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Homepage > Academics > Special Academic Programs > McNair Scholars > Abstracts > Cohort 7
COHORT 7 ~ 2001-2002
Correlates of Sexual Orientation
Anthony Bliss O’Malley, Psychology
Debra S. Schroeder, Ph.D., Department of Psychology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This research examined differences between 18 males who identified themselves as homosexual and 15 males who identified themselves as heterosexual on several variables past research, theory, and popular beliefs shown to be related to sexual orientation. The examined variables of this study were the family variables of gay relatives and birth order, childhood sexual abuse, and the psychological/social variables of gender-role conforming/nonconforming behaviors and gender role identification. The data of this study were collected from a convenience sample of 33 participants from two cities of the Midwest using a structured questionnaire, mostly researcher-designed. Significant findings were the following: heterosexual participants participated in fewer theatre/band/choir activities than homosexual participants, heterosexual men were more likely than homosexual men to self identify as “mostly masculine” during adolescence, and homosexual men were more likely to believe they were perceived as “mostly feminine” by peers during adolescence than were heterosexual participants. Results are discussed in the context of past research and theory on correlates of sexual orientation.
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Smokey Bear Turns 60: Retire or Redesign?
Emily Dobbs, Communication
Tammy Ostrander, Ph.D., Department of Communication and Theatre Arts
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to re-evaluate Smokey Bear, the primary public relations campaign of the United States Forest Service. Information on the history of the campaign, the history of fire management, and the benefits of fire were reviewed and included in this research. In addition, a survey of over 200 participants revealed that Smokey Bear is misinforming the American public on two accounts: (1) the Smokey Bear campaign does not address different types of fire and the benefits of fire to some ecosystems, and (2) most elements of the Smokey Bear campaign no longer include important information about fire prevention and protection.
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Stepwise Electrophilic Addition
Hilina Emiru, Biochemistry
Ronald Caple, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
This project studies the reaction of episulfonium ion with silicon and tin nucleophiles as part of a stepwise electrophilic addition, which leads to the synthesis of polyfunctional compounds. It deals directly with reactions of carbocationic intermediates that are stabilized by forming cyclic onium ions with electron rich sulfur atoms. When this complex is tested against various nucleophiles, a new carbon-carbon bond is formed. The new bond is formed via a two-step electrophilic addition. The series of reactions are important because they create a new way for the carbon-carbon bond formation.
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How Do Douglas County, Wisconsin Senior Citizens
Deal with High Prescriptions Drug Costs?
Mary L. Mattson, Social Work
Elizabeth T. Blue, M.S.W., Department of Social Work
University of Wisconsin - Superior
ABSTRACT
Through the Aging Resource Center for Douglas County (ARCDC), seventy-seven senior citizens participated in research to determine how Douglas County, Wisconsin seniors deal with high drug costs. The study finds one-third of the participants have gone without prescriptions due to high costs, and many alter their lives and budgets to afford prescriptions. SeniorCare Wisconsin, a prescription drug assistance program, promises to aid low-income seniors who struggle with affording their prescription drugs on a monthly basis.
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Investigation of Ascorbic Acid Reduction of 3-Nitrotyrosine in vitro and
NADH Dependent Reductase Activity in Subcellular Rat Liver Fractions
Cecil McIntosh, Chemistry
Cecilia Giulivi, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Tyrosine is a common protein residue that is subject to nitration, forming 3-nitrotyrosine. Compared to the parent compound, this modified amino acid has considerable changes in its chemical properties Nitrotyrosine is linked to a variety of diseases including Alzheimer’s, ALS, and diabetes. Studies show that sodium dithionite (NaS2O3) can reduce 3-nitrotyrosine to aminotyrosine, restoring some of the chemical properties of tyrosine. Current interest is in a biological pathway to reverse or repair this damage. Spectrophotometry was used to investigate a non-enzymatic pathway to reduce nitrotyrosine at 420 nm (lmax) upon additions of ascorbic acid. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect product(s). Rat liver cell fractions were also analyzed for NADH-dependent reductase activity for 3-nitrotyrosine. The rate of NADH oxidation was measured in the presence of nitrotyrosine and subcellular fractions as enzymatic sources. Ascorbic acid reacted with 3-nitrotyrosine with a second order rate constant of 782 M-1 s-1 and an approximate 1:1 ratio. At a ratio of 2:1 (ascorbic acid : nitrotyrosine), a 22% drop in the nitrotyrosine peak as well as a comparative rise in a product peak was detected by HPLC. By inference, the product is nitrosotyrosine, a compound with similar properties to tyrosine. A negligible effect on the rate of NADH oxidation was observed due to increasing nitrotyrosine concentrations in either cytosolic, mitochondrial, or microsomal cell fractions.
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The Relationship of Self-Esteem/Ego Strength
and Transition Success for Transgendered individuals
Nicole Rudie, Psychology
Stacy Clement, M.A., Department of Psychology
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
This research examined the relationship between self-esteem in childhood and transition success for transgendered individuals. Biographies from the world wide web were accessed, reviewed and analyzed. The nine subjects selected were rated on self-esteem and success of their transition. This study found 3 (1/3 of the participants) whose self-esteem was high in childhood; their transition success was also high. More research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Other participants experienced lower levels of self-esteem and an arguably resultant diminished degree of transition success or a delay in transition timing. Top of Page
The Public Choice Theory and Subsidies:
A Case Study of the Duluth Technology Village
Aaron Snyder, Applied Economics
Robert Hoffman, Ph.D., Department of Management
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Political actions are taken for many different reasons; self-interest is the driving force behind those reasons. Politicians are able to use many different tools to achieve their goals; the Public Choice Theory describes these tools and their uses. Business subsidies are one of the tools used by politicians to achieve their goals. The subsidies are a detriment to the economy of the U.S. and are hindering economic growth. The Technology Village, which was created in Duluth, MN is a project which is currently considered inefficient. An analysis of the Technology Village, based on the Public Choice Theory and the effects of subsidies, exhibits the costs of the program as well as why and how politicians are able to do what they do.
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Attitudes of the General Public and Prisoners Regarding Rehabilitation and
Punishment in the Minnesota State Prison System
Bethany Thompson, Psychology
Debra Schroeder, Ph.D., Department of Psychology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
A questionnaire covering attitudes toward various rehabilitation and punishment issues was completed by 113 prison inmates and 64 members of the general public. Specific topics examined included the following areas: education, rehabilitation, psychological services, job training, early release, and the death penalty. It was predicted that the general public would show more support for punishment items than would inmates, and inmates would show more support for rehabilitation items than would the general public. Consistent with predictions, the prison inmate sample more strongly supported rehabilitation, such as receiving educational and rehabilitative classes, than did the general public. Also consistent with predictions, the general public more strongly supported punishment issues, such as the death penalty, than did the prison inmate sample. Implications of these beliefs for prison reform are discussed.
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Women Involved in High School Extracurricular Activities:
Are They More Apt to Enter Into a Professional Career?
Kourtney Thompson, Nursing
Arlene Johnson, M.A., R.N., C.N.P., Assistant Professor
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Extracurricular activities provide strong signs of organization, humanity, and dedication, as well as promoting individual growth and development. This study examines the relationship between female involvement in high school extracurricular activities and the pursuit of a career in a professional field. The questionnaires used in this study assessed if involvement in extracurricular activities impacted their choice to enter into a professional career. The questionnaires were completed and returned by 55 professional women from offices in Duluth, MN. The data collected indicated that involvement in extracurricular activities had little impact on career choice, revealing a mean score of 2.3 out of 5.
Top of Page The Rule of Saint Benedict in Two Different Settings
Theodore Thompson, History
Sister Martha Bechtold, M.P.S., Religious Studies
St. Scholastica Monastery
ABSTRACT
The Benedictine Saint Scholastica Monastery of Duluth, Minnesota and the African Benedictine Congregation of Saint Agnes have developed in entirely different societies, but both communities follow the Rule of Saint Benedict as a guide to monastic living and so have many similarities. By following the Rule of Saint Benedict, each monastery has affected the development of healthcare, education, and spirituality in their respective regions. This study looks to assess the different ways these monasteries have affected the society in which they developed.
Top of Page What Maintains Bullying Behavior in Children
Anntionette D. Thorstad, Social Work
Darryl M. Dietrich, Ph.D., Department of Psychology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
It is imperative professionals understand all the dynamics when dealing with a child who has been victimized by bullying behavior. Both the victim and bully must be dealt with in a comprehensive manner. The purpose of this research was to get a clearer picture of the professional’s knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about the causes, characteristics, and prevention of bullying behavior. A questionnaire was developed and given to professionals from a school district and a mental health agency. It was predicted the professionals would not have a clear understanding of bullying behavior. The data showed, however, that the professionals in both agencies did have an understanding of bullying behavior; although, on a few questions there were significant differences between the two groups of professionals in their average agree-disagree ratings. Given that the two groups appeared to have similar understanding of the child bully, the question arises of why better methods of prevention have not been developed. Thus, the next step is research to examine how bullying violence is dealt with in terms of prevention and intervention.
Top of Page Black/African-American Women and their Pursuit of Higher Education
Idalene J. Watson-Souther, Social Work
Monica Roth Day, M.S.W., Department of Social Work
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The research addresses the issues and barriers associated with obtaining a college degree through the eyes of Black women. The research methodology that was chosen is a phenomenological study. The women interviewed in this study all have a bachelor of arts / bachelor of sciences degree or higher. The age range of the participants when they started college ranged between 17 – 20 years old during the years of 1971 – 2001.
The results of the research produced three themes for discussion. The first theme is the desire to attend school. The second theme encompasses the importance of having a support network that inspires individual accomplishments personally or professionally. The last theme addresses the challenges Black students find on college campuses that are primarily White. There is hope that this research will help bring a cognizance to the barriers and disparity that Black women feel in their pursuit of higher education. This paper shows a need for future research in regards to changing the perception on college campuses that are primarily White institutions.
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Integrating Art with At-Risk Youth
Within the Duluth Community
R. Maceo Wright, Graphic Design
Sarah Bauer, M.F.A., Department of Art and Design
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Integrating art as a form of expression for at-risk youth in the Duluth community may be beneficial to the entire community. The Brotherhood Empowerment Program developed its Children At-Risk Program as a response to the many marginalized children in the community whose opportunities for exposure to and immersion in the arts were increasingly limited or plainly non-existent. The goal of this program is to enrich the students to a higher level of understanding art: i.e., creative expression through art in many different ways. This project focuses on strengthening established arts education programs directed at youth-at-risk and building collaborations with schools, the juvenile justice system, parks and recreation programs, and other community-based organizations. The program can be viewed in three parts: academics, arts, and association. It is within these areas that the students are allowed to gain knowledge and understand how to use this knowledge to empower not only themselves, but also others, and lead a more productive life.
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