Symposium 2023

Welcome

GROUP 2

Title: Increased Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Nez Perce County

GROUP 7 

Title: A Coalition-Building Approach to Reducing Adolescent Use of Electronic Cigarettes

GROUP 3

Title: Opioid Treatment in Rural Emergency Departments

GROUP 8

Title: Anxiety and Depression within the College Aged Student

GROUP 4

Title: Standardized Education on Excessive Alcohol Consumption by Young Adults

GROUP 5

Title: Increasing Community Naloxone Usage to Save Idahoan Lives

GROUP 6

Title: Youth Technology and Wellness

GROUP 10

Title: Adolescence and the Importance of School-Based Substance Use Prevention Programs

GROUP 1

Title: The Reinvigoration of High Five Idaho

GROUP 9

Title: Mental Health Resource Awareness on Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston Campus

Title: Is Bacon Better than Broccoli?

Author: Christina Burgess  

Abstract My research objective is to minimize the gap found between animal and plant protein sources. Instead of conducting new research, I conducted a meta-analysis. This allowed me to compare estimates and guidelines completed from different studies, methods that were utilized, various control variables as well as the samples that were collected. My focus was on how the different protein sources impacted that body and if one was a superior form of protein. First, I went over the PDCAAS to assess bioavailability of the sources, observed how the body utilized them the best and whether they had short or long terms effects on the body overall.  

Title: Effects of COVID-19 Disinfectant Products on Indoor Air Quality 

 Authors: William Bruchard, Aakriti Bajracharya and Nancy A. C. Johnston

 Abstract: The use of disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased significantly. Some household products can contain toxic compounds such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), alcohols, and scented chemicals (terpenes). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions were studied from use of five different disinfectants in different room and building types. Air samples were analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Clorox™ cleaner showed high concentrations of chloroform, doubling the risk of cancer from daily usage versus routine weekly cleaning. 

Title: Evaluating the Biomechanics, Velocity, and Accuracy of Collegiate Tennis Players 

Authors: Kyla Collier, Thomas Schaap, and Larry Magalasin 

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to analyze the serves of 12 collegiate tennis players on the LCSC men’s and women’s tennis teams and provide them feedback to improve the biomechanics of their serves to determine if there was a significant change in velocity and accuracy. The quantitative data was collected, measured, and analyzed using the smartphone application SwingVision, OnForm, and a speed radar. Each participant was given 10 balls to serve with a target placed in the service box under instruction of the researchers. The results are pending and will be shared at the senior research symposium.  

Title: Lower Body Biomechanics of Post-Surgical Knees and Healthy Knees During Single Leg Hops 

Authors: Emily Cowdrey & Tori Frei 

Abstract: This study compares the biomechanics of lower body joint angles during single leg hop landings between participants with recent knee surgery now cleared for single leg hop tasks and participants with no lower body injuries using 3D motion capture. Participants completed a warm-up and researchers placed reflective markers on the lower body anatomical landmarks. Participants completed three single leg hops on each leg. Data were analyzed to determine statistical significance of hip and knee flexion, knee valgus, and ankle dorsiflexion angles between groups at the lowest point of landing. No significant differences were found between groups in joint angles 

Title: How Training at Altitude Impacts Performance at Sea Level 

Author: Dillon Dawson 

Abstract: The purpose of this meta-analysis research was to determine how training at altitude impacts performance at sea level. Results were pulled from races run at the 5,000m & 10,000m distances by male, college-level athletes who train at universities that are at high altitudes. Results from races at both high altitudes and sea level were compiled and compared to determine how much of an advantage altitude-trained athlete were gaining when they race at sea level. The results will be shared at the senior research symposium. 

Title: Indigenous Use of Medicinal Plants 

Authors: Trenton Delva, Justin Dumas 

Abstract: We seek to describe how the Nimiipuu people of Hells Canyon used plant medicines. Illuminating these uses will give cultural history to traditional utilization. We seek to create a descriptive account of how these plants were used. We believe we will find various traditional plant medicines that were used by the Nimiipuu people during our field school in Hells Canyon. We conducted interviews with Nimiipuu tribal members, collected our own photographs, and reviewed existing literature. 

Title: What's Happening Up There? Air Inversions in the Lewis-Clark Valley 

Authors: Gabrielle Dickinson and Nancy A.C. Johnston 

Abstract: Thermal air inversions are caused by warm air resting above cold air, but what else is happening? Air quality in valleys is impacted by inversions, making them important to understand. Camera footage and meteorological data were assessed for various trends in 2020-2021 inversions in the Lewis-Clark Valley. Visible inversions occurred primarily in the fall, with low wind speeds, high relative humidity, and low solar radiation. Short lived elevations in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were also observed. 

Title: Psychological treatment during injury rehabilitation

Author: Antonia Gutierrez 

Abstract: As much as people try to avoid accidents, they happen with frequency. Injuries cause physical damages to the body, but they also cause psychological damages that are often being overlooked. This survey study asked individuals if psychological treatment was a part of their injury rehabilitation process, and if it they believed that psychological treatment would have benefited their recovery. Participants included LCSC students, staff, and faculty over the age of 18 who have had an injury at any point of their life and received professional treatment. Results will be shared at the Senior Research Symposium. 

Title: Lower Extremity Athletic Injuries is there a difference in risk factor when participating on Artificial Turf compared to Natural Grass

Abstract: The objective of this meta-analysis was to identify if playing field surface material has an impact on lower extremity injuries in athletes. Previous studies and journals were evaluated to determine whether artificial turf or natural grass had more injuries during practices or games. Injury rates of both collegiate and professional athletes were analyzed and synthesized by merging independent findings of other research. The conclusion and interpretations of this study will be shared at the senior research symposium. 

Author: Tyler L. Johnson

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of ammonia inhalants (smelling salts) on performance in athletic populations. This experiment took a total of eight participants with at least three years of exercise experience, and no medical restrictions. Each participant underwent a pilot testing period where baseline results could be recorded, and each participant had a chance to experience the ammonia. This was followed by randomly assigning which week the participants would or would not receive the ammonia during their testing. This experiment tested Wingate, vertical jump, and broad jump to look at things such as peak power, power, and fatigue resistance. The researchers used a paired sample t-test to determine if ammonia had any effect on performance in this population. The results will be shared at the senior research symposium. 

Title: Can Mental Imagery Improve Open Motor Skill Performance? 

Authors: Rebecca Jones, Maja Plaznik, Carlos Davila 

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine whether there was a positive or negative correlation in performance using visualization techniques in a game of cornhole. Twenty student-athletes and twenty students participated in five trials. Each participant was randomly assigned in an experimental and control group based on the pilot test. Experimental group received a treatment which was audio and visual visualization. Descriptive statistics were used to determine if there was a significant correlation between performance and visualization techniques. The results will be shared at the senior symposium.   

Title: Seasonal Fire Smoke Impact on Air Quality in the Lewis-Clark Valley 

Authors: Dalynn Kenerson, Gabby Dickinson, Dylan Miller, Birgit Bradel-Tretheway, Nancy A.C. Johnston 

Abstract: Seasonal wildfire smoke has been increasing in the Lewis-Clark (LC) Valley during the summer months. Air samples were captured (collected) in sorbent tubes from 2017 through 2021. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by means of thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy(TD-GC-MS) and compared with particulate matter data collected from an Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) monitor. The data collected supports that air quality in the LC Valley became significantly worse during the fire seasons. 

Title: Passing Time or Passing the Torch? Exploring Communication Purpose and Elements of Over conformity in Athlete Tweets

Abstract: This study analyzed active professional athlete (n=180) Twitter accounts and relative content to record the purpose and potential influence of these communications. Expanding upon the qualitative methodology in Hambrick et al. (2010), each athlete tweet and retweet in the months of April and May of 2021 were coded to record communication purpose and reach. Additionally, informed by Hughes and Coakley (1991), each tweet and retweet were coded to record whether the communication represented an affirmation of the “sport ethic” and which of the 4 elements were affirmed, if any. Results were pending as of March 23, 2022. 

Title: What is the current mental health status in college students? 

Authors: Azia Maund, Dulce Monter-Lopez, and Caitlin Brown 

Abstract: The purpose of this research study was to evaluate if there was a difference in depression and stress levels in student athlete’s vs non-athletes. The study was conducted at Lewis-Clark State College. Participants range from any age 18 or older and from various majors. It is important to look at the mental health of our students because it can affect individuals not only emotionally, but mentally and physically as well. Conclusions and interpretations will be shared at conference.  

Title: Diffusive uptake rates for passive air sampling: Applications to wildfire emissions during FIREX-AQ campaign and beyond 

Authors: Dylan D. Miller and Nancy A.C. Johnston 

Abstract: Diffusive air sampling is an effective method to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but diffusive uptake rates (UTRs) are necessary for quantification. Parallel sampling regimes derived UTRs for 27 VOCs with durations of 24-hours, 7, 14, and 28-days and ranged from 0.17-0.59 mL/min. These rates were applied to wildfire emission data from the 2019 NASA/NOAA FIREX-AQ campaign as well as 2020-2021 in the Northwest. The cancer risk due to benzene, a common smoke pollutant, was considered low.  

Authors: Karlie Smith & Gerald Ellison

Title: The Art of Crowd Attendance.

Abstract: The general purpose of this research is to find out what keeps fans from games and finding solutions to try to change that. Anybody that has attended a sporting event with a good crowd knows home court advantage is no joke. In this Meta-Analysis, a survey will be given to LCSC students 18 or older. This survey will be huge in answering the questions about why fans do not attend sporting events. The results from the survey will be discussed at the symposium. 

Title: The Influence of Hamstring: Quadricep strength ratio on power output

Abstract: Hamstring: Quadricep strength ratio (H:Q) has been used previously to gauge injury risk in athletes due to imbalances in strength. The purpose of this research is to determine if H:Q ratio could be used to analyze power output. Participants will include 18-28-year old’s that have at least six months of experience with resistance training. H:Q will be determined via 5 repetition maxes for leg extensions and laying leg curls. Power output is measured via vertical leap test and via a Wingate. Imbalances between leg will be measured as well. Results will be shared at the Senior Research symposium.  

Title: COVID Lockdowns and Isolation 

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if COVID 19 lockdowns and protocols had any negative effects on college students' mental health. The study was conducted through a survey sent out to the students at LCSC. The survey was designed to question individuals about restrictions imposed on fitness facilities, classrooms, social gathering places, and sports to determine if there was any negative effect on their mental health. Did the lockdowns cause people to work out less, socialize less, which could lead to depression, anxiety and stress? With a 99.98% survival rate from COVID 19, were lockdowns really that helpful with so many negative side effects that our students, businesses, and communities are still trying to rebound from. These questions will be discussed at the Senior Research Symposium.   

Title: Accuracy of Perception in Training

Author: Brandon Deane Tracy

Title: Mental Health in Student Athletes

Abstract: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate if there is a difference in mental health stigma between student-athletes and ordinary students. The study was conducted at Lewis-Clark State College. Participants being studied are in a range from 18 and older who are enrolled at LCSC. It is important to look at the mental health of our student-athletes and students because it can impact their performance in the classroom and field or court from the abundance of work they must put in. Statistics and conclusions will be shared at the Senior Research Symposium.