Digital Commons Network^™

Natural Products In Food And Agriculture, Stephen O. Duke

Oxford ICSB

Before the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) existed, I was Director of a USDA weed management lab. Two of my interests were natural products as herbicides and the chemical ecology of weed/crop interactions (allelopathy). Dr. James McChesney and I had several conversations about his vision for the NCNPR on the University of Mississippi campus. I was very interested in becoming a part of this, as his plan was to have a USDA lab that would study natural products for use in food and agriculture as part of the center. The USDA Agricultural Research Service established the Natural Product …

Chemistry, Biology, And Safety Of Volatile Organics From Aromatic And Medicinal Plants, Nicole Stevens

Oxford ICSB

Introduction Sleep is an important foundation of health, yet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that about 30% of adults to not get the recommended minimum of 7 hours’ sleep per night. Prescription treatments may help, but they carry risks such as side-effects, dependency, and medication interaction. Natural botanical extracts are a therapeutic possibility for improving sleep quality, but additional research is needed on their efficacy and safety. A system of natural products based on lavender was developed and tested in a human clinical study to evaluate effect on sleep, blood and safety markers, and gene expression modulation …

A Survey Of Melatonin In Dietary Supplement Products Sold In The U.S., Rahul Pawar

Oxford ICSB

In the United States, melatonin products are widely available to consumers as dietary supplements. During the past few decades, melatonin products have gained increased popularity primarily as a sleep aid, with a variety of product forms available for different age groups of consumers. Recent reports have highlighted a rise in melatonin ingestion among children reported to poison control centers across the U.S. The increased use of melatonin-containing dietary supplements and reported deviation from labeled quantities has emphasized the need for additional research to better understand products in the marketplace.
The objective of this work was to measure the melatonin content …

Passionate Teaching Hallmark Of 2024 St. Amand Winner, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Find your passion and it will lead to a rewarding life: that's the advice Tejas Pandya, University of Mississippi instructional associate professor of mechanical engineering, hopes to impart to his students.

Evaluation Of Seizure Recognition And First Aid Training Course And Improving Self-Efficacy Related To Medical Emergencies In Mississippi, Anna Katherine Herrington, Collin Earl Wayne Crawson, Daniel Robert Zuckerman

Honors Theses

Within recent years, there has been increased attention to the growing physician shortage across the United States. This shortage has placed substantial strain upon regions of lower healthcare access, particularly those of rural regions such as much of the state of Mississippi. As rural healthcare providers are placed under more strenuous conditions, they encounter issues of increased patient volume, lack of a trauma team, or adequate transportation to higher-level care facilities. These issues may exacerbate the present inequities in cost of living, access to adequate healthcare, and the distress caused by these concerns. Individuals with epilepsy are one cohort with …

Truman Scholar Travels Globe To Study Conservation, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – From across the world, University of Mississippi biology major Christian Boudreaux received a life-changing Zoom call from Chancellor Glenn Boyce last week. Despite Zanzibar's spotty internet service, the message was clear: Boudreaux had won a coveted Truman Scholarship.

April 11, 2024, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Examining Confidence In Scientific Literacy Amongst General Biology And General Chemistry Students, Amy Sullivan

Honors Theses

Scientific literacy is a term used to describe a person’s ability to understand scientific concepts, read and write those concepts, and link those concepts to situations outside of the classroom in order to make informed decisions in their daily lives. This research paper details a study observing how scientific literacy confidence varies among general biology and chemistry students at the University of Mississippi. The goal of this research is to determine if students in general biology and chemistry classes will have similar self-reported confidence in their science literacy. This research took place at the University of Mississippi amongst Biology 160/161 …

Novel Tests For Motor And Spatial Deficits In Zebra Finches Verify A Role For Aromatase And Estradiol In Improving Spatial But Not Motor Outcomes Post-Cerebellar Lesion, Simran Patel, Lainy B. Day, Mathew Thibodeaux, Demetria Tolbert, Chyna-Rae Dearman, Gerald W. Stinson, Joshua Hamer, John C. Garner, Dwight Waddell

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Objective: Test the role of Arom and E2 in recovery of zebra finch posture and spatial learning post-CB lesion.

Simran Patel^1,2, Lainy B. Day¹, Mathew Thibodeaux¹, Demetria Tolbert^1,2, Chyna-Rae Dearman¹, Gerald W. Stinson¹, Joshua Hamer¹, John C. Garner³, Dwight Waddell ⁴ (¹ Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University MS; ² Mississippi INBRE Research Scholar, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS; ³ Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Troy University, Troy, AL 36082; ⁴ Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS …

Influences Of Dietary Enrichment In Juvenile And Adult Male Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Castanotis) On Cheek Patch Growth And Color, Carley Craig, Mathew Thibodeaux, Mary Tharp, Gabrielle Morris, Woodward Young, Belinda Bagwandeen, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Zebra finches (ZF) are sexually dimorphic. In captive ZFs, enriched diets increase cheek area and alter color, increasing adult male attractiveness. In the wild, breeding and brooding occur when proteinaceous seeds available. Our experiment tests whether supplemental egg food benefits captive non-breeding adults and juveniles.Pre-experiment, adults fed eggs, cuttlebone & bread 2x week. Other facets of our experiment showed enriched diet led to decreased reactive CORT levels and increased body mass, with the largest increase in females.

All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology and Neuroscience Minor.

The Effects Of Estradiol And Genistein On Cerebellar Neuroprotection In Zebra Finches, Grace Thompson, Renee E. Breaux, Emily Mcfatridge, Sarah Chong, Ethan Zadronzy, Estelle Blair, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Introduction:

• Brain damage causes a secondary wave of degeneration
• Aromatase is upregulated in glia post-injury
• Aromatase (AROM) converts testosterone to estradiol (E₂) E₂ is neuroprotective and limits cell death
• E₂ is linked to cancer, stroke, and male infertility Genistein (GEN) is a soybean phytoestrogen with strong estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) affinity
• Genistein could be used clinically for neuroprotection
• ERβ receptors are abundant in the cerebellum AROM expression in the cerebellum is constitutively low
• Zebra Finch (ZF) brains have high neuroplasticity
• The ZF cerebellum is ideal for neuroplasticity research

All authors are affiliated with the University of …

Sex Differences In The Role Of Estradiol On Recovery After Cerebellar Lesion In The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Castanotis), Mathew Thibodeaux, Chyna-Rae Dearman, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Purpose:

• Test sex differences in a spatial (Escape Maze) and motor task (Log Roll)
• Manipulate E2 and aromatase levels in order to differentiate roles of E2 and aromatase in recovery post-CB lesion
• Confirm steroids aid recovery in spatial but not motor tasks post-CB lesion
• Determine whether steroids differentially influence male and female recovery in cognitive and motor tasks

Mathew Thibodeaux¹, Chyna-Rae Dearman¹, Lainy B. Day^1,2 (¹Department of Biology & ²Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi)

Identifying The Distribution Of Peptide Hormones Regulating Adrenal And Gonadal Steroids In The Brains Of Diploid And Polypoid Treefrogs, Jordan Jackson, Chris J. Leary, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Hypothesis: polyploidization altered the relative expression levels of hormone receptors > altered regulation of circulating hormone levels and influence hormone interactions, or mutation of duplicated receptor coding genes. RNAseq - expression levels and sequences of receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal/ interrenal (HPA/I) axes

All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi Department of Biology.

Goldwater Scholars Set Sights On Biomedical Research, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Two University of Mississippi students have been recognized as Goldwater Scholars for their dedication to pursuing biomedical research.

April 4, 2024, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Nhm 728: Advanced Survey Data Analysis, Yunhee Chang

GMAS Course Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Brain Awareness Week Focuses On Ethics, Impact Of Technology, Edwin Smith

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Two renowned neuroscientists will discuss the development and impact of neurotechnologies and neuroengineering and students will present their own original research during annual Brain Awareness Week events April 2-5 at the University of Mississippi.

Mississippi Day 2024 To Include Robots, Reptiles And Refreshments, Edwin Smith

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi will put a spotlight on the Magnolia State during the 2024 Mississippi Day on April 13.

03.25.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Cammi Thornton, Compliance Training Requirements

March 21, 2024, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Supporting Neurodivergent Students With Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, And Dyspraxia, Liz Norell

Events

In this follow-up to last fall’s workshop on supporting neurodivergent students, we will turn our attention to four additional neurodivergent types: dyslexia (challenges interpreting text), dyscalculia (challenges working with numbers), dysgraphia (challenges writing text), and dyspraxia (challenges with physical coordination). We will describe each of these neurodivergent types, discuss what each might look like in the classroom, and explore potential accommodations and strategies to promote student success. Lunch from Grit. (Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Johnson Commons East Ballroom)

Sustainable Food Packaging Focus Of Engineering Researcher, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Packaging might seem like a minor detail when transporting goods, but a University of Mississippi researcher believes it could be a factor in alleviating food insecurity worldwide.

Professor Acknowledged For ‘Positive Advancement’ Of Diversity, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Rebecca Symula, instructional associate professor of biology, has been recognized by the Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning for her contributions to the positive advancement of diversity at the University of Mississippi.

March 7, 2024, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Stem Lunch #3: Course Design For Student Success, Ayla Gafni, Isis Da Costa Arantes

Events

Sometimes small changes in the design of our courses can result in big improvements in student learning. In this session, we will hear from two participants -- Ayla Gafni (mathematics) and Isis da Costa Arantes (biology) -- in CETL’s Inclusive Teaching Learning Community about changes they made to their courses to promote student success. Lunch from Grit. (Monday, March 4, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Johnson Commons East Banquet room)

Panel Session. View From The Top: Leadership Lessons And Journeys, Nancy Maria Balach, Kathie Stromile Golden, Mary Graham, Regina Young Hyatt, Nora Miller

WHEMN Conference

View from the Top: Leadership Lessons & Journeys panel session features accomplished women administrators from Mississippi universities and community colleges. The session includes a moderated discussion about their own professional leadership journeys; lessons they have learned and how that translates into practical advice for other women; and how they are contributing to the next generation of leaders.

• Nancy Maria Balach, chair and professor, Music, The University of Mississippi
• Kathie Stromile Golden, provost and sr. vice president, Academic Affairs, Mississippi Valley State University
• Mary Graham, president, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Regina Young Hyatt, vice president, Student …

Panel Session. The Balancing Act: Sustaining Yourself And Your Profession, Mary Collins, Santee Ezell, Kashanta Jackson, Jazmine Kelley, Lynn Wilkins

WHEMN Conference

The Balancing Act: Sustaining Yourself and Your Profession panel session features a group of seasoned professionals to help us navigate the important topics of wellness and work-life balance. The session includes a moderated discussion about their own work in this area; lessons they have learned and how that translates into practical advice for other women; and how they are contributing to the next generation of leaders.

• Mary Collins, assistant professor, University of Southern Mississippi
• Santee Ezell, director, Health Promotion and Wellness, Mississippi State University
• Kashanta Jackson, director, Health and Counseling Services, Delta State University
• Jazmine Kelley, …

Policy Brief: Decreasing Unintended Pregnancy Rates In Mississippi, Jaycee S. Pilcher

Honors Theses

On June 24th, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade marked a pivotal moment, eliminating the federal right to pregnancy termination. This thesis examines the challenges of restricted abortion access and emphasizes preventative strategies for unintended pregnancies. Analyzing both pre- and post-pregnancy interventions, such as enhanced sex education, hormonal contraceptives, insurance coverage, prescribers, and post-pregnancy policies, this thesis urges Mississippi residents and legislators to consider policy adjustments for reducing the occurrence of unintended pregnancies.

This research includes an analysis of literature, legislative records, and statistical data. It takes a comparative approach to evaluate the effectiveness of …

Panel Session. Science Superheroes: Cultivating Careers In Science And Research, Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu, Sydney Murphy, Donna Strum, Eden Tanner, Brandi Newkirk-Turner

WHEMN Conference

This panel features accomplished women scientists and researchers from Mississippi universities. The moderated discussion will include how they cultivated successful careers in their fields; lessons they have learned and how that translates into practical advice for other women; and how they are shaping the future of research and science by mentoring students and other women in their fields.

• Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu, assistant professor, Pollinator Health and Apiculture, Mississippi State University
• Sydney Murphy, dean, School of Graduate Studies in Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Donna Strum, dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi
• Eden Tanner, assistant …

Panel Session. Nuturing The Next Generation Through Student Engagement And Success, Ashley Burnside, Rachael Durham, Erin Vaughn Jones, Jacqueline Mullen, Tonyalle Rush

WHEMN Conference

This session promises an insightful discussion on the importance of nurturing the next generation. Delve into a dialogue rich with best practices for effective student engagement, explore proven strategies that drive student success, and benefit from the wisdom gleaned from the panelists wealth of experience. Be part of a conversation that transcends theory, offering tangible lessons learned throughout their careers. Together, lets uncover the keys to nurturing the next generation through purposeful student engagement and steadfast commitment to their success.

• Ashley Burnside, director, Center for Student Success, University of Southern Mississippi
• Rachael Durham, assistant director, Center for Student …