Category: College of Arts & Sciences
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Analysis of Glyphosate Through Various Spectroscopic Methods
By Madison Minvielle Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Smith Abstract Herbicides are an important component in the growth and care of sod and agricultural fields. Glyphosate is the main ingredient in many herbicides. However, it is toxic to wildlife, specifically aquatic species, when the herbicide is present in run-off that leads to ponds. In order to…
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Drosophila melanogaster para gene knockdown and lithium effects on symptoms
By Natasha Lebert, Jessica Agbeve, Asifa Mossavi Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract The purpose of this research is to find out whether or not LiCl will reduce seizure symptoms in flies with a para gene knockdown. Certain gene mutations and gene knockdowns in Drosophila melanogaster give rise to symptoms that resemble epilepsy. Previous studies…
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The effects of nutrient pollution on macroinvertebrate communities in Accokeek Creek and Potomac Creek
By Mika Bishton Faculty Mentor: Abbie Tomba Abstract Agricultural practices and suburban development can contribute to excess nutrients entering freshwater systems and negatively impact biodiversity. Tidal streams, due to high surface area to volume ratios, are more susceptible effects of excess nutrients, thus making them useful water quality indicators for larger watersheds. Macroinvertebrates are good…
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Quantification of Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin in Beer using High Performance Liquid Chromatography
By Sierra Hunter Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Smith Abstract The Maltese Brewing Company developed the Signal One 2.0 Beer, which is infused with Carolina reaper chilies during the brewing process, in an attempt to make the world’s hottest beer. To be considered for a Guinness World Record, the beer requires a numerical value in the…
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Get the Jab or Else: Effectiveness of Fear Appeals in the Herman Cain Award Subreddit
By Julia May Faculty Mentor: Dr. Crosby/Dr. Rao Abstract In 2021, I conducted participant observation research on the Herman Cain SubReddit, examining the effectiveness of fear appeals on social media. In that research, I determined that fear appeals on social media platforms are just as effective as they are when used on mass media platforms.…
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Taking the public to the private: the role of art in Eighteenth-Century Spanish tertulias
By Julia May Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Lewis Abstract In the Age of the Enlightenment, women of nobility in Spain began to gain some authority to make important contributions to society in various ways. Through examining primary and secondary sources, and records from museums and archives in Madrid, we are able to gain insight into…
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Apoptosis Induction in Jurkat T Lymphocytes by Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
By Shreya Murali Faculty Mentor: Dr. Randall Reif Abstract Apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death, constantly occurs in humans. In healthy cells, proton pump proteins allow for H+ ions to permeate cellular membranes, regulating pH levels. However, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, prevent proton movement, resulting in pH regulation limitations. As the…
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Drosophila melanogaster para gene knockdown and lithium effects on symptoms
By Natasha Lebert, Jessica Agbeve, Asifa Mossavi Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract The purpose of this research is to find out whether or not LiCl will reduce seizure symptoms in flies with a para gene knockdown. Certain gene mutations and gene knockdowns in Drosophila melanogaster give rise to symptoms that resemble epilepsy. Previous studies…
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AIVA: Artificial Intelligence Music Composition in Educational Sound Design
By Madeline Berger Faculty Mentor: Michael Benson Abstract A robust sound design often includes underscoring to accentuate the performance on stage. However, licensing and copyright laws can obstruct the use of prerecorded music in a performance, and original composition can be time consuming and costly. Enter AIVA, a web-based artificial intelligence which specializes in music…
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Accent Attitudes and the Latino Community: A Study of Accent Perceptions towards Spanish-Accented English and its Effects on Latinos in the United States
By Eden Shenal Faculty Mentor: Marisa Martinez Mira Abstract The guiding question for my research will be, what are the social impacts on Latino individuals speaking accented English as they live, work, and otherwise interact with US-born native English speakers? Are there adverse stereotypes and perceptions about foreign accents that impact their lives, and if…