Digital Commons Network^™

The Web Hunter: Gut Metabarcoding Of Thread Legged Assassin Bugs (Emesinae; Reduviidae), Julia Fordham, Samantha Standring

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Thread-legged assassin bugs (Emesine) have frequently been observed on Baguada giganteus spider webs and have specialized morphology thought to evolve from hunting spiders. There is little to no research regarding the diet preferences for the majority of Emesinae species, and it remains unclear to what extent their diet consists of spiders. This research project utilized gut metabarcoding techniques to better understand the dietary behaviors of four emesine species: Emesa annulata, Polauchenia schubarti, Tagalis dichroa, and Bagauda giganteus.

The Role Of Nmda And Mglur5 Receptors On Hippocampal Depotentiation, J.H. Cummings, E. Sandberg, J.G. Edwards

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Depotentiation of LTP, the cellular mechanism of learning and memory, is thought to be the primary mechanism of forgetting.

Prior research in our lab investigated metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and its role in depotentiation and noted differences between males and females.

Preliminary data on NMDA receptors using AP5 (an antagonist) identified interesting findings, though n values are too low currently to draw conclusions.

The Impact Of Social Media On Attention And Memory, Jared Mcfarlane, Nathan Mangum, Ryan Ensign, Andrew Lloyd, Samuel Storm, Jared Nielsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Social media has become nearly ubiquitous in recent years. However, relatively little is known about how its use is related to cognition. This study investigates the potential connection between our social media use habits and our cognitive abilities, specifically sustained attention and episodic memory.

The Fungi Behind The Forest: How Mycorrhizal Diversity Changes In Great Basin Bristlecone Pine In Response To Tree Age And Resource Availability, Zeb M. Mendenhall, Otto W. Groff, Austin J. Housley, Steven L. Petersen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

2nd Place - Open House Presentation

Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva, hereafter bristlecone) is one of the longest living organisms on the planet1 (Fig.1).

Bristlecone form symbiotic relationships with Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) to gain important resources in dry, nutrient poor soils2 (Fig. 2).

Very little research exists on the relationship between bristlecone and ECM, limiting our understanding of how these trees survive.

This project investigates how ECM diversity changes in bristlecone with age and different resource availabilities.

Species Dynamics And Potential Invasion In The Restored Streams Of East Maui, Hannah Breinholt, Isabelle Hunter, Sarah Cole, Seth M. Bybee, Rachel L. Wood

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

100+ years of water diversions in East Maui disrupted this connectivity, threatening native species and their habitat

In 2018, stream flow was restored to 22 streams

Endemic amphidromous fish in East Maui streams depend on intact flow from mountains to sea (mauka-to-makai) and are especially vulnerable to habitat disruption and isolation [1]

Has stream restoration enabled native fish species to recolonize or has it created openings for non-native species?

Shoot Apical Meristem Size And Inflorescence Morphology In Gilia, Madeleine Glover, Clinton Whipple

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Gilia, a genus of wildflower native to the western United States, is a promising new model for evolutionary developmental biology. Two closely related Gilia species, G. capitata and G. yorkii, are able to produce a fertile hybrid, though they differ in many morphological features, including inflorescence architecture. G. capitata has a tight capitate inflorescence with a high solitary flower number, while G. yorkii has a much more open inflorescence, with a solitary flower number of one. Analysis of shoot apical meristem (SAM) size in relationship with solitary flower number (SFN) will provide a deeper understanding of the evolution of this …

Self-Reported Longest-Held Occupation Type In Relation To Epilepsy In Late Life: A Pooled Cohort Analysis Of Incidence And Prevalence, Daniel Guerrero Gutierrez, Sofia Pelagalli Maia, Hyunmi Choi, Jose Gutierrez, Natalie Bello, Mary L. Biggs, Emily M. Briceño, James F. Burke, Lisandro D. Colantonio, Mitchell S.V. Elkind, Annette L. Fitzpatrick, Christopher Gonzalez, Alden L. Gross, Lei Huang, Emily L. Johnson, W. Craig Johnson, Cheng-Shiun Leu, Deborah A. Levine, Minghua Liu, W.T. Longstreth Jr., Richard P. Mayeux, Sylwia Misiewicz, Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer, Tatjana Rundek, Danurys Sanchez, Steven J. Shea, Tian Wang, Carolyn W. Shu, Evan L. Thacker

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Epilepsy in late life is influenced by biological, behavioral, social and environmental factors

Lifetime occupation type may capture socioeconomic, environmental, and long-term physical exposures relevant to brain health (e.g., manual labor, stress levels, neurotoxic exposures) that could influence neurological aging

Seizure Propagation And How Ketones May Help Mitigate Harmful Effects, Jacob Wassmer, Melissa L. Blotter, Isaac Stubbs, R. Ryley Parrish

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Status epilepticus (SE) is a seizure state characterized by continuous ictal activity lasting over 5 minutes. SE frequently becomes unresponsive to frontline antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), resulting in refractory status epilepticus (RSE), a neurological medical emergency with a mortality rate as high as 38% in some studies. To assess how SE develops over time, we have characterized an ex vivo brain slice SE model using a high-resolution multi-electrode recording system. The system contains over 4000 electrodes with less than 60μM of space in between each electrode. With this unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, we have identified key features of SE that …

Research Process Toward The Creation Of Transgenic Beetles, Abraham B. Alton, Nathan Dauk, Jonah Jex, Brian D. Jensen, Sandra Hope

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Honorable Mention - Poster Design

Create a generalizable, reliable, and efficient procedure for insect genetic modification.

Insects born parasitic diseases such as malaria cause hundreds of millions of deaths each year. Many of these diseases could be eliminated if we had a reliable method for genetically modifying insects.

Rapid Kitchen Compost As A Growing Media, Rebecca Kerr, Shannon V. Nelson, Bryan G. Hopkins

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

ReencleTM composters decompose most food waste within 24 hours (~90% reduction).

Compost can be an excellent source of nutrients for plants and improve soil structure and water retention.

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of kitchen compost as a soil amendment for growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Potential Role Of Atr In Slower Aids Progression Associated With Hiv-1 Vpr Mutant R77q, Ava Wilstead, Sidney T. Sithole, Bradford K. Berges

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

HIV-1 typically induces necrotic T cell death, resulting in chronic inflammation that drives Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) progression. However, mutations in viral protein R (Vpr) are associated with altered disease outcomes. The HIV-1 Vpr mutant R77Q is linked to individuals that do not progress to AIDS without treatment, termed a longterm non-progressor (LTNP). The Berges lab has shown that R77Q infection results in reduced overall cell death compared to wild-type (WT) virus, while inducing increased apoptotic cell death.

Nest-Site Selection Of Chukar (Alectoris Chukar) In Western Utah, Julyn S. Robinson, Jacob T. Barnes, Heather L. Talley, Randy T. Larsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Fitness for species in arid systems is strongly influenced by reproductive success, particularly in ground nesting birds. Chukar (Alectoris chukar), an introduced and popular game bird throughout the west, provide recreational hunting and ecological value, yet the habitat features influencing their nest placement and nesting success remain poorly understood.

Muscle Transplants: Science Fiction Or Modern Medicine?, Erastus Evans, Mason Kephart, Benjamin Long, Jake Sorensen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

The loss of skeletal muscle from trauma or surgery results in limited regeneration and long-term dysfunction. Muscle transplants replenish lost cellular and structural tissue to improve healing and recovery of strength. Juvenile tissue offers a promising alternative to adult tissue due to the increased satellite cell and myofiber content.

Meta Analysis Of The Riverine Barrier Hypothesis In Mainland Southeast Asia, Gavin Kohl, Christian Furness, Eleanor Savage, Perry Van Wagoner, Randy Klabacka

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Understanding the drivers of biodiversification is an important objective in evolutionary biology

Yet much is still unknown regarding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity in species

Identifying barriers between lineages is a viable approach to discovering potential drivers

Ketone Bodies May Mitigate Metabolic Dysfunction In A Model Of Migraine, T. Luke Shafer, Dallin S. Nevers, Rachel Ricks, Clayton Dunford, Tyler Poulos, Isaac Stubbs, Coleson Cheney, Benjamin T. Bikman, R. Ryley Parrish

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Honorable Mention - Open House Presentation

• Spreading depolarization (SD) is a slow-moving wave of ionic redistribution.
• SDs propagate through cortical tissue in patients experiencing migraine with aura, as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI), ischemic stroke, and seizure.
• Recovery of ionic homeostasis following SD is metabolically taxing; an energetic deficit is associated with long-term mitochondrial damage.
• Ketone body supplementation is a promising therapeutic for epilepsy and migraine, although its mechanisms are not fully understood.

Iron Nutrition In Hydroponically Grown Quinoa, Ezra A. Larsen, Daniel L. Lamb, Shannon V. Nelson, Geneva M. Bell, Bryan G. Hopkins

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

• Iron (Fe) deficiency is a global health challenge
• Fe is an essential plant nutrient and limiting factor for many food crops
• Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a nutrient dense pseudocereal, is of growing importance for food security
• Quinoa is often grown in alkaline soil, where Fe is particularly limiting
• An improved understanding of how Fe affects quinoa growth could improve yields and help increase dietary iron intake

Investigating The Role Of Tnf In Hiv-1 Infected Cell Death, Brennan B. Wells, Sidney Sithole, Bradford Berges

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

HIV-1 is the causative agent of the terminal disease AIDS. Clinical studies have determined that patients infected with a mutant of HIV-1, Vpr-R77Q, do not progress towards AIDS. Subsequently, our lab has discovered two notable differences between the Vpr- R77Q variant and WT HIV-1: increased levels of apoptosis in infected cells (which is thought to contribute to the lack of AIDS progression), and decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, namely Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). The purpose of this ongoing experiment is to investigate the potential inverse correlation between TNF levels and apoptosis levels through the introduction of additional TNF cytokines to …

Investigating The Mechanisms Of Yersinia Ruckeri Inhibition By A New Strain Of Pseudomonas Fjordensis, Kyler Linton, David Erickson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Pacific freshwater fish are less likely than Atlantic freshwater fish to exhibit Enteric Redmouth Disease (ERM), or Yersiniosis as caused by Yersinia ruckeri. Based on the hypothesis that these fish may harbor commensal bacteria that inhibit Y. ruckeri growth, I isolated many kinds of commensal bacteria from fish intestines collected from Alaska and local streams. In previous studies, I have isolated novel bacteria capable of expressing inhibitory activity against Y. ruckeri via co-culture experiments. One of these bacteria is a strain of Pseudomonas fjordensis. Through genome-wide mutagenesis techniques, a possible gene has been unveiled that may be contributing to this …

Interspecific Dynamics Of Whitebark And Great Basin Bristlecone Pines In Nevada’S Ruby Mountains, Mayzie Ruggles, Sydney Jones, Zeb Mendenhall, Julyn Robinson, Steve Petersen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

High-elevation five-needled pines are keystone species in mountain ecosystems, where they provide critical wildlife habitat, stabilize soils, and retain snowpack that prolongs streamflow downstream. As temperatures rise in response to climate change, these long-lived conifers face increasing pressures from wildfire, disease, and bark beetles. Understanding their interspecific interactions has become essential for conservation and effective forest management by determining if pine species compete with each other or facilitate each others growth and survival. The Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada represent the only known location where Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) cooccur with whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis). Despite the ecological …

Interactive Effects Of Salinity And Glyphosate On Wetland Soil Microbial Communities, Ryan Mortensen, Madison Brown, Rachel Wood

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Wetland soil microbes play an important role in maintaining ecosystem health by cycling nutrients, breaking down organic matter, and maintaining water quality. Herbicide exposure has been shown to alter the genetic composition and functional potential of soil microbial communities, including shifts in microbial nutrient cycling processes [1].

Two of the most prominent environmental stressors in Utah’s wetlands are excessive salinity and herbicide exposure. Increased salinity can change how herbicides move and persist in water, which may influence their ecological effects [2]. While each stressor has been studied independently, little is known about their combined effects on soil microbial community structure …

In Silico Studies Of Hiv-1 Vpr R77q Mutant’S Structure And Stability, Linnea Mason, Sidney T. Sithole, Bradford K. Berges

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cells. Without treatment, infection with HIV-1 usually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is characterized as severe immunosuppression (CD4+ count: < 200cells/mm3 of blood). However, some individuals do not advance to AIDS and are known as long-term non-progressors (LTNP). Interestingly, a small viral protein of HIV-1, called viral protein R (Vpr), has been associated with HIV-1 progression. The R77Q mutant has been linked to the LTNP phenotype and increased levels of apoptosis; however, the mechanisms behind it are not yet understood [1]. Previously, our group has found that Vpr was expressed at lower levels in cells infected with R77Q virus compared to the wildtype (WT) virus by western blot [1]. Image quantification of the bands showed an approximate six-fold reduction in protein levels.

Improving Native Grass Germination With Seed Enhancement Technologies, Ronni Stauffer, Tanner Knapp, April Hulet, Matthew Madsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Faster germination aids invasive weeds’ competitive ability.

Several different seed enhancement technologies can help improve native grass germination.

Osmotic priming, solid matrix priming, and gibberellic acid (GA3) seed coatings are different techniques that have been shown to increase seedling germination in native plants.

Hamstrings Strength Is Influenced By Participation In Sports And Body Mass Across All Ages, Isaiah Guymon, Malorie Wilwand, A. Wayne Johnson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Hamstrings (HS), is a group of 4 muscles in the legs.

With age, muscles atrophy in part from factors related to age and increased sedentary behavior.

The Nordic curl is an eccentric HS exercise often used in athlete training. The Nordboard is a device that measures this eccentric force while performing a Nordic curl.

PURPOSE: To examine and compare eccentric (lengthening phase of a movement) hamstrings average (avg) and max force production across varying sports and age.

Genetic And Morphological Comparison Between Introduced And Native Populations Of Aspidocelis Neomexicanus, Sadie Hale, Jordan Kirk, Arianna Moore, Perry Van Wagoner, Vicente Fernández Lara, Angelina Romero, Dallin Matthews, Álvaro Osuna Jiménez, Reagan Mckee, Randy Klabacka

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

The introduction of non-native species to novel ecosystems can have negative impacts on the environment, economy, and human health.

Understanding the processes driving patterns in dispersion, establishment, and expansion of introduced species can illuminate strategies to reduce the occurrence of introduction and mitigate its effects.

The New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus) is a parthenogenetic (asexually-reproducing) species of lizard in the family Teiidae.

Exploring The Impact Of Redox Perturbations On Optic Tectum Development And Behavior, Kevin Gray, Bailey Calder, Daniel Andersen, Parker Hamblin, Michael Zeyer, Arminda Suli

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

The optic tectum (OT), the non-mammalian counterpart of the mammalian superior colliculus (SC), integrates multisensory information and orchestrates behavioral responses such as reflexive movements and attention shifts. It is localized in the midbrain, where anterior-posterior patterning is regulated by transcription factors dependent on proper endogenous H2O2 levels. Recent studies have implicated the OT/SC and early redox imbalance in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the importance of H2O2 in midbrain development, we are investigating how redox perturbations may lead to atypical OT circuitry development and, subsequently, result in aberrant behavioral phenotypes, similar to those associated with ASD. …

Enhancing Metabolic Fitness Of Car T-Cells By Removing Cd6, Nate Neyman, Alka Guar, Annie Joy-Larson, Collin Mickelson, Scott Weber

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Honorable Mention - Poster Design

CAR T-cell therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment involving engineering the patient’s T-cells to recognize and kill cancerous cells. This therapy has shown great success for blood cancers but has faced many challenges against solid tumors.

Surrounding tumor cells there is a lack of essential nutrients (oxygen, glucose) for T-cells to metabolize efficiency. Additionally, there is a buildup of excess waste products that directly impair T-cell function (1). To overcome these obstacles, scientists are working on developing longer lasting T-cells with improved metabolism to improve efficacy against cancer cells.

The Story Behind The Waves: Effects Of Urbanization And Female Presence On Waving Behavior In Fiddler Crabs, Katelyn Hansen, Blaine Griffen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Animal communication plays a central role in survival and reproduction, allowing individuals to convey information about their quality, territory, and reproductive statuses. Because signaling behaviors are often energetically costly and are dependent on both social contexts and habitat, they are sensitive to environmental conditions. Previous research has shown that male sand fiddler crabs (Leptuca pugilator) produce two distinct wave types: D-waves (typically directed towards other males) and up-and-down waves (typically directed toward females), and that they also reduce their waving behavior under urban stress. Urbanization introduces stressors such as habitat alteration and increased disturbances that can change the frequency and …

Discovery Of Short Antimicrobial Peptides In A Periplasmic Expression System, Joel Griffitts, Adam Dunn, Caleb Parker, Matthew Steed

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Short Antimicrobial peptides (sAMPs) have the potential to make a significant impact in the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this project, we aim to discover new sAMPs using a novel peptide expression system in E. coli. Using this system, we have successfully identified various sAMPs by testing both rationally designed peptides and randomized peptide libraries.

Diaphragm Function Does Not Decline With Age In A Healthy, Normally Active Population, Elizabeth Martin, Ulrike Mitchell

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

3rd Place - Poster Design

• The diaphragm is an essential muscle in respiration. It contracts during inhalation and relaxes during exhalation.
• The effects of age on the diaphragm still require further research.
• Sarcopenia is the age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and function.1,2
• To evaluate potential diaphragm sarcopenia, we measured diaphragm thickness and respiratory volume in a population of healthy older adults using ultrasonography and spirometry.

Development Of Seed Coating Technologies & Seeding Techniques To Improve Wildlife Habitat In The Sagebrush Steppe, Sage Johansen, Curtis Garlick, Corban Gibson, John Stromberg, Ryan Glover, Melissa Burrell, April Hulet, Brad Geary, Matt Madsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026

Honorable Mention - Poster Design

• The sagebrush steppe biome is disappearing at a rate exceeding 500,000 hectares per year. Restoring these degraded areas through the reseeding of native vegetation is essential for preserving wildlife habitat and maintaining critical ecosystem services. However, seeding efforts often end in failure, especially in hotter and drier parts of the sagebrush steppe.
• Rangeland seeds typically are sown near the soil surface, where the seed and unemerged seedlings experience high mortality due to factors such as seed predation, drought, freeze-thaw cycles, and pathogens. Seedlings also struggle to emerge from the soil due to soil crusting.
• However, …