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Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Illness In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ella Riddle Apr 2026

Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Illness In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ella Riddle

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Co-occurring mental health conditions are highly prevalent among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and represent a significant area of concern in adult mental health care. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reports that between 73%-81% of adults with ASD meet the criteria for at least one co-occurring mental illness (Buck et al., 2014). The national average of adults living with mental illness, as determined in 2022, is 23.1% (National Institute of Health, 2022). As these statistics illustrate, adults with ASD experience high rates of co-occurring mental illness, yet these conditions are often treated …

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Marine Mammal Bone As Recorder Of Trace Element Dynamics During The Past 5500 Years In The North Pacific Ocean, Aidan Pflieger Apr 2026

Marine Mammal Bone As Recorder Of Trace Element Dynamics During The Past 5500 Years In The North Pacific Ocean, Aidan Pflieger

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The North Pacific Ocean has been geologically dynamic and biologically diverse since the Last Glacial Maximum (20,000 ybp). Natural fluctuations in island arc volcanism and climate likely influence the input of essential and nonessential trace elements to the Aleutian Island Archipelago, even to present day. Accumulation of these elements in the region's marine food webs provides a measure of natural fluctuations in the environment. Ninety-eight samples of tephra-preserved marine mammal bone (primarily pinnipeds) sourced from temporally identified archeological Aleut midden sites on Unalaska Island (5500-200 ypb), were analyzed for 20 trace elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations …

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The Impact Of Mouthwashes On Oral Microbiome Communities In University Students, Jinil Milind Shah, Simar Mathoun, Richa Rajesh, Hyungkyu Kim, Varsha Adabala, Chelsea Borja, Rhianna Jacob, Trisha Jois, Jordan Monteiro, Noura Naami Apr 2026

The Impact Of Mouthwashes On Oral Microbiome Communities In University Students, Jinil Milind Shah, Simar Mathoun, Richa Rajesh, Hyungkyu Kim, Varsha Adabala, Chelsea Borja, Rhianna Jacob, Trisha Jois, Jordan Monteiro, Noura Naami

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The oral cavity hosts a complex microbial ecosystem, which can be altered due to physical or chemical exposures, such as dental mouthwashes. This study examined the short-term impact of two commonly used Listerine mouthwashes, alcohol-containing and alcohol-free, compared to water (as control) on the oral microbiome and salivary pH in a college student population. Oral swab samples were collected after the oral rinse and salivary pH measurements were obtained to assess immediate biochemical changes. Microbial DNA was extracted and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using PCR. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq platform, producing …

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Exploring The Presence Of Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) In The Muscle Tissue Of Various Alaskan Salmon Species, Sara Simonetti, Victoria Angelini, Vanessa Miro Apr 2026

Exploring The Presence Of Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) In The Muscle Tissue Of Various Alaskan Salmon Species, Sara Simonetti, Victoria Angelini, Vanessa Miro

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alaska supplies 60% of the fish consumed in the United States; therefore, determining the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish sourced from that area is critical. POPs are chemical compounds that are classified as one of 209 congeners of either polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). They resist degradation and contribute to a range of harmful effects to both humans and wildlife, such as cancers and birth defects. Their introduction into the environment stemmed from their industrial and agricultural usage. However, despite being banned by the Stockholm Convention in 2004, they continue to be present in …

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Identifying Biomarkers Indicative Of Active And Passive Exposure To Electronic Cigarette Aerosols, Armaan Makwana, Om Patel, Suhani Makwana, Chelsea Nguyen Apr 2026

Identifying Biomarkers Indicative Of Active And Passive Exposure To Electronic Cigarette Aerosols, Armaan Makwana, Om Patel, Suhani Makwana, Chelsea Nguyen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have grown in popularity as they are portrayed as a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, recent studies have identified the presence of toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes liquids and their aerosols. While active users of e-cigarettes (AE) are directly exposed to these chemicals, little is known about the extent of exposure in non-users who are passively exposed (PE) to e-cigarette aerosols. In this study, we analyzed saliva samples from active users and non-users who are either passively exposed (those who live or work with an active user) or not exposed to e-cigarette aerosols to determine whether their …

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Modeling The Disruption Of Binding Of Three Ige Antibodies With Six Mutated Interaction Sites On The Arah2 Allergen, Amaan Khan, Hansi Parmar, Jyothi Vivekananda Apr 2026

Modeling The Disruption Of Binding Of Three Ige Antibodies With Six Mutated Interaction Sites On The Arah2 Allergen, Amaan Khan, Hansi Parmar, Jyothi Vivekananda

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Peanut allergy is a life-threatening food allergy that affects millions of children and adults across the world. This issue presents serious public health concerns and heavy interest from the scientific community to find viable treatments that minimize immunological side effects. To better understand and explain the peanut allergy response, the literature was examined, and a 3D model was printed based on two protein database files. Arachis hypogaea 2 (Arah2) is the dominant peanut allergen protein. When Arah2 binds IgE antibodies, a strong allergic response is triggered. This reaction makes treating allergy patients with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) difficult due to adverse …

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Endoparasites In Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata Magnificens Rothschildi) From Southeast Florida, Usa, Isabelle Petty, Alexia Hilber Apr 2026

Endoparasites In Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata Magnificens Rothschildi) From Southeast Florida, Usa, Isabelle Petty, Alexia Hilber

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is a pelagic seabird widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Due to its wide-ranging foraging behavior and fish-based diet, these birds are susceptible to parasitic infections. However, little is known about the species' endoparasite communities. Despite its ecological importance, research on this species remained limited, particularly regarding the diversity and distribution of endoparasites. This study aims to investigate the endoparasite community in these birds. Specimens were collected from multiple rehabilitation centers from southeast Florida. A total of six individuals were examined (MAFR 2000, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3108, and 3109) for parasite presence …

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Comparative Profiling Of Persistent Organic Pollutants In Alaskan Pink Salmon Roe And Muscle Tissue (Oncorhynchus Gorbuscha), Aleena Thomas, Megan Bailey, Luisa Torres Apr 2026

Comparative Profiling Of Persistent Organic Pollutants In Alaskan Pink Salmon Roe And Muscle Tissue (Oncorhynchus Gorbuscha), Aleena Thomas, Megan Bailey, Luisa Torres

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxins that bioaccumulate through food chains--especially in marine ecosystems. They are primarily classified as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), each with 209 congeners associated with adverse human health outcomes such as cancer. Despite bans placed during the 2004 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, POP concentrations have remained consistent. Alaskan pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) are integral to Southeast Alaskan River ecosystems as a major food source for humans and animals. Detecting POPs in roe provides evidence of maternal offloading, indicating that these pollutants persist across life stages and generations. Salmon …

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Assessing Sediment Composition, Organic Matter, Metal Contamination, And Ecological Risks In Port Everglades, Florida, Elisa Prodhomme, Gabrielle Spankus Apr 2026

Assessing Sediment Composition, Organic Matter, Metal Contamination, And Ecological Risks In Port Everglades, Florida, Elisa Prodhomme, Gabrielle Spankus

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Port sediments often accumulate heavy metals and organic pollutants from anthropogenic inputs. The planned expansion of Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA) raises concern that dredging may remobilize contaminated sediments, potentially affecting nearby benthic habitats, including coral reefs. To assess sediment quality, eighteen cores were collected from five port sites and one control site, along with additional surface sediments. Cores were sectioned at 10 cm intervals and analyzed for 14 metals (ICP-MS), percent organic matter, and grain size. Geo-accumulation index results indicated moderate to strong contamination by As and Mo, while ecological risk assessments suggested moderate to high overall metal …

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Sold For Parts: Moral Connections Between Paid Surrogacy And Paid Organ Donation, Alessandra Coke Apr 2026

Sold For Parts: Moral Connections Between Paid Surrogacy And Paid Organ Donation, Alessandra Coke

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Throughout this presentation, I make ethical arguments about paid surrogacy, based on established arguments regarding paid living organ donation possible due to similarities between the procedures. I establish the differences between conceptualizations of surrogacy: unpaid/altruistic and paid/compensated, and clarify what is meant by paid surrogacy. The primary similarity between paid living organ donation and paid surrogacy is that both practices are a 'voluntary' violation of bodily integrity for financial benefit. I argue that both practices due to financial incentives cannot truly be seen as voluntary. I argue that the reasons that are used to understand paid living organ donation as …

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Snapping Shrimp Acoustic Activity As An Indicator Of Ecosystem Health Across Mangrove, Seagrass, And Coral Reef Habitats In The Florida Keys, Catherine Salazar, Alexander Wheeler Apr 2026

Snapping Shrimp Acoustic Activity As An Indicator Of Ecosystem Health Across Mangrove, Seagrass, And Coral Reef Habitats In The Florida Keys, Catherine Salazar, Alexander Wheeler

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass provide refugia, nursery areas, and feeding grounds for many marine species. These ecosystems have faced declines in habitat complexity through natural and anthropogenic causes. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is used to track changes in habitat characteristics through the monitoring of acoustic species, like snapping shrimp. Snapping shrimp are among the most active species inhabiting shallow subtropical marine environments, and their abundance, often tracked through their acoustic activity, are strong indicators of a healthy ecosystem. This study compares the acoustic activity of snapping shrimp across mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef habitats in Key Largo, Florida, as …

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Disrupting Stat3 Signaling In Glioblastoma Stem Cells Using Nitro-Modified Curcumin Analogs, Sneha Subhash, Swara Chindhade, Maria Moreno Hollweg, Kyuree Chang Apr 2026

Disrupting Stat3 Signaling In Glioblastoma Stem Cells Using Nitro-Modified Curcumin Analogs, Sneha Subhash, Swara Chindhade, Maria Moreno Hollweg, Kyuree Chang

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently overactivated in cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM), where its dysregulation is associated with aggressive disease and poor patient survival. STAT3 supports tumor progression by promoting proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and immune suppression. Although numerous STAT3 inhibitors are under preclinical and clinical evaluation, none have yet achieved FDA approval. GBM remains a highly lethal brain cancer with limited therapeutic options, underscoring the need for new targeted treatments. Nitro-containing compounds, known for their strong electron-withdrawing characteristics, are emerging as potential anticancer agents. A library of 41 nitro-containing chalcones …

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Ticked Off: A Systematic Review Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Mechanisms Apr 2026

Ticked Off: A Systematic Review Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Mechanisms

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alpha-gal syndrome is characterized by an IgE-mediated immune response against galactose-α-1,3-galactose. In the United States, the principal vector is the Lone Star tick, whose range has expanded nationwide. 110,000 cases have been reported since 2010, with the CDC estimating 450,000 as many cases go unrecognized. Vomiting, difficulty breathing, and hypotension can occur immediately or hours after exposure. Ongoing exposure to alpha galactose with AGS increases mast cell inflammatory response, raising coronary artery disease risk. Perioperative ingredients like gelatin, monoclonal antibodies, and stearic acid have triggered anaphylactic shock in AGS patients. These complications hinder diagnosis. The inclusion criteria required original research …

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Reengineering Bone Health: Preventing Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis Without Jaw Damage, John Voudouris Apr 2026

Reengineering Bone Health: Preventing Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis Without Jaw Damage, John Voudouris

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glucocorticoid ("steroid") drugs are essential for treating autoimmune diseases, but long-term use often weakens bones, leading to a condition called glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). In the United States, steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone are prescribed to over 10 million patients annually, and roughly 30% of long-term users develop GIO, contributing $20-30 billion in annual health-care costs. To this end, bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat GIO by preventing bone-loss; however, they can also cause a serious adverse effect called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Thus, safer jaw-protective treatments are urgently needed. In this study, we tested a different strategy …

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Analyzing The Variation In Microplastic Intake Of Waterhyacinth And Pennywort In Lake Okeechobee, Aashvi Gowrisankar Apr 2026

Analyzing The Variation In Microplastic Intake Of Waterhyacinth And Pennywort In Lake Okeechobee, Aashvi Gowrisankar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The Florida Everglades ecosystem faces many threats, including municipal pollution and agricultural runoff. This study compares the microplastic intake of two types of floating vegetation in Lake Okeechobee. Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) has a greater root mass and surface area than its native equivalent pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellate). We hypothesize that water hyacinth would have greater microplastic intake due to its increased capillary action. Our project was conducted using three guiding questions: which plant type had the greatest microplastic intake, did accumulation vary with location, and did concentration vary among roots, stems, and leaves in each plant …

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Advances In Aortic Valve Replacement For The Recovery Of Elderly Patients In Southern Florida, Khushi Faldu Apr 2026

Advances In Aortic Valve Replacement For The Recovery Of Elderly Patients In Southern Florida, Khushi Faldu

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve, is a significant health burden in aging populations, as in Broward County, Florida, where the elderly demographic is rapidly expanding. The classical approach to valve replacement is performed via Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR). Recently, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive alternative, has emerged as a life-changing option for patients with a high surgical risk. Using inductive methods, this study compiled and analyzed data from existing research records and publications comparing endothelial recovery following TAVR and SAVR. We aim to design a teaching case study to highlight how procedural choice …

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When Peers Matter: Peer Communication And The Association Between Parental Dependence And Superiority Cognitions, Preya Pandya, Bala Sivani Paddala, Anisha Nandra Apr 2026

When Peers Matter: Peer Communication And The Association Between Parental Dependence And Superiority Cognitions, Preya Pandya, Bala Sivani Paddala, Anisha Nandra

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Although parent-child relationships have been widely studied during childhood and adolescence, less attention has been given to how these relationships continue to influence adjustment during emerging adulthood. This developmental period is marked by instability and exploration, as young adults begin transitioning into adult roles such as higher education, employment, and long-term relationships. Research suggests that parenting continues to matter during this time, with successful separation-individuation representing a normative developmental task. Excessive parental dependence, however, may be associated with maladjustment. At the same time, peers play an increasingly important role in emerging adulthood, and positive peer relationships are often linked to …

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The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega Apr 2026

The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Social media has become a dominating channel for health communication, influencing how adults accept, interpret, and act on oral health information. This Prisma review examines whether exposure to social media impacts the overall oral hygiene behaviors in adults, specifically focusing on proper oral health practice, consumer behavior, and the type of information being consumed. Guided by a review framework, peer-reviewed studies published across multiple databases were screened for relevance, methodological quality, and alignment with the research question. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional analyses , qualitative investigation, and interventional studies designed to examine the relationship between social media use …

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Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina Apr 2026

Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Bone stress injuries are common among collegiate cross-country runners, occurring at rates of 28.6 and 16.1 per 100,000 athlete-exposures in women and men, respectively. Adequate, individualized dietary patterns have been shown to reduce bone stress injury risk by supporting bone mineral density (BMD); however, there is a lack of consensus on the most advantageous dietary pattern. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with improved BMD in general populations; however, its relationship to BMD in collegiate athletes remains unclear. Therefore, this study assessed the association between MD adherence and BMD in university competitive cross-country runners. Nineteen participants (sex, 7 male, …

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Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar Apr 2026

Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Self-esteem has long been a central focus of psychological research, with positive development linked to factors such as academic achievement, peer relationships, and parent-child bonds. Sub-optimal parent-child relationships, however, can negatively impact self-esteem. While prior studies have largely emphasized extrinsic buffers (e.g., peer support) that mitigate these effects, less is known about intrinsic factors that may promote adjustment in the context of sub-optimal parenting. Emerging adulthood, a period characterized by identity exploration, may provide such intrinsic resources. This study examines whether ego identity exploration moderates the relationship between parent-child relationship quality and self-esteem in emerging adults. Participants were 132 emerging …

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Determining The Life Cycles Of Gordonia Rubripertincta Phages, Joshua Yue, Aron Balazs, Jenny Cristina Gallardo Arauz, Akshaj Gandra, Yuktha Milukuri, Suhani Ketan Pothiwala Apr 2026

Determining The Life Cycles Of Gordonia Rubripertincta Phages, Joshua Yue, Aron Balazs, Jenny Cristina Gallardo Arauz, Akshaj Gandra, Yuktha Milukuri, Suhani Ketan Pothiwala

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance continues to rise globally, increasingly limiting the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatments and prompting the exploration of alternative therapies. Bacteriophages are viruses that can specifically infect and kill bacteria, and have emerged as a promising solution, particularly for infections resistant to antibiotics. This study is part of the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program, which aims to isolate, characterize, and catalog bacteriophages for research and potential therapeutic use. We focused on bacteriophages infecting Gordonia rubripertincta, an actinobacterium with growing clinical relevance as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients and catheter related infections. …

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From Prediction To Prevention: How The Va Uses Analytics To Reduce Chronic Disease And Mental Health Risk, Leelakrishna Angadala Apr 2026

From Prediction To Prevention: How The Va Uses Analytics To Reduce Chronic Disease And Mental Health Risk, Leelakrishna Angadala

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Predictive analytics has become an essential component of preventive care strategies within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which serves a medically and psychosocially complex population at elevated risk for chronic disease and mental health conditions. This research examines how the VHA has leveraged predictive analytics to improve early identification, prevention, and targeted intervention for chronic illnesses and mental health disorders. Specifically, it explores established initiatives such as the Care Assessment Needs (CAN) score for identifying veterans at high risk of hospitalization or mortality, the Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for Veterans (REACH VET) program for suicide risk prediction and prevention, …

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Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora Apr 2026

Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Extensive research has established a link between insulin deficiency and insulin resistance and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) type-neurodegeneration, coining it "Type 3 Diabetes". While research typically focuses on glucose regulation, the comparative structural efficacy of broader metabolic agents against neuropathology remains distinctively underexplored. This study addresses this gap by performing a novel in silico comparison of three drug classes (Glucose, Lipid, and Cardio-Metabolic regulators) to identify superior scaffolds for obstructing the pathological Tau protein, which plays a major role in causing AD through its hyperphosphorylation. The Tau paired helical filament (PDB ID: 5O3L) was retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. …

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What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough Apr 2026

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genograms are an important clinical tool that is used to visually represent family relationships and their dynamics, but their effectiveness in empirical research remains limited. This mix-methods study examined the alignment between qualitative genogram visualizations and quantitative assessments of family dysfunctionality among individuals who exhibited high levels of risky sexual behavior. Based on preliminary data, currently with seven individuals with a high level of risky sexual behavior, we created genograms through interviews with young adult participants who described the emotional quality of each family relationship. Quantitative data on risky sexual behavior and whole family functioning were collected using the Family …

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Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek Apr 2026

Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios are widely used to evaluate marine mammal diet, trophic position, and nutrient assimilation. However, interpretation is often confounded by tissue-specific isotopic discrimination, which alters isotope ratios during nutrient assimilation and tissue synthesis. Quantifying these offsets is essential for ensuring accurate trophic reconstructions across multiple tissues with different biochemical compositions. This study measured δ13 and δ15N values in muscle, blood, blubber, brain, collagen, kidney, liver, skin, fur, and vibrissae of Steller sea lions (Eumentopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern fur …

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Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela Apr 2026

Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis, driven by GBM stem cells (GSCs) that promote growth, recurrence, and treatment resistance. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated in GBM, contributing to cell survival and proliferation, making it a key therapeutic target. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural anticancer polyphenol downregulates AKT signaling but is limited by poor bioavailability and potency. We developed diaryl acrylonitrile analogs of RSV to improve potency, stability, and drug-like properties for targeting GSCs. This study aimed to synthesize, evaluate the anticancer activity of these analogs against GSCs, and elucidate their mechanism of action to …

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Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia Apr 2026

Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genetic divergence within the Apis honeybee genus is shaped by geography, climate, and ecological specialization, leading to variations in morphology, behavior, and venom composition. Comparative genomic analyses have revealed both gene loss and lineage-specific adaptations that contribute to these traits. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary, molecular, and biochemical factors influencing venom production across honeybee species, with a focus on the unexpected absence of a detectable melittin gene in Apis andreniformis (Black Dwarf Honeybee). While melittin constitutes 40-60% of the venom in Apis mellifera, BLAST searches failed to identify a homolog in A. andreniformis, despite its venom …

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Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel Apr 2026

Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This poster examines the potential connection between left ventricular dysfunction and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Studies suggest that reduced heart function may affect brain health by limiting blood flow to the brain, increasing inflammation, and interfering with the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as amyloid-β and tau. These processes resemble changes commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. In population-based studies, individuals with heart failure or structural abnormalities of the left ventricle appear to have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, even after accounting for major risk factors such as hypertension and clinical …

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Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme Apr 2026

Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex physiological mechanism that are not fully understood. Over 7 million Americans are known to be living with the disease, and an Alzheimer's diagnosis accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. Current hypotheses attribute the cause to an interplay between β-Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in central nervous system disruption and decline in cognitive functioning. In this project, we study a spatial dynamical system model that incorporates the interaction between β-Amyloid monomers, oligomers, microglia, and interleukins in the context of plaque aggregation. We establish conditions for the existence and stability of a spatially …

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Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Cognitive Deficits In A Mouse Model Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Lauren Rosenberg, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Bianca Echeverria, Iliana Uribe Apr 2026

Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Cognitive Deficits In A Mouse Model Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Lauren Rosenberg, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Bianca Echeverria, Iliana Uribe

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects around 69 million people each year, with mild TBIs (mTBIs) making up the majority of cases. These injuries, often sustained during contact sports, military service, or incidents of domestic violence, typically involve brief or no loss of consciousness and few immediate symptoms. However, repeated occurrences significantly elevate the risk for long-term complications, including dementia. While repetitive in mTBI is strongly linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the relationship with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the accumulation of amyloid peptides in the cerebral vasculature, remains understudied. Given that CAA significantly contributes …

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