Scholars and their Research Project

Toni Behl

Title:    Narrative Mediation: A Communications Approach to Problem Solving

Abstract:    Narrative Mediation is a new approach to the practice of conflict resolution.  It is a blending of traditional methods of mediation combined with the narrative theory of communication.  A unique feature of narrative mediation is the concept of dissolving the conflict situation by externalizing the problem.  Externalizing the problem is the first step in rewriting the conflict story through changed perceptions of the parties involved.

Kerry Breen

Title:    A Comparison of Perineal Outcome Under Physician and Midwifery Care

Abstract:    This study compares the use of episiotomies and the frequency of perineal lacerations in three models of maternity care for low-risk pregnant women: a freestanding by certified nurse-midwives staffed by physicians.  The study consisted of 2,005 low-risk pregnant women with a singleton gestation, a cephalic presentation, a fetal gestation age between 38 & 42 weeks, and infant birth weight between 2,500 &4,500 grams.

Makena Hightower

Title:    Classical Music's Effect on Biofeedback and Voluntary Heart Rate Reduction

Abstract:    Biofeedback has been reported as being able to reduce ones heart rate after the resting heart rate has been increased.  the objective of this is to determine Classical music's effect on biofeedback while trying to reduce heart rate.  Ten women ages 18-35, who were residents of Sacramento and surrounding areas, were included in this study.

Ana Orozco

Title:    Parent and Peer Attachment During Adolescence and Sexual Activity.

Abstract:    A pilot study was conducted to examine the relationship between parent and peer attachment and sexual activity among adolescents.  Participants consisted of teenagers, 16 males and 9 females, from Sacramento, California ages 15 to 19 years old.  it was hypothesized that strong parent and peer attachment would be correlated with late onset of sexual activity.

Laura Rader

Title:    A Brief Study of Health and Disease in Two Native American Populations in California

Abstract:    California has had a long history of indigenous populations, attributable to its mild climates and the availability of rich food resources.  The two populations of Native American Indians lived in the Central California Valley during the Early Middle Horizon and Late Middle Horizon.  The focus of this research is to determine, by studying the skeletal tissue of these two populations, the pathology and trauma evident at the time of death.

Connie Reisenweber

Title:    12-step Groups: Improving Doctor-Patient Communication?

Abstract:    Communication skills with their doctor; 85% felt that participation in a 12-step program improved the communication skills with others, but only 65% felt that participation in a 12-step program improved their communication with their doctor.  The majority, 59%, felt that regular participation in a 12-step program reduced the physical symptoms of alcoholism/ addiction.

Michelle Schultz

Title:    Emergent Mathematical Developments in Children: Are children's outcomes aligned with parents expectations of their child's activities

Abstract:    The purpose of this study was the co-relational effect that a parent's beliefs/ expectations has on their child's outcomes using specific numeric tasks on their emergent mathematical development.  Subjects consisted of 20 children who were assessed in a Head Start program in the Sacramento area.  The parent cohort collaborated in a survey/ interview conducted at the Head Start site.  Research in children's mathematical development offers great potential to lengthen out foundation of knowledge and to extend out educational applications for the children, parents, and teachers.

Janeth Serrano

Title:    Communicating the Concept of College to Mexican American Students and the  Impact it has on their Choice to Attend College

Abstract:    This study looks at the many factors that influence Mexican-American students to attend college.  Based on study by Gauvain & Hurtado in which the primary sources of information regarding college were  established as being parents, counselors or teachers, this study will determine if this still holds true.  The population used for this study was Mexican-American students who are part of the College Assistance Migrant program at CSUS.  Through state questionnaires and 10 in-depth interviews, this study tries to identify influencing factors that lead Mexican-Americans to attend college - factors include level of parental education, availability of information about college, and methods of financing college education.

Muneera Smith

Title:    Translocation of DNA from I-forms to E. Coli

Abstract:    Filamentous bacteriophage are viruses that infect bacteria.  Class III bacteriophage include fd, M13, & f1, which are very similar to one another in structure and lifecycle.  Filamentous phage are the only known bacteriophage that does not harm or kill the host as they proliferate.  infected cells periodically release phage particles without considerable damage to the cell.  Filamentous bacteriophage fd grows exclusively on male E. Coli bacteria and is therefore referred to as a Coli phage.  It does so by binding to the f- pilus on the surface to the E. Coli cells and invader phage particles, the system of infection has been studied over the past thirty years.  however, the mechanism of infection has yet to be unraveled.

Cynthia Vogel

Title:    Analysis of Environmental Education in Selected California Public Schools, grades K-6

Abstract:    No standard curriculum has been adopted by the State of California for Environmental Education (EE) in public schools, grades K-6.  In an effort to understand EE California, a select group of California elementary school teachers was surveyed.  Concerning those select teachers, this project proposes: to catalog environmental subject matter and the pedagories used to teach EE, determine teacher attitude toward the environment, the environmental subject matter they teach and the pedagories they use.