FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS

KATIE ALLEN
Project and Academic Advisor: Daniel Métraux
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: I Want Three Children but Will Probably Only Have One: Understanding Japan’s Population Decline
Abstract: Katie analyzed scholarly journal articles, books, and news stories and conducted personal interviews to determine factors that may be causing population decline in Japan. Her evidence suggests that a complex set of social and economic problems may be causing Japan’s birth rate to fall below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, despite the fact that most women desire at least two children. Biography: Katie Allen was born and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia. She came to MBC as an Asian studies student to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, and she spent a semester at Doshisha Women’s College in Kyoto, another semester at Kansai Gaidai in Osaka, and May Term 2006 in Tokyo. After graduation, Katie plans to attend an intensive language school in Japan and obtain certification in Japanese language. Her long-term goals include working in a job where she can use her knowledge of Japanese, whether interpreting or working with an international business.

MEAGHAN BRANDOW
Project Advisor: John L. Kibler III
Academic Advisor: Andreas Anastasiou
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: Effects of Viewing Violence on Memory in Women
Abstract: The purpose of Meaghan’s study was to determine if exposure to sex-specific violence in films interferes more with women’s memory than does exposure to generalized violence. She divided 34 Mary Baldwin College student volunteers into two groups. The participants viewed one of two video clips: Saving Private Ryan, an example of generalized violence, or The Accused, an example of sex-specific violence. Within these clips, Meaghan embedded a two-minute, neutral commercial. After viewing the clips, she asked the students to fill out a questionnaire that prompted them to remember specific information from the commercial. Her results indicated that there was no significant difference in a woman’s ability to recall information dependent upon whether depictions of violence are general or sex-specific.
Biography: Meaghan Brandow is a psychology major with a double minor in religion and ministry. She is from Patrick Springs, Virginia, and will be attending graduate school in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in professional counseling.

ALEXIS A. CALLENDER
Project and Academic Advisor: Roderic Owen
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: Analysis of John Rawls’ Theory of Civil Disobedience
Abstract: Alexis’s senior project examined John Rawls’ theory of civil disobedience as it appears in his book Theory of Justice. She used articles written by Peter Singer, Brian Smart, and Vimit Haskar to analyze the definition, justifications, and functionality of Rawls’ theory as it applies to a near-just society.
Biography: Alexis Callender is a senior philosophy major with a triple minor in anthropology, religion, and peacekeeping and conflict resolution. She plans to attend graduate school and teach philosophy at the university level.

BETHANY CAWTHRON
Project and Academic Advisor: Louise Freeman
Type of Project: Special Summer Research Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Sex Difference in Spatial Learning is Seen in Swiss Mice with the Paddling Pool Maze
Abstract: The paddling pool maze (PPM) is a circular, shallow water maze with up to twelve possible escape tubes on the perimeter. During eight training trials, Bethany gave the mice a three-minute opportunity to find the one open exit. She discovered that there was no sex difference in escape time during training. She then moved the exit 120 degrees and performed three probe trials. During the probe trials, Bethany saw that the females found the new exit significantly faster than the males. In subsequent tests, she found that there were no sex differences in preference for a dry platform over water, thigmotaxis, and preference for entering a dark tube.
Biography: Bethany Cawthron is a current psychology major with an anticipated graduation date of December 2008. She was born and raised in Manassas, Virginia but currently resides in Winter Haven, Florida. Upon graduation she plans to attend the University of South Florida to study behavioral neuroscience.

PATRICIA DAUGHERTY
Project Advisor: Steven A. Mosher
Academic Advisor: Sharon Barnes
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Tool for Disease Management in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Abstract: Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition in pediatric patients. If detected early, physicians can slow down the progression of the disease through surgical procedures and careful management of diet, medications, and exercise. One method used for early detection is estimated glomerular filtration rate. This is a calculation based on circulating creatinine levels in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product filtered out of the blood by healthy kidneys and can be used as an indicator of kidney function. The focus of Patricia’s project was to evaluate the use and effectiveness of this method through an extensive literature review, interviews with physicians and insurance administrators, and the distribution and analysis of a questionnaire distributed to forty-eight physicians in the Roanoke Valley area.
Biography: Patricia Daugherty is married and lives in Salem, Virginia. She works as an evening/night supervisor for Carilion Labs at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and has worked in the health care field for 29 years. Patricia is majoring in health care administration and plans to pursue a master’s degree in health promotion or public health. Her ultimate goal is to teach health promotion or write grant proposals for the public health system in Virginia.

REGINA DUNKLEBARGER
Project Advisor: Paul Deeble
Academic Advisor: Susan Blair Green
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Androgen Responsive Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation
Abstract: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States, and there are very few treatment options for prostate cancer. Researchers have begun to look at dietary influences in their search to find suitable treatments along with identifying effective preventative measures. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to decrease prostate cancer cell growth. Regina conducted this study to determine if CLA would affect cell growth in androgen responsive LNCaP cells and to determine if changes in growth conditions would alter any effect of CLA on cell growth.
Biography: Regina Dunklebarger is an Adult Degree Program student majoring in biology with a minor in education. She currently resides in Palmyra, Virginia, but is originally from central Pennsylvania. After graduation, she will be pursuing a career as a middle or high school biology teacher.

SHEILA FAIR
Project and Academic Advisor: Lallon Pond
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: JetBlue Airways Corporation: Bringing Humanity Back to Air Travel
Abstract: Sheila performed an in-depth study on JetBlue Airways, including an overview of its history, a summary of its current strategies, and an analysis of its present financial condition in relation to Southwest Airlines and to the airline industry in general. As part of the project, Sheila obtained a complete profile of the airline industry by extensively researching the history, dominant economic features, competitive structure, and general environment of this volatile market. In conclusion, Sheila made recommendations that would facilitate the continued growth of JetBlue Airways.
Biography: Sheila Fair will graduate in May 2008 with a B.A. in business administration with a concentration in accounting. She has completed the 150 semester hours required to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam. Sheila currently resides in Mt. Sidney, Virginia. Her future plans are to take the CPA licensing exam and to seek employment at a local CPA firm.

CHARMICE HARDY
Project Advisors: Mary Hill Cole and Amy Tillerson
Academic Advisors: Amy Tillerson and Laura van Assendelft
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: Stand Upon the Podium: the 1968 OlympicProtest and the Impact on the African-American Community
Abstract: Charmice’s thesis focused on issues within the African-American community that influenced the 1968 protest at the Olympic Games carried out by athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith. She used scholarly articles, photographs, interviews, news accounts, and statistical data to analyze issues such as poverty, racism, political frustrations, riots, and diverging views on the role of African Americans in sports and the national community.
Biography: Charmice Hardy is a political science and history major from Ft. Washington, Maryland. She intends to develop a career as an analyst for the United States government.

KATHLEEN HARMAN
Project Advisor: Robert Klonoski
Academic Advisor: Catherine McPherson
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: Chico’s FAS Internet Marketing Strategy: Ideas for Today and Tomorrow
Abstract: Kathleen’s project presents a creative plan to increase Chico’s FAS direct-to-consumer sales by refocusing their internet marketing. Her plan includes a drastic overhaul of the company’s Web sites, establishing annual fashion shows, using the Internet to gather critical consumer data, and instituting a program of continual improvement.
Biography: Kathleen Harman is a business administration major living in Richmond, Virginia. She has worked as an information technology consultant for many years and recently returned to the Mary Baldwin Adult Degree Program to obtain her degree. Currently, she is involved in starting a business coaching company.

JILLIAN HARTLEY
Project Advisor: Mary Hill Cole and Amy Tillerson
Academic Advisor: Mary Hill Cole
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Peace in Their Time: The Peace Pledge Union and British Pacifism in World War II
Abstract: The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) was one pacifist organization in Great Britain during World War II. Unlike other organizations, the PPU did not advocate pacifism for religious reasons. Members of the PPU had a variety of motivations for their pacifist beliefs, including political ideology and memories from WWI. As a result, many factions within the group developed. Jillian’s research focused on determining if the loss of unity within the organization prevented the group from effectively protesting a war that most people believed to be just and necessary.
Biography: Jillian Hartley is a history major from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Growing up in a small historic town influenced her love for history. Consequently, she is planning to attend graduate school in the fall for museum studies and has future career plans to work with historic artifacts in either a museum or archive.

MAYA HONEYCUTT
Project and Academic Advisor: Jim R. Sconyers, Jr.
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Visual/Audio-Visual Creation
Title: Blueprints (photography)
Abstract: Maya’s senior work in photography explores the interaction between light and matter in the construct of reality. Using pinhole techniques, she captured the intimate and private space of her sleep cycle, during which existence is questionable. Her work addresses the vulnerability one has during sleep to the voyeuristic eyes of another. The final images were created using the cyanotype process that was originally intended for the creation of blueprints. Using this process is an example of the simple relationship of light and matter.
Title: Structures (printmaking)
Abstract: Maya’s senior work in printmaking discusses the complicated structures in which we live — the ones that we create and the ones we destroy. She created a “wall” out of plywood that symbolizes the mental and physical structures that we often erect as barriers to truth. The process of creating her “wall” involved layering recycled paper materials and other media. These layers were torn back and recreated several times. Her body of work consists of mono-type prints that document her involvement with the “wall.” Biography: Maya Honeycutt is a senior in studio art with emphases in photography and printmaking and a minor in art history. She is from Charlottesville, Virginia. Maya’s future plans include continuing to exhibit her art work and eventually attending graduate school to get her MFA. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and has remained on the Honors List her entire academic career at MBC. She is a recipient of the Jessie Ball DuPont Scholarship, Emily W. Kelly Scholarship, and Ulysse Desportes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Studio Art.

EMILY HUNT
Project and Academic Advisors: Laura van Assendelft and James Gilman
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: The Changing Nature of Civic Engagement: A Study of Voter Turnout and Participation in Political Interest Groups
Abstract: Emily’s research examined whether the nature of civic engagement is changing in the United States. She proposes that the decline in voting and surge in interest groups is not a sign that civic engagement is declining, but rather, because the two are connected, that the nature of civic engagement is changing. This will lead to a change in the way citizens interact with democracy. To explore this theory, she analyzed two datasets to show the decline in voting, to show the increase in group joining, and to create a profile of the kind of citizen who is most civically engaged.
Biography: Emily S. Hunt is a double major in political science and religion/philosophy from Rock Hill, South Carolina. On campus, she has been Lead Advocate, Orientation Co-Chair, the Ethics Bowl Debate Team’s Captain, and is a member of many other student organizations. She will be attending law school in the fall.

ASHLEY JONES
Project and Academic Advisor: Steven Mosher
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multi- Media support
Title: The Impact of Pay-for-Performance on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes
Abstract: Money seems to be the driving factor for the enforcement of quality improvement programs in nursing homes, due to the emergence of pay-forservice (P4P), which determines the reimbursement amount based on the performance level of the facility. The purpose of Ashley’s research was to analyze the projected impact of P4P on the quality of nursing homes. She used a quality improvement process model to reduce the revalence rate of various clinical indicators from the perspectives of organizational design, human resources management, quality, and systems integration. In her project, Ashley demonstrated that P4P’s impact on quality can prove to be successful as an allencompassing model for the delivery of care to residents.
Biography: Ashley Jones is from Hampton, Virginia, where she lives with her parents, two younger sisters, and her dog Candy. She is double majoring in health care administration and sociology. Ashley really enjoys working with and helping the geriatric population and plans to become an administrator of a nursing home or assisted living facility. Her hobbies include working out, traveling, reading, going to Virginia Beach, and spending time with friends and family.

NICOLE KOINER
Project and Academic Advisor: John L. Kibler III
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Shyness and the Perception of Others’ Attractiveness
Abstract: Several studies have shown that shy individuals have lower self-esteem and higher perfectionist tendencies than non-shy peers. Shyness has been negatively correlated with self-esteem in school-age children. Rice, Ashby, and Slaney (1998) found that shy people have more perfectionist tendencies and tend to over-evaluate external stimuli. In this study, Nicole predicted that shy individuals would rate same-sex rivals more critically than would non-shy individuals. Forty female undergraduates attending Mary Baldwin College rated 10 women on physical attractiveness and then completed a shyness questionnaire. Results indicated that there were no differences on how participants rated physical attractiveness.
Biography: Nicole Koiner is a psychology major from Churchville, Virginia, who will be graduating with a bachelor of science in psychology. Her immediate future plan is to focus on her unborn son. She then hopes to go back to school to obtain a master’s in midwifery. While at Mary Baldwin, she has been a member of the tennis team and is the current captain of the team. She has been inducted into Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa. She has also been on the Honors List and Dean’s List multiple times.

KATHRYN LUKHART
Project and Academic Advisor: Karl Zachary
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Charge Transfer Interactions of Complexes formed by C60 Fullerene with Calix[4]arene Derivatives
Abstract: Kathryn investigated the complexation behavior of C60 (fullerene) with a series of ether and ester derivatives of calix[4]arene using UV-Vis spectroscopy and quantum chemical methods. She observed evidence of charge transfer interactions in the UV-Vis spectrum of these complexes. She then carried out Ab initio and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations in order to interpret the experimental results.
Biography: Kathryn Denise Lukhart is from Thomasville, North Carolina. She will graduate in May 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. For the past three years, she has been part of the Mary Baldwin College yearbook (Bluestocking) staff and currently serves as the editor-in-chief. She is also the vice president of the MBC chapter of the American Chemical Society.

AKI MISHIMA
Project and Academic Advisors: Gordon Bowen and Daniel Métraux
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: The Evolution of China’s Military from Land Power to Sea Power: Strategies and Impacts
Abstract: China is well known as a strong land power, but it has also developed as a strong sea power. Aki’s thesis examined this development, focusing on the establishment of the Chinese Navy after the 1980s. Her research shows that this strategic change is based on Chinese economic development and nationalism and indicates that in this era of globalization it will be hard to stop the expansion of the Chinese Navy. All major states, including Japan, Taiwan, India, and the United States, will feel the impact. Each state reacts in a different way, but the arms race on the ocean appears inevitable.
Biography: Aki Mishima is from Hiroshima, Japan, and is majoring in international relations and Asian studies. She is not sure whether she will stay in the U.S. or go back to Japan after graduation, but, regardless, she would like to work to better the U.S.-Japan alliance.

LEA MURRAY
Project Advisors: Mary Hill Cole and Amy Tillerson
Academic Advisor: Marion Ward
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: Unsung Heroes: The Pioneering Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Abstract: Lea examined the role of the four women involved in the Browder v Gayle lawsuit that ended segregation on Alabama buses, as well as some of the numerous grassroots organizations that also played an important role. Her research shows that many women besides Rosa Parks were involved in the bus boycott but were omitted from the common historiography due to social prejudices. Lea reviewed contemporary newspaper articles, court transcripts, and some of the numerous books and biographies available to show how public opinion and mindset influenced the course of the boycott.
Biography: Lea Murray lives in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. She is an Adult Degree Program student and will graduate in May 2008 with a B.A. in history and a minor in elementary education. She looks forward to ntering the teaching profession after graduation.

SARAH NITZSCHE
Project and Academic Advisor: Daniel Stuhlsatz
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Appearance of the Opposite Sex: Changes in Women’s Proxemics in a College Setting
Abstract: Sarah examined differences in social distance, eye contact, and non-verbal behavior in women from coed and single-sex schools. She observed students at Mary Baldwin College and James Madison University women and used the results to compare the two schools.
Biography: Sarah Nitzsche is majoring in sociology/anthropology. She is from Mathews County, Virginia. Sarah is planning to be married in May 2008 to an army officer and will move to Georgia, where she hopes to pursue graduate work in school counseling.

COLLEEN PENDRY
Project and Academic Advisor: Paul Ryan
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Visual/Audio-Visual Creation
Title: Life Series I: Transitions
Abstract: Colleen’s series of works is an effort to bring together the psychological, emotional, and physical experiences of our existence as human beings. Through the manipulation of materials, both natural and man-made, her creative process unfolds into two- and three- dimensional visual imagery. Her intent, through the use of materials such as oil paint, plywood, beeswax, snakeskin, string, bones, and paper, is to evoke a dialogue relevant to human experience.
Biography: Colleen Pendry is a native of Arlington, Virginia. She moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 1982 and to Rockbridge County in 2004. She is married to her wonderful husband of 25 years, Jimmy. They have one son, Marshall, who resides in Clermont, Florida. Colleen is majoring in studio art with an emphasis in painting and arts management. She is the executive director for Fine Arts in Rockbridge in Lexington, Virginia, and is currently exploring opportunities for graduate school. Colleen has been on the Dean’s/Honors Lists in successive semesters and was the recipient of a 2008 Adult Degree Program Loyalty Fund Scholarship and the Ulysse Desportes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Studio Art.

KAREN POTTER
Project and Academic Advisor: Judy L. Klein
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Should the FHA Lower the Minimum Downpayment Rate to Federally Insured Mortgages?
Abstract: Recently there has been a major downturn in the U.S. housing market. Americans are losing their homes and “tent cities” are popping up across the nation. Karen analyzed the housing market and discovered that a source of the problem was the Federal Housing Administration’s loss of market share in the mortgage market as more potential homeowners made use of subprime and zero-downpayment loans rather than FHA loans. Her senior thesis seeks a solution to this problem. Looking at homeownership rates, the median asking sales price of homes, and homeowner’s equity in their homes across the United States, it seemed clear that the FHA could help. If the FHA lowered its minimum down-payment rate from the current 20 percent, more Americans would have access to federally insured mortgages. This would help alleviate future increases in the number of foreclosures and improve the future home equity situation for American homeowners.
Biography: Karen Potter is an economics major and will graduate with a minor in leadership. She is from Midlothian, Virginia. After graduation she will be commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and stationed at Brooks-City AFB in San Antonio, Texas.

AMBER RUSSO
Project and Academic Advisor: Louise M. Freeman
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: The Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Salvinorin A on Ultrasonic Vocalizations, Body Temperature, and Birth Weight of Mouse Pups
Abstract: Salvia divinorum is a fairly new drug that has emerged as a legal replacement to many illegal hallucinogenic drugs. Studies have identified Salvinorin A as the primary-acting component in the plant that produces hallucinations, dementia, and disconnection from reality in dose-dependent curves. Other studies have been done showing ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by rodent pups to be an indicator of the pup’s neural ability to call for help. However, no studies have been done testing chronic prenatal exposure to Salvinorin A, and whether ultrasonic vocalizations of the offspring are affected. Consequently, the purpose of Amber’s study was to examine long-term effects on mice and their behavior caused by the drug Salvia divinorum
Biography: Amber Russo is a psychology major from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is the co-president of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology. She takes a deep personal interest in her current research. She would like to pursue a doctorate in a psychology-related field and help others in the way faculty members at Mary Baldwin have helped her.

MALLORY SHOWALTER
Project and Academic Advisor: Laura van Assendelft
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: Lobbying in State Politics: A Case Study of the GARDASIL Vaccine
Abstract: Mallory’s paper analyzes lobbyist and interest group theories on the state level in modern-day politics with a focus on for-profit organizations and their strategies for lobbying state legislatures. She evaluates the case of Merck Medical Company and the state of Virginia and shows how Merck strategically elected Virginia to push a mandate for their GARDASIL vaccine for economic and political gains for both parties. Merck aims to showcase the Virginia mandate to other states and national government to continue mandating their vaccine that is the first of its kind to prevent cervical cancer.
Biography: Mallory Showalter is a cadet in the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership and a political science major from Boones Mill, Virginia. She is very active in student leadership and the Mary Baldwin community. After graduation she will commission in the U.S. Army on July 8, 2008.

RUTH SIBONI
Project Advisor: Louise M. Freeman
Academic Advisor: Lundy Pentz
Type of Project: Special Summer Research Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Neonatal DHT but not E2 Masculinizes Copulatory Behavior in the Musk Shrew
Abstract: Testosterone (T) has three metabolic pathways: it can bind to androgen receptors, be converted into an estrogen (E2), or be irreversibly reduced to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Data suggest that altricial rodents use estrogen to differentiate many aspects of copulatory behavior. In contrast, testosterone is the differentiating hormone in primates. Therefore, Ruth studied the effects of E2 and DHT on the copulatory behavior of the female musk shrew, an insectivore that, like primates, uses testosterone as the differentiating hormone for female copulatory behavior. After performing a 3x2 ANOVA statistical test on her data, she determined that DHT masculinized copulatory behavior while E2 did not.
Biography: Ruth Siboni is originally from Venezuela, but has lived in Wilmington, North Carolina for most of her life. She is currently a biology/psychology double major with a chemistry minor. After graduation, she intends to go to medical school and specialize in internal medicine.

SAMANTHA SIPE
Project and Academic Advisor: Laura van Assendelft
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: Environmental Policy Implementation: A Case Study of Blacks Run in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Abstract: Samantha’s project used a case study approach to examine what is needed for effective environmental policy implementation. She chose the Blacks Run stream as the focus of her research. Samantha’s goal was to find out why this polluted stream was not able to capture and hold local interest long enough for clean-up efforts to occur. She conducted interviews with members of the Harrisonburg City Council and others involved in the Blacks Run project. She concluded that cost hindered the efforts greatly. Progress, however, has been made thanks to the efforts and involvement of local citizens.
Biography: Samantha Sipe is a political science major and an Asian studies and history minor from Staunton, Virginia. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Within the next two years, she plans to attend law school. In the meantime, she will enjoy spending as much time as possible with her family and her year-old daughter, Noli.

LISA STOCKWELL
Project Advisor: Paul Ryan
Academic Advisor: Susan Blair Green
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Visual/Audio-visual Creation
Title: Vestiges
Abstract: Lisa’s work is an exploration of the ephemeral nature of memory and personal history as they relate to identity. Her work is also an examination of the act of constructing, codifying and recording in the endeavor to make meaning. Her paintings are intended to form a visual representation of a visceral mapping. This “mapping” is both an artistic physical process and a metaphor for the way memory functions. Her process involves painting and collage, and the materials used for the collage are intended to represent that which conveys meaning.
Biography: Lisa Stockwell is a native of New England, currently residing in Charlottesville with her terrific son, Aidan. She is a studio art major with an emphasis in painting and an education minor. In addition to her work as a student, she is a member of the International Honor Society in Education, the recipient of the Ulysse Desportes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Studio Art, and recipient of Merit Awards in both the 2007 and 2008 annual juried student art shows at Mary Baldwin. She plans to teach and explore graduate school possibilities in the near term.

IDA M. SWISHER
Project and Academic Advisor: Ivy Arbulú
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: A Heavy Weight: The Model of Beauty in Several Works by Almudena Grandes
Abstract: The goal for Ida’s project was to examine the model of beauty in several works by the Spanish author Almudena Grandes and to confirm that Ms. Grandes does not agree with this model in her works. Ida used three of Grandes’ works for analysis: the novel Las edades de Lulú (The Ages of Lulu, 1989) and the short stories “Modelos de mujer” (“Models of Woman,” 1996) and “Malena, una vida hervida” (Malena, A Boiled Life, 1996). She also used various books and scholarly articles dealing with Spanish fiction and with Grandes’ works.
Biography: Ida Swisher is a Spanish major from Fairfield, Virginia. Following graduation she plans to teach English as a second language, live abroad, and travel frequently, especially in Europe. Ida’s interests include reading, traveling, surrealistic/abstract painting, and writing prose and poetry.

KESHIA ANNE TENORIO
Project Advisor: Carey Usher
Academic Advisor: Daniel Stuhlsatz
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: All About Me: A Study of Narcissism Tendencies in Generation Y
Abstract: The purpose of Keshia’s study was to determine if Generation Y (individuals born during the years 1981–1994) have a high degree of narcissistic tendencies. She used the results from the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, along with surveys given to students, professors, and administrators at Mary Baldwin College, to give her insight into prevalence and causes of narcissism.
Biography: Keshia Anne Tenorio is a sociology major and political science minor. She is from Fairfax, Virginia. She plans to attend graduate school to earn her master of arts in criminal justice. She holds a position on the 2007–08 Judicial Board and is a Team Leader at Grafton Library, a position given to only six MBC women. She attended the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative University as a representative of Mary Baldwin College. Keshia Anne has also been recognized as a member of the MBC chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society.

TROMILA WHEAT
Project and Academic Advisor: Gordon Bowen
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: The Majlis A’Shura in Oman: Attempts at Democracy
Abstract: Tromila conducted a literature review and personal interviews to investigate the internal processes of the representative body of Oman, the Majlis A’Shura. She used the concepts of institutional centrality and internal capacity to analyze the ability of the Majlis to become a lawmaking body in a genuine democracy that could fit into the culture of Oman.
Biography: Tromila Wheat is an international relations and political science major from Knoxville, Tennessee. She will be entering the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University in the fall.

COURTNEY WHITTINGTON
Project Advisor: John L. Kibler III
Academic Advisor: Nicole Oechslin
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Poster
Title: Illusions in Close Relationships
Abstract: Studies have shown that those who view their romantic relationships with a positive bias are happier and that their relationships tend to last longer. The purpose of Courtney’s study was to examine the romantic relationships that hold these positive illusions. She hypothesized that college women will rate their own romantic relationship to be superior to those of their friends. Additionally, she anticipated that those in satisfied relationships will exaggerate positive features. Courtney asked 51 MBC student participants to complete a questionnaire about their relationships and how they viewed a close friend’s romantic relationship. Her data suggested that participants do rate their relationships higher than their close friend’s relationships (mean self score of 151 and a mean friend score of 136).
Biography: Courtney Whittington is a psychology major and education minor from Denham Springs, Louisiana. She is a member of Psi Chi, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Psychology Club. Courtney also volunteers at Western State Hospital. After graduation, she will move to Washington D.C. She is planning to become a child/play therapist.

LAURA YACONIELLO
Project and Academic Advisor: Melissa Malabad
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: David’s Bridal: Keeping Pace with the Changing Environment
Abstract: Laura analyzed the background and current status of the bridal apparel retail industry. She then related her analysis to the history and present status of David’s Bridal. By addressing the apparent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that David’s Bridal faces, Laura was able to make several recommendations for the company.
Biography: Laura Yaconiello is a marketing communications major from Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a resident assistant, a caller for the Spencer Society, and a member of the cross-country team, Laura has kept extremely busy throughout her senior year. She hopes to gain career experience in bookkeeping so she can use that knowledge to pursue a master of science in accountancy. Laura would ultimately enjoy a career as a city special events planner or a CPA.

MAY TERM ABROAD CAPSTONE NOMINEES

The following students were nominated for the Capstone Festival but are unable to participate
because they are on study abroad programs during May Term. We include their information here
in recognition of their achievement and commitment to international awareness.

LAEL ADAMS
Project and Academic Advisor: Alice Araujo
Presentation Category: Presentation with Multimedia Support
Title: Voices of India: Dialectical Tensions in the Negotiation of Identity and Cultural Values in a Globalized Society
Abstract: Lael traveled to India to conduct in-depth interviews with citizens in an attempt to answer the following research questions: How do individuals in contemporary Indian society negotiate their own cultural values and identities under the pressures of globalization and Western influence? She identified two sets of dialectical tensions in the responses: 1) the tension between individualistic and collectivistic approaches, reflecting the simultaneous desire for autonomy and connection; and 2) the tension between cultural values associated with modernity and tradition. These tensions reflected the simultaneous need for novelty and change in addition to predictability. After her return, Lael created a 20-minute documentary film from footage she collected.
Biography: Lael Adams will graduate this year with a major in communication and a minor in music theory. She received the first annual MBC Student Award for Excellence in Library-Based Research in 2006 and the first annual Global Citizenship Award in 2007 for her volunteer work in India. She also received the 2008 Outstanding Student Award in Communication. Lael has been accepted to the Gender, Development, and Globalization M.A. program at the London School of Economics and the International Relations/International Communication M.A. program at Boston University. Following graduate school, she intends to pursue a career in international journalism. Lael’s hometown is Tryon, North Carolina.

TERRACE L’RAE ALTHOUSE
Project and Academic Advisor: Daniel Métraux
Title: Globally Unaware: Japanese Advertising Agencies’ Absence in the International Market
Abstract: Japan is the second largest market in the world, holding 15 percent of the world‘s economy. Despite Japan’s accomplished economic and global status, the country’s advertising agencies have had little global success. Japan’s business culture, which differs from most westernized business cultures, practices hierarchy, social responsibility, and censorship. To better understand Japanese business culture, Terrace interviewed Shoko Ono, who is the new account executive for Dentsu, Japan’s number one advertising agency, and Masara Inoue, Executive Manager at Hakuhodo, another advertising agency.
Biography: Terrace Althouse is working to complete a double major in Asian studies and marketing communication and a minor in sociology. After graduation she plans to have a career in international marketing/advertising or entertainment marketing. She is from Red Hill, Pennsylvania.

KATHERINE E. ASHE
Project Advisor: Robert Allen
Academic Advisor: Lise Keiter-Brotzman
Title: Senior Vocal Recital
Abstract: For her senior vocal recital, Katherine sang six sets of songs for voice accompanied by piano. She sang works in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German, including composers Barber, Mozart, Fauré, Obradors, Ricky Ian Gordon, and Clara Schumann. Though wife of composer Robert Schumann, Clara was successful in her own right as composer and pianist, and it was important to Katherine to represent female accomplishment. The works she chose also spanned several eras and styles. She wished to offer variety, so there was a taste of everything from Barber’s slightly off-kilter contemporary works to Fauré’s lilting French melodies.
Biography: Katie Ashe is a music major and a French minor. Originally from New Jersey, Katie has become very active on campus, serving in leadership roles both within and outside the music department. After graduation, Katie hopes to continue her work in music with a graduate program in choral conducting.

DEVON BURKE
Project and Academic Advisor: Daniel Métraux
Title: What’s a Kiss? The Unchaste Chastity of Bollywood
Abstract: Devon’s senior project examined “Bollywood,” India’s commercial cinema and the largest film industry in the world. Bollywood’s films have a large following both within and outside of India. The mass appeal of the films stems partly from India’s censorship, which outlaws sex scenes. However, despite a lack of explicit sexuality onscreen, Bollywood’s films display a great deal of sexuality, conveyed most often through innuendo. Such innuendo, identified in specific content analysis, is expressed through many means, from religion to costume and dance. Ultimately, while Bollywood films are devoid of sex scenes, sexuality proves itself a constant presence in Indian commercial cinema.
Biography: Devon Burke is majoring in Asian studies. She is originally from New England and currently resides in New Hampshire. After graduation in 2009, Devon plans to teach English abroad and pursue graduate studies.

CHRISTI DAVIDSON
Project Advisor: Melissa Malabad
Academic Advisor: Claire Kent
Title: The Hotel Industry: Hilton Hotels Corporation
Abstract: Christi’s thesis evaluated the nature of the hotel industry, with a focus on Hilton Hotels Corporation, using several traditional tools of business analysis. She researched the history of the industry and the general competitive environment, including economic, global, sociological, technological, legal, and political factors. In the context of this competitive environment, she then did further research on the Hilton Corporation to determine the challenges that the company currently faces. Her thesis concluded by discussing methods that the company can utilize to reduce the effects of these challenges and increase profitability.
Biography: Christi Davidson is a senior business major with an emphasis on management and international business. She is a Bailey Honors Scholar and the Chairwoman of the Honor Council. Christi is originally from Kingston, Jamaica, but currently resides in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Her future plans include returning to Jamaica to contribute towards rebuilding the economy and community.

KATHERINE M. NETT
Project and Academic Advisor: Gordon Bowen
Type of Project: Senior Project
Presentation Category: Delivered Paper
Title: The Evolution of Terrorism: How Hezbollah Signifies a New Wave in Terrorist Organizations
Abstract: Hezbollah, a Lebanese terrorist group, has a long-established history of terror and aggression, beginning with the “old terrorism” of hijackings and bombings of the 1980s. Throughout the past two decades, Hezbollah has evolved from a renegade band of rebels to sophisticated diplomats who are currently using parliament, international organizations, and popular interests to gain support. This change in approach represents a new wave of legitimized terrorism. Katherine’s research looks at historical renderings of Hezbollah activity and international reports of their actions to develop a critical evaluation of the aspirations and ultimate legitimacy of this organization.
Biography: Katherine Nett currently lives in Dover, Delaware, and majored in international relations and sociology with a minor in economics. Kate is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and Alpha Kappa Delta. Kate plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice in the fall.

ALEXIS YOUNG
Project Advisor: Judy L. Klein
Academic Advisor: Amy Diduch
Title: Has Fear of Crowd-Out of Private Health Insurance Limited the Effectiveness of SCHIP?: A Comparison of the Children’s Health Programs of Alabama, Virginia, and Maryland
Abstract: Alexis’s paper addressed the effects that fear of crowd-out has had on the State Children’s Insurance Program (SCHIP). She used the states of Alabama, Maryland, and Virginia as case studies, analyzing the provisions the states used to avoid crowd-out of private health insurers. She examined relevant economic theory, conducted data and policy analyses, and made political and financial recommendations based on her findings that the fear of crowd-out is one reason that states have not been able to create effective SCHIP programs.
Biography: Alexis Young is from Martinsburg, West Virginia. She is majoring in economics with a minor in health care administration. She has a passion for helping the less fortunate, so she hopes to one day work in a position as a health policymaker in which she can push to make health care a right for all, regardless of circumstance.