Digital Commons Network^™

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Hypertension And Complications In Georgia: Age-Stratified Analysis Of The All Of Us Cohort, Daniel Chanelo, Marisela Benitez, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) contributes disproportionately to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Georgia. While demographic disparities in prevalence are well characterized, less is understood about how socioeconomic conditions shape both hypertension risk and downstream complication burden. We examined two questions: Question A - what factors are associated with hypertension presence compared to controls, and Question B - among hypertensive patients, what factors predict complications, with particular interest in whether associations varied by age stratum.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using the All of Us Controlled Tier dataset. Hypertension required ≥2 diagnostic codes. Participants were restricted to Georgia ZIP3 prefixes (300–319, 398), yielding …

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm As A Marker Of Systemic Atherosclerosis In A Patient With Prior Coronary Bypass And Fatal Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Cadaveric Case Study, Jordan B. Ahlgren, Azmeer Imran, Rachel K. Ransom, Akosua A. Crumbsy, Lindsey D. Cohen, Angela V. Covington, Mphatso J. Onyekachi, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is frequently associated with systemic atherosclerotic disease and increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity. The development of AAA is attributed to hypertension, smoking tobacco, and other factors such as genetics. Patients with vascular diseases also develop multisystem involvement, including coronary, cerebrovascular, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the role artherosclerotic disease played the in the fatal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke of a 75-year-old male with a visible abdominal aortic aneurysm, history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and permanent pacemaker implantation.

METHODS: Systematic gross anatomical dissection …

Case Report Highlights Disproportionate Health Outcomes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Patients Of Lower Socioeconomic Status, Victoria Pfennig, Karen Vega

Research Day

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the synovial lining of joints and may lead to progressive joint destruction, disability, and premature mortality if inadequately treated. Increasing evidence demonstrates that social determinants of health, particularly socioeconomic status (SES), significantly influence disease outcomes in patients with RA. Studies have shown that individuals of lower SES experience higher disease activity scores, greater physical disability, and poorer quality of life compared with patients of higher SES. Additionally, lower SES has been associated with longer delays between diagnosis and initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), contributing to disease progression …

Targeting Dysbiosis: Rebyota As A Novel Strategy For Recurrent Cdi Prevention, Christina Cologer, Mishel Alvarez, Sia Christine, Brooklyn Myers, Kaytlin Pal, Katrina Strand, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that colonizes a patient's gastrointestinal tract after the use of systemic antibiotics. This infection, also called CDI, causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening. In some patients, CDI recurs, creating a dangerous cycle. Recurrent CDI (rCDI) persists because systemic antibiotics induce dysbiosis, disrupting the gut microbiota’s metabolic functions and compromising the intestinal epithelial barrier. This study was conducted as a literature review evaluating the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and clinical use of Rebyota in preventing rCDI. Rebyota is the first FDA-approved (2023) live biotherapeutic designed to restore eubiosis in adult patients after antibiotic treatment. …

Histologic Heterogeneity In Bladder Neoplasia: Identification Of Coexisting Urothelial Dysplasia, Papillary Lesions Of Low Malignant Potential, And Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma, Maxwell Trettin, Yousra Abo-Elhamd, Aidan Huckestein, Byron Her, Xiunely Ricano Cadenas, Shiv Dhiman, Rasheed Agboola, Neveen Said

Research Day

BACKGROUND: Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) accounts for approximately 90% of bladder cancers with a male to female prevalence of 3:1. Established risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoking, and environmental and occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines. Additional risk factors include air pollution, advanced age, and occupational exposure to carcinogens present in dyes, paints, petroleum products, and metals. UBC are recognized for their heterogeneous characteristics due to urothelial epithelium exhibiting diverse transcriptional and mutational profiles that evolve within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, bladder cancers are often found to be multifocal, highlighting the importance of thorough examination of …

Feasibility Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Treatment-Resistant Depression In Rural Healthcare Settings: A Case Series, Posey Kent, Brandon Krout, Kennedy Johnson, Jodeci Mitchell, Hania Hashmi, Blessing Adeyemo, Ashlee Cook

Research Day

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders world- wide, with up to one-third of patients experiencing treatment-resistant depression despite adequate pharmacologic therapy. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment shown to improve depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression. However, access to advanced psychiatric interventions remains limited in rural communities due to provider shortages, transportation barriers, and socioeconomic challenges. Despite established efficacy in urban and academic settings, limited data exist on the feasibility and real-world outcomes of TMS implementation in rural healthcare settings. The purpose of this study is to highlight the feasibility …

Comparison Of Axillary Lymph Node Size In Cadavers With And Without A History Of Breast Cancer, Adam E. Davis, Harshita Yepuri, Julia Girgis, Sara Kurtovic, Celeste Pak, Erek Arsiniega, Jasdeep Singh, Michael B. Roberts, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

Axillary lymph nodes play a critical role in breast cancer metastasis and staging. While imaging and surgical studies provide indirect assessments of nodal involvement, few investigations have directly compared lymph node size in breast cancer and non-cancer populations using cadaveric dissection. In this study, twenty-nine female cadavers, including eight with a history of breast cancer and twenty-one controls, were dissected to collect axillary lymph nodes from six anatomical chains: central, humeral, infraclavicular, parasternal, pectoral, and subscapular. Lymph node area (mm²) was measured, and statistical outliers (z ≥ 3) were excluded from analysis. Welch’s t-test was performed to compare overall lymph …

Genetic Architecture Of Coronary Atherosclerosis Across European, African, And Admixed American Populations Using All Of Us Research Program Data, Kensley Philemond, Jodeci L. Mitchell, Thomas J. Last

Research Day

Introduction:

Coronary atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of most coronary artery disease, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid-rich plaques within the coronary arteries, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Established genes such as LDLR highlight the importance of lipid metabolism in disease pathogenesis, yet population-specific genetic contributors in African and Admixed American populations remain poorly understood. Identifying additional genetic contributors may improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and support more equitable cardiovascular risk prediction tools.

Methods:

We analyzed Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics from the All of Us Research Program using the All-by-All Research Browser to identify genetic variants …

A Rare Case Of Suspected Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome: A Comparative Review Of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Olivia G. Deloach, Caroline R. Kebberly, Zoë M. Rushetsky, Sreehitha Sanku, Mariah Smith, Marcel Castor

Research Day

Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) are two distinct disorders of sexual development that can present with similar clinical features, including primary amenorrhea, an absent uterus, and typical female external genitalia.

We present the case of a 27-year-old female who died following a motor vehicle accident and was found to have congenital absence of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina, consistent with MRKH syndrome. MRKH occurs in phenotypic females with normal ovarian function, whereas AIS presents similarly but occurs in genotypic males with absent Müllerian structures and no ovaries.

This case was identified incidentally during an autopsy at …

Many Genomes, One Disease: Genetic Risk Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Across Ancestries, Sydney E. Williams, Nadine Belony, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the folliculopilosebaceous unit affecting intertriginous areas including the axillae, groin, buttocks, and inframammary regions. It presents with recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, leading to substantial physical and psychosocial burden. Up to 40% of patients report severe quality-of-life impairment, with strong associations to depression and work disability. HS disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry and demonstrates disparities in disease burden. Despite its clinical impact, the genetic architecture of HS remains incompletely defined, particularly across diverse populations. Although rare familial cases implicate γ-secretase pathway mutations, broader genetic contributors to …

Understanding The Genetic Basis Of Keloid Susceptibility Through Multi-Ancestry Genomic Studies, Nadine Belony, Sydney Williams, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors arising from dysregulated wound healing and characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Although nonmalignant, they are frequently associated with pain, pruritus, restricted mobility, and significant cosmetic disfigurement, resulting in substantial impairment in quality of life. The burden of keloid disease is not uniformly distributed across populations, with higher prevalence and severity observed among individuals of African ancestry, suggesting biologic contributors to disease susceptibility. Despite these disparities, mechanisms underlying pathologic scarring remain incompletely defined. Improved characterization of shared and ancestry-specific contributors may advance understanding of dermal fibrosis and support equitable dermatologic care.

Methods

We …

Mining Bacterial Genome: Identifying Unkown Bacterial Immune Systems, Mason Z. Mazzola

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Bacterial viruses, called bacteriophages, constitute a major threat to bacteria, driving a vast evolutionary arms race three billion years in the making. Out of this arms race bacteria have developed numerous types of bacterial immune systems varying in levels of complexity. The most notable bacterial immune system, CRISPR-Cas, is a suite of bacterial proteins which have enabled life-saving technologies through gene-editing and revolutionized biological research. CRISPR is only one of hundreds of anti-phage immune systems, most of which remain undiscovered. Since antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens is rising, one solution to the crisis is using phages to kill pathogenic bacteria. …

The Predatory Paradox: Evolutionary Neurobiology, Adhd, And The Developmental Impact Of Early Hunting Education, Madalie A. Kershner

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The debate over whether children should be introduced to hunting is centered on ethical concerns regarding desensitized aggression. However, using the Hunter-Gatherer neurotype associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, this paper argues that early-onset hunting has significant neurocognitive benefits when conducted with proper education and a mentored framework.

Drawing on evolutionary psychiatry and neurobiology, this theoretical analysis first reviews relevant literature in both fields and then distinguishes between affective aggression (rage-based violence) and predatory aggression (a goal-oriented, cold-blooded cognitive state). I suggest that traits condemned as maladaptive in the four walls of the modern classroom (i.e. distractibility and hyperfocus) are …

Using Herbarium Specimens To Morphologically Delineate Three Western Phlox Species, Jack Hager

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Using Herbarium Specimens to Morphologically Delineate Three Western Phlox Species

Jack Hager, Meredith Zettlemoyer

Western Phlox are incredibly ecologically diverse, found in a variety of habitats spanning deserts, sagebrush, and mountains. The genus contains around 65 unique species, often with overlapping trait variation that makes morphological delineation difficult. Phlox missoulensis is an endemic cushion plant species found only in the Missoula Valley; it occupies lower-elevation, windy, arid ridgelines that mimic alpine conditions. Two other Phlox species found nearby,  Phlox kelseyi and Phlox pulvinata, occupy overlapping ecological niches. P. kelseyi is found in wetlands spanning from valleys to montane environments at …

Effects Of Invasive Spotted Knapweed On Native Pollinator Foraging Behavior In Glacier National Park, Dean Sheldon

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Invasive species can often reduce native species’ performance. Competition for pollinators between native and invasive species can decrease pollination and reproduction of native plants. However, the effects of invasive species on competition for pollination may be complex. Invasive species that form large, dense populations with high numbers of flowers and copious rewards may attract more pollinators. In this case, invaders can either draw pollinators away from native plants or can increase pollinator visitation to native plants by attracting pollinators that otherwise would not have visited. Few studies examine how invasive species compete vs. facilitate pollinator services for native species. We …

The Risks And Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog, Laci Bernosky

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Spaying and neutering dogs is one of the first decisions pet owners make after acquiring a dog. It is a large component of what is understood to be responsible pet ownership in the US over the past 60 years, due to its great elimination of unwanted animals, reducing how many are euthanized each year in shelters from overcrowding. However, there has been research, mostly in the past 20 years, re-evaluating the benefits and bringing to light the costs dogs can pay from being spayed or neutered. This paper examines the health and behavioral effects of spaying and neutering dogs. The …

Coactivator Self-Oligomerization Through Auc, Anna Stensrud, Ephraim Mortenson, Borries Demeler, Nicholas Oconnor, Reece Lott, Travis Hughes

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Coregulator proteins bind to nuclear receptors, thereby modulating transcription activity. Coregulators are required by these nuclear receptors for efficient transcriptional regulation. [2] The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of coregulator proteins to nuclear receptors can be measured in solution using techniques such as isothermal calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence anisotropy (FA). Coregulators' ability to self associate is relevant in how nuclear receptors are activated. Furthermore, self-association of coregulators comprises the modeling reliability of ITC and FA data, thus introducing errors into ITC and FA data. [3].

The Hughes Lab has purified various coregulator proteins to be used for in vitro experimentation.

Using …

Head Size Allometry Supports Differences In Digging Ability Between Sexes In A Semi-Fossorial Lizard, Gwendalyn Thompson, David Tevs

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In lizards, sexual dimorphism in head shape has commonly been studied from a male perspective, with larger heads being associated with greater fighting ability during male-on-male combat or for displaying colored throats. However, reductions in overall head size and length are also associated with adaptation to a fossorial lifestyle. Consequently we hypothesize that reduced female head size in sub-surface nesting lizards may also confer greater digging ability and provide greater freedom when selecting suitable nest sites. We collected western skinks (Plestiodon skilontianus) by turning rocks on dry-pine slopes in the Bitterroot National Forest (Montana, USA). For each lizard, we recorded …

Soil Pyrogenic Carbon Response And Redistribution Under Shortening Wildfire Intervals, Jacob Baldner, Dalton Brantley, Declan Clark, Kimberley Davis

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Over the past century, wildfires have become more frequent and severe across North America's conifer forests. Although high-severity fire is ecologically integral to subalpine lodgepole pine ecosystems, shortened fire return intervals, compared to historical variability, have altered vegetation structure and composition.  This has been well documented, as have many other aboveground ecological processes, including those related to carbon pools.  However, the effect of shortening intervals on belowground processes and pools, such as pyrogenic carbon (PyC), is poorly understood.  While repeated fire is generally associated with declines in soil organic C, responses of pyrogenic carbon (PyC)—a thermally transformed and decomposition-resistant C …

Exploring Dental Health Behaviors And Access To Care At The University Of Montana, Kylee J. Bridges

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Oral health is a very important part of everyone's health. But regular dental care is often overlooked among college students. This project explores how frequently college students visit the dentist and identifies the barriers that prevent them from receiving routine dental care. Young adulthood and coming into college is a transitional period that explores new independence, and financial responsibility. These things may influence health related behaviors, including dental care utilization. The research question of this study is: How frequently do college students visit the dentist, and what barriers contribute to irregular dental visits?

To address this question, a cross sectional, …

Defining How Adrenergic Receptors May Translate Gut Nutrient Signals ​ Into Starvation Resistance And Fecundity, Calvin W. Orser

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Calvin Orser1, Emily Gagliano, Sarah J Certel2

Research on the gut-brain axis is a major focus in biology because the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system communicate continuously. This bidirectional signaling helps organisms maintain homeostasis by relaying information from the gut to the brain and shaping innate behaviors such as feeding and reproduction. The adrenergic, “fight or flight”, system has emerged as a key component of this signaling. Adrenergic receptors are expressed in multiple gut epithelial cell types, including enteroendocrine cells (EEs), the main secretory cells of the gut, which synthesize and release the neuropeptides that can communicate with the …

Hydrogen Bond Enhanced Halogen Bonding Anion Transporters, Tony J. Shelton

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Cells use ion transport pathways for osmosis, electrochemical gradients, signaling, and programed cell death. When natural ion channels fail, synthetic alternatives are needed. This project explores the ability of synthetic “transporter” molecules to bind anions (negatively charged atoms) and carry them across lipid bilayers. Preliminary results have shown Hydrogen Bond enhanced Halogen Bonding (HBeXBing) molecules can facilitate anion transport more efficiently than known XBing anion transporter pentafluoroiodobenzene (PFIB). The hydrophobic functional groups clearly increase transport rates of these molecules. We expect that EC50 and Hill coefficients will indicate highly active transporters. Currently the liposome procedure is being optimized to achieve …

Collegiate Volleyball Athletes Are Able To Sustain A Greater Level Of Performance Due To Many Recovery Practices., Caleb Rockwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Collegiate volleyball demands high-intensity physical and mental work, however athletes often struggle to maintain the recovery processes necessary to sustain a high level performance throughout a season. This project investigates how consistent recovery practices, specifically sleep, nutritional habits, and mobility, influence the ability of college volleyball players to maintain high level performance. The central problem I’ve examined is the trap, where the dual pressures of academic responsibilities and athletic commitments lead to sleep loss and nutritional deficits according to literature.

The ultimate question for this research is whether a consistent recovery routine can mitigate the typical mid-season performance decline often …

Missing Puzzle Piece: Adding Novel Locations To The Map Of Synechococcus A/B Diversity, Max Q. Berndt

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Synechococcus A/B (SynAB) cyanobacteria are found only in North America and include the most thermotolerant photosynthetic organisms on Earth.  As thermophiles, SynAB have intriguing implications for understanding the process of thermal adaptation with potential insights for how organisms may respond to our steadily warming climate. This study aims to compare the genomes and thermotolerance of three newly isolated strains of SynAB from previously unstudied Idaho hot springs. I will first place the isolated strains into an existing phylogenetic tree of SynAB comprised of samples from Oregon and Yellowstone National Park. Next, I will use growth …

Indirect Effects Of Climate Variation On Pollinator Foraging Behavior, Ainsley Jajack

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Many species exhibit intraspecific trait variation in response to climactic factors. When those traits mediate species interactions, the outcome of the interaction may change as a result.  For example, floral color and size have been demonstrated to change in response to temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. Additionally, floral color and size are important influences on pollinator foraging behavior, which can in turn directly impact plant reproductive fitness. As western Montana’s climate patterns trend towards increased seasonal highs and fewer frost/freeze days, it is important to understand how floral traits may shift under changing conditions, and how those shifts may impact …

Long-Term Banding And Encounter Patterns Of Cinnamon Teal Banded In Utah (1960-2025), Gracie A. Henrie

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Utah is a valuable breeding and nesting ground for a number of waterfowl species, largely because of the Great Salt Lake, which supports over 400,000 acres of wetland habitat (Ducks Unlimited, n.d.). The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources manages 24 wildlife management areas (WMAs) with the purpose of creating high quality waterfowl habitat in these wetlands that can be enjoyed by hunters, recreators, and birds alike (Wildlife/Waterfowl Management Areas (WMAs), 2025). Effective management is supported with an understanding of the movement and demographic patterns of the waterfowl species the WMAs are designed to support. Bird banding is one tool managers …

Differences In Flowering Time And Pollen Deposition For Female And Hermaphroditic Alpine Cushion Plants, Jared Westbrook

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Gynodioecious plants have female and hermaphroditic individuals, but reproductive success varies between the sexes due to differences in reproductive traits. Females allocate more resources to seed production, whereas hermaphrodites allocate resources to both pollen and seed production. Female flowers may also have longer styles and longer stigma papillae, providing a larger surface for pollen receipt compared to hermaphrodites. Although females in gynodioecious systems may have reproductive advantages, it remains unclear whether this advantage is reflected in patterns of pollen deposition. Pollen deposition is also affected by the amount of flowering overlap, or synchrony, with co-flowering neighbors. Increased synchrony with conspecific …

Impact Of Physician Assistant/Associate Integration On Healthcare Quality, Accessibility, And Operational Capacity In Rural United States Communities, Zella Grace Balkenbush

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As the physician assistant/associate (PA) profession has broadened in scope throughout the United States from the mid-1960s to the 21^st century, rural communities have received the greatest systemic effects. The expansion of health insurance through Medicare and Medicaid, combined with increasing physician specialization, created a greater need for general providers. Physician shortages in remote areas have contributed to patients experiencing decreased access to routine checkups, longer wait times, and constrained emergency resources. This has led to delayed diagnoses and preventable complications. In response, the PA profession has exploded in popularity to fill the gap in providing all-around care. Rural …

The Importance Of Ph Dynamics In Neurodevelopment, Erin K. Santana

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (Nhe) proteins are essential regulators of intracellular pH in the brain. The importance of these exchangers in brain development is evidenced by the fact that their dysfunction is associated with neural development disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. Our lab studies the role of Nhe proteins in brain development using the model system Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). Flies have only 3 Nhe proteins (Nhe1-3) compared to 9 in humans, making them a more straightforward model to investigate Nhe functions. Previously, we investigated Nhe2, which maintains cytosolic pH. We found that nhe2 knockout flies exhibited …

Stress As A Potential Triegger: Investigating The Onset Of Myasthenia Gravis Following Major Life Events, Taylor A. Barney

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

I will be studying myasthenia gravis (MG) and its relation to stress, answering the question: Is there a correlation between highly stressful life events and the initial onset of myasthenia gravis by which acute emotional or physical stress triggers myasthenic crisis or exacerbation of symptoms? I am doing this project because my mother has MG and her diagnosis has shaped my outlook on the medical field in which I hope to enter. To carry out this project, I will be using cross-sectional analysis through stress assessment with MG disease severity assessment. This will include trier inventory for assessment of chronic …