Category: Biological Sciences
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Quantification of Ingested Microplastics in Two Local Fish Species With Different Feeding Mechanisms
By Megan Carr Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bradley Lamphere Abstract Microplastics are an ever-growing topic of concern in the modern world. There is still much to learn about how the environment and its inhabitants are impacted by microplastics. Many organisms, from humans to birds to fish, are constantly and unknowingly ingesting these microplastics. It is possible…
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The possibility of an Intelligent Designer
By Hermela Million Faculty Mentor: Mehdi Aminarazavi Abstract Attribute of design are complexity, structure, function, art, and intentionality. When an intelligent designer designs it is with a specific function in mind. Even if an intelligent designer makes adjustments to a product it is because there is a plan or function for the product. Philosophically, for…
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The Effect of Photoperiod on Male Zebrafish Sex Hormones
By Madeline S Phillips Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dianne Baker Abstract The goal of this research was to explore how photoperiod affects the reproductive endocrine axis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). It is known that the reproductive endocrine axis controls zebrafish reproduction. Additionally, it is known that photoperiod determines both reproductive seasonality (long days promote reproduction) and…
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Kentucky Derby to Kill Pen: A Review of the Equine Slaughter Industry
By Esther Cuyjet Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrew Dolby Abstract Unbeknownst to the majority of Americans, tens of thousands of American horses are condemned to slaughter for human consumption every year. This is despite the fact that public opinion in the U.S. holds that horses are animals that should not be eaten. The discrepancy in public…
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Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Calcium regulator proteins TGGT1_253640 and TGGT1_222060 for Toxoplasma gondii growth and invasion
By Abby Delapenha Faculty Mentor: Dr. Swati Agrawal Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic apicomplexan parasite infecting humans and livestock. Infection in immunocompromised individuals can cause neurological damage and infection during pregnancy can lead to fetal death. These parasites engage in a complex life cycle, involving repeated invasion of host cell and egress from the…
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Comparison of heavy metal concentrations in muscle and liver tissue between migratory Canada geese and permanent resident Canada geese
By John (Jack) Bulger Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dolby Abstract Anthropogenic combustion of fossil fuels and other human activities related to development and industrialization have contributed significantly to the release of heavy metals into the environment and atmosphere. Metals typically have negative impacts on both human and environmental health when released in excess, which is a…
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Endothelial Tube Maintenance & Analysis in a HUVEC Cell Model for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
By Jada Gundy, Arshpreet Brar Faculty Mentor: Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic condition that results in severe muscle weakening and wasting. DM1 is caused by an expanded region of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene, resulting in expression of a toxic CUG repeat-containing RNA. While the primary DM1 mutation…
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The Effects of CUG repeat expression on VEGF signaling in a Cell Culture Model of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
By Jada Gundy Faculty Mentor: Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic condition that results in severe muscle weakening and wasting. DM1 is caused by an expanded region of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene, resulting in expression of a toxic CUG repeat-containing RNA. While the primary DM1 mutation is known,…
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The Effects of Injury on PDGFRβ Expression in a DM1 Context
By Victoria Ashton Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a condition that causes severe weakening and wasting of muscles, caused by an expansion of CTG repeats in the DMPK gene. Previous studies have shown that activation of the protein platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) is deregulated in DM1.…
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The Effects of Estrous Stage on Voluntary Wheel Running and Anxious Behavior in Female CD-1 Mice
By Abigail Algeier and Emily Landry Faculty Mentor: Parrish Waters Abstract Women report having anxiety and other mood disorders at nearly twice the rate of men. The female menstrual cycle involves fluctuations in pituitary hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Each of these hormones are psychoactive and can potently affect mood state, both acutely and chronically. In…
