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Decoding Oncology-Focused Biotechnology Firms: Lifecycle Analysis And Predictive Insights For Valuation From A Junior Associate's Perspective, Kesav P. Chandrasekhar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Oncology-focused biotechnology firms present unique valuation challenges due to high R&D costs, long development timelines, and uncertain clinical outcomes. This thesis addresses such challenges by integrating the clinical development lifecycle with financial valuation models to provide predictive insights into company value. A structured framework is developed that primarily focuses on stage-specific probabilities of success (PoS) for drug candidates and their impact on firm valuation, embedded in techniques such sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis. By quantitatively linking clinical trial phases and likelihoods of approval to cash flow projections, the model enables a more realistic, risk-adjusted estimation of a biotech firm's worth. Through lifecycle …

Identifying Novel Molecular Targets To Induce Ferroptosis In Drug-Tolerant Cancer Cells Through Computational Modeling, Haris J. Rana

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven form of regulated cell death in which the cell membrane is degraded by lipid peroxidation. It is regulated by multiple enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which prevents membrane degradation by reducing lipid peroxides and protecting cells from oxidative damage. When inhibitors like RSL3 target GPX4, lipid peroxides build up, and toxic ROS compromises membrane integrity. Traditional anticancer treatments, such as most chemotherapies, aim to eliminate tumor cells by damaging DNA and triggering apoptosis. However, resistance to apoptosis is a “hallmark of cancer,” often resulting in treatment failure. As a distinct …

Life History Inhibits Deleterious Effects Of Dams On Genetic Health And Structure Of A Headwater Stream Fish, Riley Phelps

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and land use changes in river networks are common globally. The resulting fragmentation of landscapes and riverscapes threatens biodiversity and can affect dispersal and subsequently, gene flow and genetic health of species. Headwater streams are an integral part of river networks and contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat for temporary and permanent residents, yet they are easily altered and fragmented. The sandhills chub (Semotilus lumbee) is an endemic headwater leuciscid that lives in highly fragmented streams of the sandhills ecoregion in North and South Carolina, USA. New knowledge on the population genetics of the sandhills chub is …

Investigating Stress Hormone Variations In Green Frogs (Lithobates Clamitans) During The Mating Season, Abby Mciver

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring stress hormones in wildlife populations is increasingly used to understand how human activities may impact the environment. The goal of this study was to quantify corticosterone in green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) at baseline levels and in response to an acute stressor throughout the mating season. The project was conducted from May to September of 2024 at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. Corticosterone levels were determined over six consecutive days each month from May to September using a non-invasive dermal swab technique. Additionally, body metrics, water chemistry, and weather and habitat conditions were evaluated on each sampling …

Impacts Of Temperature Acclimation On Swimming Performance And Metabolic Dynamics Of The Amargosa River Pupfish, Cyprinodon Nevadensis Amargosae, Teresa E. Guerre

Master's Theses

Climate change is leading to warmer atmospheric temperatures in many regions of the world, which in turn is raising the temperatures of aquatic habitats and simultaneously shifting the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation events. In fishes, metabolic demands are higher under warmer conditions, while dissolved oxygen levels typically decline in warmer water. This mismatch may limit the ability of fishes to cope with high water flow events like floods that can occur following extreme rainfall. A few species of pupfishes (genus Cyprinodon) in the Death Valley region of California and Nevada, USA, occupy stream or river habitats with …

Investigating The Effect Of Fasting On Senescent Cells In Nothobranchius Furzeri Fish, Israel A. Akinola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Senescent cells (SCs) have been documented to accumulate with age in the organism. Recent studies have shown that reducing the number of SCs in an organism result in tissue rejuvenation and extension of life expectancy. Intermittent fasting is reported to have multiple health benefits and is speculated to reduce the burden of SCs. Nothobranchius furzeri are a new model organism for studying aging and for which there are short- and long-lived strains available. We hypothesize that long- and short-lived strains of N. furzeri will accumulate SCs at different rates; and that fasting will reduce the burden of SCs.

The results …

Is There A Difference In Bird Diversity Among Prairie And Lake Habitats In Central Minnesota?, Emmi Edel, Morgan Cromwell, Maddy Fuller, Preston Mcgraw

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Biodiversity plays an essential role in ecosystem stability. Habitat changes from human activities also threaten this role. Our study examined how habitat type and urbanization affect the number of birds and bird diversity across two campuses in central Minnesota. The first campus is rural Saint John’s University (SJU), and the second is suburban College of Saint Benedict (CSB). We predicted that more bird species would be in habitats with water than habitats without water bodies. We also predicted that bird species numbers would be more significant on SJU, which has a large natural area, which CSB lacks. Observations were conducted …

Attention Deficits & The Biological Foundations Of Effective Learning Strategies, Matthew Scribner

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This capstone project will conduct a focused literature review on learning strategies for individuals with Attention Deficits Disorders. The project will explore various study strategies and modifications that have been found effective in improving learning outcomes for individuals with ADHD. Specifically, the project will delve into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ADHD, focusing on how impairments in attention, executive function, and working memory might affect learning. It will also explore how specific modifications to study techniques can help mitigate these challenges and enhance learning outcomes. My interest in this topic stems from both my academic background as a teaching assistant in …

Positive Impact Of Mangroves On Periwinkle Snail (Littoraria Angulifera) Population Size, Anna Jones, Eva Kolbow, Lucy Petschel, Morgan Stone

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Mangroves play a crucial role as shoreline aquatic nurseries and provide infrastructure along bodies of water to protect inland areas from extreme weather and storm surges. Mangroves also provide a secure habitat for animals, and trap and filter pollutants. Their stilt roots provide shelter for fish species and are critical to the survival of many small species that use this ecosystem. We investigated mangrove periwinkle snail populations on the red mangrove species (Rhizophora mangle). Data was collected along Pigeon Creek, San Salvador Island, Bahamas in March 2025. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between mangrove density and snail population …

The Effect Of Anthropogenic Sound On Foraging Behavior In Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis Macrochirus), Dayna Wiley

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Anthropogenic noise can have adverse effects on fish populations. High-amplitude noise can cause hearing damage and interfere with essential behaviors, including feeding, migration, and reproduction. Studies suggest that fish regularly exposed to boat noise in lakes exhibit different behavioral responses compared to populations in quieter environments. Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) were collected via angling from a “Quiet Lake” (Lake Sagatagan, Collegeville, MN) with no motor use, and a “Loud Lake” (Upper Spunk Lake, Avon, MN) with frequent motor use. Bluegill foraging behavior was examined in response to daily playback of motorboat traffic. Bluegill (n = 5 individuals per trial; n …

Synthesis And Characterization Of 3,5 Trifluoromethyl Tpm With A Metal Carbonyl Complex, Emily P. Berkman

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Tris(pyrazolyl)methane (Tpm) ligands have a central carbon with 3 pyrazole rings attached. These were discovered in 1970 and have since been synthesized with many substituents on the rings. Based on the parent structure, my goal was to synthesize a fluorinated Tpm derivative. By adapting existing procedures, I have synthesized a Tpm derivative with trifluorinated methyl groups in the 3 and 5 positions of the pyrazole ring. The fluorinated ligand is expected to be electron withdrawing and exhibit interesting chemistry when bound to a metal center. Future directions of the project will be discussed.

Disulfide-Cleavable Linkers In Antibody-Drug Conjugates For Targeted Cancer Therapy, Emily Hwang

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This project aims to discover a way to improve the safety of and reduce adverse side effects of disulfide-linked antibody-drug conjugates. Disulfide-cleavable linkers for antibody-drug conjugates function by exploiting the differential concentrations of dominant thiol species in the blood plasma and in the cytosol of malignant cells. This project aimed to identify a relationship between the stability of disulfide cleavable linkers in the blood plasma and disulfide linker structure, to prevent premature release of the cytotoxic drug. Three disulfide linker analogs with varying carbon chain lengths were synthesized through reaction with 2,2’-dipyridyl disulfide. Each analog was conjugated to a fluorescent …

Cultural Health Benefits And Challenges Of Food Preparation And Consumption: A Comparative Study Of The United States, Italy, And Norway, Natalie G. Link

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study aims to investigate the cultural health benefits and challenges associated with food preparation and consumption in the United States, Italy, and Norway, with a particular focus on citizens in lower socioeconomic levels. By examining the dietary habits, social structures, and health outcomes in these three countries, this research aims to uncover broader insights into the health status and well-being of their respective populations. The study will employ secondary data analysis approach examining existing research on cultural practices and social support systems. The findings of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between food …

Semiconductors In Space: Data Analysis Of Microgravity's Impact On Crystal Formation, Keegan Jo Jackson

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Comprehensive data analysis on crystal growth in microgravity is a requisite to inform understanding of prior work. Our research constructed and analyzed a database containing data gathered from research focusing on semiconductors grown in microgravity. Data curation spanned multiple decades, countries, and semiconductor materials. All relevant reported information was recorded in the database, notably data regarding the metrics used to determine the impact space had on crystal growth: size, structure, uniformity, and performance. After data cleaning and data processing, the database was organized and readied for analysis. Data analysis was performed using RStudio and SciKit-learn. RStudio was employed for data …

Linking The Past And The Future: Understanding How Pollutants Cause Corrosion During An Oddy Test, Kylie Blair Blake

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Artifacts and artwork continue to tell a story long after a time or culture has disappeared. Preventive art conservation science involves careful and responsible management of the objects entrusted in the care of the museum staff to ensure environmental and display conditions do not cause damage so future generations can observe and learn about past cultures. An accelerated metal corrosion test, the Oddy test, has been used to help determine the suitability of display and storage materials. The Oddy test is subjective, so newer methods are being developed involving the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify specific …

Sympatric Behavior Of Tree Squirrels In An Urban Environment, Ryan L. Snyder

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) are ubiquitous in urban ecosystems like university campuses despite the habitat loss and fragmentation often associated with urbanization. While populations of both species usually do not overlap in their native geographic ranges, gray and fox squirrels are sometimes forced into coexistence in urban habitats where fewer green spaces are available. The coexistence of both species at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana refutes the competitive exclusion principle, and niche partitioning is likely necessary for them to coexist. This study assessed the activity patterns of fox and gray squirrels at Butler …

A New Transition Metal Borate, Co6(B24O39(Oh)6(H2O) 6·2.21h2O, Synthesized Via A Mild Hydrothermal Synthesis, Alevtina Maksimova, Patrick Belt, Nilah Whitfield, Mark D. Smith, Gopabandhu Panigrahi, Gregory Morrison, Hans Conrad Zur Loye

Faculty Publications

A new transition metal borate hydrate, Co₆B₂₄O₃₉(OH)₆(H₂O)₆·2.21H₂O, was synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method using boric acid as the melt. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P 3‾ with lattice parameters a = b = 13.17840(10) Å, c = 12.3287(2) Å, and a unit cell volume of 1854.27(4) ų (Z = 2). This borate hydrate crystallizes in a new structure type comprised of layers containing [BO3] trigonal planar units and [BO4] tetrahedra that are linked by CoO6 and Co(OH)2(H2O)4 octahedra via corner-sharing. The …

Men In Family Science Courses: Perspectives Of Family Science Faculty And Administrators, Michael Langlais, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Sophia Rotella

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The goal of this qualitative study is to describe the perspectives of higher education family science faculty and administrators regarding men’s enrollment in family science courses. University family science courses educate students on how to promote developmental potential for individuals, couples, and families. Information from these classes can assist students’ personal and professional development regardless of gender, yet there are far fewer men enrolled in these courses compared to women. Data come from 78 faculty members and 12 administrators from randomly selected universities using the National Council on Family Relations’ Degree Programs in Family Science directory. Using coding reliability thematic …

Growing Confidence: Women Forest Landowner Workshops In Georgia, Neil R. Dingley Jr., Nicholas E. Fuhrman, Kris Irwin, Elizabeth Mccarty

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The number of female forest landowners (FFLs) has been growing throughout the United States. This growth demands educational outreach for a demographic that is often behind their male counterparts in experience and education. The purpose of this exploratory study was to design and host educational workshops geared towards FFLs and to answer the following questions using quantitative and qualitative methods: (1) Are the workshops changing FFLs’ confidence in land management? (2) What are FFLs’ intentions after attending workshops? (3) Does confidence or participants’ intentions with their land vary with demographics? (4) Are workshops providing a platform to start FFL social …

Biodegradable Active Packaging: Exploring The Antimicrobial Efficacy And Compostability Of Chitosan-Based Films, Rachel Mchugh

All Theses

The overarching purpose of this experiment is to create an active packaging component that has both antimicrobial and biodegradable properties specifically designed for poultry food products. For the scope of this study, the packaging component created would theoretically be used in conjunction with another material, such as a poultry tray which are commonly used for fresh poultry products. Based on the scope and purpose of this experiment, biopolymer films and coatings were considered after the initial literature review. Due to the goals of the packaging component, chitosan, a polysaccharide shown to have antimicrobial properties and an inherent ability to biodegrade, …

Multi-Domain Machine Learning For Biological Classification: Mallard Classification And Protein Function Prediction, Tolulope Samuel Adeyina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Multi-domain machine learning applications have revolutionized how we understand and predict complex biological phenomena. This dissertation presents novel computational methodologies addressing two critical problems: mallard classification using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and protein function prediction via interpretable topic-aware peptide embeddings. The research focuses on distinguishing mallard populations through SNP data, which are inherently characterized by ultra-high dimensionality. The research uses advanced feature-selection and dimensionality-reduction strategies alongside machine learning classification algorithms to identify minimal, yet highly predictive SNP sets crucial for accurate breed differentiation. This framework demonstrates robust performance with optimal computational efficiency, significantly aiding conservation and breed management efforts. Furthermore, the …

Design And Optimization Of Aquaculture Gear: Development Of A Cage-Integrated Reeling Mechanism For Oyster Farming, Felicity Bryant

Honors Theses

This project encompasses the design, fabrication, and testing of a cage-integrated reeling system aimed at reducing the physical labor required in oyster aquaculture at Bama Bay Oyster Farm, the last operational oyster farm in Mobile Bay. The proposed system includes two primary components: lightweight, modular oyster cages and a dual-winch reeling device for automated retrieval. Three cage prototypes—rectangular, oval, and hexagonal—were evaluated for structural performance and fabrication feasibility. The oval design was ultimately excluded due to practical fabrication limitations. The rectangular and hexagonal designs were fabricated using recycled materials and tested under the most extreme environmental conditions derived from years …

Whole-Genome Assembly And Annotation Of The Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon Eatonii), David E. Jarvis, Mikel R. Stevens, Payton Carter, Ying Fei Lin, Kate E. Jaggi, Gabriela Jijon, Teal Kalt, Jouber Calixto, Samantha Standring, Kaitlin Torres, Kayla B. Stephensen, Hayley Mangelson, Noah H. Williams, Carolyn A. Wessinger, Peter J. Maughan, Paul B. Frandsen

Faculty Publications

The penstemons are ornamental annual flowering plants native to the Intermountain West and Rocky Mountains and commonly used for urban landscaping. Elite commercial penstemons are generally susceptible to abiotic stresses, including drought, root rot, cold, and high salinity. Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii), however, is much more tolerant to these stresses than most elite cultivars. Importantly, firecracker penstemon has been reported to hybridize with many other penstemons and therefore provides the opportunity to develop more tolerant elite cultivars through strategic crossing. To facilitate the study and utilization of firecracker penstemon, we sequenced and annotated the genome of a P. …

3d Printing Protein-Rrna Mutations In The Ribosome, Abigail Wilson

Senior Honors Projects

Sometimes conveying research can be difficult through two-dimension models. In my project, I aimed to highlight the significance of three-dimensional visualization in science, thereby enhancing the understanding of complex biomedical concepts. Through my work in Dr. Steven Gregory’s lab, I have been studying the ribosome – the macromolecular machine that utilizes messenger RNA and transfer RNA to link together amino acids thereby synthesizing proteins. Proteins are critical for most processes that occur within every cell. I specifically focus on the interactions between ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) at the peptidyl transferase center – the active site where amino acids …

Electrochemically Precipitated Struvite Effects On Extractable Soil Nutrients, Owen Collins

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Struvite recovery from wastewater streams may provide an alternative to traditional fertilizer-phosphorus (P) sources, while also providing the benefit of reducing nitrogen and P loads in wastewater effluent and reducing effects of eutrophication in surface waters. Limited research has been conducted to assess the effects of struvite fertilization on concentrations of soil micronutrients and potassium (K) compared to other traditional fertilizer-P sources in historically agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of fertilizer-P source (i.e., synthetically produced electrochemically precipitated struvite [ECST], chemically precipitated struvite [CPST], monoammonium phosphate [MAP], diammonium phosphate [DAP], triple superphosphate [TSP], rock …

Inflammatory Response In Ucd200/206 Scleroderma-Prone Chickens To Intradermal Injection Of Silikon 1000, Katee L. Johnson

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Intradermal injections of silicone materials have resulted in chronic inflammation and fibrotic reactions in some individuals. The UCD200/206 line of chickens is characterized by spontaneous development of scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc), a fibrotic autoimmune disease. This longitudinal study examined the cellular inflammatory activity initiated by SILIKON 1000 (a silicone product used as a filler in human skin) at the site of intradermal (i.d.) injection and in the peripheral blood in the SSc-prone UCD 200/206 (UCD) chickens and healthy White Leghorn (WL) controls. Specifically, the pulps of growing feathers (GFs) were i.d. injected with SILIKON or endotoxin-free, sterile PBS (8 and 3 …

Influence Of Gossypol From Cottonseed Meal Fed To Pregnant Sows On Seminiferous Tubule Diameters In Male Offspring, Elizabeth Callaway

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Feral swine were first brought to the United States in the 1500s as a source of food and have been reported as an invasive species since then without an efficient method of population control. Ongoing research indicates that the total cost of the damage this species has caused estimates to around 1.5 billion dollars each year (USDA, 2023). Gossypol is a phenolic compound found in the cotton plant and can be administered in the form of cottonseed meal (CSM). Gossypol has been associated with reduced fertility in various species (Randel et al., 1992). Pregnant sows were fed cottonseed meal to …

Poor Sleep Quality Is Associated With Decreased Structural Coherence Of Mesolimbic Dopamine Projections In Children, William A. Walker

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Insomnia is the second most common mental disorder that affects approximately 10% of the population. An additional one-third of the population experiences occasional symptoms of insomnia like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep quality is also a key indicator of overall mental and physical health; however, researchers have only begun to study the effects of the structure of the mesolimbic pathway on sleep cycle regulation and quality. Emerging research suggests that mesolimbic dopamine projections from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) to the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) play a role in sleep-wake regulation. In this study, I analyzed data from the …

Innovation Scholars Program, Lauren Voll, Olivia Latour, Owen Montreuil, Kaennae Mortimer

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

The innovations scholar program spans roughly five months and included two trips to Mayo Clinic Rochester. The team of four undergraduate students and an MBA student worked with Mayo Clinic ventures to assess the viability of a few patents. The project included a 40-page comprehensive paper as well as a 30-minute presentation. The specific details are protected under an NDA agreement however our key takeaways are shared on the poster.

Hotter Days, Sleepless Nights: The Effects Of Climate Change On Sleep, Arianne Johnson

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This literature review explores the intersection between environmental changes and human health. It has been found that climate change through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and poor air quality, disrupts human sleep. This lack of sleep is linked to many physical and mental health concerns in humans. By examining previous research on the topic, this review emphasizes the need to incorporate sleep health in climate adaptation and public health strategies