2008-2009 Opportunities
Manuscriptural Identification with Vellum DNA, Barbara Brennessel
The WRP will be involved in several research projects. The WRP will analyze parchment manuscripts in order to determine the geographical origin of the manuscripts and the timeframe during which they were written. This project is an extension of Amanda Shorette's attempt, this year, to identify the origin of ancient manuscripts by isolating, amplifying and sequencing the sheep DNA, extracted from parchments upon which the manuscripts were written. Prof. Michael Drout has obtained a piece of ancient parchment and the WRP will be seeking to determine how small a fragment of parchment will be required to obtain sufficent DNA for analysis by PCR, using variable mitochondrial markers, and sequencing. The student will work independently on this project. In addition, the WRP will work with two students who will be conducting honors research in molecular genetic studies of diamondback terrapins to learn techniques that may be valuable in the WRP's ability to conduct his or her own thesis project.
Computatiional Methods for the Classification of Plasmids, Betsey Dyer
The Genomics Research Group seeks a biology or biochemistry major who would like to get involved with some aspects of DNA sequence analysis. We are exploring the clasification of plasmids using various computational methods. The right candidate for this positioin should be eager to get immersed in the primary literature on bacterial and plasmid DNA and to be an active participant in interdisciplinary discussiins as we attempt to work out a computational method for classification. Previous experience in programming is not required or necessary. However candidates who are conversant in programming are preferred as much of our discussions are quite interdisciplinary. Those with upper level coursework in biology and biochemistry are also preferred.
27 Tips for Banishing the Blues, Charlotte Meehan
This WRP will involve researching, collecting, and editing video images as well as creating original ones for a new play, 27 TIPS FOR BANISHING THE BLUES. The student should have ample experience is all these areas and be able to work independently.
, Dance Minor Web Page, Cheryl Mrozowski
This project will produce a functioning, up-to-date web page that provides information on the dance minor, soon to be major,hopefully and the Wheaton College Dance Company. The web design will be created through the partnership of the Director of Dance and the DAME in the dance company. Visibility and publicity are two goals of launching the web page as well as a networking component. Laura Peters will be in contact with alumnae to facilitate a "Where are they now?" page as well as create opportunities between current Dance Company members and Dance Company alumnae. The website will be updated frequently to provide students with audition and performance information. This site will also help admissions refer prospective students on the opportunities for dance here at Wheaton.
A Development Critique of Mico-Enterprise, Donna Kerner
Background library research to support the writing of a draft of a book-length manuscript. The goal is to develop an annotated bibliography on micro-finance and micro-enterprise that incorporates critical perspectives on this ¡∫trickle down¡Ö development model. Ideally the assistant will have some background knowledge of, and interest in, development studies. Quick, critical reading and clear writing skills a must.
J.R.R. Tolkien Bibliography and Tolkien Studies, Michael Drout
This year we produced another iteration of the Bibliography for the journal Tolkien Studies (volume 5). Jason Rea and Lauren Provost thus earned their first academic publication, and Rebecca Epstein her second. All of the volunteer students (and unpaid volunteer Tara McGoldrick) worked to assemble and cross-check material. This year the four Wheaton Research Partners were also involved in assembling the raw material for The Year¡Ùs Work in Tolkien Studies, written by Prof. David Bratman. We also edited collaboratively Tolkien Studies volume 4. Currently one of the WRP students, Lauren Provost, is being supported by a summer research stipend to completely revise the database and make it accessible to researchers from outside Wheaton. She is nearly done with this project. Jason Rea has also compiled indices to Tolkien Studies volume 1-5. These will be published in Tolkien Studies volume VI. In the fall the entire, massive database will go live to the rest of the world.
Motion-based Angiogenic Analysis, Ed Tong
Existing methods to quantify angiogenesis range from image analysis of photographs to fluorescent microscopy. These methods are often time-consuming and costly; they also may not detect capillaries if they are indistinct from the background of the image. We have developed a simple method based on the motion of blood to create an image that reveals the entire angiogenic vasculature. Using an image analysis software, our Motion-Based Angiogenisis Analysis (MBAA) will be further studied using different biological specimens as well as vsarious angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors.
Patriotism and Protest in Distress: Mobilization and Counter-Mobilization in the Wake of the Iraq War
The project is a study of patriotism as a motive spur to collective action,
especially in times of perceived national emergency. The study focuses generallyon citizen participation in anti-war protests and counter-mobilizations in the wake of the Iraq War, and specifically on Wheaton and Norton folks¡Ù experience of the 44 Howard Street flag incidents here on campus, March-April 2003. The project goal is a book-length study examining the interplay of identity, culture and ideology in cycles of protest and counter-mobilization. To date I have collected and catalogued a large number of primary source materials, and have conducted over 160 hours of interviews with members of the Wheaton and Norton communities. A student research assistant would continue the process of
transcribing and coding the interview material. I can help the student to develop advanced research and analytical skills that will be transferable to their work at Wheaton and beyond.
Filmmaking Assistantship, Jack Mahaffy
This year I am developing several short film projects for which I could greatly use student assistance. The student would be directly involved with casting from local and regional talent agencies for several roles, scouting regional locations, organizing materials (DVD design, burning, packaging, research and downloading clips for editing, copying materials, digitizing film and video footage, digitizing stills and slides on hi-rez scanner, grant applications, sound recording and editing, and contacting laboratories)
These short experimental projects include a dramatic short with a cast of actors and real locations; an experimental short using only video-game footage, internet clips and voice-over narration. I am also developing two feature film projects for which the student would help composing a look-book and website. The student would gain advanced technical experience in several media programs and processes as well as intimate knowledge of the creative process practically applied to actual independent projects.
Media Studies, John Grady
I need a student to identify, count, and scan advertising images with blacks in them. this is a continuation of my LIFE Magazine project that I have just begun to publish about. I have been collecting issues of the fifteen or so top selling American magazines every three months for the last four and a half years, and this data is what the student would work on with me.
The Effect of Mortgage Forclosure: A Race-Gender Analysis, Karen McCormack
The discriminatory practices of banks and mortgage brokers has been well-documented, not only historically but also currently with African Americans, Latinos, and all women disproportionately receiving high risk, adjustable rate mortgages. As a result, the recent spate of home foreclosures has disproportionately affected minorities and women. However we know very little about what happens to families following foreclosure, particularly in poor economic times, nor do we know if women and minorities face different and possibly tougher challenges than their white counterparts. I am beginning a study of households following foreclosure to determine what factors and resources mitigate this long-term effects of foreclosure and what variables might exacerbate their situation. I would like to collaborate with a student as I do the background research for this project and attempt to connect with organizations around the country who are working with those who have lost homes.
Animal Behavior in Captivity and Cyberspace,Kathy Morgan
This project will involve work on several projects, including (but not limited to): 1) completing any data collection and analysis required for the second part of a study of changes in animal behavior, visitor behavior, and visitor attitude with a change in the leopard exhibit at the Southwick's Zoo; 2) completing all photo data entry for the interactive vernal pool salamander database; and 3)conducting a study of relative numerosity in male rats.
Analyzing Ethiopian Visual Culture: Monuments, Murals, & Museums, Leigh Neiderstaht
1)The first project is an analysis of the repatriation of the Aksumite obelisk, which was looted from Ethiopia in the 1930s by Italy. My WRP research assistant will conduct library and Internet research into other African cases of repatriation. S/he will read and evaluate articles, books, and websites and will develop an annotated bibliography of these sources, all of which will then be entered into Endnote.
2)The second project is an analysis of the visual images used in billboards and murals to educate the Ethiopian public about HIV/AIDS. My WRP research assistant will catalogue images from my archive as well as searching for other images in online databases. S/he will also create an annotated bibliography of sources related to the use of billboards/murals as a means of HIV/AIDS education.
3)My newest research project explores the history of museums in Ethiopia and their role in establishing and reinforcing local, regional, and national identity. In the summer of 2008, I will begin documenting memorials, monuments, and museums throughout Ethiopia and will conduct interviews with individuals working in the museum/cultural heritage sector. My WRP research assistant will transcribe recordings of those interviews and will catalogue the images from this first phase of the project.
I seek a student who is self-motivated, hardworking, and a good communicator. S/he should have strong research skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office; knowledge of Photoshop and/or Endnote would be useful. S/he should expect to earn the full $800 by working approximately 3 hours/week. An interest and background in Museum Studies, Art History, and/or Studio Art are a plus, as is an interest in Ethiopia/Africa.
Authorship Attribution: Anglo-Saxon and Microbial Genomes, Mark LeBlanc
Computational stylistics is the application of computing and statistical techniques to identify patterns within and likenesses between texts. Examples domains include Anglo-Saxon literature and genomes of microbial DNA. This WRP position seeks a student with programming expertise to facilitate an extensive suite of experimental runs in these desperate domains.
Editing Early Modern Spanish Narratives: creating annotated entries. Domingo Ledezma
This WRP will assist me in one of my Early Modern Spanish literature editions project. This coming year I will be finishing the critical edition of the rare book El Para¨ºso en el Nuevo Mundo (Madrid 1650), by Antonio de Le¨®n Pinelo. My WRP assistant will work in proofreading and creating some annotated entries for the edition.
Composing in the Wake of War: U.S. Veterans and the Teaching of Writing, Lisa Lebduska
This WRP will conduct secondary research into the impact of U.S. war veterans on the teaching of writing (composition) in U.S. colleges. I am interested in professional commentary regarding the college writing of veterans who returned from the first two world wars, the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars. How did college faculty respond to the presence of veterans in the classroom? To what extent were curricula revised, challenged and/or rethought? How did the veterans themselves respond to instruction in college writing? My research partner will work from an initial bibliography that I¡¯ve composed, following leads provided by the articles in that bibliography and identifying additional articles and possibly primary resources and archives.
The visual culture of women and war: political engagement in African societies, Kim Miller
I am applying for a 2008-09 Wheaton Research Partnership to help me with my current research project, which examines women¡¯s political engagement during national conflict or war, and the ways in which African women¡¯s wartime experiences are represented in post-war visual culture. The student will help me conduct comparative research examining the representations and realities of women¡¯s political engagement in three different African contexts: South Africa, Rwanda, and Liberia. In each of these countries, women held significant roles during wartime in both the public and private spheres. Likewise, in each country, women have seen substantial political gains in the public sphere in post-war periods. To date, no scholar in any of the interdisciplinary fields associated with this research has examined the intersection of women¡¯s political experiences and visual culture, and so the student will be working on a project that will make a substantial contribution to several fields of study.
I am looking for a student with strong word processing skills and research experience, who is also self motivated. The research assistant will undertake library research, locating relevant sources through World Cat, and put together an annotated bibliography (after reading and evaluating the sources), and then organize data using EndNote software. Archival research from digitized sources ¨C such as DISA and ALUKA ¨C will also be an important part of the project. She or he will also help me compile a list of museums and monuments in Liberia, Rwanda, and South Africa that commemorate both male and female political figures, and a list of artists who depict politically active women in their work. The research partner may also be asked to transcribe interview tapes and code interview materials based on my interviews with activist artists in South Africa. An interest in feminist studies, visual arts, and/or African societies is a plus.
, Tropical Rainforest Flora, Scott Shumway
I would like to apply for a WRP to support a project initiated this summer to create a web site to be used to teach undergraduates about tropical rainforest plants. The project will feature an online version of "Common Plant Families of La Selva Biological Station", a book written by Susan Letcher of UConn. I have secured permission from the author to reproduce the book. This summer a student working with Diane DeMelo has completed the process of converting the book to Wiki format. Earlier this month I travelled to Costa Rica to take a course on tropical trees. The next step is to incorporate what I learned and the photos that I took into the web site. I am seeking WRP support to have this student continue working with me and Diane to incorporate the new written material and photographs and to work out the functioning of the Wiki format. THe web site will be used by students in my Tropical Field Biology class during the fall semester and in January when they will be studying at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. The Wiki format will allow the site to be upgraded using contributions from students and from other tropical biologists. Eventually the site will be made publicly available to be used by teachers and students from other institutions.
Sex and Self-Representation: Representing Women's Oppression in Deliberative Democracy, Serene Khader
This WRP investigates the extent to which democratic deliberation can allow women to represent their gendered interests¡ºparticularly interests related to sexual oppression/abuse/exploitation and dependency work.
The student will help me conduct research examining different models of deliberative democracy and feminist attempts to render deliberative democracy more hospitable to the representation of oppressed groups. Most research in this area suggests that modifying the types of speech allowed in democratic deliberations makes the self-representation of oppressed groups possible. My project asks about impediments to self-representation that cannot be rectified by allowing new types of speech into deliberation¡ºsuch as shame and confusion of one¡¯s interests with those of others. In addition to researching models of deliberative democracy, the student will research actual social contexts in which women have had to represent their experiences of sexual victimization and dependency work.
Text-to-Sketch Software Development, Tom Armstrong
This Wheaton Research Partnership is designed to assist in the development of the system software for Text-to-Sketch. This project addresses the problem of taking natural language descriptions and constructing visual timelines of the events in the descriptions. These involve locations, individuals, and movements that are typically imprecise and ambiguous. To address these issues, we will develop a probabilistic framework for integrating natural language descriptions with geospatial data. The result takes the form of a spatiotemporal "sketch" of the events described by the text. Our work is motivated by research on mobile robot localization, where noisy sensor and odometry data are used with map information to determine the robot's location. Ultimately, the Text-to-Sketch project will expose the student to advanced computer science topics such as natural language understanding systems, mobile robot localization, and visualization of spatiotemporal data, that may promote future graduate or industry work.
Vancouver: Making an Olympic Host, Gabriela Torres
Vancouver, British Columbia will be the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The research project looks at the changes in municipal and social policy that are aimed at making the City of Vancouver into a showcase of Canada. This project requires an assistant to transcribe interviews, scan and code documents, compile press coverage, government promotional material, anti-Olympic publications and academic literature that discusses the social changes that precede the 2010 Olympics. The project assistant will also be responsible for coding and organizing the collected literature using qualitative data management software. This is a great opportunity for a student who wishes to contribute towards the research and preliminary writing of an academic publication and wants learn how to construct research queries, use qualitative software, conduct a popular and academic literature review, and perform analysis of qualitative texts and images.
Visual Cognition--Perceptual Learning and Shape Memory, Rolf Nelson
This project will involve two projects collecting data from human subjects. The first is an ongoing project measuring the effect of video games on visual perception, attention, and cognition. The second is an inquest into how the visual system encodes and processes information, and in particlar that of negative space.