
The annual Academic Conference provides an opportunity for Saint Vincent College students to publicly present their research and creative works. At the Saint Vincent College Academic Conference, students present, in oral or poster format, on their senior thesis research, significant class projects, service learning activities, internships and study abroad experiences. Students and faculty also organize sessions of musical performances and poetry readings and many visual arts students display paintings and sculptures.
This event showcases the magnificent work our students do and celebrates their accomplishments. In addition, the Academic Conference accentuates much of what makes Saint Vincent a special place, providing evidence of close student-faculty relationships, highlighting research opportunities and representing the many facets of the liberal arts.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic and the shift to remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester, this year's presentations were completed virtually. Despite the circumstances and in true Saint Vincent fashion, our students embraced the challenge and delivered fantastic presentations. The sections below contain information and links to view a number of this year's presentations, and more will be added throughout the remainder of the spring semester.
Project Title: The Effects of Food-Related Stress and Food Insecurity on College Students
View Presentation Here
Abstract: Over the past few years, researchers have measured food insecurity, a limited access to nutritious foods, on college campuses and the reasons student face this issue. The colleges and universities that were studied for this research were large urban schools and community colleges. At Saint Vincent College, a rural college, food insecurity is not as prevalent, since most students live in the dormitories. While food insecurity is still present at Saint Vincent, students who live on and off campus face food-related stress, which can vary between snacking and missing meals, to not having the financial stability to purchase food. This research is to understand why food-related stress happens on campus
Primary Advisor: Dr. Elaine Bennett
Primary Discipline: Anthropology
Project Title: Fibonacci Project Poster Description
View The Project Here
Project Title: Comparing Photolytic Repair Mechanisms Between the Tardigrade Species Milnesium tardigradum and Ramazzottius varieornatus
View The Project Here
Abstract: Recently, the study of tardigrades has gained increasing popularity. Of particular interest is the process in which tardigrades can survive, called cryptobiosis, since they can potentially be used to bolster survivability of crops and other organisms. Each tardigrade species has differing levels of tolerance to different environmental stressors. Milnesium tardigradum is known to be considerably well rounded in survivability to different environmental extremes. Ramazzottius varieornatus, on the other hand, has been noted to survive high levels of radiation. We sought to find explanation for the difference radiation resistance between these species by analyzing their photolytic repair genes. Analysis revealed the presence of a complete Type II CPD photolyase present in R. varieornatus. However, M. tardigradum only had a partial Type II CPD photolyase domain in the sequence leading to inconclusive evidence for determining the cause of different resistance levels between the two species.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Michael Sierk
Primary Discipline: Bioinformatics
Project Title: Half Torus-Shaped Clear Apartment Enclosure
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Primary Advisor: Br. David Carlson O.S.B.
Primary Discipline: Engineering
Project Title: Designing the B.E.S.T. Bag Tying Device
View The Project Here
Abstract: This project involved working with the Bearcat B.E.S.T. (Building Excellence through Skills Training) program, to create a device which assists disabled individuals with tying multiple types of trash bags while being discrete and easy to learn. Our work involved engaging stakeholders through staff meetings and observing different Bearcat B.E.S.T. student’s bag tying techniques. These observations helped illustrate each student's disability and its impact on this component of their vocational training. After doing some market research, we came up with a few initial design concepts and presented them to our stakeholders during a progress meeting and presentation. Stakeholder feedback influenced the House of Quality analysis which helped direct a more effective brainstorming session. The COVID-19 Pandemic presented many obstacles to prototyping and testing our device. Our final report includes the newest SolidWorks design and schematic drawing as well as suggestions for prototyping and testing procedures conducted by next year’s design team.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Derek Breid
Primary Discipline: Engineering Science
Project Title: An Analysis on Power Generation and Cost Effects from Solar Panel Arrays Installed at Westmoreland County Food Bank
View The Project Here
Abstract: Westmoreland County Food Bank (WCFB) is a non-for-profit organization which supplies food and household necessities to 16,500 disadvantaged residents of Westmoreland County per month. All donations are stocked at the food bank’s 40,000 square-foot facility. Utility costs in running refrigeration and lighting systems continue to diminish yearly profits. Recently, WCFB board of directors proposed an investment in solar panel arrays to reduce monthly utility expenses and the total electricity consumed from local power grids. This project scope focused on a cost-benefit analysis comparing the array’s total cost with its yearly electrical output. This analysis should help the board of directors decide on the value of an alternative energy investment. Research was conducted on solar panel mechanics, inverter effectiveness, product and installation costs, safety protocols, and design drafting to rationalize the investment. Agreed decisions on a sufficient array system remain inconclusive.
Primary Advisor: Dr. Derek Breid
Primary Discipline: Engineering Science