Digital Commons Network^™

The Role And Expression Of Pros-1 In The C. Elegans Gonad, Brandon W. Thomas, Mary B. Kroetz, Roberta Challener

Undergraduate Theses

The nematode, formally known as Caenorhabditis elegans, has served as an excellent model organism in understanding fundamental biological processes, including those governed by conserved genes like pros-1. pros-1 is partially responsible for the formation of tubular structures within the organism. Glial cells and excretory canals are both examples of tubular structures governed by pros-1. pros-1 orchestrates the embryonic development of these cell types by modulating cell proliferation and differentiation, thus ensuring proper morphogenesis and organogenesis. Its regulatory influence likely extends beyond embryogenesis, potentially affecting reproductive processes as well. Furthermore, the evolutionary conservation of pros-1 underscores its significance …

The Chemistry Of Decomposition: The Mechanisms To Decay The Human Body, Lydia J. Buxa

Senior Honors Theses

Taphonomic analysis separates decomposition into four major stages: fresh, early decomposition, advanced decomposition, and skeletonization. It is easy to demarcate the observable changes to the body, but it is far more difficult to know what underlying biochemical processes are occurring. Fresh decomposition begins with algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis, which sets the stage for the major workforces of decomposition: autolysis and putrefaction. The external signs of decomposition appear in early decomposition, which can be attributed to the breakdown of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This also leads to major changes in the moisture levels during advanced decomposition, …

How Biophilic Design Impacts Office Spaces, Addison Carter

Honors Projects

Many working individuals experience burnout and dissatisfaction in their jobs. Although is this a result of individual mental strain, or are there other environmental factors contributing to the problem? This study investigates the impact of design on well-being and examines how biophilic design can serve as a solution to the negative effects certain architectural features may have on occupants. A literature review was conducted; it analyzed existing research on topics such as office design, biophilic design, and the influence of architecture on comfort and wellness. To explore how biophilic design can be applied in all settings, not just new construction, …

Effects Of Roadways On Seasonal Movement Strategies And Mate Location Success In An Imperiled Pit Viper (Crotalus Horridus), Dominic Desantis

Academic Affairs

A detailed understanding of animal movement behavior is fundamental to effective conservation and management. Within populations, a diversity of movement strategies can be displayed in search of critical resources, and these strategies are influenced by multiple interacting factors related to individuals and the environment. Mating partners are one critical resource that often serves as a prominent selective force shaping movement during mating seasons. For many large-bodied snakes, such as pit vipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae), male mate-searching movements are the primary determinant of mate location success. During this time, males incur significant risks associated with elevated movement. In an increasingly human-modified world, …

Ecology Of Beech Leaf Disease: Identifying The Forest Conditions Correlated With Infection In Northeast Ohio, Blake Logan

Research Symposium

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is a novel, poorly-understood threat to forests across North America. Since its discovery in northeast Ohio in 2012, the disease has affected staggering numbers of beech trees (Fagus grandifolia), resulting in increased sapling mortality. In the near future, mortality in symptomatic mature trees is expected to follow. The symptomatic striped leaves result from the activity of the nematode Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii, but the precise role this organism plays in transmission and infection is currently unknown.

Oberlin College has been conducting forest demography research at Chance Creek, a nature preserve in Lorain county, since 1974. Every …

Global Health Concentration Journey, Leann Torrez

Research Symposium

The Oberlin College Global Health Concentration has played a crucial role in helping me strengthen my personal goals and professional vision, especially regarding the future I hope to shape for others. Before attending Oberlin, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in nursing, driven by both positive and negative experiences that my family, my communities, and I have encountered within the healthcare system. These experiences motivated me to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to create a more equitable, accessible, and intentional healthcare environment for underrepresented communities. Throughout my time at Oberlin, I’ve been learning to think critically about …

The Biomedical Ethics Of Palliative Psychiatry In Anorexia Nervosa Patients, Mikayla Decesare

Fisher Showcase 2025

My presentation is going to be created from the extensive research paper that I am writing on the biomedical ethics of palliative psychiatry in patients specifically with Anorexia Nervosa. The paper as well as the presentation will explore ethical frameworks that can be applied to this medical practice by diving into case studies, looking at arguments of people currently in the field, analyzing what criteria needs to be taken into account, and more. This Keystone was added to the Biomedical Ethics course I am taking this semester so the audience is my classmates. However, this presentation is also tailored to …

A Tetracycline-Inducible Split Turboid System For Specific Biotinylation And Identification Of Nuclear Proteins From Hek293t Cells, Mehmet Sarihan, Fatma Zehra Özen, Murat Kasap, Gürler Akpinar

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: To overcome the limitations of conventional organelle isolation methods including low purity, low yield, sample degradation, scalability and the need for multiple centrifugation steps, an improved nuclear protein enrichment approach was developed using the modified Split TurboID biotin ligase enzyme.

Materials and methods: A construct was created in which the N-terminal domain of TurboID, fused to the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) was targeted to the nucleus. This construct was incorporated into a tetracycline-inducible gene expression vector. Similarly, the C-terminal domain of TurboID was fused to the rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR (FRB) and directed to the nucleus. This construct …

Prooxidant Effect Of Uric Acid On Human Leukocytic Dna: An In Vitro And Ex Vivo Study, Yim Tong Savio Szeto, Vincy Sze Wing Li, Yuen Lam Pon

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Uric acid is a major contributor to the total antioxidant capacity of human plasma. However, this endogenous substance’s antioxidant and prooxidant properties have not yet been reported.

Conclusion: In this study, the comet assay was employed in vitro to determine the effect of uric acid on DNA damage in human lymphocytes and leukocytic DNA damage in hyperuricemia patients with and without renal failure.

Results: DNA damage in lymphocytes occurred at uric acid concentrations of ≥600 μM. Adding catalase to the uric acid solution diminished the damaging effect, indicating that hydrogen peroxide mediated the prooxidant activity. Moreover, …

Intrinsic Apoptotic Effect Of Anatolian Honeybee (Apis Mellifera Anatoliaca) Venom Promoted With Mesoporous Silica Nanocarriers, Batuhan Orman, Ayli̇n Koç, Di̇dem Şen Karaman, Ayşe Nalbantsoy

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The use of bee products or treatment with bees, as a complement to conventional medicine is attracting considerable attention in cancer research. Although discoveries related to the potential anticancer effects of bee venom are increasing, the unstable nature of venom biomolecules remains a limiting factor for their usage. In this study, we employed mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs) to provide precise dosing and prevent carriers from biomolecule degradation thanks to the outstanding loading capacity provided by the pores, excellent chemical and biological robustness, and ability to improve bioavailability.

Materials and methods: MSNs were synthesized and physicochemical characterizations were …

N-Cadherin Mimetic Hydrogels Drive Superior Regenerative And Paracrine Responses In 3d Cultures Of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Demet Kaçaroğlu, Alper Murat Ulaşli, Aybüke Di̇denur Sak, Seher Yaylaci

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background: Cadherin-based biomaterials play a pivotal role in influencing the fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Enhancing the adhesion of adipose tissue-derived MSCs has been shown to augment their paracrine effects while N-cadherin biomaterials have been suggested to regulate the paracrine effects of MSCs via specific growth factors although the precise mechanisms underlying this regulation remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to compare the effects of a 3D N-cadherin mimetic environment on cell viability, apoptosis, extracellular matrix regulation, and growth factor expression with those observed in traditional 2D and 3D spheroid cultures. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the …

Identification Of Areas Of Weakness In Forensic Footwear Research, Kathryn Roy

Honors Projects

Forensic footwear examinations have been carried out for almost a century, but the foundational validity of identifying a questioned impression to a particular shoe has been questioned by the National Research Council and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The focus of this paper was to identify the current weaknesses present in forensic footwear impression research. Additionally, a future experiment was proposed to address these concerns and improve the foundational validity of footwear impression comparisons. A total of 15 footwear research studies varying in methodology and content were analyzed and contrasted. From this, a lack of studies …

Effects Of Soluble Electron Shuttles On Microbial Iron Reduction And Methanogenesis, Bhim Sen Thapa, Theodore M. Flynn, Zena D. Jensvold, Kenneth M. Kemner, Margaret F. Sladek, Edward J. O'Loughlin, Christopher W. Marshall

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

In many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, iron (Fe) reduction by microorganisms is a key part of biogeochemical cycling and energy flux. The presence of redox-active electron shuttles in the environment potentially enables a phylogenetically diverse group of microbes to use insoluble iron as a terminal electron acceptor. We investigated the impact that different electron shuttles had on respiration, microbial physiology, and microbial ecology. We tested eight different electron shuttles, seven quinones and riboflavin, with redox potentials between 0.217 and −0.340 V. Fe(III) reduction coupled with acetate oxidation was observed with all shuttles. Once Fe(III) reduction began to plateau, a rapid …

All Stressed Out: An Investigation On The Effects Of Environmental Stressors On The Northern Leopard Frog (Rana Pipiens), Ella C. Wittmuss

Honors Thesis

Corticosterone (CORT) is the primary glucocorticoid in many vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. When an organism is exposed to external or internal stressors, CORT levels often increase (Rich & Romero, 2005; Titon et al., 2021). An increase in CORT can cause adverse physiological effects such as slower growth, malformations in different parts of the body, and specific blood sugar diseases such as diabetes (Glennemeier & Denver, 2002; Tarlow &Blumstein, 2007). CORT levels are indicators of survival, growth, and reproduction in larval amphibians. Many species, including our model organism, the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), are often subjected to …

Diapause And Anoxia-Induced Quiescence Are Unique States In Embryos Of The Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus Limnaeus, Patrick R. Clouser, Claire L. Riggs, Amie L. T. Romney, Jason E. Podrabsky

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Diapause is a state of developmental and metabolic dormancy that precedes exposure to environmental stresses. Yet, diapausing embryos are typically stress-tolerant. Evidence suggests that diapausing embryos “prepare” for stress as part of a gene expression program as they enter dormancy. Here, we investigate if diapause II embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus, which can survive for hundreds of days of anoxia, can mount a transcriptomic response to anoxic insult. Bulk RNAseq was used to characterize the transcriptomes of diapause II embryos exposed to normoxia, 4 h and 24 h anoxia, and 2 h and 24 h normoxic recovery …

Apigenin Attenuates Ischemia–Reperfusion-Induced Pulmonary Ferroptosis And Fibrosis By Activating The Nrf2/Ho-1/Gpx4 Axis In Mice, Liang Zhang, Haojie Li, Shichen Xu, Hao Wen, Chaoxiao Yu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI). In recent years, pulmonary ferroptosis and its associated fibrosis have been recognized as important causes of LIRI. The purpose of this study is to investigate apigenin (APG) as a potential therapeutic target for treating LIRI-induced pulmonary ferroptosis and fibrosis.

Materials and methods: A rat model of LIRI was established and the rats were randomly divided into three groups, a sham group, a LIRI group, and an APG group. The pathological changes of the lung tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and …

Progression Of Electrophysiological Impairments In Diabetic Cardiomyopathy And Intervention Using Enicostemma Axillare, Victor Arokia Doss, Dharaniyambigai Kuberapandian

Turkish Journal of Biology

Earlier studies widely reported advanced ventricular impairments only at the later stages of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The present study aimed to understand the duration-based early to late stages of cardiac electrophysiological impairments using electrocardiography (ECG) and intervention using Enicostema axillare subsp. littorale. The experimental rats were streptozotocin (SZ)-induced diabetic rats that were administered E. axillare formulations as follows: (1) normal; (2) SZ - 40 mg/kg, single, i.p.); (3) SZ + insulin (2 U/day) + losartan (10 mg/kg); (4) SZ + insulin + losartan + E. axillare decoction (2 mL/day); (5) SZ + E. axillare decoction; (6) SZ + E. axillare …

Resveratrol Modulates Triosephosphate Isomerase And Mineralization In Osteosarcoma Cells: Potential Target For Novel Therapeutic Strategies, Gonca Tuna, Si̇bel Çinar Asa, Eli̇f Ertürk, Yaren Yildiz, Ferda Ari

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumor, is challenging to treat due to its aggressive nature and limited therapies. Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol, has potential anticancer properties. Hence, we investigated RES’s impact on osteosarcoma cells, focusing on triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) and related mechanisms.

Materials and methods: RES was applied to osteosarcoma (SaOS-2) and healthy fetal osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cells for 48 h, and cell viability was measured by SRB assay. The mode of cell death was examined using Hoechst 33342/annexin V/propidium iodide. TPI and methylglyoxal (MG) enzyme levels were determined by ELISA. The effect of RES on …

Knockdown Of Plexin C1 Induces Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition And Confers Resistance To Multikinase Inhibitors In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells, Gamze Güngör Topcu, Arzu Aysan, Şevval Di̇k, Mai̇de Şeker, Meli̇ke Bi̇nnur Bahçekapili, Sude Topkaraoğlu, Di̇lek Yavuzer, Tamer Yağci

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: HCC is a common and lethal malignancy and multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) are among the therapeutic options for unresectable cases. However, response rates to MKIs remained variable, necessitating the identification of predictive biomarkers. Plexin C1 (PLXNC1), a receptor involved in cell signaling, has emerged as a potential candidate to regulate tumor responses. This study aims to evaluate the impact of PLXNC1 expression on the sensitivity of HCC cells to MKI therapy.

Materials and methods: shRNA-mediated PLXNC1 knock-down and control clones of HCC cell lines PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B were generated, and downregulation of PLXNC1 was confirmed using Western blotting. …

Comparison Of Morphological Characteristics And Dna Sequences Of Platyhelminthes Within Dabbling And Diving Ducks Species, Elise A. Betcher, Karolyn M. Kolstad, Ashley L. Marks, Marguerite C. Reitano, Alexander J. Train

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Platyhelminthes, also known as flatworms, are among the most common parasites found in North American duck species. This phylum of parasites includes tapeworms and flukes. This study focused on identifying various Platyhelminthes found in Minnesota and Wisconsin wild ducks using both morphological characteristics and genetic sequencing. Both diving and dabbling species of ducks were used for this study, including green winged-teal (Anas carolinensis) and ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). Platyhelminthes were removed from legally harvested ducks and stained before examining and imaging under the microscope to identify key morphologic features for a presumptive identification. Subsequently, DNA was extracted …

Development Of A Qpcr For Detecting Borrelia Burgdorferi And Ixodes Tick Dna Simultaneously, Jenna Junker, Anthony J. Appicelli

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, are prevalent in the upper Midwest. Accurate determination of the percentage of Ixodes ticks that carry Lyme disease could help physicians and health experts develop treatment and prevention plans to curb the prevalence of disease. The purpose of this study was to see if accurate results for both Ixodes DNA and Borrelia DNA could be analyzed in the same qPCR assay for faster Lyme disease testing. Current testing in humans is achieved by running two separate diagnostic assays, an ELISA and Western Blot, both …

A Comparison Of The Bacterial Communities Of The Yamuna River (India) And Mississippi River (Usa), Jacob Gareis, Osvaldo Martinez, Silas Bergen

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This study compared the bacteria in the Yamuna River in India and the Mississippi River in the USA. Water samples were taken from 11 sites (2 in the Mississippi River and 9 in the Yamuna River). The bacteria were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Some phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were seen in abundance regardless of country. However, principal-component analysis showed three distinct groupings: Mississippi/Ganga/Tons and other Yamuna River locations (7 sites), Yamuna River at Delhi (2 sites), Yamuna River below Glacier (2 sites) Additionally, the Yamuna River below Glacier had the highest bacterial diversity, with a Shannon …

The Economic Impact Of The Emerald Ash Borer In Inver Grove Heights Mn, Nicholas Ruch, Noah Anderson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect that bores under the ash tree's bark. This effectively kills the tree by girdling its cambium. In this analysis of EAB, we looked at the financial effect it had on Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Expert Tree Service removed most of their ash trees and provided us with data to help calculate how much it cost. Brian Swoboda, the head forester for Inver Grove Heights, provided us with all of the information about their plan to reforest.

In total, for the years 2022 and 2023, the removals done by Expert Tree Service cost $83,690.68 …

Classification Of Trematode Species Of Wisconsin Ducks Using Morphological And Molecular Methods, Athena B. Lueken, Isabella T. Xiong, William J. Harvey

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Trematoda is a class of flatworms and it encompasses approximately 20,000 species. Trematoda has two subclasses, Digenea and Aspedogastria. The families observed in this study were Echinostomatidae and Strigeidae from the subclass Digenea. Trematoda can be found in most species of animals, usually ingested from their food source. The Trematodes in this study were collected from three different duck species including Aythya affinis (Lesser Scaup,) Anas acuta (Pintail,) and Aix sponsa (Wood Duck) donated by hunters between 2023 and 2024. All ducks were harvested in the state of Wisconsin and the dissections were performed at Winona State University, Winona Minnesota. …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

The Significance Of Symmetry: Exploring T-Numbers And Their Role In Virus Survival And Behavior, Jenna Franco, Taylor Ligozio

Mathematics & Computer Science Student Scholarship

Jenna Franco ’25, Biology major

Taylor Ligozio ’25, Biology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Su Jeong Kang, Mathematics and Computer Science

We studied the symmetry of different structures in common viruses and their T-numbers. We related these T-numbers with characteristics of the virus. Next we researched how the T-number of each virus was optimal for its survival and reproduction in its environment. We can use this information to infer or predict the behavior of viruses in the future based on their T-numbers.

Demography And Habitat Associations Of The Basalt Cactus Pediocactus Nigrispinus, Zarha S. Dillon-Zuppelli, Mary E. Poulson, Eric A. Graham

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Cacti are iconic members of arid ecosystems. Pediocactus nigrispinus is a species of cactus endemic to the Pacific Northwest and has been listed as a sensitive species due to its vulnerability to habitat loss. Best conservation methods for this species are poorly understood, due in part to a limited understanding of its demography and habitat associations that may help define its occurrence. A demographic study from four plots in Washington State was implemented in 2016 to provide a baseline of the population dynamics for P. nigrispinus and to enhance conservation efforts for this sensitive species. Five years of size, fecundity, …

Food & Drugs Unite: Targeting Leukemia With A [6]-Gingerol And 5-Fluorouracil Combination Chemotherapy, Alexa Mazzeo, Samantha Wechsler

Biology Presentations

Leukemia is a cancer found in the blood characterized by rapid growth of blood cells. This study examines the effect of [6]-Gingerol and 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of the Jurkat cell line, a cell line that is a model for T-cell leukemia due to similar mechanisms. MTT assay technique was used to measure cell proliferation and viability. We expected to see high cell fractional affect and reduced proliferation as the concentrations of the combinational therapy of [6]-Gingerol and 5-FU increased. These two cell compounds were selected because of their anti-carcinogenic effects: [6]-Gingerol is used aid in the inflammation …

Development Of Edna Tools For Biomonitoring, Stella Grondin, Anthony Aldana – Mendez

Biology Student Scholarship

Stella Grondin ’27, Biology major

Anthony Aldana – Mendez ’27, Biology and Psychology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Markert, Biology

Effects Of Integrated Pest Management On Honey Bee Behavior And Colony Level Health, Kaitlyn Bresnahan

Biology Student Scholarship

Kaitlyn Bresnahan ’25, Biology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Rachael Bonoan, Biology

Honey bees face threats from many directions, but the most pressing is the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. One popular method of combatting Varroa is adding drone comb which forces the colony to raise larger, mite-preferred male bees. While this method reduces mite numbers, it may add unnecessary colony-level stress. My research investigates how forcing the hive to raise drones for mite management affects honey bee population growth and foraging behavior. This was accomplished by estimating adult bee population and area of drone brood, and by examining foraging behavior of …