BHSU students present research at NCUR in Memphis

Kayla Spiel, chemistry major from Faith, was one of 15 Black Hills State University stu-dents selected to present research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Memphis.

Black Hills State University students recently presented research and scholarly projects at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held at the University of Memphis.

The 15 BHSU students in attendance shared projects on diverse topics including the effect of exercise on wages and the effects of a creative arts outreach program on adolescent psychiatric inpatients.

Dr. Parthasarathi Nag, mathematics professor and undergraduate research coordinator at BHSU, said the conference gives students the opportunity to present their research and creative activity in a large forum with students from other universities across the nation.

"NCUR helps the students to discuss their research and creative activity topics with like-minded undergraduate researchers and exchange ideas and thoughts for future work," said Nag.

Work by Will Lopez, art major from Gillette, Wyo., was part of the Student Visual Arts Sessions at the conference. Lopez said conducting an undergraduate research project was beneficial in learning more about his field of study at BHSU.

"Presenting at NCUR helped my future goals in understanding the professional side of presentations, displaying art work, and connecting with faculty and students," said Lopez. "There are other opportunities that take place at NCUR. It isn't just about going to the conference and presenting. It is networking with other artist and meeting those people and making connections. This experience helped me to learn more about the competitive side of being an artist."

Kayla Spiel, chemistry major from Faith, said presenting at the conference allowed her to discover what others were investigating and network with people who share her passion for research.

Spiel presented her research on "Analysis of Radon Tests on a Sample Storage System for Ultra-Low Background Counting Stations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility" at the conference.

"Exposure to research as an undergraduate provides a unique college experience by giving students a chance to engage in a project, collaborate with a team or mentor, and develop critical thinking skills," said Spiel. "The opportunity to explore an area of interest or various career fields helps students to established academic and career goals they may not have considered before."

Students who participated in NCUR are listed below along with the title of their research and scholarly projects.

Cheyloh Bluemel, chemistry major from Sheridan, Wyo.
  • "Examining the Use of Copper Catalysis in Photoredox Reactions"
Erin Broberg, composite communication/English and graphic design major from Rapid City
  • "Moths to Misogyny: The Influence of Feminism on the Male's Heroic Female Journey"
Amber Borkovec, chemistry major from Spearfish
  • "One Pot Synthesis and Toxicity Test of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots"
Jessie Clark, biology major from Belle Fourche
  • "Survey of Ants at Two Elevations in the Northern Black Hills in South Dakota"
Eleanor Froschmayer, American Indian studies major from Waukesha, Wisc.
  • "Sparks of Inspiration: Crazy Horse's legacy in American Memory"
William Gottlob, math education major from Salem
  • Bright/Bleak Futures: The Link Between Socioeconomic Status and Quality Education"
Bailee M. Kulish, psychology major from Rapid City
  • "The Effects of a Creative Arts Outreach Program on Behaviors of Psychiatric Adolescent Inpatients"
Kaylee Lamb, English major from Whitehorse
  • "Lack of Enlightenment: Female Characterization in Gothic Novels"
Shaley Lensegrav, English education major from Meadow
  • "Dick Diver's Demise: Mimetic Desire and the American Dream in Tender is the Night"
William Lopez, art major from Gillette, Wyo.
  • "Portraits of Unknown"
Hannah Owens, chemistry major from Spearfish
  • "Evaluating Copper Photoredox Catalysis through Coupling of Aldehydes and Alkyl Bromides"
Bobby Russell, English education major from Bellevue, Neb.
  • "Teaching a Work of Literature Thought it&rsquos Historical Development: A Unit Plan Format for Romeo and Juliet"
Kayla Spiel, chemistry major from Faith
  • "Analysis of Radon Tests on a Sample Storage System for Ultra-Low Background Counting Stations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility"
Elizabeth Williams, business administration-economics and finance major from Miles City, Mont.
  • "Alleviating the Wage Penalty, the Effect of Regular Exercise on Wages of Overweight Women"
Katelyn Woten, public accountancy major from Potter, Neb.
  • "Impact of Updates to 4 Areas of FASB Codification"
  • "Impact Investing: A Culturally Alert Approach with Zambian Honeybees"