Kendra Hawkins, Class of 2007

Pt(dione)Cl4 is one of the more promising anti-cancer compounds that Dr. Granger and his team had previously synthesized. It prevents cells from reproducing by binding to the DNA and ultimately killing the cells when they try to undergo DNA replication. I will react Pt(dione)Cl4 with a diamine compound in order to extend the length of the intercalating portion of the molecule enabling it to slide in between base pairs of the DNA as well as bind directly to the DNA. I believe that a compound containing this group will produce a superior anti-cancer drug for use in chemotherapy.

Elizabeth Killiam, Class of 2008

Catalyst Characterizations in CO2 Reductions:
CO2 reduction is the critical first step in the process of photosynthesis, and one difficult to recreate. If successful, studies on this part of photosynthesis could allow for the generation of artificial photosynthesis on space stations or submarines. Dr. Rob and his students have in fact already proven in the last few years that a platinum di-2-pyridyl ketone (Pt-dpk) compound may serve as a catalyst to electrochemically reduce CO2 and create a carbon-carbon bond, a component of photosynthetic processes. Of mono, bis, and polymer catalysts studied, the mono catalyst has already been successfully characterized, while the bis form has not; this is an objective for this summer. Various tools and methods are available for this characterization. The exact time of turnover and decomposition, and the lifetime of each Pt-dpk catalyst will be noted as well. These characterizations and data collection will take us closer to our goal of understanding photosynthesis, and using the process to our advantage.

Ferrell E. Lyles, Class of 2007

Democracy vs. Despotism:
The Effect of Political Structure on Economic Growth:
This project will be exploring the factors that contribute to economic growth rates for fifty countries worldwide. The Solow Growth Model will be used to determine whether certain variables increase growth and economic development. It will also note whether cultural values (the concept of “Asian Values” specifically) or certain types of political structure are possible explanations for economic prosperity in Southeast Asia, and if these values and structure impact economic policy. To examine the factors causing high and low economic growth, an econometric model will be constructed. After this model has been constructed and estimated, the results will be used to develop an explanation for the poor economic performance of the countries in the Middle East and the stellar performance of the “Tigers” in Southeast Asia. The likely results of the research would be that political structure, along with certain economic variables, directly affects the prosperity or growth and development of a country or region.

Nietzsche’s opinion of morality is primarily critical. In order to form this opinion he conducts a historical investigation of morality in his book, On the Genealogy of Morality. During my research, I intend to evaluate the validity of his historical account, and form a position of what I think is the purpose of his historical account. Nietzsche, a Continental philosopher, takes a very different position than most Analytic moral theorists. Assessing how the two positions effect each other would give me a very clear picture of the position of morality in modern day philosophical discourse. It would also be imperative to study the development of moral theory in philosophy. This would include looking at a diverse body of philosophers from Plato to popular contemporary philosophers. Understanding how Nietzsche’s work fits into the historical development of philosophy would give important insight into the concept of morality. It would also serve to demonstrate the conditions that his concept of morality developed out of, and how his work influenced future discourse.

Adlyn Perez-Figueroa, Class of 2008

The ring neck dove (Streptopelia risoria) is an avian species which forms a semi-permanent bond with its mate. This bond lasts the duration of a breeding cycle, during which both male and female incubate the eggs and care for the chicks once they hatch. Previous experiments examined the mechanisms which may regulate the formation and maintenance of this bond. Evidence found suggests that the nest is inherently reinforcing for the female. However, these results were not replicated in the males. The purpose of this study is to determine which stimuli are reinforcing to the male in incubation. This experiment will use conditioning procedures to examine the reinforcement value of the nest versus the reinforcing qualities of the female.

Rachel Reynolds, Class of 2007

In my project, I will explore Thomas Hardy’s last two major novels, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure, in the context of Charles Darwin’s theories. Darwin’s discoveries and observations, and the ensuing challenges they posed to Victorian understandings of man and his place in nature, play an integral role in the imagery and ideas that Hardy gravitated towards in his late fiction. This project will link the randomness of natural selection, as well as Darwin’s later theories about man’s animal nature, with Hardy’s
nihilism, which was deeply pervasive in his final works.

On May 30, 1431, the nineteen year old heroine known as Jeanne la Pucelle was burned at the stake for heresy in France, the country for which she would thereafter become a patron saint. Throughout the five hundred and seventy-five years since her death, her life and legacy have been the source of continual inspiration, as well as criticism, for countless writers, historians, visual artists and composers. Individuals have told her story in many different ways, some relying solely on historical accounts, while others draw from their own inspiration and perceptions of Jeanne’s character. My work and research began one year ago when I began a research journal with the intent to write about her life, from her perspective, using any historical information available, as well as my own imagination. This summer I will continue my writing, examining the fictional voice and how to use it in the story of Jeanne’s life, while working with my own study of her character and the issues her life presents.

Codes of masculinity informed the ways in which ancient Athenians defined citizenship. I will examine the specific nature of Athenian masculinity as it functions in civic and religious ritual. I will focus specifically on the malleable social roles allowed young males as they prepared to leave the private realm of the household and take on the public duties of a citizen. For this brief period of time, these youths took on an androgyous identity that situated them on the threshold between masculinity and feminity. If men performed this role beyond the circumscribed period, however, they were perceived as a threat to the city. Drawing from the worlds of Greek tragedy, comedy, philosophy, and court speeches, I will attempt to excavate cultural attitudes towards these young men and the rituals and roles associated with them. By doing so, we can learn more about how the Athenians constructed male and female identity.