Christopher Lafean, Aquatic Biology

Ricky Lidel, Sociology

Abstract: A milestone event occurred in November 2008 that precipated
this case study review of events germane to a long cultural journey. To
the study of the civil rights movement in this country, this journey started
in the late 1600s on the shores of the United States as a result of forced
diaspora. This presentation references the historical journey with a specific
focus on the period of 1954 - 1968. The Civil Rights era and the emergent
social movement demanding civil rights brought about social change of
such significance as to make possible the election of an individual of African
descent to the highest office in America. Americans of African descent have
had a dream throughout their history in America. In November of 2008, the
dream became a reality.

Pei-Lin Liew, Mass Communication

Abstract: This paper is aimed to explore the possible factors behind the
global popularity of anime and manga, i.e. animation and comics from
Japan; hence, the birth of the otaku, i.e. fans who are obsessed with these
animation and comics. It is believed that the ability of anime and manga
to provide people with a room for creativity and an escape from the social
regulations and sexual norms has been the leading factor in the wide
popularity of these Japanese exports. Thus, this paper employs the qualitative
method of ethnography, in which the members of the BSU Otaku Society are
observed at their functions e.g. meetings and video game competition. It is
also complemented by interviews with the members. It is important to explore
more about the impact of the monocultural (Japanese) anime and manga on
the rest of the world.

Maria Lucio, Biology
Uzoma Nwokoro, Biology, Nursing

Abstract: Historically, microorganisms have been identified through
biochemical, metabolic, and microscopic evaluations. Currently, DNA
sequencing of ribosomal genes provides a rapid method for identification
of diverse microorganisms. In order to test this method of bacterial
identification, we collected a variety of specimens around the Bemidji State
University campus and surrounding areas. The microorganisms were then
cultivated onto an agar plate. Colonies were isolated from plates, and grown
in a nutrient broth agar. Some of the culture was cultivated back onto an
agar plate and treated with different types of antibiotics to determine their
resistance to a variety of antibiotics. DNA from resistant bacteria was isolated
and used in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the ribosomal
target gene. This DNA was purified and submitted for DNA sequencing in
order to identify the cultured bacteria.