Ithaca College

Plummer, Megan

The Effects of Precipitation and Seasonal Changes on Microplastics in 
Six Mile Creek 
By: Megan Plummer 
 
Microplastics (MPs) have been found across the world from the summit of Mount Everest to the 
depths of the Marianas Trench and everywhere in between (Ragusa et al. 2021). These are either 
manufactured or form when larger pieces of plastic break down. This break down can be caused 
by physical, chemical, or biological means such as abrasion or degradation caused by ultraviolet 
light (Wang et al. 2021). Many of these tiny bits of plastic are accidentally consumed by 
organisms but do not get digested. They can accumulate, causing the organism to eventually die 
of starvation with a stomach full of plastic (Li et al. 2018). Some MPs are absorbed into animal 
tissues and can also leach toxins such as BPA that affect the endocrine systems of these 
organisms. These endocrine disruptors negatively affect reproductive systems, can cause cancers, 
and affect the metabolism (Chen et al. 2019). The negative effects of MPs are extremely relevant 
when considering Six Mile Creek in Ithaca, New York. Six Mile Creek is one of the main 
sources of drinking water for the city of Ithaca. It is also a tributary of Cayuga Lake where the 
Ithaca College Toxicology lab found upwards of 100 million MPs in 2020. This study intends to 
investigate MPs in Six Mile Creek and discover how the concentration of these contaminants 
vary with precipitation and seasonal changes. The sampling methods for this study is similar to 
the previous Cayuga Lake study. Using a fine mesh net, water samples were collected from Six 
Mile Creek on a weekly basis at German Cross Road. The samples were then density separated 
using separatory funnels. MPs floated in the sample while sediment and dense organic material 
sank and were removed. Any remaining organic material in these samples was digested using 
hydrogen peroxide, and then the samples were stained with Nile Red Dye. This dye causes the 
MPs to fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The samples were then filtered onto a filter paper and 
photographed with a microscope. Fluorescing MPs were counted by quadrant using a random 
selection grid-based system. The German Cross Road location where the samples were collected 
was chosen because it is also the location of a United States Geological Survey water monitoring 
station. This is important because the station collects flow rate data on the creek and that data is 
accessible to the public. Precipitation data is also available to the public through the Northeast 
Regional Climate Center at Cornell University. To date there have been an average of 35 MPs 
per sample. However, the relationship between seasonal changes and precipitation compared to 
the concentration of MPs in Six Mile Creek cannot be accurately discussed at this point. Winter 
and spring samples are still being collected and processed therefore the data is incomplete. 
Ultimately, MPs are present in Six Mile Creek and can be harmful to both wildlife and people 
that depend on the creek. Identifying how the concentrations of these contaminants very with 
precipitation and seasonal changes could allow for the most efficient implementation of 
remediation and prevention tactics. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resources: 
Chen, Qiqing, Annika Allgeier, Daqiang Yin, and Henner Hollert. 2019. “Leaching of Endocrine 
Disrupting Chemicals from Marine Microplastics and Mesoplastics under Common Life 
Stress Conditions.” Environment International 130 (September): 104938. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.104938. 
Li, Jingyi, Huihui Liu, and J. Paul Chen. 2018. “Microplastics in Freshwater Systems: A Review 
on Occurrence, Environmental Effects, and Methods for Microplastics Detection.” Water 
Research 137 (June): 362–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.056. 
Ragusa, Antonio, Alessandro Svelato, Criselda Santacroce, Piera Catalano, Valentina 
Notarstefano, Oliana Carnevali, Fabrizio Papa, et al. 2021. “Plasticenta: First Evidence of 
Microplastics in Human Placenta.” Environment International 146 (January): 106274. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274. 
Wang, Chunhui, Jian Zhao, and Baoshan Xing. 2021. “Environmental Source, Fate, and Toxicity 
of Microplastics.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 407 (April): 124357. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124357. 
 


English

The Effects of Precipitation and Seasonal Changes on Microplastics in Six Mile Creek

Crabtree, Vera

Blackford, Sean

Edelstein, Sam

Porchfest: Mobile app design and development to support local music discovery
Porchfests are neighborhood-based outdoor music events that are free and open to the
public. The idea is to have local musicians play live music on front porches, side driveways, and
front lawns while concertgoers wander and discover local music. The event allows local artists
to showcase their talents and engage with the community. The first Porchfest was held in the
Fall Creek Neighborhood of Ithaca, NY and has since spread to over 160 cities in the United
States, Canada, and Australia. The most recent Porchfest in Ithaca (2019) had 186 artists each
playing 1-hour sets within a mile of one another. Our goal has been to create an app to be used
at the annual Porchfest, which will allow users to easily browse performances and artists info,
while allowing backend administrators to manage the large number of performances.
Over the past few years, students in Advanced Web Programming (COMP 205) have
built prototypes of a Porchfest app that would help organizers, musicians, and festival-goers
experience Porchfest. In Fall 2019, Vera Crabtree and Josh Hayden built a prototype that
focused on supporting multiple Porchfest events. In Fall 2020, Adian Glednon and Sam
Edelstein built a prototype focusing on the Ithaca event. Since Spring 2021, a combined team
has collaborated to make a professional-grade Porchfest application a reality. Most recently,
Sean Blackford and Elias Platt have joined the team of Porchfest developers.
One priority for this application has been to use best practices from humane technology
to create an app that does not let technology get in the way of the community event itself.
Porchfest is about serendipitous local music discovery. The last thing we want is for
festival-goers to be glued to their phones while trying to enjoy Porchfest. Rather, we want our
Porchfest app to help facilitate music discovery in a manner that mirrors positive physical music
experience and is respectful to the artists.
The initial design goal for our application was to have three different kinds of users. The
most important user type is the Porchfest attendees. This part of our app allows concert-goers
to browse performances and filter artist lists by categories such as artist name and artist genre.
The user will then be able to add artists to their “saved artists” list to reference later. The second
part of our application is for performers, who can update their profile page to include links to
their websites, merchandise, and music streaming platforms with their discography. The final
component will be for backend administrators who will schedule artists at different addresses
ahead of the event.
For the concert-goer users, there are three different timeframes in which our app would
potentially be used. This was done intentionally to facilitate music discovery before, during, and
after the event. Before the event, the user will be able to preview information about the event
itself. This includes being able to browse artists that will be playing the event, saving artists that
the user is interested in seeing, as well as searching for specific artists for information about
their Porchfest performances. During the event, we reduce the functionality of the app to
encourage music discovery. For example, when a concert-goer is close (e.g., within 100 feet) to
a porch, the app will only display the name of the artist. When the concertgoer is not near an
active porch, then the app helps the user find artists who are performing nearby. After the event,
users have the option to return to our application and recap the event overall. This can be done
in ways such as seeing which artists a user watched perform along with how long they attended
the performance. Concertgoers can save and listen to any new artists they discovered while at
the event. This full circle approach to our application allows users to have an enhanced listening
experience before, during, and after their Porchfest.
Although we are still actively developing this project, a lot has been accomplished over
the past couple of semesters. We hope to get our application in a stable state soon so that it can
be deployed and implemented in time for the Trumansburg Porchfest in June 2022 as well as
the Ithaca Porchfest in September 2022.
References:
https://www.porchfest.org/porchfests-elsewhere/


Porchfest: Mobile App Design and Development to Support Local Music Discovery

Mester, Sara

Title: Perceptions of Telehealth in Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Contrasting 
Experienced Clinicians and Student Clinicians 
 
Author: Sara Mester 
 
Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Michael Costello, PT, DSc, OCS, MTC and Dr. Karen Lomond, PhD 
 
ABSTRACT 
 
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt shift to social-distancing which 
changed the way health care providers work. Specifically, the use of telehealth increased 
dramatically to reduced exposure, maintain social distancing, and continue to meet patient 
needs.1 In general medicine, telehealth has many well-documented barriers that include 
inadequate reimbursement, lack of technology infrastructure, and lack of clinician training2; 
however, there is little work dedicated specifically to  clinical practices that rely on direct “hands 
on” examinations and interventions, such as outpatient orthopedic physical therapy. Given that 
the reimbursement and  utilization of telehealth will likely continue beyond the current 
pandemic3, it is vital that professions such as physical therapy examine the strengths and 
limitations of practicing via telehealth. Thus, the purpose of this project was to examine clinician 
confidence in performing key out-patient orthopedic practice areas using telehealth and compare 
perceptions of challenges between experienced clinicians and student clinicians.  
 
 
Methods: A 28-item questionnaire was developed based on the American Board of Physical 
Therapy Specialties’ Description of Residency Practice of Orthopedics. A two-stage Delphi 
validation process was conducted in March 2021. The survey was distributed to Ithaca College 
physical therapy graduate students and alumni in April 2021 and was available through October 
2021. Participants were asked to rate seven survey sections, focused on clinician psychomotor 
skills, on a 5-point Likert scale (1= Not at All Confident and 5= Very Confident). Participants 
were also as to rate statements on the challenges and barriers associated with practicing 
telehealth on a different 5-point Likert scale (1= Strongly Disagree and 5=Strongly Agree). The 
survey concluded with five open-ended questions about advantages, challenges/barriers, 
concerns, and the likelihood of using telehealth once the pandemic has settled.  Data were 
concatenated in Microsoft Excel.  Differences in ratings between practicing and student 
clinicians on each rating were assessed via Chi Square and Cramer’s V effect size using SPSS. 
Open-ended question responses were imported into Atlas TI for coding and theme identification. 
 
 
Results: The survey had a total of 161 responses: 107 practicing out patient orthopedic clinicians 
and 25 graduates students with some clinical exposure in this setting; 29 respondents  did not 
meet the criteria to take the survey. Significant differences in confidence performing key 
psychomotor skills existed between experienced clinicians and students in the areas of: 
subjective exam, tests and measures, and assessment of patient outcomes (p<0.05). Students 
were more confident in their ability to teach interventions in the areas of range of motion 
(ROM), flexibility, and patient education via telehealth. Whereas, experienced clinicians were 
more confident in screening in red flags, prescribing aerobic exercise, performing outcome 
measures, and assessing function over telehealth compared to physical therapists. Both 
experienced clinicians and students agree that the use of telehealth will continue even when 
things start to return to "normalcy”, telehealth decreases wait times for patients, and telehealth 
limits physical therapists' use of palpation or other manual examination procedures. Participants 
mentioned many of these topics when responding to the topic of educational preparation 
regarding telehealth. Common words noted in the qualitative analysis were manual/hands on, 
ROM/movement, technology concerns, and evaluation skills.  
Discussion: Differences and similarities between students and experienced clinicians may be 
based on a multitude of factors. Significant differences may be based on clinical experience 
rather than experience with telehealth per se. Other differences could be due to students being  
confident with technology, which makes conducting an online physical therapy session 
smoother. Results from the quantitative analysis correlate with the results of our qualitative data. 
The survey shows that there are concerns regarding educational preparation for conducting a 
physical therapy session over telehealth. Participants comments showed the vast majority would 
like to learn ways to perform an examination, better assess ROM, teach joint mobilizations, and 
collect outcome measures over telehealth in the future. 
 
Conclusion: Overall, it appears that the differences between licensed physical therapists and 
graduate physical therapy students may provide a better understanding how current and soon-to-
be outpatient orthopedic physical therapists perceive their ability to practice via telehealth. Key 
areas of improvement in the future should focus on incorporating training in using telehealth for 
movement examination and interventions. Further research should also address issues around 
how to standardize physical exam items in a telehealth setting (e.g., ROM or strength).  
 
References: 
1. Hollander, J. E., & Carr, B. G. (2020). Virtually perfect? Telemedicine for COVID-
19. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1679-1681. 
2. Turolla A, Rossettini G, Viceconti A, Palese A, Geri T. Musculoskeletal Physical 
Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is Telerehabilitation the Answer?. Phys 
Ther. 2020. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaa093 
3. Demiris G, Speedie S, Finkelstein S. A questionnaire for the assessment of patients’ 
impressions of the risks and benefits of home telecare. J Telemed Telecare. 
2000;6(5):278-284. doi:10.1258/1357633001935914 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 1. Qualitative analysis common codes with participant quotes. 
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
0.55
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.85
0.9
0.95
CC Hx Red Flags SINSS Hx of
Condition
Pt
Perception
Systems
Review
AD Pt Goals Screening
(psych)
Subjective
Chi-Square p-value Effect Size
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 2: Comparing p-value to effect size in the subjective section 
*p<0.05 
 
 
 
 
Qualitative Analysis: Representative Quotes 
Manual Therapy “It was difficult because I could not perform manual techniques on post op 
patients after joint replacements and other orthopedic surgeries. I had a pt s/p 
TKA who ended up stopping telehealth and coming to the clinic because he 
mostly needed manual. He was independent with all exercises and had a home 
gym.” 
Travel “Still using today, with patients who have scheduling difficulty, are leaving the 
city temporarily. Also in a big commuter location, if people are not in the city 
all the time they can schedule TH days they are home.” 
Assessment “3 dimensional seating and postural assessments, assessment of skin integrity, 
and delivery of skilled manual techniques are limited.” 
Safety/Gait “Several times Mostly medium/ high fall risk , balance and gait work.” 
Patient Access “Patients have access to care when they can't get into the clinic.” 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 3: Example of table used to determine effect size using Cramer’s V. 
 


Perceptions of Telehealth in Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Contrasting Experienced Clinicians and Student Clinicians

Ashton, Haley

Effect of Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation on Return to Driving in the Outpatient Setting:  
A Case Study 
 
Author: Haley Ashton, SPT 
Research Mentor: Kimber Kurr, PT, DPT, PCS 
ABSTRACT: 
Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular accident, also known as a stroke, is the leading 
cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States1,2.  Stroke, ischemic or 
hemorrhagic in nature, leads to the interruption of blood flow in the brain that results in sudden 
changes in neurological function3. One form of hemorrhagic stroke is intraparenchymal 
hemorrhage, which is characterized by bleeding within the brain tissue due to rupture of a 
cerebral blood vessel. Vast regions of the brain may be impacted to cause musculoskeletal 
deficits, endurance deficits, perceptual impairments, visual impairments, changes in affect, and 
cognitive deficits that can negatively impact the complex task of driving. Prior studies have 
documented the benefits of task-specific, interdisciplinary rehabilitation following ischemic 
stroke in the acute care setting4,5,6,7. There is minimal research regarding interdisciplinary care in 
the outpatient setting, regarding rehabilitation for patients post-hemorrhagic stroke, or regarding 
protocols for return to complex activities such as driving. The purpose of this case report is to 
describe the coordinated interdisciplinary care of outpatient speech language pathology and 
physical therapy in designing a novel treatment plan for return to driving for a patient with a 
subacute intraparenchymal hemorrhage.  
Case Description: The patient was a 49-year-old male referred to outpatient therapy following 
right intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The patient was evaluated one month after stroke onset by 
outpatient occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and physical therapy. The Ross 
Information Processing Assessment, Single Leg Stance, Five Times Sit to Stand, Six Minute 
Walk Test and Lower Extremity Functional Scale outcome measures were performed at initial 
evaluation. The patient initially presented with impaired gait, impaired balance, impaired motor 
planning, impaired cognitive processing, decreased physical and cognitive endurance, impaired 
body awareness, and impaired short-term memory which prohibited him from driving. Physical 
therapy interventions were based on seven treatment areas: visuospatial awareness, memory, 
self-awareness and motor planning, reaction time, endurance, simulation of functional tasks, and 
patient education, with the goal of successful return to driving. Prior to discharge, the patient 
completed a mock driving simulation used to recommend medical clearance for driving. 
Outcomes: At discharge the patient subjectively reported 89% return to prior level of function 
with maximal scores on the Ross Information Processing Assessment and Lower Extremity 
Functional Scale. The patient showed improvement but performed slightly below healthy age-
matched peers with a Five Times Sit to Stand time of 10.12 seconds8. He demonstrated clinically 
significant improvement in Six Minute Walk Test by 142 feet and 3 inches9,10. He successfully 
completed the driving simulation resulting in the recommendation for medical clearance, which 
he received by his primary care physician.  He was able to achieve his goal of successful return 
to driving. 
Discussion: As a result of this 6-week interdisciplinary, multimodal intervention strategy, the 
patient returned to baseline independent function and was cleared to return to driving. These 
outcomes expand on current evidence supporting the use of task-specific training and 
interdisciplinary care for patients following both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. This case 
further demonstrates support for the use of interdisciplinary care in the outpatient setting. Future 
research is warranted to standardize a protocol for return to driving and to trial this protocol on a 
larger population of patients post-stroke or with other neurological conditions. 
 
Key Words: cerebrovascular accident, hemorrhagic, stroke, outpatient rehabilitation, driving 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
References: 
1. Billinger SA, Arena R, Bernhardt J, et al. Physical activity and exercise recommendations 
for stroke survivors: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart 
Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2014;45(8):2532-2553. 
2. Guzik A, Bushnell C. Stroke Epidemiology and Risk Factor Management. Continuum 
(Minneap Minn). 2017;23(1, Cerebrovascular Disease):15-39.  
3. O’Sullivan S, Schmidt T, Fulk G. Physical Rehabilitation. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. 
Davis Company; 2019.  
4. O’Sullivan S, Schmidt T, Fulk G. Physical Rehabilitation. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. 
Davis Company; 2019.  
5. Winstein CJ, Stein J, Arena R, et al. Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and 
Recovery: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart 
Association/American Stroke Association Stroke. Stroke. 2017;48(2):78 
6. Hornby TG, Reisman DS, Ward IG, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve 
Locomotor Function Following Chronic Stroke, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, and 
Brain Injury. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2020;44(1):49-100.  
7. Kleim JA, Jones TA. Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity: implications 
for rehabilitation after brain damage. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2008;51(1) 
8. Mong, Y, Teo, TW, Ng SS. 5-repetition sit-to-stand test in subjects with chronic stroke: 
reliability and validity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010:91(3): 407-413 
9. Tang A, Eng JJ, Rand D. Relationship between perceived and measured changes in 
walking after stroke. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2012;36(3):115-121.  
10. Perera S, Mody SH, Woodman RC, Studenski SA. Meaningful change and 
responsiveness in common physical performance measures in older adults. J Am Geriatr 
Soc. 2006;54(5):743-749. 


Effect of Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation on Return to Driving in the Outpatient Setting:  A Case Study

Hoffert, Abigail

Culver, Alexa

Edelstein, Samuel

Kiley, Erin

Powers, Maxwell

Rubino, Olivia

Food Access at IC during the COVID-19 Pandemic  
 
Background: Food insecurity is defined as, “a household-level economic and social condition or 
uncertain access to adequate food” (USDA, 2021); it is known to negatively impact the health and well-
being of children and adults, however, in this study, we focus on students at Ithaca College. Food 
insecurity is prevalent among college students; according to a survey of over 195,000 U.S. college 
students, 29% of students at four-year colleges reported experiencing food insecurity (The Hope Center 
for College, Community, and Justice, 2021). Many factors contribute to food insecurity among college 
students, including insufficient resources to purchase food, lack of grocery stores on or around campus, 
inadequate transportation, and lack of cooking skills (Meza et. al., 2019). Students who struggle with food 
access may experience poor academic performance and decreased concentration (Payne-Sturges et.al, 
2018). Worrying about where your next meal will come from increases depression and impairs the ability 
to participate in daily activities and develop meaningful social relationships. (Meza et. al., 2019). 
Additionally, from a previous study at IC, students who utilized the IC Food Pantry were more likely to 
stay in school (Whalen, 2020). Our aims were to understand what groups of students are the most 
susceptible to food insecurity, and whether and how students knew of the IC Food Pantry during the 
height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Methods: A food insecurity survey was developed using Google Forms by the Community Nutrition 
students in April 2021. Ithaca College student services sent out the survey to students via email and a 
survey QR code was distributed via posters and flyers on campus. 368 students responded. Questions 
around food insecurity included access to: enough food, quality of food, balanced diet, worry about food 
access, and whether or how they knew about the IC Food Pantry. 
Results: Out of the 368 student respondents, 18.5% are athletes, 80.1% have a meal plan through Ithaca 
College and 79.9% live on campus in a dorm. Based on five questions about food security, approximately 
1 in 3 students reported food accessibility struggles at least sometimes. By far, the most common problem 
reported is that 29.5% of respondents often struggle and 35% sometimes struggle to eat a balanced diet 
due to lack of money or resources. In addition, about 20% of students indicated that they had no previous 
knowledge of the food pantry. We will discuss food insecurity among different groups of Ithaca College 
students surveyed, including athletes, those living on and off campus, and those with and without a meal 
plan.  
Recommendations: Based on these data, we recommend increasing student awareness of available 
initiatives and resources at Ithaca College such as the IC Food Pantry and the food cabinet. Interventions 
should be focused on the specific student populations experiencing the greatest food insecurity.  
 


Food Access at IC during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Bickham, Sam

Kayne, Jaye

Russo, Jenna

Valdez, Robert

Laterality and Field of View in Agility

Stern, Michael

Florence Price wrote Song of Hope in 1930 for orchestra, large choir, and multiple vocal
soloists, but it was never performed. It was discovered in an envelope with "return postage
guaranteed" written on it, indicating that she had sent it to a publisher, but it was rejected. The
piece was lost to time until G. Schirmer bought the rights to her music in 2018. A friend of mine
found her original manuscript in the Library of Congress and passed it along to me, knowing that
I was in the process of planning my final graduate conducting recital. The piece was published
professionally less than a year ago, and by all accounts, we will be premiering a 92 year old
piece on March 26, 2022.
The project has been an amazing examination of community allyship. I have emphasized time
and time again to the orchestra that this performance isn't about me and it's not about them...it's
about elevating the voice of a historically and systemically excluded composer and giving a new
light to her music. Programming a piece for which no recordings exist and the composer isn't
alive to make corrections or give advice is unfathomable, and incredibly uncommon. It's my
hope that the resources that we have here at Ithaca College will serve as a springboard to bring
this piece into the canon of classical music.
The piece will be a collaboration between the three primary educational institutions in Ithaca,
with the choir being comprised of the Ithaca High School Chorale, Cornell University Chamber
Singers, and Ithaca College Madrigal Singers alongside the Ithaca College Symphony
Orchestra. The two soloists are Naya Griles (current senior) and Holden Turner (former
student).
One of the major issues facing the sphere of classical music is its eurocentric roots. With white
performers and composers dominating the idiom for so long because of our privilege, little
space and opportunity has existed for non-white musicians. The process of working on a piece
with no known recordings is unique in and of itself, but understanding the reasons why it hasn’t
yet been performed or recorded is a small step in grasping the impact of the music itself.
When Price composed the poetry in 1930, she had just moved to Chicago from Atlanta in order
to escape the legal bounty that had been placed on her daughter’s head under Jim Crow law.
Her original poetry is a reflection of the determination, defiance, and hope that she felt as a
Black woman living through immense struggle:
I dare look up. The heaven’s blue is mine!
Held in contempt and hated, still, Lord, I am Thine.
Tho’ torn asunder, poisoned arrows reach my soul.
Because Thou Livest do I know that Thou shalt make me whole.
I dare look up through flames that, mounting high,
Consume my flesh. In faith I see Thee. Thou art nigh.
I would not that my anguish to Thy throne ascend,
For pain and sin and sorrow doth Thy mercy, Lord, transcend.
I dare look up! Thy promise made to me –
A humble creature, groping, will yet make me free.
Thy mighty plan, beyond my simple ken, assures
Thy love, surpassing human hope, protects me; still endures!
By recognizing and acknowledging Price’s hardships, we are better prepared and equipped to
perform her music in a way that brings honor to her capabilities as a musician. As a white
musician myself, I believe that the best way for me to be an ally is to continue to elevate the
voices of Black musicians in a way that removes the focus from me and allows their stories to
be heard.


An Exploration of Allyship Through Music

Barry, Kayla

Abstract  
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are commonly found in the microbiome of the gut, where they 
are produced from the fermentation of fibers and nutrients indigestible by the small intestine. 
Due to this, SCFA levels vary depending on the diet of the host organism and the types of 
bacteria present. SCFA are known for their properties in aiding energy metabolism and fighting 
against invading pathogens. In this study, we use a mouse model to examine differences in 
SCFA levels following microbial manipulation. Since antibiotic depletion of the microbiome 
depletes SCFA producing bacteria, we surmised that the addition of probiotics, prebiotics, or 
both would provide a more diverse microbiome and restore SCFA production quickly. However, 
this preliminary study shows no significant link between Pre/Pro-biotic treatment and SCFA 
levels. Our results did show that prebiotic treatment can inhibit the growth of an opportunistic 
pathogen. This suggests that the addition of prebiotics to diet may be helpful in strengthening the 
immune system of the host organism.   


Microbial Manipulation of Mouse Diet Has No Effect on Short Chain Fatty Acid Production

Albanese, Gabrielle

Gonzalez, Sydnee

Siebor, Samantha

Diagnostic Assessments of the Pediatric Dysphagia Population: A Review of the Literature  
 
Gabrielle Albanese, Sydnee Gonzalez, & Samantha Siebor  
 
Faculty Sponsor: David Hajjar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP 
 
Abstract:  
 
As of 2016, there are half a million cases of pediatric dysphagia in the United States 
every year (Myer et al., 2016). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines 
dysphagia as “a swallowing disorder involving the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or 
gastroesophageal junction” (n.d.). Dysphagia has the potential to result in aspiration, which is the 
passage of any substance past the level of the vocal folds and into the trachea, whether it be food, 
liquid, or saliva (ASHA, n.d.). Pediatric dysphagia specifically can also lead to nasal 
regurgitation if there is a velopharyngeal insufficiency as part of the pharyngeal stage of the 
swallow (ASHA, n.d.). These two consequences can lead to aspiration pneumonia, possible 
development of oral aversions, and overall, the failure to thrive (Meister et al., 2020).  
 In order to minimize the risk or effects of these long-term consequences, early detection, 
diagnosis, and treatment is critical (Audag et al., 2017). The early identification and intervention 
of dysphagia has shown to produce better long-term outcomes for children who are diagnosed 
(Dharmarathna et al., 2020). In current research as recent as the year 2020, there is no widely 
accepted gold standard for how to diagnose pediatric dysphagia (Audag et al., 2017; Myer et al., 
2016; Meister et al., 2020; Dharmarathna et al., 2020). Specific to the adult population, Flexible 
Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, or FEES, is an instrumental exam and gold standard 
designed to assess a patient’s swallow.  Using a small, flexible endoscope containing a light and 
camera, a trained SLP passes the scope trans-nasally along the floor of the nose until the pharynx 
and larynx are in view.  
Alternatively, VFSS is another instrumental evaluation that looks at all four phases of the 
swallow (oral prep, oral, pharyngeal, esophageal) by using radiographic technology. Phases of 
the swallow using VFSS is observed through radiographic technology. It assesses the presence, 
timing, and amount of aspiration that may occur in a swallow. VFSS allows clinicians to identify 
anatomical structures and see the entire swallow from start to finish in real time. The results are 
used clinically to determine a treatment plan for the patient.  
The results of this literature review determined that Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation 
Study should be the first attempt at diagnosing pediatric dysphagia. If enough evidence can be 
drawn from a FEES in order to create a diagnosis, it can save a child from risky radiation exposure, 
longer hospital stays, and save the families and caregivers both time and money (Miller et al., 
2020; Balest et al., 2019; Hersh et al., 2016). Infants in particular who aspirate, typically have 
much longer hospital stays if VFSS is the means to which clinicians are making their diagnosis. 
This may also mean that the infants and older children may be exposed to multiple VFSS in order 
to formulate a diagnosis (Balest et al., 2019; Hersh et al., 2016). Therefore, children are subjected 
to more radiation exposure as well as risk of contracting infections which then further extends the 
patients stay (Balest et al., 2019).  
The literature produced conclusive findings that supported limitations when using FEES, 
ultimately, showing VFSS as a method that provides more information on an individual’s swallow 
in real time. However, the risks associated with VFSS, especially while working with the pediatric 
population, cannot be ignored. In this circumstance, in order to determine which method is more 
effective, ethics and the overall welfare of a pediatric patient must be weighted heavily in making 
a decision. After reviewing the literature, it has been deemed unethical to subject pediatric 
populations to the risk factors associated with VFSS without first exhausting all other options in 
order to acquire a diagnosis of pediatric dysphagia. If a diagnosis cannot be obtained from FEES 
for whatever reason, only then it is ethical to move towards discussing the use of VFSS.  
 
 
 


Diagnostic Assessments of the Pediatric Dysphagia Population: A Review of the Literature

Perez, Luis

Randall, Carley

Predictors of Risk Behaviors and General Life Satisfaction in Non-College Attending 
Emerging Adults 
Most of the research on emerging adults (18-29-year-olds) has been conducted on those 
who are attending college, consequently leading to “forgetting” the other half of individuals in 
this age range (Arnett, 2000). It is crucial to attend to the “forgotten half” as research has 
indicated differences between college-attending and non-college emerging adults on mental 
health problems, substance use issues, marriage, employment, and parenthood status (Ling, 
2009; Mitchel et al., 2015). Specifically, Ling (2009) found that non-college emerging adults are 
more prone to have mental health problems and substance use issues, while Mitchel and 
colleagues (2015) discovered that non-college attending emerging adults are less likely to be 
married or employed, but more likely to be parents.  Our study aimed to dig deeper to gain a 
further understanding of emerging adulthood for non-students by examining if employment 
status predicted risk behavior and if living situation, job satisfaction, and daily life management 
predicted life satisfaction. Finally, we aimed to investigate the demographics of the sample of 
non-college emerging adults. 
The present study was conducted through an online survey platform, Prolific, and 
surveyed 94 participants (Mage = 20.67, SD = 2.22) with 48.9% males, 48.9% females, and 2.1% 
non-binary identifying. The majority of participants identified as White (70%), while other 
ethnic-racial groups included 16% Hispanic/Latinx, 9.6% African American, 2.1% Middle 
Eastern or North American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Further, 
93% of the sample made less than $24,000 annually, 35.1% of the sample was employed part-
time, the majority of emerging adults were living with their family, and only 3.2% were currently 
parents.  
Regression analyses indicated that employment status was a significant predictor of risk 
behavior, F(1, 92) = 6.57, p = .012. Additionally, one’s living situation, job satisfaction, and 
daily life management significantly predicted life satisfaction, F(3, 87) = 3.57, p = .017. As daily 
life management increased by one unit, life satisfaction increased by .28.  
Overall, this study illuminates the lives of non-college attending emerging adults – the 
“forgotten half.” From these results we can conclude that employment status is a predictor of risk 
behavior. We can infer that as employment status varies so does emerging adults risk behaviors. 
We can also conclude that elements of emerging adults’ life such as their job, living situations, 
relationships, and management skills are predictors of happiness and feeling fulfilled in their life. 
Specifically, daily life management was shown to be an important aspect of life satisfaction for 
emerging adults. Overall, this study illuminates the lives of non-college attending emerging 
adults – the “forgotten half,” as it's crucial to gain information on all individuals in emerging 
adulthood because the lives of people who attend college are very different from those who do 
not. Our results now provide more knowledge on this group of emerging adults and from this 
information we can expand our understanding of emerging adults. 
 
 


Ithaca College

Not a member yet

The Effects of Precipitation and Seasonal Changes on Microplastics in Six Mile Creek

Porchfest: Mobile App Design and Development to Support Local Music Discovery

Perceptions of Telehealth in Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Contrasting Experienced Clinicians and Student Clinicians

Effect of Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation on Return to Driving in the Outpatient Setting: A Case Study

Food Access at IC during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Laterality and Field of View in Agility

An Exploration of Allyship Through Music

Microbial Manipulation of Mouse Diet Has No Effect on Short Chain Fatty Acid Production

Diagnostic Assessments of the Pediatric Dysphagia Population: A Review of the Literature

Predictors of Risk Behaviors and General Life Satisfaction in Non-College Attending Emerging Adults

12,938

16,767