….…………25 - 37
Student Abstracts, organized by topic…………………………………..………….………….. 38 - 145
• A Biochemistry 38 - 40
• B Bioengineering 40 - 45
• C Biology 45 - 61
• D Business 62 - 63
• E Chemistry 63 - 68
• F Computer Science 69 - 71
• G Economics 71 - 77
• H Education 77 - 80
• I Engineering 81 -90
• J English 90 - 92
• K Environmental Science 92 - 94
• L Fine Arts 95
• M History 95 - 101
• N Law 102- 103
• O Mathematics 103 - 108
• P Medicine 109 - 120
• Q Neurobiology 120 - 128
• R Physics 128 - 134
• S Psychology 135 - 139
• T Social Science 140 - 143
• U Space Science 143 - 145
SIR 2008-09 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..146 - 150
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 151 - 158
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
Cover and IMSAloquium designer is Irene Norton, IMSA staff member.
The images used to compose the cover were taken by Irene Norton and Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
2
Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized learning
at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown into a
program that encompasses all disciplines and participation by over 88% of the class of 2010. Our students’
accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from college to begin to
make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world around them.
IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is paying
attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial list)
• The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
• Learning and Leading with Technology
• Nature
• NCSSSMST Journal
• The Science Teacher
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the collaborative
student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A. Scheppler,
Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the nation to
have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12
(2005, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
Presentations (partial list)
• American Physical Society
• American Society of Cell Biology
• American Society of Microbiology
• Illinois Association for Gifted Children
• Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference
• International Water Forum
• Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
• Midwest Society of Pediatric Research
• NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Competitions (partial list)
• iBioGENEius
• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
• Intel Science Talent Search
33 semi-finalists and 10 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Neuroscience Research Prize
• Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
36 regional semi-finalists resulting in 5 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
3
2009-2010 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit, at 12:30, for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate and IMSA Resident Scholar
And
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Ruchi Aggarwal: How Does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Advisors: Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1, Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
Vashti Aguliar: Mercury Contamination in Lake Michigan and its Impact (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Robert Kiely; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan
Sara Akgul: Validity of Gap Triggers in the CDF Detector
Advisor: Ricardo Eusebi; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Lisa Akintilo: Induction of Triggered Activity by Spontaneous Intracellular Calcium
Release in Whole Heart – Experimental and Modeling Studies
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of manuscript in preparation (J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Yohannes Shiferaw, Satvik
Ramakrishna, Heetabh Patel, James E. Kelly, Matthew J. O’Toole, Amanda Pappas, Nimi
Chirayali, Nikhil Bassi, Lisa Akintilo, Meghan Wu, Rishi Arora, Gary L. Aistrup)
Amishi Bajaj: Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as
Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-Transplant
Renal Dysfunction
Advisor: Josh Levitsky; Northwestern University
2010 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist1, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project
Exposition Finalist1; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Shelly Bhanot: Effects of Surfactant on the Survival Rate and Incidence of Intraventricular
Hemorrhages in Infants with Birth Weight Equal or Less Than 1000 Grams During Three
Different Periods in a Single Tertiary Center (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Christine Sajous; Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society of Pediatric Research, October 7-9, 2009, Chicago, IL
Grace Chan: The Effects of Pioglitazone on Glucose Uptake in C6 Glioma Cells
Advisors: Douglas Feinstein, Anthony Sharp; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan
Irene Chen: Coordinate-Free Characterization of Homogeneous Polynomials with Isolated
Singularities
Advisor: Stephen Yau; University of Illinois at Chicago
69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist
4
Dane Christianson: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
David Derry: Magnetic Quantum Dot Cellular Automata and its Applicability in Replacing
Transistors
Advisors: Viatli Metlusho, Josh Sautner; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan;
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Amber Farrell: Removal of Organic Nitrogen Present in Wastewater Effluents to Prevent
Drinking Water Sources Contamination
Advisors: Marina Arnaldos, Krishna Pagilla; Illinois Institute of Technology
Co-presenter at National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Summit, April 21, 2010,
Chicago, IL
Michael Gleeson: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisors: Brent Parris, Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Eric Huang: Proteasome Inhibition of Lithocholic Acid Derivatives
Advisor: Chin Ho Chen; Duke University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Bonny Jain: Modification of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films to Increase Cation Selectivity
Advisor: Merlin Bruening; Michigan State University
69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist
Vladislav Kontsevoi: Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Advisors: Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist; 69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist;
Presented at American Physical Society annual conference, March 15-19, 2010, Portland, OR;
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Anusha Kumar: Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the β-adrenergic System of the Texas
Toad, Bufo speciosus
Advisor: James Carr; Texas Tech University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist; 69th Annual Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist; 2010
sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist ; Presented at the
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology National Conference, Jan. 3-7, 2010, Seattle,
Washington, (A. Kumar, R. Larson, C. Brown, J.A. Carr), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
Paper Exposition Finalist1; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
5
Anusha Kumar: Conservation Tillage as a Carbon Wedge
Advisors: Willa Shultz, Audrey Wells; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Keystone Energy Board annual meeting, Oct. 14, 2009, Washington, DC
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010 San Diego, CA
Allison Larrabee: Building Self-Esteem and Confidence in Young Children
Advisor: David Evenson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Illinois Association of Gifted Children Conference, Feb. 7-9, 2010, Chicago, IL
Iris Liu: Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Advisor: Maury Goodman; Argonne National Laboratory
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Janani Mandayam Comar: Development of Motor Neurons
Advisor: Donald Dosch; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist1
Madhav Mohandas: Climate-based Predictive Modeling of Seasonal Influenza
Outbreaks
Advisor: Guanglin Li; Northwestern University
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Peter Nebres: The Potential of Fe/Au Nanoparticles as a Magnetic Refrigerant
Advisor: Ronald P. Andres; Purdue University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Liana Nicklaus: The Sloan Nearby Cluster Weak Lensing Survey
Advisors: Jeffrey Kubo, James Annis, Donna Kubik, Albert Stebbins; Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 702, Issue 2, pp. L110-L113 (2009;
(J. M. Kubo, J. Annis, F.M. Hardin3, D. Kubik, K. Lawhorn3, H. Lin, L. Nicklaus, D.
Nelson, Dylan; R.R.Reis, H-J. Seo, M. Soares-Santos, A. Stebbins, T. Yunker3)
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Daniel Pak: Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Advisors: Seungpyo Hong, Su-Eon Jin; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Regional Finalist1, Intel International
Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection (SIR 2009)
Advisors: Christopher O'Donnell, Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Siemens Competition semi-finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb.
17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Varun Pilla: Increase in Prevalence of CTX-M-Producing E. coli Recovered from Outpatient
Urine Cultures
Advisor: Qi Chao; Northwestern University
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Shyam Saladi: Structural Examination of Na+ Channels
Advisor: Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Regional Finalist1
Shyam Saladi: Post-Myocardial Infartion Repair and Angiogenesis
Advisors: David Simpson, Samuel Dudley; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Regional Finalist1
Sidanth Sapru: Neurogenesis Permissive Chromatin in Neural Crest Cells as Novel
Epigenetic Marks During Mouse Neural Tube Closure
Advisor: Chandra Mayanil; Northwestern University
Co-author of abstract presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting of the American Society of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology April 18-22, 2009, New Orleans, LA (S. Ichi, Y. Shen, H.
Nakazaki, S. Sapru, B. Mania-Farnell, T. Tomita, D.G. McLone, C. S. K. Mayanil)
Mehal Shah: How Does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Advisors: Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1, Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
Caroline Shin: Post-Myocardial Infartion Repair and Angiogenesis
Advisors: David Simpson, Samuel Dudley; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Yiru Tao: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics and
Germicidal Properties
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the International Water Forum, March 17-22, 2010, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Shilpa Topudurti: Effects of Surfactant on the Survival Rate and Incidence of Intraventricular
Hemorrhage in Infants with Birth Weight Equal or Less Than 1000 Grams During Three
Different Periods in a Single Tertiary Center (SIR 2009)
Advisor: Christine Sajous; Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society of Pediatric Research, October 7-9, 2009
7
Anderson West: The Search for Dark Matter: Using Strong Gravitational Lenses to Quantify
the Dark Matter in Two Galaxy Clusters
Advisor: Thomas Diehl; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the Seventh Annual Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Oct. 29- Nov. 5, Kyoto, Japan
Megan Wu: Induction of Triggered Activity by Spontaneous Intracellular Calcium
Release in Whole Heart – Experimental and Modeling Studies
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of manuscript in preparation (J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Yohannes Shiferaw, Satvik
Ramakrishna, Heetabh Patel, James E. Kelly, Matthew J. O’Toole, Amanda Pappas, Nimi
Chirayali, Nikhil Bassi, Lisa Akintilo, Meghan Wu, Rishi Arora, Gary L. Aistrup)
Nancy Yu: The Activation Kinetics of CD4 and CD8 T Cells in Response to Listeria
monocytogenes Infection
Advisors: Mark Miller, Baomei Wang; Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisors: Brent Parris, Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, Feb. 17-21, 2010, San Diego, CA
Weili Zheng: Developing World Water Filter Project: Flow Rate Characteristics
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisor: William Kabat; Children’s Memorial Hospital
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences (IJAS) State Paper and Project Expositions are May
7-8, 2010 in Urbana, Illinois
2) Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is May 9-14, 2010 in San Jose, California
3) IMSA Class of 2009
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9
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 28, 2010
SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
7:45 – 8:35 a.m. Poster Session
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 - 9:25 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 - 9:50 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 - 10:40 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 - 11:05 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 12:45 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 - 1:10 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 - 1:35 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 - 2:25 p.m. IMSAloquium Session 12
10
IMSAloquium Poster Session
Biochemistry
Title Time Room
A01Susan Chen Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening
System to Identify Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
11:15 B-108
A02Allan Dong Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1 11:15 A-149
A03Leti Nunez Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for
Melanoma
09:35 A-147
A04Irina Pushel Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by
ProP in Escherichia coli
2:10 B-133
A05Vamika
Venkatesan
A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis 09:10 A-147
Bioengineering
Title Time Room
B01Kevin Chen sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated
Sensing Nanolayers
1:45 A-149
B02Wesley Herron
Elizabeth
Richardson
Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in
Tympanic Membrane Vibrations
1:20 A-151
B03Nicole Howard Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for
Glioblastomas
10:50 D-110
B04Jennifer Hu Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular
System
12:55 E-115
B05Eric Huang Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update 2:10 A-147
B06Mahir Khan Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient
Use in Residential Settings
10:25 A-149
B07Matthew Brian
McDermott
Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body 08:45 B-110
B08James Parkin Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps 1:45 B-116
B09Tiffany Sinclair The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-Selectins 10:00 A-131
B10Mao Yamakawa Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States
and Japan
12:55 A-149
Biology
Title Time Room
C01Lisa Akintilo Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level 08:45 D-110
Megan Wu
C02Morenibayo
Bankole
Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in
Arabidopsis
1:45 B-108
C03Aryssa Burton Optimization of a DNA Sequencer 10:25 B-116
C04Cecilia Chang
Harika Nalluri
A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac
Sarcoidosis
10:25 B-110
C05Wen Chen Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria 12:30 B-133
Wen Li Chen
11
Biology
Title Time Room
C06Nitin Chilukuri
Jongmin Lee
Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria 10:25LectHall
B-206
C07Imran Choudhry A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque 1:45 A-131
C08Andrew Go Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid
Neoplasms
09:10 B-108
C09Linna Guan Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of
Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel Function
08:45 B-108
C10Alexandra Hizel
Nicholas Virgl
Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma
gondii with Respect to Its Effect on the Growth, Survival, or
Persistence of the Parasite in Tissue Culture and in vivo
10:50 A-131
C11Ingrid Hsiung Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance
and Mobilization
10:25 D-110
C12Anusha Kumar Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of
the Texas Toad, Bufo speciosus
10:00 A-147
C13Anusha Kumar Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism 09:10 A-149
Viral Patel
C14Lydia Matthews The Role of Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor in the Expression
of p21 and p27 in Pancreatic Cancer
12:55 A-113
C15Jonathan Munoz Alterations in Hsp27 08:45 A-149
C16Elizabeth Murphy Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation
in Adipose Tissue in Mice
12:55 A-147
C17Luke Nayak Role of Interleukin 1-β in Modulating Immune Responses 10:25 A-147
C18Cassie Parks A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor:
Its Role in Megakaryopoiesis
10:00 A-155
C19Lisa Patel
Lokamitra
Veeramasuneni
Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor
Expression
1:20 B-116
C20Varun Pilla The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli
Recovered from Urine Cultures
2:10 A-135
C21James Quigley Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the
Mixed Lineage Leukemia Gene
11:15 A-155
C22Rital Shah The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels 12:30 A-113
C23Kevin Shi
Vivek Thakkar
Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG
Capsule in CMRL 1066 Culture Media
10:25 D-107
C24Mahi Singh Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency
and the DNA Methylation Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1
Genes
08:45 B-116
C25Aditya Suresh The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression 09:10 D-103
C26Michael Teng The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory
Cytokine Important in Mediating Experimental Autoimmune
Encephalomyelitis.
12:55 B-133
C27Sumana Vardhan Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients 2:10 B-110
C28Candice Yi Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human
Commensal Species in the Genus Neisseria
11:15 A-131
C29Candice Yi Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against
Toxoplasmosis
10:25 A-131
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Business
Title Time Room
D01Bo Chen Recipe for the Perfect Intervention 08:45 B-133
Sarah Vo
D02Benjamin Diaz
Nikolay
Glavanakov
A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English
Premiership and Major League Soccer Teams and Players
1:20 A-155
D03Jennifer Hu
Weili Zheng
Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and
Evaluating the Role of Private Health Insurance Within it
08:45 A-117
Chemistry Title Time Room
E01Dane ChristiansonThermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of
Ferrium M54
2:10 D-103
E02William Erwin
Andrew Jung
Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and
Spectrometer Data
10:50 A-135
E03Amber Farrell Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic
Nitrogen from Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents
09:10 B-133
E04Andrew Gray Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol 11:15 A-135
Richard Smith
E05Bonny Jain Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-
Oxygen Ratios
1:45 A-147
E06Pan Luo Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl
methacrylate), and Poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) and
Its Photomodified Form
10:50 B-108
E07Samir Mishra Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with
Manganese Complexes
10:50 B-110
E08Daniel Pak Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells 10:25 A-119
E09Sai Parepally Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides 08:45 A-151
E10Yiru Tao Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual
Molecular Dynamics and Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
10:50 A-113
E11Johannes Zhou Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata 11:15 E-115
Computer Science Title Time Room
F01Quadis Evans The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement 10:50 A-149
Eric Shinn
F02Naomi Liu
Si Si
Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis
Images
09:35 A-151
F03Marat Purnyn Developing Smartphone Applications 11:15LectHall
B-206
F04Benjamin Taylor Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA
Environment
2:10 A-119
F05Gary Wang An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a
Multi-Dimensional Database
09:10 A-135
13
Economics Title Time Room
G01Ramtej Atluri
Minjae Lee
Reichert Joshua
Zalameda
Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and
Solutions
11:15 A-119
G02Robert Cheung
Sharada
Dharmasankar
The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success 1:45 D-107
G03Govind Govind-
Thomas
The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals 1:45 A-113
G04Joseph Hecker The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets 10:50 D-103
G05Jialin Huang Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics 10:00 A-119
G06Michael Kobiela The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges 2:10 A-113
G07Michael Mirski
John Wang
School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle
School Model Affects Blacks and Whites
10:00 D-107
G08Dharti Shah What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on
Banking and Beauty Aids in the Twenty-First Century
10:50 A-117
G09Saurin Shah Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding 09:10 B-116
G10Samuel Simon Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different
Economic Classes in the United States, the United Kingdom, and
Other Countries Throughout the World
08:45 A-135
G11Courtney Alexa
Smith
The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators 1:45 B-133
G12Zehua Sun To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing 09:10 E-115
Education Title Time Room
H01Kirthi Banothu
Yoo (Jenny) Kim
Morgan Rehberg
Brendan Wesp
Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is
More Effective?
1:20 D-110
H02Cevdet Dogan
Jonathan Loucks
Sidanth Sapru
Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A
Comprehensive Examination of Academic Progress and the No Child
Left Behind Act
1:20 A-147
H03Meena Iyer IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process 2:10 D-107
Victoria Lo
H04Daniela Lefticariu Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem:
Website Hosting Survey
09:35 B-133
H05Nidhi Narielwala High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics 1:20 AcPit
A-138
H06Cai O'Connell
Alexandra Smick
Inspiring Youth to Lead 2:10 AcPit
A-138
14
Engineering
Title Time Room
I01Natasha
Arvanitis
The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab 1:45 A-133
I02Dane
Christianson
Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral
Thickness in Ceramic Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
1:45 D-110
Michael
Gleeson
Yiru Tao
Weili Zheng
I03Samuel
Contreras
Geothermal Energy 09:35LectHall
B-206
Audel
Gutierrez
I04Justin Glasper The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase
TiO2 as a Function of Support Treatment Procedures for the Production
of C2+ Oxygenates
10:00 B-110
I05Alexander
Goins
Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple
Task Automator
12:55 D-103
Brian Page
I06Shawon
Jackson
Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and
Nanocapacitor Diameter
09:35 D-110
I07Adam Jung Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn 12:30 A-131
Faith Quist
I08Lawrence Kim
Eric Kwan
Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and
Consumer Applications Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
1:45 B-110
I09Zack Maril Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology 09:10 B-110
I10Ian McInerneyReducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology
Laboratory Activity
12:30 A-147
I11Jacob Miller Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks 11:15 A-147
Kenneth
Wang
I12Peter Nebres A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic
Nanoparticles
2:10 A-149
I13Brenton
Noesges
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft 09:10LectHall
B-206
I14Jonathan Park Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from
Liquid Precursor
1:45 A-151
I15Hannah
Schmitt
City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van
Der Rohe's Lafayette Park and Farnsworth House
10:00 D-103
I16Navdeep
Singh
Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex
Manipulation Tasks
08:45LectHall
B-206
I17Oscar To The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon
(100)
1:20 B-133
I18Faythe Wu S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study 09:35 E-115
I19Baihan Yang Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a
Quick Release by the Quarterback
1:20 E-115
15
English Title Time Room
J01 Katherine
Funderburg
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader 10:25 B-133
J02 Miguel Garcia A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish
Language
10:50 B-133
J03 Amogh
Kambalyal
Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to
Appeal to Teens
1:45 E-115
Richard Song
Karna Warrior
J04 Emily Weiland Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving
Cultural Consciousness, 1839 to Present
1:45 LectHall
B-206
Environmental Science
Title Time Room
K01Vashti Aguilar Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand
for Lake Michigan
08:45 A-147
K02 Sharada
Dharmasankar
Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions 09:10 A-113
Eric Lin
Hassan Qureshi
Kenneth Wang
K03Denise Mol Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and
Ultraviolet Radiation
12:55 A-131
K04Gary Sheng Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future 1:45 AcPit
A-138
K05William Zhou The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence
of Complexing Agents
1:20 LectHall
B-206
Fine Arts Title Time Room
L01 Nicholos Reid Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage
Productions
09:35 D-107
History
Title Time Room
M01Paul Angelillo Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece 09:10 A-117
Ryan Jordan
M02Cindy
Angpraseuth
The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War 10:50 A-119
M03Elsa Costa Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature 09:35 A-131
M04Diliana
Dimitrova
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord 10:00 A-133
M05Joseph Donahue Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British
Monarchy
12:30 A-119
M06Ana Dumitrescu The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications
for Romania
12:55 A-119
16
History
Title Time Room
M07Brittney Hanson Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma 09:10 A-119
M08Lauraleigh
Heffner
The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications 2:10 E-115
M09Andrew Heuser A Simulation of Early Modern Europe 10:25 A-133
Liana Nicklaus
Thomas
Oberhardt
M10Molly Pachay An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel 09:10 D-110
Kavita Patel
M11Kelly Wallin The Consequences of Modern Agriculture 2:10 D-110
M12Sarah
Weitekamp
America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social
Consequences in American Agriculture from Post-Civil War to
Today
1:20 D-103
M13Lisa Wendel Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Versus Piloted Aircraft
10:25 A-117
Law Title Time Room
N01 Stephanie
Bernardo
Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results
and Process) Through Pro Se and Legal Representation
10:50 E-115
Leslie Martin
N02 Abigail Flynn An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the
World
1:20 D-107
Jade Martin
N03 Satoe Sakuma The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives 10:25 A-155
Mathematics
Title Time Room
O01Kevin Baker Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals 09:10 A-133
O02 Shiladitya
Bhattacharyya
Explorations of 3-Free Sequences 2:10 A-117
Andrew Lee
Nathan Yan
O03Victor Duan How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions
they are Applied to Change
10:00 B-108
O04Derek Hardin Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the
Projective Plane
12:30 A-133
O05 Jason
Hempstead
Quadrilateral Investigations 09:35 A-133
Elizabeth Ott
O06 Sara Johnson The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models 12:55 A-133
O07 Jisoo Kim Designing Origami Models 11:15 A-133
Lucy Li
Sheng-Ting Lin
O08Alina Kononov Adic Expansions 1:45 A-117
O09Eric Lin
Siddharth
Narayanan
Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes. 10:00 A-113
17
Mathematics Title Time Room
O10Corinne MadsenAn Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums
in Zn
1:45 A-119
O11 Michael Wong Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in
Poker
1:20 A-119
Medicine Title Time Room
P01 Amishi Bajaj Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate
Mofetil as Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant
Recipients with Pre-Transplant Renal Dysfunction
9:35 A-149
P02 Amishi Bajaj Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis 10:00 A-149
P03 Sonia Bajaj The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer 10:00 B-116
P04 Shelly Bhanot
Shilpa
Topudurti
Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main
Diagnosis, and Necessity for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
in Patients with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborns
from Between the Years 2000 and 2007.
10:25 A-135
P05 Madeline
Booton
MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical
Practices in the United States and Europe
12:55 D-110
P06 Andrea Castaldo
Ashley
Czaplicki
Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical
Procedures
12:55 D-107
P07 Kevin Chen Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic
Lesions in Experimental Stroke
1:20 A-149
P08 Bernice Fokum Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIVInfected
Population with Kaposi’s Sarcoma
9:10 A-151
P09 Lakshmi
Girijala
Vaisak Nair
The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor
Levels in African American and Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
12:55LectHall
B-206
P10 Ankita Khandai Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of
Babies
12:30 A-117
P11 Ankita Khandai Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in
Orissa, India
2:10 A-131
P12 Jiwon Kim
Aubrey
Sumaydeng
Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior,
Environment, and Genetics
1:20 A-117
Joly Wu
P13 Pruthvi Kothari Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise
Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening
10:00 A-135
P14 Justine Ly
Katherine Shi
The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's
Disease
11:15 B-110
P15 Pujan Patel Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins 10:00 B-133
P16 Aldo Rossi
Isolina Rossi
Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
in Sprague-Dawley Rats from Charles River Versus Harlan
10:50 A-155
P17 Shyam Saladi Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis 10:50 A-151
Caroline Shin
P18 Rital Shah The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain 1:20 A-113
18
Medicine
Title Time Room
P19 Divya TankasalaDetermining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid
Leukemia Cell Lines to Chemotherapy
08:45 D-103
P20 Amy Zhou Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood
Spot Primary Samples Tested on the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
11:15 A-117
Neurobiology Title Time Room
Q01Ruchi
Aggarwal
How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1
Endocytosis?
09:10 A-155
Mehal Shah
Q02Dawna
Bagherian
Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response 11:15 D-103
Q03Omotayo
Balogun
Kari Tyler
Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of
Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Periventricular Leukomalacia in
Premature Multiple Births
09:35 B-116
Q04Ayse CetinkayaInvestigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity
in Mouse Models of Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
1:20 B-108
Q05Janani
Mandayam
Comar
Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a
Novel Delivery System in Mice
2:10 A-151
Q06Cecilia
Countryman
hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila 10:25 B-108
Pranusha Pinna
Q07Justin Feng Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention 11:15 D-110
Yanchen Shi
Q08Brielle James
Paul Yuan
Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through
Electrocorticographic Readings of Subdural Electrodes
10:00 A-117
Q09Monica
Kozbial
Brainwave Technologies 10:25 A-113
Q10Samuel Kwak How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of
a Two-Minute Bout of Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-
Walking Training in a Young, Nonimpaired Group of Subjects
09:35 D-103
Q11Ashley Ro
Nikita Veera
Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time 10:00LectHall
B-206
Q12Priya Roy Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive
Neuron Incidence of the Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
12:30 B-116
Q13Nicole Runkle Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and
Cognition in Schizophrenia
11:15 A-151
Q14Shivam Vedak Modeling Thermal Pain Perception 08:45 E-115
Q15Jing Wang The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating
Canonical Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling
2:10 LectHall
B-206
Q16Weili Zheng What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural
Activity Relating to Memory Through Intracranial
Electroencephalography
09:35 A-113
19
Physics
Title Time Room
R01Alexander
Abbinante
At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist? 09:35 A-155
Wesley
Bradley
R02Sara Akgul Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector
at Fermilab
11:15 B-116
R03Sara Akgul Asymmetric Dice 10:50 B-116
Kevin Zhao
R04Amy Allen Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e
Cosmic Ray Veto Shield
2:10 B-108
R05Mohammed
Hayat
Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment 12:55 A-135
R06Vladislav
Kontsevoi
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by
Doping
1:20 A-131
R07Zhengzheng
Liu
Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data 1:20 A-135
R08Alexander
Munoz
Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data 12:30 A-135
R09Liana Nicklaus The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters 10:50 A-133
R10James Pan Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between
Hadronic Jets and Photons
2:10 B-116
R11Jay Patel Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW 11:15 D-107
R12Shobhit Roy The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier 1:45 A-155
R13Anderson West Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco
Cosmology Survey
10:25 A-151
Psychology Title Time Room
S01 Kaijia Chen Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique? 09:10 AcPit
A-138
S02 Gabriella
Heller
Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of
Children with Early Unilateral Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary
and Narrative Development
2:10 A-155
S03 Jayanshu Jain Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments 1:45 D-103
Kaitlyn
Kunstman
Michelle
Rudolph
S04 Jasmine Joda Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia 08:45 A-131
S05 Matthew
Kleinjan
The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol
Consumption
10:00 E-115
S06 Elizabeth
Knowlton
The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism 10:00 AcPit
A-138
William
Lindemann
S07 Jeselle
Santiago
Increasing Motivation in Schools 09:10 D-107
Nirali Shah
20
Psychology
Title Time Room
S08 Ashley Smith Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at
IMSA
10:50 AcPit
A-138
S09 Christopher
Wallis
The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators 1:45 A-135
S10 Claire Zhang How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions 09:35 AcPit
A-138
Social Science
Title TimeRoom
T01Grace Chan China and the World 11:15A-113
Nancy Yu
T02Nicacio
Corral
The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout
the Urban Cities of the United States
11:15AcPit
A-138
Rhett Partida
Isiah Ramos
Alejandro
Rojas
T03Jessica
Hunter
Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
from Downstate and Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
10:25AcPit
A-138
T04Melissa
O'Brien
Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics 09:35A-135
Kimberly
Sherwin
T05Joan Steffen Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights 09:35A-117
Space Science Title TimeRoom
U01Natasha
Arvanitis
Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites 2:10 A-133
U02Amber
Betzold
Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey 10:00A-151
U03Stephanie
Cheng
Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its
Star Formation
1:20 A-133
U04Vijay
Jayaram
Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation 09:35B-110
Thomas Reith
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 B02 B08 C04 C10 C16
A02 B03 B09 C05 C11 C17
A03 B04 B10 C06 C12 C18
A04 B05 C01 C07 C13 C19
A05 B06 C02 C08 C14 C20
B01 B07 C03 C09 C15 C21
C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 D01 D02 D03 E01 E02 E03
E04 E05 E06 E07 E08 E09 E10 E11 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 G01
G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 G09 G10 G11 G12 H01 H02 H03 H04 H05 H06 I01
I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 I11 I12 I13 I14 I15 I16 I17 I18 I19
K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 M01 M02 M03 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10
Old Cafeteria/Commons
J01
J02
J03
J04
M11 M12
M13
N01 Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A05 * Economics: G01-G12 * History: M01-M13
* Bioengineering: B01-B10 * Education: H01-H06 * Law: N01
* Biology: C01-C29 * Engineering: I01-I19 continued
* Business: D01-D03 * English: J01-J04
* Chemistry: E01-E11 * Environmental Science: K01-K05
* Computer Science: F01-F05 * Fine Arts: L01
Poster Map
C133
C142
C145
Stairs
R10 R11
C135
R09 A
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research
Conference Room
R08
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
P14 P15 P16 P17 P18 P19
P20 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 Q05
Q06 Q07 Q08 Q09 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 R01
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life R07
R06
R02 R03 R04 R05
A108
C122A
C121A
Offices
C125
C126
C127
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine continued: P14-P20
* Neurobiology: Q01-Q16
* Physics: R01-R11
continued
CAC Office
D
A107
Poster Map
Math Study Area
A145
Copy Room
A147
Classrooms
A149 A151
Math Study Area
U04
T05 U01 U02 U03
T01 T02 T03 T04
C166
A148
Classrooms
A150
S07 S08 S09 S10 Mail A137B
Room S03 S04 S05 S06
A138 A137
A144 A143
Classrooms
A141
Leon Ledeman
Office
A144B
Mail Conference
Room
Room
Stairs to the
President’s Office
R12 R13 S01 S02
C141
Offices
Academic Pit
A138
A140 A150A G E C
S
T
A
I
R
S
A102
Horwitz Conference Room A103 A105 F D B
C144
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics continued: R12-R13
* Psychology: S01-S10
* Social Science: T01-T05
* Space Science: U01-U04
25
IMSAloquium Schedule
08:45 - 09:00
Room Poster
ID
A-117 D03 Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and Evaluating the
Role of Private Health Insurance Within it
Jennifer Hu, Weili Zheng, Mary Carter, Annette Marek
A-131 S04 Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia
Jasmine Joda, David Evenson
A-135 G10 Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different Economic Classes
in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Other Countries Throughout the
World
Samuel Simon, Joshua Elliott
A-147 K01 Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand for Lake
Michigan
Vashti Aguilar, Peter Clancy
A-149 C15 Alterations in Hsp27
Jonathan Munoz, Jody Martin
A-151 E09 Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides
Sai Parepally, Michael Trenary
B-108 C09 Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of Inward Rectifier
Potassium Channel Function
Linna Guan, Yulia Epshtein, Irena Levitan, Avia Rosenhouse-Dantsker, Dev Singh
B-110 B07 Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body
Matthew Brian McDermott, Thomas Royston
B-116 C24 Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency and the DNA
Methylation Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1 Genes
Mahi Singh, Lucy Godley, Janet Lepore, Aparna Vasanthakumar
B-133 D01 Recipe for the Perfect Intervention
Bo Chen, Sarah Vo, Pradeep Chintagunta
D-103 P19 Determining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell
Lines to Chemotherapy
Divya Tankasala, Kenan Onel, Sapana Vora
D-110 C01 Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level
Lisa Akintilo, Megan Wu, J. Andrew Wasserstrom
E-115 Q14 Modeling Thermal Pain Perception
Shivam Vedak, A. Vania Apkarian
LectHall
B-206
I16 Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex
Manipulation Tasks
Navdeep Singh, Laxman Saggere
26
09:10 - 09:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 K02 Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions
Sharada Dharmasankar, Eric Lin, Hassan Qureshi, Kenneth Wang, Mark Carlson
A-117 M01 Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece
Paul Angelillo, Ryan Jordan, Robert Kiely
A-119 M07 Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma
Brittney Hanson, Jim Victory
A-133 O01 Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals
Kevin Baker, Michael Keyton
A-135 F05 An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a Multi-
Dimensional Database
Gary Wang, Joshua Elliott
A-147 A05 A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Vamika Venkatesan, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-149 C13 Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism
Anusha Kumar, Viral Patel, Glyn Dawson, Sylvia Dawson, John Kilkus, Jingdong Qin
A-151 P08 Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIV-Infected
Population with Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Bernice Fokum, Margaret Telfer
A-155 Q01 How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Ruchi Aggarwal, Mehal Shah, Virginie Buggia-Prevot, Gopal Thinakaran
AcPit
A-138
S01 Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique?
Kaijia Chen, Joan Y. Chiao
B-108 C08 Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid Neoplasms
Andrew Go, Michelle LeBeau, Angela Stoddart
B-110 I09 Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology
Zack Maril, Robert Erck
B-116 G09 Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding
Saurin Shah, Eric Smith
B-133 E03 Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen from
Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents
Amber Farrell, Marina Arvaldos, Krishna Pagilla
D-103 C25 The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression
Aditya Suresh, Galina Khramtsova, Rita Nanda
D-107 S07 Increasing Motivation in Schools
Jeselle Santiago, Nirali Shah, Deborah McGrath
D-110 M10 An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel
Molly Pachay, Kavita Patel, Jennifer Bing-Canar
E-115 G12 To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing
Zehua Sun, David Herberich, John List
LectHall
B-206
I13 Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Brenton Noesges, Francisco Ruiz
27
09:35 - 09:50
Room Poster
ID
A-113 Q16 What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural Activity
Relating to Memory Through Intracranial Electroencephalography
Weili Zheng, Vernon Leo Towle
A-117 T05 Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights
Joan Steffen, Robert Kiely
A-131 M03 Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Elsa Costa, Christian Nokkentved
A-133 O05 Quadrilateral Investigations
Jason Hempstead, Elizabeth Ott, Michael Keyton
A-135 T04 Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics
Melissa O'Brien, Kimberly Sherwin, Lee Eysturlid
A-147 A03 Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for Melanoma
Leti Nunez, Vidhya Hariharan, Jared Klarquist, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-149 P01 Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as
Initial Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-
Transplant Renal Dysfunction
Amishi Bajaj, Josh Levitsky
A-151 F02 Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis Images
Naomi Liu, Si Si, Robert Nishikawa, Ingrid Reiser
A-155 R01 At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist?
Alexander Abbinante, Wesley Bradley, Ryuji Yamada
AcPit
A-138
S10 How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions
Claire Zhang, David Evenson
B-110 U04 Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation
Vijay Jayaram, Thomas Reith, Dan Hooper
B-116 Q03 Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of Intraventricular
Hemorrhage and Periventricular Leukomalacia in Premature Multiple Births
Omotayo Balogun, Kari Tyler, Maliha Shareef, Tricia Thomson
B-133 H04 Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem: Website Hosting
Survey
Daniela Lefticariu, James Bondi, Christopher Kolar, James Page, Ken Swails
D-103 Q10 How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of a Two-
Minute Bout of Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-Walking Training in
a Young, Nonimpaired Group of Subjects
Samuel Kwak, David Brown
D-107 L01 Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage Productions
Nicholos Reid, Steve Scott
D-110 I06 Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and
Nanocapacitor Diameter
Shawon Jackson, Leonidas Ocola
E-115 I18 S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study
Faythe Wu, Mark Sexton
LectHall
B-206
I03 Geothermal Energy
Samuel Contreras, Audel Gutierrez, Eric Hawker
28
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O09 Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes
Eric Lin, Siddharth Narayanan, Steven Condie
A-117 Q08 Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through
Electrocorticographic Readings of Subdural Electrodes
Brielle James, Paul Yuan, Vernon Leo Towle
A-119 G05 Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics
Jialin Huang, Richard Stalmack
A-131 B09 The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-Selectins
Tiffany Sinclair, Seungpyo Hong, Ja Hye Myung
A-133 M04 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord
Diliana Dimitrova, William Mock, Christian Nokkentved
A-135 P13 Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise
Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening
Pruthvi Kothari, Jonathon Muraskas
A-147 C12 Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of the Texas
Toad, Bufo speciosus
Anusha Kumar, James Carr
A-149 P02 Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis
Amishi Bajaj, Jayant Pinto
A-151 U02 Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Amber Betzold, Evalyn Gates
A-155 C18 A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor: Its Role in
Megakaryopoiesis
Cassie Parks, John Cunningham
AcPit
A-138
S06 The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism
Elizabeth Knowlton, William Lindemann, David Evenson
B-108 O03 How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions they are
Applied to Change
Victor Duan, Barbara Engelhardt, Matthew Stephens
B-110 I04 The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase TiO2 as a
Function of Support Treatment Procedures for the Production of C2+ Oxygenates
Justin Glasper, Randall Meyer
B-116 P03 The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Sonia Bajaj, Donald Dosch, Judith Scheppler
B-133 P15 Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins
Pujan Patel, John O'Bryan
D-103 I15 City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van Der
Rohe's Lafayette Park and Farnsworth House
Hannah Schmitt, Joy Meek
D-107 G07 School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle School Model
Affects Blacks and Whites
Michael Mirski, John Wang, Kerwin Charles
29
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
E-115 S05 The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol Consumption
Matthew Kleinjan, Harriet de Wit, Margaret Wardle
LectHall
B-206
Q11 Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time
Ashley Ro, Nikita Veera, Chunyu Liu
10:25 - 10:40
Room Poster
ID
A-113 Q09 Brainwave Technologies
Monica Kozbial, Mark Carlson
A-117 M13 Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Versus
Piloted Aircraft
Lisa Wendel, Jim Victory
A-119 E08 Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Daniel Pak, Seungpyo Hong, Su Eon Jin
A-131 C29 Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis
Candice Yi, Rima McLeod
A-133 M09 A Simulation of Early Modern Europe
Andrew Heuser, Liana Nicklaus, Thomas Oberhardt, Lee Eysturlid
A-135 P04 Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main Diagnosis, and
Necessity for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Persistent
Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborns from Between the Years 2000 and
2007.
Shelly Bhanot, Shilpa Topudurti, Christine Sajous
A-147 C17 Role of Interleukin 1-β in Modulating Immune Responses
Luke Nayak, Balaji Ganesh, Bellur Prabhakar
A-149 B06 Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient Use in
Residential Settings
Mahir Khan, Patrick Rousche
A-151 R13 Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco Cosmology
Survey
Anderson West, Tom Diehl
A-155 N03 The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives
Satoe Sakuma, Mark Heyrman
AcPit
A-138
T03 Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students from
Downstate and Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
Jessica Hunter, David Evenson
B-108 Q06 hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila
Cecilia Countryman, Pranusha Pinna, Jane Wu
B-110 C04 A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Cecilia Chang, Harika Nalluri, John Beshai
30
10:25 – 10:40
Room Poster
ID
B-116 C03 Optimization of a DNA Sequencer
Aryssa Burton, Jamie Tweedle
B-133 J01 Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader
Katherine Funderburg, Tracy Townsend
D-107 C23 Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG Capsule in CMRL
1066 Culture Media
Kevin Shi, Vivek Thakkar, Jose Oberholzer, Meirigeng Qi, Yong Wang
D-110 C11 Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance and
Mobilization
Ingrid Hsiung, Min Cheng, Qin Gangjian
LectHall
B-206
C06 Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria
Nitin Chilukuri, Jongmin Lee, Julie Polz
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E10 Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual Molecular
Dynamics and Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
Yiru Tao, Karl Freed
A-117 G08 What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on Banking and
Beauty Aids in the Twenty-First Century
Dharti Shah, Robert Kiely, Jim Victory
A-119 M02 The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War
Cindy Angpraseuth, Claiborne Skinner
A-131 C10 Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii with
Respect to Its Effect on the Growth, Survival, or Persistence of the Parasite in
Tissue Culture and in vivo
Alexandra Hizel, Nicholas Virgl, Rima McLeod
A-133 R09 The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters
Liana Nicklaus, James Annis, Huan Lin
A-135 E02 Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and Spectrometer Data
William Erwin, Andrew Jung, Dave DeVol
A-149 F01 The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement
Quadis Evans, Eric Shinn, Mike Ososky
A-151 P17 Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis
Shyam Saladi, Caroline Shin, Samuel Dudley, David Simpson
A-155 P16 Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Sprague-
Dawley Rats from Charles River Versus Harlan
Aldo Rossi, Isolina Rossi, Melina Kibbe, William Pearce, Vera Shively
AcPit
A-138
S08 Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at IMSA
Ashley Smith, Adrienne Coleman, Barbara Miller
B-108 E06 Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate), and
Poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) and Its Photomodified Form
Pan Luo, Steve Sibener
31
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
B-110 E07 Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with Manganese
Complexes
Samir Mishra, Justin Notestein
B-116 R03 Asymmetric Dice
Sara Akgul, Kevin Zhao, Mark Fischler
B-133 J02 A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish Language
Miguel Garcia, Margaret Cain
D-103 G04 The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets
Joseph Hecker, Doug Adams
D-110 B03 Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Nicole Howard, Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal
E-115 N01 Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results and Process)
Through Pro Se and Legal Representation
Stephanie Bernardo, Leslie Martin, David Yanoff
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
A-113 T01 China and the World
Grace Chan, Nancy Yu, Robert Kiely
A-117 P20 Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood Spot Primary
Samples Tested on the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
Amy Zhou, Bill Kabat
A-119 G01 Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and Solutions
Ramtej Atluri, Minjae Lee, Reichert Joshua Zalameda, Eric Smith
A-131 C28 Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human Commensal
Species in the Genus Neisseria
Candice Yi, Cynthia Cornelissen
A-133 O07 Designing Origami Models
Jisoo Kim, Lucy Li, Sheng-Ting Lin, Vincent Matsko
A-135 E04 Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol
Andrew Gray, Richard Smith, Dave DeVol
A-147 I11 Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks
Jacob Miller, Kenneth Wang, Rachel Getman, Randall Snurr
A-149 A02 Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1
Allan Dong, Guohua Lei, Honglin Li, Mei Mei, Jianchun Wu
A-151 Q13 Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and Cognition in
Schizophrenia
Nicole Runkle, Matthew Smith, Lei Wang
A-155 C21 Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the Mixed
Lineage Leukemia Gene
James Quigley, Manuel Diaz, Ute Osmers
32
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
AcPit
A-138
T02 The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout the
Urban Cities of the United States
Nicacio Corral, Rhett Partida, Isiah Ramos, Alejandro Rojas, Isabel Reyes
B-108 A01 Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to
Identify Compounds for Antiparasitic Drugs
Susan Chen, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn
B-110 P14 The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's Disease
Justine Ly, Katherine Shi, Chien-Min Kao
B-116 R02 Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector at
Fermilab
Sara Akgul, Enrique Palencia
D-103 Q02 Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response
Dawna Bagherian, Nina Kraus, Jen Krizman, Erika Skoe
D-107 R11 Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW
Jay Patel, Venkat Chandrasekhar
D-110 Q07 Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention
Justin Feng, Yanchen Shi, Todd Parrish
E-115 E11 Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata
Johannes Zhou, Hong Jie Zhang
LectHall
B-206
F03 Developing Smartphone Applications
Marat Purnyn, Namrata Pandya, Phadmakar Patankar
12:30 - 12:45
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C22 The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels
Rital Shah, Fang Feng, John Varga, Jun Wei
A-117 P10 Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of Babies
Ankita Khandai, Bill Kabat
A-119 M05 Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British Monarchy
Joseph Donahue, Eric Smith
A-131 I07 Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn
Adam Jung, Faith Quist, Philip Nash
A-133 O04 Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the Projective Plane
Derek Hardin, Noah Prince
A-135 R08 Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data
Alexander Munoz, Maury Goodman
A-147 I10 Reducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology Laboratory
Activity
Ian McInerney, James Gerry, Joseph Muskin
B-116 Q12 Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive Neuron
Incidence of the Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
Priya Roy, Paul Carvey
33
12:30 – 12:45
Room Poster
ID
B-133 C05 Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria
Wen Chen, Wen Li Chen, Dennis Nyberg
12:55 - 1:10
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C14 The Role of Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor in the Expression of p21 and p27
in Pancreatic Cancer
Lydia Matthews, Paul Grippo
A-119 M06 The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications for Romania
Ana Dumitrescu, Karen Alter, Eric Smith
A-131 K03 Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and Ultraviolet
Radiation
Denise Mol, Geza Gyuk, Mark Hammergren
A-133 O06 The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models
Sara Johnson, Vincent Matsko
A-135 R05 Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment
Mohammed Hayat, Maury Goodman
A-147 C16 Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Adipose
Tissue in Mice
Elizabeth Murphy, Giamila Fantuzzi, Maria Pini, Davina Rhodes
A-149 B10 Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States and Japan
Mao Yamakawa, Kyo Shunei
B-133 C26 The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory Cytokine
Important in Mediating Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
Michael Teng, Stephen Miller
D-103 I05 Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple Task
Automator
Alexander Goins, Brian Page, James Gerry
D-107 P06 Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical Procedures
Andrea Castaldo, Ashley Czaplicki, Timothy McDonald
D-110 P05 MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical Practices in the
United States and Europe
Madeline Booton, Donald Dosch
E-115 B04 Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular System
Jennifer Hu, Andreas Linninger
LectHall
B-206
P09 The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Levels in
African American and Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
Lakshmi Girijala, Vaisak Nair, Timothy Niewold, Nadera Sweiss
34
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
A-113 P18 The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain
Rital Shah, Jennifer Koblinski
A-117 P12 Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior, Environment,
and Genetics
Jiwon Kim, Aubrey Sumaydeng, Joly Wu, Donald Dosch, Richard Stalmack
A-119 O11 Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in Poker
Michael Wong, Noah Prince
A-131 R06 Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Arthur Freeman, Jung-Hwan Song
A-133 U03 Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its Star
Formation
Stephanie Cheng, Lucy Fortson, Geza Gyuk, Mark Subbarao
A-135 R07 Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data
Zhengzheng Liu, Maury Goodman
A-147 H02 Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A Comprehensive
Examination of Academic Progress and the No Child Left Behind Act
Cevdet Dogan, Jonathan Loucks, Sidanth Sapru, Glenn "Max" McGee
A-149 P07 Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic Lesions in
Experimental Stroke
Kevin Chen, Agnieszka Ardelt
A-151 B02 Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in Tympanic
Membrane Vibrations
Wesley Herron, Elizabeth Richardson, Claus-Peter Richter
A-155 D02 A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English Premiership
and Major League Soccer Teams and Players
Benjamin Diaz, Nikolay Glavanakov, Mathias Drton
AcPit
A-138
H05 High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics
Nidhi Narielwala, Gary Ernst, Barbara Miller
B-108 Q04 Investigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity in Mouse
Models of Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Ayse Cetinkaya, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
B-116 C19 Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor Expression
Lisa Patel, Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Ghadah Karasneh, Deepak Shukla
B-133 I17 The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon (100)
Oscar To, Christos Takoudis
D-103 M12 America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social Consequences in
American Agriculture from Post-Civil War to Today
Sarah Weitekamp, Kathryn Kadel
D-107 N02 An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the World
Abigail Flynn, Jade Martin, Sandra Babcock
D-110 H01 Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is More
Effective?
Kirthi Banothu, Yoo (Jenny) Kim, Morgan Rehberg, Brendan Wesp, Julie Dowling
35
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
E-115 I19 Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a Quick
Release by the Quarterback
Baihan Yang, Matthew Spenko
LectHall
B-206
K05 The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of
Complexing Agents
William Zhou, Jean-Francois Gaillard
1:45 – 2:00
Room Poster
ID
A-113 G03 The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals
Govind Govind-Thomas, Sloane Frost, Anup Malani
A-117 O08 Adic Expansions
Alina Kononov, Micah Fogel
A-119 O10 An Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums in Zn
Corinne Madsen, Noah Prince
A-131 C07 A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque
Imran Choudhry, Habibal Ahsan, Brandon Pierce
A-133 I01 The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab
Natasha Arvanitis, Craig Foster
A-135 S09 The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators
Christopher Wallis, Peter Clancy, Brenda Dunne
A-147 E05 Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-Oxygen Ratios
Bonny Jain, Owen Compton, SonBinh Nguyen
A-149 B01 sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated Sensing
Nanolayers
Kevin Chen, Dimitra Georganopoulou
A-151 I14 Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from Liquid
Precursor
Jonathan Park, Ralu Divan, Alexandra Joshi-Imre
A-155 R12 The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier
Shobhit Roy, C. Shekhar Mishra, Arun Saini, Genfa Wu
AcPit
A-138
K04 Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future
Gary Sheng, Branson Lawrence
B-108 C02 Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in Arabidopsis
Morenibayo Bankole, Joanna Jelenska
B-110 I08 Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and Consumer
Applications Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Lawrence Kim, Eric Kwan, Michael Corbat, Lawrence Ost, Philip Winters
B-116 B08 Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps
James Parkin, Farid Amirouche
B-133 G11 The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators
Courtney Alexa Smith, Jiro Kondo
36
1:45 – 2:00
Room Poster
ID
D-103 S03 Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments
Jayanshu Jain, Kaitlyn Kunstman, Michelle Rudolph, David Evenson
D-107 G02 The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success
Robert Cheung,, Sharada Dharmasankar, James Heckman, John Humpries, Nick
Mader
D-110 I02 Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral Thickness
in Ceramic Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
Dane Christianson, Michael Gleeson, Yiru Tao, Weili Zheng, Mark Carlson, Sarah
OLeary
E-115 J03 Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to Appeal to
Teens
Amogh Kambalyal, Richard Song, Karna Warrior, Audrey Wells
LectHall
B-206
J04 Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving Cultural
Consciousness, 1839 to Present
Emily Weiland, Daniel Gleason
2:10 - 2:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 G06 The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges
Michael Kobiela, Jim Victory
A-117 O02 Explorations of 3-Free Sequences
Shiladitya Bhattacharyya, Andrew Lee, Nathan Yan, Micah Fogel
A-119 F04 Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA Environment
Benjamin Taylor, Noah Prince
A-131 P11 Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in Orissa,
India
Ankita Khandai, Donald Dosch
A-133 U01 Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites
Natasha Arvanitis, Mark Hammergren
A-135 C20 The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli Recovered from
Urine Cultures
Varun Pilla, Chao Qi
A-147 B05 Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update
Eric Huang, Simon Lin
A-149 I12 A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Peter Nebres, Vitali Metlushko, Josh Sautner
A-151 Q05 Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a Novel
Delivery System in Mice
Janani Mandayam Comar, Elliott Mufson, Cassia Overk
A-155 S02 Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of Children
with Early Unilateral Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary and Narrative
Development
Gabriella Heller, Ozlem Ece Demir, Susan Goldin-Meadow, Susan Levine
37
2:10 – 2:25
Room Poster
ID
AcPit
A-138
H06 Inspiring Youth to Lead
Cai O'Connell, Alexandra Smick, Linsey Crowninshield
B-108 R04 Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e Cosmic Ray Veto
Shield
Amy Allen, Douglas Glenzinski, Craig Group
B-110 C27 Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients
Sumana Vardhan, Kimberley Dilley
B-116 R10 Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between Hadronic Jets
and Photons
James Pan, Sasha Pronko
B-133 A04 Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by ProP in
Escherichia coli
Irina Pushel, Jeong Choe-Hwang
D-103 E01 Thermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of Ferrium M54
Dane Christianson, Christopher Kern, Charles Keuhmann
D-107 H03 IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process
Meena Iyer, Victoria Lo, Michelle Kolar, Glenn "Max" McGee
D-110 M11 The Consequences of Modern Agriculture
Kelly Wallin, Kathryn Kadel
E-115 M08 The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications
Lauraleigh Heffner, Claiborne Skinner
LectHall
B-206
Q15 The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating Canonical
Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling
Jing Wang, Anjen Chenn
38
A01
Targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase in a Yeast-Based Screening System to Identify Compounds for
Antiparasitic Drugs
Presenter(s)
Susan Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Protozoan parasites cause enormous health problems to people worldwide. Vaccines are ineffective and
some parasites are becoming drug-resistant. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is an enzyme essential to
fatty acid metabolism in parasites and is a potential target for drugs. Drug screening using live parasites is
impractical so a surrogate system was needed. In our strategy, introducing parasite ACC genes into wild
type yeast to replace its native ACC created recombinant yeast strains whose growth depends on the
parasite ACC and specific inhibitors. The yeast are in a 96-well plate set up compatible with screenings of
chemical libraries. Herbicides targeting ACC of grasses, which is similar in structure and function to
parasitic ACC, were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of yeast containing the ACC of the
parasite Leishmania braziliensis. The growth of the yeast cells in the wells was monitored for several
days with a spectrometer/plate reader. When the results were analyzed, two herbicides, tepraloxydim and
tralkoxydim, inhibited the growth of the yeast. A toxicity test was run on human cell lines and the results
showed that there is no toxicity of these two herbicides on the cells. With this, large steps are taken to
fight parasitic infections.
A02
Determination of Ufc1 Modification Site by Ufm1
Presenter(s)
Allan Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Guohua Lei, Children's Memorial Research Center
Honglin Li, Children's Memorial Research Center
Mei Mei, Children's Memorial Research Center
Jianchun Wu, Children's Memorial Research Center
Ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (Ufm1) is a recently identified ubiquitin-like protein that modifies other protein
targets. Very recent genetic studies suggest that the Ufm1 conjugation system is essential for animal
development. Like other ubiquitin-like systems, Ufm1 modification is accomplished with the help of its
E1, E2, and E3 enzymes. Ubiquitin-fold modifier conjugating enzyme 1 (Ufc1) is the E2 enzyme for
Ufm1 conjugation. Preliminary data suggests that Ufc1 can be covalently modified by Ufm1; however,
the exact location has yet to be determined. PCR mutagenesis was used to mutate individual Ufc1 lysine
residues to arginine. Wild-type Ufm1 was then over expressed with each Ufc1 mutant to determine
whether or not the Ufc1 mutants were capable of being modified by Ufm1. By using wild-type Ufm1 and
Ufc1 mutants tagged with Myc and Flag proteins respectively, a Western blot will be able to show
whether or not the Ufc1 mutants can be modified by the wild-type Ufm1, thus allowing us to determine a
possible modification site for this interaction. These results may increase the understanding of the
functionality of Ufm1 and provide a foundation for the search for Ufm1's target proteins and biological
functions.
39
A03
Characterizing the Phenotype of a SCAM Mouse Model for Melanoma
Presenter(s)
Leti Nunez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vidhya Hariharan, Loyola University
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
The purpose of this study is to characterize a mouse model for melanoma. We hypothesized that offspring
generated from a crossbreed of tumor bearing Ink4a-/Y-Tyr RAS mice and epidermally pigmented K14-
SCF mice will develop pigmented, epidermal melanomas. We characterized the mouse model by testing
tumor cells for expression of melanoma-associated proteins by techniques that included: Western blot,
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence
activated cell sorting (FACS). We tested frozen optimal cutting temperature-embedded tissue as well as
cultured cells from tumor digests. Results from Western blot, using a combination of antibodies against
TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase, and MART-1, showed that there were no melanoma markers in the SCAM
mice. Assays involving immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were inconclusive due to the
antibodies nonspecific binding; the secondary antibodies bound to tissue even in the no primary controls.
FACS staining showed minimal positive staining as compared to no primary controls, though this was
also observed in our cervical cancer control cells. There were also positive PCR results, but the water
control had positive results as well. The unexpected phenotype, unpigmented crossbreed tumors and data
which show no melanoma-associated proteins present in these tumors, indicates that the genotype needs
to be reexamined.
A04
Investigation of the Transport of Proline and Glycine Betaine by ProP in Escherichia coli
Presenter(s)
Irina Pushel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
ProP is a proton-symport transmembrane protein responsible for osmoregulation and transport of
compatible solutes into the cytoplasm of a cell when undergoing sufficient osmotic stress. The relative
simplicity of E. coli and its dependence on ProP to maintain function made it an ideal subject for the
examination of the protein's osmoregulatory properties. The focus of this investigation was to analyze the
structure of ProP and its relation to the functional transport of proline and glycine betaine into the cell.
Using AutoDock Vina and a previously proposed model of ProP, we were able to predict the binding site
of both substrates to be located in a hydrophobic pocket between periplasmic loops 1 and 2. The predicted
binding affinities for proline and glycine betaine (3.8 kcal/mol and 3.6 kcal/mol, respectively) are in
conjunction with previous studies on substrate transport and the role of the anti-parallel coiled-coil
orientation of the C-terminus in osmoregulation. Further analysis and experimentation is necessary to
more thoroughly elucidate the transport mechanism as far as conformational changes and osmosensing
capabilities of the C-terminus are concerned, the results of which could lead to a clearer understanding of
the metabolism and adaptations of E. coli.
40
A05
A Mouse Model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Presenter(s)
Vamika Venkatesan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jared Klarquist, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease in women of child-bearing age. Slow-growing,
but deadly tumors in LAM can be identified by expression of melanoma-associated proteins. LAM is
sometimes associated with the disease tuberous sclerosis (TS), another tumor-causing disease. We
hypothesized that tumors found in mice prone to TS also express melanocyte proteins, similar to LAM. If
these proteins are found, these mice can serve as a model for LAM. Tuberous sclerosis complex tumors
from these mice were tested for specific melanocyte proteins gp100, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MART-1.
Relevant tissues were tested through Western blotting, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions,
and immunohistochemistry, which did not show any melanocyte proteins. Full length gp100 cDNA was
generated from mouse tissue mRNA, cloned into an expression vector, and amplified in bacteria for
transfection into mouse smooth muscle cell line MOVAS. Since LAM tumor cells have smooth muscle
cell characteristics, stable, gp100-transfected MOVAS cells were generated to mimic LAM cells.
Transfected cells will be assessed for smooth muscle actin and gp100 expression before injection into
C57B/6 mice. Lungs of injected mice will be dissected to look for melanocyte proteins. If successful, a
new model for LAM will be created for use in therapeutic studies.
B01
sP-Selectin as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Stroke Using Integrated Sensing Nanolayers
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dimitra Georganopoulou, Ohmx Corporation
Social and industrial factors are pushing the field of disease diagnostics away from the costly, timeconsuming
immunoanalyzers of the past and toward the inexpensive, efficient devices of the future.
Ohmx Corporation, a pioneer in developing handheld devices operating biochips modified with selfassembled
nanolayers for the detection of various diseases, is researching the use of its technology in
diagnosing stroke in emergency settings. This project investigates the implementation of the
inflammatory protein sP-selectin, a proposed biomarker for stroke, with Ohmx Corporation’s innovative
technologies. By comparing sP-selectin concentrations estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISAs), the current industry standard for diagnostics, with concentrations estimated by Ohmx
Corporation’s biochips, I have attempted to assess the applicability of sP-selectin and Ohmx
Corporation’s technology as a handheld in situ diagnostic tool in the clinical arena. My research
demonstrated that the biochips estimate sP-selectin concentration with a significant correlation to actual
concentration. There is evidence that future development of Ohmx Corporation's proprietary device will
be able to replicate ELISA results closely. Overall, this project suggests that with continued research, sPselectin
holds great potential as a biomarker for stroke on Ohmx Corporation’s novel handheld platform
for immediate stroke diagnosis.
41
B02
Use of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis to Detect Changes in Tympanic Membrane Vibrations
Presenter(s)
Wesley Herron, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Richardson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
A laser shined on a surface creates a speckled pattern. As the surface moves, the speckles blur together.
The blurring can be used to determine the amplitude of the movement. Magnified images taken of a
vibrating piezo were analyzed using a technique called laser speckle contrast analysis. The blurred pattern
of speckles caused by the vibration and speckle intensities were both analyzed and velocity maps were
created using code developed in MATLAB. After creating velocity maps of a piezo vibrating at various
speeds, mean contrasts were computed and plotted to form a calibration curve. A similar procedure was
then used on a tympanic membrane (TM) of a guinea pig. Images of the membrane vibrating at various
sound levels and frequencies and with different volumes of fluid in the middle ear (simulating a middle
ear effusion) were taken. After analyzing the images, new contrast calibration curves were plotted and
used to compare the changes in vibration pattern(s) between healthy and effused ears. The results show
how the TM vibrates differently with the presence of fluid in the middle ear. The aim is that this
technique can be used to aid in early diagnosis and treatment of otitis media.
B03
Development of an O-GlcNAc Transferase-Based Therapeutic for Glioblastomas
Presenter(s)
Nicole Howard, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
A common type of primary brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is also the most deadly and
invasive. As oligosaccharide structures are critical to tumor cell proliferation and invasivity, changing the
expression of glycogenes involved in the biosynthesis of these cell surface structures may have
therapeutic potential for treating GBM. The o-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) mRNA, a gene that synthesizes
these structures, is down-regulated in clinical GBM specimens and malignant glioma cell lines. My
research focused on the creation of GBM cell lines with different levels of expression of OGT mRNA
transcript variants 1 and 2, and using these modified cell lines to study the effect of increased expression
on cellular proliferation, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and altered signal transduction. Human
U373MG glioma cell lines with increased expression of both OGT variants were created through
liposomal-mediated transfection. The level of OGT mRNA expression for each of the resultant fifty
clones was determined by qRT-PCR. A low, medium, and high expresser for each variant was selected,
and altered cellular adhesion to human fibronectin matrix was demonstrated in each clone. Signal
transduction assays are underway to determine if altered adhesion-mediated protein tyrosine
phosphorylation plays a role in this altered adhesion. These results set the stage for experiments to
determine if forced expression of OGT alters in vivo tumorigenicity in preclinical mouse models.
42
B04
Creating a Virtual Fly Through of the Human Brain’s Ventricular System
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
The ventricular system in the human brain is extremely difficult to visualize using traditional MRI or CT
scans. However, it has recently become possible to piece together three dimensional digital
reconstructions of the brain’s ventricles. Our goal was to create a video animation that simulated flying
through these structures. The reconstruction of the ventricles (created previously) was imported into a
program which could export the model as well as the coordinates of cerebrospinal fluid particle path lines
into an animation program. Then, using the coordinates, we created path lines for the particles and a
virtual camera. Time coordinates were entered for all moving objects, resulting in a video that yielded a
smooth journey with accurate velocities based off of cerebrospinal fluid flow. In the final editing
program, not only were captions added but also a video insert which showed where the camera was
traveling by viewing the ventricles from the outside. In all, two videos were created: one that mimicked
flying through solely the ventricles and another that flew through the ventricles and subarachnoid space. It
is hoped that this video is informative and offers students and educators of all ages another perspective of
the human brain's ventricular system.
B05
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Patents: A 2010 Update
Presenter(s)
Eric Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Simon Lin, Northwestern University
With the rise of sequencing technologies that allow scientists to rapidly test a section of DNA, the
business of direct-to-consumer genetic testing has grown tremendously since 2008. New methods to
improve genetic testing are being developed that will benefit the consumer. In this investigation, six
recent patents concerning the field of consumer genetic testing were researched. Then, a summary of each
patent was written along with an analysis of how the patent created a novel product or process and how it
would affect the field of genetic testing. Three of the patents concerned the entire process of direct-toconsumer
genetic testing. These three patents dealt with issues such as anonymity of the consumer,
efficiency of the genetic testing process, and continued research about genes of interest being delivered to
the consumer. Two of the other patents created processes for comparing the genetic information of
individuals and how to develop user-friendly ways to display the comparison results. The final patent was
related to providing information to the internet securely. These patents demonstrate that the field of
genetic testing is moving towards creating a process that is more accessible to the consumer by increasing
security, privacy, understandability, and efficiency.
43
B06
Designing a Robotic Stroke Therapy System Suitable for Patient Use in Residential Settings
Presenter(s)
Mahir Khan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Patrick Rousche, University of Illinois at Chicago
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is known to result in paralysis and loss of
mobility. Stroke therapy is necessary for several patients; however, a lack of clinical therapy is available.
Robotic therapy is currently available, but exclusively in university clinics. This engineering design
project attempted to produce a model that is feasible for stroke victims to utilize in a residential setting for
therapy. Literature was reviewed in order to learn about stroke and rehabilitation. Google SketchUp
software was used to create designs for the model. The model needed to be portable, robot-enabled,
electrically powered, and connected to the Internet for optimal efficiency. Design was based on the
necessity of patients, and a prototype has been constructed using ordinary office materials. We hope to
use metal or wood to create a more practical model soon. The current prototype’s dimensions are thirtysix
inches by twenty-four inches by twelve inches. The results of this investigation are an attempt to
progress the current state of therapy to better utilize technology. This type of model can hopefully impact
the future of bioengineering so that stroke patients have their own therapy systems to take home in the
near future.
B07
Improving Auscultation Methods in the Human Body
Presenter(s)
Matthew Brian McDermott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Royston, University of Illinois at Chicago
Auscultation, the practice of listening to sounds produced by and transmitted through the body, is a skill
many physicians lack. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, very few physicians can accurately
diagnose based on auscultation. Determining a computational way to quantify and interpret results from
acoustic data would significantly advance research, education, and clinical practices. Through literature
review, mathematical modeling, physical modeling, and human testing, several new means of gathering
acoustic data have been developed. These new ways have shown, through testing, to be capable of
producing reliable data. More conclusive testing of the devices is underway to more thoroughly verify
that they can perform as intended. What’s more, preliminary sample data about the acoustic response of
the lung parenchyma has also been gathered. These results will change the way scientists use auscultation
and view the acoustic response of the human body in general.
44
B08
Characterization of Membranes Used in Micropumps
Presenter(s)
James Parkin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Farid Amirouche, University of Illinois at Chicago
With the rise of unhealthy diets, diabetes has become epidemic in America. To help in treatment of
diabetics, micropumps, which are safer, less expensive, and less obtrusive than conventional treatment
methods, have been developed. Micropumps can be categorized into two groups: dynamic and
displacement. Dynamic pumps use physical properties of the target fluid to induce movement while
displacement pumps exert a force on the fluid with a movable barrier to cause motion. Insulin pumps
often employ displacement pumps with diaphragms. The flow rates, volume displacement accuracy, and
failure criteria for these pumps are determined by the properties of the diaphragm. For this research
project, a Nanoindenter™ XP manufactured by MTS was going to be used to determine the relationship
between thickness and elasticity of common diaphragms used in insulin micropumps. Nanoindentation
devices such as the Nanoindenter™ XP press diamond tips into thin membranes to determine, among
other physical quantities, their elasticity. However, the only available Nanoindenter™ XP was in need of
a new diamond tip and fixation. Therefore, the experimental part of the research was halted and focus
turned to a literature review summarizing the subjects of nanoindentation and micropumps and also
providing a rationale for the experimental procedure.
B09
The Binding Kinetics of sLEx for P-/E-selectins
Presenter(s)
Tiffany Sinclair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Ja Hye Myung, University of Illinois at Chicago
It is known that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) interact with endothelial cells in blood vessels during
metastasis. Cell rolling plays a key role in the initial step of cancer metastasis, that is, extravasation of
CTCs. To identify the interaction of cancer cells with endothelial cells, it is crucial to know which ligand
has binding affinities with receptors on vascular endothelial cells, for example E- and P-selectin. sLEx,
one of many covering glycoproteins on cancer cell membrane, was known as a ligand against E- and Pselectins.
To compare the strength of their interactions in overcoming shear stress against flow stress,
binding kinetics and affinity of sLEx against each selectin were measured by a BIAcore instrument based
on surface plasmon resonance. After evaluating binding kinetics for obtained binding curves of sLEx, we
found that sLEx has a binding affinity for both P- and E-selectin, though affinity for E-selectin (KD = 78.3
nM) was roughly three-fold higher than that of P-Selectin (KD = 210 nM). This suggests that the
decoration of sLEx on glycoproteins may enhance cell interaction with E-selectin-expressed endothelial
cells against shear stress. Using adhesive proteins such as selectin and their known ligands, the adhesive
protein-immobilized surface can induce cancer cell rolling.
45
B10
Left Ventricular Assist Device Development in the United States and Japan
Presenter(s)
Mao Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kyo Shunei, University of Tokyo
The usage of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplantation (BTT) and destination
therapy (DT) has been a critical issue addressed by the medical community, as an alerting number of
cases of end stage heart failure has been affecting patients. This inquiry focuses on the difference of
waiting periods of donor hearts, legality issues, and ultimately the rationale behind modern LVAD
inventions in the United States and Japan, in order to examine the trends of LVAD improvements and
modifications. The evidence behind the research largely corroborates the predictions and observed
approach of device production in Japan, due to the fact that this project was conducted at the University
of Tokyo. This study narrows possible predictions that could be made towards the future technological
innovations of LVADs in Japan and the United States, and discusses what role each country will play in
international LVAD production. From my research it could be observed that due to the difference in
waiting period for donor hearts, the rationalization of enhancements and the enhancements themselves are
altered between both countries.
C01
Spontaneous Calcium Release at the Sub-Cellular Level
Presenter(s)
Lisa Akintilo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Spontaneous calcium release (SCR) during intracellular calcium overload triggers extra heart beats and
arrhythmias. However, we do not know how this occurs. The goal of this study was to investigate how
SCR synchronization occurs between cells and how this causes a depolarization and an increase in the
likelihood of spontaneous beats. We extracted a rat heart and kept it alive by immersing it in an artificial
blood solution. We loaded the heart cells with various concentrations of calcium in the external solution
and altered the heart rate to record images of spontaneous calcium release. After obtaining this data we
analyzed the images to determine the correlation between concentration of calcium and pacing of the
heart to the likelihood of SCR. Results showed that during calcium overload, spontaneous calcium release
occurs earlier and becomes progressively more coordinated between myocytes. The greater the
coordination of the calcium release, the greater the depolarization of that tissue, increasing the likelihood
of a spontaneous heart beat. When we use experimental means to produce calcium overload in the
myocyte, SCR between cells becomes more synchronized. Greater synchronization causes depolarization,
which leads to a greater likelihood of spontaneous beats and arrhythmias.
46
C02
Exploring the Cause of acd6-1 Phenotypes Expression in Arabidopsis
Presenter(s)
Morenibayo Bankole, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joanna Jelenska, University of Chicago
The presence of the acd6-1 gene mutation in Arabidopsis is reflected by improved plant defenses,
dwarfism, and accelerated cell death among other traits. However, these phenotypes are not expressed
when the plants are grown in higher temperatures. Wild type and acd6-1 plants were grown in different
temperatures and they were observed in order to document phenotype changes. Our hypothesis pointed to
salicylic acid as the reason for the difference in expression of the acd6-1 phenotype. Production of
salicylic acid is regulated by the ICS1 (isochromate synthase 1) protein. Protein extracts were put through
gel electrophoresis and Western blot in order to observe protein expression. Through the Western blot, we
discovered that the cause of the phenotype expression at certain temperatures was not directly related to
the production of ICS1. Some mutants grown did exhibit the acds6-1 phenotype at higher temperatures;
however they have not been studied in close detail yet. The expression of acd6-1 is linked to temperature,
however it is not yet known how. The experiments carried out have shed some light on the nature of the
mutation and the proteins it acts through and made easier further studies to investigate the nature of this
mutation.
C03
Optimization of a DNA Sequencer
Presenter(s)
Aryssa Burton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jamie Tweedle, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students often learn how polymerase chain reactions (PCR) can be used for DNA sequencing but are
usually not given the chance to determine specific sequences of DNA themselves. Besides medical and
research purposes, DNA sequencing is also a valuable educational tool. This experiment investigated
ways of optimizing procedures for DNA sequencing to be used in high school and undergraduate classes.
To produce the most efficient methods possible, several PCR reactions and trials of DNA sequencing
were run with varied conditions and reagents. Differing amounts of ExoSAP-IT (a PCR clean up
protocol), DNA template, buffers, DNA Taq polymerase, dNTPs and ddNTPs were tried in order to find
the optimal amount of each. Trials were run with varying DNA templates and primers. The annealing
time, elongation time and temperatures in the PCR reactions were varied to create optimal results. The
DNA sequencer will be run multiple times to correct errors in procedure and to produce clear results .The
outcome of this experiment may help students learn about DNA sequencing with greater ease. Teachers
may also use these procedures to implement lab activities with minimal time preparation and at a smaller
cost.
47
C04
A Study on the Possible Correlations between Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Harika Nalluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Beshai, University of Chicago
Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ disease, of unknown etiology, in which there is an infiltration of granulomas
within soft tissue. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a major concern because it accounts for sixty-five percent of
sudden deaths in patients with sarcoidosis. Though the cause is unspecified, some studies show a
predisposition within families, monozygotic twins, African Americans, and females. We hypothesized
that the blood work parameters and the pulmonary function parameters would show a high correlation
within the patients that had cardiac sarcoidosis versus the patients with other forms of sarcoidosis. We
analyzed data collected from multiple patients with sarcoidosis (cardiac and noncardiac). We conducted
two-tailed t-tests on twenty-three parameters, assuming equal or unequal variance based on individual ftests.
We found a statistical difference in the means of the two groups (patients with cardiac versus noncardiac
sarcoidosis) within four of the parameters: septal late diastolic mitral annular velocity
(p=0.0158), forced vital capacity (p=0.0099), forced vital capacity percent (p=0.0276), atrial peak filling
(p=0.0287). These statistical differences found in the two groups show a correlation between the four
parameters and patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. This can help predict future cases of cardiac sarcoidosis.
C05
Transition Rates of Oak Trees After Death Due to Armillaria
Presenter(s)
Wen Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Wen Li Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dennis Nyberg, University of Illinois at Chicago
Trees capture CO2 from the air and turn it into decay-resistant compounds. Tree death causes captured
carbon to be eventually returned to the atmosphere, but the length of time and transitional stages that the
tree undergoes during that return are little studied. An oak woodland site of 1267 m2 with trees dying due
to fungal disease was inventoried several times from 1993 to our 2010 study. Disease converts living trees
into snags which fall down and become logs which eventually disappear. In 1993 the plot contained fortyfour
trees and fifty-eight trunks, thirty-one of which were alive. Between 1993 and 2000, sixteen trees
died. The fourteen trees still alive in 2010 have a growth rate calculated to average 0.8 cm of
diameter/year. Trees that were snags in 2000 have all fallen down by 2010, but only two of the twentytwo
logs that existed in 2000 have disappeared by 2010. Almost all trees and snags mapped in 1993 are
still present as down logs in 2010, despite four fires. While part of the carbon of the log is returned to CO2
before the log is gone, transition rates we measured suggest that oak trees store carbon for many years
after death.
48
C06
Cleaners and Their Effects on Bacteria
Presenter(s)
Nitin Chilukuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jongmin Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Polz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Many students miss school due to illness, which can be avoided with better sanitation practices. In this
project, different brands of cleaning solutions are used on bacteria to compare their effects. Five different
brands were used: Windex, 409, Clorox Green Works, Greased Lightning, and the cleaner most used at
IMSA. The common bacteria used in this experiment were Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli,
and Bacillus cereus. Paper discs were soaked in a specific cleaning solution for ten seconds and placed in
nutrient agar plates that were smeared with five-hundred microliters of a specific bacterium. The averages
of the radii of the area of inhibition were compared. Data is still being collected, but from the information
we have, it can be understood that Greased Lightning works best against Escherichia coli and Bacillus
cereus; overall Escherichia coli is more resistant than Bacillus cereus. The information from this
experiment can be used to help protect students from some illnesses.
C07
A Genome Wide Association Study of Carotid Artery Plaque
Presenter(s)
Imran Choudhry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Habibal Ahsan, University of Chicago
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
The buildup of carotid artery plaque can have deadly consequences, which can be avoided by early
detection and treatment. One pathway to prevention could be uncovering genomic factors that are
associated with increased susceptibility to this disease. A genome-wide association study facilitates such
discovery, allowing us to search for correlations between observable disease and germline genetic
variants, using large samples of individuals typed for >200,000 genetic variants. To ensure the validity of
any associations found, many quality control procedures were carried out, including identifying (and
excluding) individuals with (a) incorrectly reported gender, (b) genetic relatedness to other participants,
(c) elevated heterozygosity, (d) high levels of missing data or (e) ancestry that differs from the other
participants. In addition, genetic variants with high levels of missing data or deviations from Hardy-
Weinberg equilibrium must be excluded. Using statistical programs such as R and PLINK, both of which
utilize command line-based interfaces, we tested ~250,000 genetic variants for association with a clinical
measure of carotid artery plaque within three ethnic groups: whites (n=160), blacks (n=230), and
Hispanics (n=530). We have identified several candidate genes that should be investigated in future
studies.
49
C08
Evi1 Cooperation with a Haploinsufficient Egr1 to Develop Myeloid Neoplasms
Presenter(s)
Andrew Go, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle LeBeau, University of Chicago
Angela Stoddart, University of Chicago
Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/t-AML) are late
complications of cytotoxic therapy used for treating cancers, and are usually characterized by the deletion
of chromosomes 5 and/or 7 [-5/del(5q), -7/del(7q)] and a poor prognosis. Early growth response 1
(EGR1), a candidate tumor suppressor gene within the commonly deleted segment of 5q that encodes a
zinc finger transcription factor, was determined to act by haploinsufficiency and to cooperate with second
hit mutations induced by alkylating agents to cause myeloid leukemias. To identify the mutations that
cooperate with this haploinsufficiency, we used retroviral insertional mutagenesis. We have injected
cohorts of Egr /, Egr1 /-, and Egr1-/- neonate nice with the MOL4070LTR retrovirus. The Egr1 /- mice
injected with MOL4070LTR developed myeloproliferative disease (MPD) or AML with a shorter latency
and at a higher overall frequency than the controls (Egr1 / mice). An initial analysis of the retroviral
integrations has identified a common insertion site upstream of the Evi1 locus. Moreover, the Evi1
transcription factor gene was over-expressed (7-1671 fold) in Egr1 /- mice that developed MPD or AML
compared to the controls. In humans, transcriptional activation of EVI1 is often associated with AML.
Since many t-MDS/t-AML patients have abnormalities of chromosome 5, chromosome 7, or both, our
data may suggest that Evi1 cooperates with haploinsufficient levels of Egr1 to develop myeloid
neoplasms.
50
C09
Investigation of the Mechanisms of Cholesterol Modulation of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel
Function
Presenter(s)
Linna Guan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yulia Epshtein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Irena Levitan, University of Illinois in Chicago
Avia Rosenhouse-Dantsker, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dev Singh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Today over 42 million Americans are diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, or high levels of cholesterol,
and 63 million more have borderline hypercholesterolemia. However, many do not fully understand the
risks of having high cholesterol. On the molecular level hypercholesterolemia causes much more damage
than what is visible on the outside including modulating the function of inward rectifier potassium (Kir)
channels possibly by binding to them. The dysfunction of these channels can eventually lead to heart
failure. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol affects Kir channel function is unknown.
Our goal is to gain insight into the mechanism by which cholesterol affects channel function by
investigating the effect of mutations in the channel on cholesterol sensitivity. As a first step to achieve our
goal, we have designed and made several mutants whose effect on cholesterol modulation on Kir channels
will be tested in future. We hope that through our research we can shed some light on ways to prevent
cholesterol effect on Kir channels and reduce some of the negative ailments caused by
hypercholesterolemia.
C10
Validation Lactate Dehydrogenase2 in the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii with Respect to Its Effect on
the Growth, Survival, or Persistence of the Parasite in Tissue Culture and in vivo
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Hizel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nicholas Virgl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects over one-third of the world’s population, damages eyes and
brain. The bradyzoite stage persists in all infected people and no medicines can eradicate it. In this stage,
the gene lactose dehydrogenase 2 (LDH2) catalyzes the reaction of lactate to pyruvate, providing energy
to the parasite. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether this gene is essential for the
parasite to persist. If so this protein would be validated as a molecular target against which medicines can
be directed to eliminate latent infections. A conditional knock-down was created and inserted into the
parasite DNA. This was completed by mapping out the promoter region to find the ideal place to insert
the tetracycline response elements. Four tetracycline operons (tet-o) were successfully added to this
region of the promoter by site directed mutagenesis. The plasmid was amplified in E. coli, purified via
maxi-prep, and transfected into the parasite. The parasite is currently being observed in both fibroblasts
and mice brain to see possible changes in cyst formation. These results have will contribute to validation
of LDH2 as a molecular target and thus to improved medicines.
51
C11
Molecular Mechanisms of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Maintenance and Mobilization
Presenter(s)
Ingrid Hsiung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Min Cheng, Northwestern University
Qin Gangjian, Northwestern University
The new concept of cell-based therapies can eliminate prior heart-disease therapy limitations of restenosis
through stimulating stem cells to grow into new vessels and cardiomyocytes to repair ischemic heart
tissue. Since proteins CXCR4 and c-kit play major roles in bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor
cell mobilization, CXCR4 relations with c-kit were discerned through counting mobilized endothelial
progenitor cells and treating c-kit deficient (c-kit W/W-V) and wild type (WT) mice with CXCR4
antagonist AMD3100 and agonist SDF-1. Through using procedures including DNA isolation, PCR,
Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, colony assay, proliferation assay, and bone marrow isolation, it
was learned that CXCR4 and c-kit are related. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, CXCR4 regulated c-kit
activity. In c-kit knockout mice, fewer cells were mobilized, confirming that CXCR4 needs c-kit to
mobilize cells; while in the wild type mice, cells were mobilized. In the ex vivo adhesion assay,
AMD3100 attenuated c-kit phosphorylation. Activating CXCR4 upregulates c-kit activity and blocking
CXCR4 downregulates c-kit activity. This research is expected to contribute to eventually developing a
low-risk, successful cure for ischemic heart disease.
C12
Evidence for Evolutionary Reductions in the ß-adrenergic System of the Texas Toad, Bufo
speciosus
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Carr, Texas Tech University
Background adaptation refers to a predator avoidance mechanism present in certain animals, such as the
frog Xenopus laevis and the toad Bufo speciosus. Proportionate to the level of external lighting,
melanophore stimulating hormone (MSH) is released to trigger melanin dispersion within melanocytes,
resulting in temporarily darkened skin. Epinephrine binding to β-adrenoceptors underlies the initiation of
background adaptation in X. laevis, causing immediate skin darkening before the MSH system activates.
B. speciosus, however, lacks this stress-response mediated accelerated coloration. This study, through
radioligand binding assays and high performance liquid chromatography quantification of integumentary
catecholamines, shows significantly lower [3H] DHA binding and epinephrine and dopamine levels
associated with B. speciosus, implicating both reduced β-adrenergic binding sites and diminished ligand
concentration as responsible for B. speciosus’ inability to rapidly background adapt. Given the nocturnal
and fossorial behavioral characteristics of B. speciosus, this investigation reveals a coevolutionary loss of
both the receptor and signal within a stress-response system deprived of a stressor. Such a finding
suggests similar stress mechanism variation may exist among human populations with divergent life
histories. Such evolved differences may influence group-specific disease rates, an important consideration
in personalized medical treatment.
52
C13
Search for Lipid and Enzymatic Markers of Chronic Alcoholism
Presenter(s)
Anusha Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Viral Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Sylvia Dawson, University of Chicago
John Kilkus, University of Chicago
Jingdong Qin, University of Chicago
Chronic alcoholism, a major health concern throughout much of the world, has promoted research on the
diverse molecular effects of alcohol on the brain. Our own investigation sought to understand the
differential membrane lipid composition and associated enzyme activity in tissue damaged by alcohol
abuse. We conducted thin layer chromatography to identify and measure unique lipids, such as
phosphatidylethanol, within the membranes of ethanol treated cells. Numerous hydrolase assays were also
run to quantify enzymatic activity within and surrounding human oligodendrocyte (HOG) cells subjected
to varying ethanol doses. Activity was measured through the processing of fluorescent-tagged substrates
by their corresponding enzyme, graphed as fluorescence per unit of protein or volume. Our study found
that several enzymes, including β-hexosaminidase A and β-glucuronidase, show inhibited activity with
increasing ethanol dose treatments. Interestingly, other enzymes, in particular α-mannosidase, display
significantly higher levels of activity in the cellular media following ethanol treatment. These findings
may help identify a biochemical marker for chronic alcoholism, which can be used to diagnose the
disorder. In addition, our results may aid the development of drug-based therapies for alcoholism by
identifying potential enzymatic targets for such treatments.
53
C14
The Role of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor in the Expression of p21 and p27 in Pancreatic
Cancer
Presenter(s)
Lydia Matthews, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Pancreatic cancer, a disease with high mortality rate, is known for its rapid growth and metastasis, due, in
part to an unregulated cell cycle. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an anti-angiogenic protein,
observed at decreased levels in cancerous cells. The expression of p21 and p27, cyclin dependent kinase
(CDK) inhibitors, may be correlated with the expression of PEDF. Some studies suggest that p21 and p27
undergo random genetic mutations resulting in reduced or no expression in cancer cells. Thus, we
hypothesize that in mutant Kras mice with complete loss of PEDF, there will be a decrease in p21 and p27
protein expression. Through Western blotting, p21 and p27 are being probed with mouse-monoclonal
antibodies in both wild-type and knock-out mice. Although all the results have not been analyzed, there
appears to be a significant correlation with PEDF; reduced PEDF leads to an astonishing increase in p21
and p27. DNA sequencing will help identify if these CDK inhibitors have been mutated, which can lead
to altered cell cycle function. PEDF administration to these cells may reestablish proper expression levels
and function of p21 and p27, restoring normal cell cycle and reversing cancer development, thus serving
as a potential therapeutic.
C15
Alterations in Hsp27
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jody Martin, Loyola University
Heat shock proteins (HSP) are widely recognized as a necessity for protecting the cells against stresses
such as extreme temperature, ultra violet light, or oxidants which interfere with normal cell functions and
often result in necrosis. In response to environmental strains, stress activated pathways phosphorylate
HSPs which oligomerize and chaperone processes essential to survival. One HSP mutation, C137A, was
investigated because scientists theorize the reactive properties of cytosine are responsible for the
protective nature and localization of HSPs within the cell. H9c2 myoblast cells transduced with green
fluorescent protein, Hsp27, Hsp27 tagged with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), Hsp27 with a C137A
amino acid mutation fused with CFP, a blank virus, or nothing were treated with four dilutions of a H202,
nothing (control), or heat shocked. After being incubated for 4.5 hours, the cell cultures were tested for
survivability and protein content. As expected, a general trend of increased survivability was shown in the
H9 cells overexpressing Hsp27, but, surprisingly, the fusion proteins showed a decrease in survivability
and the C137A mutation showed no significant difference. Similarly, time lapse microscopy showed no
difference in localization between the C137A alteration and the controls. The data confirms the protective
nature of Hsp27, and it also cautions about the use of fluorescent fusions and other proteins because of
their detriment to the function of HSPs.
54
C16
Effect of Interleukin-6 Deficiency on Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in Mice
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Murphy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Giamila Fantuzzi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Maria Pini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Davina Rhodes, University of Illinois at Chicago
If the molecular root of problems that occur in overweight people was found, many would lead healthier
and happier lives. The implications of studying the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) deficiency on obesityinduced
inflammation in mice encompass possibly preventing or stopping inflammation from happening
in adipose tissue. Ten lean wild type (WT) mice, ten lean IL-6 KO mice, fifteen high-fat diet-fed (HFD)
WT mice, and fifteen HFD IL-6 KO mice all started out at the same age and at similar weight. After three
months, the HFD mice weighed an average of 14.57 grams more than the lean mice. To analyze the
frequency of genes present in the adipose tissue, I used the trizol method for RNA isolation, RT-PCR,
qPCR, and ELISA testing. I also analyzed the results of a glucose tolerance test performed on the mice. I
found that the HFD mice and the lean mice had significantly different weights and glucose tolerance test
levels. However, the HFD IL-6 KO mice and the HFD WT mice did not have significantly different
weights or glucose tolerance test levels, nor did the lean IL-6 KO and lean WT mice. HFD IL-6 KO mice
had significantly higher MCP-1 levels than any other mouse, but otherwise HFD IL-6 KO mice showed
similar inflammation patterns as HFD WT mice; however, more research needs to be done to test other
genes involved in inflammation.
C17
Role of Interleukin-1-β in Modulating Immune Responses
Presenter(s)
Luke Nayak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Balaji Ganesh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bellur Prabhakar, University of Illinois at Chicago
Common autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
affect over eight and a half million Americans. Autoimmunity is caused by a perturbation of the immune
system, particularly T cells. Cytokines including IL-1-β have a crucial role in determining the fate of
immune response and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Earlier studies in the lab had established
the pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1-β secreted by inflammatory dendritic cells (DCs) may
cause autoimmunity. In this investigation, I have tried to study the role of IL-1-β on DCs and their
subsequent effects on T cells. This problem was approached by characterizing DCs for their phenotype
upon treatment with IL-1-β. Methodologies used included RNA isolation, RT-PCR, and DC and CD4 T
cell separation. Preliminary results showed that there was an issue with a primer, resulting in false
positives. After changing primers, subsequent experiments showed that IL-1-β had no direct effect on
DCs. Instead, it affected T cells and in an unexpected manner. This result is interesting because past
scientific literature suggests that IL-1-β drives effector T cell response. Our results contradict these
previous observations and interestingly show a significant increase in the regulatory T cell population.
55
C18
A Novel Approach to Erythroid Kruppel-Like Transcription Factor: Its Role in Megakaryopoiesis
Presenter(s)
Cassie Parks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John Cunningham, University of Chicago
Erythroid Kruppel-like transcription factor (EKLF) plays a key role in the differentiation of the
megakaryocyte–erythrocyte progenitor (MEP), a hematopoietic bipotential progenitor. Initially believed
to be involved solely in erythropoiesis, more recent studies suggest an additional essential role in
megakaryocytic differentiation. Here, I examine the effect EKLF has upon specific megakaryocytic gene
expression during the latter stages of this process. I used the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
(RTPCR), an assay which measures specified genes, replicating gene sequences exponentially, and
measuring the mass of the resultant DNA. One gene we targeted was Tubulin β-1, whose protein product
is present on the surface of proplatelets, the progeny of megakaryocytes . Quantitative RTPCR showed
that Tubulin β-1 Chain expression was diminished in day 8 knockout (KO) megakaryocytes as compared
to day 8 wild type (WT) megakaryocytes. Conversely, Tubulin expression was up-regulated in day 4 KO
megakaryocytes as compared to day 4 WT megakaryocytes. These results, consistent with a lack of
proplatelet production, suggest that EKLF is necessary for the formation of proplatelets in the latter stages
of megakaryopoiesis.
C19
Pathogenic Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus: Syndecan Coreceptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Lisa Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lokamitra Veeramasuneni, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ghadah Karasneh, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases that infects
nearly thirty to ninety percent of the adult population. An essential stage of HSV pathogenic entry is the
binding of viral glycoproteins to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) on the host cell surface. HSPGs
are complex molecules composed of core proteins covalently attached to glycosaminoglycan chains.
Syndecans are a family of four HSPGs that serve as coreceptors in herpes simplex viral entry and are the
focus of our study. We investigated varied syndecan expression in different cell lines and looked to
determine a correlation between the expression and infectivity of the virus into these cells. Syndecan
fluorescence was measured across four different lines: human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human
corneal epithelial cells (HCE), retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), and vaginal keratinocyte cells
(VK2) using flow cytometry. Each line was also tested with a plaque assay in order to quantify virus
infectivity and compare the results with syndecan expression. Data analysis is currently ongoing and a
correlation is yet to be found.
56
C20
The Prevalence of CTX-M, SHV, and TEM-Producing E. coli Recovered from Urine Cultures
Presenter(s)
Varun Pilla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chao Qi, Northwestern University
This study investigates the prevalence of different populations of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
(ESBL) E. coli in the community and the hospital. Two-hundred and four inpatient and one-hundred and
fifty-one outpatient E. coli isolates collected from outpatient/inpatient urine samples from 2003 to 2009
have been tested for the presence of the genes blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM. Having the specific
conditions of the PCR protocol determined by previous literature, gel electrophoresis established the
genotypes of the isolates. Kirby-Bauer agar dilution will be used to develop antibiograms for the three
strains. Currently, testing for CTX-M has been completed for all isolates. This project will broaden the
scope of our understanding of the epidemiology of ESBL E. coli and the antibiotic sensitivity tests will
reveal to us a more efficient empiric therapy.
C21
Role of a Conserved Acidic Patch on the Protein Interactions of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia Gene
Presenter(s)
James Quigley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Manuel Diaz, Loyola University
Ute Osmers, Loyola University
Myeloid lymphoid leukemia (MLL) is a multi-domain protein involved in the regulation of genes
important during embryogenesis and hematopoiesis. When breakage of the MLL gene occurs, it can be
translocated to over fifty fusion partners, producing a chimeric gene which can lead to leukemia. The goal
of this project was to investigate the purpose of a conserved acidic patch of amino acids in a domain of
MLL called PHDf3 by mutating the DNA sequence encoding the acidic patch to test the function of MLL.
Since Cyp33 and trimethylated histone H3K4 interact with the PHDf3 domain of MLL, we first wanted to
test whether the mutation of the acidic patch affected binding of Cyp33 or trimethylated histone H3K4 to
PHDf3. The interaction was tested by a co-immunoprecipitation using hemagglutinin-tagged PHDf3 with
flag-tagged Cyp33 and glutathione-S-transferase-tagged PHDf3 with synthetic H3 peptides. After having
established that the interaction is not affected, the wild type and mutated MLL protein can be tested with
other functional assays.
57
C22
The Effects of Wnt on Active Transforming Growth Factor β Levels
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fang Feng, Northwestern University
John Varga, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease with unidentified causes and no cure due to an incomplete
understanding of the relationship between scleroderma and the proteins promoting the disease.
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays an important role in cell function and is known to
stimulate fibroblasts which synthesize collagen. When there is an over production of fibroblasts, the
excess collagen created leads to fibrosis and ultimately forms scleroderma. TGF-β is known to have a
connection with a complex network of proteins, called wnt, which are also essential in cell function and
have a role in tissue repair and fibrosis. Other studies found a correlation that wnt increases levels of
TGF-β. To address this relationship, cells were treated with wnt for a period of three or five days. Then an
enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was employed to calculate the levels of activated TGF-β in the cells.
According to the data collected, there was an increase of activated TGF-β levels in wnt treated cells,
which confirmed previous studies. These results substantiate that TGF-β levels are amplified due to wnt,
providing a better understanding of scleroderma etiology.
58
C23
Long Term Human Pancreatic Islet Cell Viability with PMCG Capsule in CMRL 1066 Culture
Media
Presenter(s)
Kevin Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vivek Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jose Oberholzer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Meirigeng Qi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Yong Wang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Within pancreatic islets are insulin-producing beta cells (β-cells) that function to breakdown glucose in
the body. Type I diabetes is characterized by the dysfunction of β-cells; the resulting insulin deficiency
can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). To prevent hyperglycemia islets can be isolated
from a donated pancreas and transplanted to a diabetes patient. Synthetic, gel-like membranes (capsules)
composed of sodium alginate encapsulate and prevent islets from being degraded by immune rejection
within the diabetic host. Assurance of the long term viability of encapsulated islets is necessary to
optimize human islet transplantation. Our experiment focused on viability outside the body using islets
encapsulated by a PMCG alginate capsule in CMRL 1066 culture media made up of various salts to
mimic environment within the body. Specifically, the islet viability test, glucose static incubation test,
ditizone test, and capsule size observation were applied to determining islet viability over six weeks.
Although no significant difference has been observed between the encapsulated and free islets (control
group) in terms of viability, we expect that the encapsulated cells will eventually have a significantly
greater viability. If the desired results are achieved, researchers can speculate about the efficiency of isletprotecting
PMCG capsules within the human body.
59
C24
Effect of Dnmt3b Deficiency on Mediastinal Lymphoma Frequency and the DNA Methylation
Status of the Thrap1, Bri3bp, and Mum1 Genes
Presenter(s)
Mahi Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Godley, University of Chicago
Janet Lepore, University of Chicago
Aparna Vasanthakumar, University of Chicago
DNA methylation, or the attachment of a methyl group to specific cytosines in the genome, is altered in
cancer cells. Previous studies have shown that aberrant transcription of the DNMT3B gene is common in
human cancers. When one of these aberrant forms, DNMT3B7, was introduced into Eμ-Myc transgenic
mice, the mice developed mediastinal lymphomas (cancer) at a frequency of approximately fifty-five
percent, whereas the single transgenic Eμ-Myc mice developed mediastinal lymphomas at a frequency of
only fifteen percent. This result suggested tumors that develop in Eμ-Myc transgenic mice are very
dependent on DNA methylation. In this study, we look at what happens when we remove one copy of
Dnmt3b from the mouse genome (Eμ-Myc/Dnmt3b+/-). We discovered that this type of mouse developed
mediastinal lymphomas at an alarming frequency of almost 100%. We looked at the DNA methylation the
genes Thrap2, Bri3bp, and Mum1 in these Eμ-Myc/Dnmt3b+/- tumors. Our preliminary studies show that
in comparison to Eμ-Myc and the Eμ-Myc/DNMT3B7 tumors, Mum1 and Thrap2 are hypomethylated.
Taken together, these data suggest that alteration of DNMT3B function, either by 3B7 or by 3b
inactivation, accelerate Myc-induced tumorigenisis.
C25
The Role of Macrophage Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression
Presenter(s)
Aditya Suresh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Galina Khramtsova, University of Chicago
Rita Nanda, University of Chicago
Within tumors, stromal cells assist with tumor growth. Studies have shown that tumor-associated
macrophages are essential for promoting this growth. There are two types of macrophages: M1
macrophages, which kill microorganisms and tumor cells, and M2 macrophages, which promote tumor
growth and angiogenesis. We sought to determine the role macrophage subtypes play in breast cancer
progression. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) specimens were obtained from the breast cancer tissue bank
under institutional review board approved protocols. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed and
macrophage phenotype was determined using double immunostaining with CD68/CD163 (M2) and
CD68/CD80 (M1). The percent of M1 and M2 macrophages were calculated for DCIS alone and DCIS
associated with invasive cancer. Preliminary results suggest that DCIS alone has a lower percent of M1,
M2, and total macrophages than DCIS which is associated with invasive cancer. If we observe that there
is a difference in the percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in DCIS alone versus DCIS with cancer, we
may be able to identify which cases are most likely to progress to cancer. Understanding the role of
macrophages in this setting will allow us to develop better ways to prevent breast cancer.
60
C26
The Astrocytic Response to Interleukin-17, a Proinflammatory Cytokine Important in Mediating
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Presenter(s)
Michael Teng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stephen Miller, Northwestern University
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in humans, resulting in the demyelineation of neurons
in the central nervous system (CNS). MS is mediated by CNS-infiltrating myelin-specific Th-17 cells that
produce a proinflmmatory cytokine, interleukin-17 (IL-17). Astrocytes are brain resident cells capable of
responding to inflammation, however it is unknown how they respond to IL-17. It is hypothesized that
astrocytes respond to IL-17 stimulation with the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. IL-17 and a
control proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were tested to examine whether
or not they trigger a change in the production of cytokines in primary astrocytes in vitro. After stimulation
of the culture plates, mRNA was extracted and cytokine responses were analyzed by quantative real time
polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). IL-6, IL-23, and actin mRNA samples isolated from stimulated
cells were compared against unstimulated cells to determine if there was an upregulation or
downreulgation of the genes. Data analysis is currently in progress.
C27
Biology of Bone Development in Leukemia Patients
Presenter(s)
Sumana Vardhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kimberley Dilley, Northwestern University
Children who survive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) tend to have a higher likelihood of sustaining
a bone fracture before and during treatment and have reduced bone mineral density (BMD) long-term in
comparison with children who did not suffer from ALL. Recent data show that up to sixteen percent of
newly diagnosed ALL patients will have asymptomatic vertebral compression fractures associated with
lower bone mineral density. We believe that the process of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) development
into osteoblasts and adipocytes may be disrupted in patients suffering from ALL, and will use the
following in vitro methods to study the possible disruption. MSC development into osteoblasts in vitro
will be examined and compared between ALL patients and normal conditions using quantitative calcium
deposition assays as well as measurement of osx, msx2, and runx2, three important molecules in
osteoblast signaling pathways. If we are able to demonstrate a measurable difference in osteoblast
biology, that difference might give clues to why BMD is clinically affected in these patients. In
conclusion, a better understanding of MSC behavior in the leukemic bone marrow microenvironment
could possibly lead to a way to identify those who are at risk for reduced BMD early on.
61
C28
Identification of the Iron Acquisition Pathways of the Human Commensal Species in the Genus
Neisseria
Presenter(s)
Candice Yi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Cynthia Cornelissen, Virginia Commenwealth University
In this study, the iron acquisition pathways of the human commensal species of the genus Neisseria were
investigated. The pathways were investigated to determine the possible scope of antigenic variation
Neisseria gonorrhoeae could possibly undergo. These pathways were investigated using polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the transferrin-binding protein A (TbpA) plug domain, Western blot
analyses to determine which commensals expressed TbpA or transferrin-binding protein B (TbpB), and
plate assays to determine which commensals bound human transferrin (hTf) or human lactoferrin (hLf).
Through these experiments, I have determined which commensals bind hTf or hLf, which posses the tbpA
plug domain, and which express the Tbp proteins. The results show that most commensals are very
different genetically and obtain iron differently than N. gonorrhoeae. This could provide further studies to
determine exactly how the commensal species obtain iron, as well as narrow down a vaccine for N.
gonorrhoeae specific to the pathogen.
C29
Investigation of Effective Peptides for Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis
Presenter(s)
Candice Yi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rima McLeod, University of Chicago
Toxoplasma gondii can cause loss of sight and brain function if a fetus contracts this during gestation
when the mother is not immune. An immune mother does not transmit infection. The purpose of this
investigation is to define parasite peptides that elicit the production of protective interferon gamma
(IFNγ). A bioinformatics algorithm was applied to predicted proteins that might induce a protective
immune response. Peptides identified were tested with human and mouse immune cells to determine
whether they elicited IFNγ production using an IFNγ ELISPOT assay. This was done with pools of
peptides predicted to bind to a specific HLA supertype. Individual peptides of pools that elicited a
response were tested to see which peptides elicited responses. Peptides that produced a response can now
be tested in vaccines. We tested peptides that bind to specific HLA haplotypes A2, A3, and B7 and found
eighteen of fifty-five peptides to be potentially effective. Currently, we are testing peptides predicted to
bind to HLA supertypes A01, A24, and B44 to determine effective peptides that can be incorporated into
the future vaccine. These results help determine which peptides may elicit protective IFNγ in a vaccine,
and bring us closer to development of a vaccine.
62
D01
Recipe for the Perfect Intervention
Presenter(s)
Bo Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah Vo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pradeep Chintagunta, University of Chicago
Adolescent substance abuse has been long instilled in our culture and is currently on the rise. Many
foundations have launched campaigns in an effort to curb these mounting numbers. Over the course of
this year, we have looked into the marketing techniques of several different campaigns including The
Montana Meth Project, Above the Influence, and MTV Truth. We examined each campaign closely, pinpointing
which techniques were most effective and which were not based on both statistics from
previously conducted surveys and personal judgment. Each campaign exercised techniques such as social
marketing and direct-to-consumer advertising. However, they also varied in methodology; some utilized
satire, others employed fear, and a number were thought-provoking. We believe that combining the
strategies our research has deemed effective would produce a very successful campaign.
D02
A Statistical Analysis of Fiscal and Performance Data from English Premiership and Major League
Soccer Teams and Players
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Diaz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nikolay Glavanakov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mathias Drton, University of Chicago
Our study analyzed associations between performance and pay based statistics of professional soccer
teams and players in the English Premier League (EPL) and Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as the
relationship between pay and performance in National Football League (NFL) teams. We analyzed this
relationship primarily by performing linear regressions. We found that the correlation between pay and
performance was strong in the EPL in contrast to a lack of correlation in the MLS and the NFL, which
could possibly be explained by the American Leagues’ use of salary caps. We also assessed the effects of
individual, on-pitch performance upon a team’s overall success, as well as upon individual players´
salaries, with mixed results. Finally, we investigated the impact designated players have in the MLS, and
found no statistical evidence to support the popular notion that designated players improve their team’s
performance, nor that these highly compensated players affect attendance in either home or away
matches. We did, however, find that designated players draw a significantly larger number of fouls than
their lower earning teammates, possibly implying that either there is tactical incentive to foul designated
players, or that referees more readily call fouls committed against superstars.
63
D03
Defining the Current Status of Healthcare Options in India and Evaluating the Role of Private
Health Insurance Within it
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Carter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Annette Marek, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
We examined the progression of the healthcare industry in India over the past decade in order to evaluate
the feasibility of expanding the role of private health insurance. After thorough examination and
interviews, we came to four main conclusions. First, the middle class in India is increasing in both
population and economic power, which has resulted in a larger disposable income for a larger segment of
the population. Second, this group will seek to improve its healthcare from the underfunded, inefficient,
and often inferior care provided through the public healthcare infrastructure to private care which, though
expensive, is more effective and well-equipped. Third, private health insurance may help shoulder the
rising cost of treatment from out of pocket payments to affordable premiums. Finally, private insurance
gives the middle class a means to afford care that is otherwise unavailable to them, therefore it is
becoming increasingly desirable. Based on these assertions, we have concluded that the market for private
health insurance in India is growing but there are several considerations on entry, such as the efficiency of
third party administrators, prevalence of employer based insurance, and favorable political changes in
foreign direct investment regulation. Above all, private health insurance must be tailored to the Indian
healthcare infrastructure as well as to Indian culture.
E01
Thermal Process Optimization for Improved Machinability of Ferrium M54
Presenter(s)
Dane Christianson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kern, QuesTek Innovations LLC
Charles Keuhmann, QuesTek Innovations LLC
Ferrium M54 is an ultra high strength structural steel that was computationally designed and developed
by QuesTek Innovations LLC for use in applications, such as landing gear for aircraft. A key hurdle for
its implementation is the increased difficulty machining compared to current Fe-C steels, due to the
increased alloy content. This study aims to optimize the thermal processing of M54 prior to machining by
evaluating different solution treatment and annealing temperatures to achieve the optimal microstructure.
A full factorial design of experiments was developed to analyze the effect of different temperatures on
martensitic content and hardness. Temperatures for the solution treatment and annealing phases were
chosen to precipitate specific carbides to pull carbon out of the matrix to promote additional martensitic
transformation. The test matrix was later refined by performing preliminary analyses on particular
temperatures to eliminate unnecessary experiments. Results indicate that the incomplete solution
treatment and double anneal steps may affect the overall hardness of the material. The strength of M54
was reduced by about five to ten percent in this study. This indicates that there may be potential for
further reduction of the hardness of M54 with further thermal process optimization.
64
E02
Comparison of Computational Chemistry Software and Spectrometer Data
Presenter(s)
William Erwin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Computational chemistry is an area of chemistry that uses software on servers based on complex
mathematical equations to model molecules and run tests on them. The goal of our experiment is to
compare the data from the computational chemistry servers with physical data and examine the accuracy
of the computational chemistry servers. Our experiment involves modeling two molecules, water and 1-
propanol, running computational and lab-based tests on them, including infrared and ultraviolet
spectroscopies, and comparing the results. We are also examining different ways of modeling the
molecules, such as the optimization of the molecular geometries. We have currently run infrared
spectroscopy tests on both of these molecules using the Gaussian and GAMESS online servers and using
an infrared spectrometer. We assumed that the spectra given from the spectrometer was correct, so when
we compared the computational data to it, our results showed that the Gaussian program was more
accurate, with approximately one-third of the error of the GAMESS program. If our results show that the
computational chemistry programs model molecules and run tests with accuracy, then computational
chemistry can become a viable alternative to actual experimentation. This could potentially be a very
useful alternative to running expensive experiments with large molecules.
E03
Advanced Technologies for the Removal of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen from Wastewater
Treatment Plant Effluents
Presenter(s)
Amber Farrell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marina Arvaldos, Illinois Institute of Technology
Krishna Pagilla, Illinois Institute of Technology
After water from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) has been discharged into the environment,
dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is a dangerous chemical that can still be present. It is very hazardous to
humans and to the bodies of water into which it is released. DON can act as a nutrient for algae which, if
exposed to large amounts, can grow into algae blooms and cause hypoxia. DON can also react with
chlorine, which is added to WWTP effluents in order to eliminate disease causing bacteria. When DON
reacts with chlorine, substances that do not kill these bacteria are produced. The purpose of this
investigation is to determine the most effective method for removing DON from wastewater treatment
plant effluents. Two advanced technologies for wastewater filtration, carbon adsorption and enhanced
coagulation and flocculation, were chosen because they are commonly used as tertiary treatment in
WWTP. After running WWTP effluents through each of these treatments, the amount of DON is
measured in each sample. This will determine the most effective method for DON removal in WWTP
effluents. The implications of these results will determine the wastewater tertiary treatment method that is
safest of the three for the environment and for society.
65
E04
Accuracy of Computational Chemistry with Ethanol and Methanol
Presenter(s)
Andrew Gray, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dave DeVol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Computational chemistry is a form of chemistry used for modeling atoms and compounds electronically.
We have spent these past two semesters determining the accuracy of two North Carolina computational
chemistry server programs, GAMESS and Gaussian. We modeled ethanol and methanol molecules with
the GAMESS program. We ran an infrared spectrum test on these molecules and compared the data with
experimental data from the laboratory. We ran tests on an infrared spectrophotometer machine with
ethanol and methanol. After analyzing our results, we have discovered that the GAMESS program is not
nearly as accurate as Gaussian, and that while these modeling programs portray a generally correct
infrared spectrum, there are many differences between the computer data and the spectrophotometer data.
These findings will be perceived as detrimental to the computational chemistry field, due to the fact that
they are not nearly one hundred percent accurate. However, these results might provide valuable insight
to where the dissimilarities between the software data and the laboratory data, potentially improving the
computational chemistry field as a whole.
E05
Chemically Active Colloidal Graphene with Tunable Carbon-Oxygen Ratios
Presenter(s)
Bonny Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Owen Compton, Northwestern University
SonBinh Nguyen, Northwestern University
Synthesis of colloidal graphene from dispersions of graphene oxide is typically performed via reduction
with hydrazine derivatives, increasing the carbon-oxygen ratio of the graphene nanosheets to
approximately 10:1 from around 2:1. However, few avenues have been described thus far in the literature
for the synthesis of graphene-based materials with carbon-oxygen ratios in between those of graphene and
graphene oxide. In this work, we report a method to yield partially reduced graphene oxide through
thermal reduction of graphene oxide in a number of solvents. Specifically, we report that refluxing
graphene oxide for 1 hour in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 160°C, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 200°C,
and methylpyrrolidone (NMP) at 210°C raises carbon-oxygen ratios from 1.6 to 2.67 in DMF, 1.79 to
3.98 in DMSO, and 1.77 to 4.36 in NMP. Furthermore, we demonstrate that paper-like materials
produced by vacuum-assisted self-assembly from dispersions of thermally-reduced graphene exhibit both
electrical conductivity chemical activity, properties that are mutually exclusive for most graphene-based
materials.
66
E06
Study of the Hydrophobicity of Polystyrene, Poly(methyl methacrylate), and Poly(styrene-blockmethyl
methacrylate) and Its Photomodified Form
Presenter(s)
Pan Luo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Sibener, University of Chicago
Controlling interfacial interactions has found a wide range of applications in areas such as surfaceresponsive
materials in biological systems, coating technologies, adhesives and self-cleaning surfaces.
Polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate)
(PS-b-PMMA), along with its photomodified counterpart, were used in this study because of their unique
microstructures, hydrophobicity, and important application in nanoscale lithography, electronics and
magnetic memory. In this experiment, PS, PMMA and PS-b-PMMA films were used to investigate how
surface morphology affects interfacial properties and thus influences macroscopic properties such as
wetting. Samples of PS-b-PMMA were photomodified to obtain greater surface corrugation. Upon
exposure to UV radiation, PMMA was removed from the diblock polymer, leaving behind fingerprint PS
domains. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface morphology of those
substances at a nanoscopic level. The contact angles formed between those surfaces and water droplets
were measured. PS and PMMA polymers yielded contact angles around ninety degrees, while PS-b-
PMMA gave higher angles around one hundred degrees because of its mild intrinsic corrugation of one
nanometer. Irradiated PS-b-PMMA produced the highest contact angles, greater than one hundred
degrees, due to its enhanced roughness, ten nanometers, from the photomodification. Interfacial energies
can be extracted from these contact angle measurements through Young’s relation.
E07
Quantitative Measurement of the Oxidation of Nonanoic Acid with Manganese Complexes
Presenter(s)
Samir Mishra, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Justin Notestein, Northwestern University
Hydrocarbon fuels are a conventional natural resource, but modern catalysts are being developed to create
hydrocarbons from biomass. This project focuses on using catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation reactions
to convert fatty acids to hydrocarbons. The normally slow reaction is catalyzed by a manganese
compound. Nonanoic acid was used as a model fatty acid, which is converted to octane and octene if the
reaction is successful. Mixtures containing known concentrations of nonanoic acid, dichlorobenzene,
hydrogen peroxide and manganese catalyst were allowed to react at different temperatures and for
different times. Samples were extracted every two hours and analyzed using gas chromatography / mass
spectrometry (GC/MS), to quantify the amount of product and rate of reaction. GC/MS separates
chemical mixtures and outputs a chromatogram that has peaks whose different retention times, peak areas,
and mass spectra help identify compounds. Using known concentrations, a calibration curve was created
to correlate concentration and peak area. The calibration curves will then be used to quantify the
concentrations of samples from catalyst runs. The results of these analyses will be used to evaluate the
efficiency of different reaction conditions. With this information, optimal reaction conditions will be
determined which then can be used in alternative energy technologies.
67
E08
Specific Cellular Uptake of Targeted Liposomes in Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Daniel Pak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Su Eon Jin, University of Illinois at Chicago
Folic acid receptor (FAR) is generally overexpressed in cancer cells. For this reason, folic acid (FA) has
been widely used as a targeting ligand in cancer. In this study, stabilized liposomes with folic acid (FAliposomes)
were prepared for specific cancer targeting and liposomes without FA were used as a control.
The physical properties of liposomes were characterized by the measurement of size and zeta potential
(surface charge) of liposomes. To control FAR expression by KB cells, cells were incubated in FAdeficient
(FAR KB cells) and FA-containing (FAR- KB cells) medium, respectively. The fluorescencelabeled
liposomes with and without FA were used to visualize the cellular uptake of liposomes into the
two different cancer cells (FAR and FAR-) by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that FAattached
liposomes directly enhanced the specific cellular uptake by FAR KB cells compared to FAR- KB
cells. In conclusion, this system can be effective in enhancing the specific cellular uptake of anticancer
therapeutics encapsulated in FA-liposomes.
E09
Spectroscopic Analysis of Metal Borohydrides
Presenter(s)
Sai Parepally, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Trenary, University of Illinois at Chicago
Metal borohydrides show a great deal of potential as hydrogen storage materials because they can
reversibly absorb and desorb hydrogen. Although the desorption reactions of many metal borohydrides
have been reported, the reaction mechanisms and intermediates are not yet fully understood for most
compounds. In this investigation, we aim to utilize infrared spectroscopy to better understand the
hydrogen desorption and absorption of metal borohydrides. Spectra of Ca(BH4)2, LiBH4, and KBH4 with
KBr background were taken at varying temperatures in high vacuum (pressures of 9 x 10-2 torr). Samples
were pressed onto a tungsten grid which was cleaned thoroughly in order to ensure that the sample was
not contaminated. Additionally, we are investigating the optimal conditions for sample preparation. We
have started collecting spectra from the background (KBr) and we are waiting to acquire spectra on the
metal borohydrides.
68
E10
Stable Explicit Water rRNA and tRNA Simulation Using Visual Molecular Dynamics and
Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Karl Freed, University of Chicago
Visual simulations are often performed to help gain knowledge about the mechanism of biological
molecules. These simulations mimic somewhat of the reality that could not be achieved using
experimental tools. There are many types of RNA; two that will be analyzed in this study are tRNA and
rRNA. In order to better understand RNA, molecular dynamics simulations were performed in explicit
water as the solvent on these two types of RNA. Simulations were created through stages of preparation,
minimization, heating up, equilibration, and production. The results are then compared with implicit
simulations performed by other members within our group. The explicit rRNA simulation reached a
stable average confirmation with root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 2.5 Å from the initial structure
which compared to the implicit RMSD is lower. Explicit tRNA simulation reached a stable RMSD of
2.75 Å. Overall, the explicit simulations were more stable compared to the implicit ones. Also when the
implicit model is aligned with its initial structure, the center is aligned while the ends deviated. These
explicit results will thus help to modify the implicit models, in the hopes of creating the first working,
stable implicit RNA simulations.
E11
Anticancer Active Ingredients from Fagerlindia depauperata
Presenter(s)
Johannes Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hong Jie Zhang, University of Illinois at Chicago
A perfected treatment for cancer patients has remained frustratingly elusive to modern society. Naturally,
there is a considerable scientific and commercial interest in the continuous discovery of new anticancer
agents from all sources, including natural plant-derived agents. This study examines the plant Fagerlindia
depauperata, a woody vine native to eastern regions of the world. After screening of thousands of plants,
the methanol extracts of this vine has shown potent inhibition effects against several cancer cell lines.
Such effects can be traced to the biologically active compounds within the plant, which can be isolated for
further bioassay study. The current investigation uses thin layer chromatography and column flash
chromatography to separate compounds within plant extracts, and high performance liquid
chromatography may be used to further purify compounds from separated fractions. Spectrometers such
as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance are powerful tools used to determine the chemical structures
of the isolated compounds. Studies continue on evaluation of the anticancer activity of these compounds,
and isolation of additional anticancer active compounds from the plant.
69
F01
The Societal Aspects of Technological Advancement
Presenter(s)
Quadis Evans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Shinn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
Our investigation is directly concerned with the societal implications of the Law of Accelerating returns
proposed by Kurzweil, in his book, The Age of Spiritual Machines. We used a survey, historical research,
and science fiction books to analyze how society will respond to the effects of Kurzweils Law. Applying
his law to life and technology, Kurzweil asserts that the time interval between significant advances made
in this evolutionary system is exponentially decreasing. Our civilization lies on the knee of this
exponential curve – the transition between sluggish technological advancement and unimaginable
progress. According to Kurzweil, significant technological advancements will occur by the week, and
then by the day until they occur almost instantaneously. How will this come about? Who is to say we are
prepared for another information shock? How will society respond to this rapid forthcoming of
technology, ideas, and artificial intelligence? Will people respond as the Luddites did in England 1812 or
like they did to Darwin in 1859? Our investigation aims to answer these questions. The results of this
investigation are anthropological, simply to study the reactions of society in terms of technology.
F02
Computer-Aided Microcalcification Detection for Tomosynthesis Images
Presenter(s)
Naomi Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Si Si, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Nishikawa, University of Chicago
Ingrid Reiser, University of Chicago
In computer-aided detection (CAD), a computer algorithm attempts to detect microcalcifications, tiny
calcium deposits in breasts that can be indicative of cancer, with a high sensitivity. After all suspect
calcifications are found, a feature analysis phase occurs where features of the detected signals are used to
remove false detections. In our project, we analyzed the effectiveness of Initial Detect, an algorithm for
stage one of CAD on two types of images, TV and EM, which were produced using different
reconstruction algorithms. We aimed to determine which reconstruction algorithm more effectively
produced a tomosynthesis volume that allowed for efficient detection of microcalcifications. After
running images through Initial Detect, plotting free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC)
curves, and creating scatter plots, we find that using TV images detect more microcalcifications with less
false positives. Graphs of FROC curves showed a steeper rise in accuracy for TV images, along with a
starting accuracy of sixty-seven percent of true positives, whereas EM images had forty-six percent
accuracy. Thus, we conclude that Initial Detect is more effective on TV images. In the future,
tomosynthesis images should be reconstructed as TV images to improve microcalcification detection
efficiency in CAD. CAD can then be used as an aid for radiologists.
70
F03
Developing Smartphone Applications
Presenter(s)
Marat Purnyn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
With the advent of smartphones, phones are able to replace a laptop in many situations. My goal in this
investigation was to expand my knowledge of the Java programming language and write an application
for Google’s Android operating system (OS). By using books and websites on the topic, I researched the
Android application programming interface (API). I was able to learn how to develop an application for
the Android OS with proficiency, learning about many of its differences with standard Java programs. I
learned how to utilize, manipulate and override methods in the Android API, use many different layouts
and modify them with (Extensible Markup Language) XML or code during the execution of the program,
as well as how to write the program so that it is efficient and requires the least amount of resources to run.
I have become proficient with both Java and the Android API and have created a Blackjack game that
runs without problems on an Android phone. Although I have accomplished my goals in this investigation
I hope to further my knowledge of the subject by continuing to write Android applications.
F04
Impact and Feasibility of Cloud Computing in an IMSA Environment
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Taylor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A cloud computing paradigm is one in which data and applications are stored remotely while users access
them from a thin client. The goal of this investigation was to determine the feasibility, potential benefits,
and potential detriments of a cloud computing infrastructure in a higher education environment similar to
IMSA. It was concluded that a cloud model is not at this time feasible in such environments for a variety
of reasons including maturity and availability of software, various concerns with hardware such as power
consumption and cost, as well as issues with the legality of data storage and application licensing. The
model does, however, present the potential for a number of benefits such as greater collaboration between
institutions, consistent and equal availability of resources, and reduced cost. Cloud computing also has
some flaws associated with it, such as increased security risks, increased power consumption, and greater
initial cost to the institution. As the cloud paradigm matures and becomes more clearly defined, while
being combined with different and more mature software and the accompanying licensing and laws, many
of the issues will likely be resolved and a cloud could provide great benefit to both students and the
institution.
71
F05
An Exploration of the Process of Designing and Implementing a Multi-Dimensional Database
Presenter(s)
Gary Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joshua Elliott, University of Chicago
Scientific models produce large amounts of data that need to be processed and accessed by tools that are
versatile because users want to change variables and parameters. One solution to effectively handle such
large amounts of data generated by such models is the utilization of a database. However, such a database
requires much time to design and implement, especially when the model is large. A Community
Integrated Model of Economic and Resource Trajectories for Humankind (CIM-EARTH) is an example
of such a model. I aimed to design and implement a multi-dimensional database to handle data generated
by the CIM-EARTH model. A prototype was built using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. The prototype was
successful in handling a small sample of processed data and demonstrated the efficiency of databases. The
prototype was then expanded to include a large amount of raw data and to run simple statistical analyses
on it. Although these prototypes will not be implemented directly into the data flow generated by CIMEARTH,
the process of designing and implementing the prototype provided valuable experience for
future endeavors. Future databases may be based off the prototypes I built, but scaled to a larger size and
adjusted to accommodate different variables of the model.
G01
Analyzing Current and Past Recessions to Identify Problems and Solutions
Presenter(s)
Ramtej Atluri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Minjae Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Reichert Joshua Zalameda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In 2007, the economy fell into a recession. In reality, the economy goes through a business cycle that is
highlighted by periods of growth and contraction. Although, the recent state of the economy was just a
product of this cycle, economists still had trouble predicting that the stock market and the economy would
crash. We believe that economists failed to predict the recession because each group of economists would
only look at a specific area of economy that pertained to their field. However, we can find trends in the
United States economy to predict and resolve future conflicts by analyzing employment and
unemployment rates as well as variety of data that provide consumers with information on the job market.
This resolves the problem of the economist by looking at a variety of data, and it allows us to construct a
better idea of the events that happened during the recession and to offer some possible resolutions.
72
G02
The Boys Versus the Girls: Gender Specific Determinants of Success
Presenter(s)
Robert Cheung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Heckman, University of Chicago
John Humpries, University of Chicago
Nick Mader, University of Chicago
According to 1979 longitudinal data, males have an average wage that is thirty-eight percent higher than
females. We examine both cognitive and non-cognitive skills to find potential explanations for this
difference. Non-cognitive skill is measured by the Rotter Locus of Control scores and the Rosenberg Self-
Esteem Scale while cognitive skill is measured by the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Conditional on
the amount of schooling received, we find that the gap decreases by five percentage points. When
controlling for non-cognitive skills, we find that of the wage differential among males and females
increases by forty-seven percentage points. Interestingly, we find that when controlling for cognitive skill,
the gender gap in wage is enlarged by one percentage point.
G03
The Effect of Tort Litigation on the Market for Pharmaceuticals
Presenter(s)
Govind Govind-Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sloane Frost, University of Chicago
Anup Malani, University of Chicago
This investigation questions whether state tort litigation against pharmaceutical companies makes the
market for pharmaceuticals more efficient. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) heavily regulates
the market for pharmaceuticals. On the path to being approved, a drug must go through a wide variety of
tests and trials, and must face severe scrutiny by the FDA. Pharmaceutical companies face not only a
stringent regulatory process, but also they assume the risk for consumer tort litigation. Thus, the cost of
innovation in the market for pharmaceuticals is very high. The purpose of tort litigation is to provide
compensation for consumers who were harmed by the use of drugs. Yet the benefit of the increased
consumer compensation may be outweighed by the cost of the additional burden that pharmaceutical
companies must maintain. This investigation questions whether tort litigation could lead to increased
efficiency in the market, by analyzing the effect of tort litigation on FDA-mandated labeling changes. Our
findings have interesting implications for the role of tort litigation in the market for pharmaceuticals and
for many competitive markets.
73
G04
The Role of Futures Contracts in the Commodities Markets
Presenter(s)
Joseph Hecker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, Aardvark Trading
Futures contracts for agricultural commodities have been traded in the U.S. for over one hundred years,
and serve various purposes in the markets today. The purpose of this investigation was to discover the
ways in which they are traded, and why. I started reading a few books, entitled Trading and Exchanges,
The Art of Grain Merchandising, and Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives. These books described
how trading worked, and the ways in which futures are traded. I saw them electronically being traded,
along with bonds and currencies. This opened up many different questions, and I applied my knowledge
to discussions and examples with my advisor. Futures derive their value from an underlying asset,
otherwise making them a derivative contract. There are many different players that participate in this
trading, and they move a good from one time to another. This creates opportunities to profit, enabled by
differences between prices in the current time and what they might be in the future. Through this, I
discovered that the contracts are not usually delivered, but are traded before expiration. Since the futures
market has increased trader participation in the commodities market, the greater amount of liquidity
means larger potential profits for different producers.
G05
Keynesian Economics and Their Relevance to Asian Economics
Presenter(s)
Jialin Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of my experiment is to determine the role that Keynesian economics plays in the economic
growth of Asian countries. On a more general term, my purpose is to find the role that government policy
and involvement plays in Asian economies. In order to decipher any sort of conclusion, we tracked the
economic growth of three select Asian nations known for their economic growth in spite of their
authoritarian histories, namely China, Japan, and Korea. We tracked the historical state of politics in each
country and searched for any correlation between these changes and the economic development of these
respective nations. Our investigation has yielded the impression that government policies that work
cooperatively with their respective economies facilitate economic growth, as opposed to governments that
try to suppress and control their economies. It seems that while some government involvement is
necessary to set boundaries for the freedoms of the market, a policy that is too overbearing is extremely
counterproductive. This investigation examines current economics policies in current Asian governments.
Stemming from the recent economic recession, governments have taken a more direct approach to
mitigating the economic crisis. Hence, this experiment will help determine the validity of such actions.
74
G06
The Causes of the 2008 Economic Crisis and its Impact on Colleges
Presenter(s)
Michael Kobiela, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The 2009 economic crisis has led to the worst recession in U.S. history since the Great Depression. This
project strives to answer two questions: What caused the crisis, and how does it affect colleges and
college-bound students? A review of the literature suggests that irresponsible risk-taking within the
financial and banking sectors was the root cause of the crisis. A rise in defaults of subprime borrowers
and the collapse of many derivative securities (both areas in which risk was not well-understood) caused
over-leveraged banks to collapse. Government intervention slowed the crisis, yet the damage was done.
Many colleges lost upwards of thirty percent of their endowments, but most private colleges had only
single-digit tuition increases. Even public schools, which face severe budget cuts nationwide, rarely had
hikes above the ten to fifteen percent range. Anecdotal evidence suggests that institutions are responding
with other, less drastic measures such as class sizes increases and reduced hiring. While the quality will
suffer, higher education has not fallen out of reach due to the crisis. I am in the process of conducting a
survey of IMSA seniors to gauge their college cost perceptions, which will be used to design an online
resource about colleges and the economy for future students.
G07
School Structure and Academic Achievement: How the Middle School Model Affects Blacks and
Whites
Presenter(s)
Michael Mirski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kerwin Charles, University of Chicago
The black-white achievement gap is an inexplicable and damaging aspect of the school system. Previous
research has suggested that differences in school structure between elementary and middle school play a
role in determining motivation and academic success for black students. We utilize regression analysis on
survey data previously collected through the Tennessee Student Teacher Achievement Ratio project and
the Common Core of Data, a database of all elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Using
grade point average and on time high school graduation rates as measures of academic success, we
determine the impact of school structure on achievement across both races. We confirm that graduating
from elementary to middle school in the fifth grade has a differential negative impact on blacks, while
graduating in the fourth grade has the opposite effect. These results are robust to numerous specifications.
Adoption of the middle school structure by school districts seems to be linked with decreasing academic
performance in general and affects the achievement gap acutely. More distressing is that education has
been defined by a shift to a middle school model over the past few decades. Policy implications of our
research include a reversion to the elementary school model, which would potentially have a positive
effect in narrowing the black-white achievement gap.
75
G08
What Motivates the Consumer? The Effects of Advertisement on Banking and Beauty Aids in the
Twenty-First Century
Presenter(s)
Dharti Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What motivates the consumer? After September 11, 2001, the economy faced a stand still. The chairman
of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, feared that the shock of the terrorist attacks would cause the
economy to cease functioning because people were no longer interacting with one another. Still, despite
the devastating conditions of the economy, people desired barely affordable houses, and were left paying
off overwhelming mortgages for years on end. One may question why people are purchasing items or
products that are beyond their financial limits. The answer is simple: persuasion and social status.
Advertisement plays a crucial role in creating a need for a product in the mind of the consumer, and
ultimately, advertisement creates the demand for a given product. We use the small scale example of
mascara purchases, to address the large scale issues on mortgages. People buy mascara, a pricey cosmetic,
because they are envious, or because they want to be beautiful or popular. People buy expensive houses to
be seen in a higher class and to live the luxurious American Dream of owning a home. This investigation
addresses business ethics and the effects of advertising on the consumer and the economy in the twentyfirst
century.
G09
Stopping the Flow of Terrorist Funding
Presenter(s)
Saurin Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Terrorist organizations have become large and complex networks able to plan operations around the
globe. In order to support their infrastructure which allows the planning of attacks, terrorist organizations
rely on a diverse spread of funding including state sponsorship, organized crime such as the drug trade
and smuggling, charities, informal money systems, and personal donations. This study analyzes terrorist
funding as well as information on the organization of terrorist organizations and the laws and other
legislation of national governments and international organizations to mitigate it. What is clear about
national responses is that, while they emphasize the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in
tracking and arresting terrorist funding, they are often mired in political interests. International responses
meanwhile often lack the power and support to give meaningful results. Since terrorists are no longer only
regional or national, cooperation between nations afflicted by terrorism and world powers able to block
terrorist financing is imperative. International cooperation between law enforcement and financial
departments of nations as well as private entities is necessary to suspend terrorist financing in the future.
76
G10
Model of Economic Effects of the Climate Change on Different Economic Classes in the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Other Countries Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Samuel Simon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joshua Elliott, University of Chicago
We are studying the distributional impacts of recent economic changes such as carbon taxing by looking
at the different income groups in expenditure surveys of multiple countries. We are using the Consumer
Expenditure Survey from the United States, the Family Expenditure Survey from the United Kingdom,
the Expenditure Survey for Brazil, and the Family Income and Expenditure Survey for Japan. First we
found the data for the respective countries and formatted it to fit the grouping in the U.S. Consumer
Expenditure Survey. This involved looking at the definitions of each category to see what it included and
to group the data accordingly. We also documented which countries have easy accessibility to their
expenditure surveys for future expansion. By comparing and understanding the data, we can draw a
connection between the changes we see and the expenditure of different income classes throughout the
world. Currently we have just documented the available data but we are hoping to format and make a
model out of the data.
G11
The Effect of Competition Between Self-Regulators
Presenter(s)
Courtney Alexa Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jiro Kondo, Northwestern University
The 2007 merger of two major self-regulatory organizations (SROs), the New York Stock Exchange and
National Association of Securities Dealers, brought into question the effects of competition between
SROs on the aggressiveness of enforcement of misbehavior by industry participants. In this investigation,
I analyzed investor-broker arbitrations from both before and after the merger, as well as reviewed media
about the merger, noting the incentives of those making comments. Preliminary results show that
investment firms that were members of only one SRO before the merger (and therefore were not
influenced by competition) were punished more after the merger while investment firms that were
members of both SROs (and therefore were influenced by competition) were punished slightly less after
the merger. The outcomes of this study could lead to a greater understanding of the implications of
competition with respect to regulation of financial markets.
77
G12
To Steal or Not to Steal: Considering the Motivations for Stealing
Presenter(s)
Zehua Sun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Herberich, University of Chicago
John List, University of Chicago
Have you ever considered stealing something before? Whether you managed to execute, successfully or
not, such a stunt, the economic motive for doing so remains the same: the utility of stealing a good
(accounting for the probability and consequences of getting caught) outweighs the utility from buying the
same good. Our study examines the effect on the propensity of a customer to steal a good by changing its
nominal value, thus changing the nominal benefit that the customer believes to have received from that
good, while controlling for the consequences of getting caught. At a family-owned store called AiNi, fake
jade bracelets were displayed in a location out of the view of the cashier, and three different prices
($99.99, $49.99, and $9.99, respectively) were interchanged periodically. At each price level, the number
of bracelets stolen per day was recorded, and a t-test that compared the number of bracelets stolen per day
for the $99.99 and $9.99 price levels was calculated. Although results suggested that there was no
statistically significant difference between the number of bracelets stolen at $99.99 and $9.99 (p->0.288),
the total number of bracelets stolen at the price level $99.99 did exceed that of $9.99.
H01
Conventional Versus Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods: Which is More Effective?
Presenter(s)
Kirthi Banothu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yoo (Jenny) Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Morgan Rehberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brendan Wesp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Dowling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study compares the effectiveness of conventional (lecture-based) and inquiry-based teaching
methods. The four IMSA student authors taught six diverse sixth grade classes at a local middle school.
Over the course of two units and four class sessions, the authors taught science classes about waves and
erosion. During the units, the IMSA students brought hands-on activities that correlated with the material
in the students' textbooks. The IMSA students gave short assessments at the end of every class period to
gather data to compare lecture-style teaching by the regular teacher and the inquiry-based hands-on
teaching by IMSA students. The assessments were created based on the textbooks and not on the studentwritten
lessons. The results will help teachers make more informed decisions about what teaching
methods to use in their classes. This study compares the students' assessment scores after the inquirybased
classes taught by IMSA students and after the lecture-based classes taught by the students' science
teacher. After three of the four class sessions, preliminary data shows higher assessment scores from the
inquiry-based classes.
78
H02
Identifying the Key Constructs of School Improvement: A Comprehensive Examination of
Academic Progress and the No Child Left Behind Act
Presenter(s)
Cevdet Dogan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathan Loucks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sidanth Sapru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as the No Child Left Behind Act) has been
denounced by educators and researchers alike as ineffective and impractical, especially in its mandate that
every single student nationwide meet state education standards by the year 2014. The purpose of this
investigation was to create a series of recommendations for the federal reauthorization of the No Child
Left Behind (NCLB) Act by identifying instructional and administrative commonalities between schools
achieving significant gains in student performance. A comprehensive survey was sent out to one hundred
fifty-three principals whose schools received the Academic Improvement award from the Illinois State
Board of Education, with survey participants being asked to identify and explain the processes and
initiatives leading to their school’s success. Case studies were performed at a number of these schools,
and on-site interviews were conducted with teachers and administrators. Preliminary recommendations
include the introduction of a rewards-based accountability system into NCLB, as well as the creation of a
single set of nationwide learning standards and an increased focus on teacher effectiveness. These
recommendations – if integrated into NCLB – can help to provide the framework for an effective school
accountability system that significantly improves student achievement throughout the United States.
79
H03
IMSA: Chicago Admissions Process
Presenter(s)
Meena Iyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Victoria Lo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michelle Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Within the city of Chicago, a plethora of studies indicate that high schools are falling short of national
benchmarks. There are many contributing factors to student underperformance, however many experts
have concluded that high schools themselves are not providing students with a sufficient education and
are the reason for students failing to meet national benchmarks. IMSA is a state agency that runs a
residential high school program for talented and gifted students from all over the state. Through state
funds, IMSA provides invaluable opportunities many public and private high schools do not have the
means of providing. This residential program in Aurora, Illinois is exploring the creation of a second
campus in Chicago to provide more opportunities for talented inner-city students. Through interviews
with Chicago Public High School personnel, we have learned that different types of high schools
(selective enrollment versus charter) have different admissions processes. Some high schools only rely on
one single composite score whereas others use the blind lottery method. Using IMSA’s admissions
process and identified key components in Chicago admissions processes, we hope to create an ideal
admissions process that targets students in Chicago with demonstrated potential in math and science.
H04
Investigation for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Sysytem: Website Hosting Survey
Presenter(s)
Daniela Lefticariu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
James Page, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
Ken Swails, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
My investigation focuses primarily on conducting a survey to send throughout police and investigative
offices that are part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) throughout Illinois. The goal
is to better understand exactly what features of a website would be beneficial to ILEAS in informing the
public about important issues. The issues are significant to ILEAS because their goal is to meet the needs
of law enforcement throughout the state of Illinois in matters of mutual aid, emergency response, and the
combining of resources for public safety. The survey questions what webpage services would be helpful
for ILEAS to host so its members can spread information to the public in their respective districts, as well
as amongst investigative officials throughout the state. The results from the survey will give ILEAS
helpful recommendations as to what kinds of services they should offer when building this website.
80
H05
High School Students Perceptions’ on Business Ethics
Presenter(s)
Nidhi Narielwala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gary Ernst, North Central College
Barbara Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
My study focuses on the ethical and unethical principles of students in the classroom. It has been shown
that students whose ethical decision making is skewed in the classroom may carry these same qualities
into their work ethic, which can greatly impact society. I am surveying a wide range of high school
students about their perceptions of ethical situations in academics and business. This research uses a
previously designed survey which was administered to college students. I will use high school students
from three different high schools. Once I have surveyed the students, I will analyze the data and compare
it to the original study. To analyze the data, I will be using a chi-square statistical test for independence. I
will also be comparing the overall classes, for example, class of 2010 versus class of 2011, class of 2011
versus class of 2012, and class of 2010 versus 2012. Also, I will be comparing males to females and may
additionally compare different school data. With this, I will be able to determine the ethical standard of
high school students in society today, as well as how gender and school type affects one’s ethical
decision-making skills.
H06
Inspiring Youth to Lead
Presenter(s)
Cai O'Connell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexandra Smick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Linsey Crowninshield, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Inspiring Youth to Lead (IYL) is an experiential, hands-on program that aims to develop children’s
confidence as leaders and students in and outside of school. It also investigates the outcome of the
program to evaluate equal progression in each gender. This eight-week, five-module program focuses on
leadership, self-awareness, group dynamics, and communication. These skill sets are intertwined with the
seven pillars of Character Counts: character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and
citizenship. The entire program is paired with surveys that assess participants’ performance in school,
participation in after-school activities, involvement in the community, and the specific topics covered in
each module. Fourteen children enrolled at Gates Elementary School in Aurora, IL participated in this
program. The pre-survey results showed that eight of nine females want to do better in school, versus four
of five five males. Also, two of five males were confident in raising their hand in class versus two of nine
females. To fundamentally improve confidence and participation in school and community children are in
need of a program that offers development of skill sets in the seven pillars of Character Counts and
Leadership. Further results will indicate the successfulness of IYL in doing this.
81
I01
The Visualization of Stresses in Solids and Fluids via Matlab
Presenter(s)
Natasha Arvanitis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Craig Foster, University of Illinois at Chicago
Visualization of various quantities in mathematical models provides a simple way to perform a
reasonability check, and thus can be used to verify large programs easily. We worked on the visualization
of displacement, strain, and stress in solids and of volumetric flux and pressure in fluids. We used Matlab
and a program named Fred to process data and display our diagrams. Fred took input in the form of partial
differential equation meshes and calculated the values listed above. Its output was in the format of several
complex matrices, which we processed and graphed. We created a flexible, efficient program complete
with graphical user interface to take data and plot it. The program successfully plotted multiple sets of
data and was able to perform a basic reasonability check on the data, providing a visual way to verify the
feasibility of the inputted data and the program as a whole. This program and others like it will be helpful
in modeling stresses on major engineering endeavors and small, specialized designs under stress. Finally,
the visual output of the program is an easy way to communicate engineering to the general public. This
program will facilitate further engineering research.
I02
Engineering a Water Filter for Developing Countries: Varying Lateral Thickness in Ceramic
Filters to Optimize Flow Rates
Presenter(s)
Dane Christianson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michael Gleeson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yiru Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah OLeary, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effect that the lateral thickness of a conical clay filter
has on its flow rate. Optimizing flow rates brings us one step closer to designing a successful, low-cost
water filter. Using an even mixture of clay and sawdust, conical filters of the same approximate height
(~150 mm) but different wall thicknesses (15 mm, 13 mm, 10 mm, 7 mm, and 5 mm) were made. They
were then kiln fired, causing the sawdust to burn out, leaving pores behind, and then painted with silvercoated
silica (for its antibacterial properties). Two hundred fifty milliliters of water were run through each
filter, and the flow rate was measured. When we compared our flow rates to the filters’ thicknesses, we
found that there is a general negative relationship between the rate of water flow through the filters and
the thickness of the filters. These results will assist us in optimizing the filter dimensions in order to
balance the flow rate and the antimicrobial property in order to reach our performance goals for our filter
(two liters of water filtered per hour, 99.99% killing efficiency).
82
I03
Geothermal Energy
Presenter(s)
Samuel Contreras, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Audel Gutierrez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Throughout recent years, the fluctuation of cost of renewable and non-renewable energy sources has
altered the demand for energy. As technology becomes more available, people take advantage of
renewable alternatives as a means to lower fuel costs, such as hybrid technology and eighty-five percent
ethanol fuel in cars. In homes today, most people heat and cool their homes using natural gas or
electricity. However, there is an alternative to these non-renewable resources: geothermal energy. The
purpose of this study was to consider the feasibility of a geothermal energy system and find out whether
nonrenewable energy can be conserved in residential areas such as the Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy residence halls. Research on the components of geothermal systems, the temperature of the
ground, the specific heat of the materials, the type of materials and substances used to keep the system
operating, and the laws of thermodynamics, were all used to understand a realistic heating and cooling
possibility. Using standard thermodynamics the conclusion was made that a geothermal system was a
viable alternative. Our presentation will provide a background on geothermal energy and lead into the
basics of how a geothermal energy system works.
I04
The Effect of [Rh(NH3)5Cl]+ Adsorption and Particle Size on Anatase TiO2 as a Function of
Support Treatment Procedures for the Production of C2+ Oxygenates
Presenter(s)
Justin Glasper, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Heterogeneous catalysts play a significant role in the petrochemical industry. They are used to increase
productivity under mild conditions and increase selectivity and thereby reduce waste. As many catalytic
materials are typically precious metals dispersed on high surface area supports, generally we desire that
the metal particles are as small as possible such that exposed surface area is maximized. In this study,
rhodium was supported onto an anatase titania (TiO2) support through strong electrostatic adsorption.
Rhodium catalysts can be used to convert synthesis gas (a mixture of CO and H2) into ethanol and other
alcohols. Before the catalyst can be used, the catalyst must go through a variety of treatments including
calcination, reduction, and steam treatment. Several samples were subjected to each treatment in various
orders. These samples were analyzed as to particle size and Rh dispersion during different phases of the
treatments. Characterization of the catalysts included transmission electron microscopy, X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction in order to analyze our samples. Although results are
still being analyzed, if the results prove to be successful, using strong electrostatic adsorption we can
achieve particle sizes which may beat the best current industrial formulations.
83
I05
Creation of a Home Automation System: Variable Environment Simple Task Automator
Presenter(s)
Alexander Goins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brian Page, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In this investigation we strove to create a fully functional home automation system on a small scale.
Through the use of Phidget modular electronics we were able to create a simple, yet effective home
automation system named VESTA. With it, users can control room climate, door position, music, lights,
and other elements of their home. This setup, designed from scratch, presented us with the challenge of
selecting parts that were both cost-effective and practical. Our experiment had us working with radio
frequency identification, sensors, servos, and stepper motors controlled by custom software implementing
languages such as C, PHP, and BASH. Through the use of our expandable automation software and
custom protocols, we were able to control VESTA via multiple frontends, retrieve feedback from each
module, and keep tabs on the room's environment. The automation of the door provided both the biggest
challenge and the most obvious improvement of living conditions, so this was our primary focus. VESTA
is designed to be simple enough to implement in virtually any home, and with improvement could provide
a marketable alternative to the expensive home automation systems available today.
I06
Nanocapacitors Made of Bismuth Ferrite: Effect on Film Thickness and Nanocapacitor Diameter
Presenter(s)
Shawon Jackson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Nonvolatile memories have critical impact in emerging computer science. To optimize such memory,
nanocapacitors are used to store electric charge. A nanocapacitor contains two conducting layers with a
dielectric field in between them. Nanocapacitors with a ferroelectric film in between the electrodes are
unique because ferroelectric materials, such as bismuth ferrite (BFO), exhibit polarization capabilities
when an external electric field is applied between the two electrode layers. This polarization provides the
unit of memory. Therefore, this research project focused on studying BFO as a new ferroelectric material
to create nanocapacitors. These nanocapacitors were fabricated on a strontium titenate (STO) substrate,
consisting of a top and bottom layer of strontium ruthenate (SRO) with BFO in the middle of the
nanocapacitor. The process of producing such nanocapacitors required us to create a design for each layer
of the nanocapacitor, transfer the layout to the substrate using electron-beam lithography, and etch
unnecessary material to isolate the nanocapacitor. These steps were repeated multiple times to construct
each layer of the nanocapacitor. Our main objective is to use these nanocapacitors to find a correlation
between the film thickness and nanocapacitor diameter on the nanocapacitor polarization characteristics.
In doing so, we hope to enhance nonvolatile memory in electronic devices that contain nanocapacitors.
84
I07
Thermodynamic and Physical Properties of Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn
Presenter(s)
Adam Jung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Faith Quist, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
Heusler alloys often have interesting ferromagnetic properties. These properties make them ideal for spin
electronic devices such as polarized light emitters and spin injection devices. We have researched the
properties of two Heusler alloys, Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn. We studied the crystallographic structure of the
compounds using X-ray diffraction and electron dispersive analysis. We examined thermochemical
properties using calorimetry. We used dilatometry and a variety of other techniques to study the physical
properties of the alloys. In this study, we have found that the materials did not show a Curie temperature
down to -200°C. The enthalpy of formation and the heat content of each alloy are unusually small
compared to Neuman-Kopp calculations based on the elemental composition. This is a possible indication
of half metallicity. At equilibrium, the Ni2TiSn and Ni2NbSn compounds synthesized contained two other
phases, accounting for approximately twenty percent of each system. Both alloys are very brittle and
could not be hot formed without cracking. Due to the low Curie temperature and the brittleness of the
alloys, they may not find practical use in spintronics except as thin films. Neither compound exhibited
any clear phase transformation on heating above room temperature so the shape memory effect is absent.
I08
Predicting the Performance of a Clean Air Device for Medical and Consumer Applications Using
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Presenter(s)
Lawrence Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Kwan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Corbat, Filtration Group
Lawrence Ost, Filtration Group
Philip Winters, Filtration Group
Turbulent flow coming from an air filtering unit quickly becomes contaminated with particulates as it
leaves the filter. To develop a larger region of clean air, a thin mesh sheet is appended to the end of the
unit, creating unidirectional flow. This technology would ideally allow the air filtering unit to take the
place of a clean room. Using three dimensional modeling and computational fluid dynamics software, a
digital model of the filtering unit and fluid flow was replicated. Comparing these results with physical
measurements such as particle counts or velocity distributions, the accuracy of the model can be
validated. If the model replicates the real-world behavior of the air flow, the computational fluid
dynamics software would be able to predict the effects of certain external stimuli, such as an open
window or a person walking by, on the size and range of the clean air pocket. The data collected from the
digital model would give a quantitative estimate for the effectiveness of the device. This would help
determine the optimal settings and conditions for the air filtering unit.
85
I09
Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Tribology
Presenter(s)
Zack Maril, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Erck, Argonne National Laboratory
Scuffing is a form of mechanical wear of metals, which is due to adiabatic shear instability that can cause
sudden catastrophic failure in engines and machines. Applying chemical coatings to heavily-loaded parts
can improve scuffing resistance, and therefore improve power density and efficiency. The long-term goal
of the project is the investigation and assessment of the efficacy of such coatings to prevent scuffing. I
spent the past school year upgrading a testing machine at Argonne National Laboratory that is used to
assess scuffing performance, and conducted several preliminary tests. Machine improvements included
replacing worn parts, installing and improving a new sample holder that prevents specimen misalignment
and, improving fixturing for accuracy and ease of use. I conducted several baseline test runs, and under
my operation, the test machine produced several controllable localized scuffing events. I learned to
operate the computer that does the data acquisition and machine control, and became proficient at
recognizing the sound of an impending scuffing event to stop the test at the correct time to produce the
best data. I also graphed the results obtained from the data acquisition system, and took digital
photomicrographs of tested specimens.
I10
Reducing Polymer Vaporization in an Educational Nanotechnology Laboratory Activity
Presenter(s)
Ian McInerney, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joseph Muskin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Nanotechnology is a growing industry with new technologies developed everyday. In order to support this
industry the current high school population must be taught about nanotechnology and its impact. One
activity that does this has grown out of nanoscale research based on microstereo lithography. A threedimensional
solid is created using a polymer consisting of 1,6 hexanedial diacrylate, irgacure 819 and
sudan 1. Objects are made layer by layer using a computer projector and a simple staging device. This
activity can be done safely in a high school laboratory environment. We have noticed through observing
the process that the polymer will sometimes vaporize if exposed to too much light at one time, causing
toxic fumes. Through experimentation it was determined that by changing the pixel values of the exposed
area to be a gray-scale image, the vaporization of the polymer can be reduced. From this we will be able
to develop a C algorithm to relate the surface area of the object to the correct gray-scale value of the
image so as to reduce the amount of vaporization of the polymer.
86
I11
Metal Ion Doping in Metal Organic Frameworks
Presenter(s)
Jacob Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rachel Getman, Northwestern University
Randall Snurr, Northwestern University
In the face of problems with oil and other fossil fuels, the Department of Energy has set goals for the
scientific community’s creation of a hydrogen fuel cell by 2015. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are
one of the most promising methods of storing molecular substances such as hydrogen for fuel. One of the
many ways to improve these structures is through metal ion doping. Through computational chemical
studies using the Gaussian program, we have reevaluated the rationale behind using lithium, the most
commonly doped metal, in such a role. Throughout our study, we examined hydrogen molecular physical
bonds to alkali and alkaline earth metals and alkoxide benzenes of the most promising metals. Finally, we
used grand canomical Monte Carlo (GCMC) classical simulations to investigate H2 storage in magnesium
alkoxide. In this way, the Department of Energy’s 2015 goals for hydrogen storage can be met.
I12
A New Approach to Drug Delivery System Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Peter Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vitali Metlushko, University of Illinois at Chicago
Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
The purpose of this project was to determine how to create an efficent system for drug delivery using
nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were fabricated and tested for functionalization. This led to the focus on
certain characteristics of the nanoparticles such as its biocompatibility, propagation capabilities, and cell
attachment. The tests have shown these nanoparticles can be moved in a fluidic environment using a local
magnetic field and that they will go onto the nanotransmitter that has been created. However, other
problems still include how to precisely put the nanoparticles on the transmitter and how to make the
nanoparticles not stick together and to the surface. If this technology works, this would revolutionize
treatment strategies. For example, it would allow a more concentrated attack on a cancer site as opposed
to a treatment that could affect the entire body.
87
I13
Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Brenton Noesges, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
In my investigation, I have been working with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The
simplicity of this type of aircraft can potentially lead to a flying car because of the lift created, and there is
no need for a complicated steering system. I work with an electric and a gas powered model. For each of
these models, I have been working towards testing the lift capabilities. In order to test for lift in both
models, improvements must be made to each model. On the electric model, I have been designing a
gimball assembly and on the gas powered model, I look to improve its reliability. The results of my
investigation are still inconclusive; I have been unable to test models at this point. Currently I am
improving my gimball designs and trying to learn CAD programming in order to get these parts created in
order to test them. I am also still researching ways to create molds for plastic cogs of the gas powered
model in order to recreate these plastic gears into stronger materials such as bronze. The gears are too
weak to hold up against the engine torque and need to be strengthened. Developing this technology can
help improve transportation.
I14
Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition from Liquid Precursor
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Alexandra Joshi-Imre, Argonne National Laboratory
Electron beam-induced deposition using gas phase precursor molecules is an extensively studied
fabrication technique. Liquid phase metal deposition has recently been shown to achieve higher purity
levels than traditional gas phase deposition, and the goal of this investigation was to characterize liquid
phase silver deposition in particular. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to deposit silver on
polyamide membranes in Quantomix capsules containing aqueous AgNO3 solution at 0.001M by means
of accelerating electrons into the solution at a couple nanometers diameter spot for silver ion reduction.
Atomic force microscopy and SEM were subsequently used to characterize size (height and width,
respectively) to relate to electron dosage. The Monte Carlo simulation of electron trajectory in solids
program was used to model electron trajectory in the solution to relate the size data with electron spread.
During depositions, different electron beam energies were used to see how electron energy influences
deposition. We observed granular growth of silver with sub-100 nm grain size and ~300nm aggregation
size. These results could be applied in various fields, especially in photonics and biology, as results
indicate that with some limitation we can fabricate granular silver structures with this novel method.
88
I15
City House, Country House: An Architectural Investigation of Mies Van Der Rohe's Lafayette
Park and Farnsworth House
Presenter(s)
Hannah Schmitt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joy Meek, Wheeler Kearns Architects
The buildings of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe possess a unique modern style. Mies not only
produced a new design style, he changed the meaning of simplicity in architecture through his focus on
basic materials of steel and glass. Structure, material, function, and technology are important parts of the
design and construction processes of a building. This investigation compared and contrasted the role of
these four elements within two of Mies’ masterpieces, the multi-family residential Lafayette Park
townhouses (1955-1963) in Detroit, Michigan and the single family residential Farnsworth House (1946-
1951) in Plano, Illinois. Lafayette Park functioned as an affordable housing complex; Mies had to create
uniform housing units that met the developer’s budget and the market of the time. He emphasized the use
of steel and glass in both, however with more simplicity in the Farnsworth House where he had an
opportunity to create a private weekend home with few limitations. Though the buildings were
constructed for different needs, the overall Miesian style and technology was similar. A visual and textual
comparison of the two structures was created by reading critical reviews and bibliographies on Mies,
building study and final models of both spaces, and visiting the Farnsworth House.
I16
Investigation into the Feasibility of Microclasp Devices for Complex Manipulation Tasks
Presenter(s)
Navdeep Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Laxman Saggere, University of Illinois at Chicago
Grasping and manipulation of microparticles suspended or floating in a fluid is important for applications
such as the physical handling of biological matter. Currently there is a lack of reliable methods to
accomplish such manipulations, which present challenges due to motility of the particles in the medium.
Conventional methods do not fully take into account the rapid movement of particles through
phenomenon such as Brownian motion and fluid flow induced forces. Adding to the difficulty are
adhesion and surface tension at the liquid-air interface which make successful manipulation more
difficult. This project tests the applicability of a novel microgripper, called the microclasp, for the
challenging task of grasping microparticles suspended in fluid. The microclasp has a unique structure that
circumvents the problem of particle motion through an enclosing multipoint grasp. In order to
demonstrate in-fluid microclasping, a two-arm micropositioning system was built for high-precision
positioning and actuation of the micro-clasp under a microscope. Using this system, the microclasp was
introduced into a water environment in which polyethylene microspheres were suspended. We
successfully accomplished stable grasps of trapped microparticles in each of the experimental runs,
notwithstanding the unpredictable motion of microparticles in fluid, thereby demonstrating the
effectiveness of the microclasp in accomplishing reliable and stable grasps in fluid environments.
89
I17
The Atomic Layer Deposition of Erbium Oxide Thin Films on Silicon (100)
Presenter(s)
Oscar To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
As the size of transistors has been shrinking over the past few decades, alternative high dielectric constant
(high-k) materials are needed to replace silicon oxide (k = 3.9) in order to meet the needs for low energy
applications and future nanoelectronics. Recently, several high dielectric constant materials have been
widely investigated as replacements for SiO2. Among the potential alternative high-k materials,
lanthanide oxides have attracted considerable interest due to their favorable properties, including high
dielectric and thermal stability. Compared to other lanthanide oxide thin films, erbium oxide is more
thermodynamically stable (~ 900°C) as a result of the small radius of erbium and erbium oxide’s
negligible interaction/reaction with silicon substrates. In this study, erbium oxide is being deposited using
a novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) system. Preliminary optimal conditions, including system
pressure, precursor/oxidizer pulse and purge time, and substrate temperature have been obtained; these
show self-limiting thin film growth and saturation of the surface deposition reaction. The ALD
temperature window has been founded to be between 160°C and 330°C. Thicknesses of the resulting thin
films are determined by using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The ultimate goal for this investigation is to
determine optimal conditions, growth rates and process – structure interrelationships in the ALD of
erbium oxide thin films.
I18
S. R. Crown Hall: A Case Study
Presenter(s)
Faythe Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Sexton, Krueck and Sexton, Architects
Called by some as the modern Parthenon, S. R. Crown Hall, on the campus of the Illinois Institute of
Technology in Chicago, was designed by the leading modernist architect of the twentieth century, Ludwig
Mies van der Rohe. Researching the life history and works of Mies allowed for an understanding of his
general design ideas of universal space and simplicity which stemmed from his experiences as a German
architect during World War II under Nazi political pressure during the new industrial age. Crown Hall
was field dimensioned, and plans, sections, elevations, and details, which were produced using a
computer drafting program, were then compared to the original drawings giving insight on Mies’
appreciation for simplicity in the exposed steel and glass of the structure. The plans also show the
particular heating, cooling, and lighting systems which utilize ventilation and sunlight and thus improve
sustainability. Meetings with a structural engineer shed light on the main floor’s unusual columnless
nature by explaining the load flow of the building. First hand observations as well as weekly meetings
with the architects that renovated Crown Hall in 2005 also gave unparalleled insight into the building.
These months of study have given an understanding of Crown Hall and the reasons behind its continuing
impact on modern architecture.
90
I19
Autosacker: Designing and Developing a Novel Football to Enforce a Quick Release by the
Quarterback
Presenter(s)
Baihan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Spenko, Illinois Institute of Technology
The goal of this project is to design and develop a novel football which enforces a quick release by the
quarterback. It does this by measuring the time between when the football is snapped by the center and
released by the quarterback. This football will be used for recreational games that do not have an even
number of players and competitive players who need to practice a quick release. To accomplish this, the
football utilizes a PIC (programmable interface controller) microcontroller that flashes light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) if the quarterback holds the ball too long. The prototype currently in development utilizes
a normal football modified with a small circuit containing a button, a PIC, and LEDs. Most of the
development time was spent on learning PIC programming in C and circuit building. The initial prototype
will be completed by the end date.
J01
Researching and Writing Historical Fiction for the Modern Reader
Presenter(s)
Katherine Funderburg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Historical fiction was read for content but also to discover the process of writing historical fiction, which
was accomplished in part by reading authors' extensive endnotes. Research was conducted to obtain
information on the village of New Salem, Illinois, which was founded along the Sangamon River in 1828
and abandoned by 1840. A portion of each week was spent developing and then writing an original work
of historical fiction set in New Salem, which included developing multiple fictional characters and
placing them in a historical context. This original work was discussed with a current published historical
fiction author. The writing was then discussed with a group of IMSA staff and students who had read a
significant excerpt. This was beneficial in deciding what literary characteristics make historical fiction
appealing or unappealing to modern readers. It was determined that the most valuable techniques for
writing involved creating an accurate historical atmosphere to the written work through the incorporation
of small details such as weather and descriptions of the land, rather than through relating actual historical
events. The original work was revised and bettered using the readers' suggestions in an attempt to create a
polished piece that would draw attention to historical fiction as a genre of literature and New Salem as a
forgotten piece of Illinois history.
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J02
A Comparison on the Development of the English and Spanish Languages
Presenter(s)
Miguel Garcia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margaret Cain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Spanish language, an amalgam of Latin, the Visigothic tongue and Arabic, has been spoken and
written for almost twelve centuries. Interestingly, it has changed very little in all that time. English from
1200 years ago, on the other hand, is so different from today's version that it is almost unreadable. The
purpose of this project was to research the origin and development of the Spanish language and
understand why it has remained relatively unchanged. Then, we compared these findings to the
development of the English language. Our research has led us to conclude that it is largely the
geographical features of Spain that have shaped and maintained the language. Due to the isolation of the
Iberian Peninsula, and its internal geography, the Spanish language underwent much less change than
English
J03
Writing, Producing, and Market Testing an Original Film Designed to Appeal to Teens
Presenter(s)
Amogh Kambalyal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Song, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Karna Warrior, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Audrey Wells, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The goal of our investigation was to make a film that would appeal to both males and females between
the ages of fifteen and nineteen. We analyzed film reviews and box office exit polls of various movies in
order to see what appeals to each gender. We found that females appreciate relationships between
characters more than males, while males focus more on action and overall plot, ignoring smaller details.
We decided to use the genre of romantic comedy because it combines complex relationships, to appeal to
females, with broad comedy, that appeals to males. After researching this genre, we scripted, cast, and
shot an original film set on the IMSA campus. We plan to survey audiences to see if our film has equal
appeal to females and males between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. The early results of our inquiry are
that we learned how each decision in the film-making process can affect audience appeal. By making
movies that appeal to both males and females, directors, producers and companies can market their films
more effectively.
92
J04
Post-Apocalyptic Literature and its Relationship with the Evolving Cultural Consciousness, 1839 to
Present
Presenter(s)
Emily Weiland, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Post-apocalyptic literature has existed for as long as science fiction has existed, and continues to be
popular in various media in the present day. The earliest example is perhaps Mary Shelley's The Last
Man, which is often considered the first science fiction novel. This inquiry seeks to trace the development
of the genre from its earliest incarnations through the present day. This includes critical readings of
twelve works by eleven authors, as well as context for each and its place in the larger canon. Postapocalyptic
fiction often mirrors the common fears and concerns of the day, such as the threat of nuclear
warfare in the Cold War and environmental and biological issues in recent years. The genre has also had
an influence on other media, including music and film. I am Legend by Richard Matheson is not only an
important post-apocalyptic novel, but may be considered the first modern horror novel and the progenitor
of the modern zombie story. The genre is not limited to adult fiction; children’s novel The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau was a bestseller and received a film adaptation. The future of post-apocalyptic fiction
will be determined by the fears that define the coming decades.
K01
Radium Contamination in Drinking Water and the Growing Demand for Lake Michigan
Presenter(s)
Vashti Aguilar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Radium contamination in well water sources and population growth has driven many outer Chicago
suburbs to petition for Lake Michigan drinking water. Some suburbs have been denied this and must deal
with radium contamination. Joliet is an outer Chicago suburb that has serious radium contamination in its
water. Joliet has tried changing to Lake Michigan water, but it has not been possible. Removal of radium
in Joliet has resulted in radium-containing sludge that is dumped in area farms. Plainfield and Naperville
changed to Lake Michigan water in the last ten years due to a rapid population increase and to avoid the
use of radium-contaminated well water. This investigation will address environmental and health risks
due to radium-contaminated drinking water and how to deal with allocation of water with increasing
populations.
93
K02
Nanoparticle Silver-Applied Filters as Water Filtration Solutions
Presenter(s)
Sharada Dharmasankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hassan Qureshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
There is a universal understanding that many developing countries lack the facilities needed to
continuously provide fresh, clean water for everyday use, especially in nations with high populations and
lack of industrial regulation. We aim to provide a robust, cost-efficient water filter capable of removing
the threat from waterborne pathogens. Our goal is to create a sustainable ceramic filter that filters at least
forty liters of water per day, with a 99.99% killing effectiveness, and a maximum cost of 20 U.S. dollars.
Using nanoparticulate silver impregnated clay, we have made conical ceramic filters that reach those
target values. Currently we are altering the cone thickness to reach an optimal tradeoff between flow rate
and killing effectiveness.
K03
Determining the Distribution of Ozone Through Ballooning and Ultraviolet Radiation
Presenter(s)
Denise Mol, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
The purpose of this investigation was to research the relation between altitude and amount of ozone in our
atmosphere. Ozone is a molecule that is constantly destroyed and recreated by ultraviolet radiation
(UVR). We assume there is a close enough correlation between O3 and UVR; that is, that there is nothing
else significantly blocking UVR on its way down to the surface. Thus UVR makes a good proxy for
measuring the distribution of ozone at different altitudes. We expect to see a rise in UVR as the balloon
travels through the ozone layer, and a significant amount more at the peak of its flight. To calculate the
distribution, we built a photometer to send up in a balloon launch. This instrument uses a photodiode (like
a solar cell) and other simple electronics to record UVR by creating a small current as the balloon sails
higher through the atmosphere. When the balloon reached extreme altitudes, the air around became so
thin that the balloon burst. The data from this launch showed that ozone is confined to a particular region
of the atmosphere, although the numbers were not precise enough to determine an exact amount of ozone.
94
K04
Viability and Sustainability of Biofuels in the Present and Future
Presenter(s)
Gary Sheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Increased attention to food-based biofuels has spurred controversy about their impact on food prices and
the environment. Debate results in skepticism about their sustainability. This paper discusses
environmental and social sustainability in the context of biofuels and the factors affecting the economic
viability of present and future biofuel production. Putting together this review first involved a
comprehensive process of building proficiency with the concepts of biofuels and sustainability. The
majority of the process involved the enlistment of a multifarious, but meaningful, selection of articles
useful in answering the sustainability question. This independent study paved an understanding to the
world of biofuels as alternative energy and the importance of sustainability in determining funding.
Importantly, cellulosic biofuels from dedicated energy crops offer considerable promise as a main
alternative energy. These energy crops show promise in reducing the competition for land and undesirable
environmental impacts negatively associated with ethanol. The investigation is almost complete and all
that is needed is piecing together of each piece of information in a final, argumentative paper.
Furthermore, technological innovation and policy incentives are needed to develop more sustainable
biofuels, guide the mix of feedstocks, their methods and locations of production.
K05
The Bioavailability of Mercury in Aqueous Solutions in the Presence of Complexing Agents
Presenter(s)
William Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean-Francois Gaillard, Northwestern University
Mercury contamination of freshwater systems is an increasing environmental problem. The accumulation
of mercury within food webs and its transformation to more toxic chemical forms, such as methyl
mercury, in the aquatic environment is controlled by its bioavailability, that is, the fraction of the metal
that is incorporated inside living cells. We have conducted a study on how complexing agents, or ligands,
would affect the bioavailability of mercury to microorganisms. We have used a genetically engineered E.
coli bacteria that reports on the presence of intra-cellular mercury by producing a luminescent signal. The
response of this bioluminescence biosensor allows us to measure the flux of mercury that is bioavailable
and assess how it is affected by the presence of different ligands. Preliminary results show that some
ligands facilitate the biouptake of mercury whereas other ligands inhibit it. Control experiments are being
conducted to determine whether these ligands promote or slowdown the metabolism of the
microorganism used, since it would then affect the outcome of the test. The results of this study suggest
that the free ion model is not a good proxy for assessing the bioavailability of mercury and that the release
of anthropogenic ligands contributes to the mobility of mercury.
95
L01
Putting it Together: The Development of Theatrical Stage Productions
Presenter(s)
Nicholos Reid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steve Scott, Goodman Theatre
Theater is a unique art form that has influenced its spectators for decades. Theater serves as a way to
allow audiences to think, expose themselves to new experiences, reflect on their own lives, and simply be
entertained. Putting on successful theatrical stage productions involves an entire network of people from
various backgrounds and departments, all working towards a common goal. This unique form of business
collaboration and communication is what it takes for a theater company like the Goodman Theatre in
Chicago, Illinois to be successful. In order to fully understand the creative process in developing
successful theater, a study was done at the Goodman Theatre on the development of theatrical stage
productions from the ground-up. Employees in various departments of the theater were interviewed about
what they do and how they work with others to make the shows at the theater successful. In addition to
that, many operations in the theater were observed, such as rehearsals for an upcoming play and script
evaluations. My results showed that successful theater companies like the Goodman Theatre, must work
as a single unit. There is no assembly line behavior when putting together a season. Every department,
from lighting, to costumes, to marketing, must work in sync in order to have profitable productions.
Through my investigation, I found that with the cooperation of everyone in this business, the stories that
unfold in a playwright's mind may become a spectacle on stage.
M01
Theoretical and Pragmatic Medicine in Ancient Greece
Presenter(s)
Paul Angelillo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ryan Jordan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
While medical practice before the dawn of the scientific revolution could hardly have been called
scientific, each early attempt to develop a working theory of medicine drew upon, in different amounts,
mythological and theoretical beliefs as well as first-hand, practical knowledge. Such an atmosphere of
medical thought existed in Ancient Greece, where the two sides both contrasted and intertwined, inspiring
and forming medical thought to this day. Through personally reading and analyzing the translated works
of Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen and comparing our thoughts with secondary sources, we developed
two categories of Grecian medical thought, the theoretical and the practical. Comparing and further
analyzing the contents of these two groupings brought us to the conclusion that, while theories based on
mythology continually fell in and out of favor, Grecian nature ideologies (namely humorism) held
constant sway in their medical practices, although often practical data disagreed with the theory.
96
M02
The Rise and Fall of Chivalric War
Presenter(s)
Cindy Angpraseuth, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chivalry, honor, bravery, glory: these are all characteristics of the knight in shining armor. How did this
icon come to be? Through poetry and war, I have been researching the rise and fall of the armored
horseman and their impact on history to the modern day. I have discovered how these soldiers originated
and why they had to fall. I shall tell you the tale of how the common foot soldier from the fall of Rome
evolved into the armored horseman of the Middle Ages and how that high and mighty figure became a
foot soldier once again. Knights influenced European war and politics until the twentieth century, their
impact lasting over a thousand years. Western nations have preserved the ideas of chivalry and hierarchy
right up until today.
M03
Romanticism and Classicism in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Presenter(s)
Elsa Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The nineteenth century was a time of conflicting ideologies and aesthetics. With the rise of the Romantic
movement, the competing ideals of romanticism and classicism shaped the course of an empire. This
investigation is an attempt to explain the context for major works of British literature during this century
in light of this dichotomy. Surprisingly, when examining the early Romantic movement, the lines between
these two standards start to blur. Still more intriguing are the common origins of seemingly opposed
political movements: the seeds of both early socialism and modern libertarian ideology can be found in
the writings of the early Romantics. What is ultimately presented here is not only a study in distinctions:
it reveals a remarkable common heritage.
97
M04
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Copenhagen Accord
Presenter(s)
Diliana Dimitrova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Mock, The John Marshall Law School
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The focus of this research project has been on the United Nations’ Copenhagen Climate Change
Conference and its expectations and outcomes, predominantly the Copenhagen Accord. The investigation
deals with the major issue of climate control, and as with any current problem, there are many sides and
opinions. The main issues facing the participant nations at the conference were those of funding,
mitigation of emissions, and adaptation to new control policies, especially for developing countries. The
project has dealt with the viewpoints, for dealing with these problems from the sides of developed and
developing nations, and on more specific nations which have come out as powerful participants in the
climate debate. Literature review from both first-hand and second-hand sources has been employed as the
method of investigation in order to get the most clear idea of the various viewpoints on this conference
and the resulting document. The results, although they may not be accepted by all parties involved in the
current climate debate, represent a careful analysis of the actions and expectations of various major
participant nations in the climate debate, and their implications for the future of climate change
regulation.
M05
Alternate History: King Edward VIII and the Abolition of the British Monarchy
Presenter(s)
Joseph Donahue, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alternate History is a genre of literature and historical research which explores the consequences of
changing the outcome of one historical event. This investigation creates an alternate history scenario in
which the United Kingdom’s King Edward VIII defies Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and his cabinet by
marrying the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson, and refusing to abdicate the throne, resulting in Baldwin
leading Parliament in abolishing the British monarchy. While researching this scenario, books on the time
period and key figures embroiled in the events were read. A timeline depicting events in the alternate
history was derived from events which actually occurred. In the alternate timeline, the United Kingdom
dissolves into the Republic of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Canada and New Zealand. Neville
Chamberlain is elected Britain’s first president, and he engages in a power struggle with the Prime
Minister, Winston Churchill, over involvement in World War II. These events transform the war as we
know it into a longer-lasting, nuclear struggle. At the end of the war, Russia invades Japan, and both
Japan and Germany are divided. This sets the stage for a more intense Cold War. This inquiry shows how
changing one historical event can affect countless other seemingly unrelated events and, in effect, can
rewrite history.
98
M06
The Rise of Japan after World War II and its Potential Implications for Romania
Presenter(s)
Ana Dumitrescu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Karen Alter, Northwestern University
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
After World War II, Japan experienced significant growth in its economy, which became known as the
Japanese Miracle. In my investigation, I have been working to determine the specific factors that
contributed to Japan’s economic success and whether Romania could use similar factors in order to rise to
financial stability and become a regional leader. I have found three major factors that played a role in
Japan’s economic success. One of these factors was the allegiance between Japan and the United States.
The United States helped Japan quickly recover from the destruction caused by World War II. The welleducated
work force in Japan also contributed to the Japanese Miracle. The third factor that contributed to
Japanese progress was that China was no longer a front runner in the global economy. The results of my
investigation are still fairly inconclusive. However, I can state that the three factors that contributed to
Japan’s success do not seem to be present in Romania. After further research, I will be able to determine
what attributes Romania does have that might help it improve its economic standing.
M07
Making the Right Choices: Rockford's Dilemma
Presenter(s)
Brittney Hanson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the past Rockford has been famous for being home to the world's first women's baseball team, but
unfortunately, now the city is getting more press for a very different reason. It is home to one the highest
unemployment rates in the state and the country. Through my research, I worked to explore why the
economic failure of the past ten years has hit the city of Rockford with such tremendous force. I used
information from city directories and the United States Census Bureau to understand why industry was so
important to the city. I came to discover that, because the city was built on industry and being employed
was historically more important than being educated, more emphasis was placed on building up business
and less on education. The city became completely dependent on the industry. When more competitive
countries and companies began to grow and the industries bee to evolve to use new equipment and
techniques, the Rockford workers were often left in the dust. As a result of my research, I have devised a
plan to revitalize Rockford and other cities that have been affected in the same way by the economic
downfall.
99
M08
The History of Piracy and its Modern Applications
Presenter(s)
Lauraleigh Heffner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The recent spate of piracy off the coast of Somalia has renewed international interest in this ancient
profession. Though piracy consists of a good deal of swashbucklin’, few pirates resembled Johnny Depp.
In my investigation, I examined patterns of piracy from the Bronze Age to the modern era. I searched
through books and historical documents learning that certain patterns exist which promote piracy. I began
researching the Sea People, who tormented the eastern Mediterranean in the sixteenth century B.C. Piracy
continued until pirates captured Julius Caesar, leading to a revolutionary extermination. Later the Vikings
of northern Europe sought to pillage villages and steal goods. Several of these and Russian communities
then invited these strong, fearless Norwegians to lead their people. I concluded that piracy always
prevails, but increases with political and economical instability. Only a strong thalassocracy, often
imperial, can eliminate these scallywags. Ironically, such thalassocracies often result from piracy.
Through Francis Drake, Martin Frobisher, and Henry Morgan, the modern British Navy and the British
Empire were formed, destroying their own profession. With the breakup of this empire, piracy has
returned, most predominantly off the coast of Somalia.
M09
A Simulation of Early Modern Europe
Presenter(s)
Andrew Heuser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Oberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As a result of research using maps and secondary sources, this independent study has created a board
game to simulate the political, military, and economic climate of Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries. In particular, we have created scenarios for the reign of Charles V, the French Wars of
Religion, and the Thirty Years’ War. The game is loosely modeled after Machiavelli, a simulation of
Renaissance Italy. Participants use a map that encompasses Western and Central Europe, parts of the
Ottoman Empire and Northern Africa, as well as the surrounding bodies of water. The map is divided into
small provinces and seas which players conquer in order to meet each scenario’s objectives. Additionally,
because siege warfare was integral to the military campaigns of this era, many regions contain fortresses
which must be taken. To simulate finances, players collect taxes from their controlled regions and
fortresses, and spend these funds to purchase armies, fleets, and other pieces. To win, players must
negotiate with one another, representing the dynamic, often cutthroat political dealings of the era. We
have also pursued modeling the influences of trade, religion, plague, and rebellion. In sum, we feel this
simulation is an entertaining and accurate portrayal of the specific scenarios, and can be used as an
effective teaching tool.
100
M10
An Impartial View on U.S. Relations with Israel
Presenter(s)
Molly Pachay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kavita Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennifer Bing-Canar, American Friends Service Committee
Through media review and interviews with Israelis and Palestinians in Chicago, our investigation
considers the pros and cons of the U.S. and Israel alliance. Internationally, America is associated with
many of Israel's actions. American policy on Israel, stems from potent pro-Israeli (Jewish and non-
Jewish) political opinion that sometimes digresses from democratic values and respect for human rights.
The United States' alliance with Israel has affected international relations and the perception of the U.S. in
a myriad of ways worldwide. The two nations have a strong military alliance, with the U.S. supplying
weapons and aid to Israel, and Israel providing a base in the Middle East for military operations.
However, Israel has continuously committed human rights violations against the Palestinians, such as
during the Gaza Crisis in January 2009. America's enduring alliance with Israel is of special interest to all
citizens because Israel receives $3 billion from the U.S. each year, which is more financial aid than any
other country receiving aid from the U.S. The many different view points, stories and experiences from
Palestinians, Israelis living in fear of attack, Christians, refugees, Zionists, and Jews across the world,
makes this conflict multifaceted and creates a quagmire difficult to untangle.
M11
The Consequences of Modern Agriculture
Presenter(s)
Kelly Wallin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Kadel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
We are, as a nation, quite literally made of corn. The New Deal contained several bills directly affecting
farmers, giving them price supports, and a way to manage the market to protect the agricultural economy
from collapse. Since the 1970s, these sustainable price supports have given way to subsidies, which
continue to degrade the value of America’s crops, and have contributed to the invention of new pesticides,
herbicides, and foods, including high fructose corn syrup. These in turn have resulted in the degradation
of human and environmental health in the United States. With the rise of fast food, spurred by an
overabundance of cheap beef and grains, has come obesity and the associated heart conditions and
diabetes, leading to higher medical costs for citizens and the government. It is no longer profitable to raise
cattle in the manner their bodies are designed to handle - a diet of mostly grasses - and so we stuff them
with cheap corn, creating health problems and pain for the animals, but also allowing for a more rapid
spread of mutated food-borne illnesses. America’s farmers have lost respect for their jobs, and for corn
which rapidly destroys our fertile lands and pollutes our water.
101
M12
America’s Agricultural Transition: Changes and Social Consequences in American Agriculture
from Post-Civil War to Today
Presenter(s)
Sarah Weitekamp, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Kadel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the last one hundred and fifty years, industrialization and changes in policy on the part of the United
States government dramatically transformed small-scale farming, making it unable to maintain long-term
profitability and leading to gradual commercialization and loss of the traditional family-farm structure.
Through study of literature reviews and interviews, this project examined this large-scale abandonment of
farming by immense sectors of the population and the resulting shifts in the lifestyle of both non-farm and
farming Americans. Due to overproduction, lack of parity in production, uneven foreign trade markets,
expensive farming equipment, and governmental policies that favored large-scale, industrial farming
practices, small-scale farming was no longer a feasible means of making a living. Ideologically, American
agriculture has left the Jeffersonian, independent, self-sustaining mores of its past and shifted to a highly
interdependent system largely controlled by a few corporations and highly reliant upon financial
assistance from the American government. These changes have hugely diminished rural culture, leaving
rural towns and countryside’s barren as former farmers leave for suburban and urban lifestyles.
Understanding these shifts and transformations in agriculture is crucial to understanding the importance
of agriculture as a whole upon America and the impact the ideological shift from agrarianism to
industrialism has had.
M13
Future of Flight: A Comparative Look at Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Versus Piloted Aircraft
Presenter(s)
Lisa Wendel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The initial push for the technological initiative of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) arose during the
Vietnam War. Although the unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the United States Military have been
successful in certain roles, it is clear that there will always be missions only manned aircraft can
accomplish. These include air superiority missions and heavy bombing missions, which require the
judgment of a trained and experienced pilot. Through literature review as well as data analysis, I have
explored the limitations of UAVs. The key standard of my comparison has been the number of civilian
deaths due to UAVs versus piloted aircraft and overall cost. To understand the nature of UAVS one must
first analyze maneuverability, payload, surveillance capabilities, and amount of armor required. The
results of my study show that UAVs have not been as successful in their ability to replace human pilots or
decrease collateral damage, as was originally hoped.
102
N01
Comparative Analysis of Court Experience and Outcome (Results and Process) Through Pro Se
and Legal Representation
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Bernardo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Leslie Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Yanoff, David L. Yanoff Law Office
As a result of our current economic situation, it has become common for litigants to represent themselves
in civil courts to cut down on expenses. This increase in self-represented litigation causes us to wonder
what advantages an attorney has over a Pro Se litigant. Our inquiry investigates both attorneys and Pro Se
litigants within personal injury, contracts, and the eviction courts of the Chicago Circuit Court System.
Through interviews, case study research, and court observations it has become evident that Pro Se
litigants are more common in courts such as evictions, but as cases become more complicated, like those
in contracts and personal injury, it becomes more difficult to understand the court room procedures.
Results determined that several factors contribute to how each Pro Se litigant will fare, such as their
economic standing, the specifics of their particular case and how informed they are about the process but
there are also numerous resources available for their assistance. In just some instances though, having
legal representation is necessary.
N02
An Examination of the Death Penalty in Countries Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Abigail Flynn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jade Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
Around the world, the use of the death penalty is reducing, but fifty-eight countries are still retentionist,
meaning they still practice the death penalty, which many call an inhumane and unjust punishment. In
addition, there are thrity-five de facto abolitionist countries, meaning they have not executed anybody in
over ten years. At Northwestern Law’s Center for International Human Rights, we have been conducting
an investigation that is part of a large death penalty research project, with the goal of creating an online
database of death penalty policies and procedures. Our research has centered on looking at the laws and
practices around the world. We have conducted this research by obtaining penal codes, which are the
most accurate documents available for researching punishments for crimes, and researching the policies
and procedures related to death penalty as well as information such as ratification of international treaties
and trends in the application of the death penalty for retentionist and de facto abolitionist countries.
Although the database is not yet complete, with our work and the continued work of other researchers it is
scheduled to launch by the end of 2010.
103
N03
The Insanity Defense and the Difference in States’ Perspectives
Presenter(s)
Satoe Sakuma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Heyrman, University of Chicago
Insanity is the legal term for not being able to distinguish the difference between right and wrong in the
moment of the crime. At present, the legislatures of the fifty states are allowed to determine their own
form of the insanity defense or determine to abolish it, which five states already have. These five states
include: Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, and Utah. By analyzing the differences between the forty-five
states that offer an insanity defense as a valid defense in court and the five states that do not, I found that
the five states, with the exception of Nevada, are all conservative states. A reoccurring pattern can be
drawn from the incarceration rates, as well as the punishment available in each of the five states which
indicate the difference between the states that have abolished the insanity defense and the states that have
not.
O01
Investigating Quords of Quadrilaterals
Presenter(s)
Kevin Baker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Keyton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Geometry has always been a fascinating subject for mathematicians, full of incredible and surprising
results and discoveries. This investigation primarily focused around quords (segments in quadrilaterals),
specifically, midvexes (segments drawn from a vertex to the midpoint of an opposite side). Cabri
Geometry II, a computer program, was used to enhance the exploration process. A relatively unexplored
topic in geometry, groundbreaking work was both expected and found, providing insight and parallels
previously unknown in the vast realm of quadrilaterals and midvexes.
104
O02
Explorations of 3-Free Sequences
Presenter(s)
Shiladitya Bhattacharyya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Andrew Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nathan Yan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Micah Fogel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sets with arithmetic properties are of great interest to number theorists. One particular type of set, first
described by Erdos, is a 3-free set. 3-free sets are sets that do not contain an arithmetic progression of
length 3; in other words, you cannot find two elements of the set x and y such that xy=2z, where z is also
an element of the set. A naïve way to generate 3-free sets is by the greedy algorithm, which always takes
the next available number, inductively. Although the greedy algorithm does not always generate the
largest 3-free subset possible, it exhibits elegant properties. In fact, for numbers of the form Σ 3n the
greedy algorithm does in fact generate the largest 3-free subset.
O03
How Powers of Various Statistical Tests Vary as the Distributions they are Applied to Change
Presenter(s)
Victor Duan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Barbara Engelhardt, University of Chicago
Matthew Stephens, University of Chicago
The power of a statistical test is a measure of how well a test determines a true difference between
populations. Power is affected by a variety of variables including sample size, standard deviation, and
effect size. However, this study analyzes how the powers of several widely used statistical tests change as
the distributions of the populations vary. It is expected that different tests perform with varying power
under different circumstances, so this study aims to see how the Students t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test,
and normal-scores test perform under a variety of distributions, including t-distribution, normal
distribution, gamma distribution, uniform distribution, and log-normal distribution. Power was computed
by running simulations in the statistical program R. Two samples were created using random simulations
of varying distributions. Afterwards, the tests were applied and powers were compared. Results showed
that the normal-scores test often achieved the highest power. When it did not, it still performed very well
compared to the other tests. Because we do not usually know the population distribution, this allows us to
select a robustly powerful test to analyze data that are distributed under varying distributions, the normalscores
test.
105
O04
Sufficient Conditions for Degree Sequence Embedding on the Projective Plane
Presenter(s)
Derek Hardin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A graph's degree sequence is the list of its (not necessarily distinct) vertex degrees, generally in nonincreasing
order, and a realization of a sequence S is a graph which possesses degree sequence S.
Previous work by Prince and Wenger on determining degree sequences which possess some planarembeddable
graphic realization has raised the question of which degree sequences possess some
embeddable realization on other surfaces. In this investigation, we discuss work with Prince on the
projective plane, which includes an outline of a proof that graphic degree sequences with minimum
degree one have some embeddable realization on the projective plane if the sum of the vertex degrees
S(n) satisfies S(n)<= 2n 18. We also prove a similar characterization for the existence of a projective
planar embeddable realization of arbitrary graphic sequences with minimum degree two. In addition, we
also provide a proof for a lemma which simplifies inductive investigation of bounds on projective planar
and planar graphs. These results indicate the existence of significant commonalities between bounding
values on surfaces of differing genus, and the major lemma proven, if properly generalizable, has the
potential to greatly facilitate analogous research into surfaces of greater genus.
O05
Quadrilateral Investigations
Presenter(s)
Jason Hempstead, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Elizabeth Ott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Keyton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over the past few millennia, the Euclidean triangle has been the basic foundation for all of geometry. This
basic shape has been examined to the point where little original research exists in relation to it. Due to
this, our investigation focused on a figure that has been given hardly any attention: the quadrilateral. Our
project was centered on organizing and classifying all possible quadrilaterals based on relationships
between their sides, diagonals, and angles in a way that no other project has been. Using a computer
program, Cabri Geometry II, we worked to construct these quadrilaterals. Because the nature of our
project was more classification than research, the bulk of our work can be seen in an extensive list of
quadrilaterals we compiled. This list includes the explanation of every one of over one hundred
quadrilaterals alongside the constructions of those quadrilaterals. Our original work will aid other
geometers in their exploration of yet unstudied areas of quadrilaterals.
106
O06
The Mathematics Behind Geodesic Models
Presenter(s)
Sara Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The study of spherical geometry has made it possible for people, notably Magnus Wenninger, to design
and build paper spherical models. A year-long investigation has been conducted to explore these spherical
models, as well as to extend the ideas of geodesics and model building to other surfaces, such as tori and
ellipsoids. Several models were made, some predesigned and others developed during this inquiry. As a
result of this project, a better understanding of geodesic models, especially non-spherical models, was
achieved. The resulting models and mathematical ideas will be presented in this investigation.
O07
Designing Origami Models
Presenter(s)
Jisoo Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lucy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sheng-Ting Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vincent Matsko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Countless origami diagrams have been published to show step-by-step instructions on how to fold paper
models. However, they rarely communicate the actual designing process. In this investigation, we learned
about some of the design techniques by analyzing the crease patterns of existing origami models. We then
applied this knowledge to design our own models. We folded new origami models by using a technique
called circle packing. Circle packing maximizes the area of circular regions representing different parts of
the model within the constraints of the paper used. We arranged circles on sheets of paper in the general
design of the model we wanted to create. However, we found that freely moving the circles sometimes
left a large amount of unused paper. We then rearranged these circles to better utilize this space. We have
also designed bases, the preliminary forms of origami models. So far, we have successfully designed two
models that resemble birds from these bases. Besides its aesthetic value, origami has countless
mathematical and scientific applications. By exploring the techniques of designing origami models, we
could find ways to efficiently use paper in folding sophisticated models and perhaps expand the scope of
origami applications in math and science.
107
O08
Adic Expansions
Presenter(s)
Alina Kononov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Micah Fogel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In a metric where two numbers are close in value if they differ by a large power of 10 (that is, 333 is
closer to 433 than 33 is to 43), some numbers have representations that extend indefinitely to the left
instead of to the right. For example, ...999 is a 10-adic representation of -1. I studied which numbers have
such representations in which bases, which of those representations are unique, and other properties of the
adic rings. In an arbitrary base, all rationals have unique expansions that terminate on the right and are
periodic on the left. However, not every real has a terminating representation in every base, and not every
adic number is real. Furthermore, if a real number does have a terminating representation, it is not unique.
The special case when the base is prime (the p-adics) has many applications to other fields of
mathematics and is essential to elliptic curve cryptography and public key cryptography. The general case
has been less studied, but it is possible that it will have applications of similar caliber.
O09
Square Tilings of the Half- and Quarter-Planes
Presenter(s)
Eric Lin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siddharth Narayanan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Condie, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Our project focuses on the tiling of the half- and quarter-planes using exactly one square of each positive
integer side length. In 2008, Henle and Henle found a tiling of the infinite, unbounded plane using such
squares. The question of squaring a square dates back to 1936 when Tutte solved certain systems of
squares using a modification of the Kirchoff electric circuit laws. Henle and Henle, inspired by Tutte,
approached the problem of tiling differently, using six-sided figures called ells and recursive algorithms
to fill a plane with unique squares. Unfortunately, their method is inapplicable to the half- and quarterplanes.
While we have made some possible algorithms for accomplishing the desired tiling, brute force
computer simulations have shown that our methods are flawed because numerous iterations resulted in
diverging sequences, which is not what we are looking for. Our work is important because it deals with
open problems in tiling that have remained unsolved for nearly three-quarters of a century.
108
O10
An Extension of the Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv Theorem: Non-Zero Sums in Zn
Presenter(s)
Corinne Madsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Erdös-Ginzburg-Ziv (EGZ) theorem is an important theorem in additive number theory stating that
any sequence of 2n-1 elements from Zn has a subsequence of length n summing to 0. This theorem has
been generalized to Zn
2 by Reiher. Alon and Dubiner conjectured that in Zn
d a sequence of (n-1)*2d 1
elements has a subsequence of length n summing to 0. The EGZ theorem has also been generalized to
groups other than Zn with the Ballobàs-Leader theorem, which proved a much stronger form of the EGZ
theorem for all finite abelian groups. In this investigation, we looked at generalizing to non-zero sums in
Zn. Our results showed that a sequence of 2p-2 elements from Zp has a p-length sum to x, where x is any
non-zero element from Zp. We also found that behavior of subsequences of length of n that sum to x of
sequences of Zn varied depending on whether or not n and x are coprime.
O11
Up the River Without a Paddle: The Expectation of Domination in Poker
Presenter(s)
Michael Wong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The legality of online poker has come under discussion in the news due to recent legislation banning
certain types of online gambling. The argument stems from poker's debated status as a game of chance
rather than one of skill. The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate quantitatively that poker is not
a game of pure chance. The independent chip model (ICM) predicts the equity of a player relative to the
number of chips each player holds in tournament play, which effectively predicts that each hand of poker
is governed by pure luck, akin to a coin flip. By evaluating the ICM in a two-player format, we were able
to show through computations verified by simulations that a player having disproportionately few chips
has no strategy with non-negative expectation, a marked difference from a coin flip, demonstrating the
value of proper strategy, and hence, skill in poker. Preliminary results show that a dominating chip stack
can manipulate decisions in their favor in order to control a commanding amount of equity. Therefore, the
ICM's reliability in predicting equity does not hold, which provides basis of argument showing that luck
is not the sole determining factor of outcomes in poker.
109
P01
Delayed Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors and High Dose Mycophenolate Mofetil as Initial
Immunosuppressive Therapy for Liver Transplant Recipients with Pre-Transplant Renal
Dysfunction
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Levitsky, Northwestern University
Immunosuppression following liver transplantation is essential for survival of both the allograft and the
patient. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are essential to immunosuppression for organ transplantation but
are associated with significant side effects such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, an
approach towards combination therapy has been advocated to achieve dose reduction or withdrawal of
CNIs to decrease the incidence of side effects. Combination therapy involves delayed use of CNIs in
addition to high dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), which is devoid of nephrotoxicity and
neurotoxicity. In this investigation, a case group consisting of liver transplant patients with pre-transplant
renal failure was compared to a control group of liver transplant patients on currently applied
immunosuppressive regimens. Fifteen cases have been reviewed to measure the effectiveness of
combination therapy on the function of the liver and the kidney in patients with pre-transplant renal
failure. Results have demonstrated that combination therapy is indeed effective; it has improved organs’
conditions and allowed for continual decrease in medication doses. The next step in this project involves
the review of a control group and conduction of comparative analyses between the two groups.
P02
Mapping Genes of Chronic Sinusitis
Presenter(s)
Amishi Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jayant Pinto, University of Chicago
The major objective of this project was to identify the gene(s) that confers susceptibility to chronic
sinusitis, an important public health problem causing significant impact on quality of life. Our studies
were initiated in the Hutterites, a religious group that practices a communal lifestyle and shares common
environmental exposures. Previous studies have suggested a role for genetic variation in the chromosome
7q31 region influencing susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in the Hutterites. Our preliminary results have
reflected that chronic sinusitis maintains a genetic basis, and we continued investigating this by recruiting
case and control samples of outbred Caucasian subjects with chronic sinusitis at the University of
Chicago as well as members of Hutterite colonies to examine differing factors between the two groups.
We specifically examined a group of twenty cases of Hutterites exemplifying sinus disease with acute
interest for medical history, medicines taken, allergy status, and ability to smell properly. We have
concluded that genetic factors cause chronic sinusitis; as the project continues, we plan to investigate
genes demonstrating significant associations in the Hutterites. Ultimately, understanding the molecular
pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis may lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of this
burdensome disease.
110
P03
The Effects of Curcumin on Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Presenter(s)
Sonia Bajaj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Judith Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ovarian cancer is the number one cause of death from a gynecologic malignancy. Of the 25,400 U.S.
woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, approximately 14,300 die. Chemotherapy, radiation,
and surgery have been applied as methods of treatment, but none has been recognized as a cure.
Curcumin, a component of the common cooking spice turmeric, was found to have anti-cancer properties
when tested on neoplastic ovarian cells. This study tested curcumin for possible therapeutic effects on
chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells. If capable of inducing apoptosis, the component could be
incorporated into cancer-fighting drugs as a form of treatment. The apoptotic effect of curcumin on
cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer was determined by a series of steps. Two cell cultures were maintained
in fresh media, and the cells were treated with varying doses of curcumin. These samples were then
applied to an acrylamide gel, and a Western blot was run to test for the protein caspase-3. Preliminary
results were negative.
P04
Trends Observed with Mean Gestational Age, Outcome, Main Diagnosis, and Necessity for
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the
Newborns from Between the Years 2000 and 2007
Presenter(s)
Shelly Bhanot, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shilpa Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christine Sajous, Loyola University
We examined trends in mean gestational age, outcome, main diagnosis, and necessity for extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for infants who were at least thirty-five weeks with persistent
pulmonary hypertension of the newborns (PPHN). A comparison between the time periods, 2000-2003
and 2004-2007 was made in order to analyze any changes in the mean gestational ages of the infants with
PPHN, their outcome, and their main diagnoses. Beginning in 2000, the Loyola University Medical
Center (LUMC) began to administer a nitric oxide treatment to their PPHN patients. By studying these
two time periods, we determined if there was a change in the mean gestational age or in the common
diagnoses among the observed patients. Additionally, we looked at how the nitric oxide may have
influenced variances in the outcome of the infants, including referral of the patient for ECMO at another
hospital. Our current analysis from our retrospective chart review is underway. An analysis of these
factors will provide a further understanding of the effectiveness of PPHN treatments over time at the
LUMC and their effects on the infants.
111
P05
MRSA Prevalence in the Community as a Result of Medical Practices in the United States and
Europe
Presenter(s)
Madeline Booton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antibiotic-resistant bacteria commonly found in
many hospital-based infections in Europe and the United States, has recently become a contagion outside
of the hospital and is becoming increasingly community-based. Due to differing medical practices, such
as hand washing practices and antibiotic prescription policies, between Europe and the United States,
there are fewer cases of MRSA in various European countries than in the United States. An experiment
conducted to determine the percentage of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy students with
colonizing methicillin-resistant bacteria located on their hands revealed a percentage of about 6.4% of
students. The differences seen in Europe and the United States suggest changes in hospital practices that
might reduce the number of cases of MRSA in the United States.
P06
Evaluation of a Standardized Checklist Used During Surgical Procedures
Presenter(s)
Andrea Castaldo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Czaplicki, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy McDonald, University of Illinois at Chicago
Preventable patient harm related to surgery, such as wrong-site procedures and patient misidentification,
can occur due to a lack of communication and teamwork amongst hospital staff and physicians. In order
to improve patient safety, through a goal of improved communication and teamwork, the University of
Illinois Medical Center adopted the World Health Organization safe surgery checklist. The checklist
includes two separate processes – a sign-in which occurs just after the patient enters the operating room
and time-out just before surgical incision. The sign-in is facilitated by the anesthesiologist, and covers
general patient and surgery information while the time-out, overseen by the attending surgeon, covers
additional checkpoints, which include risk of blood loss and operative duration. During the observation of
twenty-five surgeries in which the checklist document was used, the staff rarely engaged as a team and
the quality of the intended time-out conversations decreased as the study progressed. Of note, a review of
nursing documentation failed to identify the inadequacy of the expected engagement of the team. Our
observations show that the checklist became more of a documentation task than an effective tool to reach
the goal of improved patient safety-related communication.
112
P07
Characterization of Biomarkers at the Borderzones of Ischemic Lesions in Experimental Stroke
Presenter(s)
Kevin Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Agnieszka Ardelt, University of Chicago
Following an ischemic stroke, cells located in the center of the lesion rapidly perish, but those located at
the periphery (borderzone) may be salvaged and participate in neurorepair. It is important to investigate
the mechanisms of neurorepair to optimize stroke treatment. This project aims to characterize ischemic
lesion borderzones in an experimental model by studying molecular markers of injury. Through
immunolabeling in tissue sections and fluorescent microscopy of biomarkers in rat brain slices, I have
delineated spatial and temporal markers of the borderzone. My research indicates that by post-stroke day
3 (PSD3), nestin (an intermediate filament protein) is expressed at the borderzone, marking the region
where glial scarring is predicted to form by PSD30. Microtubule-associated protein 2(Map2) is present in
healthy neurons, and Map2 immunoreactivity overlaps with nestin immunoreactivity on PSD3, although
no double-labeling within a single cell occurs. Iba-1 (expressed in activated microglia), which is present
in both healthy and injured tissue by PSD3, is dramatically upregulated in necrotic tissue by PSD10. In
conjunction with other biomarkers, nestin, Map2, and Iba-1 are indicators of the ischemic borderzone
during the early post-stroke period and can be used to track the effectiveness of neuroreparative therapies
in this model.
P08
Prolonged Use of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubricin in an HIV-Infected Population with Kaposi’s
Sarcoma
Presenter(s)
Bernice Fokum, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margaret Telfer, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) occurs in HIV-patients as a slow-growing malignancy. Chemotherapy must be
given carefully to avoid increasing infection rate. KS is treated with doxorubricin, a drug linked with
cardiotoxicity at doses above 500mg/m2. Previous studies found that PL-DOX, a new form of this drug,
could be given over long periods at low-doses without inducing cardiotoxicity. Later studies
recommended multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scans to monitor cardiac function. Our study is a
seven-year follow-up of fifty-five male KS patients treated with 20mg/m2 of PL-Dox every three weeks
until disappearance of lesion, withdrawal of treatment, or discovery of cardiac damage by MUGA scans
at six months. Patients were grouped by cumulative dose (mg/m2). Twenty-one patients received less than
200mg/m2, eleven received 200-399mg/m2, seven received 400-500mg/m2, and sixteen received greater
than 500mg/m2. Five patients died during this study. Of sixteen people receiving over 500mg, one died of
cancer, one was switched to another drug, and one patient stopped taking PL-DOX after finding an
abnormal MUGA which led to the diagnosis of coronary disease. The other thirteen in this group remain
alive with no evidence of heart problems. Four patients receiving doses less than 500mg/m2 died. Two of
these were victims of heart trouble. MUGA scans were accomplished only yearly, showing need for
improvement in hospital procedures. We find that patients can tolerate doses greater than 500mg/m2 when
closely monitored with physical examinations and MUGA scans.
113
P09
The Correlation Between Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Levels in African American and
Caucasian Sarcoidosis Patients
Presenter(s)
Lakshmi Girijala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vaisak Nair, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy Niewold, University of Chicago
Nadera Sweiss, University of Chicago
A multi-systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, sarcoidosis, is characterized by noncaesating
granulomas. In the attempt to identify its cause, environmental, occupational, and genetic
factors have all been implicated, but none have been statistically proven. The current assumption is that
genetic factors interact with environmental stresses to increase disease susceptibility. Therefore, the study
utilized retrospective data from ninety-eight sarcoidosis patients in order to collect data concerning
cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) levels, ancestry,
neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary involvement; from there, Microsoft Excel was utilized to determine
the correlations among that previously stated variables. The data analysis yielded two significant
correlations: in African Americans, there is a correlation between TNF-α and neurological involvement in
sarcoidosis, and in Caucasian Americans, there is a correlation between IFN-α and pulmonary
involvement in sarcoidosis patients. Agreeing with previous clinical studies, these correlations offer
insight into the pathogenesis of the disease. More importantly though is that we are now capable of
targeting the disease based on ancestry, developing drugs to target certain cytokines elicited in each
respective race.
114
P10
Novel Use of HIV-1 Rapid Tests in Determining Infection Status of Babies
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Research Center
Most newly infected children with HIV-1 contract the virus during birth. However, not all babies born to
HIV-infected mothers become infected. Uninfected babies undergo a process called seroreversion. This
occurs as maternal HIV-1 antibodies transferred during the third trimester gradually decrease, leaving the
baby HIV-uninfected. In developed countries, costly and repetitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and
Western blot tests are used for up to eighteen months to determine the final status of the baby, while many
developing countries use antibody assays instead. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of
HIV-1 rapid tests in determining infection status compared to customary lab tests. In this study forty-three
plasma samples from twenty-four previously tested uninfected patients were collected and tested on two
different Food and Drug Adminsitration approved HIV-1 rapid tests, OraQuick and UniGold. Some
samples were also tested by EIA and Western blot where original data was not available. Data was
divided into two subgroups: samples taken within eight months of birth and samples taken nine months
onward. The results showed that of the twenty-one samples in the nine month onward group, fifteen were
negative on the OraQuick and UniGold, while only six were negative on the ELISA. Based on these
results, it can be said that the OraQuick and UniGold rapid tests may be effective in accurately
determining infection status in as little as nine months after the HIV exposed baby is born.
P11
Knowledge of Neonatal Healthcare in Rural Versus Urban Centers in Orissa, India
Presenter(s)
Ankita Khandai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Neonatal healthcare is the preservation of health of newborn babies, and is an issue of vital importance. In
countries with good healthcare infrastructure, and education, general knowledge of healthcare and
medicine is much more accessible. However, developing countries like India are still in the process of
improving such hospital and educational infrastructure, making the issue of keeping newborn babies alive
and healthy one at the forefront of international healthcare. One of the most important factors in neonatal
care is the parents. Their caretaking can only be adequate if their knowledge of their baby’s needs is also
sufficient. This project investigated the amount of knowledge mothers of newborn babies in the rural
versus urban areas of Orissa, India had about the healthcare of their babies. Eighty-three mothers of
children one year and younger were surveyed for this study: forty-two from urban centers in
Bhubaneswar, Orissa and forty-one subjects from villages nearby Bhubaneswar. The survey included
questions on illness and caretaking, as well as demographic information such as household income and
family size for purposes of comparison. The results were not conclusive; however, the lack of knowledge
across all demographics was significant in understanding the attitude towards medicine and healthcare in
developing countries.
115
P12
Analyzing the Development of Cancer Through Patient Behavior, Environment, and Genetics
Presenter(s)
Jiwon Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aubrey Sumaydeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joly Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Determining prognosis and outcome of cancer can be approached by looking at many different factors,
including patient behavior, environment, and genetics. Analysis of databases of the varying factors of
behavioral risks and geographical location and their correlations with cancer development showed
unexpected and unaccountable complexities. However, with the analysis of genetics, through the field of
pharmacogenetics, the individual’s unique genome is examined. Now cancer patients receive novel and
more effective treatment. Pharmacogenetics is the study of genetic variations between individuals in order
to predict a patient’s ability to metabolize and respond to medicine. New advances in microarray
technology generate gene expression profiles for a patient to help analyze their individual response to
drugs by identifying patterns of markers and genes. With one in seven women developing breast cancer in
their lifetime, breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer threatening women, is on the frontier of
pharmacogenetics research. Already, significant discoveries such as the HER2 receptor, the tumor
suppressors BRCA1 and 2, and the estrogen receptor have significantly changed breast cancer treatment
and classification, making pharmacogenetics a key to diagnosing and treating cancer.
P13
Post-Natal Weight Gain as an Indicator for Earlier and More Precise Retinopathy of Prematurity
Screening
Presenter(s)
Pruthvi Kothari, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathon Muraskas, Loyola University
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of a premature
infant and is the leading cause of childhood blindness. All infants with a gestational age (GA) below
thirty-three weeks and a birth weight (BW) below 1500 grams undergo multiple eye exams in order to
identify who needs further treatment. The purpose of our study was to validate a study done in Sweden
that showed post-natal weight gain as an indicator for earlier and more precise ROP screening with slight
modifications. We retrospectively identified all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at
Loyola University Medical Center (GA < thirty-three weeks, BW < 1500 grams) from 2005 to 2008. We
then set up a database in order to look at the birth weight, gestational age, medical interventions, daily
weight gain, discharge weight, discharge gestational age, and postnatal diagnoses of each infant. We
hypothesized our results to show that premature infants with adequate weight gain developed less severe
ROP compared to those infants with poor weight gain. If our hypothesis proved to be true, we would be
able to predict infants who would need earlier and more frequent ROP screenings versus those who would
not, therefore reducing the stress and cost of eye exams.
116
P14
The Development of a Method of Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's Disease
Presenter(s)
Justine Ly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Katherine Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chien-Min Kao, University of Chicago
Parkinson’s disease is classified as a disorder that impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions.
Typically, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s is based on the observations of regressing motor skills in addition
to a patient’s medical history. It is known that Parkinson’s disease is marked by the degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons. Using the tracer, TRODAT, to generate SPECT images of the brain, we
normalized the SPECT images to a standard template image using a common reference coordinate. Then,
a statistical analysis on the concentration of dopamine, which is indicated by the tracer, was conducted to
reveal the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons. By comparing the concentration of dopamine in
healthy patients to the concentration of dopamine in Parkinson’s patients, a trend can be detected. If these
quantitative measurements can be made earlier, a patient can be given an earlier diagnosis. Also, because
this method is more computer-based and requires less human proficiency, a more accurate diagnosis can
be given. Currently, our final results are still pending. Even so, we have found a possibility for inaccuracy
in this new method. Nevertheless, we hope that the technique we are working on with our advisors is
ultimately an improvement upon current methods of diagnosis.
P15
Classification of Intersectin Interacting Proteins
Presenter(s)
Pujan Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
John O'Bryan, University of Illinois at Chicago
This study was conducted to categorize the targets of both isoforms of intersectin (ITSN) and identify
their possible involvement in cellular and biochemical pathways. As a scaffold protein, ITSN consists of
multiple interacting domains that bring together various proteins with multiple other interactions and
functions. A high throughput yeast-two hybrid screen was previously performed by the laboratory to
identify potential ITSN targets. Using the data from that study, research via databases and literature
review was done to gather information on the targets, such as interacting domains, functions, and
pathways. We then collated this information into a table, and after examining the targets, we hypothesized
that ITSN is involved in regulating multiple biochemical pathways. Most of the proteins that interacted
with ITSN were found to be involved in cellular endocytosis; however, additional pathways were
identified. One novel ITSN interaction was with mTRP53, a tumor suppressor gene, which suggests ITSN
involvement in the regulation of cancer. Using the results of this study, future researchers can test for the
involvement of ITSN in cellular and biochemical conditions such as cancer. Furthermore, drugs may be
developed to disrupt the functions of ITSN and create possible therapies.
117
P16
Genotyping Nitric Oxide Synthase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Sprague-Dawley Rats from
Charles River Versus Harlan
Presenter(s)
Aldo Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isolina Rossi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Melina Kibbe, Northwestern University
William Pearce, Northwestern University
Vera Shively, Northwestern University
Surgical interventions used to treat atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, often fail due to a process
called neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). One of the common animal models for NIH is the rat carotid injury
model. Investigators noticed rats of the same strain, but purchased from different vendors, did not develop
the same rates of NIH. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in a candidate gene for NIH, endothelial
nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), were responsible for differences in response to injury seen in the rats. DNA
was isolated from twenty inbred Sprague Dawley rats that were purchased from two different vendors.
The rats were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease digestion
and electrophoresis. The primers were designed based on NOS3 sequences from the rat genome database.
The New England Biolabs NEBCutter software was used to find the enzyme used for genotyping. We
analyzed one NOS3 single nucleotide polymorphism, (SNP); either a guanine (G) or cytosine (C) is found
at this location. Of the rats that were analyzed, all had the G-G genotype, which does not support our
hypothesis. These results suggest that this NOS3 SNP may not be associated with variations of NIH
formation in the rats.
118
P17
Post-Myocardial Infarction Repair and Angiogenesis
Presenter(s)
Shyam Saladi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Caroline Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samuel Dudley, University of Illinois at Chicago
David Simpson, University of Illinois at Chicago
Pluripotent stem cells have been shown to harbor potential for enhanced myocardial infarct repair. One
potential mechanism of repair is stem cell secretion of paracrine factors. The purpose of this investigation
is to determine the angiogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and human embryonic
stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells (B4 cells) cultured in three-dimensional collagen patches. A vessel
formation assay was completed using conditioned media from hMSC and B4 cells exposed to hypoxia as
a monolayer or within a patch. The extent of vessel formation was quantified after twenty-two hours.
Additionally, mRNA was isolated from hypoxic hMSC and B4 cells cultured as monolayers or patches to
determine the extent of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by real time RT-PCR.
Results show that vessel formation properties are augmented for endothelial cells exposed to conditioned
media for hMSC and B4 cells cultured in patches compared to monolayers. Additionally, VEGF mRNA
abundance in increased in hMSC and B4 cell patches compared to monolayers. This suggests that the
culture of stem cells in three-dimensional collagen patches show increased angiogenic potential which
may be driven by increased expression of paracrine factors such as VEGF.
P18
The Role of Syndecans in Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain
Presenter(s)
Rital Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennifer Koblinski, Northwestern University
Breast cancer patients die when the cancer metastasizes to the brain. The mechanisms of breast cancer
metastasis to the brain are poorly understood. Syndecan (SD)1-4 are a family of transmembrane heparin
sulfate proteoglycans that are widely expressed in developing tissues and are known to have a role in
cancer. The role of SD in breast cancer metastasis is currently unknown. We hypothesize that SD2 and 4
increase breast cancer metastasis to the brain. To address this hypothesis, SD2 and 4 expressions were
silenced in a breast cancer cell line, MDA-231, labeled with green fluorescent protein. Cells were injected
in the left ventricle of the mouse heart; four weeks later the tumors were examined in dissected fixed
brains of these mice using a fluorescent dissecting scope. The right hemisphere of the each brain was
sliced. Tumors within these slices were imaged and tumor size was quantified to determine tumor burden.
Quantitative PCR was also performed to confirm these results. We found that silencing of SD2 and 4
expression decreased tumor burden within the brain compared to the control. These results suggest that
SD2 and 4 play important roles in the growth of breast cancer cells in the brain.
119
P19
Determining Response of Cytogenetically Differing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines to
Chemotherapy
Presenter(s)
Divya Tankasala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenan Onel, University of Chicago
Sapana Vora, University of Chicago
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with abnormalities of chromosomes five and/or seven are known
to respond more poorly to chemotherapy than their cytogenetically normal counterparts. Studies have
shown that some patients are more likely to have resistant forms of AML associated with poor-risk
cytogenetic features and multi-drug resistant phenotypes. The purpose of this investigation was to
determine how cytogenetically different acute myeloid leukemia cell lines respond to different
chemotherapeutics. Following a standard cytotoxicity protocol, a total of eleven different AML cell lines
were dosed with four chemotherapy drugs at various concentrations. Drug sensitivity was determined by
calculating an IC50 (inhibitory concentration) at twenty-four hours for each drug/cell line combination.
Two methods were used to measure viability; a standard MTT assay and the bench top flow cytometer.
Preliminary findings indicate that, as expected, certain cell lines are more sensitive/resistant to particular
chemotherapy agents than others; notably the Kasumi1 cell lines which are resistance to mitoxantrone.
The UOCM1 (Del5q, monosomy 7) line shows a marked sensitivity to cisplatin which, though apparently
effective against some AML cells, is not typically prescribed in the clinic. Experiments are ongoing, and
when completed, informed conclusions regarding the effect of chromosome 5/7 status on chemotherapy
resistance/sensitivity will be gathered.
120
P20
Validation of HIV-1 Viral Load Determination Using Dried Blood Spot Primary Samples Tested on
the Abbott RealTime PCR Assay
Presenter(s)
Amy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children’s Memorial Research Center
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects about 0.6% of the world´s population. Testing of
plasma samples in some areas of the world can be difficult due to processing and storage equipment.
However, a new approach with dried blood spots (DBSs) is less difficult and time-consuming to perform,
and the DBSs may be safely stored at room temperature until transported to centralized testing
laboratories. The Abbott RealTime HIV RNA PCR processed and assayed on the Abbott m2000 sp
System uses the integrase gene as its primary target in comparison to other platforms that target the
envelope or gag gene for detection of HIV-1 proviral DNA. This project focused on finding the sensitivity
and specificity of the Abbott m2000 sp System in determining the HIV-1 RNA levels in samples taken
between 2009 and 2010. Results show that DBS samples are less sensitive than plasma using the system.
While standard plasma real time PCR has a lower limit of detection of around 40 copies/mL, using DBS
extracts from the same patients results in a preliminary lower limit of detection of 4000 copies/mL on the
system. Further testing must be done to determine the value of using dried blood spots for quantitative
viral load testing with the Abbott m2000sp System and the exact sensitivity and lower limit of detection
for clinical evaluation in select regional settings.
Q01
How does the Trafficking Motif Affect the Rate of BACE 1 Endocytosis?
Presenter(s)
Ruchi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mehal Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Virginie Buggia-Prevot, University of Chicago
Gopal Thinakaran, University of Chicago
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of β-amyloid in the brain. BACE 1 is an essential
enzyme for the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which leads to the formation of β-
amyloid. Controlling BACE 1 levels will decrease the buildup of β-amyloid, which in turn will reduce the
occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathological lesions in the brain. BACE 1 is thought to
cleave APP when both proteins move from the cell surface into the cell. Therefore, in this investigation
we studied the endocytosis of BACE 1 in African green monkey (COS) cells. Endocytosis of wildtype
BACE 1 and a mutant where the dileucine motif has been mutated were studied by labeling BACE 1 and
using video microscopy. The dileucine motif was used in order to provide insight of this trafficking motif
on BACE 1 endocytosis. Preliminary data shows that the BACE 1 bearing the dileucine motif
significantly decreases the rate of BACE 1 endocytosis compared to wildtype BACE 1. Overall, the
outcome of this experiment will provide supplementary knowledge for possible ways to manipulate
BACE 1 movement within the neurons and brain β-amyloid levels ultimately reducing the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease.
121
Q02
Sex Effects on the Speech-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response
Presenter(s)
Dawna Bagherian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nina Kraus, Northwestern University
Jen Krizman, Northwestern University
Erika Skoe, Northwestern University
The brain’s response to auditory stimuli can be objectively assessed through the auditory brainstem
response (ABR), a waveform showing the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound. BioMARK
is a clinical technology which uses a 40 ms speech stimulus, /da/, to determine the efficacy of the auditory
nervous system. The current study included the collection of the BioMARK response of seventy-six
subjects (thirty-eight females) to examine the effect of a subject’s sex on his or her ability to process
sound and demonstrated that female responses have shorter latencies and larger amplitudes, indicating
that their brains respond faster and more robustly to sound. Though previous studies have demonstrated
this for peak V of the click-evoked response, the current study shows significant differences in BioMARK
peaks V, A, F and O, but not in C, D and E. In addition, it has demonstrated that spectral encoding of high
frequencies (700-1100 Hz) is significantly larger in females than in males. These results suggest that
BioMARK is a useful clinical tool that does not display pervasive sex effects.
Q03
Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on the Development of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and
Periventricular Leukomalacia in Premature Multiple Births
Presenter(s)
Omotayo Balogun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kari Tyler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maliha Shareef, Loyola University
Tricia Thomson, Loyola University
We investigated trends involving the existence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular
leukomalacia (PVL) in premature multiple births as a result of antenatal corticosteroids betamethosone
and dexamethosone. According to past research, betamethosone significantly decreases the risk of the
appearance of IVH and PVL, even more than dexamethosone which in some studies has been found to
increase occurrence of IVH in premature births. Through chart review of multiple births for 2006-2009
from the Loyola University Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit’s database, we have gathered data
to investigate these trends. The type of information we gathered includes but is not limited to: grade of
IVH, extent of PVL, gestational age, multiple type, birth weight, and Apgar scores specific to each
patient. The original intention was to analyze data from 1998-2008, but after data collection; we have had
to narrow the focus to later years. We are now analyzing data from 2006-2009. We also intended to
compare the trends of IVH and PVL in multiples with respect to each steroid with the trends of IVH and
PVL with respect to the same steroids in singleton births. Data analysis of the data collected 2006-2009 is
underway. Results from our research may be able to help the scientific community determine which
antenatal corticosteroid is better to use in cases involving mothers that are at risk for delivering
prematurely.
122
Q04
Investigation of Corticospinal Motor Neurons in Health and Integrity in Mouse Models of
Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Ayse Cetinkaya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease which results in the progressive
degeneration of corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) and spinal motor neurons. This leads to the loss of
motor function and muscular paralysis, and ultimately results in death. Point mutations on the superoxide
dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene have been linked to familial ALS cases, and mouse models of ALS with the
SOD1G93A mutation have been generated. In this study, CSMN integrity and health in wild-type,
SOD1G93A transgenic mice, and a novel mouse model, CSMNb -/- which shows an ALS-like phenotype
was investigated using structural, anatomical, and cellular analysis. Brain and spinal cord tissue were
prepared for further cellular and anatomical analysis by taking coronal and sagittal sections. After a
complete familiarization with the anatomical structures of the brain such as the motor cortex, striatum,
and hippocampus, Nissl staining was performed to visualize the layers of the cortex and axonal
projections. The initial findings upon comparison of identical sections suggest that CSMN are vulnerable
in ALS mouse models, and there is a significant reduction in subcortical axon projections, especially in
CSMNb -/- mice. These results build upon previously reported findings, and strongly suggest that
CSMNb -/- mice mimic ALS pathogenesis.
Q05
Quantification of Anastrozole Consumption Administration Using a Novel Delivery System in Mice
Presenter(s)
Janani Mandayam Comar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elliott Mufson, Rush University Medical Center
Cassia Overk, Rush University Medical Center
Low estrogen level is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Estrogen has been shown to
regulate AD-like neuropathology in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTgAD). However, it is
unknown if inhibiting estrogen production in the brain using an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, would
also increase plaque or tangle-like deposits. Due to poor palatability of anastrozole, a novel oral hydration
gel system was employed. This study evaluated the six-month consumption rate of the drug-treated versus
control gel and the corresponding plasma levels of anastrozole at the time of sacrifice using liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry. There was no significant difference in gel consumption between the
treated and control groups. Preliminary results also indicate that concentration of anastrozole in the
plasma was, on average, 1.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL. Further analysis will show if correlation exists between plasma
levels of anastrozole and the amount of drug consumed.
123
Q06
hTDP-43 Proteinopathy in Drosophila
Presenter(s)
Cecilia Countryman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Pranusha Pinna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The neuropathology of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) has been found to cause many human
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS). Studies have shown that in affected neuronal tissues, TDP-43 forms aggregates in the
cytoplasm. In order to expand our knowledge of TDP-43 proteinopathy, we examined how the human
TDP-43 (hTDP-43) gene was expressed in Drosophila melanogaster, a useful animal model because of
its genetic similarities to humans. We studied the expression of hTDP-43 protein in transgenic flies in
order to gain knowledge of the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathy. We found that the overexpression
of hTDP-43 protein may cause morphological changes and function deficits caused by TDP-43
proteinopathy, which can be seen in the animal model. The expression of wildtype hTDP-43 in
Drosophila led to age-dependent degeneration. In transgenic flies, neurodegeneration was detected
through the development of mushroom bodies, ommatidia loss, and photoreceptor degeneration. The
transgenic Drosophila served as a good model for our study because they showed pathological and
clinical features of ALS as well as neuropathological, biochemical, and functional features of hTDP-43
proteinopathy.
Q07
Exploring Resting State Connectivity with Physiologic Intervention
Presenter(s)
Justin Feng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yanchen Shi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
From walking to speech, our everyday body functions are controlled and coordinated by the brain.
Interactions between brain regions can now be studied with the use of functional magnetic resonance
imaging. With these images, effects of drugs on the brain can be studied as well. For our experiment, we
set out to use functional imaging to analyze and correlate the network connections inside the brain in
resting state, before and after the injection of caffeine. First we gathered both functional and structural
images, on eleven test subjects before and after the injection of caffeine. We then proceeded to analyze
these images. After reorienting motion correction and aligning each image, we processed the images in
several steps, including smoothing, normalizing, and so forth. From there, we analyzed the regions of
interest and proceeded to perform various statistical tests on them, including t-tests, paired t-tests, and
correlation analysis. We have found that in general, network correlations are less substantial after the
injection of caffeine at resting state than before the injection. Our average trends have shown that for the
most part there is more correlated activity before caffeine injection than after, contrary to what most
people feel after having a coffee. In the future, we will be able to further analyze more subtle but
significant trends in the functional connectivity and also eventually figure out whether if the source of
trends is physiological or neural.
124
Q08
Mapping Verbal Memory Areas in Epileptic Patients Through Electrocorticographic Readings of
Subdural Electrodes
Presenter(s)
Brielle James, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Paul Yuan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Affecting over one percent of the world’s population, epilepsy is a condition in which patients experience
recurring seizures that are potentially disabling and prevent them from leading normal lives. When
pharmacological treatment is ineffective, many patients choose surgery to remove the epileptic focus.
Unfortunately, some post-surgical patients experience a decline in memory while still facing the same
crippling effects of their seizures. We studied the electrocorticographic (ECoG) patterns of four righthanded
epileptic patients (three children, one adult) who had been surgically implanted with subdural
electrodes. Each was given a memory test that included tasks involving long and short term memory, as
well as mathematical calculations and word repetition. Local increases in gamma band activity (70-100
Hz) were observed in response to warning tones, presented words, and the patient’s verbal response.
Additionally, local activity in the temporal lobe and the posterior parietal cortex was found to increase
between the presented words and the patient response, signifying either memory retrieval or volition (the
act of deciding to speak). Moreover, it was discovered that during the word repetition task, words
received through auditory means were processed differently from those presented visually. Locating the
areas important to verbal memory may improve surgical outcomes for those suffering from epilepsy.
Q09
Brainwave Technologies
Presenter(s)
Monica Kozbial, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The goal is to observe the extent to which the real-time display of brainwaves enables a user to
manipulate them and to develop our own application. For over twenty-five years, neurofeedback has
sought to help people with a variety of situations ranging from treating depression to alleviating
headaches through the manipulation of brainwaves. Companies have developed game controllers based
on this concept to enhance the gaming experience. I am working with a single sensor headset developed
by Neurosky, called the Mindset, which scans the brain for activity at established frequencies and
interprets these signals in terms of mental states, such as attention and meditation. The Mindset data
stream can be accessed with different platforms. I have chosen to work with java, ActionScript and C. I
chose java because of my familiarity with it and ActionScript and C because of the sample code available
on the company’s website. I have written a program that has successfully accessed the Mindset data
stream and has retrieved values relating to brainwave activity. Currently, I am working on an application
that will utilize and manipulate the brainwave data retrieved from the Mindset.
125
Q10
How Can You Train to be as Fast as The Flash?: Immediate Effects of a Two-Minute Bout of
Speed-Walking Training Versus Resistance-Walking Training in a Young, Nonimpaired Group of
Subjects
Presenter(s)
Samuel Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Brown, Northwestern University
Two training approaches for improving walking speed post-stroke are resistance training and speed
training. Previous studies have shown that both speed and resistance training improves walking speed of
stroke survivors in the short term. Although experiments have looked at both types of training, they have
not compared the two with each other in the same patient cohort. The purpose of this study was to
examine the short term effects of speed-based versus resistance-based training in non-impaired
individuals to be compared with a future group of stroke survivors. Seven non-impaired individuals
walked around a 16.5 meter circle circuit at various paces for six by two minute intervals (two trials of
two minutes baseline, two minutes intervention, two minutes aftereffect measurement). Step rate, gait
speed, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured using data recorded during the experiment. Results
showed that neither speed-based nor resistance-based training had a statistically significant effect on the
immediate walking speed of subjects. However, lap four of the aftereffect measurement of the speedbased
training was significantly faster than the previous three laps. This experiment suggests that walking
speed accelerates shortly after speed-based training. These results can now be compared with stroke
survivors who, due to slower walking speeds and less ability to increase speed, may benefit more from
resistance training compared with speed training.
Q11
Blood Versus Brains: A Look at Telomere Length in Mice Over Time
Presenter(s)
Ashley Ro, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nikita Veera, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chunyu Liu, University of Chicago
Gene expression and telomere length studies are currently popular in neuropsychiatric research. However,
these studies are complicated by the fact that epigenetic markers, gene expression and telomere length
vary during normal development and aging. Also, it is not known how similarly they change in blood
versus in brain tissue. This investigation focuses on how telomere length varies over developmental time
in the brain and blood of mice. To conduct the investigation, blood and brain tissue samples were
collected from inbred mice strain C57BL/6J at three developmental stages: infant (postnatal day 15
(p15)), juvenile (p35), and adult (p60). DNA was extracted from mouse leukocytes and cerebellum.
SYBR Green quantitative PCR was used to measure telomere length. Establishing how telomere length
changes over developmental time in normal mice will assist other researchers in conducting investigations
involving mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
126
Q12
Dopamine Neuron Loss and Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunoreactive Neuron Incidence of the
Substantia Nigra in Parksinson’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Priya Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Carvey, Rush University Medical Center
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of about 50-75% of dopamine (DA)
neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the brain. In past studies, the degeneration of DA neurons within
the SN of the brain has also been linked with the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir)
neurons in the SN. This study used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated
mouse model to examine the relationship between DA neuron toxicity and TH-ir cell loss in PD. Twentyeight,
eight-month old male mice were split into two groups; each group was injected systemically four
times with MPTP or saline on a two-hour injection protocol. Once sacrificed, the mice’s brains were
removed, sliced at a thickness of forty micrometers using a sliding microtome, stained using the avidinbiotin
complex method, and examined stereologically by using the program StereoInvestigator to count
TH-ir neurons within the SN. Mice are currently being sacrificed. Staining and neuron counts are
pending. If decreased TH-ir neuron cell counts in the nigral region of the brain correlate with the number
of DA neurons, they can thus be used to determine the amount of DA neuron degradation in PD.
Q13
Paracingulate Morphometry and Temperament, Character, and Cognition in Schizophrenia
Presenter(s)
Nicole Runkle, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Smith, Northwestern University
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Research suggests that paracingulate gyrus (PCG) morphometry is related to temperament, and that
controls (CON) have an asymmetric PCG when compared to schizophrenia subjects (SCZ). Whether PCG
abnormalities are related to patterns of temperament, character, and cognition in schizophrenia is
unknown. In this project, we delineated PCG from MRI scans to assess prevalence, volume, thickness,
and surface area. These PCG measures were compared between SCZ and CON, and correlated with
temperament, character, and cognition. In contrast to prior research, we found a greater PCG asymmetry
(Left>Right) in SCZ when compared to CON. We also found that the PCG measures were unrelated to
temperament and character. However, SCZ with no PCG present had lower self-directedness and
cooperativeness than SCZ with the PCG. SCZ with no PCG present had higher cognitive scores than SCZ
with the PCG present, while CON with no PCG had lower cognitive scores than CON with PCG present.
These findings suggest that lack of PCG for SCZ is related to a more immature character profile. Our
findings also suggest that there may be an interaction between schizophrenia and the presence of PCG as
cognitive impairments were evident in SCZ with PCG and CON with no PCG.
127
Q14
Modeling Thermal Pain Perception
Presenter(s)
Shivam Vedak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
A. Vania Apkarian, Northwestern University
Previous studies have documented the pain ratings of subjects in response to noxious thermal stimuli. On
the contrary, very few have attempted to model these ratings, perhaps due to the notion that thermal pain
perception is a transitive process that is too complex to be modeled within a single mathematical model
with a high degree of accuracy. Within the present study, we sought to show otherwise by deriving the
simplest possible equations to model pain ratings of subjects in relation with corresponding temperature
profiles. For this, we used the computerized continuous visual analog scale (VAS) ratings of subjects with
data obtained from previous published articles. The equations were derived through the process of
iteratively optimizing variables within proposed equations to minimize variance between the model and
actual pain perception curves. Our findings indicate that though a first order differential equation with a
single constant sufficiently satisfies VAS ratings which are linearly related to the stimuli patterns, it loses
validity in more dynamic VAS ratings. In these situations, it is necessary to take into account the
derivative of the temperature curve. Thus, our final results suggest that the simplest optimal model is that
of a second degree differential equation with three independent constants, the physiological sources of
which remain to be determined.
Q15
The Role of N-Cadherin-Mediated Cell-Cell Adhesion in Regulating Canonical Wnt/ß-Catenin
Signaling
Presenter(s)
Jing Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anjen Chenn, Northwestern University
Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls many fundamental processes during embryonic development, and its
deregulation has been linked to tumorgenesis. Wnt signals stabilize β-catenin, allowing it to accumulate
within responding cells, and to cooperate with TCF DNA-binding factors in activating transcription of
target genes. β-catenin is also an integral component of the adherens junctions, where it links the
transmembrane protein cadherin to the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. Previous research has suggested
that N-cadherin’s function in cell-cell adhesion may regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In order to test this,
an N-cadherin mutant lacking the C-terminal β-catenin binding domain, which has been shown by its
maker to impair cell-cell adhesion, was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells to
test its effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling. After co-culture with Wnt-releasing 293T cells for 24 hours, a
luciferase reporter assay was conducted to quantify β-catenin signaling levels. The data from three
separate trials showed that Ncad-ΔC significantly down-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results
suggest that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion plays a role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
and may be important in embryogenesis and/or tumorgenesis.
128
Q16
What Makes Your Memory Click?: Identifying Differential Neural Activity Relating to Memory
Through Intracranial Electroencephalography
Presenter(s)
Weili Zheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Studies have shown that the brain exhibits different activity when it successfully encodes a memory.
Evidence of differential neural activity based on memory (Dm) has been previously found using
functional magnetic resonance imaging near the medial temporal lobe, as well as the prefrontal cortex.
This study is a further exploration in Dm using intracranial electroencephalography and a verbal memory
paradigm. Epilepsy patients with chronically implanted subdural grids were tested with a verbal memory
paradigm. Then, the EEG epochs during the successful memory encoding process, when the subject
subsequently remembers the word, were compared to epochs during failure to encode, when the subject
subsequently is unable to recall the word. Results showed that subsequently recalled words were
associated with significantly higher levels of activity in the delta and theta power (1-7 Hz), as well as in
the gamma frequency band (30 Hz). In addition, the study did not show any significant Dm activity in
either the medial temporal lobe or prefrontal cortex. This study can lead to improved understanding of
how the brain can successfully encode facts and words and may eventually lead to methods of improving
the human memory.
R01
At What Mass Does a Standard Model Higgs Boson Exist?
Presenter(s)
Alexander Abbinante, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Wesley Bradley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In the Standard Model of particle physics, one mystery that still remains is how each particle in the
universe obtained its own distinct mass. A particle known as the Higgs boson is theorized to have given
all other particles mass, and is the subject of our investigation. In preparation for the analysis of raw data,
tools such as Monte Carlo simulations, the ROOT programming language, and multi-variable analysis
programs are being studied and tested. Sample data sets have been collected and Monte Carlo simulations
have been applied to them in order to gain experience with the simulations. Data reduction of these sets
will soon begin so that an understanding of multi-variable analysis tools may be achieved. Testing and
analysis scripts have been written and existing ones have been manipulated in order to also achieve a
fluency in the ROOT programming language. These steps are providing a strong foundation of
understanding of the real data analysis that will be performed in the future. We will be continuing our
work and research through the summer and into the next school year, during which time we hope to make
much more progress in the hunt for the Higgs.
129
R02
Analysis of B-Tagging Algorithm Efficiencies at the Collider Detector at Fermilab
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Enrique Palencia, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
This investigation studies the efficiencies outputted from B-tagging algorithms used to analyze CDF Run
II data at Fermilab. The ability to identify jets having originated from a b-quark or other long-lived
particle is extremely important to many physics analysis at CDF. For example, search for the Higgs boson
at low masses (M_H <140 GeV/c2) and studies of the top-quark rely heavily on algorithms which "tag"
jets as b-jets. These algorithms rely heavily on the performance of the CDF silicon detector. One of the
goals of the calibration procedure is to measure b-tagging efficiency in a data sample. The b-tag scale
factor defined as the ratio of the positive b-tag rate in data and Monte Carlo, is then determined. Btagging
algorithms have had decreasing efficiencies so, in order to be useful in further scientific
investigations, the source of this error has to be understood and, if possible, corrected. The analysis I
performed has provided insight on the source of this decrease. Plotting detector efficiencies against time,
we can see that the rate of change of the correlation is significantly negative for all periods of time
analyzed. Since we know that luminosity has increased with time, we can conclude that B-tagging
algorithms decrease in efficiency is partly due to changing luminosities in the detector.
R03
Asymmetric Dice
Presenter(s)
Sara Akgul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Fischler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
We investigate trends in the probability of an asymmetrical die landing on a specific side, given various
degree of asymmetry of the die. Using the equations of classical physics, we present equations modeling a
single bounce and collision of the die with the ground and combine bounces and collisions into a
trajectory calculating algorithm that tells us the side the die lands on given any initial conditions. The
model includes effect of ordinary single-corner bounces, and also cases where the die is sliding on a
single side or is tilting while (nearly) resting on a corner. We show that the behavior becomes a chaotic
function of the initial conditions, and thus the probabilities are independent of initial heights, velocities,
and angular velocities, as long as the initial energy is large. We present probabilities for a rectangular die
of slight and extreme elongations, and discuss the way the odds of landing on the small side go to zero, as
the die becomes longer.
130
R04
Effect of Neutrons on Plastic Scintillating Material in the Mu2e Cosmic Ray Veto Shield
Presenter(s)
Amy Allen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Glenzinski, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Craig Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Mu2e proposes a detector of superior sensitivity to interact with an intense beam of slow muons and
actively look for neutrino-less muon (μ) to electron (e) conversion in the coulomb field of a nucleus (μ-N
--> e- N). Cosmic ray interactions in the Mu2e target and detector regions constitute three percent of all
expected background, as they can be mistaken for signal events. The Cosmic Ray Veto Shield (CRV) is
an active shield designed to detect and identify incoming cosmic rays to eliminate this background.
Neutron radiation originating from the creation and stopping of the muon beam in the Mu2e detector may
interfere with the CRV, causing it to be dysfunctional. In this investigation, neutron effect on the
scintillating material used in the CRV was tested using a californium 252 neutron source. Aluminum
plates were stacked at varying widths between the neutron source and CRV in an effort to increase the
purity of the source. Runs taken with no source and no aluminum had a trigger rate of 2.5 events/sec.
Runs taken with the source and without aluminum exhibited a trigger rate of 18 events/sec, an increase of
eighty-six percent. Ten centimeters of aluminum blocked seventy-five percent of the incoming particles,
leaving an eleven percent increase of unknown composition. Future studies include further testing with
aluminum to eliminate all gamma and beta particles and creating new trigger panels to improve selection
of cosmic rays with specific properties such as position or angle of incidence.
R05
Neutrino Oscillations and the NOvA Experiment
Presenter(s)
Mohammed Hayat, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
A significant fact about neutrinos is that they have masses. This has been controversial in previous years
but it is concluded through neutrino oscillations that neutrinos have masses. Neutrino oscillation
experiments have revealed that neutrinos change flavor after propagating a finite distance. The NOvA
experiment is a particle physics experiment designed to detect neutrinos created by Fermilab’s NuMI
(Neutrinos at the Main Injector) beam. NOvA is intended to be the successor to MINOS. NOvA will
consist of a detector at Fermilab, the near detector, and a far detector in northern Minnesota, the far
detector. NOvA's main goal is to observe the oscillation of muon neutrinos to electron neutrino (νμ→
νe). This will assist particle physicists in constructing a matrix describing neutrino oscillation by finding
one matrix parameter for the Θ-13 angle. My investigation examines the theory and mathematics behind
the neutrino oscillations angles, specifically the Θ-13 angle, and it investigates how the NOvA experiment
relates in finding Θ-13. During my time at Argonne National Laboratory, I was asked to look at databases
for construction plans of the NOvA experiment to find and correct corrupted construction data. Along
with looking at data and technical designs, I further observe NOvA construction plans in order to find
how the detector functions and how it could potentially find Θ-13.
131
R06
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Telluride by Doping
Presenter(s)
Vladislav Kontsevoi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arthur Freeman, Northwestern University
Jung-Hwan Song, Northwestern University
Thermoelectric materials have important applications including power generation and cooling. The focus
of modern thermoelectric research is to increase the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT =
TS2σ/κ where T, S, σ, and κ are the absolute temperature, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and
thermal conductivity, respectively. By means of first-principles calculations using the full-potential
linearized augmented plane wave method, we used band-gap engineering to improve the so-called power
factor S2σ. The calculations were performed for 64-atom supercells corresponding to 1.56% doping, and
site preferences for dopant atoms were established. To determine Seebeck coefficients and electrical
conductivities, we performed calculations based on the Boltzmann transport theory in the constant
relaxation time approximation. We found that doping creates electronic levels in the band gap which
modify transport properties. Quantitatively, p-type doping with As on the Te site or Ca or Sr on the Pb
site enhances the thermoelectric power factor due to increased electronic conductivity. Doping with As,
Sb, Cd, or Zn on the Pb site results in an enhanced n-type thermoelectric power factor at low carrier
densities. These results provide insight into the correspondence between the qualitative aspects of band
structures and densities of states and quantitative thermoelectric properties.
R07
Search for Sudden Stratospheric Warmings in Soudan 2's Muon Data
Presenter(s)
Zhengzheng Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Far in the upper atmosphere, cosmic rays collide with the constituents of the atmosphere, interact or
decay, and form muons and muon neutrinos. These particles will then traverse the atmosphere and the
dense rock interior of the Earth, encountering energy losses by electromagnetic interactions. Then, the
muons and muon neutrinos are detected underground at places such as the MINOS detector and the
Soudan 2 detector. The atmosphere of the Earth is a gas, and as temperature increases, the gas will
expand, becoming less dense. When the atmosphere is less dense, fewer particles will interact and instead
decay, increasing the number of muons detected underground. Therefore, through an analysis of the
previously accumulated muon detection rate data from the Soudan 2 experiment, a correlation of muon
detection rate and change in temperature, αT value, was determined. At this point, the αT value was not
high enough to signify a strong correlation. Thus, Soudan 2’s historical database was analyzed in order to
make necessary cuts and improve the αT value. Furthermore, the muon detection data was used to
identify signs of a phenomenon in the upper atmosphere known as sudden stratospheric warmings. A
comparison of the experimental results was made to a previously conducted and similar experiment that
used the MINOS detector. The results will further the understanding of particles, their relationship to life,
and the temperature changes of the stratosphere.
132
R08
Visual Scanning of MINOS Neutrino Event Data
Presenter(s)
Alexander Munoz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Using event, or neutrino collision, data, I have sought to accurately determine traits such as neutrino
flavor and charge by looking for unique indicators in the events themselves. More specifically, this year I
have been working with neutrino electron events and a special type of muon event, called rock muon
events, from the MINOS experiment. For the electron neutrino events, twenty-three events were found
that were thought to be electron neutrino events, and I checked whether eight of these events were
possibly miscategorized. In the end, the errors I found were not significant enough to change the label of
the event. As for the rock muon events, I looked at these events to determine if the magnet in the center of
the detector was bending the muon’s path towards or away from it. This bending is then used to determine
if a positive or negative muon was knocked out by a neutrino or antineutrino. The number of muons
found in the MINOS Far Detector is used to verify that current measurements of the value of ΔM2
32 hold
true when found with neutrinos and antineutrinos. As of right now, I am still scanning through rock muon
events with final results still being prepared.
R09
The Mass Versus Richness Relationship for MaxBCG Galaxy Clusters
Presenter(s)
Liana Nicklaus, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Huan Lin, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Using MaxBCG galaxy cluster data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we studied the relationship
between the clusters’ weak lensing mass estimates and richness in three richness bins. Richness is a
measure of the number of galaxies in a cluster. While this relationship had been derived before using
stacked clusters, we analyzed individual clusters, allowing us to estimate the scatter in the masses.
However, due to the large amount of noise in the individual measurements, we grouped individual
clusters into small stacks of ten to minimize noise while still being able to estimate scatter. To account for
biases in our data, we had to consider contributions from both large scale structure and statistical noise.
To correct for large scale structure biases, we ran analyses on random pieces of sky from the same
redshift distribution as the clusters. We then subtracted the mass estimates of these fields from the cluster
estimates. When estimating the scatter, we again considered both large scale structure and statistical
noise, the latter found through analyzing cluster simulations. These contributions were subtracted to
obtain the intrinsic mass scatter. Our mass-richness relationship closely matched results from previous
studies, though our estimate of the mass scatter was larger than expected.
133
R10
Development of a Likelihood Variable for Differentiating Between Hadronic Jets and Photons
Presenter(s)
James Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sasha Pronko, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Collider Detector at Fermilab detects photons and hadronic jets. The hadronic jet may imitate the
signature of a photon in the case where a π0 meson is emitted. The photon is important in searches for
new physics beyond the Standard Model and any hadronic jets confused as photons my skew such
searches. In this inquiry, the distributions of PT, dR, and Ntrack were studied to determine the chance of
each particle being formed. This probability is then transformed into a likelihood variable by multiplying
these three together and then taking the negative log. Currently the likelihood variable has data from just
the photons, but progress on integrating data from the hadronic jet distributions is well under way. With
data from just the true photons, the separation between the hadronic jet and photon signatures is already
surpassing the current identification criteria is both efficiency and rejection. Adding in the data from the
hadronic jets should continue to improve the cuts.
R11
Building a Scanning Probe Microscope Interface Using LabVIEW
Presenter(s)
Jay Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Venkat Chandrasekhar, Northwestern University
This investigation deals with revamping the programming of a scanning probe microscope (SPM). The
old program written in VisualBASIC requires programming knowledge to utilize fully, so for the sake of
simplicity, the new user interface is being written in LabVIEW. The SPM methods used encompass some
of the most useful ways of researching and seeing nanoscale images. The piezoelectric actuator built by
Attocube that the Northwestern University Mesoscopic Physics Group uses in its machine allows it to
move with enough precision to get lateral resolutions of less than fifty angstroms, making this machine an
important researching tool, and my work aims at making part of a simplified user interface to increase the
usability. LabVIEW is created by National Instruments and has a unique method which is very user
friendly and extremely easy to manipulate, as well as the increased functionality of being able to collect
data directly and operate it to display an image and control the microscope all from organized, easy to use
panels. Through the course of my work, I will have programmed a working front panel and the back end
interfaces to operate the approach mechanism for the machine.
134
R12
The RRR Measurement by AC Lock-in Amplifier
Presenter(s)
Shobhit Roy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
C. Shekhar Mishra, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Arun Saini, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Genfa Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The performance of a superconductive cavity depends upon the purity of the niobium used to make the
cavity. The RRR measurement is used to quantify the purity of the metal, therefore the precise
measurement of the RRR is necessary for making good cavities and helps to understand the material
history during manufacturing and processing. RRR measurement at Fermilab has been using DC current
source, which is susceptible to many sources of noise. In order to reduce the amplification of the noise,
the external signals have to be synchronized with the lock-in amplifier signal. The lock-in amplifier
technique has the ability to eliminate most of the noise except the signal generator. I have learned the
principles of using lock-in amplifier technique in measuring small signals. The work has demonstrated the
feasibility of lock-in amplifier technique in the Fermilab materials laboratory. I have identified the most
sources of noise which was the circuit, signal generator, and current source. The effort to further improve
the signal noise ratio is in progress. By increasing the accuracy of the RRR measurement, it will have a
positive impact in understanding the fabrication and the processing of niobium cavities.
R13
Search For Strong Gravitational Lens Systems Within the Blanco Cosmology Survey
Presenter(s)
Anderson West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tom Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Strong gravitational lensing systems (SGLs) have proven to be useful tools in quantifying the mass
profiles of galaxies or galaxy clusters independently of the light emission distribution. A search for SGLs
was conducted over one hundred square degrees of the Blanco Cosmology Survey. A total of one
thousand and seventy-three candidates were selected from g-band black-and-white images based upon
morphology alone. Color thumbnails of these systems were produced. Requiring that star-forming lensed
source galaxies must have a consistent color that is typically bluer than the lensing galaxy, nine were
selected for further study. We will show false color images of the selected candidates with hypothesized
source images labeled.
135
S01
Westerners and East Asianers: Why Do We Clique?
Presenter(s)
Kaijia Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Y. Chiao, Northwestern University
In high schools all around the nation, the exaggerated stereotypes portrayed in movies and books are
shown to have some truth to them. I am investigating the differences in social perception between
Westerners and East Asianers and linking these differences to the formation and structure of high school
social cliques. Through a twenty question survey in which high school students at the Illinois Math and
Science Academy rank their agreement to statements regarding social cliques, we will be able to see
trends on how students of different races choose their respective social groups. I have not yet been able to
distribute my survey due to complications with survey development and approval, but it will be
distributed and analyzed as soon as possible. Some studies have shown that Westerners and East Asianers
do indeed perceive others differently: Westerners in an individualistic view and East Asianers in a group
context. My prediction is that this will prove true through the data the survey harnesses. This project will
lead to important conclusions about teenage minds and hopefully to better high school environments.
S02
Decontextualized Language Use in the Early Home Environment of Children with Early Unilateral
Brain Injury: Relations to Vocabulary and Narrative Development
Presenter(s)
Gabriella Heller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ozlem Ece Demir, University of Chicago
Susan Goldin-Meadow, University of Chicago
Susan Levine, University of Chicago
Children with pre- or perinatal unilateral brain injury (PI) demonstrate remarkable brain plasticity when
developing primary communicative skills (for example, gesture production, lexical skills, and syntactic
comprehension). The plasticity might not extend to later-developing complex language skills, such as
narrative skills. The current study examines the role of parental input on a child’s later language
development. Spontaneous caregiver-child interactions were studied for both typically-developing (TD)
and PI children, and caregiver input (general language input and decontextualized language input) and the
child decontextualized language use was measured at thirty and forty-two months of age. Child
vocabulary and narrative skills were measured at six years of age as outcome variables. Results suggest
that caregiver decontextualized language input at thirty months positively correlates with vocabulary
outcomes of both TD and PI children. Early narrative talk of TD children positively correlates with later
narrative outcomes, after controlling for parental input. However, for PI children, only parental use of
narrative talk correlates with later narrative outcomes. Thus, findings suggest that decontextualized
language input is particularly important for later language outcomes of children with brain injury.
136
S03
Learning to Forget: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatments
Presenter(s)
Jayanshu Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kaitlyn Kunstman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Rudolph, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder precipitated by an extreme stressor. To
be diagnosed with PTSD, the patient must continue to re-experience the traumatic event by feeling their
original sense of fear, helplessness, and horror. While there are many treatments for PTSD, the focus of
this project was on counterconditioning, a type of behavior therapy used to eliminate a negative response
and replace it with a positive one. To get a complete view of the treatment and its efficacy, a literature
review was completed and then compared to a personal interview with a therapist who treats clients in a
PTSD clinic. The disorder is associated with over-activation of the amygdala as a result of a lack of
inhibitory control by ventromedial prefrontal cortex, as well as by deficient hippocampal function.
Because counterconditioning uses a similar neurological pathway to condition the patient not to elicit a
fear response to a stimulus, it was considered one of the most effective treatments for the disorder.
However, it is also one of the most stressful treatment options. The interview with the therapist elucidated
the truth: the best way to treat PTSD is with a mixture of treatment modalities.
S04
Genetic Implications of Schizophrenia
Presenter(s)
Jasmine Joda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that plagues about one to two percent of the population. The
implications of schizophrenia may be split into two main categories: genetic implications and
environmental implications. Although environmental factors play a large role in the disease, genetic
factors are more of a base or precursor. Environmental factors determine the severity of the disease for the
patient. This investigation focuses on genetic implications of schizophrenia. Through extensive research
of a broad base of articles and analysis of twin and adoption studies, one may conclude that the causes of
schizophrenia have multiple pathways. This psychological disorder cannot be narrowed down to just one
cause, but must be looked at from several perspectives. The results of this investigation can broaden the
public’s eyes about such an unknown disease.
137
S05
The Relationship Between Response to Stress and Alcohol Consumption
Presenter(s)
Matthew Kleinjan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Margaret Wardle, University of Chicago
In laboratory animals high response to stress predicts higher drug intake. This investigation examined
response to stress in normal human volunteers to determine if stress-reactivity in young adults predicted
progression in the habitual amount of alcohol consumed over a year. My hypothesis was that a high
response to stress would predict an increase in drinking over the next year. Forty-seven light-drinking
college students, aged eighteen to twenty-five, underwent the Trier Social Stress Test to determine their
response to stress. Their weekly alcohol consumption was assessed at baseline, six, and twelve months
after the stress procedure. Stress response was measured with self-reported anxiety, heart rate, and
salivary cortisol. Linear regressions were used to examine the relationship of stress response to change in
alcohol consumption with possible confounding variables included as covariates. Self-reported anxiety
after stress predicted a decrease in drinking (b = -0.300, p = 0.019) between baseline and six months.
However, none of the variables of interest significantly predicted changes in drinking (p = 0.163 to p =
0.727) from baseline to twelve months. This indicates that stress response can predict a change in
drinking over the short term (six months). However, the direction of the change was not as predicted. A
high response to stress actually predicted a decrease in drinking, suggesting that the more stressed
someone is the less they will drink over time.
S06
The Quest to be the Best: A Modern Exploration of Perfectionism
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Knowlton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
William Lindemann, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Perfectionism is the general state of mind in which a person holds themselves to unrealistically high
standards of achievement or performance. Though much research exists in this area, there is no generally
agreed-upon definition of what it means to be a perfectionist. It was our goal to determine the precise
effect of perfectionism on aspects of a person’s life, including their general health, and their academics.
Towards this end, we created a working definition of perfectionism based on our relevant research.
Following that, we wanted to examine trends in perfectionists, so we worked to develop a survey to
conduct on students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), especially as this relates
to general health and academic performance. We then constructed a survey to search for and then analyze
variables related to perfectionism in the students at IMSA. From our results, we discovered trends in
several different areas including eating and sleep habits, parental influence, and grades, among other
variables. We believe this research helped us to understand the exact nature of perfectionism and identify
both some positive and negative aspects of this state of mind in IMSA students.
138
S07
Increasing Motivation in Schools
Presenter(s)
Jeselle Santiago, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nirali Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Procrastination, apathy, indolence: Many individuals indulge in these forms of indifference throughout
life and are haunted by it. A formidable foe that can help one escape these tendencies is motivation. This
project aims to conquer these initiative inhibitors by understanding how to approach motivation
effectively. We focused on several theories that comment on the mechanics of motivation, and then used
these theories to devise our own idea of how to heighten motivation and lessen apathy. As students, we
felt that it would be most helpful to our community to direct what we have learned towards increasing
student involvement in the classroom. With the goal-oriented, self-determinant, reward, and social
approval theories in mind, we constructed a survey requesting Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
teachers of different disciplines to comment on the teaching styles they personally employ to engage
students. The results of this survey will be beneficial to society by providing students, and by
extrapolation, people in general, a means to use motivation effectively.
S08
Assessing the Attitudes and Behaviors of Incoming Sophomores at IMSA
Presenter(s)
Ashley Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Barbara Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This is an approach to understanding the attitudes and behaviors of incoming IMSA students and the
specific changes they experience in their sophomore year. The National Research Center for the Gifted
and Talent conducted a study, The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted, which explains how
gifted students are used in comparative studies with other students, but they have not been sufficiently
studied. Thus, educational institutions do not have a true understanding of the needs of gifted students. To
better understand how the attitudes and behaviors of sophomores have changed, a pre and post survey was
distributed during the first semester of sophomore year and will be issued again during the second
semester. The results from the surveys will be compared and analyzed as to how sophomores have
adjusted to IMSA and whether or not they have developed new outlooks. This will inform IMSA about
the effectiveness of current programs, or the need to develop new programs that will foster the positive
development in attitudes and behaviors of sophomore students.
139
S09
The Effect of the Classroom on Field Random Event Generators
Presenter(s)
Christopher Wallis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brenda Dunne, International Consciousness Research Laboratories
There is evidence to suggest that the conscious act of focusing on changing the output of a physical
random number generator (REG) or unconscious behaviors can be correlated with creating a statistically
significant amount more of 1's than 0's (or vice versa) in the output of the machine. It is hypothesized that
student engagement in a class can positively influence REG output. This hypothesis was tested by
running an REG in many classes with a control REG running in a separate location and a pseudo-random
number generator running at the same time. A list of questions was used to assess the level of student
engagement and interest in the class. More engaging classes were analyzed and compared to the less
engaging classes. The possible outcomes are that 1) the engaging classes have a greater effect on the
REG's output than the un-engaging class, 2) the un-engaging classes have a greater effect, or 3) there is
no statistical different between the outputs.
S10
How I Read Your Mind: A Study of Microexpressions
Presenter(s)
Claire Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microexpressions are universal. People of different cultures and religions express what Paul Ekman
believes to be the seven basic facial microexpressions: anger, contempt, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and
surprise. This investigation has focused on a literature review of Ekman’s work and the completion of the
Subtle Expression Recognition Training Program. After taking the pre-test for the training program, I
discovered that it is possible for a beginner to identify most microexpressions without formal training.
However, the natural ability to identify the microexpressions does not necessarily translate into applying
this knowledge outside of the training program. These results suggest that more intensive training is
needed to accurately identify microexpressions in real world situations. Such results would also have an
impact on persons whose job depended on accurate recognition of microexpressions, such as interrogation
in law enforcement or in homeland security situations.
140
T01
China and the World
Presenter(s)
Grace Chan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nancy Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the past ten years, China has developed from a third-world country to one of the most economically
influential nations on the globe. Because of its rapid rise to prominence, China’s economic ties with the
United States and its approach to various global issues have acquired increased significance. For example,
the country has become the biggest buyer of U.S. treasury securities, which help fund U.S. government
activities. In return, the U.S. is the single largest importer of Chinese goods and China’s economic boom
is inevitably tied to its market. The Sino-American relationship has been a topic of much debate, and it
has been argued that China’s role in America’s economy contributed to the current recession. However,
regardless of its causes, that recession’s end will depend on China’s economy. Because of China’s
newfound economic strength, it has wielded great influence on global issues, such as nuclear proliferation
in North Korea and Iran. China uses its booming economy as leverage in international politics.
Furthermore, China’s industrial growth has also inflicted significant damage to the natural environment.
China’s carbon emissions top every other nation’ emissions, and as a result, China has been a center of
attention at global conferences, such as the recent one in Copenhagen. Our research has demonstrated the
interrelated character of economics, politics, and diplomacy in evaluating China’s relationship with the
U.S. and the world as a whole.
141
T02
The Demographics of Latinos in the Professional Workforce Throughout the Urban Cities of the
United States
Presenter(s)
Nicacio Corral, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rhett Partida, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isiah Ramos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alejandro Rojas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Isabel Reyes, US Hispanic Leadership Institute
Every day, immigrants from foreign countries enter the United States hoping for a better lifestyle.
Although the back-breaking work they are given is not exactly the America they had envisioned, they
continue performing their duties in hopes that their children will have even better opportunities. In order
to judge the effectiveness of programs such as The Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science
and Engineering Education (CAHSEE) and The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE),
which seek to help immigrants realize this dream, we along with the United States Hispanic Leadership
Institute collected workforce data in a variety of professions across a variety of cities for 2002-2008. We
analyzed this data and determined trends in job growth for different ethnic groups in these different
professions and locations. If a positive slope is found, our data would indicate the increase of Hispanics
associated with these jobs. If a negative slope is found, the data would signify a decrease in the Hispanic
workforce among certain professions over our time frame. Whether or not the number of Hispanics
increases in our selected professions over time has direct implications with the CAHSEE and the HACE.
An increasing Hispanic workforce would signal a need to continue funding and supplying such programs,
while a decrease would call the effectiveness of such programs into question.
142
T03
Needs Assessment of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students from Downstate and
Rural Areas: The Invisible Minority
Presenter(s)
Jessica Hunter, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students from outside the Chicago metropolitan area represent the second largest minority group at
IMSA. Therefore, it is important to determine if these students, and rural students, have unique nonacademic
needs, such as religious resources, better transportation to/from IMSA, or extra social support
that are unaddressed. The needs of downstate and rural students were determined through a survey of
current IMSA students, developed based on a literature review. Data from this survey were analyzed
using the chi-square test for independence and other statistical techniques. Responses to questions
concerning IMSA’s attitude toward downstate and rural students were found to vary depending on
whether the respondent self-classified as a downstate student. A similar variance was found between
students self-classified as rural and not rural. This suggests both rural and downstate students have unique
needs IMSA should address. Additionally, 27.3% of rural respondents indicated they had been made
uncomfortable about their rural background while at IMSA. While this represents only a small percentage
of total IMSA students, the fact that any students have been made uncomfortable because of their
hometown indicates IMSA could take more steps to address rural-urban diversity.
T04
Ethical Legislation: The Search for the Basis of Ethics
Presenter(s)
Melissa O'Brien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kimberly Sherwin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In recent years, many ethics scandals have occurred within government. As a result, the public's trust in
legislators and the government has steadily declined. Throughout this study, we have expanded our
general knowledge of ethics as well as studied the process of passing laws. After developing a strong
background of our topic, we started creating two surveys. The first surveys the general public for their
perceptions of the role of ethics in government while the second is directed towards the legislators of
Illinois and their thoughts on how ethical they are. Although our study is not yet completed we plan to
analyze the survey results to generate recommendations for legislators on how the government can regain
trust in constituents and create a more ethical government.
143
T05
Afghanistan Unveiled: the Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights
Presenter(s)
Joan Steffen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
When American and British forces invaded Afghanistan shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks,
one of the coalition’s many political goals was the promotion of the rights of Afghan women. However,
most Americans are unaware of the reasons such improvements are necessary in Afghanistan, the
strategies implemented by coalition forces to achieve these advances, and the obstacles impeding such
developments. This investigation explores these factors through the study of Afghan politics, gender
roles, and culture over the past hundred years. The study also examines American and international aid
efforts targeted at Afghan women and how these endeavors could be more successful. Thorough analysis
of books, news articles, research papers, and primary source documents has revealed that the rights of
Afghan women have declined over the past century in correlation with the rise of Islamic
fundamentalism. Although the initial revocation of women’s rights in Afghanistan may have been in the
form of political decrees issued by the repressive Taliban regime, these injustices have now become a part
of Afghan culture and society. American and international forces must work cautiously and, in many
cases, indirectly to promote the elevation of women in a society that fears Westernization, foreign
influence, and the retaliation of the Taliban.
U01
Comparing the Unique Almahata Sitta Meteorites to Other Ureilites
Presenter(s)
Natasha Arvanitis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Ureilites, which scientists believe are the remains of differentiated asteroids, are a rare type of meteorite
that is rich in carbon. Recently, scientists observed asteroid 2008 TC3 in space and as it entered the
atmosphere. Later, fragments of the meteorite, the Almahata Sitta ureilite, were recovered in the Sudanese
desert. This is the first occurrence of an asteroid studied as both an asteroid and a meteorite. In the search
for a difference between Almahata Sitta and other ureilites, I used Interactive Data Language to examine
the spectra of ureilites, minerals, and asteroids. The examination of a 1-micron absorption feature, caused
by silicate minerals and present in almost all ureilites, showed that, in general, the feature occurs at
wavelengths of around 0.95 microns in all ureilites in the sample. However, there was wide variation in
depth of the feature, probably caused by varying silicate to carbon ratios; the Almahata Sitta meteorite
displayed an unusually shallow feature. Thus, the Almahata Sitta meteorite has a lower silicate percentage
than other ureilites in the sample. This conclusion will aid future research involving the Almahata Sitta
meteorites.
144
U02
Search for Ultracool White Dwarfs Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Presenter(s)
Amber Betzold, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Evalyn Gates, University of Chicago
White dwarfs are the remnants of low mass stars, and as such, the coolest of these are some of the oldest
objects in the universe. Within the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, one thousand two
hundred objects were identified as possible ultracool white dwarf (UCWD) candidates based on color
magnitudes and reduced proper motion parameters. Spectra of UCWDs are featureless and exhibit a
dramatic drop-off from the black body radiation curve. We examined and classified the spectra of all
SDSS targeted objects. Based on previous SDSS data, we expected to find five to ten additional UCWDs.
While we found a number of DC white dwarfs, a classification of white dwarf that has a featureless
spectrum but a temperature above four-thousand Kelvin, we did not discover any UCWDs. The lack of
UCWDs in this targeted population may be due to the small numbers of these objects, or it may indicate a
bias in the selection algorithm. Our results suggest that there is not a large population of faint UCWDs in
the halo of our galaxy.
U03
Stellar Nursery: The Relationship Between a Spiral Galaxy's Bar and its Star Formation
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Cheng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lucy Fortson, Adler Planetarium
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Mark Subbarao, Adler Planetarium
A spiral galaxy is a galaxy with pinwheel-shaped arms spiraling out of it. In up to two-thirds of these
galaxies, there is a visible bar extending across the galaxy's center. Despite their frequency, the effects of
the bar on a barred spiral galaxy are still unclear. This investigation examines whether a galaxy's bar fuels
star formation. Galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey were separated into barred or non-barred
classes using Galaxy Zoo II, an online program which utilizes the public to classify galaxies. In order to
characterize these galaxies, we constructed histograms and color versus magnitude graphs. We then used
Baldwin, Phillips, and Terlevich (BPT) diagrams to indicate the presence of star formation or an active
galactic nucleus (AGN) in the galaxy. As the BPT diagrams showed both star formation and AGN in
barred spirals, we created histograms of the derived average star formation rate, based on the technique
discussed in Brinchmann et. al (2004). By comparing the results for barred and non-barred galaxies, we
found a negative correlation between a galaxy's tendency to have a bar and its star formation rate. In
examining these results, we can better understand barred spirals, including our own Milky Way, and the
evolution of galaxies.
145
U04
Graphical Simulation of Dark Matter Halo Formation
Presenter(s)
Vijay Jayaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Reith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dan Hooper, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In recent years, there has been a general consensus amongst astrophys50ists that the matter we see makes
up only a small fraction of the total mass of the universe. The rest is made up by an elusive yet pervasive
entity known as dark matter, which only interacts with regular matter through the force of gravity and
possibly other weak forces. Their gravitational interactions lead to the formation of the large halo shaped
structures that surround each galaxy. To show the results of this interaction graphically, one must use the
Laws of Gravitation to simulate the movement of individual dark matter particles over time, with the
knowledge that after a sufficiently large interval, they will have formed a stable halo. The difficulty with
such a large scale simulation lies in the n-body problem, which states that it is impossible to
mathematically predict the motion of more than two particles in a gravitational field. Because of this
complication, simulations must be done discretely through the use of a computer program. In this project,
we wrote such a program that details the formation of this galactic halo.
146
2008-2009 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2008-09 academic year.
Stephanie Brandt: A Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelation at Forward Rapidities
Advisor: Don Lincoln, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Luis Carbajal: Real-Time Imaging of the Cellular Redistribution of HSP27-CFP and HSP70-
GFP Fusion Proteins in Cardiovascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Assess Actin
Cytoskeletal Remodulation
Advisor: Jody Martin, Loyola University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Matthew Castillon: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Kevin Chen: Homer Protein Mediation of Abeta-Derived Diffusible Ligand Binding in
Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: William Klein and Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Susan Chen: Modeling a Hydrocephalic Brain
Advisors: Sukhraaj Basati and Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Hyunjii Cho: Detecting the Difference between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Research Center
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Kevin Crews: Comparison of Substrate Mimetic Inhibitors of PKB
Advisos: Chaim Gilon and Yiftah Tal-Gan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
David Derry: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Sharada Dharmasankar: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Anamaria Filipac: Understanding the Origin of Murine Thymic Natural Killer Cells
Advisors: Markus Boos and Barbara Kee, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Abbey Flynn: Children, Special Protection Measures, and the CRC
Advisor: Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
The Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): 1st Place in the
Special Protection Measures Category of the Campaign’s 2009 Cynthia Price Cohen Essay Contest for
“Children, Special Protection Measures, and the CRC”
Michael Gleeson: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
147
Ray Gu: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Shravanthy Gumidyala: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jennifer Hu: Melanoma Associated Antigens as T Cell Targets in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Advisor: Caroline LaPoole, Loyola University Medical Center
Abstract submitted: LAMposium 2009: International LAM Research Conference
Yifei Huang: Chemical Sensing based On Optical Interference of Modified Anodized
Aluminum Oxide Surfaces
Advisor: Hsien-Hau Wang, Argonne national Laboratory
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Bonny Jain: On the Embedding of Degree Sequences on the Projective Plane and Torus
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Yaseen Jamal: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers,
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Regional Finalist (second place), Chicago-area Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist,
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Janel Jin: The Effects of Pseudo-Phosphorylation on Tropomyosin Conformation and
Interaction with the Thin Filament
Advisor: Brandon Biesiadecki, University of Illinois at Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Sushma Kola: Characterization of Copolymer Hydrogels for Oral Insulin Delivery
Advisors: Eric Brewer, F. Michael Marks, and Anthony Lowman, Drexel University
2009 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge Illinois State Finalist, Chicago Area Junior
Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist (third place), Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Vlad Kontsevoi: Problem Solving in Elementary Mathematics: the IMO and Putnam Competition
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Anusha Kumar: The Role of PS-1 in Adult Neurogenesis
Advisor: Orly Lazarov, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Kelsey Lawhorn: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Finalist
148
Bob Lee: Treatment of Breast Cancer using an Oncolytic Adenovirus to Inhibit the
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Signaling Pathway
Advisors: Janhavi Gupta and Prem Seth, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Semi-finalist, Fifth International Students Science Fair
Yize Leng: Effect of Rosiglitazone on Transforming Growth Factor-Beta- Induced Fibroblast
Activation and Migration During Wound Healing
Advisor: Ashish Ghosh, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Eric Lin: Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Advisor: Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
Co-author of paper presented at American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2009
Conference and Exhibition, September 14-17, 2009
Santina Lin: Origami Axiom 6: Solving Cubic Equations and Trisecting Angles
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Iris Liu: Study of Neutrinos from Active Galactic Nuclei
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Fifth International Students Science Fair
Jimmy Liu: Detecting the Difference Between Normal and Cancerous Stem Cells Through
Analysis of Morphology, Gene Expression, and Effects of Dichloroacetate (DCA)
Advisors: Morris Kletzel and Marie Olszewski, Children’s Memorial Hospital
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Jonathan Loucks: An Analysis of Illinois Public Schools: An Examination of Factors that
Contribute to the Narrowing of the Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps
Advisor: Glenn “Max” McGee
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
(winner of Illinois Institute of Technology scholarship)
Travis Mui: Analysis of Contained Muon Events in the MINOS Far Detector
Advisor: Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Peter Nebres: The Applicability of Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata as an Alternative to
Transistors
Advisors: Vitali Metlushko and Josh Sautner, University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Peter Nebres: Lattice Geometry
Advisor: Noah Prince, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Sammy Nguyen: Sewage Off-Gas-Driven fuel Cells to Stimulate Rural Electrification
Advisor: Herek Clack, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Jonathan Park: Determining the Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Ocular Cell
Infection
Advisor: Christopher O'Donnell and Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
149
Suganya Rajendran: The NICHE (Non-Invasive Cardiac Hemodynamic Evaluation) Study
Advisor: Antony Kim, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Semi-finalist
Jamie Ray: Search for a Fermiophobic Higgs Boson Decaying into Diphotons at CDF
Advisors: Craig Groups, Ray Culbertson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation: American Physical Society, May 2-5, 2009
Hannah Reiser: Predicting Medical School Success in 60 Minutes
Advisors: Jonathan Muraskas, Adrian Jones, and LaDonna Norstrom, Loyola University
Presentation: 2009 Innovations in Medical Education Conference, March 14-15, 2009
Shyam Saladi: Sedimentation in Pervious Concrete
Advisor: Brian Lutey, Ozinga Brothers, Inc
American Concrete Institute's Concrete Projects Student Paper Competition Fourth Place
Jonathon Schwarzbauer: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal
Memory Tasks Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jenny Shao: A Comprehensive Mathematical Model of Tumor-Immune Dynamics
Advisor: Dr. Bin Shao
Intel Science Talent Search Semi-finalist, Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Nathanial Simpson: Technical Feasibility of a Novel Method for Station Keeping
Advisor: Peter Schubert, Packer Engineering
Co-author of paper presented at American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2009
Conference and Exhibition, September 14-17, 2009
Eric Shyu: Luminescent Cadmium Cordination Polymers with Deverse Structural Morphologies
Advisor: Robert LaDuca, Michigan State University
Intel Science Talent Search National Finalist, Siemens Competition semi-finalist
Publication: Robert L. LaDuca and Eric Shyu, Divalent metal succinate/perchlorate coordination polymers
incorporating a kinked hydrogen-bonding capable diimine: Chains, layers and a (5,6)-connected binodal
network featuring alternating rectangular and hexagonal grids, Polyhedron 28(4): 825-834.
Publication: Eric Shyu, Ronald M. Supkowski, and Robert L. LaDuca, A Chiral Luminescent Coordination
Polymer Featuring a Unique 4-Connected Self-Catenated Topology Built from Helical Motifs, Inorganic
Chemistry: 48(7): 2723-2725.
Edward Song: Identification of Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 Binding Proteins
Advisor: Erik Sontheimer, Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Semi-finalist
Yiru Tao: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Jessina Thomas: Mechanism of Primordial Follicular Death and the Regulation of Ovulation
Advisor: Teresa Woodruff, Northwestern University
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
150
Karthik Vantakala: IL-10 Inhibits Inflammation Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction Post-Myocardial
Infarction
Advisors: Rajasingh Johnson, Raj Kishore, Prasanna Krishnamurthy and Erin Lambers, Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair, Siemens Competition
Regional Finalist, Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist
Arika Verma: Identification of Molecular Breast Cancer Subtypes using Tissue Microarrays and Digital
Microscopy
Advisors: Andrey Khramtsov and Funmi Olopade, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Jing Wang: Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary
Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Advisors: Charles Clevenger and Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
John Wang: The Educational Black-White Achievement Gap: Significant Factors in a Static-
State Intergenerational Model
Advisors: Jonathan Hersh and Emily Oster, University of Chicago
Presentation: 26th Annual Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
Nancy Yu: Differences between Wild Type and Knockout Cyclophilin B in the Mammary
Gland Development of Mice in Relation to Breast Cancer
Advisors: Charles Clevenger and Y'vonne Feeney, Northwestern University
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Eva Yuan: Particulate Matter Causes Endothelia Cell Barrier Disruption and Induces acute Lung
Damage in a Murine Model of Asthma: Physiological and Genomic Contributions
Advisors: Joe Garcia, Liliana Moreno and Ting Wang, University of Chicago
Fourth International Students Science Fair/Sixth Japan RITS Super Science Fair
Anthony Yunker: Weak Lensing Mass Estimates of Low Redshift Galaxy Clusters
Advisors: James Annis, Donna Kubik, Jeffrey Kubo, Huan Lin and Albert Stebbins, Fermi
National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Finalist
Weili Zheng: Determining Latencies of Event-related Potentials from Verbal Memory Tasks
Using Gamma Frequency Band Analysis
Advisor: Brent Parris and Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Finalist, Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Weili Zheng: Low-cost, Durable Water Filter
Advisors: Mark Carlson, Sarah O’Leary; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
EurekaFest June 24-27, 2009 Cambridge, MA
Amy Zhou: New Battles against Complex Infections: Synergy Studies Against Methicillin-
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Advisors: Bill Kabat and Rajeswari Pitchumani, Children’s Memorial Hospital
NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
Johannes Zhou: Determination of Effectiveness of Leading Antacid Brands
Advisor: Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium Finalist
151
Index
Poster
Number
Page
Number Name Time Room
R01 128 Alexander Abbinante 09:35 A-155
Q01 120 Ruchi Aggarwal 09:10 A-155
K01 92 Vashti Aguilar 08:45 A-147
R02 129 Sara Akgul 11:15 B-116
R03 129 Sara Akgul 10:50 B-116
C01 45 Lisa Akintilo 08:45 D-110
R04 130 Amy Allen 2:10 B-108
M01 95 Paul Angelillo 09:10 A-117
M02 96 Cindy Angpraseuth 10:50 A-119
I01 81 Natasha Arvanitis 1:45 A-133
U01 143 Natasha Arvanitis 2:10 A-133
G01 71 Ramtej Atluri 11:15 A-119
Q02 121 Dawna Bagherian 11:15 D-103
P01 109 Amishi Bajaj 09:35 A-149
P02 109 Amishi Bajaj 10:00 A-149
P03 110 Sonia Bajaj 10:00 B-116
O01 103 Kevin Baker 09:10 A-133
Q03 121 Omotayo Balogun 09:35 B-116
C02 46 Morenibayo Bankole 1:45 B-108
H01 77 Kirthi Banothu 1:20 D-110
N01 102 Stephanie Bernardo 10:50 E-115
U02 144 Amber Betzold 10:00 A-151
P04 110 Shelly Bhanot 10:25 A-135
O02 104 Shiladitya Bhattacharyya 2:10 A-117
P05 111 Madeline Booton 12:55 D-110
R01 128 Wesley Bradley 09:35 A-155
C03 46 Aryssa Burton 10:25 B-116
P06 111 Andrea Castaldo 12:55 D-107
Q04 122 Ayse Cetinkaya 1:20 B-108
T01 140 Grace Chan 11:15 A-113
C04 47 Cecilia Chang 10:25 B-110
D01 62 Bo Chen 08:45 B-133
S01 135 Kaijia Chen 09:10 AcPit A-138
P07 112 Kevin Chen 1:20 A-149
B01 40 Kevin Chen 1:45 A-149
152
A01 38 Susan Chen 11:15 B-108
C05 47 Wen Chen 12:30 B-133
C05 47 Wen Li Chen 12:30 B-133
U03 144 Stephanie Cheng 1:20 A-133
G02 72 Robert Cheung 1:45 D-107
C06 48 Nitin Chilukuri 10:25 LectHall B-206
C07 48 Imran Choudhry 1:45 A-131
E01 63 Dane Christianson 2:10 D-103
I02 81 Dane Christianson 1:45 D-110
I03 82 Samuel Contreras 09:35 LectHall B-206
T02 141 Nicacio Corral 11:15 AcPit A-138
M03 96 Elsa Costa 09:35 A-131
Q06 123 Cecilia Countryman 10:25 B-108
P06 111 Ashley Czaplicki 12:55 D-107
K02 93 Sharada Dharmasankar 09:10 A-113
G02 72 Sharada Dharmasankar 1:45 D-107
D02 62 Benjamin Diaz 1:20 A-155
M04 97 Dilyana Dimitrova 10:00 A-133
H02 78 Cevdet Dogan 1:20 A-147
M05 97 Joseph Donahue 12:30 A-119
A02 38 Allan Dong 11:15 A-149
O03 104 Victor Duan 10:00 B-108
M06 98 Ana Dumitrescu 12:55 A-119
E02 64 William Erwin 10:50 A-135
F01 69 Quadis Evans 10:50 A-149
E03 64 Amber Farrell 09:10 B-133
Q07 123 Justin Feng 11:15 D-110
N02 102 Abigail Flynn 1:20 D-107
P08 112 Bernice Fokum 09:10 A-151
J01 90 Katherine Funderburg 10:25 B-133
J02 91 Miguel Garcia 10:50 B-133
P09 113 Lakshmi Girijala 12:55 LectHall B-206
I04 82 Justin Glasper 10:00 B-110
D02 62 Nikolay Glavanakov 1:20 A-155
I02 81 Michael Gleeson 1:45 D-110
C08 49 Andrew Go 09:10 B-108
I05 83 Alexander Goins 12:55 D-103
G03 72 Govind Govind-Thomas 1:45 A-113
153
E04 65 Andrew Gray 11:15 A-135
C09 50 Linna Guan 08:45 B-108
I03 82 Audel Gutierrez 09:35 LectHall B-206
M07 98 Brittney Hanson 09:10 A-119
O04 105 Derek Hardin 12:30 A-133
R05 130 Mohammed Hayat 12:55 A-135
G04 73 Joseph Hecker 10:50 D-103
M08 99 Lauraleigh Heffner 2:10 E-115
S02 135 Gabriella Heller 2:10 A-155
O05 105 Jason Hempstead 09:35 A-133
B02 41 Wesley Herron 1:20 A-151
M09 99 Andrew Heuser 10:25 A-133
C10 50 Alexandra Hizel 10:50 A-131
B03 41 Nicole Howard 10:50 D-110
C11 51 Ingrid Hsiung 10:25 D-110
D03 63 Jennifer Hu 08:45 A-117
B04 42 Jennifer Hu 12:55 E-115
B05 42 Eric Huang 2:10 A-147
G05 73 Jialin Huang 10:00 A-119
T03 142 Jessica Hunter 10:25 AcPit A-138
H03 79 Meena Iyer 2:10 D-107
I06 83 Shawon Jackson 09:35 D-110
E05 65 Bonny Jain 1:45 A-147
S03 136 Jayanshu Jain 1:45 D-103
Q08 124 Brielle James 10:00 A-117
U04 145 Vijay Jayaram 09:35 B-110
S04 136 Jasmine Joda 08:45 A-131
O06 106 Sara Johnson 12:55 A-133
M01 95 Ryan Jordan 09:10 A-117
I07 84 Adam Jung 12:30 A-131
E02 64 Andrew Jung 10:50 A-135
J03 91 Amogh Kambalyal 1:45 E-115
B06 43 Mahir Khan 10:25 A-149
P10 114 Ankita Khandai 12:30 A-117
P11 114 Ankita Khandai 2:10 A-131
O07 106 Jisoo Kim 11:15 A-133
P12 115 Jiwon Kim 1:20 A-117
I08 84 Lawrence Kim 1:45 B-110
154
H01 77 Yoo (Jenny) Kim 1:20 D-110
S05 137 Matthew Kleinjan 10:00 E-115
S06 137 Elizabeth Knowlton 10:00 AcPit A-138
G06 74 Michael Kobiela 2:10 A-113
O08 107 Alina Kononov 1:45 A-117
R06 131 Vladislav Kontsevoi 1:20 A-131
P13 115 Pruthvi Kothari 10:00 A-135
Q09 124 Monica Kozbial 10:25 A-113
C12 51 Anusha Kumar 10:00 A-147
C13 52 Anusha Kumar 09:10 A-149
S03 136 Kaitlyn Kunstman 1:45 D-103
Q10 125 Samuel Kwak 09:35 D-103
I08 84 Eric Kwan 1:45 B-110
O02 104 Andrew Lee 2:10 A-117
C06 48 Jongmin Lee 10:25 LectHall B-206
G01 71 Minjae Lee 11:15 A-119
H04 79 Daniela Lefticariu 09:35 B-133
O07 106 Lucy Li 11:15 A-133
K02 93 Eric Lin 09:10 A-113
O09 107 Eric Lin 10:00 A-113
O07 106 Sheng-Ting Lin 11:15 A-133
S06 137 William Lindemann 10:00 AcPit A-138
F02 69 Naomi Liu 09:35 A-151
R07 131 Zhengzheng Liu 1:20 A-135
H03 79 Victoria Lo 2:10 D-107
H02 78 Jonathan Loucks 1:20 A-147
E06 66 Pan Luo 10:50 B-108
P14 116 Justine Ly 11:15 B-110
O10 108 Corinne Madsen 1:45 A-119
Q05 122 Janani Mandayam Comar 2:10 A-151
I09 85 Zack Maril 09:10 B-110
N02 102 Jade Martin 1:20 D-107
N01 102 Leslie Martin 10:50 E-115
C14 53 Lydia Matthews 12:55 A-113
B07 43 Matthew Brian McDermott 08:45 B-110
I10 85 Ian McInerney 12:30 A-147
I11 86 Jacob Miller 11:15 A-147
G07 74 Michael Mirski 10:00 D-107
155
E07 66 Samir Mishra 10:50 B-110
K03 93 Denise Mol 12:55 A-131
R08 132 Alexander Munoz 12:30 A-135
C15 53 Jonathan Munoz 08:45 A-149
C16 54 Elizabeth Murphy 12:55 A-147
P09 113 Vaisak Nair 12:55 LectHall B-206
C04 47 Harika Nalluri 10:25 B-110
O09 107 Siddharth Narayanan 10:00 A-113
H05 80 Nidhi Narielwala 1:20 AcPit A-138
C17 54 Luke Nayak 10:25 A-147
I12 86 Peter Nebres 2:10 A-149
M09 99 Liana Nicklaus 10:25 A-133
R09 132 Liana Nicklaus 10:50 A-133
I13 87 Brenton Noesges 09:10 LectHall B-206
A03 39 Leti Nunez 09:35 A-147
T04 142 Melissa O'Brien 09:35 A-135
H06 80 Cai O'Connell 2:10 AcPit A-138
M09 99 Thomas Oberhardt 10:25 A-133
O05 105 Elizabeth Ott 09:35 A-133
M10 100 Molly Pachay 09:10 D-110
I05 83 Brian Page 12:55 D-103
E08 67 Daniel Pak 10:25 A-119
R10 133 James Pan 2:10 B-116
E09 67 Sai Parepally 08:45 A-151
I14 87 Jonathan Park 1:45 A-151
B08 44 James Parkin 1:45 B-116
C18 55 Cassie Parks 10:00 A-155
T02 141 Rhett Partida 11:15 AcPit A-138
R11 133 Jay Patel 11:15 D-107
M10 100 Kavita Patel 09:10 D-110
C19 55 Lisa Patel 1:20 B-116
P15 116 Pujan Patel 10:00 B-133
C13 52 Viral Patel 09:10 A-149
C20 56 Varun Pilla 2:10 A-135
Q06 123 Pranusha Pinna 10:25 B-108
F03 70 Marat Purnyn 11:15 LectHall B-206
A04 39 Irina Pushel 2:10 B-133
C21 56 James Quigley 11:15 A-155
156
I07 84 Faith Quist 12:30 A-131
K02 93 Hassan Qureshi 09:10 A-113
T02 141 Isiah Ramos 11:15 AcPit A-138
H01 77 Morgan Rehberg 1:20 D-110
L01 95 Nicholos Reid 09:35 D-107
U04 145 Thomas Reith 09:35 B-110
B02 41 Elizabeth Richardson 1:20 A-151
Q11 125 Ashley Ro 10:00 LectHall B-206
T02 141 Alejandro Rojas 11:15 AcPit A-138
P16 117 Aldo Rossi 10:50 A-155
P16 117 Isolina Rossi 10:50 A-155
Q12 126 Priya Roy 12:30 B-116
R12 134 Shobhit Roy 1:45 A-155
S03 136 Michelle Rudolph 1:45 D-103
Q13 126 Nicole Runkle 11:15 A-151
N03 103 Satoe Sakuma 10:25 A-155
P17 118 Shyam Saladi 10:50 A-151
S07 138 Jeselle Santiago 09:10 D-107
H02 78 Sidanth Sapru 1:20 A-147
I15 88 Hannah Schmitt 10:00 D-103
G08 75 Dharti Shah 10:50 A-117
Q01 120 Mehal Shah 09:10 A-155
S07 138 Nirali Shah 09:10 D-107
C22 57 Rital Shah 12:30 A-113
P18 118 Rital Shah 1:20 A-113
G09 75 Saurin Shah 09:10 B-116
K04 94 Gary Sheng 1:45 AcPit A-138
T04 142 Kimberly Sherwin 09:35 A-135
P14 116 Katherine Shi 11:15 B-110
C23 58 Kevin Shi 10:25 D-107
Q07 123 Yanchen Shi 11:15 D-110
P17 118 Caroline Shin 10:50 A-151
F01 69 Eric Shinn 10:50 A-149
F02 69 Si Si 09:35 A-151
G10 76 Samuel Simon 08:45 A-135
B09 44 Tiffany Sinclair 10:00 A-131
C24 59 Mahi Singh 08:45 B-116
I16 88 Navdeep Singh 08:45 LectHall B-206
157
H06 80 Alexandra Smick 2:10 AcPit A-138
S08 138 Ashley Smith 10:50 AcPit A-138
G11 76 Courtney Alexa Smith 1:45 B-133
E04 65 Richard Smith 11:15 A-135
J03 91 Richard Song 1:45 E-115
T05 143 Joan Steffen 09:35 A-117
P12 115 Aubrey Sumaydeng 1:20 A-117
G12 77 Zehua Sun 09:25 E-115
C25 59 Aditya Suresh 09:10 D-103
P19 119 Divya Tankasala 08:45 D-103
E10 68 Yiru Tao 10:50 A-113
I02 81 Yiru Tao 1:45 D-110
F04 70 Benjamin Taylor 2:10 A-119
C26 60 Michael Teng 12:55 B-133
C23 58 Vivek Thakkar 10:25 D-107
I17 89 Oscar To 1:20 B-133
P04 110 Shilpa Topudurti 10:25 A-135
Q03 121 Kari Tyler 09:35 B-116
C27 60 Sumana Vardhan 2:10 B-110
Q14 127 Shivam Vedak 08:45 E-115
Q11 125 Nikita Veera 10:00 LectHall B-206
C19 55 Lokamitra Veeramasuneni 1:20 B-116
A05 40 Vamika Venkatesan 09:10 A-147
C10 50 Nicholas Virgl 10:50 A-131
D01 62 Sarah Vo 08:45 B-133
M11 100 Kelly Wallin 2:10 D-110
S09 139 Christopher Wallis 1:45 A-135
F05 71 Gary Wang 09:10 A-135
Q15 127 Jing Wang 2:10 LectHall B-206
G07 74 John Wang 10:00 D-107
K02 93 Kenneth Wang 09:10 A-113
I11 86 Kenneth Wang 11:15 A-147
J03 91 Karna Warrior 1:45 E-115
J04 92 Emily Weiland 1:45 LectHall B-206
M12 101 Sarah Weitekamp 1:20 D-103
M13 101 Lisa Wendel 10:25 A-117
H01 77 Brendan Wesp 1:20 D-110
R13 134 Anderson West 10:25 A-151
158
O11 108 Michael Wong 1:20 A-119
I18 89 Faythe Wu 09:35 E-115
P12 115 Joly Wu 1:20 A-117
C01 45 Megan Wu 08:45 D-110
B10 45 Mao Yamakawa 12:55 A-149
O02 104 Nathan Yan 2:10 A-117
I19 90 Baihan Yang 1:20 E-115
C29 61 Candice Yi 10:25 A-131
C28 61 Candice Yi 11:15 A-131
T01 140 Nancy Yu 11:15 A-113
Q08 124 Paul Yuan 10:00 A-117
G01 71 Reichert Joshua Zalameda 11:15 A-119
S10 139 Claire Zhang 09:35 AcPit A-138
R03 129 Kevin Zhao 10:50 B-116
Q16 128 Weili Zheng 09:35 A-113
I02 81 Weili Zheng 1:45 D-110
D03 63 Weili Zheng 08:45 A-117
P20 120 Amy Zhou 11:15 A-117
E11 68 Johannes Zhou 11:15 E-115
K05 94 William Zhou 1:20 LectHall B-206