electronic pdf version - Westminster College

Origins of the Ancient Athenian Democracy and the Democratic Republic of the United
States of America
Joshua F. Riesberg, Wayne State College *
With increasing numbers of countries adopting democracy throughout the world, it is important
to understand how citizens have historically affected democratic change. This study investigates
social and political development in advance of democratic governments being adopted in
Ancient Athens and the United States of America.
Connections
Ashley M. Gowen, University of Indianapolis *
Mindy M. Owens, University of Indianapolis *
Samantha S. Stratton, University of Indianapolis *
Our project uncovers the relationship between Walt Whitman’s Civil War experiences and his
poems, “A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Grey and Dim,” “O Captain! My Captain!”, and Song
of Myself. Whitman’s poetry reflects how the war affected him personally.
Induced Dimension Reduction as a Competitive Iterative Solver
Matthew Bedford, Tennessee Technological University *
Large systems of linear equations occur in various numerical models, from epidemiology to
cosmology. These systems are too large to solve directly, so iterative solvers are used. I
compare Induced Dimension Reduction, a relatively new and untested method, with existing
methods over a spectrum of benchmarks, using extensive numerical testing.
Using Analytical Techniques to Distinguish Illicit Drugs from Common Household
Materials in Trace Evidence
Brittany K. Morgan, Florida Gulf Coast University *
This research uses analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, thin layer
chromatography, and Raman spectroscopy to compare the chemical makeup of illicit drugs and
common household materials in trace evidence. These processes could possibly be a cheaper and
quicker method of detection used as part of modern crime scene investigation.
Crunching the Numbers: A Look at the Financial Side of the Autistic Community
Justina M Cerra, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania *
This study looks at the astounding numbers that are often overlooked on the financial side of
autism.This poster breaks down the cost of living for families dealing with autism and compares
and contrasts the American autistic community with those in other countries.
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