Ruth Salac Santiago was named the overall winner of Penn State Beaver's annual Undergraduate Research Fair on April 2.
Santiago, a senior psychology major from Hopewell Township, won for her poster presentation, "The Effects of Music Ability on Cognition." Her mentor was Ana Fontes, assistant professor of psychology.
Taking first place in social sciences were Jennifer Durbin, a senior communications major from Cranberry Township, and Brandon Perino, a senior communications major from Canonsburg, with their poster presentation, "Agenda Setting and Conservative Values in Social Media." Their mentor was John Chapin, professor of communications.
Second place in social sciences was awarded to Kristina Magie, senior psychology major from Center Township. Her poster presentation, "Priming View of Entity and Incremental Measures: STEM," was mentored by Clare Conroy-Murray, assistant professor of psychology.
In humanities, the team of Kimberly Villella of Freedom and Daniel Trzcianka of Baden, both senior communications majors, won first place with their poster presentation, "Presentation of Self in the Modern Age." Their mentor was Chapin.
First place in math, science and technology went to a team of sophomore engineering majors: Donald Bradfield of Hopewell Township, Ben Barcaskey of Moon Township, Jeremy Canonge of Freedom and Lisa Fudurich of Monaca. Their oral presentation, "Design, Fabrication, Testing and Analysis of a Stirling Engine," was mentored by James Hendrickson, instructor in engineering.