Ranger Research Day
Ranger Research Day List of Winners
Below you will find a list of winners from several years of the annual Ranger Research Day event.
Ranger Research Day Winners, 2023
First Place Biology:
Walter D. Smith--“Is Lizard Asymmetry Linked to Anthropogenic Disturbance?”
Second Place Biology:
Cora Taylor--“Limb Regeneration in the Ouachita Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus brimleyorum)”
First Place Nursing:
Tiffany Goss, Viviana Resendiz, Ana Cruz Hernandez--“Hospital Interpreters and Limited English Proficiency Patient Outcomes”
Second Place Nursing:
Mindy Cosby, Alicia Smith, Corbyn Austin--“Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”
Third Place Nursing:
Felicia Bueno, Faith Nino--“Effects of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios”
Honorable Mention Nursing:
Sydne Edmiston, Kaylee Milligan, Daresa O’Connell--“Pitocin and Maternal Complications”
First Place Psychology:
Ali Harzman--“Genres of Music and its Effectiveness on Heart Rate”
Seond Place Psychology:
Heatherene Merrill--“Psychological Inoculation and Inaccurate News: The Use of Psychological Inoculation to Establish a Resistance to Misinformation Circulated by Social Media.”
Third Place Psychology:
Adriana Melisa Quezada--“Academic Performance of Working and Non-Working College Students: Influence of Employment Status in Students’ GPA”
Honorable Mention Psychology:
Maria Leon--“First Generation College Students: Factors Predicting Success”
18th Annual Ranger Research Day Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day Winners, 2022
First Place Chemistry:
Josena Frame, "Study of Iodine Distribution and Concentrations in Western Oklahoma Brine Waters and Recycling of Used Chloroform" (Dr. Jason Wickham, Sponsor)
First Place Nursing:
Kailin Lian & Ally Riley, "Readmission Rates and Length of Hospital Stay" ( Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
Second Place Nursing:
Mary Kay Henderson, Casey Sims, & Shelby Smith, "Effectiveness of Vaccines on HPV Infections and Cervical Cancer Prevention" (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
Third Place Nursing:
Ashley Steadman & Kailee Holmes, "Nurse Staffing" (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
Honorable Mention Nursing:
Anisha Bhakta, Allison Brooke Huffmaster & Clare Merrigan, "Incidence of Mental Illness in Chronic Disease" (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
McKayla Monday & Brenner Clark, "Reducing the Risks of Foley Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections" (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
First Place Psychology:
Malliyah Baker, "ADHD and Nicotine Use: Vaping Devices and Cigarettes" (Prof. Taylor Randolph, Sponsor)
Seond Place Psychology:
Dayra Verduzco-Serrano, "Adversse Childhood Experiences in College Completion" (Prof. Taylor Randolph, Sponsor)
Third Place Psychology:
Louis Miele, "The Dark Triad of Personality Traits and Educational Attainment" (Prof. Taylor Randolph, Sponsor)
Honorable Mention Psychology:
Grace Hise, "Physiological Impact of Music on Mood" (Prof. Taylor Randolph, Sponsor)
17th Annual Ranger Research Day Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day Winners, 2021
First Place English:
Angel Marshall, “An Incurable Disease in Chrystos's Poem ‘Today Was a Bad Day Like TB’” (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor)
First Place Nursing:
Adria Lujan, Carys Delaplane, & Makenna Montgomery, “Reducing the Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression in Adolescent Mothers” (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
Second Place Nursing:
Ashlie Wilhite & Caitlin Johnson, “Infection Control Awareness & Decreasing HAIs in Healthcare Settings” (Dr. Jennifer Mahieu, Sponsor)
Third Place Nursing:
Kailei Settle, Cassandra Mead, & Mitzi Pemberton, “Alternative Birthing Positions vs. Traditional Lithotomy” (Dr. Leslie Collins & Prof. Keera Byrd, Sponsors)
First Place Physics & Engineering:
Sharon Boeckman. “Piano Staircase” (Dr. Steven Maier, Sponsor)
Second Place Physics & Engineering:
William Cody Cosper, “Operation: RRR2-D2” (Dr. Steven Maier, Sponsor)
16th Annual Ranger Research Day Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2020
First Place Psychology:
Rachel Kraus, “Breastfeeding Outcomes, Maternal Support, and the Prevalence of Postpartum Depression” (Dr. Jason Ferrell, Sponsor)
First Place Nursing:
Jessica Johnson, Jamee Ramsey, Kylee Alexander, & Meghan Corr, “Nurse Staffing and Safety of Patients” (Dr. Krista Tilley, Sponsor)
Second Place Nursing:
Olivia Denney, Angelica Rangel, & Carli Russo, “Breastfeeding and the Effects of Illness on Children” (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
Third Place Nursing:
Breanna Johnson, Rachel Shryock, & Caitlin Harris, “Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic” (Prof. Amanda Clepper, Sponsor)
Honorable Mention Nursing:
Camerann Johnson & Sheridan Duncan, “Breastfeeding Education” (Dr. Jennifer Mahieu, Sponsor)
15th Annual Ranger Research Day Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2019
Winning Research Projects
Posters:
First Place Psychology:
Milissa Britt, "Is Social Media Usage Redefining the Expression of Intimacy?"
Second Place Psychology:
Cally Winburn, "The Effects of Social Support on Individuals with Bipolar Disorder"
Third Place Psychology:
Jerod Clark, "Slow: Children at Play' Traffic Signs & Effects on Driver's Speed"
Honorable Mention Psychology:
Caitlin Jacobs, "Circadian Rhythm and Stress"
First Place Nursing:
Briana French, Jessellen Frantz, and Kaitlin Jones, "Spirituality in End-of-Life Care"
Second Place Nursing:
Joni R. Welch, Amy Kleinvachter, Brooke Handke, and Tasha Swallow, "Effect of Baccalaureate Degree vs. Associate Degree Nurse on Patient Outcomes"
Third Place Nursing:
Clarissa Coble, Krystyn Hawkes, and Anabel Segovia, "Art Therapy in Oncology Patients"
Honorable Mention Nursing:
Tiana Young-Mauchly, Julia F. Buckingham, and Carlie Edstrom, "Visitation Restriction in the Adult ICU"
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2018
Winning Research Projects:
Posters:
First Place Psychology:
Cynthia A. Conrad: "Bereavement Support Group Involvement: Its Impact on the Healing Process"
Second Place Psychology:
Britani Laken Gunther: Enhancing Athletes Performance Through Mental Imagery"
Third Place Psychology:
Pabitra Tamang: "Bullying and Depression"
First Place History (tie):
Timothy Atakora: "Realism vs. Idealism"
Jacque Ruhl: "The Legacy of Emperor Constantine"
First Place English:
Patricia Pixler: "Human Darkness: Montresor in the 'Cask of Amontillado'"
First Place Biology:
Taylor Munsell: "Rapid, Simple, and Non-invasive Screening for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome"
First Place Chemistry:
Katrina Betz and Maxwell Archer: "Study of an Iodine Distribution in Western Oklahoma Brine Waters"
First Place Nursing:
Teirna Adair and Cheney Bird: "No Nits, Ands, or Buts"
Second Place Nursing:
Jessica Weidner, Sandra Colby, and Mallory Stubbs: "Stress and Coping in Nursing"
Third Place Nursing:
Penny Bice, Rylee Spencer, and Savannah Hill: "Pitocin Rates for Laboring Mothers"
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2016
Winning Research Projects:
Posters:
Psychology
First Place:
Janet A. Faakye (Professor Stephanie Widick, Sponsor)
“Background Music during Studies: Does it Impact Concentration, Comprehension, and Retention?”
Biology
First Place:
Fiifi Neizer-Ashun & Christian Agbola (Dr. Aaron Place, Sponsor)
“Chemical Communication in Earthworms”
Second Place:
Abbie Tillman, Willow Gahr, & Riley Trousdale (Dr. Aaron Place, Sponsor)
“Hot or Cold?”
Third Place:
Wisdon Baidoo Addae (Dr. Steven Thompson, Sponsor)
“Effects of Different Colors on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate”
Chemistry
First Place:
Dalton Pannell, Brady Fields, & Yeboah Gyening (Dr. Cornelia Mihai, Sponsor)
“Introductory Bioorganic Study of Firefly Luciferase—An Enzyme to Drive Bioluminescense”
Second Place:
Austin Anderson (Dr. Jason Wickham, Sponsor)
“Study of Iodine Gas Scrubber Efficiency and Iodine Distribution in Northwestern Oklahoma Brine Waters”
Nursing
First Place:
Riley Bryant & Brooke Ortiz (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
“Central Line Infection”
Second Place:
Jonathan Allotey, Niisi Jordan, & Cydni Phelps (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
“Message Therapy for Pain in Older Adults”
Third Place:
Shanndi Boor, Rebecca Ellis, & Danielle Williams (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
“Battle of the Biotics”
Art: Natural History Drawing
First Place:
Rachel Davis (Professor Kyle Larson, Sponsor)
“American Crow”
Second Place:
Breanna McClure (Professor Kyle Larson, Sponsor)
“Swanson’s Hawk, Herring Gull”
Third Place:
Clayton Hill (Professor Kyle Larson, Sponsor)
“Raccoon & Skunk Skulls, Bald Eagle”
Papers Presentations:
English
First Place:
Chandler Steckbeck (Dr. Jennifer Page, Sponsor)
“The Apparitiional Presence: From Shakespeare’s Richard III to Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
Second Place:
Ashley Wilson (Dr. Shawn Holliday, Sponsor)
“McTeague Doesn’t Go to College: McTeague and the Historical Perspective of the Dental Profession in the United States”
Third Place:
Sydnie Lowe (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor)
“The Role of Women in the Home”
Ranger Research Day 2016 Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2015
Winning Research Projects:
Posters:
Math & Science
First Place:
Carrie Schanbacher & Kelsey Fly (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"Water Immersion in First Stages of Labor"
Second Place:
Timothy E. Legg (Dr. Aaron Place, Sponsor)
"The Anitmicrobial Effectiveness of Bothrops Moojeni Venom on Selected Bacteria."
Third Place:
Rachelle Keene (Dr. Venkata Moorthy, Sponsor)
"Resistivity of Endospores to UV Rays and Heat Exposure"
Honorable Mention:
Laura Haftman & Chasidee Koehn (Dr. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"Skin to Skin"
Liberal Arts
First Place:
RaLyssa Taylor (Professor Jana Brown, Sponsor)
"The United States: Nuclear Fear"
Conference Papers:
Liberal Arts
First Place:
Charlie Wylie (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor)
"Lois Lane: A Depiction of the Cultural Evolution of Women"
Second Place:
Haley Smith (Dr. Kathy Earnest, Sponsor)
"'R U sure this txt sounds rite lol!': The Effects of Text Speak on Literacy: Detriment or Opportunity?
Third Place:
Riley Pearce (Dr. James Bell, Sponsor)
"Religion and the Law: The Everlasting Battle Between the Individual and Community"
Honorable Mention:
Katrina Henning (Dr. Jennifer Page, Sponsor)
"'To love and fear and both, at once': Censorship, Social Control, and Gender Subversion on the English
Renaissance Stage"
Ranger Research Day 2015 Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2014
Winning Research Projects
Posters:
First Place:
Paige Little (Dr. Venkata Moorthy, Sponsor):
"Comparison of Acid Production and Growth Rate of Selected Gram Negative Bacteria and Yeasts
Different Carbohydrates"
Second Place:
Taylor Waugh (Dr. Venkata Moorthy, Sponsor):
"Studies in Biofilm Formation by Bacteria Isolated from Drinking Fountains"
Third Place:
Loren Quiram & Jermaine Bell (Professor Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"Nurse-Patient Ratios"
Honorable Mention:
Tiffany Song & Robin Zornes (Professor Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"Long-Term Pharmocological Management in Adults with Acute Coronary Syndrome"
Conference Papers:
First Place:
Natalie Sacket (Dr. Richmond Adams, Sponsor)
"Curse of Creativity"
Second Place:
K. Brooke Cilino (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor)
"Cinderella: An Essential Princess for Women?"
Third Place:
Carrie Vega-Hughes (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor)
"The Relevance of Manners"
Honorable Mention:
Timothy Legg (Professor Kathy Earnest, Sponsor)
"To Fly or Not to Fly: Ethical Decision-Making in a Responsible Citizenry"
Ranger Research Day 2014 Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Fall 2013
Winning Research Projects
Posters:
First Place:
Sapana Kadel (Dr. Venkata Moorthy, Sponsor):
"DOK3 Negatively Regulates RANKL-induced Osteoclastogenesis"
Second Place (Tie):
Anjeela Shrestha (Dr. Aaron Place, Sponsor):
"Defensive Coloration in Long-Nosed Snake"
Heather Newlin, Heather Collins, & Alex Meltabarger (Prof. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"What is the difference in Obesity Rates Between Breastfed and Bottlefed Infants"
Third Place:
Jana Washington, Emily Wadel, & Kelsey Fanning (Prof. Leslie Collins, Sponsor)
"A Systematic Review of Prehabilitation"
Honorable Mention (Tie):
Shane Engelken (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor)
"Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on the Male Human Body"
Alexandrea McBee (Dr. Sherril Stone, Sponsor)
"Artificial vs. Real Animals in Nursing Homes"
Conference Papers:
First Place:
Ken LaFon (Prof. Kathy Earnest, Sponsor)
"The Linguistic Legacy of the Louisiana Purchase"
Second Place:
Ken LaFon (Dr. Shawn Holliday, Sponsor)
"An Application of the Sociological Theories of Charles Horton Cooley to Frank Norris's McTeague"
Third Place:
Josh Cook (Dr. Joseph Nnanna, Sponsor)
"Negotiation Strategies in a Hostile Business Environment"
Ranger Research Day Fall 2013 Abstract Book
Ranger Research Day, Spring 2013
Winning Research Projects
Posters:
First Place (Tie):
Morgan Reinart, Jeff Martin, & Julia Conneywerdy (Dr. Aaron Place, Sponsor):
“Arsenic Testing in NWOSU’s Taxidermy Collections and Natural Science Museum”
Morgan Reinart (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor):
“Overweight and Obesity Rates in Firefighters: Overcoming the Epidemic"
Second Place:
Morgan Reinart (Dr. Steven Thompson, Sponsor):
“Firefighter Air Consumption in Relation to Body Fat Percentage”
Third Place:
Stephanie Martin (Dr. Cynthia Pfiefer-Hill, Sponsor):
“Brain Waves Occurring during a Golf Putt”
Honorable Mention (Tie):
Dakota Helvie and Jacob Roberson (Dr. Kimberly Soulek, Sponsor):
“Why is Enrollment in the Division of Business Down at the Enid Campus?"
Kent Jenson (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor):
"Binaural Beats: A Study on the Effects of Binaural Beats on Brain Waves and Mental Performance."
Conference Papers:
First Place
Jaden Crocker (Dr. James Bell, Sponsor):
“The Standardized Testing Debate”
Second Place
Morgan Biaggi (Dr. James Bell, Sponsor):
“Individuality versus Community”
Third Place
Kathryn "Brooke" Palmer (Professor Kathy Earnest, Sponsor):
“Side-by-Side Language Learning”
Honorable Mention
Gabriel Dunbar (Dr. Nancy Knous, Sponsor):
“Opinions of Same Sex Marriage"
Ranger Research Day Spring 2013 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2012
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Posters:
First Place:
*Clay Reed (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor): "Electroencephalogram Changes Dependent on Sleep Deprivation"
Second Place:
*Allison Reinart (Dr. Nancy Knous, Sponsor): "The Effects of Participating in Visual Arts on the Cognitive and Social Development of Children"
Third Place:
*Tiffany George (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor): "Electrooculogram (EOG) Comparative Analysis Between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Readers"
Conference Papers
First Place:
*Shawna Stewart, Carrie Abbott, and Kelly Li (Dr. Carole McKenzie, Sponsor): "Managing Stress with Bio-Touch: A Non-Invasive Tool for Achieving Balance"
Second Place:
*Morgan Plummer (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor): "The Role of the Absent Mother In Jane Austen's Emma"
Third Place:
*Alexis Peterson (Dr. Kathryn Lane, Sponsor): "Challenging Gender Roles: Wuthering Heights"
Ranger Research Day 2012 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2011
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
First Place:
* Kody Jones (Dr. Steven Maier, Sponsor)
"Characteristics of Frost Formation on Micro-Channel Heat Exchangers"
Second Place:
* Rebecca Fenton (Dr. Cynthia Pfeifer-Hill, Sponsor)
"Dyslexia: A Difference in Visual Comprehension"
Third Place:
* Gerald Mbara (Dr. Aaron J. Place, Sponsor)
"Identification of the Cryptic North American Tree Frog"
Ranger Research Day 2011 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2010
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
FIRST PLACE:
Amanda Moyer, Vince Lauderdale, & Chrystal Benson (Dr. Steven Maier, sponsor)
"Correlation between Brainwave Activity and Work Metabolic Rate"
SECOND PLACE:
Coleman Teel (Dr. Aaron Place, sponsor)
"Predator Odors as a Potential Repellant for Snakes"
THIRD PLACE (tie):
Sociology Students Research Group (Kathleen O'Halleran, sponsor)
"The 'Millennials' Sense of Self in Society: College Student Identity in an Era of Profound Change"
Chrystal Benson & Alyssa Logsdon (Dr. Cornelia Mihai, sponsor)
"Synthesis of several precursors of new dihydrofolate reductase substrate analogs"
Ranger Research Day 2010 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2009
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
FIRST PLACE:
Johnathan Oswald (Dr. Aaron J. Place, sponsor)
"An Electrophysiological Analysis of the Tail Shaker Complex in Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes with the Use of Eelectromyography (EMG)"
SECOND PLACE:
Amanda Moyer (Dr. Mark Davis, sponsor)
"Establishing Personality Trends in Lupus Patients"
THIRD PLACE:
Melissa McGinnis (Dr. Wayne McMillin, sponsor)
"Traditional Gender Roles and Religious Ideology"
Ranger Research Day 2009:
Research posters were judged at 9:00 a.m. and then were on display in the Student Center Ballroom until the awards ceremony at 11:30 p.m.
Ranger Research Day 2009 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2008
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
FIRST PLACE (Tie):
Eric Summars (Dr. Aaron J. Place, sponsor)
"Habituation learning in Western Diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalue atrax) in response to thermal cues"
Tiffiney D. Walls (Dr. Wayne McMillin, sponsor)
"Socioeconomic status and sex role stereotypes toward women"
SECOND PLACE:
Amanda Moyer and Christopher Williams (Dr. Jo Conceicao, sponsor)
"Which comes first, formal charge or Lewis structure: A computational chemistry analysis using electron density?"
THIRD PLACE:
Anika Rohla (Dr. Sandra Petree, sponsor)
"Changes: A new American and feminine reality"
Research posters were on display in the Student Center Ballroom. The afternoon awards ceremony and the key-note address were in the Student Center Ranger Room beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Key-note speaker was Dr. Linda Mason, Coordinator for Grant Writing and External Funding, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Ranger Research Day 2008 Abstract Book
RANGER RESEARCH DAY 2007
WINNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
EDUCATION:
First Place: Paula Nevius
"Empathy, Prosocial Helping Behaviors and Career Choice"
Second Place: Amy L. Lowe
"Test Anxiety and Self-Esteem: Does It Affect Academic Performance?"
Third Place: Gisele Jackson
"Generational Perceptions of Personality for Contemporary and Traditional Names"
LIBERAL ARTS:
First Place: Eric J. Schmaltz
"The Long Trek: The Mass Transfer of Ukrainian Germans to 'Greater' Germany, 1943-1945"
Second Place: Bodie O'Donnell
"How Can History Be Used To Stop the Mistakes of the Past: A Look at the Vietnam and Iraq Wars"
Third Place: Aaron L. Mason
"The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Changing Dynamics of American Federalism"
MATH AND SCIENCE:
First Place: Kenny-Joe Wallen
"The Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Mental-Task-Induced Brain Activity (using EEG analysis) in Sedentary Individuals Versus Physically Fit Individuals"
Second Place: Heath Stotts
"Covalency in Ionic Bonds"
Third Place: Stephen An
"The Relation Between Alarm Pheromones and Corticosterone Levels in Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox)"
Research posters were on display in the Student Center Ballroom. The afternoon awards ceremony and the key-note address were in the Student Center Ranger Room beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Key-note speaker was Dr. Stephen W. Painton, Ranger Class of 1969 and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.