25thAnnual

Arkansas Undergraduate Research

Conference
2018

April 27 & 28, 2018

Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Sponsored by:
Henderson State University
Arkansas Department of Higher Education – SURF

1
 Mission of the Arkansas Undergraduate Research
Conference

The mission of the Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference is to provide in

one combined activity, a place for undergraduate students to present original
research findings, as defined by their field of study. Open discussion, honest
criticism, and sincere encouragement are critical to the success of the conference.
Finally, it is hoped that this opportunity will be available for all, especially for
whom presentation at national professional meetings might be unavailable.

HSU Undergraduate Research Committee

T. David Bateman – Director of Undergraduate Research and Associate

Professor of Chemistry

Julie Williams – Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction

Vincent Dunlap –Associate Professor of Chemistry

Lewis Kanyiba – Assistant Professor of Physical Education

Eunice Akoto – Associate Professor of Public Management

Lacy Wolfe – Assistant Librarian

Charlotte White-Wright – Associate Professor of Advanced Instructional

Studies

Randy Duncan – Professor of Communication

Matt Gross – Assistant Professor of Political Science

Brad Rowland – AURC 2018 Chair and Assistant Professor of Chemistry

2
 Schedule and Table of Contents
Friday April 27, 2018
Registration & Check-In 1:30-5:00 pm
Reynolds Science Center Lobby

Oral Presentations 3:00 pm

Friday Oral Presentation Schedule
Session Title Location Page

1 Basic and Applied Sciences Part 1 Reynolds 322 6

2 Social Sciences and Humanities Reynolds 303 7

Interdisciplinary Poster Session 5:00 pm

nd
Garrison Center Banquet Room , 2 Floor, Rm. 206 List of titles Pp. 8-10

Banquet and Keynote Address 6:15 pm

Dr. Thomas E. Kreschollek, Ph.D. ’02, Shell
“Undergraduate Research and its Role in Success”
Garrison Center Banquet Room 2nd Floor, Rm. 206

~Saturday Events on Following Page~

Keynote Address Page 5

Poster Titles Page 8
Abstracts Listed Alphabetically by First Author Page 11
Index of Authors Page 24
Announcement of Next Year’s Meeting Page 26

3
 Schedule and Table of Contents
Saturday April 28, 2018
Registration, Check-in 7:30-10:00 am
and Continental Breakfast
Reynolds Science Center Lobby

Oral Presentations 8:30 am

Saturday Oral Sessions
Session Title Location Page

3 Open Oral Session Reynolds 322 10

Keynote Address Page 5

Poster Titles Page 8
Abstracts Listed Alphabetically by First Author Page 11
Index of Authors Page 24
Announcement of Next Year’s Meeting Page 26

4
 Keynote Address

Introduction by Dr. Brad Rowland, Asst. Prof. of Chemistry

Dr. Thomas E. Kreschollek

Process Chemsit, Shell Oil Co., Deer Park, Texas
Henderson State University Class of 2002

“Undergraduate Research and its Role in Success”

Profile:

Thomas E. Kreschollek, Ph.D., was born, raised and educated (partly) in Connecticut.
Upon graduation from high school, Tom searched for an undergraduate institution
which would provide an excellent return on his investment in education and he chose
to undertake his undergraduate studies in chemistry at Henderson State University.
In addition to his coursework at Henderson State, Tom was a member in the Chem
Club, serving as Vice President in 2001-2002, and he was actively engaged in
Undergraduate Research. Tom worked with Dr. Dee Palmer, who holds the rank of
professor emeritus in chemistry, on topics within the field of superconductors. Tom
graduated from Henderson State with a B.S. degree in Chemistry in May 2002 and
subsequently enrolled that Fall at The University of Texas at Austin for his Ph.D. work
in chemistry. Tom came into UT-Austin initially in physical chemistry but soon found
his true passion in analytical chemistry. Tom joined the group of Prof. James
Holcombe and worked on topics related to trace metal analyses, specifically using
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, for which he earned a Ph.D. in
analytical chemistry Fall 2007. A born problem solver, Tom has resolved to make his
career in the chemical industry, and after finishing his Ph.D. joined the staff at Dow
Chemical Co. in Lake Jackson, Texas. Tom obtained his current position joining
the staff at Shell Oil Co. in Deer Park, Texas, where he serves as a Process Chemist.
It is always a pleasure to host alumni of Henderson State when they come back to
visit with us—and Tom is no exception! Many of the Chemistry faculty remember
Tom from his time here. Tom will be able to provide very unique insight into how
Undergraduate Research at Henderson State helped him to achieve his career goals
as a chemist in industry.

Friday Oral Sessions Begin at 3:00 pm

5
Session 1 Basic and Applied Sciences Part 1 Reynolds 322
Chairperson: TBD, Henderson State University

3:00 Molecular Modeling for Lithium-Containing Drugs is Essential for Medical

Therapy

Sean Brandon, Jessica Shephard, Frank Hahn, Ph.D.

Philander Smith College

3:20 A Drug Repositioning and Diversification Strategy for Discovery of Compounds

with Anti-Cancer Activity

Daniel Gibson, T. David Bateman, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

3:40 Molecular Modeling of Metal-containing Drugs (aurotioprol and

aurothioglucose) for Medical Therapies

Peter Joseph, Frank Hahn, Ph.D.

Philander Smith College

Break 4:00 – 4:20

AURC Alumni Talk is 4:20 to 5:00 PM in REY 322

4:20 Elucidation of Cytochrome P450 Isozyme Contributions in Generation of a

Potentially Toxic, Reactive Terbinafine Metabolite

Allie A Davis, Dusty Barnette, Joshua Swamidass, Na Le Dang, Grover P Miller Ph.D.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Friday Poster Session Begins at 5:00 pm

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Session 2 Social Sciences and Mathematics Reynolds 303
Chairperson: Colton Lechak, Henderson State University

3:00 Progress Amidst Anarchism: A Critical Analysis of the Events of June, 1919

Megan M Jackson, Matthew Bowman Ph.D.

Department of History Henderson State University

3:20 Introducing Quantum Dynamics to Undergraduates: A New Look at the Argand

Representation (a+ib) of the Wavefunction

Jacquelyn Mosely, T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

3:40 The Effects of Area and Population on Sex Education

Brady L Nix, Cheyenne Mitchell, Travis Langley, Ph.D.

Department of Psychology Henderson State University

4:00 Cabbage Inhibits Nitrite Formation in Other Vegetables during Storage

Conner T Callaway, Cynthia Robinson, Autumn Webb, Jinming Huang, Ph.D.

University of Arkansas at Monticello

AURC Alumni Talk is 4:20 to 5:00 PM in REY 322

4:20 Elucidation of Cytochrome P450 Isozyme Contributions in Generation of a

Potentially Toxic, Reactive Terbinafine Metabolite

Allie A Davis, Dusty Barnette, Joshua Swamidass, Na Le Dang, Grover P Miller Ph.D.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Friday Poster Session Begins at 5:00 pm

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 All Disciplines Poster Session
Garrison Center Room 206--Banquet Room 5:00 PM
Please note that this is on the second floor of the Garrison Center.
2018 AURC Chair: Brad A. Rowland, Ph.D., Henderson State University
Authors should have poster mounted before 5:00 and should be
present at least 30 minutes during the poster session to talk about
their work. Posters should be removed after the banquet.

Posters Listed Alphabetically by First Author

Sex and Marriage: Does Sex Equal Love?

Jasmine Ames, Mar'Quesia Gillis, Rowan Malone, Alexa Oestmann, Dominique Walker, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Sexual Behavior and Interest across States

Candace M Baker, Aubriana Scott, Brasha Swindall, Kally Tran, Oyshi Hossain, Paige Powell, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Use of cytosine-based tautomerically ambiguous nucleosides for induction of viral

mutagenesis
Carlie M Clem, Vincent K Dunlap, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Clap Back at Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Ashley Evans, Madison Roberts, Celeste Dart, April Marfoglio, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Erectile Dysfunction: Rising to the Occasion

Sherrie Hale, E. Green, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Sex Sells in Advertising and Media: Women vs. Men

Miranda Hartford, Anna LaDuke, April Walters, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

8
Bio-inspired Surfaces for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction
Julia K Hoskins, Min Zou, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas

Free Love, Man: Political and Cultural Factors Affecting LGBT Acceptance since the
1960s
Camille Judy, Brittany Chilton, Madelyn Byrd, Krystal Bell, Railey Nolan, Travis Langley .
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Activities of an Outstanding ACS Student Affiliate Chapter

Susana Loarca, Lynlee Russell, Carlie Clem, T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

College student’s attitudes toward fake news and their information media use
behaviors and perceived credibility.
Gabriel McDonald, Nokon Heo.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The Effects of Sex Education on STD rates and Teen Pregnancy

Charles C McGee, Erykah L Martin, Emmafaith M George, Kearra R Parrish, Mary-Beth White, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Node Development in Free Wavepacket Evolution

Jacquelyn Mosely, Colton Lechak, Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Premarital Sex as it Affects Marriage

Cameron C Nickels, Chelsey N McFerrin, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Analysis of air and water samples for the presence of heavy metals in Clark County
Arkansas.
Kevin Nordengren, Ashton Eckerstorfer, T David Bateman, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Men's Perception of Women Based On Masculinity: "I'm sorry you had to push my
car!"
Felicia Valdez, Sadie Prejean, Jennifer Fayard Ph.D.
Ouachita Baptist University

Tertiary benzamides as possible antimalarial leads

Emily E Williford, Martin Campbell Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

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 Saturday Oral Sessions Begin at 8:30 AM

Session 3 Open Oral Session Reynolds 322

Chairperson: Brad A. Rowland, Ph.D., Henderson State University

8:30 Humorous Recollections of HSU Undergraduate Research Experiences Past

Thomas E Kreshcollek, Ph.D., T David Bateman, Ph.D.

Shell Oil Co., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

8:50 Use of cytosine-based tautomerically ambiguous nucleosides for induction of

viral mutagenesis

Carlie M Clem, Vincent K Dunlap, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

9:10 Bio-inspired Surfaces for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction

Julia K Hoskins, Min Zou, Ph.D.

University of Arkansas

Break 9:30 – 9:50

9:.50 Greening Up the Reddies: A Panel Discussion on Introducing Green Chemistry

Activities on Campus

Empanneled: Ashton Eckerstorfer, Amos Noyes, Ray Weldon, Nathan Steadman, Carlie M Clem
Faculty Co-Authors: T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

10:20 Final Thoughts on AURC 2018

T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

10
 Complete Listing of Abstracts

Abstracts are listed alphabetically by last name of first author

Oral Platform Abstracts:

Molecular Modeling for Lithium-Containing Drugs is Essential for Medical Therapy

Sean Brandon, Jessica Shephard, Frank Hahn, Ph.D.
Philander Smith College

Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), and Lithium (Li) are complexs commonly used in various medication such as
cisplatin, aurotioprol, lithium carbonate, and aurothioglucose. These medications are used for
chemotherapy medication, therapeutic agents, and psychiatric medication. Our group did in depth
research in regards to lithium carbonate in order to better understand to molecular behavior of lithium
(Li). We utilized theoretical semi-empirical PM3 (Parameterized Model number 3) and MNDO (Modified
Neglect of Diatomic Overlap) calculations for the newly constructed 3-D models of controlled lithium
carbonate, and the model that included the targeted metals. Our group conducted experiments in the gas
and water phases to investigate the intrinsic thermochemical coordination bond properties, ie., stability
and reactivity, via MOPAC (Molecular Orbital Package) simulations. It was found that PM3 was a better
computational approximation method for examining thermochemical stability and reactivity of lithium
carbonate vs. the MNDO method, based on the data comparison with the reported ΔHfo (heat of
formation) for the control lithium carbonate. There was a slight difference in ΔH fo for the modeled
molecules tested between water and gas phases, and each calculation method was observed. The newly
obtained comparative thermochemical stability order in this study based on obtained ΔH fo for the lithium
carbonate complex was Li2CO3+H2O>Li2CO3. This data would indicate that lithium carbonate has a higher
ΔHfo in its water phase, which should contribute to toward medical therapy and its application.

Cabbage Inhibits Nitrite Formation in Other Vegetables during Storage

Conner T Callaway, Cynthia Robinson, Autumn Webb, Jinming Huang, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas at Monticello

We reported previously that nitrate concentrations in home-made spinach juice, iceberg lettuce juice, and
celery juice decreased 61.4%, 48.6%, and 34.0% respectively after eight days of storage at 4 oC, while
nitrite concentrations increased more than 3890, 2320, and 1630 fold respectively after eight days
storage. However, no nitrate and nitrite concentrations change were observed in home-made cabbage
juice during eight days of cold storage at 4 oC. Interestingly, we discovered that cabbage juice can
completely inhibit reductions of nitrate and formation of nitrite in home-made celery juice during storage.
This inhibiting effect on nitrite formation in other vegetable juices can be observed at concentration of
green cabbage juice or red cabbage juice as low as 10~15%. However, if cabbage juice was boiled 5
minutes prior mixing with other vegetable juices then no inhibition effect on nitrite formation was
observed. These data suggest that cabbage contains an inhibitor of nitrate reductase that was deactivated
by boiling, so boiled cabbage juice lost its inhibition effect on nitrite formation in other vegetable juice
during storage.

11
Use of cytosine-based tautomerically ambiguous nucleosides for induction of viral
mutagenesis
Carlie M Clem, Vincent K Dunlap, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Viruses remain a great threat to human health, one in particular being the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Although drugs to treat HIV exist, they are harsh and often result in negative side effects. The low
fidelity replication enzymes that the virus uses to duplicate its genome contributes to the relative success
of the virus’s ability to evade antiviral medications, but this can be exploited to develop new antiviral
agents. This research focuses on viral mutagenesis, or the introduction of intentional errors in the genome
of the virus. By increasing the error rate via genetic mutation, the DNA of the virus will reach its error
threshold and ablate. The method by which error will be introduced is integration of synthesized cytosine
based nucleoside analogs that have ambiguous hydrogen bonding faces resulting from tautomeric shift.
These shifts will lead to the mispairing of DNA and a decrease in the stability of the duplex molecule.
Presented here are the details of the designed nucleosides’ synthesis and spectroscopy and thermal
stability of oligomers containing the nucleosides.

Elucidation of Cytochrome P450 Isozyme Contributions in Generation of a Potentially

Toxic, Reactive Terbinafine Metabolite
Allie A Davis, Dusty Barnette, Joshua Swamidass, Na Le Dang, Grover P Miller Ph.D.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Lamisil (terbinafine) is an effective, widely-prescribed antifungal drug that causes idiosyncratic liver
toxicity in rare cases. The proposed mechanism of toxicity involves a reactive metabolite, 6,6-dimethyl-2-
hepten-4-ynal (TBF-A), that forms transient glutathione adducts capable of off-target damage leading to
hepatotoxicity. We employed deep learning neural network modeling and in vitro experimental steady-
state approaches to identify and characterize three P450-catalyzed N-dealkylation pathways leading to
TBF-A formation in one or more steps. We initially modeled terbinafine N-dealkylation by CYP1A2, 2A6,
2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4. Of these, all P450s except CYP2A6 were predicted to N-demethylate
terbinafine for one pathway, while CYP1A2 and 2D6 were the only P450s capable of directly generating
TBF-A during metabolism. None of the models predicted P450s N-denaphthylate the parent drug. The
modeling captured the broad specificity of P450 N-demethylation of terbinafine but was less predictive
for the other N-dealkylation pathways. Experimental studies with P450-specific inhibitors demonstrated
CYP2B6, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 directly generate TBF-A from terbinafine. Subsequent preliminary kinetic
studies with the recombinant enzymes revealed the order of catalytic efficiency (V/Km) for that reaction
was CYP3A4>2C19>2B6≈2D6. For the other pathways, N-demethylation by CYP2C19 was much more
efficient than 3A4, and the order of efficiency for N-denaphthylation was CYP2C19≈3A4>>2B6≈2D6. The
actual contributions would also depend on the relative expression levels of the isozymes. Overall
terbinafine N-dealkylation was dominated by CYP2C19, which catalyzed all three pathways. Nevertheless,
CYP3A4 was the most efficient at generating TBF-A. As the most highly expressed hepatic P450, CYP3A4
would then likely play a significant role in generating and driving TBF-A toxicity with other P450
contributions potentiating those effects. On-going kinetic studies will provide further data to confirm
these findings and improve a relative comparison of the individual pathways. Taken together, knowledge
of these P450s responsible for overall terbinafine metabolism and TBF-A formation provides a foundation
for investigating the impact of variations in their contributions to toxic risk posed to patients and hence
developing strategies to decrease that risk.

12
Greening Up the Reddies: A Panel Discussion on Introducing Green Chemistry
Activities on Campus

Empanneled: Ashton Eckerstorfer, Amos Noyes, Ray Weldon, Nathan Steadman, Carlie M Clem
Faculty Co-Authors: T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

One of the chapter’s objectives for this year are to introduce more green chemistry events since we felt
that more could be done with this important aspect of chemistry. To address this matter, we first
implemented a continuation of our battery, light bulb, and electronic recycling drive begun last year. With
the permission of the school administration, we posted flyers around campus and provided several bins
for students and faculty at locations across campus. This event was originally scheduled but due to high
demand and positive response from our campus community we have decided to make this a permanent
part of our club activities. The HSU Chemistry Club has also integrated green chemistry into our outreach
events to educate the communities we serve in the principles of green chemistry. During our Family
Science Night event we demonstrated the importance of green chemistry and educated the Arkadelphia
community on the use of non-toxic materials and the minimization of waste. This was well received and
we will continue this green education during future outreach events. The club has continued recycling of
wash acetone in our teaching labs via distillation to prevent waste. We are looking forward to our second
annual Earth Day lecture series in the spring as well.

A Drug Repositioning and Diversification Strategy for Discovery of Compounds with

Anti-Cancer Activity
Daniel Gibson, T David Bateman, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Drug repositioning is a low risk, high reward drug development strategy that reduces the cost and time
needed for drug and target discovery by repurposing existing drugs. Tramadol is a biologically active drug
that is prescribed for pain-relief and depression but has off-label uses as an antipyretic, antibacterial, and
antifungal. The purpose of our research is to reposition the prescription drug Tramadol as an anticancer
drug. A library of analogs of Tramadol containing diversified functional groups will be synthesized with a
simple three-step process, tested for bioactivity, and screened for anticancer activity.

13
Bio-inspired Surfaces for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction
Julia K Hoskins, Min Zou, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas

Bioinspired engineering stems from the thought that billions of years of evolution have found a solution
for problems that we face every day. For example, natural surfaces that are resistant to friction and wear
can be found in many biomes across the globe. Animals in desert environments are likely to have features
that protect them from their abrasive surroundings, some even seem to swim in the ground and have
surfaces that seem to reduce their friction with the sand, so they travel faster. This study focused on
friction controlling surface textures: the surface textures on various reptiles were optically characterized
using a non-destructive laser microscope. Using the texture of the Chalcides Occelatus, a wave-like texture
was designed. The addition of this texture to a surface is meant to reduce friction on the surface and to
aid in durability. This texture was printed with two-photon photolithography, then the print was used to
make a PDMS mold of the texture. Smooth and textured samples were made by replica molding IP-Dip
photoresist on a glass slide and coating each type of sample in an ALD Al2O3 hard coating. The various
samples were tested with an automatic friction abrasion analyzer. The wear tracks of smooth and textured
samples were compared as well as samples with and without alumina coating. The friction coefficients of
the four types of samples were measured and this data was compared.

Progress Amidst Anarchism: A Critical Analysis of the Events of June, 1919

Megan M Jackson, Matthew Bowman Ph.D.
Department of History Henderson State University

June of 1919 occupies a significant space in American history. As it reached the end of both World War I
and the Progressive Era, America was struggling to reconcile values inspired by the First World War
(increased nationalism, and the continuing decline of Victorian ideals) with lingering Progressive Era
individualism, which manifested itself the form of pushes for both workers’ and women’s rights. This
paper examines the events of this month with an emphasis on the passage of the 19th amendment
through senate on June 4th, and the anarchist bombings which took place on June 3rd. These events are
significant because they both represent challenges to the existing power structures in the United States.
Women gaining the vote was a distinct threat to the monopoly that white men had on political power up
to this point in American history, and the anarchist bombings of this month were a challenge posed to this
same power structure, but by working class immigrants who still desired better working and living
conditions. These are both movements carried over from the Progressive Era. However, America’s unique
sociocultural climate as it struggled to reconcile these progressive movements with its new, post-war
consciousness is what makes the events of this month distinct from the otherwise quite similar social
reform movements of the preceding two decades. This paper seeks to explain why both of these groups—
women and anarchists—experienced different responses to their bids for power in June of 1919 than they
had previously.

14
Molecular Modeling of Metal-containing Drugs (aurotioprol and aurothioglucose) for
Medical Therapies
Peter Joseph, Frank Hahn, Ph.D.
Philander Smith College

The complexes of Gold (Au) have been used in medicines such as aurotioprol and aurothioglucose as
antirheumatic agents. The computational modeling techniques have been applied to medicinal complex
molecules to understand the molecular behaviors of the complexes. In this study, theoretical semi-
empirical AM1 (Austin Model 1), PM3 (Parameterized Model number 3), and MNDO (Modified Neglect of
Diatomic Overlap) calculations for the newly constructed 3-D models of controlled aurotioprol and
aurotioprol with various Au oxidation states were conducted in gas and water phases to investigate the
intrinsic thermochemical coordination bond properties, ie., stability and reactivity, via MOPAC (Molecular
Orbital Package) simulations. It was found that PM3 was a better computational approximation method
for examining thermochemical stability and reactivity of aurotioprol complexes vs. AM1 and MNDO
methods, based on the data comparison with the reported ΔHfo (heat of formation) of the control
aurotioprol. A negligible difference in ΔHfo for the modeled molecules tested between gas and water
phase for each calculation method was observed, so the aurotioprol complexes we ran in water phase.
The calculated ΔHfo in water phase was shown to be slightly more stable than gas phase. More research
must be conducted to elucidate the reason why water phase works better. The results calculated may not
only allow for a better understanding of chelation in the medicinal chemistry, but for the development of
new and novel agents.

Introducing Quantum Dynamics to Undergraduates: A New Look at the Argand

Representation (a+ib) of the Wavefunction
Jacquelyn Mosely, T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Traditionally there are two ways undergraduates are taught to represent complex numbers: 1) the Argand
number of the form (a+ib) OR the polar form (R*exp(-i*S/h). Much work has been done studying the
useful features of wavepackets which are expressed in polar form—most notably as seen in David Bohm’s
work. It is not the easiest concept for an undergraduate student who is just now being exposed to complex
mathematics to grasp. The Argand representation, however, is very easy to visualize and helps to give
important quantities in quantum mechanics (like the probability density) are more accurate
interpretation. Undergraduate members of the Rowland group have developed a quantum dynamical
wavepacket barrier scattering code in Excel utilizing the Argand transform because of the simplicity by
which it transforms under Schrodinger’s equation. Because of this simplicity, undergraduates can now
begin coding basic barrier scattering codes in Excel! Additionally, the structure of the real and imaginary
parts of the transformed equations reveals a high degree of symmetry and informs us that under this
transformation, the evolution of ‘a’ is almost exclusively influenced by ‘b’ and vice versa! This result is
not out of line with current thought on complex Bohmian-inspired quantum trajectory techniques. In this
talk we shall present some basic results from our work on a variety of potential energy functions, the
concepts of convergence and stability, visualization of results, and future avenues in which we wish to
take this exciting work.

15
The Effects of Area and Population on Sex Education
Brady L Nix, Cheyenne Mitchell, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Teen pregnancy rates have decreased signifi0dcantly since 2007. This decrease is likely the product of
many variables, including improved sex education, STD awareness, and occasionally even the adamant
adherence to abstinence only pledges among select populations. Of these variables and many more, sex
education is the most supported by studies, while an abstinence-only approach has been shown to be
ineffective in comparison. However, these findings differ across variables such as location and population
of the sample. In this study we suggest that (1) the implementation of Sex Education is correlated with a
decrease in Teen Pregnancy Rates regardless of area and population, (2) results from samples in urban
areas show a greater decrease in Teen Pregnancy through Sex Education than samples in rural areas, and
(3) results from samples in the Northern United States show a greater decrease in teen pregnancy through
Sex Education than samples in the Southern United States.

16
Poster Platform Abstracts:

Sex and Marriage: Does Sex Equal Love?

Jasmine Ames, Mar'Quesia Gillis, Rowan Malone, Alexa Oestmann, Dominique Walker, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

All marriages face hardships. In fact, a majority of married couples in the U.S. have participated in some
form of counseling. It can be inferred that numerous married couples seek counseling due to sexual
dissatisfaction. This is because sex is among the many problems reported by married couples. In a national
survey, 73% of couples said that lack of commitment was the main reason for divorce. Other surveys have
found that between 20-25% of men and 10-15% of women admitted to having extramarital sex at some
point during their marriage (Munsch, 2012). Past and present research is starting to show trends of
divorces based on infidelity of some sort. Our archival research study will reveal the correlations found in
both marriage counseling attendance and sexual dissatisfaction/extramarital affairs.

Sexual Behavior and Interest across States

Candace M Baker, Aubriana Scott, Brasha Swindall, Kally Tran, Oyshi Hossain, Paige Powell, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Sexual behaviors and interests have been widely researched under many different scopes. Related
variables studies include gender, race/ethic background, age, sexual orientation and socioeconomic
standing. Our research aims to investigate the sexual behavior and interest of individuals by geographic
location. This research explores the findings of normal as well as abnormal sexual behavior. Abnormal
behaviors and interests are those that deviate from cultural and social norms, and can effect an
individual’s daily life. The study investigates the sexual behaviors and interests of US and Puerto Rican
residents according to what state they reside in. The purpose of this study is to determine if residing in
any given state correlates with an individual’s likelihood of adopting and/or preferring a specific sexual
ideology. Using archival data, this study highlights findings of the top three sexual behaviors and interests
in each state. The projected outcome is that individuals living in more densely populated areas will have
a higher frequency of sexual deviance.

17
Use of cytosine-based tautomerically ambiguous nucleosides for induction of viral
mutagenesis
Carlie M Clem, Vincent K Dunlap, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Viruses remain a great threat to human health, one in particular being the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Although drugs to treat HIV exist, they are harsh and often result in negative side effects. The low
fidelity replication enzymes that the virus uses to duplicate its genome contributes to the relative success
of the virus’s ability to evade antiviral medications, but this can be exploited to develop new antiviral
agents. This research focuses on viral mutagenesis, or the introduction of intentional errors in the genome
of the virus. By increasing the error rate via genetic mutation, the DNA of the virus will reach its error
threshold and ablate. The method by which error will be introduced is integration of synthesized cytosine
based nucleoside analogs that have ambiguous hydrogen bonding faces resulting from tautomeric shift.
These shifts will lead to the mispairing of DNA and a decrease in the stability of the duplex molecule.
Presented here are the details of the designed nucleosides’ synthesis and spectroscopy and thermal
stability of oligomers containing the nucleosides.

Clap Back at Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Ashley Evans, Madison Roberts, Celeste Dart, April Marfoglio, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Over the past years, sexually transmitted diseases appear to be increasing in numbers according to
previous studies. Many STDs can remain with you for a lifetime that can harm you in more ways than one.
Being informed of the possibilities of contracting an STD is imperative. This report is to look at the STDs
statistics of Arkansas from 2005 to 2015 by gender, ethnicity, age, and county; to see if sexually
transmitted diseases have increased by the number of cases. Overall, this will tell us whether STDs are
growing more in gender, ethnicity, age, and county. This report will allow us to see if there needs to be
more resources in gear toward treating sexually transmitted diseases. We have further research on the
different types of sexually transmitted disease or in other predicaments, sexually transmitted infections.
We hope our archival study brings awareness of these STDs and the impact they have had in Arkansas.

Erectile Dysfunction: Rising to the Occasion

Sherrie Hale, E. Green, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Erectile dysfunction has many causes. The causes can be related to biological reasons, health, both mental
and physical, as well as factors from drug use and the aging process. The current study reviews archival
data from past empirical research and personal observations, regarding causes and treatments. There are
various treatments available to assist those who suffer from this condition. Depending on a person’s
health status, the treatments do vary as they also vary in successful aid in dealing with erectile
dysfunction. The treatments can vary from simply taking a pill to taking an injection in the penis and even
as much as having an implant surgery to assist sexual performance. Although the information we have
gathered for this study has been derived from various other studies, the information we combined it with
helped us to conclude the study with expected results by knowing personal information from our own
social relationships.

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Sex Sells in Advertising and Media: Women vs. Men
Miranda Hartford, Anna LaDuke, April Walters, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Over the last twenty years or so sexualizing women and men have become more common in advertising
and media. The marketing technique, sex sells, in various types of advertising and media is now a social
“norm,” and works quite well, when used appropriately, to draw in a targeted audience to purchase goods
or services. Past research has shown that women tend to be sexualized more than men in advertising and
media, but men are beginning to be sexualized more than in the past. Women in their twenties tend to
be sexualized more than older women, and men, ranging from their twenties to forties, tend to be
sexualized more in advertising and media. Women are four times as likely to be sexualized in
advertisements and media versus men. Men also tend to remember an advertisement or type of media
better if it is sexualized, but women perceive things differently. We have compared various types of
research, including basic, applied, and quantitative, to create this archival study. We found that women
tend to be sexualized in advertising and media more so than men, but most of the researchers did their
studies on researching women versus men. Also, advertisements and media portray a socially acceptable
view of how women and men should look.

Bio-inspired Surfaces for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction

Julia K Hoskins, Min Zou, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas

Bioinspired engineering stems from the thought that billions of years of evolution have found a solution
for problems that we face every day. For example, natural surfaces that are resistant to friction and wear
can be found in many biomes across the globe. Animals in desert environments are likely to have features
that protect them from their abrasive surroundings, some even seem to swim in the ground and have
surfaces that seem to reduce their friction with the sand, so they travel faster. This study focused on
friction controlling surface textures: the surface textures on various reptiles were optically characterized
using a non-destructive laser microscope. Using the texture of the Chalcides Occelatus, a wave-like texture
was designed. The addition of this texture to a surface is meant to reduce friction on the surface and to
aid in durability. This texture was printed with two-photon photolithography, then the print was used to
make a PDMS mold of the texture. Smooth and textured samples were made by replica molding IP-Dip
photoresist on a glass slide and coating each type of sample in an ALD Al2O3 hard coating. The various
samples were tested with an automatic friction abrasion analyzer. The wear tracks of smooth and textured
samples were compared as well as samples with and without alumina coating. The friction coefficients of
the four types of samples were measured and this data was compared.

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Free Love, Man: Political and Cultural Factors Affecting LGBT Acceptance since the
1960s
Camille Judy, Brittany Chilton, Madelyn Byrd, Krystal Bell, Railey Nolan, Travis Langley Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

Since the 1960s, acceptance of LGBTQ members has grown exponentially. LGBTQ acceptance is now a
topic of open discussion, rather than hidden behind closed doors. The trends are strongly racing towards
full legal recognition of the marriages of same sex partners and parenthood. In American culture, a more
tolerant climate has been created for the LGBTQ children. Until the late 1960s, adolescent homosexuality
was viewed as a normal and temporary part of growing up; by the middle of the 20th century, however,
homosexuality was viewed as a pathology. This paper elaborates on the changing viewpoints of LGBTQ
in regards to developmental and adolescent psychology, as well as psychology in general. The purpose of
this study is to analyze the political and cultural factors that affect acceptance of the LGBTQ movement;
we hypothesize that since the 1960s, acceptance of LGBTQ has and continues to increase.

Activities of an Outstanding ACS Student Affiliate Chapter

Susana Loarca, Lynlee Russell, Carlie Clem, T David Bateman, Ph.D., Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

The Henderson State University Student Affiliate Chapter (aka Chem Club) has been actively working in
the areas of community outreach, service, and extracurricular activities. The Chem Club will highlight
community outreach, focusing on activities such as Tinkerfest, Program in a Box, and Family Science Night,
where a variety of demonstrations are organized by Chem Club members. The Chem Club will also discuss
our service activities, including Henderson Halloween, tutoring, and our work at the Garland County
Library. Extracurricular activities include brewery tours, float trips, movie nights, cookouts, and potlucks.
The Chem Club has actively pursued the ideals embodied in Green Chem. this academic year as an ongoing
and sustained effort to promote Green Chem. on our campus. The Chem Club’s Green Chem. Committee
has recently set up recycling bins for lightbulbs and batteries in the Garrison Activity Center on campus.

College student’s attitudes toward fake news and their information media use
behaviors and perceived credibility.
Gabriel McDonald, Nokon Heo.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

This study examined college student’s attitudes toward fake news and their information media use
behaviors. The main focus of the is to examine whether attitudes toward and perceived prevalence of
fake news influence students’ amount of news consumption, source selection, and perceived credibility
of the source. A survey comprising of questions tapping into media use behaviors, fake news attitudes
and perceptions was adapted from previous studies and distributed to undergraduate students enrolled
in communication classes in exchange for extra credit. The results of the survey data found that 1)
students’ general attitudes toward fake news are negative, 2) students are confident in their ability to
recognize fake news but varied in identifying the sources of fake news, and finally 3) student’s perceived
credibility of their selected information source and overall news consumption are significantly influenced
by their fake news attitudes. Implications of the results were discussed within the larger context of media
literacy and information media education.

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The Effects of Sex Education on STD rates and Teen Pregnancy
Charles C McGee, Erykah L Martin, Emmafaith M George, Kearra R Parrish, Mary-Beth White, Travis
Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

The United States has one of the highest rate of STDs and teen pregnancies of developed countries. This
archival study looked at the potential link between the quality of sex education in schools and the rate of
STDs in those same states. There is little research looking at the effects of different sex education in public
schools. This is potentially caused by some parents’ belief that sex education should be standard in public
schools, while other parents think that sex education in schools is inappropriate. In this archival study, we
examined various documents and statistics to try and determine, state by state, the correlation between
the quality of sex education and the amount of STD rates and teen pregnancy. We predicted that the
states with “better” sex education (i.e. schools required to teach sex ed while remaining non-biased,
medically accurate, and not driven by religious beliefs) would have lower STD and teen pregnancy rates
than states with inaccurate, abstinence-driven, or absent sexual education. To our surprise, we found little
correlation between the quality of sex education by state, reported cases of STD’s and teen pregnancies
in those states. Despite this, between 2006 and 2013 there was a decrease in teen pregnancies and
improved use of contraceptive methods in the United States. This is arguably because of the rising
popularity of online sources for sex education.

Node Development in Free Wavepacket Evolution

Jacquelyn Mosely, Colton Lechak, Brad A Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Recent work has demonstrated that hyperbolic secant wave packets develop an infinite series of nodes
when undergoing evolution via the time-dependent Schrodinger Equation in a potential-less environment.
This was unheard of in quantum chemistry circles as the most widely utilized wave packet, the Gaussian,
does not demonstrate this behavior during free evolution. We have found that wave packets of the form
Ψ(x) = 1/(xn+1), where n = even also develop nodes during free evolution. Prior work has demonstrated
that the dynamics of wave packets in the complex plane can yield insight into evolving features in the
wave packet on the real axis (i.e. nodes). To study the potential origin and evolution of these nodes, a
numerical technique known as numerical analytic continuation has been utilized and has yielded great
insight into how the poles in the complex quantum potential are developing in the complex plane and
then transiting onto the real-axis, where they appear as nodes in the wave packet . The dynamics of these
poles have been examined by making a Pólya map of the quantum complex momentum field.

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Premarital Sex as it Affects Marriage
Cameron C Nickels, Chelsey N McFerrin, Travis Langley, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology Henderson State University

In many of today’s cultures, society has accepted and allowed premarital sex to become a common
activity, but doing this has caused many issues within marriages including increasing the chance of divorce.
Previous studies that have been performed concluded that the majority of marriages are not affected by
the men's thoughts and experiences of premarital sex but is heavily affected by women's thoughts and
experiences on premarital sex. What we are examining is as to whether the rate of premarital sex, based
on the gender of the participant, has any bearing on the divorce rates of the parties once they are married.
The premarital sexual contact that we are studying has to do with whether the husband or wife has had
premarital sexual contact with others, rather than each other, before marriage.

Analysis of air and water samples for the presence of heavy metals in Clark County
Arkansas.
Kevin Nordengren, Ashton Eckerstorfer, T David Bateman, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

Water samples were analyzed for the presence of mercury and other heavy metals at various sites across
Clark County Arkansas. Locations include but were not limited to different sites along the Ouachita, Caddo,
and Antoine rivers, as well as the historical mercury mining town of Graysonia. Additionally, we have
expanded our research to include sampling air in the locations mentioned to detect volatilized metals in
local environments. The mercury content of the water and air samples were measured using a Buck
Scientific 410 Cold Vapor Mercury Analyzer, while other heavy metal content was analyzed using
established protocols.

Men's Perception of Women Based On Masculinity: "I'm sorry you had to push my
car!"
Felicia Valdez, Sadie Prejean, Jennifer Fayard Ph.D.
Ouachita Baptist University

The purpose of this study was to determine how men perceive women after they are introduced to either
a masculine or feminine task. Ten Instagram pictures of the same girl were shown to all of the participants,
ranging from modest to scandalous, and they were given a self-esteem questionnaire afterwards. Through
this, the amount of “likes” were analyzed to determine if masculinity provoked more interaction with
scandalous photos. The assumed self-esteem of the Instagram girl was also analyzed. Results for the
hypothesis were not significant, however there were significant results associated with self-esteem.

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Tertiary benzamides as possible antimalarial leads
Emily E Williford, Martin Campbell Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Henderson State University

With nearly 215 million new cases in 2015, the most recent year for which World Health Organization data
is published, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, malaria continues as the scourge of areas such as Africa
and Southeast Asia. Despite the success of artemisinin based combination therapies, the plasmodium
continues to develop drug resistance. Therefore, the need for new artemisinin codrugs as well as new
classes of anti-malarials continues. Recently, GlaxoSmithKline and other organizations have published a
variety of vetted structural motifs that are potential candidates for the next line of antimalarials. Currently
we are investigating the synthesis of a series of tertiary cyanobenzamides based on one such a structural
motif. We report progress to date on a convergent synthesis route to a variety of these benzamides
bearing substituted imidazole groups as well as a small alkyl group.

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 Index of all Authors
Alphabetical by first name

Alexa Oestmann, 8, 17 Grover P Miller Ph.D., 6, 7, 12

Allie A Davis, 6, 7, 12 Ingo Schranz, Ph.D., 6
Amos Noyes, 10, 13 Jacquelyn Mosely, 7, 9, 15, 21
Anna LaDuke, 8, 19 Jasmine Ames, 8, 17
April Marfoglio, 8, 18 Jessica Shephard, 6, 11
April Walters, 8, 19 Jinming Huang, Ph.D., 7, 11
Ashley Evans, 8, 18 Joshua Swamidass, 6, 7, 12
Ashton Eckerstorfer, 9, 10, 13, 22 Julia K Hoskins, 9, 10, 14, 19
Aubriana Scott, 8, 17 Kally Tran, 8, 17
Autumn Webb, 7, 11 Kevin Nordengren, 9, 22
Brad A Rowland, Ph.D., 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, 21 Krystal Bell, 9, 20
Bradley Rowland, Ph.D., 8 Lynlee Russell, 9, 20
Brady L Nix, 7, 16 Madelyn Byrd, 9, 20
Brasha Swindall, 8, 17 Madison Roberts, 8, 18
Brittany Chilton, 9, 20 Mar'Quesia Gillis, 8, 17
Cameron C Nickels, 9, 22 Martin Campbell Ph.D., 9, 23
Camille Judy, 9, 20 Matthew Bowman Ph.D., 7, 14
Candace M Baker, 8, 17 Megan M Jackson, 7, 14
Carlie Clem, 9, 20 Min Zou, Ph.D., 9, 10, 14, 19
Carlie M Clem, 8, 10, 12, 13, 18 Miranda Hartford, 8, 19
Celeste Dart, 8, 18 Na Le Dang, 6, 7, 12
Charles C McGee, 9, 21 Nathan Steadman, 10, 13
Chelsey N McFerrin, 9, 22 Nokon Heo., 9, 20
Cheyenne Mitchell, 7, 16 Oyshi Hossain, 8, 17
Colton Lechak, 7, 9, 21 Paige Powell, 8, 17
Conner T Callaway, 7, 11 Peter Joseph, 6, 15
Cynthia Robinson, 7, 11 Railey Nolan, 9, 20
Daniel Gibson, 6, 13 Ray Weldon, 10, 13
David Bateman, 26 Rowan Malone, 8, 17
Dominique Walker, 8, 17 Sean Brandon, 6, 11
Dusty Barnette, 6, 7, 12 Sherrie Hale, 8, 18
E. Green, 8, 18 Susana Loarca, 9, 20
Emily E Williford, 23 T David Bateman, Ph.D., 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, 22
Emmafaith M George, 9, 21 Travis Langley, Ph.D., 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22
Erykah L Martin, 9, 21 Travis Langley, Ph.D, 10
Felicia Valdez, 9, 22 Travis Langley, Ph.D., 10
Frank Hahn, Ph.D., 6, 11, 15 Vincent K Dunlap, Ph.D., 8, 10, 12, 18
Gabriel McDonald, 9, 20

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25
 Meeting Announcement

26th Annual
Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference
T.B.D.

Henderson State University

Call for abstracts in Mid-November

Abstract Deadline Early March

For all information, to submit your abstract, and to register,

www.hsu.edu/undergraduate-research

For information, contact Dr. David Bateman, batemat@hsu.edu

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