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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
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| Title of Work: |
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Malisa Van Maasdam*, Visual Arts |
| Faculty Sponsor: |
Kyle Crocker |
Abstract: In this informal paper presentation, I will express and specify
the importance of interdisciplinary studies in a student’s education. This
presentation is in tandem with the Milowski Scholarship presented on campus
to students with a major or minor in CAL and an additional differing major or
minor. I will be stressing the importance of communication and cooperation
among and between professors at different departmental levels and areas on
campus. Also, I will enumerate the importance of cooperation across campus
with peers. This cooperation and communication is a vital component in
students’ lives and education. For the professorial and student input, I will
look specifically to my Visual Arts department and the tumultuous times it
has endured among faculty and between their students. I hope to gain much
insight from students and professors, even administration, when conducting
and presenting this topic during Student Scholarship Day. |
| Title of Work: |
The Solutions and Costs of
Climate Change |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Rabi Vandergon+,
Environmental Studies: Policy and Planning |
| Faculty Sponsor: |
Patrick Welle |
Abstract: A large body of peer-reviewed literature shows that human
activities could greatly alter the future climate on Earth in the upcoming
years. In response to these implications, the English treasury released a major
publication in 2006. This report outlined the possible impact climate change
could have on the future of the global economy. The analysis concluded that
it would be cost effective to heavily invest in curbing the catalysts contributing
to climate change in the near-term, to avoid severe economic impacts in the
long-term. Besides a general overview, the assumptions and criticisms of this
report will be covered. This will include the ethical considerations of giving
equal weight to future generations and poor nations. A specific focus will
be given to the chosen discount rate, which impacts these ethical decisions.
Lastly, the mainstream potential solutions for preventing climate change will
be compared. This will include the debate between cap-and-trade programs
and carbon taxes. |
| Title of Work: |
Influence of Habitat Types on
Grassland Bird Diversity |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Dustin VanThuyne, Biology |
| Faculty Sponsor: |
Richard Koch, Elizabeth Rave |
Abstract: Native grasslands are one of the most threatened ecosystems
in North America. Landscape changes across the Midwest have altered
habitats changing species composition of flora and fauna. To determine
the distribution of grassland birds among habitat types, point counts were
conducted. In Northeastern North Dakota, forty-five points were surveyed
among four habitat types [12 in native sod, 10 in native seeded, 9 in warmseason
natives, and 14 in dense nesting cover (DNC)]. Each point was
surveyed twice from 28 May to 1 July 2008. The most abundant species within
all habitat types was the clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida, which was also
most common in native sod, warm-season natives, and DNC. The savannah
sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis was the most common in native seeded
habitats. The warm-season native habitat had the highest grassland bird
species richness, followed by native sod, DNC, and native seeded areas. Our
data suggest that management for multiple habitats would maximize
bird diversity. |
| Title of Work: |
Energy and the Cell Phone |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Mathew Verbout, Mathematics, Music
Josh Silvernagel, Mathematics,
Exercise Science
Phillip Napieralski, Mathematics,
Computer Science
Robert Darchuk, Computer Science
Joy Rippentrop, Mathematics
Nicole Haugen, Mathematics, Biology |
| Faculty Sponsor: |
Colleen Livingston |
Abstract: Cell phones use more energy than do traditional landlines. As
participants in the 2009 Mathematical Contest in Modeling, one of our tasks
was to analyze the energy consumption of cell phones and landlines in
the United States. Our two teams will discuss the problem and describe our
differing approaches and results. |
| Title of Work: |
Phantom Energy of the Cell Phone |
| Presenters, Majors: |
Mathew Verbout, Mathematics, Music
Josh Silvernagel, Mathematics,
Exercise Science
Phillip Napieralski, Mathematics,
Computer Science
Robert Darchuk, Computer Science
Joy Rippentrop, Mathematics
Nicole Haugen, Mathematics, Biology |
| Faculty Sponsor: |
Colleen Livingston |
Abstract: Many cell phone owners recharge their phone each night. As
participants in the 2009 Mathematical Contest in Modeling, one of our tasks
was to determine the energy wasted by common practices of cell phone users.
Our two teams will discuss the problem and describe our differing approaches
and results. |
* Honors Program Student
+ Graduate Student
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