Category: College of Arts & Sciences
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Characterizing developmental gene expression in Arabidopsis Thaliana
By Mark Murray Faculty Mentor: Dr. April Wynn Abstract Through this semester I have been analyzing expression of multiple genes in Arabidopsis Thaliana. Using several methods I have grown several plants I have isolated their DNA from RNA and measured their gene expression.
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The Effect of Social Isolation on Depression-like Symptoms in Mice
By Dylan Crann Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Humans who experience social isolation are at risk of developing depression disorders, such as Major Depression Disorder. This disorder can be typified by stress and forgetfulness. This study combines behavioral and physiological approaches to understand the effects of social isolation in a model organism, being mice.…
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Men On Boats
By Hannah Chester Faculty Mentor: Marc Williams Abstract “Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men On Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River” (Playwrights Horizons). This year, I was cast…
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The Relationship between the 5-HT1B gene and Drosophila melanogaster
By Jasmyne Watkins and Serenity Baumgardner Faculty Mentor: Dr. Morriss Abstract Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for mood, sleep, digestion, and other key body functions. It is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between the body and the brain also known as monoamine (5-HT). Alterations to the level of serotonin in the body can…
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R and RStudio Instructional Guides for Use in Biostatistics and Research Design Course
By Audra Young Faculty Mentor: Cartland Berge Abstract In the Biostatistics and Research Design (BIOL 260) course offered at UMW, students learn how to use R, a programming language, and its interface, RStudio, to run statistical tests on biological data. For many students in the biological or life sciences, this course is the first time…
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The Effect of Phage Resistance on Bacillus thuringiensis subps. kurstaki on Virulence to Manduca sexta Larvae
By Marianne Beaulieu Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynn Lewis Abstract Phage therapy is the practice of treating bacterial infections with bacteriophages, viruses that are virulent to bacterial hosts. Phage therapy is a promising solution to the growing issue of treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, bacteria develop resistance to phages as well. There is literature to suggest that…
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Differential Gene Expression in Myotonic Dystrophy
By Anna Harris Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder that progressively decreases muscle function in approximately 1 in 8,000 individuals worldwide. Expansion of CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region of Dystrophia Myotonica-Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene is ultimately responsible for the skeletal muscle wasting phenotype in…
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The Use of AI in Oil Pipeline Cybersecurity
By Eleanor Haas Faculty Mentor: Dr. Xin-Wen Wu Abstract With the conveniences of modern technology comes the increasing risk of cyberattacks, and industrial control systems in infrastructure are particularly vulnerable. While they provide convenience and efficiency, there is also an increasing risk of disruption to these systems, whether by cyberattack, faulty engineering, or natural disasters.…
