Engineering Commons^™

Survey Of The Performance Of Gold Nanoparticles Within An Ssdna-Stabilized Biosensor For The Detection Of Hg2+, Madalyn Zagajowski

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Methods

5 nm AuNPs were synthesized by combining solutions of HAuCl4 and sodium citrate, followed by dropwise addition of NaBH4 solution and aging for 24 hours. Additionally, Hg-bound poly(30)T ssDNA oligos were prepared by incubating with HgCl2 solution, with exonuclease I being added to denature unbound DNA. Aliquots of the AuNP solution were then treated with the ssDNA, either Hg-bound or non-Hg bound, and UV-vis and fluorescence spectra were taken of the samples with a Shimadzu UV-1280 spectrophotometer and a Hitachi F-2500 fluorescence spectrophotometer.

Results & Discussion

The UV-vis spectral data of the non-Hg bound AuNP/ssDNA complex samples did not …

Comparing Pollinator Communities: Onu’S Swanberg Sanctuary V. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Stephanie Clark

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Pollinators play a key role in both ecosystem diversity and agricultural productivity [1]. Declines for pollinators have been seen across the globe and have been linked to agriculture and urbanization [2]. Several species in Illinois have declined so severely, they are now endangered or of significant conservation concern [1]. Past ONU students have collected data on the bees in Northeast IL. However, there is no data for what species are at the Sanctuary. This study will provide baseline data for future studies and by comparing with Midewin, a mature restoration, we can gain an understanding of distinctiveness.

Measuring The Decrement Times Of Volatile Anesthetics In Drosophila Melanogaster Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Jason Tolley

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Background

Model organisms are widely used in research, especially in the context of complex situations. One model organism that has been widely used is the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (D. mel). D. mel are most commonly used in the context of genetics, but they have also been widely used in research focusing on general anesthetics. One value that has not been measured in D. mel, however, as it relates to general anesthetics, is the decrement times. This is what was the present research set out to determine.

Methods

The anesthetics studied in this research were isoflurane …

Prospects Of An Astrotourism Site In Namibia, Chris Stone

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Namibia has significant potential as an astrotourism destination. A handful of sites are already utilizing the region’s clear, dark skies to draw tourists and establish a viable business model. These sites include the Gamsberg Observatory, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Hakos Guest Farm, and Tivoli Astrofarm. The establishment of future professional astronomical research facilities on the Gamsberg Mountain Plateau will also likely add to the attraction of tourists interested in viewing Namibia’s dark skies. The best months for astronomical observing in Namibia are the dry winter months between June and September, which correspond to peak seasonal visits for hunting …

Using Principle Component Analysis Of Spectral Mixtures To Analyze Tertiary And Four End-Member Mixtures Containing Carbonates And Olivine, David Burnett

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

CRISM images from Mars are expected to contain carbonates such as magnesite [1]. Prior research has been successfully able to determine the approximate percent composition of phyllosilicates in binary lab mixtures using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) [2]. In order to expand this model to work on CRISM images, one of preliminary steps is allowing the algorithm to work on mixtures with more than two components.

Foraging Behavior Of Red-Headed Woodpeckers In Endangered Black Oak Savanna Habitat, Mike J. King

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

The objective of this study was to determine the role of black oak savanna habitat on red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) foraging behavior. Through the development of a foraging ethogram, the recording of foraging behavior times, and the collection of habitat data we were able to assess if any patterns existed between foraging and black oak savanna habitat. Comparison of our data in black oak savannas to that of others in woodland suggests that foraging behavior may differ between habitat types. Tree species did appear to impact the proportion of certain foraging behaviors, however further study is needed to more fully …

Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity On Human Epithelial Cells And Protection By Ascorbic Acid And Epigallocatechin Gallate, Timmy Mayotte

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI) is a known carcinogen in human beings, though the exact mechanism of carcinogenicity is still unknown. The same chemical compound is also found at varying levels in the water sources of more than 200 million Americans. While the government currently regulates total chromium levels, they have yet to determine a permissible exposure limit for Cr(VI). There is currently no method of preventative treatment for the chemical. The focus of this study was to determine the mechanism of carcinogenicity of Cr(VI) as well as confirm the viability of antioxidants as a preventative treatment. Because of Cr(VI)’s strong …