Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference

Abstracts

Presentation Abstracts
Alphabatized By Name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Title of Work: HIV/AIDS: Why Rural Minnesota
Should be Concerned
Presenters, Majors:

Anna Parthun, Nursing

Faculty Sponsor: Riki Scheela
Abstract: Minnesota ranks 39th in the nation for prevalence of HIV/AIDS
positive persons with a rate of 4.1 affected individuals per 100,000 people.
This equaled 5,950 persons in 2007 (Minnesota Department of Health
[MDH] HIV Surveillance Report, 2007). The national average of rural HIV/
AIDS patients is 6%, while Minnesota’s average is 14% (MDH HIV/AIDS
Prevalence & Morality Report, 2007). Because of these factors, and as part
of the baccalaureate community health nursing course requirements, a
community assessment was performed on the challenges rural communities
and individuals face in HIV/AIDS care and prevention. Come and learn more
about the concerns rural communities face in HIV/AIDS prevention and care,
and the resources available in Beltrami County and the surrounding areas.
Title of Work: The Separation and Identification of
Polyoxometalate Mixtures
Presenters, Majors:

Stephanie Peterson*, Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Keith Marek

Abstract: Polyoxometalates are metal oxygen containing anions formed
in pH regions intermediate between low pH acidicoxide and high pH XO4
noxoanions. Often, mixtures of various sized anions are formed in synthesis,
and identification of the mixtures is essential to the understanding of
the chemistry of these systems. Various techniques can be used to study
polyoxometalates in pure form, but it can sometimes be difficult to crystallize
polyoxometalates from a mixture. In this project, ion chromatography
and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are going to be
focused on to analyze known and unknown polyoxometalate mixtures.
Ion chromatography will be used because it is a method that separates the
components within the solution and helps to identify the charge and the
number of components present. NMR will be used to determine structural
information about the components and used to verify and support the ion
chromatography results.
Title of Work: Catalytic Activities of Heteropoly Acids
Presenters, Majors:

Paul Pikal, Chemistry
Faculty Sponsor: Keith Marek

Abstract: The catalytic properties of heteropoly acids in Fischer esterification
were investigated. The transformation of acetic acid and isopentyl alcohol
into isopentyl acetate was monitored via gas chromatography. A variety
of heteropoly acids were investigated, exchanging the core and addenda.
Catalytic efficiency was measured with reference to sulfuric acid.
Title of Work: The Desire to Succeed: The Advising
Success Center
Presenters, Majors:

Lia Pirro, Applied Psychology: Human
Services
Faculty Sponsor: Laurie Desiderato, Lisa Erwin,
Mary Ward

Abstract: Student Affairs may have more of an impact on a university than
students, staff, and faculty realize. The newest department of the Division of
Student Development and Enrollment is the Advising Success Center (ASC) directed by Mary Ward that opened in February 2008. This presentation will
focus on the goals of the center, the services provided, the number of students
served and the most common reasons for visits.

* Honors Program Student
+ Graduate Student

 
 
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Bemidji State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.