University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) University Day 2023 Abstracts
Welcome to the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s 2023 University Day abstracts. This annual event highlights the diverse research and academic achievements of our students, reinforcing UMPI’s commitment to fostering innovation and scholarly excellence.
Posters
Presenter(s): Olivia Blackstone, Zoe Stewart
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Judith Roe
Healthy soil contains a robust microbial community of bacteria and fungus called the microbiome that plays a role in various soil functions. Current levels of arsenic in the soil may be affected by legacy usage of arsenical pesticides, so our BIO112 Laboratory class tested local sites for arsenic levels and then extracted DNA to compare the composition of microbial organisms in the different soil sites with varying levels of arsenic. We found that soils with higher arsenic levels had less DNA. Fungi and Bacteria were identified using PCR and DNA sequencing by CosmosID, Inc. and compared between the different soils.
Presenter(s): Chantel Williams, Shannon Smart
Faculty Mentor(s): Lori Deschaine
This presentation is regarding LD 118 An Act to Address Maine’s Shortage of Behavioral Health Services for Minors. The bill highlights the data that will be collected by the Department of Health & Human Services from hospitals on the length and reasons for extended stays with minors. Furthermore, DHHS is required to report their findings annually to the joint standing committee with the goal in mind of reducing the overall number of children’s length of stay.
Presenter(s): Marissa Michalka, Laura Giggie, Mitchell Mackenzie
Faculty Mentor(s): Lori Deschaine
This poster will discuss information on a piece of legislation in Maine titled LD 1239, An Act to Mandate Paid Maternity and Parental Leave. Paid maternity leave is important to fostering a pro-family system in the United States. The poster will include information on how this piece of legislation impacts Maine families, the pros and cons of the legislation, how this impacts social workers, and the various viewpoints on paid maternity leave.
Presenter(s): Wyatt Braun
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Chunzeng Wang
New trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing were recently created in the Nordic Heritage Center. Update to the current trail map made 10 years ago was needed. Several trips were made to the Center in fall 2022 and a Trimble GPS was used to map the new trails. The data was then corrected and converted into GIS file format which was added to the current trail database. The updated trail map is used to plan routes and estimate times, and to help navigate through different types of terrain and orientate people to the surrounding environments in the center.
Presenter(s): Amy Eskins, Bailey Michelle-LaPlante, James Dobbs, Liam Daniels, Alexander McQuade, Peter Baldwin
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Chunzeng Wang
Union cemetery is an old cemetery in Fort Fairfield. There are two openings that may have graves unmarked. In this project, we used GPR (ground penetrating radar) to scan and detect the openings and found several suspected graves. GPS and GIS were used to record positions and to make a map to show the entire cemetery and positions of the suspected graves. A DJI drone was used to capture high resolution aerial image that is used as a base map for the cemetery map. This is another great community service project.
Presenter(s): Kailee Sprague
Faculty Mentor(s): Judith Roe
Illuminating the role of Mylpf protein in sarcomere structure and muscle development using zebrafish models.
Presenter(s): Jiarui Wang
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Rafiul Hassan
Advanced computer science machine learning techniques to predict outcomes for fragile families.
Presenter(s): James Dobbs, Alexander McQuade, Peter Baldwin, Bailey-Michelle LaPlante, Liam Daniels, Amy Eskins
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Chunzeng Wang
GPR (ground penetrating radar) technology was applied to detect possible unmarked old graves in an old cemetery named Johnston Cemetery in Fort Fairfield. A drone was used for high resolution aerial image of the cemetery. The GPR survey reveals several suspected graves. GPS and GIS were also used to record positions of the suspected graves and to make a map showing their positions on a base map which is the drone aerial image. This is a great project of applying advanced geospatial technologies in real-world applications and community service.
Presenter(s): Karoline Dillenbeck
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Judith Roe
Lumbriculus variegatus, also known as the California blackworm, lives in shallow marshes and feeds on microorganisms and organic material. They have a remarkable ability to split themselves in half and regenerate new body parts. The regeneration timeline showed that the blackworm’s regeneration process after being cut in half was complete within a week. The color of the worms (light-colored, dark-colored, and split-colored) was found to correlate with the age of the worm and the head versus the tail end of the worm. The effect of copper sulfate was compared with well water containing high arsenic. Both resulted in a loss of regeneration ability and behavioral responses or death.
Presenter(s): Sheng Yan
Faculty Mentor(s): Mark Royer
UMPI’s used stuff exchange platform. Exchange for something useful, or for honor.
Presenter(s): Lindsay Pelletier, Abbie Yarema, Aubrey Sinclair, Cortland Pasquarelli, Laney Anfinson, Noah Hohndro, Wyatt Braun, ole Willette, Yizhou Wu
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Larry Feinstein
The club will do a poster on greenhouses and food insecurity. A presentation on these topics and the benefits of having access to the Zillman greenhouse throughout education in Agriculture Science.
Presenter(s): Lindsay Pelletier, Abbie Yarema, Aubrey Sinclair, Cortland Pasquarelli, Laney Anfinson, Noah Hohndro, Wyatt Braun, Cole Willette, Yizhou Wu
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Larry Feinstein
Greenhouse and food insecurity.
Session 1
Presenter(s): Paige Espling, Molly McCrossin, Katelyn Osborne, Lexi Parker
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Wendi Malenfant
Elementary Education majors will demonstrate discrepant events and illustrate how much fun science can be. Discrepant events put students’ minds in a state of disequilibrium as they try to figure out what is happening right before their eyes; this makes them wonder “Why?” and creates the perfect conditions for learning about the wonder of science. Join us!
Presenter(s): Megan Waceken
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jacqui Lowman
We all know that there are limits in the world. But we don’t have to accept them. There is always a way to go beyond! Driving from Maine to Alaska and back might seem impossible. But with planning, persistence, and a great text group to cheer you on, the possibilities are limitless!
Presenter(s): Karoilne Dillenbeck
Faculty Mentor(s): Sarah Bushey
The Extended Learning Opportunities program helped me to get a job shadow in the dermatology department at Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital. This experience allowed me to sample and explore different paths to Medical school with constant support. Overall, I was very impressed with the variety of procedures I was able to watch during my 4-hours experience at the hospital. I witnessed consultations, yearly body exams, multiple ways to remove a wart, biopsies, and the removal of precancerous cells/melanomas. I think this is an excellent opportunity for students to explore jobs, build their resumes, and gain experience while getting paid.
Presenter(s): Victoria Raeihle
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Larry Feinstein, Sarah Bushey
During this spring semester 2023, I have been given the opportunity to work on campus through an Extended Learning Opportunity. I am currently working in the UMPI Microbiology lab with Larry Feinstein.
Presenter(s): Ryan Sonderman
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Fred Strickland, Sarah Bushey
How can artificial intelligence be used ethically and responsibly to tell stories and make change in the world? What can be done through the medium of AI generated images?
Session 2
Presenter(s): Joelle Hodge, Elijah Smith, David Ellington
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Tomasz Herzog
The presentation will examine the social and cultural contexts of the educational experiences of African-American and Latino students, and stereotypes and obstacles they face in today’s schools.
Presenter(s): Mikey Bramble, Mei Chang, Yunlong Li, Fan Mo, Wenjun Teng, Shafil Turzo, Megan Waceken, Yizhou Wu, Sheng Yan, Yunqian Zhan
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jacqui Lowman
Join 11 students, one professor, and two service dogs as they roam the streets of Washington, D.C. Can the White House survive this group from Northern Maine?
Presenter(s): Chris Parent, Maddie Buzza, Gavin Vining, Meaghan Schriver, Parker Rossignol
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Lisa Leduc
Students in CRJ/SOC 358 – Domestic Violence will present their Service Learning work with the Hope and Justice Project collecting data on PFAs and weapons relinquishment in Aroostook County.
Session 3
Presenter(s): Kacie Chapman, Molly McCrossin and Hunter Perkins
Faculty Mentor(s): Heather Nunez-Olmstead
How does educational technology transform the learning environment? Have you ever looked at other educators creating amazing interactive content to engage their students and thought “how DO they do that”? In this session, presenters will be demonstrating technology tools, techniques, and strategies to make teaching online organized, engaging and enjoyable for all!
Presenter(s): Joey Gregson, Zach Lowery, Haley Johnston, Dayna Owens, Chandler Cole, Dalaney Anfinson, Carla Sawyer, Anthony Searels
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Lisa Leduc
Students in CRJ 216 – Drug Policy will present their service learning work in recovery coach training and other connections to enhancing drug policy in Maine.
Presenter(s): Meagan Blanchard, Mei Chang, Danica Haskell, Maren Moir, Lindsay Pelletier
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jacqui Lowman
Hear the untold stories of people on the autism spectrum, children, farmers, International students and women in agriculture. Meet the people behind the stories.
Session 4
Presenter(s): Alissa Evans
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Alana Margeson
This presentation will describe foundational learning theories in early childhood. Participants will also learn about the application of these theories when teaching young children. Common methods of early childhood education, including the Montessori and Waldorf methods will be explored, as well as the critical role of play and “brain breaks” when working with young students.
Presenter(s): Ricky Goupille, Kyle Nichols, Megan Waceken
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jacqui Lowman
Social Media can be used for good and ill. Our class decided to use it for good by teaching people about what service dogs can do. Service dogs can do many different essential tasks for their people. Although there are many types of service dogs, we used Saint and Dusty specifically –who are both mobility service dogs– as the faces of our projects. We used Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to tell their stories.
Presenter(s): Lindsay Pelletier, Abbie Yarema, Aubrey Sinclair, Cortland Pasquarelli, Lane Anfinson, Noah Johndro, Wyatt Braun, Cole Willette, Yizhou Wu
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Larry Feinstein
Members of the Greenhouse Club will describe greenhouse activity including experimental growing trials and how greenhouse vegetable production is helping to mitigate local food insecurity.
Session 5
Presenter(s): Megan Waceken
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jacqui Lowman
One owl’s journey through the Professional Communication and Journalism program going from freshman to senior year. This is how one student was able to grow with each assignment. These assignments were community based and offered experiential learning that added to her confidence and professional portfolio that will make her stand out in life after UMPI. As she begins her journey after UMPI, she does so with the social connections she has made along the way to graduation.
Presenter(s): Kajuan Minter, Nicole Caddell, Nora Francois, Jacob Paddock, Preston Bass, Denelle Eldridge, ale Milano, Chantel Williams
Faculty Mentor(s): Alan Morrill
Black student Union and what it’s about, moving forward, introducing the new members, advisors, and the plans we have for BSU heading into the next year.
Presenter(s): Ryan Sonderman
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Fred Strickland
In this presentation, I will be going in depth on how AI models like ChatGPT work, as well as their history, ethics, and future.