Science Day 2009 Presentations
Session I: 9:30- 10:20; Session II: 10:30-11:20, Session III: 11:30-12:20
A. Are You Fit to go the Distance? Let the Exercise Physiologist Decide! Sessions I, II, III
Dr. Stephen M. LoRusso, Professor of Physical Therapy; Dr. John Durocher, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology; and Dr. Jennifer LeMoine, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Saint Francis University
The components of fitness include cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength and endurance. Muscular strength includes the maximum amount of weight you can lift one time, but what about other measures, such as cardiorespiratory or muscular endurance, or muscular power? How do these differ and how do you measure them? Come to this session and participate in exercise tests designed to determine your muscular strength, power and/or endurance.
B. Assisting Coal Mine Rescue from the Skies Above Sessions I, II, III
Mr. Robert Mainhart, Program Manager, CERMUSA, SFU
CERMUSA has taken a Hummer that can travel just about anywhere on this Earth and equipped it with a wide array of communications technology, including remote and satellite communications, available so that it can be used at mass casualty scenes, remote clinical sites, or wherever a temporary broadband “footprint” is needed. In this session, the capabilities of this Mobile Communications Platform will demonstrate its use in providing above the ground communications for rescue workers in an underground coal mining accident.
C. Autism and Drumming Research Sessions I, II, III
Mr. Kent Tonkin, Assistant Director for IT, and Mrs. Brenda Guzic, Telehealth Research Specialist, CERMUSA, SFU
See a demonstration of prototype technologies being developed to provide music therapy to persons with Autism and other disorders of consciousness. Attendees in this session will have the opportunity to participate in a remote electronic drumming session and explore other digital percussion devices.
D. Border Collies: The Working Sheep Dog Sessions II, III
Amy O'Donnell, Research Associate, Windber Research Institute; and Dr. Wayne Takacs, Professor of Biology, SFU
Border collies are an important aspect on livestock farms. Learn how breeding, genetics, and training techniques make these dogs a vital part of a local sheep farm. Have a chance to see and get to know a border collie.
E. Chest Cavity: A Hands-on Approach Sessions I, II, III
Ms. Marilyn Passanita, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Thomas Woods, Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Sciences, SFU
Through the use of X-ray, human cadavers, and hands-on experience students will look at, feel, and auscultate the many structures of the thoracic cavity.
F. College Selection Jeopardy Sessions I, II, III
Ms. Kelly Aharrah, Admissions Representative, Saint Francis University
Gain tips on how to find a college or university that will meet your educational goals, while having fun competing in a Jeopardy contest. Those in attendance will receive a gift from the admissions office.
G. CSI Loretto: What does a Forensic Chemist Do? Sessions I, II, III
Dr. Rose Clark, Professor of Chemistry, Saint Francis University
CSI and other televisions shows have made forensics a very popular word in the American vocabulary. While everyone is excited about forensic science, a forensic chemist is basically an analytical chemist (who analyzes chemicals) with specific target materials, evidence from a crime scene. During experimentation, you will conduct some forensics procedures to solve simulated crimes.
H. Discover Diving: The Science of Scuba Diving Sessions I, II
Dr. Sue Morra, Professor of Biology; Ms. Shelley Kirkpatrick, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Scuba Club, SFU
Students will have the opportunity to try scuba diving in the Saint Francis University swimming pool. Students wanting to attend this session must complete the enclosed two-page release form. Those selected will be notified in advance so that they can bring their own swimsuits and towels.
I. Engineering as a Career: Define Your Future at Northrop Grumman (NG) Session II
Mr. Jim Link, Ms. Heather Novotny, and Mr. Doug Miller, NG Information Technology, Johnstown, PA
Professional engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to develop practical, economical, and socially-acceptable solutions to technical problems. In this session, learn what NG builds, the high level processes behind the scenes, and how you can define your future by pursuing a career in science or math.
J. Eco-Expedition Sessions I, II, III
Presenter: Dr. Lane Loya, Associate Professor of Biology, and Ecology students, Saint Francis University
Want to go for a walk in the woods? Join us for an ecological scavenger hunt on the SFU Watershed Trail and surrounding forest ecosystem. Test your knowledge of natural history as you investigate the great outdoors. Prizes will be awarded!
K. Field Biology: Go to the Galapagos Islands for Marine Study! Session III
Dr. Sue Morra, Professor of Biology, and students, Saint Francis University
In March of 2009, field biology students traveled to the Galapagos Islands, which are off the coast of Ecuador in South America. Field biology students will present their travels to and from their destination, and their studies of the unique ecosystems on these picturesque islands. Listen to the students' adventures of SCUBA diving, hiking, and meeting the locals. Learn the history of the these islands and all the inside jokes that come with a trip that's home away from home!
L. Fins or Foes: Are Humans and Fish Really Related? Sessions I, II
Dr. Marian Langer, Professor of Biology, and BIOL 211 Students, Saint Francis University
Why study frogs and cats in basic biology classes when you really want to study humans? Why does basic research often use tissues from various lower animals to study human diseases? Get a hands-on look at the similarities and differences in organs of different vertebrates. If you intend to pursue a career in any of the medical professions, this will be a preview of a required course.
M. Fireworks, Projectiles, and Rainbows: What Chemists do for Fun Sessions I, II
Dr. Pedro Muiño, Professor of Chemistry, Saint Francis University
Physical Chemistry students will demonstrate that chemistry is behind most technologies we currently use, from our space program to our kitchens and from construction to demolition. They will also show that a good chemist never misses an opportunity to set something on fire (safely, of course).
N. Fitness in America: How Does Your Body Rate? Sessions I, II
Mr. Curt Kindel, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Ivan Mulligan, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, Saint Francis University
This fitness clinic will challenge your thinking about your body and your state of health and wellness. Participants will circulate through five stations (blood pressure and heart rate, flexibility, grip strength, posture assessment, and step test), be assessed, and receive feedback.
O. Forestry: Exploring the Tools of the Trade Session II
Mr. Christopher Jones, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry; and Dr. Katherine Remillard, Instructor of Mathematics, SFU
Students will get hands-on exposure to clinometers, global positioning systems, and other equipment used in the science of forestry.
P. Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth to Heat and Cool Us Session I
Ms. Gwendolyn Andersen, Director of the Renewable Energy Center, Saint Francis University, and Mr. Jim Vizzini, Engineer and LEED Accredited Professional, CJL Engineering
Many buildings in Pennsylvania use geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. See the piping for the geothermal heating system installed for the new DiSepio Wellness Center and learn how this energy technology is increasing comfort while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Also, hear from students doing research on renewable energies.
Q. Green Chemistry: What is New in Chemistry? Session II
Dr. Edward Zovinka, Professor of Chemistry, Saint Francis University
One of the newest and most exciting branches of chemistry is Green Chemistry. Also known as sustainable chemistry, it is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across all parts of chemistry including the design, manufacture, and use of a chemical product. Be on the cutting edge and learn about this important new branch of chemistry. Expertise in this area should lead to job opportunities in the future.
R. Nursing in a New Era: High Tech, High Touch Innovations in Nursing Practice and Education Sessions I, II, III
Ms. Heather Vitko, Instructor of Nursing; and Ms. Camille Wendekier, Instructor of Nursing, Saint Francis University
In the coming years, health care will continue to use more technology tools to improve patient care. Heath care professionals are now being trained to use the new technology. The Saint Francis University nursing program will provide an opportunity for participants to work with a patient Simulator practicing skills and using cutting edge technology.
S. Now You See it, Now You Don't: The Limits of Your Vision Sessions I
Dr. Justin Merry, Assistant Professor of Biology, Saint Francis University
What's the smallest object that you can see? How well do you perceive colors? Does what you "see" actually match reality? We will explore our visual system using tests of visual acuity, visual field, sensitivity, and some amazing optical illusions.
T. Personalized Medicine, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology Sessions I, III
Dr. Curtis Huttenhower, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, Harvard University
Each of your ten trillion cells carries over three billion letters of DNA, and everybody's DNA is different. Even more remarkably, you're also carrying about 100 trillion symbiotic bacteria in your gut, representing another trillion letters of DNA. As the bioinformatics and biotechnology industries get closer to providing doctors with copies of each patient's personal genome, how can we use this information to improve human health?
U. Plant Biotechnology: Extracting DNA Session III
Dr. Susan Reimer, Associate Professor of Biology, Saint Francis University
In this hands-on activity students will isolate DNA from wheat. This is often a first step in designing genetically modified organisms. Students will participate in a discussion of the ramifications of this technology.
V. Raystown Field Station: Hands-on Environmental Study Session II
Dr. Sue Morra, Professor of Biology, and students, Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University has entered an agreement with Juniata College to share Immersion Semesters at the Raystown Lake Field Station. For two semesters now, students from both schools have spent an entire semester at the station, being taught by faculty of both schools. Hear about this unique opportunity to study such subjects as Environmental Literature, Biostatistics, and Natural History of the Vertebrates.
W. Robotics: Using Electromechanical Engineering to Solve Big Problems
Mr. Jonathan Miller, Graduate Assistant, CERMUSA, SFU
Use several robots to collaboratively overcome open-ended challenges. Learn the principles of robotics by using the acclaimed LEGO Mindstorms platform, an excellent engineering tool for computer programming, robot design, and engineering. The robots may incorporate light, temperature, or touch sensors, as well as servos that enable the robots to manipulate and navigate their environments. Also, learn about the robots that CERMUSA has developed.
X. Roller Coaster Dynamics Sessions II, III
Mr. Tony Buige, Retired Scientist, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Everyone has a favorite roller coaster ride, whether it be the Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood, Millenium Force at Cedar Point, or Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens. Model some of these coasters, design your own, and see the physics behind the speed, turns, rolls, and twists.
Y. Rocketeering Fun: Blastoff into an Engineering Career Session I
Dr. John Harris, Professor of Chemistry and Physical Science, Saint Francis University
A hands-on, fast-paced examination of some engineering design principles along with basic aerodynamic principles will be carried out as participants design a 'straw rocket' which they will competitively launch to achieve maximum range. Information on career paths in engineering will be available.
Z. Science Win, Lose, or Draw Sessions I, II, III
Fr. Nathan Malavolti, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Saint Francis University
Science often requires us to visualize concepts that are rather large or rather small and we draw sketches to help gain a visual grasp of the concepts. In this simulated game show, students on small teams will be given science words and asked to draw a sketch while teammates guess the word. Teams with the high scores will win prizes.
AA. Scientific Data Analysis using Sessions I, II, III
Mr. John Lamertina, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Saint Francis University
In this session, you will use the industry standard in spreadsheet software, Microsoft Excel. Many scientific disciplines use this software to analyze data, display results, and produce quantitative reports. Learn the basics of Excel and see the potential of this powerful and useful tool.
AB. Solve the World's Problems, Make a Good Living, and Earn College Credits for Almost Free Session III
Dr. Edward Zovinka, Professor of Chemistry; and Dr. John Harris, Professor of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, SFU
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors are prepared with problem-solving skills necessary to be the innovators of the future. Careers in the STEM fields are some of the highest-paid and fastest-growing careers in the country. In Pennsylvania, STEM jobs earn an average of over $9 per hour more than others. You can get a head start on a STEM career by participating in one of two different week-long summer programs for talented high school juniors. The "Science and the Art of Discovery" program will have you experience science in action through field trips and hands-on activities while you will design, build, and compete in a variety of projects in the "Environmental Engineering Design Academy." In both cases you will live on our campus for a week, and do it all for almost free through the support of the SFU Science Outreach Center and a grant from the National Science Foundation.
AC. Spill Drill Obstacle Course: The Quicker Picker Sessions I, II, III
Ms. Jennifer Weyant, Technical Service Specialist, New Pig Corporation, Tipton, PA
Laboratory safety is critical in any academic or professional scientific process. In this activity we will introduce you to a line of products made by a local company, New Pig Corporation, that help keep you and those around you safe in the lab. We will explore together what happens when there is a spill, and how to clean it up in a safe and timely manor. Teams will compete in a spill drill obstacle course to be the first to address and clean up laboratory hazards in this fun, high energy session. Prizes will be awarded.
AD. The Circle of Life: Journey Through the Animal Kingdom Sessions II, III
Ms. Kelly Garanich, Instructor of Biology, Saint Francis University
Have you ever wondered what the smallest living animal is or perhaps the largest? Are you curious to know why sponges are classified as animals? Did you ever wonder why whales are classified as a mammal and not as a fish? Come join us and find out as we take a journey through the animal kingdom. This journey will include the use of preserved and living specimens (and yes you may handle the living organisms) from the different phylums of animals that make up what we know as Kingdom Animalia.
AE. The Creepy Crawly Session: Getting to Know Wiggly and Slimy Critters Sessions II, III
Mr. Roy Boyle, Assistant Professor of Education, Saint Francis University
Insects and other small crawlers can frighten and intimidate the uninitiated and uninformed. Come and see them, touch them, and play with them! If you plan to study in college to be a science teacher, learn to love the creepy crawlers! Make them your friends.
AF. The Science of Healing in Occupational Therapy Session I, II, III
Ms. Amy Hudkins, Instructor of Occupational Therapy; and OT faculty and students, Saint Francis University
Explore the growing and satisfying profession of Occupational Therapy (OT) when you identify anatomical landmarks and draw patterns to create and design a hand-based splint for your simulated patient. OTs study human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.
AG. Tour of the University Campus Sessions I, II, III
Student Ambassadors, Saint Francis University
University students will lead a tour of the Saint Francis University campus including a residence hall, the library, laboratories, and the athletics center.
AH. Use or Abuse Animals for Laboratory Purposes? Session III
Dr. Timothy Menta, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Saint Francis University
Students will discuss the ethical and practical arguments for and against the use of animals in laboratory research.
AI. Video Games: Fun and Entertainment, but How Do They Work? Sessions I, II, III
Dr. Dan Wetklow, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Saint Francis University
Our society spends time and money on video games that emulate life and fantasy. None of them work without the underlying computer code. If you would be interested in creating your own games, you should study computer science. Come to this session to play pong (an early computer game), learn how the computer code accepts keystrokes, and how the underlying variables work.
AJ. We Will R.O.C.K. You! Sessions I, II, III
Dr. Edward Zovinka, Professor of Chemistry, Ms. Christina Doty, Student ROCK Director, SFU
R.O.C.K. (Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids) volunteers will demonstrate the fun and exciting side of science through hands-on activities like making ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Teachers are invited to attend to learn more about R.O.C.K.
AK. What can we learn from rats? Experimental Psychology Session III
Dr. Stephen Gilmour, Professor of Psychology, and students, SFU
The scientific study of learning processes has greatly benefited from experiments using rats as subjects. Students enrolled in the Psychology of Learning course will demonstrate T-maze learning and operant conditioning exercises with rats and explain the value of this type of research for understanding human behavior.
AL. What's My Line? Session III
Ms. Julie Barris, Director of Career Services, Saint Francis University
By participating in this fun activity, you can learn about careers in science and the personality types that seem to fit best. You can find out if your personality type seems to match various science-related careers.
AM. Why is the Bell-Curve so Common? See that it is with Ping-Pong Ball.
Dr. Joel Bandstra, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering 25
Many data, both in nature and in human society, are distributed according to a bell-curve. Examples can be found in fields as disparate as microbiology and high-finance; even the heights and weights of the students who attend science day will likely follow a bell-curve (but don't worry, we won't check). In this session we will construct a simple physical apparatus to demonstrate the reason behind the preponderance of bell curves. We will also discuss limitations to this basic theorem of statistics which is known as the central-limit-theorem.
AN. Wind Energy: On Mountains Near You and Now on Campus Session II
Ms. Gwendolyn Andersen, Director; and Mr. Max Scheeler, Coordinator; Renewable Energy Center, Saint Francis University
Many wind turbines have been installed along the mountain ridges in Western Pennsylvania. A smaller, demonstration turbine has been installed on the campus of Saint Francis University. Visit the turbine near the soccer field, and see the control system that sends the energy produced into the electric energy grid. Learn how renewable energy technologies are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Also, hear from students doing research on renewable energies.
AO. Vegetarianism: Scientific Fact versus Rumor Sessions II, III
Dr. Timothy Bintrim, Assistant Professor of English, and Dr. Kathryn Miele, Assistant Professor of History and Humanities, SFU
More and more people are asserting their independence in college by adopting vegetarianism for moral reasons. Yet there are also valid scientific reasons to go veg, based in nutritional, environmental, and epidemiological science. Learn the scientific arguments for a meatless diet in this interactive session modeled on a TV cooking show. Your hosts (not Rachael Ray, but two PhDs who never attended cooking school) will help you prepare and sample several cheap and easy recipes.