Joey Wade, Geography

Michael Wagner, Political Science

Abstract: In this paper I attempt to determine empirically the relationship between religion and democracy as I focus primarily on the relationship between democracy and Islam. Using data for 208 countries, I analyze whether religion is an important predictor of democratic political institutions, by examining the indirect effects of religion on predictors of democracy.  In addition I discuss whether Islam is a deterrent to democracy and if a democratic nation with strong Islamic traditions is realistic. The data I use comes from multiple sources including, The World Bank, The CIA World Factbook, and CIRI human rights data.  The analysis of the data displays no direct relationship between religion and democracy. Yet, there are significant findings that illustrate the effect of religion on social and economic indicators which facilitate democracy.

Melanie Walen, History

Abstract: St. Paul became a haven for thieves, murderers, and bootleggers during Prohibition. Speakeasies and illegal breweries popped up across the city, with police doing little if anything to quash the activity. Corruption was rampant in the police department, and crime records were largely destroyed. Police controlled the mobsters, and benefited from their actions. Figures such as John Dillinger, Babyface Nelson, Creepy Karpis, and Ma Barker rose to infamy. The purpose of the presentation is to share untold stories of an era that has long since passed, where a life of crime was common place.

Autumn Wille*, Physics

Abstract: An understanding of small impact craters is important for understanding a planet’s surface history.  Imagery from the Mars Express, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft was used to study how small (1-5 km diameter) Martian craters change with decreasing impact angle.  The 1-5 km diameter range of craters is interesting because it spans the onset of rampart ejecta and may also include secondary cratering, both important Martian crater features.  HRSCview maps from Mars Express were systematically analyzed to identify craters of interest.  These craters were cross-referenced in MOC and THEMIS imagery, logged, and categorized by ejecta shape and type.  Impact angle progression was determined through geologic interpretation based on previous lab studies.  Cumulative fractions of each crater type were generally comparable to those found in experimental studies and in larger Martian craters.  These small craters also displayed several unusual multiple-impact forms that are not observable in larger forms.