The 2021 Showcase was held virtually due to on-going social distancing restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The event featured Pre-Recorded Presentations with opportunity for certificate award; a Capstone Competition with opportunity for monetary award; Faculty/Staff Awards for Excellence in Research Mentoring; and the opportunity to publish items in this Proceedings.

Items Published in this Proceedings

Artifacts from one-hundred-sixty-four (164) projects are published in the 2021 Showcase Proceedings. In addition to Project titles and abstracts, many students submitted posters, essays, links to video presentations and more. Because of the large number of submissions, the projects are separated into 8 categories:

• Social (In)Justice
• New Frontiers
• Health and Well-Being
• COVID-19 Impacts and Innovations
• Design Matters
• Teaching and Learning
• The Natural World
• Preparing and Sustaining Nursing Professionals

Because several projects address topics that fit into more than one category, the search bar is provided to help locate specific projects.

Notes Regarding the 2021 Capstone Competition

Thirteen (13) students representing 8 majors participated in this live, online event on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 11 am – 12 pm (AM Session ) and 1 pm – 2 pm (PM Session). Presenters were instructed to communicate their capstone purpose, process, and outcome in just 3 minutes, using just one static slide. A panel of judges evaluated presentations in both sessions and selected 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Judges

• Prof. Lauren Tate, Assistant Prof., Art History, DAAP (Captain, AM & PM)
• Dr. Littisha A. Bates, Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Community Partnerships and Associate Prof., Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences (AM)
• Dr. Mohamed Elwakil, Assistant Prof., Computer Science, UC Blue Ash (AM)
• Dr. Steve Matter, Associate Prof., Biology, College of Arts and Sciences (AM)
• Mr. Rickey Terrell, Program Manager of Innovations and Community Partnerships, College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (AM & PM)
• Dr. Rita Kumar, Executive Director, Faculty Enrichment Center (AM & PM)
• Dr. Jane Strasser, Senior Associate Vice President for Research, U. Cincinnati (PM)
• Dr. Julio Landero, Assistant Prof., Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences (PM)
• Dr. Jack Kues, Associate Dean for Research Evaluation, College of Medicine (PM)

First Place Winners

• Joyce Ghali, Biochemistry: Advances in Analytical Techniques: Measuring Glucose Uptake in Mammalian Cells Using Atomic Mass Spectrometry
• Easton Phillips, History: The Troubled Memory of the Underground Railroad: Mythmaking and Propaganda within the History We Teach

Second Place Winners

• Chloe Boehmer, Biological Sciences: Validating Biomarkers for Use in Predicting Abiraterone Resistance in Prostate Cancer
• Anna Sensel, History: The Antislavery Crusade: The Question of Slavery within a Presbyterian Church in the 1830s-1840s.

Third Place Winners

• Oluwadamilola “Dami” Omojola, Medical Sciences: Experimental Drug Reduces Pediatric Brain Cancer Growth in Tissue Culture
• Lily Stewart, History: The Legacy of Christian R. Holmes: A New Hospital, Medical Education, and Ethical Implications in Cincinnati

Notes Regarding Pre-Recorded Presentations

Three-hundred-twenty-six (326) students representing 26 majors presented 188 videos. Ninety-five (95) students presented as individuals; 93 students presented in groups of 2 or 3. Two-hundred (205) faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students participated as reviewers. Reviewer scores and feedback from faculty, staff, and graduate students resulted in 47 presentations qualifying for an Excellence in Research Communication award.

Notes Regarding Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring

Each year, students have the opportunity to nominate their project advisor for an award when they register to present at the Showcase. Awardees are selected based on the quality and quantity of nominations, with no more than one person from the same department awarded in a single year. This year, 57 nominations were submitted, and the following 8 project advisors were awarded:

• Dr. Valerie Anderson, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
• Dr. Lisa Beckelhimer, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Sciences
• Mr. Ronald Canterbury, Associate Academic Director and Professional Ornithologist in Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
• Dr. Helen Jones, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, College of Medicine
• Dr. Heidi Kloos, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
• Dr. Andrew Lewis, Associate Professor of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences
• Dr. Matthew Robson, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
• Dr. Anjanette Wells, Assistant Professor of Social Work, College of Allied Health Sciences

Congratulations to all of the presenters, advisors, and award winners for their scholarly accomplishments!