Elizabethtown College's Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP) was created to support independent student scholarship under the sponsorship of a faculty mentor. The program is a non-credit experiential learning program designed to enhance professional skills and provide a competitive advantage to participating students in the pursuit of career opportunities and graduate studies.
Participating faculty scholars and researchers also benefit from student involvement in support of professional scholarship and research agendas.
The Effects of Floodplain Restoration on Biodiversity
Jessica and Ireland are cataloging the various plants and animals found on four different wetland restoration sites in Lancaster County and are evaluating if the sites show increased biodiversity. These wetlands, which have been restored to improve water quality and flood risk, serve as a valuable way of addressing the global decline in plant and animal species.
Peacebuilding Since World War II: Relations Between Japan and the US
Misaki is studying the relationship between the United States and Japan through the lens of the events of World War II. By examining documents, statistics, and data from both countries, Misaki is striving to raise awareness about the fading memories of WWII, while also aiming to present her final conclusions at a future regional conference.
Exploring Anatomy in Everyday Life
Veronica is expanding the body of work found on the Anatomy Art Project website by digitizing past artwork and developing new features that include a section on COVID-19’s impact.
The website, which Veronica is contributing to through resources available in the Etown Digital Humanities Hub, is the result of past SCARP projects and features pieces showcasing how anatomy is present throughout aspects of daily life and encourages continuing art education.
Synthesis of hetero-substituted tetraphenylporphyrins
Will is back for a second year working in the Musser labs, expanding on his previous summer research on new methods of synthesizing substituted porphyrins. The study aims to develop highly specific molecules (porphyrins), which help encourage therapies that include accurately targeting and destroying cancer cells or treating various skin conditions while continuing to preserve healthy cells.
The Tenets of Journalism: A Thematic Analysis of Journalists’ Adherence to Traditional Journalistic Norms
Abigail is examining journalism through the lens of social media. By studying posts made by journalists and anchors from around the country, Abigail is evaluating how fast-paced online platforms like Facebook are influencing key characteristics of journalism, such as accuracy and objectivity.
The data from her research will be used in Etown Professor of Communications Kirsten Johnson’s upcoming book, “Personalized News Communication and Media Trust in the Modern Era,” which will be published by Palgrave McMillan in fall 2024. The book will be co-authored with Dr. Burton St. John, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Development of Sensitive and Fast Immunoassay for Lyme Disease
Justin is on campus this summer developing magnetic beads to help increase the speed, sensitivity, and selectivity of current tests for Lyme disease. The beads are used to increase the surface area of where the reaction takes place, while antibodies are used to help detect biomarkers affiliated with Lyme. While the research is in its developmental phase, in the future, the project hopes to be used in clinics.
Telling and Promoting the Stories of Etown’s Humanities Alums through Audio and Video Pieces
Karlie and Jessica are working side-by-side to chronicle six accomplished alumni from the School of Arts and Humanities through the Blue Jay Journeys podcast. With in-depth, personal interviews, Jessica is seeking to showcase each alumni’s career path post-graduation, while Karlie is utilizing social media to help promote these Blue Jay stories to a wider audience.
A total of six Etown alumni: Megan White ’20, Melissa Spencer ’19, Kory Hilpmann ’17, Gwen Fries ’16, Dant Weikel ’16, and Rebecca Easton ’19 will be interviewed for the series. Episodes are available now on Anchor.fm.
Karlie and Jessica are working with Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities Kevin Shorner-Johnson to identify alumni for the podcast, which had been hosted by the School of Arts and Humanities Digital Humanities Hub since January 2021.
Luminescence from Metal-Organic frameworks: structural modifications and molecule uptake
Brandon and Nicholas are observing luminescent properties in metal-organic frameworks to create sensors capable of detecting volatile, disease-causing organic compounds in common household items. Their research aims to help individuals identify these compounds in their homes and limit contact with these harmful substances.
Tumor Virus Upregulation | Vanadium Complex Effect
Five students, including Camilo, Alec, Justin, Isabella, and Julia, are studying the hallmarks of cancerous cells compared to non-cancerous cells. Their research explores how transcription factors regulate aspects of the cell and lead to viral cancers. They are also examining proteins and studying how protein construction can create different qualities in tumors. Through this research, the students hope to develop more nuanced ways to target harmful cells while avoiding healthy cells during cancer treatment.
Brandon is researching chemical alternatives for individuals who are unable to take insulin and developing methods of tracking the new receptors with a green, fluorescent indicator.
NetSec: Accelerated Malware Detection in Executable Files with Machine Learning
Ethan and Yusuke are working to enhance machine learning to develop real-time malware detection. Using state-of-the-art programs, they are creating malware detection that proactively searches for viruses people may not know about, such as malware from smart thermostats.
Their research is building off past SCARP projects focused on network detection systems.
Launching A National Historic Preservation Trust ‘This Place Matters’
Eric Schubert ’23 is working on raising awareness for preserving history in Marietta by instituting the national social media campaign, “This Place Matters.” The campaign was started by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and strives to engage communities in highlighting important historical sites in various towns across the country.
Eric’s work in Marietta contributes to his work in Public Heritage Studies at Etown, which provides students with interdisciplinary experience in fieldwork, faculty-supervised research, and community-based learning projects in preparation for careers in the Public History/Public Heritage Studies discipline.
Minimizing Stimulation Artifact in Real-Time Movement Decoding
Nathan Griffin ’23 is expanding on his previous research by creating algorithms that allow prosthesis users to experience artificial touch and pressure feedback through electrical stimulation.
Nathan’s work this summer is an extension of a past SCARP project which worked to develop inexpensive software that allowed users to control a virtual prosthetic arm.
Laser Cutting and Engraving Designing in the Digital Age
Emily Ward ’23 is combining technology and art this summer as she works with the Department of Engineering’s laser cutter and the Department of Fine Art’s antique proofing press. In her research, Emily is testing various materials to create a reference for future users, while honing her own skills in digital art, printmaking, and laser cutting.
Nucleobase-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids for Sequence Selective Triple-Helical Recognition of Non-Coding RNA
Tristan Mabee ’24 and Angelina Giglio-Tos ’25 are studying ribonucleic acid (RNA) and gaining an in-depth understanding about its fundamental functions. They are making molecules designed to recognize specific sequences of RNA, which allow scientists to better understand strands of RNA.
Their study is part of overarching research conducted over eight years in collaboration with Binghamton University and researchers from Latvia and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is also a continuation of past independent student research and faculty mentor collaborations as a part of the SCARP program.
To conclude their SCARP research for the summer, Tristan and Angelina traveled to Binghamton University to research alongside MacKay's collaborators. During that time, they were able to take some of the compounds they made at Etown, incorporate them into Peptide Nucleic Acids on the Binghamton University PNA synthesizer, and begin studying their binding to RNA.
Factors that Motivate and Maintain Daily E-Cigarette Usage: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Young Adults
Neuroscience and Psychology student Aries Baringer ’24 is studying factors that motivate young adults to use e-cigarettes and vapes by measuring how the devices impact mood and stress levels. This ecological momentary assessment is performed virtually and, in the moment, rather than as a post-reflection.
This independent student research and collaboration with a faculty member is a continuation of a past SCARP pilot project. Aries is aiming to present her findings at various upcoming conferences.
Surface vs Force: Myth or Truth?
Track & Field/Cross Country student-athlete Thomas Urrunaga ’25 is on-campus this summer testing differences in force on various running surfaces. Using a self-constructed device that mimics a runner’s stride, the Engineering major is working to debunk myths that running on softer surfaces will decrease the chances of injury and hopes to publish his findings in the track & field coaching magazine, “Techniques.”
This SCARP project is a continuation of a previous project which used sensors placed inside athlete’s shoes to measure surface-force variability.
Updating Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum to Reflect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Neuroscience and Biology major Alexandra Gates ’22 is evaluating the gap between medical education for doctors, paramedics, nurses, and physician assistants and real-world occurrences of discrimination toward the LGBTQIA+ community in treatment, with the goal of issuing a recommendation to medical associations to standardize global policies for inclusion in the field.
Shiny Side Up: An Ethnographic and Quantitative Examination of American Stage Rally Racing
Criminal Justice major Nyvani Molina ’23 is studying the rise and fall of commercialism in rally racing in the United States compared to its European counterparts. Through immersing himself in rally sub-culture, interviews with rally participants, and observations in the field, Nyvani is working to build an understanding of the sociological structures that allow the sport to flourish.
This SCARP project is a collaboration that builds off several years of previous research by the faculty mentor.
Optimization of Simple and Inexpensive Paper-Based Assay for Lead
Kyla DeWittie '24 and Yudeliz Sanchez '25 are improving tests for lead in accordance with the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Kyla is focusing on making adjustments to the test line, which changes color in the presence of lead, and Yudeliz is working on the control line, which changes color to indicate that water has passed through the sample and that the lead test has been successful.
This independent student research is a continuation of three years of past SCARP projects.
Editing and Manuscript Preparation of The Cambridge Companion to Amy Beach
Amaris Wolfe ’23 is researching, editing, and compiling sources to contribute to, “The Cambridge Companion to Amy Beach,” a book written by faculty mentor E. Douglas Bomberger. Together, the two are striving to capture the life and musicianship of Amy Beach (1867-1944), a Romantic-era composer and pianist, in what aims to become the first of the Cambridge Companions to Music series to feature a female composer with the book’s upcoming publication in mid-2023.
Mastery-Based-Learning to Study Anxiety and Belonging in Circuit Analysis
Meghan Williams ’23 is working on transforming an Elizabethtown College Engineering course that previously operated on a percentage-based grading scale to measure performance through a student’s success by their mastery of a pre-determined skill set through a Mastery-Based Learning course structure.
Travel Writing: Capturing British Culture through Prose and Image
Ashley Conway ’23 and Faith Morrow ’24 turned their 15-day study abroad trip to England this June into a creative research project by capturing their favorite memories through travel writing.
The students each completed four articles and a web piece covering the how-tos of travel writing. The pieces explore personal connections to the sites visited. Identity, belief, and passion are placed at the forefront of the trip, exploring how traveling can affect us as people. After researching freelance travel writing publications, two pieces were submitted to online outlets. The others are displayed on Faith’s personal website.
eTherapy App Development Phase II
A.J. Botticelli ’25 is working to improve eTherapy, a mobile application designed by previous Elizabethtown College Engineering students and faculty to provide biofeedback in occupational therapy and physical therapy sessions. By applying feedback offered by Etown Occupational Therapy students through beta testing last fall, A.J. is improving the app by developing tools for custom exercises, improving the user interface, and eliminating previous system failures.
This SCARP project is a continuation of over nine years of research from various Etown Engineering and Occupational Therapy students and faculty.
Promoting Access to Archival Information on the Amish
Emily Erdlen ’23 is processing research materials from collections on the Amish, which were donated by Distinguished College Professor, Senior Fellow, and Professor of Sociology Emeritus Donald B. Kraybill and author Karen Johnson-Weiner - two of the most prominent experts on the Amish in the country. Emily has been hard at work in the High Library this summer, categorizing the documents into categories, writing descriptors, and creating a finding aid for each collection.
Working alongside staff mentor and Etown Archivist Rachel Grove Rohrbaugh, Emily is also working on creating oral histories on the Amish through interviews with Kraybill and Johnson-Weiner.
This archiving process is an extension of efforts over three years to catalog collections of documents and sources on the Amish at the College.
Engaging African American Male Youth in Assessing Factors Affecting Their Own Health and Wellbeing: A Photovoice and Community Engagement Approach
Samhar Almomani ’24 is collaborating with community members from Allison Hill in Harrisburg to study factors that impact Black adolescent youth in the area. Samhar is surveying youth to learn their perspectives on racial experiences, mental health, and neighborhood attachment while utilizing a technique known as “photovoice,” which will give those youth the chance to share their personal stories through daily photography.