Cell and Developmental Biology Commons^™

Towards Understanding The Function Of An Ets-Like Gene In Nematostella Vectensis: Generation Of A Knockout Mutant Line And A Transgenic Reporter Line, Emily Bullock

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to their unique phylogenic position as sister to Bilateria, Cnidaria are often credited with the utility of allowing for reconstruction of ancestral biology based on characteristics shared with bilaterians and other animals. This factor makes investigation into the nervous systems of cnidarians critical in understanding early neural evolution. Wamides, a class of neuropeptides, have been shown to play a regulatory role in life cycle transitions across many different species. The cnidarian specific Wamide neuropeptide, GLWamide, has previously been identified to play an accelerator role in the metamorphic timing of a specific species of sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis. However, …

The Development Of A New Water-Soluble Zinc Porphyrin, Zntpp-2mp, As A Photodynamic Therapy Agent, Emily Payne

Scholars Day Conference

Photodynamic therapy is a new technique used in cancer treatment involving the use of a photosensitizer and light exposure to kill malignant cells. This research tested the use of ZnTPP-2MP as a photosensitizer using white light as a source of possible treatment of the A549 cancer cell line, with preliminary testing on MYC-22 and other G- quadruplex DNA samples. ZnTPP-2MP was synthesized by the reaction of the porphyrin, ZnTPPC, with 2-amino-2- methyl-1-propanol. Following synthesis, the new porphyrin was purified by column chromatography using Sephadex LH-20 and G-50. To confirm the identity and structure of the product, ZnTPP-2MP was analyzed through …

Proliferation And Oxygen Production Of Arthrospira Platensis In Varying Light Intensities, Trace H. Morrow, Lawrence Davis, Jim Taylor

Scholars Day Conference

As space travel becomes more advanced, adequate nourishment and oxygen resources are crucial issues for scientists concerning long-term travel. Arthrospira platensis, also known as spirulina, is a protein rich cyanobacteria that could potentially provide a solution to these issues with minimal energy consumption. Spirulina is known to be used for protein supplementation with various health benefits and pharmacological applications. In addition, spirulina cultures produce high amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide. Proliferation and oxygen production are primarily dependent on the spirulina cell structure (straight or coiled). A mixed culture (containing straight and spiral Spirulina cells) and a spiral …

Investigating Vital Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Pathogen Response In Neutropenic Individuals, Ryan Illig

Thinking Matters Symposium

Neutrophils, also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), constitute the majority of innate immune cells. These cells possess a complex arsenal of functions that allow them to detect and eliminate a broad spectrum of pathogens. Neutropenia is characterized by decreased levels of neutrophils in the bloodstream, typically falling below the normal range. Moderate to severe neutropenia can increase the risk of pathogenic infections and without treatment can be life-threatening. Although the concentration of neutrophils in neutropenic individuals is decreased, upon activation, neutrophils still release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are pivotal in combating a spectrum of pathogens through their non-selective nature. Overreactive …

Targeting Tgf-Β During Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Progression As An Effective Therapy Against Colorectal Cancer, Joyce Fan

Undergraduate Research

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms of colorectal cancer progression is crucial for the development of effective therapeutics. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a hallmark feature of cancer and is defined as the loss of epithelial cell features, such as apical-basal polarity and high expression of cell adhesion molecules, and the development of mesenchymal features, such as lack of polarity and increased cell mobility. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal is essential for cell migration, proliferation, and tumor growth. Both the TGF-β and SMAD pathway are associated with colorectal cancer progression. TGF-β is crucial to the cellular mechanism of cell …

Developing Zntpp-4ab As A Potential Photodynamic Therapy Agent, Kennedy Johnson

Honors Theses

Photodynamic therapy is a fairly new technique used in cancer treatment involving the use of a photosensitizer and light exposure to kill malignant cells. In this research, the use of ZnTPP-4AB as a photosensitizer and red light as a source of radiant light energy was explored in terms of cytotoxicity in the A549 lung cancer cell line. ZnTPP-4AB was synthesized by replacing the carbonyl functional groups on the ZnTPPC porphyrin with 4-amino-1-butanol. Following synthesis, the new porphyrin was purified through the use of Sephadex LH-20 and G-50 in column chromatography in order to remove impurities. To confirm the identity and …

The Anatomical Embodiment Of Morning Routines In The Reduction Of Anxiety: An Intervention, Natalie Wright

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The topic under investigation is whether physically embodying a morning routine that was designed through the lens of Laban Bartenieff Movement Analysis (LBMA) will reduce daily symptoms of individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Since morning routines play a significant part in one’s preparation for the day, I created an individualized LBMA morning routine for a specific client to embody. In addition to the routine, the client documented the process of their anxiety levels on a weekly basis. This client was a white, female, 19-year-old, lesbian college student who was previously diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The movement analysis …

Annotation Of Hypothetical Genes In Lactococcus Lactis Ssp. Il403, Jennifer A. Tangires

Student Scholar Showcase

The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harnesses various microbial organisms involved in almost all processes of physiological homeostasis, among these are lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria, almost all of which belong to the order Lactobacillales, are able to produce lactic acid, and play an important role in food preservation because they produce bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial proteins that are used to fight off related bacteria in their environment that are competing for the same resources. This study focuses on a specific LAB strain, Lactococcus lactis ssp. IL1403 where 21.9% of its predicted genes have not yet been assigned a function. …

Synthesis Of Zntpp-Il As A Potential Photodynamic Therapy Agent, Addison White

Honors Theses

Photodynamic Therapy is a new technique used in cancer treatment involving the use of a photosensitizer—a porphyrin—and light exposure to kill malignant cells. In this research, ZnTPP-IL was used as a photosensitizer with white light as a possible source of treatment of NIH 3T3 fibroblast and A549 lung cancer cell lines, with preliminary DNA testing on MYC-22 and G-quadruplex samples. ZnTPP-IL was synthesized by the reaction of the porphyrin ZnTPPC with isoleucinol. The new porphyrin was then purified by column chromatography using Sephadex LH-20 and G-50. ZnTPP-IL was characterized through NMR, IR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. The purity of the …

Ammonium Chemotaxis In Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Gabela Nelson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Analysis of ammonium chemotaxis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is largely hindered, compared to that of phototaxis, despite equal importance on flagellated microalgal physiology. A major contribution of this shortfall is the lack of proper assay method. We developed a simple Petri dish assay method in which light is homogenously exposed while patterns of the cellular migration are tracked with a function of time. Using the method, new findings were revealed. First, this research presented that a strain lacking the eyespot organelle required for light gradient-sensing exhibits similar chemotactic behavior compared to a wild-type strain, suggesting Chlamydomonas sense an ammonium gradient not …

Doxorubicin-Induced Nuclear Localization Of Scube3 Essential For Cell Survival In Tnbc, Ayooluwa Ilesanmi

Undergraduate Research Conference

Mediation of Doxorubicin-Induced SCUBE3 Nuclear Localization by A Functional NLS Involved in Pro-Tumorigenic Actions in Breast Cancer.

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a glycosylated secreted and cell membrane-associated protein considered a signature gene in cancers and known to mediate its actions in the cytoplasm where its localizes prior to its secretion. However, our study observed that SCUBE3 protein localized to the nucleus following doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. In this study, we investigated SCUBE3 nuclear localization in triple-negative breast cancer, intending to dissect the mechanism of its nuclear trafficking induced by DOX treatment. Bioinformatic analysis of the SCUBE3 protein sequence …

Upregulation Of The Predominant Cystic Fibrosis Causing Mutation Df508-Cftr By Triazole Compounds In Epithelial Cells, Maggie Taylor

Undergraduate Research Conference

Cystic fibrosis is a common genetic disease that is caused by a mutation in the plasma membrane protein CFTR, which stands for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane-conductance Regulator. When this membrane protein is mutated, it impairs its chloride ion channel function, blocking the movement of chloride ions that travel in and out of the cell. Previous studies have demonstrated that the most prevalent CFTR mutation, ∆F508-CFTR, can be partially reversed using small molecules (Heda and Marino, BBRC, 271:659-664, 2000). In this study, I have investigated the effects of several triazole compounds known to bind and transport chloride ions in cultured cells, on …

The Roles Of Fabp3 In Endothelial Dysfunction And The Transcriptomic Insights Into Cardiovascular Disease, Chi Hien Nguyen

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP3) is an effective biomarker for cardiac injuries. However, it has also been tested as a biomarker in patients with peripheral artery diseases; these conditions are complications of atherosclerosis, which is driven by endothelial dysfunction. As FABP3 release is not exclusive to the heart but appears to characterize cardiovascular events, whether FABP3 influences endothelial function is not known. Additionally, the transcriptomic profiles of endothelial cells during cardiovascular stresses remain under-investigated. This thesis investigates the multifaceted role of FABP3 and the transcriptomic alterations in endothelial cells under different cardiovascular stressors, offering novel insights into endothelial dysfunction …

Hgs-3 The Influence Of A Tandem Cycling Program In The Community On Physical And Functional Health, Therapeutic Bonds, And Quality Of Life For Individuals And Care Partners Coping With Parkinson’S Disease, Leila Djerdjour, Jennifer L. Trilk

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Purpose Statement: Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can have a positive impact on alleviating symptoms experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this evidence, the potential benefits of exercise for both PD patients and their care partners (PD dyad) remain unexplored. This research project investigates the effectiveness, therapeutic collaborations, and physical outcomes of a virtual reality (VR) tandem cycling program specifically designed for PD dyads.

Methods: Following approval from the Prisma Health Institutional Review Board, individuals with PD were identified and screened by clinical neurologists. The pre-testing measures for PD dyads (N=9) included emotional and cognitive status …

Deciphering The Functional Connections Between The Nuclear Paraspeckle And Rad51 Homologous Recombination Proteins Using A Yeast Protein Interaction System, Eric J. Nutz

Senior Theses

Homologous recombination (HR) is a repair pathway for DNA double-stranded breaks. Mutations in HR genes contribute to genomic instability and increase the prevalence of cancer. Exploiting HR deficiency in tumor cells has led to improved synthetic lethality outcomes. RAD51 paralogue protein complexes are known to be involved with HR. Proteomic analysis of RAD51 paralogues reveals a connection to the nuclear paraspeckle. A paraspeckle is a little-known, specialized organelle found in the interchromatin space of the nucleus in mammalian cells. Its three central protein components include SFPQ, NONO, and PSPC1. RAD51D is an HR protein shown previously to interact with SFPQ …

A Comparison Of In Vitro Studies Between Cobalt(Iii) And Copper(Ii) Complexes With Thiosemicarbazone Ligands To Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Duaa R. Alajroush, Chloe B. Smith, Brittney F. Anderson, Ifeoluwa T. Oyeyemi, Stephen J. Beebe, Alvin A. Holder

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, and disproportionately affects African American women. TNBC cells lack the common hormone receptors that many pre-existing cancer treatments target. Fortunately, metal-based complexes with thiosemicarbazone ligands have gained significant attention for their potential as anti-cancer agents. Cobalt(III) complex ([Co(phen)2(MeATSC)](NO3)3•1.5H2O•C2H5OH]) and Copper(II) complex ([Cu(acetylethTSC)Cl]Cl•0.25C2H5OH) specifically have properties of high toxicity, which can contribute to decreased cancer cell activity. The effects of these complexes are currently being investigated on cancerous and non-cancerous breast cell lines. The cytotoxic effect of the cobalt(lll) complex and the copper(ll) complex was analyzed …

Sickle Cell Disease Phenotypes And Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Are They Related?, Suhail Alsaleh, Norah Alshehri, Sara Alsiddiqi, Mohmmed Rayis, Safa Eltahir, Khaled Aldajjam, Mohammed Alzaid, Wadha Alotaibi

Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the polysomnographic features between Arab-Indian and Benin phenotypes of sickle cell disease (SCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Children’s Hospital at King Fahad Medical City, in Riyadh where children were recruited from the pediatric hematology clinic and pediatric sleep medicine. All families were approached and patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were included in the study. RESULTS: Eighty four children (37 of whom were females) with SCD were included in the study. Their median (interquartile) age was 9 (6.65, 11) years and their …

Outcomes And Long-Term Survival Of Adolescent And Young Adult Patients Admitted To The Intensive Care Unit Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Centre Experience Of 152 Patients, Othman M. Solaiman, Tusneem Elhassan, Riad El Fakih, Abdul Mannan, Zainab Alduhailib, Ashwaq A. Mahdali, Hazzaa Alzahrani, Mouhamad Jamil, Naeem Chaudhri, Alyaa Elhazmi, Mohammad Kolko, Fahad Z. Al-Sharif, Abdullah Alrbiaan, Mohammed Shaban, Marwan Shaheen, Nawal Salahuddin, Feras A. Alfraih, Ashraf S. Altarifi, Mona Hassanein, Sulaiman Hosaini, Noura Alhashim, Alaa Abdelhafiz Mohamed, Amr Hanbali, Ali Hussein Aljanoubi, Nadia R. Al-Obaidi, Walid Rasheed, Khalid Maghrabi, Fahad Almohareb, Ayman Soubani, Mahmoud Aljurf, Syed Osman Ahmed

Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

Objective: Prognostic factors reliably predicting outcomes for critically ill adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are lacking. We assessed transplant and intensive care unit (ICU)-related factors impacting patient outcomes. Design: Retrospective review Setting: Tertiary care Centre, during the period of 2003-2013 Patients: AYA patients who underwent allo-HSCT and required ICU admission. Interventions: This was a non-interventional study. Only outcomes after first allo-HSCT and index ICU admissions were analyzed. Disease-, transplant-, and ICU-related variables were analyzed to identify risk factors predictive of survival. Measurements and Main Results: Overall, 152 patients were included (males, 60.5%); median …

Use Of Endpoints In Phase Iii Randomized Controlled Trials For Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Over The Last 15 Years: A Systematic Review, Moazzam Shahzad, Muhammad Fareed Khalid, Muhammad Kashif Amin, Mohammad Ammad-Ud-Din, Usman Ilyas, Ali H. Mushtaq, Atif Butt, Iqra Anwar, Sibgha Gull Chaudhary, Nausheen Ahmed, Leyla Shune, Anurag K. Singh, Sunil H. Abhyankar, Joseph P. Mcguirk, Muhammad Umair Mushtaq

Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

This systematic review aimed at evaluating the proportion of primary and secondary endpoints in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) phase III randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and their trends over time and by study sponsorship status. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 28. A total of 147 HSCT phase III RCTs from 2006-2021 that reported 197 primary and 600 secondary endpoints were included for the analysis. Overall survival (OS, 17%), progression-free survival (PFS, 15%), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD, 8%), event-free survival (EFS, 8%), and organ function (8%) were the most common primary endpoints. GVHD (12.3%, n=74), safety/toxicity/adverse …

Investigating The Escape Mechanism Of Sre Bearing Mrna Transcripts During Viral Host Shutoff, Daniel Macveigh-Fierro

Doctoral Dissertations

During viral infection, the virus and host clash for control over gene expression in an evolutionarily arms race that has raged for thousands of years. During lytic replication, Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) triggers a massive RNA decay event known as host shut off. This causes over 70% of all RNA to be degraded suppressing the host antiviral response while freeing resources for viral replication. Our lab focuses on a subset of transcripts that escape from this viral degradation event using a cis acting 3’ UTR element known as a “SOX resistant element” or SRE. Although we have identified a …

Ultrabithorax, Abdominal-A And Abdominal-B Form Heterodimers And Homodimers In Living Cells By Bifc, Rubén Montalvo Méndez, Gustavo Jiménez-Mejía, Diana Reséndez-Pérez

Research Symposium

Background: Hox genes encode transcriptional factors that regulate the expression of specific target genes along the anterior-posterior axis determining the segment identity during embryonic development. These master genes are expressed in the same order in which are located in the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. As it was previously reported the interaction of neighboring Hox proteins as Scr-Antp and Antp-Ubx and one of the mechanisms for Hox protein regulation is protein-protein interaction, we determined the heterodimer formation of Ubx with AbdA and AbdB as well as the homodimer formation of these proteins in living cells which in turn could …

Trip13’S Crucial Role In Pancreatic Cancer Progression, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Stella Rios, Iris A. Enriquez-Perez, Sheema Khan, Farrukh Afaq, Upender Manne, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Pancreatic cancer, characterized by its high mortality rate, stands as one of the most aggressive cancer forms. The projected surge in pancreatic cancer-related deaths, making it the second leading cause in the United States by 2030, underscores the urgency for effective early screening tools. This study employs data mining methods to scrutinize bioinformatic data surrounding TRIP13. Examining differential expression across various cancers, correlating TRIP13 expression with pancreatic cancer stages, exploring associations with common cancer genes, and analyzing overall survival rates constitute the core investigations. Integrated with molecular biology techniques, the study further quantifies TRIP13 expression in progressive pancreatic cancer …

Deep Learning Can Be Used To Classify And Segment Plant Cell Types In Xylem Tissue, Reem Al Dabagh, Benjamin Shin, Sean Wu, Fabien Scalzo, Helen Holmlund, Jessica Lee, Chris Ghim, Samuel Fitzgerald, Marinna Grijalva

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Studies of plant anatomical traits are essential for understanding plant physiological adaptations to stressful environments. For example, shrubs in the chaparral ecosystem of southern California have adapted various xylem anatomical traits that help them survive drought and freezing. Previous studies have shown that xylem conduits with a narrow diameter allows certain chaparral shrub species to survive temperatures as low as -12 C. Other studies have shown that increased cell wall thickness of fibers surrounding xylem vessels improves resistance to water stress-induced embolism formation. Historically, these studies on xylem anatomical traits have relied on hand measurements of cells in light micrographs, …

Human Blood Cell Isolation: The Critical First Step In Our Laboratory’S Immunobiology Experimental Protocals, Victor Rivero

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

HUMAN BLOOD CELL ISOLATION: THE CRITICAL FIRST STEP IN OUR LABORATORY’S IMMUNOBIOLOGY EXPERIMENTAL PROTOCALS

Victor Rivero1 Paul W. Denton1, vrivero@unomaha.edu

1Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE

The Denton Immunobiology Laboratory focuses on enhancing human natural killer (NK) cell killing capabilities, particularly in the context of combating cancer. NK cells are immune cells that have the ability to kill diseased cells via two mechanisms: direct killing, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). We recently published our novel approach to testing both methods of killing by using NK cells derived from the same human donor. Our testing approach allows …

Honey Targets Ribosome Biogenesis Process In Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells To Inhibit Their Growth And Metastatic Phenotypes, Aun A. Bangash, Muhammad Bangash, Haider Ahsan, Shiza Khan, Mudassier Ahmad, Dae Joon Kim, Sahir Alvi, Bilal B. B. Hafeez

Research Symposium

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is the fourth deadliest cancer worldwide and is expected to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030. In the USA, the National Cancer Institute put forth a grim prediction stating that there will be 64,050 new cases in 2023 alone and about 50,000 of these patients will die. Existing therapeutic regimens against PanCa are not that effective and show unacceptable toxicities. Therefore, developing highly effective new agents with less toxicity is urgently required, which could be used as a monotherapy or as an adjuvant to treat PanCa patients. Honey is known for its tremendous health benefits …

The Effect Of Percussive Massage On Collagen Gene Expression In Skeletal Muscle, James Bartling, Robert D. Hyldahl, Emma Schaugaard, Mohadeseh Ahmadi

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

INTRODUCTION

• Exercise is a critical aspect of healthy living due in part to its effects of muscle adaptation, which are largely regulated by alterations in gene expression

• Sedentary behavior can be required by diverse life circumstances, suggesting a need to reproduce the beneficial effects of exercise by an alternative means

• Like exercise, percussive massage introduces a mechanical strain on the muscle, which could potentially replicate a similar remodeling response of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, this has not yet been studied

• Collagen 1,3,&4 are major components of the ECM that adapt in response to exercise, and …

Staying Hydrated: A Comparative Analysis Of Humectants In Human Tissue, Rachel Prince, Jason Adams, Joseph Monsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

3rd Place Poster Design

Humectants are an important class of compounds that attract and retain water within a cell. When mixed with water to create wetting solutions, humectants can prevent desiccation of cadaveric specimens1. Recognizing a relative scarcity of comparative studies analyzing the effects of various wetting solutions on post-preservation cadaveric maintenance, we utilized wet-dry analysis in order to compare the effects of four common humectants on water retention in human cadaveric tissue including brain, cardiac muscle, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and skin. We created a concentration gradient for each humectant to identify the optimal concentrations of each compound for …

Jaspine B And The Sea Sponge That Fights Cancer, Jack Davis, Jared Barrott, Adriene Pavek, Farjana Afrin, Sameena Mateen, Brendon Meldrum, Rocio Rojas, Pamela Diaz, Megan Condie, Ali Aghazadeh-Habashi, Srinath Pashikanti

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

Jaspine B is a natural marine product, derived from the sea sponge, Jaspis, found in some tropical climates. Jaspine B has been shown to be an effective treatment in some cancers with an upregulation of sphingomyelin synthase. This research aimed to understand the effects of Jaspine B on synovial sarcoma, and investigate its potential to be used as targeted treatment in other cancers that have an upregulation of sphingomyelin synthase

Exploring The Role Of Dopamine And Atp In Microglial Motility, Derek Langford, Jordan Yorgas, Christopher Galbraith, Channing Syme, Brayden Parker, Savannah Evans, Derek Langford, Eliza White, Erin Taylor, Lauren Ford, Hillary Wadsworth

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

►Recent studies from our laboratory have identified that dopamine and ATP in the Nucleus Accubmens (NAc) are co-released.

►ATP is a chemoattractant for macrophages in general, and microglia specifically, suggesting that dopamine and ATP corelease may function to alter microglia activity.

►The present work characterizes the effects of microglia activation via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on dopamine terminal function, and the effects of dopamine and ATP on microglia motility.

Whole Genome Sequencing Of The Whipple Azalea Garden, Afia Asamoah, Elizabeth Toth, Amy Vasudevan, Sarah Justice, Elizabeth D. Hasenmyer

Lux et Fides: A Journal for Undergraduate Christian Scholars

Taylor University houses a large collection of North American azaleas. Deciduous azalea species, like those found on campus, are vastly understudied. This project aims to provide publicly available genomic data which will be used to study the genetic basis behind their physical characteristics and their relatedness to other species.