Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects
The Honors Program at Otterbein University is a rigorous and exciting program of study for students of high academic ability and strong personal motivation. This is a collection of honors papers written by Otterbein University undergraduate students. Some projects may be embargoed at the request of the author and their advisor, 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 an honors 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 2019
A Comparative Study of Equine Gut Microbiomes Using 16S and 18S rRNA Sequencing (Honors Paper) , Jillian Jorgenson, Biology & Earth Science
The Importance of School District Quality in the Columbus Real Estate Market (Honors Paper) , Ryan Karapas, Business, Accounting, & Economics
An Examination of Drive for Muscularity Scale Scores and the Female/Athlete Paradox Among Collegiate Female Student-Athletes (Honors Project) , Emily Matisko, Health & Sport Sciences
Cell Differentiation and Proliferation During Brain Development (Honors Paper) , Sarah Maxson, Biology & Earth Science
More than Republican Motherhood: How Education Helped Women Find Agency in Revolutionary America (Honors Paper) , Emily J. Miller, History & Political Science
Representing the Angakkuq: Exploring Inuit Mythology through Fiction (Honors Paper) , Abigail Studebaker, English
Elucidation of the Amino-Terminal Structure and Characteristics of Perilpin 5 (Honors Paper) , Derek T. Wei, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Assessment of Wildlife Rehabilitation Trends: Domestic Dog and Cat Attacks (Honors Paper) , Rachel Wilson, Biology & Earth Science
The relationship between coat color and dominance in female sable antelope over time (Honors Paper) , Taylor Wilson, Biology & Earth Science
Greek Tragedy at Marion Correctional: An Exploration of Directing Theatre in Prison (Honors Paper) , Elise G. Woods, Theatre & Dance
Papers/Projects from 2018
Insights into the cellular trafficking of perilipin 5 (Honors Paper) , Hannah M. Bailey, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sibling Rivalry: A Comparison of Giant Panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca) Twin Behavior (Honors Paper) , Taryn Chudo, Biology & Earth Science
Stigma and its Reduction: The Role of Knowledge, Causal Attribution, and Mental Disorder Type (Honors Paper) , Jesica N. Ferguson, Psychology
Characterization of Two Cyclic di-GMP Phosphodiesterases Hypothesized to Regulate Virulence in Streptomyces scabies (Honors Paper) , Madison Flasco, Biology & Earth Science
Attitudes Toward Prisoners: An Introductory Study (Honors Paper) , Kathleen Geyer, Psychology
Effects of Benzyl Isothiocyanate and Papain on the Hatching and Migration of Equine Cyathostomes (Honors Paper) , Jessie Kmietsch, Equine Science
"Alas for the Red Dragon:" Redefining Welsh Identity through Arthurian Legend (Honors Paper) , Claire Lober, English
The Picture of Dorian Gray: An Immersive Experience (Honors Paper) , Natalie Love, Theatre & Dance
Motherhood Makes a Matriarchy (Honors Paper) , Lily Mann, English
Visualizing the Narrative: A Modernization and Extension of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants". (Honors Paper) , Koryn N. Naylor, English
Development and Characterization of a Paper Based Analytical Device for Heparin Quantification (Honors Paper) , Carolanne Norris, Chemistry
Prediction Factors for Release of Wildlife at a Midwestern Rehabilitation Facility (Honors Paper) , Abigail E. Smith, Biology & Earth Science
Investigating The Synthesis of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles Via a Novel Two-Step-One-Pot Cyclodehydration Reaction (Honors Paper) , Brittney Sowers, Chemistry
Visualizing Quantum Dynamics (Honors Paper) , Tyler N. Thompson, Physics
Physical Boundaries and Social Networks: How Structural Configurations and Networks of Support Influence Life Satisfaction in Assisted and Independent Living Facilities (Honors Paper) , Morgan Watts, Psychology
Synthesis of Oxadiazoles and Examination of Steric Effects in a Cyclodehydration Reaction (Honors Paper) , Norah Young, Chemistry
Papers/Projects from 2017
Inquiry into Perilipin-5A Expression in Triacylglycerol Rich vs Normal Fed Mouse Tissue (Honors Paper) , Kobi Agyepong, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Perceptions of Gender Non-Conforming Men: The Impact of Perceiver Gender, Relationship Status and Gender Role Ideology (Honors Paper) , Ciara A. Atkinson, Psychology
Implementation And Characterization Of A Magneto-Optical Trap (Honors Paper) , Michael Anthony Highman, Physics
Expression of Mammalian DNA in a Non-Native Cell System (Honors Paper) , Taylor Hyatt, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Equine Hoof Growth (Honors Paper) , Sharlee Lowe, Equine Science
The Use of Papain and Benzyl Isothiocyanate as Anthelmintics for Equine Strongyles (Honors Paper) , Abigail Maxey, Equine Science
Substituent Strength Vs Reactivity: A Study Of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles And Electron Donating Groups (Honors Paper) , Katlynn Merringer, Chemistry
Nutritional Plasticity In Gray Treefrogs: Interactions Between Competition And Predation Threat (Honors Paper) , Troy C. Neptune and Sarah S. Bouchard, Biology & Earth Science
Connections Between Project-Based Learning and Mathematics Instruction: Exploring their Integration in Classroom Curricula (Honors Paper) , Zoe Nietert, Education
Synthesis Of Oxadeazoles With Electron Withdrawing Groups And The Analysis Of Product Yield With Bond Length (Honors Paper) , Elizabeth Ann Hall Peters, Chemistry
Evidence of a Perilipin 5 Splice Variant (Honors Paper) , Brodie Ranzau, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Iron Metabolism Genes In Browsing And Grazing Rhinoceroses: Implications For Iron Overload Disorder (Honors Paper) , Lorien Salyer, Biology & Earth Science
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit in Division Three Collegiate Football Quarterbacks (Honors Paper) , Anthony Wene, Health & Sport Sciences
Papers/Projects from 2016
Assessing Cultural Competence in Nursing Students At a Small Private Liberal Arts University (Honors Paper) , Mikah K. Barrueta Ms, Health & Sport Sciences
A Retrospective Analysis of Trends in Central Ohio Wildlife Health using Records from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility (Honors Paper) , Rachel B. Dalton, Biology & Earth Science
The Direction His Eyes Are Facing: An American Geography (Honors Paper) , Amelia R. Gramling, English
Comparing The Ergogenic Effects of Mouth Guards (Honors Paper) , Kevan Green, Health & Sport Sciences
The Characterization of a Putative Perilipin-5 Splice Variant (Honors Paper) , Cara C. Hardy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Using Precise Measurements of Muon g-2 to Constrain New Physics (Honors Paper) , Evan M. Heintz, Physics
Exploring Femme Fatale Through Lady Macbeth (Honors Paper) , Tori Hidalgo, Theatre & Dance
Structural Characterization of the Lipid Droplet Protein Perilipin-5 (Honors Paper) , Pearson N. Huggins, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
On Edge-Minimization of Vertex Minimal Graphs with Dicyclic Automorphism Group (Honors Paper) , Peter E. Huston, Mathematical Sciences
Social Media Usage and Subjective Well-Being in Middle School Students (Honors Paper) , Kimberly R. Hutcheson, Psychology
Socializing in the Internet Age: A Comparison of Virtual and Traditional Groups in Terms of Self-Definition, Self-Investment, and Personality (Honors Paper) , Christopher T. Jurgens, Psychology
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Salivary Cortisol and Cyathostome Infestation in Horses (Honors Paper) , Danielle L. Keating, Equine Science
Resurgence of Acropora Corals on Mid Shelf Patch Reefs, Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, Central Belize (Honors Paper) , Jillian J. Keefer, Biology & Earth Science
Effects of Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants Less than One Year of Age: A Systematic Review (Honors Paper) , Megan K. Locke, Biology & Earth Science
Is College Making Men Less “Manly?”: The Influence of Time Spent in a Liberal Arts Environment on Masculinity (Honors Paper) , Samuel Oakley, Psychology
A Financial Analysis of Professional Baseball Player Worth (Honors Paper) , Jocelyn R. Pearce, Business, Accounting, & Economics
Determination of Cyclic-di-GMP- Controlled Gene Expression in a Pharmacologically Important Bacterium (Honors Paper) , Morgan A. Stark, Biology & Earth Science
Papers/Projects from 2015
Urine Proteomics Identifies Preeclampsia Subphenotypes (Honors Paper) , Michelle R. Axe, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Characterization of Suspected Cyclic di-GMP Metabolizing Genes in Streptomyces scabies (Honors Paper) , Bridget N. Bickers, Equine Science
Conservation of Lipid Storage Droplet Proteins in Evolution of Animalia (Honors Paper) , Jacob D. Bowman, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Identification of Perilipin 5 Interaction Partners (Honors Paper) , Emily E. Burton, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Investigating the Synthesis of Heterocycles via Gold Catalyzed Cyclizations and Cyclo-Dehydrating Reactions (Honors Paper) , Katherine L. Childers, Chemistry
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Voice for the Oppressed (Honors Paper) , Molly E. Craig, History & Political Science
Toxicity Of Leaf Extract Of Acer Spp. On Equine Erythrocytes (Honors Paper) , Bailey Katherine Dye, Biology & Earth Science
Recovery Potential Of The Mussel Communities In The Lower Section Of Big Walnut Creek (Honors Paper) , Jared B. Ellenbogen, Biology & Earth Science
A Source Analysis of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox (Honors Paper) , Jordan P. Fields, History & Political Science
Relationship between High School Math Course Selection and Retention Rates at Otterbein University (Honors Paper) , Lauren A. Fisher, Mathematical Sciences
Imidazolium Salts as Reaction Media for the Preparation of Metal Halide Cluster Networks (Honors Paper) , Stephanie K. Gnewuch, Chemistry
Measuring the Hyperfine Splittings of Lowest Energy Atomic Transitions in Rubidium (Honors Project) , Benjamin D. Graber, Physics
Fracture (Honors Paper) , Gretchen R. Heisler, English
Self-Objectification, Self-Valuation, and Bodily Self-Concept: An Examination of Women's Experiences in a Post-Feminist Society (Honors Paper) , Madeleine Holmes, Psychology
Analysis of the Energy Spectrum of Michel Electrons In MicroBooNE (Honors Paper) , Philip Griffith Kellogg, Physics
The effects of viewing patient-related physiological data on students' mental health stigma (Honors Paper) , Sabrina Kohls, Psychology
A Study of Low Weight Bearing Exercise and its Effect on Bone Density (Honors Paper) , Elizabeth Markle, Health & Sport Sciences
‘The 39 steps’ of stage management: an analysis of the evolution of professional stage managment practices and their application at Otterbein University's Department of Theatre 2011-present (Honors Paper) , Grace K. Murrin, Theatre & Dance
The Effect of Red Maple Leaf Toxicosis on Reduced Glutathione Levels in Equine Erythrocytes in Vitro (Honors Paper) , Madeline A. Rohl, Biology & Earth Science
Young Adult Dystopian Literature as Social Change Evolution (Honors Paper) , Rachel L. Scherzer, English
Causes of Turnover and Employee Satisfaction: A Case Study of Otterbein University TeleFUND (Honors Paper) , Brandy L. Stiverson, Communication
By Sea and Air: Winston Churchill's Views on the Navy and Air Force During the Second World War (Honors Paper) , Michael Toth, History & Political Science
Übermensch: A Feminist, Literary, & Artistic Rebuke to Modern Patriarchy in the Institution of Liberal Arts Education (Honors Paper) , Virginia Valenzuela, English
A Qualitative Study on How a Teacher's Religious Beliefs Affect the Choices They Make in the Classroom (Honors Paper) , Sarah M. Wadsworth, Education
The Influence of Preferred Music on Vigilance and Mental Workload (Honors Paper) , Michelle H. Wang, Psychology
Transition Metal Catalysis and the Synthesis of Biologically Interesting Heterocycles: A Study of Gold-Catalyzed Intermolecular Cyclization and Palladium-Catalyzed Suzuki Cross-Coupling (Honors Paper) , Alexandria E. Weber, Chemistry
A Comparison of the Genetic Diversity of the Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex in ex situ and in situ Populations of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) (Honors Project) , Emily Willmer, Biology & Earth Science