The Distinction Program recognizes students for excellent scholarly work in their field of study. This is a collection of distinction papers written by Otterbein University undergraduate students. Some projects may be embargoed at the request of the author and their adviser, restricting access to the project until a specific date. Advanced access to embargoed projects is available to Otterbein community members upon request. Otterbein students, alumni, faculty, and staff may email digitalcommons07@otterbein.edu to request access - please include the title, author, and year of the project being requested along with your name, Otterbein affiliation, and email address.
Most papers completed after 2014 are included in Digital Commons @ Otterbein. Search the Library catalog to locate papers completed prior to 2014.
Note to Otterbein Alumni: If you completed a distinction paper as part of your coursework at Otterbein University and would like us to add it to Digital Commons @ Otterbein, please email digitalcommons07@otterbein.edu.Papers/Projects from 2024
The Lost Daughter (Distinction Project) , Alliza Clark, English
MEXICANIDAD AND THE RACIAL IMPLICATIONS OF MEZTIZAJE THROUGH HORROR AND FANTASY IN SILVIA MORENO GARCIA’S NOVELS: MEXICAN GOTHIC (2020), DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU (2022) AND SILVER NITRATE (2023) (Distinction Paper) , Mitzi Cuaxico, English
An Examination of Empathy in a Post-Pandemic Society (Distinction Paper) , Scout Delgado, Psychology
Turtle Community Structure In A Central Ohio Pond With Native And Nonnative Species (Distinction Paper) , Kim T. Nguyen, Sarah Bouchard, and Brandon Sinn, Biology & Earth Science
Optimizing Synthetic Routes to (E)- and (Z)- Stilbenes via Mechanistic Explorations of the Wittig Reaction (Distinction Paper) , Amanda Marchi, Chemistry
Therapeutic Art: Stress Reduction Through Tattoo Therapy? (Distinction Paper) , Celeste M. Nist, Psychology
Papers/Projects from 2023
Effects of Benzyl Isothiocyanate and Papain on Parascaris Spp. Larval Embryonation (Distinction Paper) , Moriah Wood, Equine Science
The Effect of Fatigue on Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics and Performance (Distinction Paper) , Sarah Alloto, Health & Sport Sciences
Dog Days: Does Interaction with a Therapy Dog Improve the Well-being in a High School Classroom? (Distinction Paper) , Carley E. Downing, Psychology
miR125a as Molecular Target of Vitamin D Mediated Inhibition of CD4+ T Cell Differentiation into Th17 cells in MRL/lpr Lupus-prone Mice (Distinction Paper) , Miranda Hilt, Biology & Earth Science
Training on Law Enforcement's Response to Interpersonal Violence (Distinction Paper) , Genna Hilt, Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies
Geisha As Living Embodiments of Art Representing Japanese Cultural Aesthetic (Distinction Paper) , Addie Richmond, Art
Papers/Projects from 2022
Perceived Mental Workload in Children in an Online Setting (Distinction Paper) , Alana Mackenzie White, Psychology
Making Mental Health Information Accessible to Latinxs Through the Use of Internet Forums (Distinction Paper) , April Martinez, Psychology
The Relationship Between Social Media and Political Polarization Among Members of Generation Z (Distinction Paper) , Hanna Getreu, Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies
Characterization of a Medium-Dependent Streptomyces Developmental Mutant (Distinction Paper) , Dylan Gray and Jennifer A. Bennett, Biology & Earth Science
Identification and Characterization of an FTSQ-Null Suppressor Gene in Streptomyces (Distinction Paper) , Alexandra Sherman, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Papers/Projects from 2021
Latin American Identities and the American Demonym (Distinction Paper) , Maia S. Schofield, History & Political Science
Effects of Education on Understanding Lateral Violence in a Senior Nursing Class (Distinction Paper) , Crystal Sinkowski, Nursing
Cadaveric Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession Procedures to Identify Vital Anatomical Structures and Limit Intraoperative and Post-Operative Complications (Distinction Paper) , Austin Combs, Health & Sport Sciences
The Relevance Of Ethnic Identity Among Asian American Populations To Support For The Black Lives Matter Movement (Distinction Paper) , Jenna Navaratnam, Psychology
Inner Monologue: Relationship to Personality and Psychopathology (Distinction Paper) , Sara J. Conley, Psychology
(TRANS)FORM: SPOKEN WORD AS QUEER AND TRANSGENDER TESTIMONY (Distinction Paper) , Kaileigh/Wesley Strobel, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Blue Light and Adult Sleep Outcomes (Distinction Paper) , Andrew Caddas, Health & Sport Sciences
Creating a Risk Pool of Defunctness in the United States’ Higher Education Market (Distinction Paper) , Lauren Kess, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Papers/Projects from 2020
An Analysis of Groundwater Quality as Sampling Networks Age: The Gaps in Groundwater Monitoring (Distinction Paper) , Angela Leone, Biology & Earth Science
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Hydrophobic Cleft of Perilipin 5 (Distinction Paper) , Lillian Cool, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Effects of Background Music on Sustained Attention Tasks and Workload Perception (Distinction Paper) , William Hove, Psychology
They Don't Make Bourbon Like They Used To: Nostalgia as a Predictor Towards Attitude, Likelihood of Consumption, and Usage Occasion in True, Retro, Heritage, and False Nostalgia Brands (Distinction Paper) , Montana McKnight, Business, Accounting, & Economics
The Effects of Leaf Litter On Predation Cue Response in Gray Tree Frog Tadpoles, Hyla Versicolor (Distinction Paper) , Dani McCauley, Biology & Earth Science
In the Pit: The Sight and Sound of Broadway Pit Orchestras (Distinction Project) , Kyle Krygielski, Theatre & Dance
Lucky Dragon no. 5 - a New Music Drama (Distinction Paper) , Spencer Stern, Music
Pilgrimage: True Belonging: Exploring the Human Desire to Belong Through Dance and Storytelling (Distinction Paper) , Lincoln K. Belford, Theatre & Dance
Effects of Leaf Litter on Organ Size Plasticity and Microbiome Composition in the Larval Gray Tree Frog, Hyla Versicolor (Distinction Paper) , Delaney Lyons, Biology & Earth Science
Papers/Projects from 2019
Perceived Workload in High School Students (Distinction Paper) , Emmaly Baker, Psychology
Comparative Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Vaccination Intent Between Standard Care and Educational Intervention of HPV and the HPV Vaccine Among Somali Population in Columbus (Distinction Paper) , Ladan Barnes, Health & Sport Sciences
Analysis of Western African Textiles Through Analytical Methods (Distinction Paper) , Kathryn L. Dodds, Chemistry
Empirical Investigation of Public Policy on Automotive Sales in the American, Canadian, and German Markets (Distinction Paper) , Hannah Eliades, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Executive Function and Motor Skills In Preschool Children (Distinction Paper) , Meggin Kelley, Health & Sport Sciences
Effects of Polystrene Foam on the growth and development of Darkling Beetles (Tenebrio Molitor) (Distinction Paper) , Nick Langlois, Biology & Earth Science
Native American Women in the American Indian Movement (Distinction Paper) , Raven Manygoats, History & Political Science
Characterization of Developmental Genes in Streptomyces (Distinction Paper) , Erin Orr, Biology & Earth Science
Design and Creation of a System of Machines to Automate Quality Control Processes for ATMs (Distinction Paper) , Miguel D. Pedrozo, Engineering
An Ode to the Imperfections (Distinction Paper) , Alexandra P. Schaffer, English
Potential Interactions Between Glucocorticoid Receptors and L-Type Cav1.3 Ion Channels Expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells (Distinction Paper) , Mallory Soska, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Papers/Projects from 2018
Effect of Mutation of cvn7 conservon genes Sco6796 and Sco6798 of Streptomyces coelicolor. (Distinction Paper) , Caroline Fulmer, Biology & Earth Science
The Identification and Characterization of a Putative Chromosome Segregation Gene in Streptomyces coelicolor (Distinction Paper) , Sean Kirk, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Identifying RmdA Protein Interactions in Streptomyces Using a Bacterial Two-Hybrid System (Distinction Paper) , Rachel Nguyen, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Written With Love: An Interpretation of Love Stories Through Movement and Emotion (Distinction Paper) , Olivia Crawford, Psychology
Painting a Unique Perspective About Violence in Contemporary Visual Arts (Distinction Paper) , Catherine Gallagher, Art
The Female Body as a Commodity (Distinction Paper) , Soon Wai Yee, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Unintentional Minor Injury in Children: The Role of Executive Function and Motor Ability (Distinction Paper) , Denise Richard, Psychology
Diversity in Nursing to Transform Diversity in Academia (Distinction Paper) , Jehdeiah C. Maitland, Nursing
Effect of Electron Withdrawing and Electron Donating Substituents on the Synthesis of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles using Dibromotriphenylphosphorane (Distinction Paper) , Emily Bliss, Chemistry
An Historical Analysis of the Relationship Between Organized Religion and Dramatic Theory (Distinction Paper) , Emily Bubeck, Theatre & Dance
An Embodied Analysis Of Humankind's Development and History as Viewed Through Our Art and Theatre (Distinction Paper) , Mikayla Burr, Theatre & Dance
Papers/Projects from 2017
Is Having Children an Essential Part of a Good Human Life? (Distinction Paper) , Bethany Blinsky, Religion & Philosophy
Separation of Church and State: Stratified Access to Reproductive Healthcare In The United States (Distinction Paper) , Brenna Helm, Sociology
Maternal Stress and Stress Symptomatology in Children (Distinction Paper) , Emily Klipa, Psychology
Determination of Metal Concentrations in Sediments of Big Walnut Creek (Distinction Paper) , Hayley Quinn, Joan M. Esson, Kierra M. Lathrop, Michael A. Hoggarth, Kevin Svitana, and Nathan Hess, Chemistry
The Eternal Hero: A Study of the Evolution of the Literary Character Throughout History (Distinction Paper) , James Simms, Education
The Double Work of the Female Spectator (Distinction Paper) , Emily Greitzer, English
Characterization of Novel Streptomyces Developmental Genes Identified by Transposon Mutagenesis (Distinction Paper) , Garrett Kandell, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Equus Through The Artist: A Look Into The Expression Of The Horse Through Personal Connection (Distinction Project) , Caylin Marie Barnes, Art
Social Interactions Among Giant Panda Cubs (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca): An Investigation Into The Role Of Kin Recognition (Distinction Paper) , Kelly M. Jackson, Biology & Earth Science
An Examination of Step Frequency and the Running Readiness Scal as Predictors of Running-Related Injury in Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes (Distinction Paper) , Jenna D'Errico, Health & Sport Sciences
Ecological Correlates with Dioecy in the Flora of a Tropical Premontane Wet Forest in Costa Rica. (Distinction Paper) , Breanne Held, Biology & Earth Science
Not the Truth We Seek: The Story of a Mime, Fierce Women, Proposals, & Pro Wrestling (Distinction Paper) , Steven Meeker Jr., Theatre & Dance
A Case Study Evaluating the Effects of Augmented Feedback on the Gait Patterns of Two College-Age Students with Disabilities (Distinction Paper) , Tara Teeples, Health & Sport Sciences
Effects of a Balance and Strength Training Program on Functional Proprioceptive and Motor Control Abilities in Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Distinction Paper) , Victoria Timmons, Health & Sport Sciences
Straight from the Horse's Mouth: An Examination of Social Media Usage and Advertising Methodologies in the Sale of Sporthorses (Distinction Paper) , Michael Willham, Business, Accounting, & Economics
A Reexamination The Freshwater Mussels (Family Unionidae) In Lower Big Walnut Creek (Distinction Paper) , Kierra M. Lathrop, Biology & Earth Science
Household Life Cycle As A Segmentation Approach for Major Professional Sports Teams (Distinction Paper) , Jacob S. Watkins, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Essentialism of Addiction and Mental Illness (Distinction Paper) , Mary Pirik, Psychology
Papers/Projects from 2016
Effect of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy on At-Risk Youth Individuals (Distinction Paper) , Colleen M. Whalen, Health & Sport Sciences
Feasibility Study of Biogas Generated Electricity for the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science at Otterbein University (Distinction Paper) , Jillian Strimbu, Equine Science
The Effect of Stride Frequency Training on Runners with Patellofemoral Pain (Distinction Paper) , Katelyn Barrett, Health & Sport Sciences
The identification and characterization of developmental genes in Streptomyces species (Distinction Paper) , Breanna C. Brown, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Growth rate plasticity in larval Northern Leopard frogs (Distinction Paper) , Cory Usher and Sarah Bouchard, Biology & Earth Science
Proposal of a New Method to Classify Higher Education Institutions Instead of Rankings (Distinction Paper) , Kate D. Elam, Business, Accounting, & Economics
INSIDE AND OUT: THE INTERACTION OF THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SYSTEM AND INDIAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN COLUMBUS, OHIO (Distinction Paper) , Madeline English, Sociology
A Pre-Human Baseline For Stressors Limiting Staghorn Growth: Evidence From Sub-Fossil Skeletons Preserved In Earthquake Scarps, Central Belize (Distinction Paper) , Samantha L. Hargrove, Biology & Earth Science
Cognition and Problem Solving using Detour Reaching and Novel Object Tasks in the Budgerigar (Distinction Paper) , Mollie E. Kemp, Biology & Earth Science
Project Pitchin' In (Distinction Project) , Kristen Pellington
The Case Study of Outstanding Store Fixtures (Distinction Paper) , Heather Soma-Hauer, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Cyclization Reactions of Non-Benzoic Acid Derivatives And The Effect Of Structural Changes (Distinction Paper) , Amber L. Zanella, Chemistry
Papers/Projects from 2015
“Jane Eyre: An Ancestor Heroine for Contemporary Young Adult Dystopian Literature” (Distinction Paper) , Emmanuela Ann Bean, English
An Examination of Athletes and Non-Athletes Academic Performance at the Division III Level (Distinction Paper) , Troy A. Lemke, Health & Sport Sciences
A Verification and Extension of Students' Motivations, Financial Orientation, and Identity Salience as Predictors of Likelihood to Withdraw from a University (Distinction Paper) , Matthew I. Quinn, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Manipulation of Same Sex Social Pair Bonds in Budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus (Distinction Paper) , Amanda M. Stilwell, Biology & Earth Science
The Effects Of Horseback Riding On The Gait Of Adolescents (Distinction Paper) , Sarah L. Hayes, Health & Sport Sciences
The Impact of a Community Garden on a Local Township (Distinction Paper) , Mariah E. Reitz, Health & Sport Sciences
Factors That Affect Student Performance Among Ohio LEED Schools: An Examination of LEED Credit Categories, IEQ Credits and School Typology (Distinction Paper) , Ryan P. Thombs, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Hildegard Of Bingen: Visionary Woman Who Encouraged The Role Of Feminism (Distinction Paper) , Melissa K. Treharn, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Current Methods and Future Directions Regarding Working Memory Training Research (Distinction Paper) , Emily G. Wright, Psychology
The Impact of Stegastes planifrons on the Resurgence of Acropora cervicornis (Distinction Paper) , Zebulon Martin, Sustainability Studies
Investigating Sex Positivity: Does Education and Socialization Increase Sexual Satisfaction in Young Adults (Distinction Paper) , Kendall Coffman, Sociology
American Women Composers in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries: A Comparison of the Social, Cultural and Personal Influences on the Lives, Career, and Music of Amy Beach and Ruth Crawford Seeger (Distinction Paper) , Lindsey A. Scarberry, Music
Factors Associated With Youth Athletes Discontinuing Vs. Staying In A Sport (Distinction Paper) , Jessica R. Shibko, Psychology
Low Back Pain: A Study on Which Demographic Characteristics Contribute (Distinction Paper) , Sarah M. Uhlenbrock, Health & Sport Sciences