Christine P. Tischer Scholars

Abstract: This paper focuses on a technological solution to the recent decline of social capital. Monumental is a mobile-based social application developed to provide a stage for the sharing of stories grounded in the physical artifacts of a community.

Quote: "I have learned not only about my topic, but how to collaborate more effectively, set and meet deadlines, and motivate myself to achieve my goals (and then some). I am truly appreciative to Professor Gurzick for his encouragement, time and effort this year."

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Abstract: My paper examines the history of reality television from the late 1940s to the explosion in the early 2000s. In addition, it analyzes the racist and stereotypical portrayals of minorities and ethnic groups on different genres of reality television.

Quote: "Writing a departmental honors paper is a truly challenging experience, and there were many times when I wanted to quit. However, I'm glad I did not. With every struggle that I encountered, I learned to push myself further than I ever have before."

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Abstract: This paper examines laws that restricted female indentured servants' sexuality and the evidence that these women chose to exercise sexual autonomy in 17th and 18th century America, focusing on analyzing advertisements for runaway servants.

Quote:"This project has allowed me to learn about a group of women who have been largely ignored throughout history, and to appreciate the importance of leaving adequate historical resources for generations to come!"

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Abstract: Selection of optimal settlement habitat should lead to higher survival and fitness of the settler. A high density of settlers may reduce optimal habitat quality to a point where a suboptimal habitat becomes preferred. We tested the hypothesis that newly settled lobsters (Homarus americanus) will select suboptimal habitat over optimal habitat space if density of settlers is sufficiently high. Newly settled lobsters prefer cobble substrates as habitat while sand is considered suboptimal habitat. In our laboratory experiments lobsters were presented with a choice between sand and cobble habitat at three different settler densities. As settler density increased the proportion of lobsters in suboptimal habitat, proportion of lobsters in the water column and the number of confrontations per lobster increased. When presented with only sand, the lobsters displayed no preference for either side of the tank and the proportion in the water was higher. Our results suggest that high densities reduced the appeal of optimal substrate and drove lobsters to either swim in search of new habitat or search in suboptimal habitats. An increased number of confrontations per lobster may have provided a mechanism for this reduction in appeal.

Quote:"This project allowed me to continue learning about the research process. I had a few setbacks along the way, such as having to redesign my experiment, but I learned that there is nothing that hard work and perseverance can't solve."

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Abstract: The human T-lymphotropic virus is increasing in prevalence worldwide and is the causative agent for adult T-cell leukemia (cancer). The goal of my project was to develop an assay to detect the HTLV-1 virus using a technique called quantitative PCR.

Quote: "Completing my project at the National Cancer Institute has been a wonderful experience. I have not only gained a stronger understanding of the scientific techniques, but have also developed skills in time management, organization and teamwork."

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Abstract: This project analyzes the events between May 16 and June 26, 1954, at the Kengir Gulag in Kazakhstan. This camp was sectioned off by the Soviet Union as a political prisoner camp in one of the worst regions of Kazakhstan. Using mostly personal accounts of the events, this paper creates a thorough account of the events during a 40-day workers' strike by prisoners in protest to working and living conditions. Additionally, the paper reviews the brutal suppression, by MVD military forces, of the strike on June 26, 1954.

Quote: "Learning how to reconcile all the data into one formal document has been very challenging. Also attempting to research the history of Soviet Russia without any Russian language training has been a daunting task. From these challenges I have gained a better understanding of time management and taking advantage of opportunities presented throughout the development of the paper."

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Abstract: I measured the time it took individual ants to find food using either a random pattern or a double alteration sequential pattern and compared the two to see if ants have the ability to learn a sequential pattern.

Quote: "Working with ants was challenging! I would occasionally watch a single ant crawl around for hours, finally go through the correct tube up to the lip of the food chamber, only to have it turn around and go back out. It could be maddening!!!"

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Abstract:Myxoma Virus is a poxvirus that causes myxomatosis in many rabbit species. The infection is deadly in 65percent of cases. Myxoma Virus Leukemia-Associated Protein (MV-LAP) is a viral zinc finger protein that causes down-regulation of major histocompatibi.

Quote: "This project has taught me what research is like in the real world. Research is not a lab designed to yield a result in a few hours time. Real research can take months or years before you find the answer you are looking for."

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Abstract: In my thesis, I analyze Syria's historical context to contend that the fall of the Assad regime is imminent, and the resulting power vacuum will lead to sectarian violence and further complicate geopolitics in the region.

Quote: "This project has given me practical experience in analyzing a situation that is rapidly unfolding. I plan to use the experience I gained to cultivate a career in international relations and assist policy makers through further research projects."

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Abstract: The purpose of my research was to understand why, with the widespread and systematic nature of rapes constituting a crime against humanity, the UN chose not to utilize or invoke authorized robust, armed humanitarian intervention in the DRC.

Quote: "Doing this research has been very valuable because it not only increased my knowledge on my topic but also helped me realize my passion for women's issues. I now have more confidence in what I want to study further and what type of career I will pursue."

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Abstract: This study investigated the effect of reading in one's own language versus reading in a second language on retention, defined herein as the amount of information remembered over the course of the study evidenced by performance on a questionnaire. Possible between-group differences in retention were considered in terms of both cognitive effort theories and context learning theories. Fifty-five participants in intermediate level language courses (both French and Spanish) were randomly assigned to three groups: a group that read and was tested in English, and a group that read in French was tested in English, and a group that read in Spanish and was tested in English. Statistical analysis did not offer evidence to allow a definitive conclusion regarding the contribution of cognitive effort or context learning theories to retention within the domain of language learning.

Quote: "This project has given me the opportunity to practice research and composition methods that will greatly benefit me in the coming years. I am very happy to have participated in this program and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in undertaking their own self-directed research oriented project."

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Abstract: The Constitutions of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican Order, was ratified in 1228. The Constitutions reflect the culture of medieval politics, especially in regards to the elections of various positions within the Order.

Quote: "Researching a topic with this level of detail was exhilarating and time consuming. To discover and properly utilize source material in a manner that would support my eventual conclusion was more challenging than I have previously experienced."

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Abstract: My research examines the victimization of juvenile females, who are commercially and sexually exploited by traffickers within the United States. The term "trafficking" entails the illicit buying and selling of products. In domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), the "products" are juvenile girls. I sought to understand the unique forms of victimization to which these girls are subjected, as well as the varied reasons why many of these girls have such difficulty in leaving their traffickers.

After focusing on the national epidemic of this problem, I wanted to better understand what is being done at the state level to help these victims. I conducted three interviews with individuals in Maryland and the D.C. area, who are working to spread awareness of this issue, as well as advocate on behalf of these victims. The individuals whom I interviewed have worked with DMST victims directly. Interviews were the best research method for my area of focus as the means to understanding what is going on at the local level, which is increasingly dynamic. Interviews allowed me to understand some of the immediate implications of certain laws pertaining to DMST, provided me firsthand accounts of victim's stories, and educated me on some of the hurdles in combating this growing problem.

Quote: "The most interesting part of my research was the interviews. Currently, there is extensive literature on the topic of sex trafficking in the United States. Yet, speaking to people who are actually on the ground, such as those lobbying for new laws on behalf of these victims and in working to help rehabilitate these girls, makes the issue more real and relevant—it is not just happening in distant regions. The individuals, who I interviewed, in their own unique way are working toward making a difference for these victims at the local level. They have inspired me to advocate on behalf of these girls in the future, especially as I pursue a career in law."

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Abstract: This paper analyzes the impact of personal characteristics and macroeconomic characteristics on happiness levels of the individuals in 16 countries of the European Union during the 20-year period. We combined data from happiness and personal characteristics surveys with macroeconomic data, focusing foremost on income. We find that increases in income raised happiness levels, while increases in unemployment and the inflation rates have the opposite effect on the happiness levels. We also found that being divorced and unemployed are the two personal characteristics that most negatively affect an individual's happiness level.

Quote: "The honors research in economics was the crown of my undergraduate studies. It was the opportunity to put all of my knowledge together,learn even more,and conduct unique research on the topic of my interest. Great preparation for the graduate school!"

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Abstract: An analysis of male roles and conduct in Austen's Emma and Mansfield Park that explores male behavior and acting through four main male characters, Mr. Knightley, Frank Churchill, Edmund Bertram and Henry Crawford.

Quote: "Writing about Austen has been a wonderful way to end my time at Hood; it has helped me decide what I want to concentrate on in graduate school. Getting into the minds of Austen's men has been a scary, but exciting journey that I'm glad I didn't miss."

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Abstract: Eutrophication is one of many problems facing the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This phenomenon occurs when natural waters are over-enriched with nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen in particular. This creates zones of low dissolved oxygen when algal blooms result from the influx of nutrients and utilize most if not all of the dissolved oxygen in the water. This becomes problematic when other organisms are harmed by dissolved oxygen deprivation. With so much nitrogen entering the ecosystem and significantly less phosphorus, this may cause the water bodies to be phosphorus limited. When one nutrient is in excess, other nutrients limit growth of various kinds of phytoplankton. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that algae and bacteria used to convert highly cationic phosphorus to forms that they can use. It is produced in relatively large quantities by algae in response to low orthophosphate concentrations in the ambient environment. The measurement of phosphatase activity is an indicator of phosphorus limitation. In a phosphorus-limited environment, organic phosphorus is hydrolyzed as soon as it is released into the water, making the net release of these compounds equal to zero. Akaline phosphatase (AP) activity can therefore be used as a measurement of inorganic phosphorous activity. Being able to assess bacterial as well as algal phosphatase activity would account for all of the phosphatase activity in a given water body despite the enzyme being used differently by these different organisms. This information could give an estimate of the potential for eutrophication of a water body and the overall health of the aquatic community. This research question would also allow one to assess any indication of phosphorous limitation of various phytoplankton communities.

Quote: "My honors project proved to be a welcome challenge despite the setbacks. I know I wouldn't have said that at the beginning of this endeavor but the setbacks have taught me to keep persisting and to think outside the box. I will be honest, the project was not always enjoyable but the outcome of all the hard work, time and effort will be most rewarding. I have learned much from this experience and I am sure this will benefit me in my job search and in my future career."

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Abstract:Before the publication of Orientalism, the Sudanese Tayeb Salih redefined the so-called East-West relationship as one of conflict in Season of Migration to the North. I examine how the text challenges this harmful and illusory opposition.

Quote: "This project gave me the opportunity to closely and carefully examine a text while working with Hood's exceptional faculty. The experience has been even more uplifting than I anticipated; I intend to do this sort of work for the rest of my life."

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Abstract: The longest war in United States history puts an incredible strain on both military service members and their families. Military couples are frequently separated for long periods of time during deployments. During time apart, spouses and significant others are faced with different stressors throughout the different stages of deployment. This paper reports the results of research into the demographic composition military spouses and significant others and their use of different military resources and programs to cope with these stressors. Respondents completed self-report surveys and were asked to indicate the extent of the use certain types of programs and resources to cope with stressors during and throughout the deployment stages or during non-deployment times

Quote: "The chance to explore a topic I am passionate about with the support of my professors at Hood, was a great learning experience and strengthened my interest in research."

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Abstract: This paper studies the effect of integration into the European Union (EU) on economic growth of the fifth enlargement countries. We illustrate both theoretically and empirically the benefits of the integration into the EU. The EU requires complementary reforms to trade liberalization, which in turn promotes faster economic growth. We present panel evidence of the benefits to the economic growth coming from the integration process using a General Method of Movements to control for endogeneity. We have used time variant and time invariant variables to capture the effects of the integration on the economic growth and the performance of the fifth enlargement countries. We find that the countries in the fifth enlargement have benefited from increased trade and from the reforms that resulted in increased macroeconomic stability, human capital stock, public infrastructure, and quality of governance.

Quote: "This research project allowed me to apply the economics knowledge I gained during my time at Hood, and it gave me a taste of graduate research. The most challenging part of my paper was the empirical analysis because it was beyond the scope of my knowledge. "

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Abstract:In my research project, I look at Orwell's 1984 and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in the context sexuality: how each government uses sexuality to control the population and how the protagonists under the regime use sexuality to rebel.

Quote: "This research project has been an exercise in patience, confidence, self-discipline and critical analysis. I have learned to trust my ideas, even if I think they're strange."

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