We're pleased to announce the winners of the Student Research Poster Session:

Overall winner
is K.M. Russell, Clinical & Counseling Psychology, M.A. for "A proposed adaptation of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and in emerging adulthood with role transition or interpersonal dispute problem areas" and will receive a scholarhip equal to 1-credit point. People's Choice winners are Melissa Arnold Lyon and Iris Daruwala, Education Policy and Social Analysis, Ph.D., for "The Effect of State Takeover on Suspension Rates in Tennessee" will receive an convocation regalia.
Congratulations to these bright TC minds!


Student Reseach Poster Session

We're happy to partner with Student Senate this year in presenting our very own TC students and their research during our Closing Networking Reception. During this Poster Session you will have the opportunity to interact with students and learn more about the work they are doing at TC. Be sure to stop by the reception to place your vote for "People's Choice". 

The Finalists

Mengmeng Cao
, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Ph.D.
Title: A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Geometry Curriculum in High School in U.S. and China
Abstract: Three-D geometry is widely needed in the fields, and new developments in technology mean that in the twenty first century spatial thinking and visualizations are vital. The purpose of this research is to identify and review topics in the 3-D geometry curriculum, primarily at the high school level; synthesize literatures to create a Spatial Thinking Abilities Framework involved in 3-D geometry; comparing 3-D geometry curriculum and textbooks in two main countries: USA and China. To answer these research questions, this research used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Katerina M De Vito, Health & Behavior Studies, Ed.D.   
Title: Icelandic Social Support Model & Icelandic Adolescent Mental Health; An Evaluation Plan
Abstract: I am exploring the relationship between social support and self-reported Icelandic adolescent mental health. My project introduces the idea of the Icelandic Social Support Model (ISSM), and proposes an evaluation plan for ISSM programming on adolescent mental health, and a plan for a community health assessment of Icelandic adolescent mental health.

Mark J. Johnson, Health and Behavior Studies
Title: Sex Education in Zambia as a Modality for Sustainable Development
Abstract: This project presents a proposal for the evaluation of an HIV/AIDS prevention  program that we designed for shareholders of the Republic of Zambia.

Allison Kallmann, Education Policy and Social Analysis, M.A.
Title: Preschool Transition Policies: A Pilot
Abstract: My Master's project pilot explores the transition practices used by early childhood programs across Head Start, public (state) pre-K, and private childcare providers in Kansas City, Missouri. Specifically, it asks 3 questions: How do early childhood programs support children and families in the transition between preschool and kindergarten? How do these practices vary across settings? Do teachers’ transition practices align with stated program-level policies regarding transition?

Melissa Arnold Lyon and Iris Daruwala, Education Policy and Social Analysis, Ph.D.
Title: The Effect of State Takeover on Suspension Rates in Tennessee
Abstract: The proliferation of state intervention proposals across the country necessitates reliable information about the effects of performance-based state takeovers like the Achievement School District in Tennessee. Therefore, in this study we use quasi-experimental causal inference techniques to address the question: To what extent does the state takeover of low performing schools through the Tennessee Achievement School District cause changes in student suspension rates? Our findings suggest that ASD takeover does not dramatically affect and could potentially lower punitive disciplinary measures like suspension rates.

Swati Dua Makhija, Mathematics, Science and Technology, M.A.
Title: Women Cells in Women Teachers Education Colleges in Rural Rajasthan, India
Abstract: My research is based on my work in grassroots of rural India, and aims to address women empowerment issues through women teacher education in rural India. My research aims to analyze the chronic women teacher education issues, especially rural India, through the angle of women empowerment. Researching Women Cells is the first step towards this, because a safe environment is the most basic need for education, growth and any form of engagement that leads to empowerment. This approach provides practicality and significance in a feasible way for social change to take root, and for effectively showcasing chronic teacher education problems.

Aston K. McCullough, Biobehavioral Sciences, Ph.D.
Title: Dyadic patterns of physical activity and proximity in toddlers and parents
Abstract: Aston’s research interests include 1) the analysis of physical activity behavior and health outcomes via wearable and remote biometric sensors, and 2) dyadic dance-based interventions for special pediatric populations and their parents. Mr. McCullough currently holds an M.S., Applied Statistics, Columbia University Teachers College; M.A., Dance Education, New York University; B.A., Liberal Arts, Sarah Lawrence College; Professional Diploma, Dance Studies, Laban Dance Conservatoire, London.

Alexander Presciutti, Clinical and Counseling Psychology, M.A.
Title: Prevalence of Psychological Disorder among Cardiac Arrest Survivors
Abstract: For two years now I have been working on the Cardiac Arrest Outcomes Project at CUMC. Of the many outcomes we are studying, I am most interested in neuropsychological functioning and emotional well-being post-cardiac arrest. The present poster outlines initial analyses on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology in our first 51 patients, 18 of which have completed their 6 month follow up.

K.M. Russell, Clinical & Counseling Psychology, M.A. 
Title: A proposed adaptation of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and in emerging adulthood with role transition or interpersonal dispute problem areas
Abstract: For LGBTQ youth and in emerging adulthood, higher rates of depression and suicidality exist as compared to their heterosexual, cisgendered cohorts. Current literature indicates that the explanation behind these inequities lies in unique minority stress, societal attitudes that pervade into the healthcare system, and victimization specific to the LGBTQ population. Given economic considerations that disproportionately effect the LGBTQ community and the emergent nature of the health issues, a time-limited, evidence based psychotherapy for depression that is highly adaptable is proposed to fill the treatment gap and foster resilience. An adaptation of IPT-G is outlined and a pilot study to utilize it is proposed.

Lauren Slusser, Human Development, M.A.
Title: Jo & Spark's Electric Playhouse: Teaching Young Girls to Code With A Preschool Television Series
Abstract: Jo & Spark’s Electric Playhouse is an original concept for an educational children's television show with a computational thinking curriculum supplemented by pro-social themes that encourage healthy habits for technology use and computer science self-efficacy for girls.  The storyboard for a sample episode was presented to a group of kindergarteners whose attention, enjoyment, and comprehension were assessed using industry research methods.  The results are analyzed to determine which segments of the program were the most and least engaging, and whether the activities are developmentally appropriate for the target audience.

Marlee Tavlin, International and Transcultural Studies, M.A.
Title: Educational Expectations and Their Impact on Low Income Students
Abstract: In this study, the association of academic expectations and academic achievement will be examined among low-income populations. Because low-income students face more challenges than their wealthier peers, this proposed study could inform school staff that something as simple as high expectations and holding students to a higher standard could help reduce the academic achievement gap.

Danruo Zhong, Clinical & Counseling Psychology, M.A.
Title: Adoptive Parenting Predicts Lower Behavioral Problems in Children with Early Trauma Exposure
Abstract: A two-year longitudinal study investigating how positive adoptive parenting buffer against risks for behavioral problems in children with early life adversity. One hundred and fourteen post-institutionalized (PI) and 259 comparison youth and their (adoptive/biological) parents participated in the study. We found that (1) positive parenting predicted lower total behavioral problems in adolescents, and (2) the individual differences in youth behavioral problems showed developmental timing dependence, such that good parenting behaviors predicted lower total behavioral problems in youth 2 years later. Our findings suggested that positive parenting can be effective in ameliorating behavioral problems due to early adversity, and that childhood is a sensitive period that provides high elasticity in mental and behavioral development. 

 

Honorable Mention
Megan Mahedy
Yuchen Shi & Flora Matos