2024 - 2025 OSR Exhibition

Title: Genotyping Tail Feather Discoloration in Indiana Eastern Wild Turkeys

Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Barbara Hass-Jacobus, Ph.D

Abstract: 

The feather coloration in birds is a product of melanin and carotene in the feathers. One of the major contributors to Avian melanin synthesis is the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) (Van Grouw, 2013). The MC1R gene encodes for a protein receptor, which is primarily expressed in melanocytes of a developing feather (Mundy, 2005). Melanocytes produce melanin. If a mutation occurs in this gene, there may be a feather discoloration. The goal of this experiment is to determine if there are mutations in the MC1R gene of the turkeys that I harvested. (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)

Title: Improving Sexual Education Policy in Indiana: A Research-Based Advocacy Approach

Major: Education

Faculty Mentor: Stephanie Serriere, Ph.D 

Title: Judgment toward Misbehaving Children Based on Experiences of Loss and Gender Differences

Faculty Mentor: Kimdy Le, Ph.D 

Title: 'You have to train us!': Understanding teacher preferences when implementing new research and practices

Major: Education

Faculty Mentor: A'ame Joslin, Division of Education 

Title: Chemistry & Chaos Expansion and Reconstruction

Major: Chemistry

Faculty Mentor: J.D. Mendez, Ph.D

Abstract: 

• Chemistry and Chaos was a game developed to help students in introductory Chemistry courses at I UC apply the material to "real life" scenarios to review for exams.
• Students first start by making a character, then they are placed in an imaginary situation and told to solve the problems with what they know.
• Originally used as a one-day final review, it has been adapted for review of material before every exam.
• Students can also now choose which profession they would like, design their character's look and even give their character a name.