Category: College of Arts & Sciences
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The Relationship Between Sleepiness, Dopamine, and Food Impulsivity
By Rae Mears Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hilary Stebbins Abstract This poster investigates the role of sleepiness and dopamine function (measured by spontaneous eye blink rate; sEBR), in impulsive action toward food stimuli. Analysis of Go/NoGo performance suggests that participants were more impulsive toward food stimuli compared to non-food stimuli, although there was no significant difference…
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The Cult of Gilgamesh: Evidence and analysis of cultic activities around the post-mortem deification of Gilgamesh in Ur III and the Early Dynastic Period
By Charlotte Niblett Faculty Mentor: Dr Nabil Al-Tikriti Abstract This project explores the archaeological and textual evidence and analysis of cultic activities around the post-mortem deification of Gilgamesh in Ur III and the Early Dynastic Period. The quasi-mythical king of ancient Uruk, Gilgamesh, is the subject of one of the world’s first epics and pieces…
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Galaxy Properties, Cross-comparisons, and Environmental Dependence
By Sean Swick Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Fleenor Abstract Understanding the role that dynamics plays in galaxy evolution involves an account of both internal and environmental indicators. In addition, galaxy indicators are often derived from direct observational data that involves a multi-step process. We utilize the SDSS DR7 database for original photometric and spectroscopic properties,…
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Role of Semaglutide in the Pro-Cognitive Effects of Environmental Enrichment
By Christopher Anderson, Alexis Miller Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, et al.) is an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) that enjoys a high use rate for both its on-label (therapy for diabetes mellitus) and off-label (appetite quenching) effects. Semaglutide also has positive effects on cognitive performance, although…
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Collecting Campus Culture: Engaging Student Organizations in University Archives and Special Collections
By Erica Berger Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cristina Turdean Abstract Many university archives and special collections were originally conceived to collect and preserve campus administrative records, but as such institutions have evolved, the importance of collecting student life related materials has gained more recognition. Preserving student life related materials is beneficial to students and universities in…
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Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metal Enrichment in a Historic Appalachian Mining Stream
By Eric Torres Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ben Kisila Abstract This study examined the spatial distribution of heavy metals along the Levisa Fork and primary tributaries in Buchanan County, VA and Pike County, KY. Buchanan and Pike Counties have a long history of coal mining, a process known to release heavy metals into surrounding waterways. Exposure…
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African American property change in Fredericksburg over the 20th century
By Brendan O’Connell Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Hanna Abstract Over the last two semesters I have been working with Dr. Moon, Dr. Henry, and Dr. Hanna to map racially restricted covenants in the City of Fredericksburg. As an off shot of this, it was found that there were multiple segregated tax maps in the Fredericksburg…
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How Much Wood Would a Scene Painter Paint if a Scene Painter Could Paint Wood? : Wood Grain Paint Techniques
By Rebecca Yee Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gregg Stull Abstract “Scenic painters, we paint wood to look like wood”. In this project I used knowledge from my time in UMW as a scenic painter to further my skills and focus on wood grain techniques. In this collection of 5 wood grain samples, I used wood graining…
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The Influence of Anthocyanin Extracts on Lactobacillus plantarum Growth: Assessing Prebiotic Potential
By Bridget Zagrobelny, Andrew Eigenfeld Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynn Lewis Abstract The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse microbial ecosystem essential for regulating digestion, immune response, metabolism, and neurological function. Recent research has identified polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins found in dark red and purple fruits, as potential dietary compounds capable of supporting beneficial gut bacteria. This…
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The Impact of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment on Freedom of Expression and Internet Freedom
By Christina Oswalt Faculty Mentor: Dr. Melissa Martinez Abstract Based on case studies of Zambia, Kenya, and Ghana, this thesis seeks to answer the question: How does Chinese FDI impact free speech, free press, and internet freedom in African countries? By analyzing legislation and Chinese FDI in these countries over a ten-year period, this study…
