Digital Commons Network^™

Not Allowed To Say Goodbye: The German Civilian's Perception Of Aktion T4, 1939 - 1941, Dylan Cumbo

Liberty University Research Week

Despite the public pushback during the sterilization program, little stopped it from continuing. Nazi officials had desired for the program to expand during the early stages of sterilization, their chance coming with the death of a child and the outbreak of World War II. Six centers were designated as the main euthanasia centers along with several other locations used to support it. Gas, lethal injections, and starvations were used to kill the disabled on mass. Despite attempts to keep the program secret, they failed as clues became increasingly apparent. Documented civilian responses were largely antagonistic and actions committed were passive …

“Slaves To Sin:” Harnessing Neuroplasticity To Defeat Habitual Behaviors, Charity Parrott

Liberty University Research Week

How does neuroplasticity affect the life of a Christian? This thesis will seek to address the concepts of habit formation, neuroplasticity, and top-down control through a neurobiological perspective, and how they relate to the Biblical concept of habitual sin. Discoveries in neuroplasticity have revealed the brain to be a malleable organ, capable of rewiring neural connections and, in the hippocampus region, neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons (Fuchs & Flügge, 2014). This thesis will compile research in neuroplasticity, explore the biological reasons behind the difficulty in escaping patterns of sin, and connect Biblical-based strategies for sin prevention with neurobiology. …

Cyclical Relationships & Attachment Theory, Nicole Schutz, Alyssa Shuttlesworth, Faith Roberts, Faith Tucker, Jiyeon Shon, Nicole Horstemeyer

Liberty University Research Week

Previous research suggests that attachment style plays an important role in relational patterns (e.g., cyclical relationships and relationship renewals). Attachment theory explores how individuals approach relational trust, dependence, and intimacy. Avoidant and anxious attachment are commonly attributed to instability in romantic relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cyclical relationships and insecure attachment styles. Cyclical relationships are characterized by repeatedly breaking up and renewing the relationship between the same partners. Anxious attachment is defined by fear of abandonment, clinginess, emotional instability, and a constant need for reassurance. Avoidant attachment is characterized by emotional unavailability, avoidance …

Influential Factors And Prospective Causes To The Development Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Kayley Palmer

Liberty University Research Week

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that presents with cognitive impairment and progressive functional decline. Alzheimer's Disease has affected every family to some extent, but do we truly understand the holistic picture of what exactly causes Alzheimer’s Disease? AD has boggled researchers for many years, and has often left the scientific community with more questions than answers. It is vital for the families of the individuals whose lives are forever altered by this progressive disease to understand what influences its production, and what prevention measures could be beneficial. It presents with even more importance for the mental health professionals to …

Effect Of In-Utero Exposure To A Western-Style Diet On Testis Development, Alexa Ashby, Colton Fitzgerald, Kaylee Vis, Madison Ashby, Marisa Halsey, Nathan Malina, Ryan Anderson

Liberty University Research Week

The increase in western-style dietary patterns has led to an increase in obesity prevalence and its associated comorbidities. Specifically, researchers have found that obesity due to western-style diet (WSD) is negatively correlated with reproductive health in men. This study investigated the effects of inutero exposure to a WSD on testis development, specifically of 12- week-old mice (young adult C57Bl/6J). We hypothesized that in-utero exposure to a WSD would negatively impact testis development and function in male offspring. Using histological hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry method, we examined spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) production by Sertoli cells, and …

Authentic Vs. Artificial Intelligence: The Effect Of Generative Ai On Users’ Brains, Ivy Rath

Liberty University Research Week

Currently, research on generative AI's effect on the brains of those who use it is sparse. However, cognitive offloading, or the outsourcing of intellectual processes to technology or other people, is a well-known neurological phenomenon, and it is through cognitive offloading that we may begin to understand how generative AI affects mental processes. Cognitive offloading occurs frequently, and common examples include using a calculator, GPS, or driver-assist functions. Now, generative AI offers users a far more pervasive kind of cognitive offloading, in that entire mental processes once unique to human minds (such as problem-solving) may now be replicated and supplanted …

Playing The Past: Girls, Dolls, And Entrepreneurs, Taylor Schmalz

Liberty University Research Week

Mattel, Inc. is a toy company located in California and sells some of the most iconic children’s toys across gender lines. From Hot Wheels, Barbie, Fisher-Price, and over a hundred more toy brands, Mattel, Inc. has touched millions of lives since its creation in 1945. Two of the most famous being American Girl Dolls and the Barbie Doll. Each doll was created by female entrepreneurs and was made to empower little girls in America. While the dolls were created to empower girls, teach feminist ideas, and share women’s history, the dolls face backlash for not being feminist enough, too grown …

The Impact Of Maternal Western-Style Diet On Ovarian Anti-Müllerian Hormone Expression And Localization In Mouse Offspring, Kati Platt, Chase Shinabery, Jackson Mellish, Madison Howard, Soriya Scott

Liberty University Research Week

The Western diet, characterized by high saturated fat and sucrose intake, has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and globally, yet its effects on female reproductive health across life stages remain insufficiently understood. In adult human females, consumption of a Western-style diet has been linked to an increase in premenstrual symptoms, higher rates of depression, and elevated free estradiol levels, contributing to an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. In human female children, Western diet consumption has been linked to an early onset of secondary sexual characteristics and premature menarche. Maternal consumption of this diet during …

Quantifying Neuropathy With Von Frey Filaments In Mice: Novel Neuropathic Pain Animal Model, Maggie Milhorne

Liberty University Research Week

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition resulting from damage to the nervous system which does not respond to current pharmacological treatments. Previous research in rats has demonstrated that formalin injections can induce chronic pain states and molecular changes within the spinal cord comparable to those of the spinal nerve ligation (SNL), an established surgical model of neuropathic pain. This study aimed to determine whether a subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin is sufficient to induce chronic pain in mice, providing a simple and less invasive model to study chronic pain mechanisms. Mechanical pain sensitivity is assessed using the von Frey …

Personality Correlations, Blake Stillman

Liberty University Research Week

For this research project, the focus was to conduct a survey of people and ask them what their Enneagram types were, what their Myers-Briggs personalities were, and how they correlated with one another. With that information, we were then going to see what their preferred communication style was and see if there was any kind of pattern, and then apply this to the world of communication to better understand how to communicate with different personalities of people. There have not been any studies done on this specific topic and how it relates to the field of communication. I wanted to …

When The Music Stops: How Removing The Musical Scores Changes The Message Of The Film, Natalie Dean, Caroline Breen

Liberty University Research Week

Music has always been an intricate part of film. Films like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Avengers are not simply recognized by their logos and characters, but also popular scores and theme songs that are tailored specifically to those films. Character theme songs, opening musical scores and more are used to create a communicative connection between the film and the audience. Previous research has primarily evaluated cognitive data such as attention level, or explored altering the music itself, such as a change in tempo, rhythm, and pitch. This study investigates how a film’s overall messaging to its audience …

Regulation Of Glut5 Expression And Fructose Uptake By Heat Stress And Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Enterocytes, Landri Shope, Gretchka Mair

Liberty University Research Week

Diabetes is an escalating global health concern, affecting 11.1% of the adult population worldwide, with over 90% of cases classified as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (Facts & Figures., n.d.). T2DM is characterized by chronic fasting hyperglycemia and is increasingly associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. This study tests the hypothesis that heat stress, a gut dysbiosis-associated stressor, will upregulate the fructose transporter GLUT5 in enterocytes. Increased GLUT5 expression may enhance intestinal fructose uptake, thereby contributing to worsened glycemic control in T2DM. While the mechanism linking inflammation and impaired glucose homeostasis remains elusive, emerging evidence supports strong associations among …

Forensic Differentiation Of Canine Hair, Allison Kelley

Liberty University Research Week

The goal of this research is to determine whether the characteristics of dog hair can effectively differentiate between canine breeds, which is important for forensic applications. While there is extensive literature on human hair analysis, there is not much to be found on canine hair, although dogs are present at many crime scenes. This research ultimately aims to gather sufficient data on a wide range of dog breeds to compile a comprehensive database to identify differences in dog hair, contributing to the discipline of trace evidence hair analysis within forensic science. The central hypothesis in this study is that specific …

The 3-D Apparatus Of Local Ticks: A New Insight Into The Mechanism Of Sensing Hosts And Their Storage Of Pathogens, Sara Grant, Tristan Davis, Maggie Milhorne, Zipporah Nedlock, Jonathan Marks, Alan L. Gillen

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

How Did Maternal Influenza And Tdap Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women In Mississippi Change From 2018–2021, And How Do Coverage Rates Differ By Race/Ethnicity?, Soala Esther Abere, Atika Ali, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Jalena Smith

Liberty University Research Week

Maternal vaccination is a critical component of preventive care, yet coverage in the United States remains inconsistent, with persistent racial and age-related disparities. This study examined maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination coverage among pregnant women in Mississippi from 2018–2021, a state with disproportionately high maternal and infant mortality. Using publicly available CDC surveillance data, a quantitative secondary data analysis was conducted to assess vaccination trends and differences by race/ethnicity and maternal age group. After excluding suppressed estimates, 48 observations were analyzed. Overall maternal vaccination coverage averaged 51.55% across all years and demographic groups, with influenza coverage ranging from 49–54% and …

Production, Isolation And Characterization Of Novel Peroxidases From Cucurbita Family, Rahel Mamo

Liberty University Research Week

Peroxidases are found throughout nature and are valuable biocatalysts due to their versatility in catalyzing oxidative reactions using hydrogen peroxide as a co-substrate. The peroxidase from horseradish root is widely used in diagnostics and synthetic applications, however, plant peroxidases from other plant sources remain underexplored. Recently, a peroxidase from the skin of Cucurbita maxima (PKS) was isolated and demonstrated promising biocatalytic properties related to the decomposition of a wide variety of fluorinated aromatic compounds. Purification and characterization of this enzyme revealed a protein sequence that was similar to the well characterized HRP, with some key amino acid substitutions. A second …

Characterizing B1 B-Cells In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Alyssa Canelo, Victoria Pacheco

Liberty University Research Week

This project tests the hypothesis that developing antibodies specific to zebrafish CD5 and IgM will enable the reliable identification and characterization of B1 B-cells in zebrafish. B1 B-cells play a critical role in autoimmunity across species, yet their functions remain poorly characterized in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish are widely used as a developmental and immunological model organism due to their genetic similarity to humans as well as their transparent embryos. The lack of species-specific antibodies has hindered the study of B1 B-cells in zebrafish.

This project seeks to develop and validate antibodies against zebrafish CD5 and IgM. This will be …

Kinetic Analysis Of Degradation And Maximum Catalytic Capacity For Plant Peroxidase Enzymes, Hayden Stollings

Liberty University Research Week

In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigation into the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. PFAS, which stand for “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” are a highly stable and toxic compound that were mass produced throughout the 1900’s and was commonly found in common kitchenware, carpets, furniture and even produced in industrial processes.

The function behind PFAS’ stability lies in the abnormally strong Carbon-Fluoride bond, which explains for its initial functionality. Moreso, PFAS can withstand natural degradation in the environment, leading to buildup. Exposure to certain PFAS have been linked to health problems such as increased cholesterol, thyroid issues, reproductive …

Characterizing Novel Peroxidase Activity Through Enzyme Kinetics And Equilibrium Binding, Marika Yelle

Liberty University Research Week

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants, motivating the exploration of peroxidases as potential bioremediation catalysts. This study spectroscopically characterized three peroxidases, with a focus on Pumpkin Skin Peroxidase (PKS). Initial characterization assessed PKS equilibrium binding with various ligands to determine dissociation constants (Kd) for each ligand-enzyme interaction. To characterize PKS catalytic activity, guaiacol oxidation was monitored, with parallel KF trials modelled by Michaelis-Menten kinetics, revealing fluoride-induced increases in Km and Vmax, consistent with an inhibitory effect on substrate binding and catalytic turnover. These findings provide insight into the function of PKS and its potential for environmentally relevant …

Investigating The Role Of The Active-Site Metal In Plant Peroxidase Catalysis, Alexandra Knight

Liberty University Research Week

This study investigates how replacing the native iron heme with manganese or cobalt protoporphyrins affects the enzymatic activity of horseradish (HRP), pumpkin skin (PKS), and butternut squash (BNT) peroxidases. A heme extraction protocol was adapted for generating apoenzymes by removing the native iron heme cofactor, and extraction was confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy. While initial reconstitution of apo-HRP with manganese protoporphyrin IX appeared to be incomplete based on UV-vis analysis, the results suggested that manganese incorporation modifies the spectroscopic characteristics of the native enzyme. Comparing horseradish, pumpkin skin, and butternut peroxidases will reveal potential differences in metal-dependent activity and stability among …

Morphological Evaluation Of Cadaveric Tissues Integrity Using Histology Staining, Jumana Rizk, Levon Shukrian, Maria Mendoza Lopez, Shanice Rerrie

Liberty University Research Week

The transition from gross anatomical dissection to microscopic evaluation is essential for a comprehensive understanding of human biology. While systemic anatomy reveals the macroscopic organization of the body, histology provides insight into cellular structure and tissue integrity. This study aimed to bridge these disciplines through histological assessment of cadaveric tissues. Our objective was to determine whether tissue samples after prolonged fixation could be processed and stained to meet standards for histology education. Tissue samples of the cerebral cortex, renal cortex, liver lobe, and skeletal muscle were obtained from two cadaveric donors, one male and one female. Tissues were processed, embedded …

Investigating Nutritionally Derived Treatments For Metabolic Disease: Enterolactone And Its Effect On Glp-1 And Pyy Secretion, Aidan Clancy

Liberty University Research Week

Gut-derived hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) play essential roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation. These hormones are primarily secreted by enteroendocrine L cells in response to nutrient signaling in the gut. Emerging evidence suggests that polyphenolic compounds and their metabolites may influence gut hormone secretion. Enterolactone (ENL), a microbial metabolite of the dietary lignan, matairesinol, is of particular interest due to its reported anti-diabetic properties. In this study, we propose to test whether ENL can modulate the secretion of GLP-1 and PYY in L cells in vitro, thereby identifying a potential mechanism by …

Bacterial Purification Of Hat Enzymes From Cryptococcus Neoformans: Esa1 And Gcn5 Purification, Manasi Joshi, Andrew Wisley

Liberty University Research Week

Gene expression in eukaryotes is tightly regulated by post-translational modifications. Histone acetylation is an epigenetic modification associated with increased transcription. The putative histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, Something About Silencing 3 (SAS3), has been a novel research target due to its potential role in virulence that causes nearly 112,000 to 625,000 annual deaths worldwide through cryptococcal meningitis. Although SAS3 homologs acetylate core histone 3 in mammalian organisms, recombinant SAS3 has not yet demonstrated HAT activity. Previously, an established human HAT p300 was used as a positive control to validate enzymatic conditions for HAT assays. However, using known …

Offspring Cognitive And Neurobiological Outcomes Influenced By Maternal Dietary Patterns, Emma Whatley, Abigail Frommack, Karina Long, Sarah Nelson

Liberty University Research Week

The impact of maternal diet on offspring neurodevelopment is a relatively new field, and its areas of focus are vast. The field is predominantly studied and understood through the impacts of an unhealthy diet, the maternal Western diet (WD), but there is very little research on healthy diets like the maternal Mediterranean diet (MD). The general healthiness of the diet and some limited research support that this diet could have beneficial impacts on offspring. This research aims to explore the impacts of a maternal MD on adult offspring. We hypothesize that the maternal MD will enhancing cognitive performance in learning, …

Effects Of Environmental Xenoestrogens On Immune System Development In Mus Musculus, Broderick Adams, Annaliese Defelice

Liberty University Research Week

Prenatal exposure to environmental xenoestrogens may influence immune system development and contribute to autoimmune disease risk. This study investigates whether Bisphenol-C (BPC), a common substitute for Bisphenol-A (BPA), exhibits similar estrogenic and immunomodulatory effects, and whether it can cross the placental barrier. Using a controlled murine model, dams are assigned to multiple treatment groups receiving estradiol, BPA, or BPC via defined administration methods. Offspring are analyzed at gestational day 17, with collection of amniotic fluid, fetal tissues, and serum. Immune markers, including IL-6 and anti-dsDNA antibodies, are quantified ELISA and flow cytometry, while mass spectrometry is used to confirm BPC …

Impacts Of Maternal Diet On Offspring Affective Behavior And Brain Morphology, Abigail Frommack, Emma Whatley, Karina Long, Sarah Nelson

Liberty University Research Week

The field of maternal dietary impacts on offspring neurodevelopment has been established over the past 30 years, and since its establishment it has grown rapidly. The research shows that maternal diet significantly impacts offspring neurodevelopment, with those effects lasting until adulthood. Most research in this field focuses on the detrimental impacts of a Western Diet (WD), but little research exists on the beneficial impacts of a healthy diet. This research aims to close that gap by assessing a healthy diet and its impact on adult offspring. We hypothesize that a maternal Mediterranean diet (MD) will have positive impacts on the …

Single Step Cyanoacrylate Fumigation With Common Dyes, Abigail Proffitt, Jared Filegar

Liberty University Research Week

Cyanoacrylate fumigation is a widely used fingerprint development method to visualize latent fingerprints left on nonporous surfaces. This methodology relies on heating cyanoacrylate, otherwise known as superglue, to create vapors that polymerize onto fingerprints. These vapors react via biological components such as amino acids and other residues left from finger oils. This technique is very effective; however, once the polymer has completed its reaction the fingerprint is colorless resulting in the need for a secondary staining technique. The additional procedure increases processing time and introduces potentials for smearing or human error. This research aims to investigate a way to consolidate …

Characterization Of The Aspergillus Flavus Rdia Gene With A Rdi1∆ Mutant Of C. Neoformans, Sam Raub

Liberty University Research Week

The genus Aspergillus includes several species that are opportunistic pathogens, with members ranked in the World Health Organization’s fungal critical priority pathogen list. Aspergillus flavus, a member of the genus, synthesizes aflatoxin (AF), a polyketide mycotoxin and the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen known. aflR is a pathway-specific transcription factor that plays a central role in the regulatory network for AF biosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis under AF-conducive and non-conducive conditions identified a cluster of genes with similar expression profiles to aflR. Among these is a putative Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor that regulates AF production and virulence in A. flavus. Deletion of this …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Group 7 Tricarbonyl Fluoromethyl Substituted Aromatics, Christopher Roylance

Liberty University Research Week

Organometallic compounds are chemical species containing at least one direct bond between a carbon atom of an organic molecule and a metal atom. These compounds have a wide variety of uses, including OLEDs, semiconductors, reagents, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals. The compounds synthesized in this report are similar to the compounds used in the production of OLEDs and semiconductors.This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of fluoromethyl-substituted aromatic tricarbonyl complexes employing Group 7 metal centers. Group 7 tricarbonyls have several applications that include hydrodesulfurization, medicine, and electronic materials. These complexes have been shown to be quite stable towards O2 and H2O …

Increasing Fatigue Life: Position And Energy Controlled Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment, Joseph Holt

Liberty University Research Week

Metal structures in engineering are limited by mechanical fatigue. When a material is repeatedly stressed, even beneath its ultimate strength, it slowly develops nano-fractures that propagate and eventually cause the material to suddenly fracture or fail. When this occurs in high-precision, cyclically stressed applications, such as commercial airliners, unchecked material fatigue is catastrophic. This study has shown promising increases in weld-site material fatigue life through a newly developed processing method. Researchers at Liberty University’s Center for Engineering Research and Education (CERE) custom-built a machine to perform position and energy controlled surface mechanical attrition treatment (PECSMAT), which harnesses the advantages of …