2008 Proceedings - St. Cloud State University

Abstracts
Session T All Disciplines Ballroom
Sports Geography
In recent decades, geography as a discipline has undergone many modifications and has expanded its curriculum greatly. There are not
any clear boundaries as to what is and what is not considered to be part of the study of geography. Recently, the concept of sports
geography, or the geography of sports, has sparked some interest in professional geographers and cartographers. Geographic Information
Systems and the World Wide Web have enabled the study and display of sports and athletes on detailed maps which help everyone,
mostly avid sports fans, to better understand the geography of sports. This article will analyze a detailed map of every U.S.-born
professional athlete who currently plays in the National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and
Major League Baseball. It will attempt to explain trends and will include a thorough regional analysis of the United States and its athletes.
Presentation Index: T32
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Geography
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Kanewischer, Dustin
John, Gareth
Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus Cereus from Common Food Products
Bacillus cereus are microorganisms from the family of bacteria Bacillaceae and are found in soil samples throughout the world. The
organisms have the ability to form endospores. Spore formation occurs when the organism is living in an unsustainable environment, and
the bacterium goes into a resting state. Spores allow the organisms to survive for extended periods where either osmotic pressure or lack
of water would kill vegetative cells; for example in food products like honey and rice. In this study, food products were tested for the
presence of B. cereus spores using a medium which selected for the growth of this organism and allowed vegetative cells to grow. The
organisms were isolated from several brands of honey, rice, soup mixes, and spices. The food product source was streaked on a plate of
Bacillus cereus selective agar and allowed to grow. Each colony presenting with characteristic features was then streaked for isolation.
Then a number of different tests were performed to confirm the isolation of B. cereus. The organisms were characterized by testing for
motility, lecithinase and hemolysin production, and penicillin resistance. This provided a presumptive identification for B. cereus. Future
testing of isolates will involve Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to isolate pure DNA from the bacteria, and DNA sequencing of the 16S
ribosomal RNA. These tests would not only confirm B. cereus organisms, but could also identify vital genes in the bacterial genome. This
research proves that B. cereus organisms are found in common food products consumed by millions of people every day. It is necessary
to study B. cereus in order to better understand this organism and its importance as a food contaminant.
Presentation Index: T33
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Biological Sciences
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Lindfors, Kristen
Schrank, Gordon; Gulrud, Kristin
Abstinence and Moderation Treatment for Alcohol Abuse: Considerations for Counselors
This brief report reviews various research on the topic of alcohol treatment, and aims to educate counselors about special issues in
providing treatment to an alcohol abusing client. Opposing theoretical viewpoints (abstinence and moderation) are examined in the context
of current research. Because counselors need to relate those viewpoints to the change process for clients, the Transtheoretical Model of
Change is outlined to expand understanding about how change occurs. With this knowledge, counselors can better understand how to
develop goals for alcohol abusing clients. Ethical considerations that counselors need to consider are highlighted throughout. To be
ethically competent, counselors must integrate current knowledge and apply it appropriately to therapeutic interventions.
Presentation Index: T34
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Community Psychology
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Hansen, Zachary
Jorgensen, Leeann
Coping and Interaction Among Hospice Nurses: An Investigation of the Impact of Spirituality Programs
There is a growing fascination with spirituality and its relationship to the workplace. The proposed research investigates the effect of
spirituality programs in relationship to coping and interaction in hospice settings. Twenty-one nurses from 9 hospice locations within the
Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Cloud, Minnesota area will be interviewed using both open-ended questions and those which resemble a
more structured format. This concurrent mixed methods study will use an analytical approach to assess interaction and coping ability in the
social context from which work activities take place. Data from closed questions will be coded and responses to open-ended questions will
be categorized. Results will be made available to inform helping professions of the impact of spiritual related programming.
Presentation Index: T35
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Community Psychology
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Cammilleri, Dana
Jorgensen, Leeann
St. Cloud State University Student Research Colloquium 60
April 22, 2008