Jennifer Baker, Mathematics Secondary Education

Allison Barta, Geology

Abstract: Kilauea is a shield volcano of basaltic composition with an elevation of 4,001 ft above sea level. Mauna Ulu is an eruption site located on the upper East Rift Zone between Pauahi, and Makaopuhi. Mauna Ulu clearly has played an important role in the volcanic activities of the East Rift Zone, including an almost five year eruption at the site from May 24, 1969 to July 22, 1974, which was recorded as the longest flank eruption of a Hawaiian volcano until the current eruption at the Pu’u ‘O’o site. Using Precise-leveling technique, I collected data on the established campaign of  bench marks: 29YY, and KF46. Data obtained on this campaign, which runs perpendicular to the Rift, indicates slight subsidence to the north near bench mark KF46, followed by a constant slight uplift across the zone, ending with an uplift increase near bench mark 29YY.

Sid Beck, Mathematics Secondary Education

Abstract: The historical context for magic squares will be discussed.  Algorithms for the construction of various magic squares will be investigated, especially squares of odd order.  Latin squares will also be examined.

Cindy Berg, Nursing
Rosemary Dahl, Nursing
Jill Danelski, Nursing

Abstract: Families with children are the fastest growing homeless population in the United States today. Accounting for 40% of the homeless population, over 1 million children are homeless each night. Homeless children display a broad range of complex and interrelated social, educational and health care needs. These children are deprived of their most basic physiological needs; food, shelter, clothing, safety, and love. It is only when those basic needs are satisfied that the barriers to accessing education and health care can be addressed. We will be exploring and assessing the impact of public health nursing on homeless families and their children.

Jennifer Boucher, Geography

Abstract: China, with the world’s largest population (1.3 billion), is often portrayed as monolithic in all capacities. In reality, China is a highly diverse country in both culture and landscape. China has the fourth largest and the second fastest growing economy in the world, becoming the world’s largest economy around mid-century.  Although this progress has given China a great deal of wealth it has not come without negative externalities, mainly in the form of increasing environmental degradation and higher probabilities of poor health for its citizens.  This paper examines the interactions of China’s pending environmental crisis and its relation to various forms of cancer.  Utilizing both statistical and cartographic techniques; data for lung, stomach, and liver cancer are mapped and compared with industrial productivity, environmental issues, and life styles.  Similar spatial patterns emerge across the mapped variables providing strong correlations between some forms of cancer and certain environmental conditions.

Michael Boucher, Geography

Abstract: The Tumen River Region comprised of northeastern parts of China, North Korea, and southeastern section of Russia, has a huge potential to emerge as a major economic hub in East Asia. This on-going study examines the potentials of economic development triggered by this multi-national and multi-purpose project in this region. The Greater Tumen Initiative is based on the natural and human landscapes. The Tumen River originates in China, but flows out of Russia in the Sea of Japan, while bordering North Korea on most of its journey. The joint planning efforts can allow China to use the navigable stretch of this river to make the Jilin Province easily accessible to the rest of the world. This project will benefit South Korea, North Korea, China, Russia, Japan, and Mongolia.  Mongolia will benefit from this initiative for the reason that much of the railroad system from the former Soviet Union runs through the country. With time and investment the city of Tumen, China will be located on a river system comparable to the Pearl and Mississippi Rivers.

Michael Boucher, Geography

Abstract: Unlike many academic disciplines, Geography has been at the forefront of providing a good understanding of people, place, and the environment. While the history of Geography is full of internal struggles over what should be studied, why it should be studied, and how it should be studied, a Geographic Perspective is crucial because it is the only discipline that not only studies the phenomena but also explains why it is happening and where. But, as the discipline moves into the Geospatial Age, it seems too many easy to imitate Geographers without fully appreciating what the importance of a Geographic Perspective is really all about.  This talk will identify the key challenges faced by Geographers as they struggle to both maintain their own professional identity and continue to provide an irreplaceable contribution to understanding world affairs.