Microsoft word - east collegiatte tas conference 2013 oral and poster presentations

Oral Presentations
Session Times and Titles
Behavioral Sciences
Analysis of Denial and Deception (D&D) Practices in the Intelligence Field 9:45 – 10:00
Eugenie de Silva* and Eugene de Silva. *American Military University, Charles
Town, West Virginia and Walters State Community College, Morristown,

10:00 – 10:15
The Genetic Counseling Patient and Gene Therapy Sara Stevers,* Eugene de
Silva, and Jeffrey Horner. Walters State Community College, Morristown,
Chemistry

10:15 - 10:30
Determination of Nitrates in Drinking Water. Sharon Smith,* Eugene de Silva,
and Lawrence Kennard. Walters State Community College, Morristown,
Tennessee.
10:30 – 11:00
Health and Medical Science
A prophylaxis treatment with lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to slow pneumonia progression in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to pseudomonas aeruginosa
bacteria. James D. Morgan* Eugene de Silva, and Greg Johansen. Walters
State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee.
Psychology
11:00 – 11:15

Hormone Response in Humans Emily Kristner,* and Eugene de Silva. Walters
State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. Oral Presentation Abstracts
Behavioral Sciences
Analysis of Denial and Deception (D&D) Practices in the Intelligence Field Eugenie de Silva* and
Eugene de Silva. *American Military University, Charles Town, West Virginia and Walters State
Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. This work offers an analysis of several significant D&D
techniques and tactics that have been utilized by those in the United States (U.S.) Intelligence
Community (IC) and government over the years. This work offers deeper insight to the systematic
approaches enlisted to attain goals. Furthermore, the work will further argue that IC activities and
methods are directly influenced by the short-term goals of the time periods.

The Genetic Counseling Patient and Gene Therapy Sara Stevers,* Eugene de Silva, and Jeffrey
Horner. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. The objectives of this research work
are to analyze, and then identify the characteristics most commonly related to those individuals who seek
genetic counseling. Data related to genetics and gene therapy, a novel method of treatment for genetic
disorders, will also be incorporated into the work. Furthermore, information pertaining to the age, race,
and gender of those involved in genetic counseling from around ten clinics in the Southeastern region of
the United States (U.S.) will be collected. A statistical analysis of all information will then be carried out to
gain insight to the similarities of the work. This would be useful information for genetic counselors and
others in allied fields. Furthermore, the compilation of the information will also give prospective or current
genetic counseling patients the opportunities to further understand what is actually taking place in terms
of genetics, and what new treatments are available.
Chemistry
Determination of Nitrates in Drinking Water. Sharon Smith,* Eugene de Silva, and Lawrence Kennard.
Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. This project focuses on the determination of
nitrates in drinking water in East Tennessee wells. The wells in this area were selected due to high
agricultural and industrial operations. The high concentrations of nitrates in water have been noted to
cause methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome. Pregnant women, adults with reduced stomach
acidity, and people deficient in the enzyme that changes methemoglobin back to regular hemoglobin are
all considered susceptible to nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia. In this project, the samples collected
from the wells will be tested for nitrates and other anions. The detected nitrates levels will be compared to
the EPA, WHO, and EU standards. If high levels are detected, an action plan will be put forward with
collaboration from local authorities. The project is expected to be completed within a three-month period
with further investigations planned for other anions or necessary actions.
Psychology
Hormone Response in Humans. Emily Kristner,* and Eugene de Silva. Walters State Community
College, Morristown, Tennessee. The main objective of this project is to determine whether a certain
stimulus, supposedly capable of increasing the amount of hormones in the body, will have an effect on
how a couple feels when kissing. The work will explore the effect of the hormones to stimulate feelings of
attachment or excitement when a couple kisses. Data will be gathered through the personal surveys. The
final results of these surveys will be compiled, and then analyzed to determine if there are any patterns or irregularities that can be noticed. It is hoped that this work will be beneficial in the development of deeper emotions and relationships of couples. This largely qualitative piece of work will offer insight into the unique dynamics of strengthened connections during intimate moments, such as kissing. Health and Medical Science
A prophylaxis treatment with lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to slow pneumonia progression in cystic fibrosis
(CF) patients due to pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. James D. Morgan* Eugene de Silva, and
Greg Johansen. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. A probiotic called
lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been a suggested source of treatment for chronic pneumonia in CF
patients. CF is a genetic disorder that causes recurrent bacterial related pneumonia. It affects about
30,000 Americans and around 70,000 people worldwide. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is an acid
and bile resistant strain of bacteria that colonizes the host’s intestinal tract and prevents harmful
pathogenic bacteria from growing. LGG has shown promise to reduce the amount of pulmonary
exacerbations and hospital admissions in cystic fibrosis patients. Additionally, one study even reported a
substantial decrease in respiratory infections in children with cystic fibrosis colonized by pseudomonas
aeruginosa. The patients who received LGG portrayed decreased amounts of inflammation compared to
a placebo group. LGG may be an effective prophylaxis treatment for pseudomonas aeruginosa related
pneumonia in cystic fibrosis patients.
Poster Abstracts
Techniques and Applications of Bioremediation. Sierra Noe* and Abigail M. Goosie, Walters State
Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. The consumption of fossil fuels and widespread use of the
elements to change the landscape are taking their toll on the environment now more than ever. Scientists
and researchers who see these effects are always looking to create synthetic ways to reverse the
damage, or prevent further damage, such as green energy technologies. However, sometimes trying to
reverse the problem with synthetic materials is ineffective with the natural ebb and flow of the
environment. A new area of research has recently come forth in attempt to resolve these problems which
is called bioremediation. Instead of using man-made inventions, bioremediation uses biological organisms
and the natural biologic process to fix environmental problems. The first case of bioremediation occurred
with an oil spill of the coast of South Carolina in 1992. This project explores both Marine and Terrestrial
methods of using bioremediation to manage environmental issues.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Effectiveness of Sulfathiazole on the bacteria E.coli, Saraea Adams*, Stephanie Rednour*, and
Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. The synthesis of sulfa drugs
is a well-established procedure and recently has even become more “green” in terms of chemicals and
reagents. We aim to expand this new approach by removing an additional chemical. We will produce
Sulfathiazole using an established procedure except we will use a recyclable acid resin instead of
Hydrochloric acid. Once we have produced the chemical Sulfathiazole we will test this on the E. coli
bacteria to see if this is an effective drug in killing this specific bacteria.
Instrumental Chemistry

Polarimetry Andrew Osborne*, Morgan Dodgen*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community
College, Morristown, Tennessee. Optical rotation is the property of chiral molecules to rotate plane-
polarized light. This property can be easily measured using a polarimeter. Our project will calculate the
observed and specific rotation for several sugars. These results will be compared to handbook values and
then used in the identification of an unknown sugar.
Forensic Chemistry
Different techniques used in developing latent fingerprints. Brooke T. Morgan*, Rachel D. Fraley*,
Jacob O. Seal*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. The
purpose of this project is to identify the variances between the results of different techniques in
developing latent fingerprints. Different methods that involve cyanoacrylate fuming or chemical staining
will be investigated. In this study, we will determine the better of the two techniques to recover latent
fingerprints on various surfaces. The findings may be useful in determining potential suspects in various
judicial cases or processing criminals in the system.
Biochemistry
Testing the Amount of Fat in Popular Chip Brands. Brandon L. Chapman*, Chris DeWitt*, Davina
Myers*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown,Tennessee. The experiment
will test the amount (by mass) of fat in three popular brands of chips. Multiple samples of each brand will
be tested to ensure an accurate representation of the fat content. The fats will be extracted from the solid
chip and then the organic solvent will be removed. Samples will then be weighed to determine the amount
of fat, which would then be averaged, and that average compared to the advertised amounts.

Natural Products Chemistry
Extraction of Citral from Lemon Grass. Madelyn Greene*, Hayden Short*, Rachel Rodriguez*, and
Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. In our experiment we plan to
isolate Citral and investigate its effects on ants. Citral will be obtained through the steam distillation of
lemon grass. Citral is known to be a component in the pheromones used by ants which causes distress
and aggressive behavior. We plan to test the effectiveness by applying it to a decoy cockroach, placing
the decoy in the same container as the ants, and observing their reactions.
Textile Chemistry
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Analysis of Para-Red. Jesse Lawson*, Thomas Greene*, and Matthew
Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. Azo dyes are compounds bearing a
R-N=N-R’ functional group in which the R groups can be alkyl or aryl. Azo dyes are used to treat colored
textile and leather. We will apply the well-established synthesis of para-red and attempt to make other
azo compounds. Para-red will be used as a standard and the other azo compounds will be analyzed in
terms of their spectroscopic properties.
Medicinal Chemistry
The synergistic mechanism behind ticarcillin/clavulanate and amikacin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections. James D. Morgan*, Maxwell Dickerson*, Lavesh Patel*and Abigail M. Goosi. Walters
State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. A combinational therapy of ticarcillin and clavulanate
acid paired with an aminoglycoside, amikacin, has been introduced as an antibiotic regiment for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacteria, infections. A deeper understanding behind the
structural involvement of these chemicals is being assessed to further organize knowledge on how they
work to eliminate this pathogenic bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has a particularly high resistance to
antibiotics, compared to other pathogens, making it hard to combat with most medicines. However,
ticarcillin, clavulanate acid, and amikacin have proven to successfully eliminate strains of this bacteria.
Ticarcillin and clavulanate acid work together to compromise the cell wall of the bacteria, while amikacin
disrupts protein synthesis. This is achieved by a coordination of extensive chemical reaction processes.
The combinational therapy is effective at eliminating bacterial infections caused by p. aeruginosa due to
the chemical structures of the antibiotics.
Green Chemistry
A look into Green Chemistry. Richard J. Bain*, Andrew Julian*, San Soun*, and Matthew Smith.
Walter’s State Community College.Tennessee We intend to investigate the feasibility, economics, and
efficiency of green fuels, specifically ethanol and biodiesel, for the average individual. Ethanol will be
produced via fermentation of corn and recovered through distillation. Biodiesel will be produced from
vegetable oil. The amount of energy produced by each fuel will be determined via calorimetry, and used
to compare the two fuels.
Analytical Chemistry
Identification of Benzocaine Through the Use of Gas Chromatography Gabrielle Baker*, Samuel
Thomas*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College Morristown Tennessee Benzocaine is
a local anesthetic found in a variety of over-the-counter products. Its synthesis is also a well-established
laboratory for Organic Chemistry students. We aim to extract benzocaine from certain medications and
confirm its presence using gas chromatography. As a standard for comparison we will use the
benzocaine synthesized in our laboratory.
Applied Synthetic Chemistry
Alarm pheromone recruitment in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and organic synthesis of recruitment
component Isoamyl Acetate. Stephen Ivy*, Courtney Humphrey*, Laurie Smith*, and Matthew Smith.
Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. Isoamyl acetate (isopentyl acetate) is a
known component of the alarm pheromone produced by honey bees. This component will be synthesized
and purified in our lab. It will then be investigated to determine whether or not this single component of
the pheromone mixture alone is adequate to trigger a response from honey bees.
Oil Chemistry
Isolation and Analysis of Essential Oils from Cinnamon. Taylor F. Lamb*, Brittney N. Schwarz*, Kristen
Hickey*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee. Essential oils
are responsible for the odors we associate with common spices, such as cloves and all-spice. We will
utilize the technique of steam distillation to isolate the oil from a cinnamon product. Following purification,
we will compare the purity of the oil we isolated with commercially available cinnamon oil.
Fluorescence Chemistry
The synthesis and chemiluminescence of Bis(4-nitrophenyl) oxalate. Albert Williams*, Sarah Nowack*,
Ben Miller*, and Matthew Smith. Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tennessee.
Chemiluminescence describes a reaction in which light is produced, usually resulting from the formation
of a product in an excited state. This basic principle is the underlying chemistry of glow-sticks. The
purpose of this experiment is to synthesize Bis(4-nitrophenyl) oxalate, a derivative of the common
compound found in glow-sticks. The normal synthesis of these compounds involves reaction with oxalyl
chloride. We will attempt to prepare the compound using coupling reagents instead. Following its
synthesis, the chemiluminescent properties of the compound will be evaluated.
Environmental Chemistry
Welcome to Douglas Lake Ashley B. Singleton* and Jessica Gilbride*, Walters State Community
College, Morristown, Tennessee. A month ago a series of fierce storms saturated our region. TVA’s
watershed worked. Roosevelt would be proud. There were was no major flooding and the dam produced
electricity. What the New Deal did not account for was 100 years of capitalism and a lack of concern for
our planet. After the rain subsided and the river steadied, thousands of pounds of debris and hazmat
(hexane isomers, petroleum distillates, hydrocarbon propellant, lithium compound, hydrochloric acid,
toluene, heptane, sodium metabisulfite, s.hydrosulfite, s.carbonate, methanol, methanol chloride, sodium
hydroxide, sodium nitrate, urea menohydrochloride, acetone, xylene) were left behind in piles along the
500 plus miles of East Tennessee's Douglas Lake shoreline where it has remained for the past month.
Our goal is to bring this shared responsibility to the attention of our community and not allow the rising waters to consume the garbage that is unsafe for our environment, economy, and lake. Microbiology
Identification of coliforms in Cherokee Lake. Kevin S. Quinby* and Steve R. Karr, Carson-Newman
University, Jefferson City, Tennessee. Coliforms are commonly used as indicators of water quality. Since
they are abundant in animal feces, their presence in water can indicate fecal contamination and the
possibility that pathogens may be present. Using differential and selective media, and the Enterotube II
identification system, we have identified coliforms present in Cherokee Lake. The most commonly
identified coliform was Escherichia coli.

Our thanks to,
Dr. Jeffrey Horner, Professor and Dean of Natural Science for
welcome, logistic and planning support.
Professors Abigail Goose, Matthew Smith, Lawrence Kennard, and
Elena Owen for acting as judges.
Ms. Sherry Woody; the Secretary of Natural Science, for all
administrative and organizational support.
Faculty and staff of Natural Science Department for their collegial
support and preparing students for presentations.
Carson-Newman University faculty and students for their participation
at this conference.
Walters State Community College administration for hosting the
Finally to my daughter Eugenie for editorial and organizational
support.

Source: http://www.tennacadofsci.org/forms/2013%20EAST%20Collegiatte%20TAS%20Presentations.pdf