Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity

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Barrier to Democracy: Corruption in Former Soviet Eastern Europe
(Northern Kentucky University) Schubarth, Lydia
One of the difficulties that a country faces when working toward democratization is the corruption that may run rampant in their government. This paper will analyze corruption in government and how it affects democracy, particularly in four of the former Soviet Union countries that are located in Eastern Europe: Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia. Qualitative and quantitative analysis is provided regarding each of the four former Soviet Union countries listed. By using the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scores given by Transparency International, the countries are compared and contrasted in order to examine how their corruption has changed over time and how their situations and governments have affected their level of corruption. Scores given to each of the countries by Freedom House are also used to compare democracy. CPI and Freedom House scores are used in conjunction to analyze the relationship between corruption and democracy and to locate a correlation between the two. After analysis of the democracy and levels of corruption in each country in the study and seeing the correlation, it is clear that democracy and corruption affect each other.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, 2020
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 11-15, 2016
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 13-17, 2015
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 14-18, 2014
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 15-19, 2013
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 2-6, 2012
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, April 28-29, 2021
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, Fall 2019
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, Spring 2017
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, Spring 2018
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Celebration of Student Research and Creativity Program, Spring 2019
Northern Kentucky University. Institute for Student Research and Creative Activity.
Cognitive performance and sounds: the effects of lyrical music and pink noise on performance
(Northern Kentucky University) Chitwood, Marissa R.
Given that a large percentage of students listen to music while studying, we investigated whether external noise could impair learning. In the current experiment, participants were tested on their performance in reading comprehension while listening to different types of sound. Undergraduate students (N = 70) were asked to read a passage while listening to either pink noise (equivalent to the spectrum of natural sound), pop music (genre of popular music), or read in silence. After reading an informative passage and completing a brief distractor task, participants completed a final test to assess their performance. Afterwards, participants answered questions on their personal study habits. We hypothesized that listening to pink noise while studying would improve cognitive performance compared to listening to pop music or studying in silence. In addition, we predicted that listening to pop music while studying would impair performance relative to pink noise and studying in silence. Results indicated no difference for the different types of sound on performance, suggesting that studying with sound has a minimal impact on learning.
Dye Trace Study of Karst Groundwater Flow at Mystery Spring and Wildcat Culvert in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentuciy
(Northern Kentucky University) Martin, Daniel P.; Brown, Constance M.; Currens, Benjamin J.
The main purpose of this study was to test connectivity from a sinkhole by William T. Young Library on the University of Kentucky’s campus to Mystery Spring (1.5 miles away) near RJ Corman Railroad in Town Branch, and measure groundwater velocity thereto. A secondary aspect of the study was to measure travel time from a storm drain at the bottom of the aforementioned campus sinkhole to “Wildcat Culvert” which discharges into Town Branch (100 meters downstream of Mystery Spring), and to observe if the two were connected. A map of the groundwater flow patterns in the area was published in 1996 based on mostly unpublished dye trace research. The last known work on Mystery Spring was conducted in 1989 by James Currens at Kentucky Geological Survey. In 1994, the William T. Young Library was built near the subject sinkhole that involved the construction of over 200 concrete and steel pylons, potentially disrupting the previous groundwater flow. In order to determine whether the construction affected karst conduits in the area, we conducted a second dye trace study in July of 2018 recreating, in many ways, the unpublished study from 1989. 90 grams of dye was injected into the two locations noted near the library (the sinkhole and a storm drain at the bottom of the razed sinkhole) and charcoal receptors, as well as an infrared probe, were placed at the predicted outflow points. Probe results at Mystery Spring were inconclusive but dye appeared in the charcoal receptors within 14 hours after injection at concentrations of 2.1 ppb. Eosine dye began appearing in visible quantities within 2 hours of the injection (6:00 p.m. on July 6th) at the outflow, “Wildcat Culvert,” which is connected to the storm drain. No connection was observed between the sinkhole and the storm drain.
Effects of Reading Speed and Retrieval Practice on Reading Comprehension
(Northern Kentucky University) Weimer, Carrie
Although research suggests that speed reading is ineffective, it remains a popular strategy among students. We investigated the impact of an effective strategy (engaging in self-test practice, also known as retrieval practice) on speed reading. Would retrieval practice improve the efficacy of speed reading? We had participants read two passages (one at a regular rate and one at an accelerated rate) and they were given quizzes over the material either before or after reading the passages (except for the control group, which never received a quiz). Participants then completed a final comprehension test over the material. We predicted that receiving a quiz before reading would most benefit speed reading, whereas a quiz after reading would most benefit normal reading. The results did not support our hypothesis. Results indicated that regular reading was always the superior strategy regardless of quiz placement. These results suggest that speed reading is detrimental to comprehension, even when paired with retrieval practice. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Electoral System Dysfunction: The Arab Republic of Egypt
(Northern Kentucky University) Lopez, Jarett
Elections are the cornerstone of democratic systems, but the form they take and their overall quality varies widely. In this paper, electoral systems and their formulae for deciding a victor are analyzed using the Arab Republic of Egypt as a case study. This manuscript explores how the differences in electoral formulae influence voting behavior and governmental longevity. An analysis is done through a qualitative and quantitative study of Egyptian elections, beginning with Anwar Al-Sadat in 1970 and ending with Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in 2018. We find that the Egyptian majoritarian system has not provided increased legitimacy, as suggested by the literature for a variety of reasons. This leads to further questions about the electoral formula in Egypt as well as the role of other institutions in the Egyptian political system.
Experiential Learning Week April 2021 : Kick-Off
(Northern Kentucky University)
The April 2021 Experiential Learning Week began with several students discussing their research done with faculty advisors. Zach Hart provided a welcome and introductions. Student presenters included: Abdikadar Ali / "Alignment of Social Robots with Trustworthy AI Design Guidelines"; Lilly Appelfeller / "Publicity Planning for Promoting Research"; Rachael Lerch / "A Variation of Cops and Robbers on Graphs"; Sara Steffen / Effects of Developmental and Adult Antipsychotic Administration on Dendritic Structure in the Nucleus Accumbens; Gita Srinivasen / Mourning the Creation of Racial Categories
Experiential Learning Week, April 2021 : Chase Law Clinics
(Northern Kentucky University) Halbrook, Amy; Kinsley, Jennifer; Singleton, David
Chase Clinics are law school programs that provide free or low cost services to clients and hands-on-legal experience to law school students as part of service learning. Clinics are directed by law school professors.  Clinics include a classroom component and a fieldwork component where students conduct interviews, counsel clients, conduct research, and -- under supervision with limited practice licenses -- appear in court on behalf of clients. Presenters will discuss the Children's Law Center, Chase Field Placement Clinic, and Constitutional Litigation Clinic.
Experiential Learning Week, April 2021 : Chase Law School Pro Bono Program
(Northern Kentucky University) Moore, Lisa; Kelly, Kathryn
All Chase students complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to graduation.  Pro bono service is defined as law-related work performed in public interest organizations; in the public sector; or with private practitioners or law firms where the work is performed at no cost or at a reduced fee on behalf of underrepresented clients.  Students select from approved placement organizations, participate in a law school based pro bono project, or design their own pro bono projects. Students perform a broad range of law-related work, including: community legal education, client intake, case preparation, research and writing, and legislative or policy analysis. The following students shared about their experiences working with different organizations: Max von Doemming, Intern for Judge Thomas on Drug Court; Jenny, Legal Education Program “Street Law”; Martina, Intern at Cincinnati Office Branch of Equality Ohio; Sam, Intern for Ohio Justice and Policy Center, and Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy; Arielle, Intern for Hamilton County Municipal Court Help Center; Al Bailey, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Participant
Experiential Learning Week, April 2021 : Keynote : Transforming Your Future with Experiential Learning
(Northern Kentucky University) Shanahan, Jenny
Through experiential learning, students develop the field-specific skills prized in the workforce and graduate programs. Even more importantly, they gain invaluable proficiencies in communication, collaboration, and real-world, creative problem-solving that employers and graduate advisors value most highly. Students who engage in experiential learning transform their prospects for the futures they desire. This address offers practical advice to students for getting started in experiential learning opportunities in various fields of study, making the most of vitally important relationships with mentors, communicating the results of their work in compelling ways, and translating their experiences for competitive postgraduate opportunities.