Transformations: Presentation Slides

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  Assessing the Differences Between Same-Gender and Cross-Gender Friendships in Sexual Health Communication

  Felicity Doddato

  Researchers have long studied the connection between sexual health practices and sexual health communication. While current research has examined communication between same-gender friends, it is lacking between cross-gender friends. To test whether differences exist between same-gender and cross-gender friends in their frequency of communication and comfort discussing sexual health, 187 college-aged participants (Mage=20.10, SD=1.34; 49.2% female; 75% White) self-reported their experiences using a Qualtrics survey. Results from independent samples t-tests revealed that same-gender friends reported more frequent discussion of both non-sex-related issues (M=2.53, SD=.51) and sex-related issues (M=1.20, SD=.73) than cross-gender friends (M=2.30, SD=.50; M=.95, SD=.70 respectively), tnonsex(185)=-2.54, p=.012; tsex(185)=-1.98, p=.049. However, no significant differences were observed in the comfort levels between same-gender friends (M=5.46, SD=.54) and cross-gender friends (M=5.37, SD=.62) when discussing sexual health topics, t(178)=.871, p=.385. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding friendships in order to effectively promote sexual health behaviors among college populations.

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  Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners with Technology

  Ragin Hewitt, Morgan Mrozek, and Danielle Silverman

  In this presentation, we are to present our EDU315 Mock Teaching Project designed by a group of teacher candidates for an elementary school classroom (4^th grade) of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Using TPACK as the theoretical framework, we designed an integrated lesson of Social Studies and ELA. Using reliable and age-appropriate resources we guided 4^th graders to explore/research southeastern Asian countries and traditions. The main components of our lesson rested on our technological content knowledge and our technological pedagogical knowledge. These specific areas of knowledge enabled us to determine what technology tools are the most appropriate for our lesson and how these tools can meaningfully be integrated into our lesson to achieve the intended goals of our lesson. We used a series of technology tools such as iMovie and StoryJumper for 4^th graders to engage in the content and learn to revamp said content creatively in different digital forms.

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  Musical Shoes Shine a New Light on the Clinical World

  Emma Madonna

  This study focused on the application of a unique technology designed originally to supply biofeedback to dancers, but in this case was used to assist a child learning to walk while battling the effects of Cerebral Palsy. The music shoes, called “Electroskip”, utilize a biofeedback system that generates different sounds/beats/songs when an individual is walking and placing pressure on their heel or toe. The study lasted six weeks with 2 sessions per week. While the Electroskip technology was worn for each session, it was only activated every other session. Data indicated that at the end of the study the child was able to walk better based on a comparison of pre and post study scores from the Test of Gross Motor Development II (TGMD-II) evaluation instrument administered by the director of the SIMs Laboratory on campus.

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  Determining the Abundance and Range of the Invasive Terrestrial Planarian Bipalium adventitium

  Samantha Robbins

  The terrestrial planarian, Bipalium adventitium, is an invasive predator on earthworms. Despite having a wide range in the United States, neither its population densities, country of origin, nor ecological impacts are known. A factor contributing to this limited knowledge is the lack of an effective sampling technique for determining planarian abundance. Although scientists have begun to study the ecological impacts of some planarians using selected field techniques, there has not been a study analyzing the effectiveness of multiple techniques. My study investigates the effectiveness of five sampling techniques commonly used on organisms of similar microhabitats to B. adventitium: select point sampling, mustard applications, hand-sorting leaf litter, cover objects, and pitfall traps. The five techniques are being applied in three different types of terrain to assess any impact terrain may have. My study also begins analyzing the spread of B. adventitium across the United States, taking into consideration factors that may limit the spread of this species. These data can be used to project where the home range of B. adventitium may be. My results will help further studies into the abundance of non-native terrestrial planarians and their possibly detrimental impacts on ecosystems.

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  The Invasion of the Southern Pine Bark Beetle

  Matthew Shaughnessy

  The Southern Pine Bark Beetle is a pest that is native to the south eastern United States. Historically the population has been held to southern parts of the nation due to the harsher cold weather in the north. During the last twenty years there has been an increase in average annual temperatures on the east coast. This has allowed the species to move northward and afflict unprotected softwoods at a high rate. The objective of this project was to observe the movement of the Southern Pine Bark Beetles between 2012 and a population estimate for 2027 made by the USDA Forest Service. I was able to graph this potential movement using the ArcMaps software as well as determine spots that are likely to be heavily effected.

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  Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Division III Female Athletes

  Cassandra Sterbens

  Iron deficiency is known to affect many female athletes, but there is a lack of research on its prevalence amongst cheerleaders. Iron deficiency is known to cause fatigue, which is likely to impair an athlete’s performance. Hence, the purpose of this study was to provide insight into the iron levels of cheerleaders that could guide both athletes and coaches, creating positive dietary changes. It may be necessary to increase awareness of this condition amongst female athletes, as it is preventable. The online tool, MyDietAnalysis, was used to examine each participant’s actual nutrient intake relative to their Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), based upon a 7-day food recall. The results showed that SUNY Cortland cheerleaders are consuming significantly lower levels of iron than females that are not high-intensity athletes (control group). In addition, the results revealed a significantly lower caloric intake amongst the cheerleaders compared to the control group.

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  Understanding Adolescent Friendships: An Analysis of the Role of Social Perspective-Taking in Friendship Dissolutions

  Joseph W. Stewart

  Friendships are critical relationships in adolescence, however, many friendships dissolve. One construct that may play a role in how adolescents experience such dissolutions is social perspective-taking (SPT). To test this hypothesis, 354 middle-schoolers (Mage=11.89, SD=0.86; 53% female; 82% white) completed a self-report, online survey regarding a dissolution experience. Results from an independent samples t-test revealed that females (M=2.45, SD=0.70) displayed higher SPT than males (M=2.09, SD=0.73), t(270)=-4.13, p<0.001. A correlational analysis confirmed our hypothesis that adolescents who showed greater SPT would report higher quality friendships, r(271)=0.593, p<0.001. Contrary to our hypothesis, adolescents who displayed higher SPT were more likely to react with anger (r(257)=0.16, p<0.001), sadness (r(252)=0.31, p=0.01), loneliness (r(253)=0.28, p<0.001), and rumination (r(252)=0.23, p<0.001), and less likely to feel happy (r(259)=-0.29, p<0.001) and relieved (r(255)=-0.26, p<0.001) following a dissolution. These results aid in the understanding of social perspective-taking and its meaning in adolescent relationships and social development.

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  'It's my responsibility': Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Education for Sustainability among international school students in Singapore

  Tova Wilensky

  For those of us who are the next generation to come into adulthood during an ever worsening climate crisis, it’s important to ask ourselves, “How do we as the future generation lead for a sustainable future?” This study examines how international high school students studying in Singapore prioritize environmental decision-making both in their individual lives as well as public policy advocacy. From surveys of international students, and a smaller subset of open-ended interviews, our data gives insight into their views on climate change, environmental issues, and public activism as well as what themes in their environmental education may be inadequately addressed. This study analyzes how students think their formal education curriculum as well as outside media sources empower them to acquire knowledge, skills and values needed to promote sustainable development.

  This study hopes to conclude with proposals for informing how to evaluate current environmental education programs for efficacy and inclusion.