STEM Day

Mirror Life Is Potentially Dangerous and We Probably Should Not Create It  |  Daniel Ford, PhD, Harford Community College faculty

Mirror life is any organism composed of organic molecules that are mirror images of the molecules normally used in biology. In December of 2024, a group of researchers released a 300-page technical report discussing the potential dangers of mirror life, as well as a separate article in the journal Science recommending that mirror life not be created. In this presentation, I will explain what mirror life is and briefly describe these researchers' concerns about the creation of this new form of life. By the end of this presentation, you should have a reasonable understanding of mirror life and its dangers.

Using ChatGPT in the physics classroom: can students identify AI’s mistakes?  |  Alejandro Satz, PhD, Harford Community College faculty

This talk documents an attempt to use AI text-generation tools for pedagogical purposes in an introductory physics course. In a PHYS 101 (Introductory Physics I) course at Harford Community College in Fall 2023, students were assigned review activities in which they had to analyze AI-generated answers to physics problems and questions, spotting mistakes and distinguishing correct answers from incorrect ones. The talk gives examples of such activities, discusses the student response and evaluates the pros and cons of this kind of assignment.

Using a 3D Printer – Hands-On Workshop  |  Alicia Holk, Harford Community College faculty

3D printing, a common form of additive manufacturing, is expanding across numerous career fields ranging from biomedical equipment to ecofriendly construction. You will learn where to find free online 3D designs. Come by and learn how a 3D printer works, print a fun design, and collect your print at the end of STEM Day. (Prints available for the first 20 attendees)

Stellar Classification Data Analysis  |  Ava Re, Harford Community College student

This project analyzes stellar classification using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) dataset, exploring relationships between celestial objects like stars, galaxies, and quasars through data science techniques. It explores stellar classification by examining data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), which maps stars, galaxies, and quasars. By studying properties like brightness, position, and redshift (a measure of distance and motion), we can uncover patterns that reveal how these celestial objects are distributed and how they relate to each other. Through data science techniques, we identify trends in magnitude, spatial coordinates, and correlations between different features, helping to refine how we classify objects in space. This project not only deepens our understanding of astrophysical concepts but also applies computational and analytical skills to real-world astronomical data.

Snake, Rattle, and Roll: The Ecology and History of America’s Snake in Maryland  |  Andy Adams, Harford Community College faculty

The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is an iconic yet understudied species within Maryland’s ecological landscape. This presentation explores the unique ecological role and historical context of the timber rattlesnake in Maryland, emphasizing its status as a critical predator and a key indicator of ecosystem health in forested habitats. We will delve into the rattlesnake’s ecology and life history, as well as its historical distribution and population trends in Maryland, the cultural perceptions and historical narratives surrounding them, and how these factors have shaped public attitudes and conservation policies over time. This talk aims to provide an integrative understanding of the timber rattlesnake, bridging ecology, history, and conservation science to foster an appreciation for this fascinating yet misunderstood species. In the Year of the Snake, what better time to feature and appreciate this true American icon?

Designing a Second Semester Laboratory Course using the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry  |  Jennifer Wilcox, Harford Community College faculty

As a community college instructor for first year general chemistry, students taking the course are a mix of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and General Studies majors. Increasingly, students express an interest in industries that are utilizing sustainable technologies for food production, green building and environmental design, and engineering focusing on preservation. 

To integrate the topic of green chemistry and sustainability into the course curriculum, a second-semester general laboratory course was redesigned using the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. While the initial goal was to implement one or two laboratory experiments, student engagement was highly encouraging that the initial goal became modified to an entire second semester laboratory course. Using Green Chemistry Education (GCE) resources, food chemistry, and biochemistry, data and inquiry laboratory experiments were designed that integrated STEM disciplines, student relatability to course material, and reduced environmental and health impacts.

Internships:  Where and How to Apply  |  Jackie Madden, Harford Community College faculty

Are you interested in a STEM internship but don't know where to start? In this session, you will learn how to find and apply for internships. Attendees will receive a list of internship websites, tips for applying to internships, and resources to help them build a resume or CV that showcases their knowledge, skills, and abilities to potential employers.

 

Education Growth of Freestate ChalleNGe Academy Graduates  |  Tiffeny Spicer, Harford Community College student

An exploratory analysis on the academic growth of FCA graduates of Class 62 in a 5-month time frame was conducted. As an educator at Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, the challenge is to help students (ages of 16 to 18) increase their overall grade levels and to earn their high school diploma. Cadets place anywhere from the 2nd grade level to the 12th grade level. The academic team formulates an accelerated curriculum that will help the Cadets reach their goal and uses the TABE test to measure the graduate’s success upon completing the program. The pass/fail rate by county of residence was examined as well. While doing the exploratory analysis, box plots, histograms, frequency tables and statistical summaries were created to show any shifts in the before and after of the graduates’ grade levels. To generate the data needed both Excel and R programming were used.

A Day in the Life at Deep Creek Lake  |  Grace Armendariz, Harford Community College graduate

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the responsibilities of the Deep Creek Lake Management Office, which is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. We explore the key areas of focus for our team, including natural resource management, conservation, and ecosystem health. Specifically, we'll cover the management of water quality, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and the stewardship of both the lake and its surrounding lands. Additionally, I’ll discuss our ecological goals aimed at preserving biodiversity, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring the long-term health of the lake’s environment for future generations.

Combining ash analyses, geochemistry, and remote sensing to identify juvenile magma involvement and fragmentation mechanisms during the 2018/19 eruption of Peteroa volcano (Southern Andes)  |  Sven Holbik, PhD, Harford Community College faculty

The Planchón Peteroa Volcanic Complex (PPVC) is an active system located on the border of Chile and Argentina. Holocene activity has included magma-water interaction with an evolving series of crater lakes. This study examines data from the 2018/19 eruption, together with the volcanic history of the PPVC, to interpret the complex interplay between magmatic activity and summit water and ice. To investigate the eruption mechanisms, we performed remote sensing analysis of plume dispersal, thermal anomalies, ground deformation, and characterized the volcanic products, including grain size, morphology, internal textures, composition, and mineralogy. Textural characteristics point to a slowly ascending batch of magma that interacted with water in the crater lake. Notably, these juvenile particles are distinctive from the pre-2018 products. Our findings suggest that the interplay between phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions fed by small magma batches intruding at shallow levels characterize much of the eruptive behavior of the PPVC during the last three decades.

Student Response to Learning R Programming in a First Semester Data Science Course  |  Jill Peregino, Harford Community College faculty

This presentation explores student responses to learning R programming in a first-semester data science course. Where appropriate, sub-groups of students (credit, non-credit, traditional, dual-enrolled, data science majors, other majors) will be compared. Through surveys and qualitative feedback, differences will be assessed between these sub-groups. Results will inform how course design can better support diverse learners by improving learning experiences and outcomes in introductory data science education.

Geospatial Technology Program  |  Dr. Tamara Biegas, Harford Community College faculty

Geospatial Technology (GST) enables the analysis and visualization of data from a geographic perspective. It blends art and science to bring information to life. Professionals in this field learn to gather, process, analyze, map, and deploy geolocated data, then transform it into actionable insights. Geospatial Technology is utilized in a variety of STEM-related industries such as but not limited to environmental science, conservation, natural resources, health and human services, engineering, and defense. Discover the Geospatial Technology career pathway at Harford Community College.

An Expanded Analysis of the Monte Hall Problem  |  Thomas Bock, Harford Community College student & Chris Jones, Harford Community College faculty

The Monte Hall Problem is a classical problem in game theory that suggests switching your initial guess increases the likelihood of winning given 3 initial choices if 1 is eliminated. This presentation highlights the results of an investigation of increasing the number of initial choices in the Monte Hall Problem and determining if switching the doors still increases the probability of winning. Additionally, this presentation intends to describe the results of a comparison of the theoretical and experimental probabilities of the expanded Monte Hall Problem using a computer simulation.

Volunteers for Medical Equipment Safety Bed, A Study in Student Learning of the Engineering Design Process with a Real Project  |  Graydon Leed, Ryan Rowland, Preston Ayd, Aaron Hepler, Harford Community College students

The Harford Community College Engineering Club students completed a project to design, fabricate, and test a Safety Bed for a disabled child. This has given students experience with an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort between engineers with varying expertise, together with budget and schedule constraints. This is how engineering works outside of the classroom. At the request of Image Center - Volunteers for Medical Equipment (VME) in March 2024, a team of student engineering and engineering technology majors at Harford Community College agreed to construct a safety bed under the supervision of Associate Professor of Engineering, William Stephens, Ph.D., PMP.  The safety bed was finished in October 2024 and delivered to the disabled person’s family.  Through this project, the students learned much about the highs and lows of iterative design, which will be described in the presentation, together with the lessons learned from this project.

Black vulture conspecific scavenging in an area of high avian influenza transmission  |  Kevin Wise, Harford Community College graduate, Cody Kent, PhD, Frostburg State University faculty

Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) play a key role in the ecosystem by scavenging the dead carcasses of other animals. However, conspecific consumption among Black vultures is not well documented. On 13 April 2024, I observed a flock of Black vultures consuming a recently deceased Black Vulture carcass at the Conowingo Fisherman’s Park, Harford County, Maryland, USA. Several more observations were made on the 14 and 19, April 2024, where the carcass was consumed to the bone over that timeframe. Confirming this behavior can provide a crucial insight into Black Vulture behavior and the possibility of conspecific consumption among new world vultures. Moreover, as this site has been known for mass mortality events involving vulture due to avian influenza over the last few years, this behavior can be a possible explanation for the spread of avian influenza among Black Vultures and can lead to possible management strategies.

From Harford to Frostburg: A Journey Through STEM and Beyond  |  Alexia Gresko, Harford Community College graduate

“From Harford to Frostburg: A Journey Through STEM and Beyond" shares Alexia Gresko’s academic journey from Harford Community College to Frostburg State University, where she studies Wildlife and Fisheries. Alexia will discuss her transition, highlight her experiences with upper-level coursework, and reflect on a semester-long research project exploring the relationship between macroinvertebrates and soil moisture. She will also provide advice for future transfer students in STEM.

Adjusted Statistics in Sports  |  Andrew Wallace, Harford Community College student

Comparing sports players across seasons or generations presents unique challenges due to evolving rules, regulations, and playing conditions. What was groundbreaking in the 1980s might be routine today, or vice versa. By adjusting sports statistics to account for these changes, we can create a more equitable framework for evaluating players’ performances and contributions, enabling more meaningful comparisons and debates about their impact during their careers.

Unleashing the Forehand: The Anatomy and Biomechanics Behind Power and Precision  |  Rashan Calleja, Harford Community College student

We will analyze tennis forehands, focusing on anatomy and biomechanics to optimize power, accuracy, and injury prevention. Topics include muscle contraction, energy storage in the shoulders and torso, kinetic energy transfer, and body deceleration during the follow-through. The forehand starts with a coiled position, using hip, shoulder, and torso rotation to generate power. The non-dominant hand guides the racket into the backswing while the dominant arm prepares to strike. As the racket accelerates, leg push-off provides stability and force. Energy flows from the lower body through the core to the upper body, transferring power into the racket. The wrist and forearm control racket face orientation and spin upon impact. The follow-through ensures smooth deceleration, maintaining balance and reducing injury risk. Proper biomechanics enhance efficiency, power, and control while minimizing strain on joints and muscles.

Discovery of the Bacteriophage GlomLove  |  Hannah DeMaine, Hugo Perez, Harford Community College students

Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target bacteria and have the potential to treat antibiotic-resistant infections. In our research, we isolated and purified a novel bacteriophage, GlomLove. Through techniques such as direct isolation, plaque assays, amplification, DNA extraction, restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis, we were able to discover this new phage and publish it. There are still millions of undiscovered phages, and as we discover more, we unlock more potential for treatments of bacterial illnesses.

The Effect of Castor Oil on Epithelial CHO-K1 Cell Viability  |  Justin Parker, Harford Community College student

There are online claims that castor oil may be used for skin cancer treatment and prevention. To investigate this claim, we tested the effects of castor oil on CHO-K1 cells. Although these are not cancerous cells, they are epithelial cells that are similar to those found on the skin. Cytotoxicity testing showed a slight increase in viability across all concentrations of castor oil and the DMSO control compared to untreated cells. However, the difference in viability for treated and untreated cells was not statistically significant. Future studies could be conducted using a cancerous cell line to see if there are any effects on viability.

Dollhouse Theory: A Novel Approach in Children's Behavioral Psychology  |  Sherley Sharan, Harford Community College student

This project explores the "Dollhouse Theory," a method designed to analyze children's behavioral tendencies and their home environment using play. The theory involves providing children aged 5-10 with a dollhouse and observing how they arrange furniture and interact with its elements. Each decision reflects personal preferences and environmental influences, offering insights into their emotional state, social development, and family dynamics. This interdisciplinary approach combines principles of psychology, child development, and data science to interpret patterns in their arrangements. By integrating AI-based sentiment analysis and image recognition, the project demonstrates how advanced technology can augment traditional psychological assessments. The research has applications in early intervention for developmental disorders, offering a non-intrusive method to better understand children's unique perspectives. This project underscores the importance of merging psychology with technology to address the nuanced needs of children.

Discovering Bacteriaphages in Mundane Places  |  Dariele’ McGowan, Meghan Melcher, Harford Community College students

Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. Like most viruses, phages reproduce in their host, thereby killing the bacteria. We discovered the new phage HeadMave, a Siphovirus, which is a long-tailed phage. It is a lytic phage that quickly kills the bacterial host. Discovering phages helps contribute to what is known about bacteriophages and their potential use in agriculture or to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

The Discovery of HeadMave  |  Vela Paye, Haley Ferran, Harford Community College students

HeadMave is a new bacteriophage discovered by Vela Paye and developed by Haley Ferran, Dariele McGowan, and Meghan Melcher. Phages (bacteriophages) are viruses that only function and reproduce when attacking their specific target bacteria. They are important because they can help create medical breakthroughs and be used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The primary goal of this project was to determine whether the collected environmental sample contained a phage, to extract the phage's DNA, and determine its type. Through the fall semester of 2024, we discovered the new phage HeadMave and extracted its DNA. The DNA was sequenced and will be examined in spring 2025.

Characterization and Discovery of Bateriophage: GlomLove  |  Swanpyae Thee, Avery Krantz, Harford Community College students

Bacteriophages, also referred to as phages, are viruses that only infect and kill bacterial cells. They are recognized for their potential to address difficulties in agriculture and medicine. Phages could replace antibiotics, particularly in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Despite their potential, the vast majority of phages go undiscovered. Our research focuses on identifying and isolating new phages to add to the national phage database for potential usage in a variety of applications, including phage therapy, sustainable agriculture practices, and other biotechnological developments.