Thesis Archives Search
This search engine will let you explore the over 1800 theses written in Honors at The University of Maine since the Program’s inception in 1935. You may search our thesis archives based on any of the fields listed above. If the thesis is available at the Reynolds Library (Thomson Honors Center) or Fogler Library (Special Collections), the information will appear below the bibliographic data. At last count, we had about 1800 theses in the Reynolds Library.
Search Results
ARE SCHOOLS EDUCATING ABOUT POVERTY? UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF K-12 POVERTY EDUCATION
Major: Child Development and Family Relations Graduation Year: 2018 Thesis Advisor: Sid Mitchell
Description of Publication:
Research shows that there are disparities in academic outcomes between students living in poverty and those who are not. Poverty will affect all areas of a child’s life. There is potential that with increased poverty education in schools, students will come to better understand their role in the causes and consequences of poverty, and in working to eradicate poverty. Eighty- six undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Maine participated in this study. Participants completed a survey designed to gain insights into their recollection of poverty education during their primary and secondary school years. Results showed that enrolled students did not recall receiving education about poverty. Implications for practices and future research are also discussed.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/355
Aristophanes: A Reflection of Contemporary Thinkers and Events
ARSENIC EXPOSURE OF KILLIFISH (FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS) EMBRYOS AND THE EFFECT ON FISH BEHAVIOR
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid found in groundwater in locations worldwide. Arsenic
exposure has been linked to numerous cancers and some metabolic and neurological disorders. This study examined the impact of arsenic on the behavior of the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) following arsenic exposure from 3 days post fertilization (dpf) through 20 days post–hatch. Killifish were exposed to concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 500 ppb sodium arsenite. Three behavioral tests were run: a spontaneous movement test, a light/dark preference test, and a swimming performance test. Most results were not statistically significant due to the high variability within each group. Embryo and fry mortality were the highest in the 10ppb treated fish. In the spontaneous movement test, killifish exposed to 10ppb of arsenic exhibited a trend toward greater levels of agitation than controls and tended to stay near the perimeter of the dish. The fish exposed to 10ppb arsenic stayed in the dark significantly longer than controls. In the swimming performance test arsenic-exposed fish showed a trend of performing more directional changes on average than did the control fish suggesting altered predator avoidance tactics. Fish in all treatments experienced similar amounts of fatigue following the simulated predator chase. Control fish trended towards a faster recovery from a simulated predator attack than fish exposed to 500 ppb arsenic. These results indicate that arsenic may impact the fitness of the killifish. Follow-up studies using a larger sample size will be used to explore behavioral effects and address the mechanisms that underlie them.
Arsenic Remediation of Maine Drinking Water
Major: Biomedical Engineering Graduation Year: 2019 Thesis Advisor: Caitlin Howell
Description of Publication:
Arsenic, a metalloid, is one of the most prominent toxins in Maine drinking water. There are approximately 86,500 Maine citizens exposed to water containing arsenic over the maximum contamination level causing adverse effects including nausea, multiple cancers, and a reduction of full scale IQ and executive function. In drinking water, arsenic arises both by the natural leaching from bedrock and from the use of chemicals such as pesticides, embalming fluids, and wood preservatives. Although there are many known arsenic water remediation techniques, finding a method compatible for multiple arsenic isotopes is challenging. In this work, we test the low-energy and low-cost technique coupling ferric chloride pre-treatment coagulation with liquid-gated membrane filtration. We find that flocs are formed under specific conditions and can be filtered out of the water, bringing the arsenic with it. We were additionally able to determine the size of these particles using dynamic light scattering and associated pH changes during pre-treatment steps. This work provides evidence that liquid-gated membrane filtration can be used to effectively filter out arsenic containing flocs. These experiments lay the groundwork for a new approach to arsenic remediation of Maine drinking water using membrane filtration, in a low-cost, self-cleaning system.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/535/
ART AND SCIENCE: A CASE STUDY OF THEIR INTERCONNECTEDNESS IN THE MARINE NATURAL SCIENCES
Major: Marine Sciences Graduation Year: 2017 Thesis Advisor: Sara M. Lindsay
Description of Publication:
Science and art are interrelated in the form of scientific illustration: the act of observing a subject and translating the gained knowledge into a visual form. Humans have found inspiration from the natural world since our beginnings, but the practice of accurately portraying it arose with the growing interest in natural science in the 15th century. This paper explores three questions: what is scientific illustration, what is its role in scientific research, and how has it changed through history? Modern scientific illustration thrives as an effective method to teach the general public environmental issues. I present a case study using my own personal artwork to illustrate a literature review of conducted scientific research investigating the effects of ocean acidification on echinoderms. All echinoderms have calcified structures, ranging from larval support structures to endoskeletons made of ossicles embedded in the skin of sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, and these structures may be impacted by acidified conditions. Larval echinoderms are especially at risk. The reviewed literature suggests that adults exhibit the ability to acclimate to short term acidification, but the long term impacts are not well understood. To more accurately predict the impact of ocean acidification on echinoderms, additional research should study long-term exposure and incorporate impacts on community dynamics as well as individuals.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/276/
Art as a Tool to Communicate Science
Major: Studio Art & Earth Sciences Graduation Year: 2015 Thesis Advisor: Nina Jerome Sutcliffe
Description of Publication:
My thesis explores effective ways to communicate science through art. My main goal is to illustrate significant environmental issues in a way that engages people emotionally, as well as intellectually. Researchers need a means of sharing fascinating things to broaden people’s horizons on science. In order to gain inspiration and ideas, I have researched and discussed a wide range of artists, past and present. This exploration has fueled the content of the body of artwork I have developed throughout this project.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/241/
Art Exhibit
Articulations in Conversation: Coleridge’s Quest for a True Philosophy
Artificial Transmission of Viral Erythrocytic Necrosis (VEN) & the Temporal Pattern of VEN Infection in Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua)
ASH DECLINE: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG FOREST WILDLIFE
Major: Forestry & Wildlife Ecology Graduation Year: 2017 Thesis Advisor: Amber Roth
Description of Publication:
The overall decline of ash tree health presents an opportunity for landowners to salvage dying trees, thus contributing to state and federal efforts to create young forest habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, in addition to benefitting from the financial and recreational opportunities that come following salvage operations. This case study examines the results of a decision made by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC, Hartford, CT) to conduct a timber salvage operation on its public water supply watershed land to remove dying white ash (Fraxinus americana) trees and at the same time meet the goals of the State of Connecticut and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for creating habitat for the New England cottontail (NEC; Sylvilagus transitionalis) and other wildlife dependent on young forests. Bird surveys conducted in the area by a wildlife biologist from 2009 to 2016, overlapping with the timber harvest, suggested that the young forest regenerated after the harvest may have been instrumental in attracting dozens of bird species that had not been recorded there in the past. The young forest created is expected to support New England cottontails, though they have not yet been observed there by the monitoring program.
Location of Publication: fogler reynolds
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/290/