2015 Pioneer Scholars

Carroll University recognizes the 2015 Pioneer Scholars and their mentors for their academic and scholarly achievements. Read descriptions of the research projects from Summer 2015.

Steven Schauz & Dr. Lara Karpenko

Steven Schauz

Dr. Lara Karpenko

The Academic Pot of Gold: Scrawl Radio

Dr. Lara Karpenko and Steve Schauz were interviewed by Brandon Haskey for Chicago’s Scrawl Radio in November of 2015. The Pioneer Scholar work Karpenko conducted with Schauz was discussed, in particular the undergraduate program the pair piloted. The interview can be accessed here.

Aubrey Ellickson & Dr. Susan Lewis

Aubrey Ellickson

Dr. Susan Lewis

Impact of Predation Risk on the Duration of Parental Care in Amphipods

The main purpose of our project is to determine the impact of predation risk on the duration of parental care in amphipods. The duration of embryonic development for amphipods lasts six stages, with the sixth stage involving the already hatched offspring not being released for unknown reasons. We hypothesize this reason is predation threat. To test this hypothesis, we will collect amphipods and observe their behavior and duration of parental care when a chemical predation threat from stickleback fish is present.

Eric Graham & Dr. Tina Schneider

Eric Graham

Dr. Tina Schneider

Characterization of Bacteriophages That Can Infect Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

The project includes characterizing bacteriophages that can infect Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sewage samples will be collected at various sites around the Waukesha area and phage will be isolated and purified from these samples. Genomic analysis and host range tests will be performed to characterize the bacteriophages.

Laura Yonke & Dr. Joe Piatt

Laura Yonke

Dr. Joe Piatt

Quantifying the Calcite Precipitation Dynamics in Rivulets of a Calcareous Fen

The goal of this research is to investigate the natural geochemical changes that occur as groundwater becomes surface water which then feeds a stream in a calcareous fen. A series of four field episodes will be conducted in the Vernon Marsh in Mukwonago over the summer and fall to determine the calcite precipitation both gravimetrically and via charge balance. For gravimetric analysis, tiles will be placed in several locations and weighed at a later time for mass gain or loss indicating in-situ calcite precipitation or dissolution. As for charge balance, the fen water samples will be analyzed for major cations and anions using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Ion Chromatography.

Kyle Cox & Dr. Tim Galow

Kyle Cox

Dr. Tim Galow

It's a Man's World, or Is It?: A Study of Gender and Sexuality in Literary Fantasy

The modern perception of literary fantasy is the thus: shirtless barbaric men saving helpless damsels without physical or sexual agency. However, one has to wonder if these stereotypes about fantasy actually hold true under close scrutiny. The aim of this project is to analyze and critique the genre of literary fantasy, then write a novel which covers issues not normally addressed in the genre.

Gina Finnel & Dr. Tina Schneider

Gina Finnel

Dr. Tina Schneider

Examining the Role of Bacteriophages in Mediating Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer in Fresh Water Systems

This project studies the antibiotic resistance profile of coliform bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli, from three separate waterways: sewage, the Fox River, and the Pewaukee Lake. Our study will begin by quantifying the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria found in these waterways. E. coli colonies will then be isolated in order to characterize their resistance profiles to several antimicrobial agents. Finally, we will determine if certain genes associated with β-lactam resistance are present in these E. coli isolates.

Heather Berg & Dr. John Garrison

Heather Berg

Dr. John Garrison

Receptions of Shakespeare in Contemporary Latin American Culture

This project explores the appeal of Shakespeare in Latin America by focusing on the work of two figures from Argentina: author Jorge Luis Borges and filmmaker Matias Pineiro. Much of Borges' work that will be used during this project has to do with memory, particularly the memories of an individual versus the collective memory of a culture. Pineiro's work will provide a visual component, allowing a closer look into the adaptation process of a play to film while keeping cultural differences of the audience in mind.

Samantha Witthun & Dr. Lori Duin Kelly

Samantha Witthun

Dr. Lori Duin Kelly

In Heaven There Is No Beer: American Views of Temperance in Four Works from the Nineteenth Century

presence of reform movements to moderate or eliminate its use have been fixtures in American life since colonial days. Through researching and analyzing several works from the heyday of Temperance Reform, we will identify specific rhetorical strategies used by the authors writing in this period to influence readers' drinking behaviors. We will also be integrating psychology into our project by looking at how counselors supported or played a role in the temperance reforms, as well as the efforts made clinically to help alcoholics. We will be presenting our research by writing a paper at the end of our research process to convey the information we found on the topic of temperance throughout the centuries.

Bri Braunschweig & Dr. Jennifer Huck

Bri Braunschweig

Dr. Jennifer Huck

Positive Rape Prevention Programming on a University Campus

This study looked at the statistics of assault on campuses, how universities currently handle cases of assault and rape, and effective ways universities could combat these issues with programming. A literature review was completed to identify the best practices in regards to positive programming and removal of victim blaming. Interviews were conducted with 30 colleges and universities nationwide to identify the type of programming used and to determine whether or not they were supported and used by the student body. The conclusion of this study helped suggest ways campuses can aid students with appropriate programming, and a positive attitude towards victims.

Matt Baumann, Lynne Noel & Dr. Roberto Brenes, Dr. Todd Levine

Matt Baumann

Lynne Noel

Dr. Roberto Brenes

Dr. Todd Levine

Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Two Lure Morphs Present in Lampsilis Cardium throughout the Mukwonago River

North America is home to more species of pearly mussels than any other continent. These mussels have parasitic larvae that must attach to host fishes to move on to their juvenile stage. I am studying Lampsilis cardium, which displays two distinctly different lure morphs, a spotted and a striped pattern, and no one knows why. The goal of my research is to determine if the two morphs co-occur, if they live in the same habitat, and whether they occur in similar densities in the river.