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Porites Coral Colony Recovery At Caño Island , Sophia Bost Apr 2026

Porites Coral Colony Recovery At Caño Island , Sophia Bost

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Coral reefs are essential marine ecosystems and Porites lobata is an important Eastern Pacific reef-building coral that plays a major role in reef structure and ecosystem stability. This project documents Porites lobata responses to impacts associated witl1 the 2023-24 El NiÑo-Southern Oscillation, comparing coral tissue condition from 2024 and 2025. Overlapping digital images (~500 each year) utilizing two GoPro Hero 11 cameras were obtained from one, large (~13 m2) Porites lobata colony at Caño Island, Costa Rica. The program Agisoft Metashape was used to generate a 3D photogrammetry model constructed from these digital images. Living, bleached and dead …

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Analysis Of Accuracy In Ecgs Data Captured By Patients Using At-Home Ai-Assisted Device Compared To Qualified Clinician Recordings, Snehana Chinnola, Colin Pulickathadam Apr 2026

Analysis Of Accuracy In Ecgs Data Captured By Patients Using At-Home Ai-Assisted Device Compared To Qualified Clinician Recordings, Snehana Chinnola, Colin Pulickathadam

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) introduce promising opportunities in the field of cardiology to support healthcare services outside traditional clinical settings. At-home care generally promotes patient independence and improved health outcomes, while staying cost-effective due to decreased hospital visits. This study will analyze deidentified patient pilot data to assess the feasibility and performance of AI-assisted at-home electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring compared with standard clinician-obtained ECGs during routine clinical visits, focusing on signal quality and accuracy. Additionally, the data consistency will be examined to …

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Xct (Slc7a11) Regulationl Lessons From Cancer Research, Sravika Chirla, Rahul Pandit Apr 2026

Xct (Slc7a11) Regulationl Lessons From Cancer Research, Sravika Chirla, Rahul Pandit

Undergraduate Student Symposium

xCT is an amino acid antiporter that imports cystine in exchange for glutamate with a 1:1 ration in a concentration-dependent manner. Once inside the cell, cystine is quickly reduced to cysteine, the rate-limiting substrate for the main cellular antioxidant, glutathione. The function of xCT has been highlighted by the discovery of a new type of cell death, known as ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a distinctive form of programmed cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, leading to cell damage and death. Numerous classes of cancers have shown overexpression of xCT, which correlates with worse outcomes …

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Distinct And Cooperative Effects Of Epigenetic Inhibitors On Cell Viability And Cell Cycle Regulation In Neuroblastoma Cells, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Anushka Ayanampudi, Shyam Jaganathan Apr 2026

Distinct And Cooperative Effects Of Epigenetic Inhibitors On Cell Viability And Cell Cycle Regulation In Neuroblastoma Cells, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Anushka Ayanampudi, Shyam Jaganathan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Epigenetic dysregulation plays a central role in uncontrolled cell proliferation and therapeutic resistance in cancer. Consequently, targeting epigenetic regulators with small-molecule inhibitors has emerged as a promising strategy to disrupt cell cycle progression and induce tumor cell death. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic and molecular effects of two epigenetic-targeting agents, CM-272 and JNJ-64619178, administered as individual, simultaneous, and sequential treatments in neuroblastoma cell models. Cell viability was assessed using XTT assays, and changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins were analyze by Western blotting. Our results demonstrate that simultaneous combination treatment produced the greatest reduction in cell viability compared …

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Using X-Ray Crystallography To Inform Foldamer Drug Design, Isabella Garcia Apr 2026

Using X-Ray Crystallography To Inform Foldamer Drug Design, Isabella Garcia

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Foldamers are synthetic peptide oligomers that fold into well-defined three-dimensional structures, such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets. The goal of this project is to discover the solid-state confirmation of beta-amino acid foldamers that have potential as therapeutic molecules. This research represents an interdisciplinary collaboration between KAIST, a research university in South Korea, and NSU. We solved the single-crystal X-ray structures of two foldamers and then visualized their secondary structures and intermolecular contacts using Mercury. The first foldamer crystallized in the space group P21212 and demonstrated a continuous alpha-helical secondary structure, with the residue side chains evenly distributed …

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Temperature-Driven Changes In Lysis Kinetics Of Bacteriophages Infecting Gordonia Rubripertincta, Bianca Gonzalez, Jyothi Vivekananda Apr 2026

Temperature-Driven Changes In Lysis Kinetics Of Bacteriophages Infecting Gordonia Rubripertincta, Bianca Gonzalez, Jyothi Vivekananda

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health crisis creating a necessity for alternative treatments to combat drug-resistant pathogens. One alternative treatment is bacteriophages, such as those targeting Gordonia rubripertincta, a gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete bacterium which has shown intrinsic resistance to some antibiotics. Furthermore, G. rubripertincta can cause endocarditis and CNS infections in immunocompromised individuals. Phages that successfully target G. rubripertincta (Alyssamiracle, Fribs8, Genamy16, and NovaSharks) have been discovered by NSU students. The phages work in a lytic manner, bursting the bacteria and releasing its viral progeny. The goal of this research was to evaluate the lysis kinetics of these …

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Perceived Family Influences On Sexual Decision-Making Among Emerging Adults, Hassan Gowani, Mariana Santiago-Lopez Apr 2026

Perceived Family Influences On Sexual Decision-Making Among Emerging Adults, Hassan Gowani, Mariana Santiago-Lopez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Research on familial influences on sexual decision-making has focused primarily on adolescents, resulting in limited understanding of how family relationships may influence emerging adults' sexual decision-making. To fill this gap in the literature, we asked participants (ages 18-29) to indicate yes/no to "Do you think that your family has played a role in your current decision to be or not to be sexually active?" and then provide qualitative responses to "Please elaborate on why you think your family has or hasn't played a role in your current decision to be or not to be sexually active." Based on preliminary analysis, …

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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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Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen Apr 2026

Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplements are increasingly promoted for cognitive and performance benefits but controlled human data--particularly comparing BHB isomers--remains sparse. This study evaluated whether a low dose, acute ingestion of D-BHB or L-BHB influences vigilance (sustained attention, reaction speed) and fine motor control in fasted, non-keto-adapted healthy adults. A total of 136 participants (20.5 ± 1.4 years; 70.2 ± 15.6 kg) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n = 47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n = 43). Measures included the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT reaction time) and the central nervous system tap test. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 60 …

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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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Investigating Epigenetic Dysregulation Of Long Non-Coding Rnas In Glioblastoma And Glioma Stem Cells, Pujita Kellampalli, Mansi Gandhi, Dhruv Patel, Nehal Pant, Mihika Mishra, Shehr Bano, Aaron Basnyet Apr 2026

Investigating Epigenetic Dysregulation Of Long Non-Coding Rnas In Glioblastoma And Glioma Stem Cells, Pujita Kellampalli, Mansi Gandhi, Dhruv Patel, Nehal Pant, Mihika Mishra, Shehr Bano, Aaron Basnyet

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) or Grade IV glioma is a very aggressive form of brain tumor with an overall survival rate of 15 months. The tumor contains glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are resistant to existing therapies. Long non-coding RNAs such as DNA methylation are implicated in epigenetic dysregulation of GBM and GSCs. In this study, we screened lncRNAs with altered DNA methylation in both tumor cells and GSCs compared to normal neural cells using 450K methylation array data. We identified 508 methylation sites (320 lncRNAs) that were either hypermethylated (or gained methylation) or hypomethylated (lost methylation) in GBM and GSCs. …

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Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj Apr 2026

Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, and loss of sleep quality. Women are at a greater risk of developing dementia and AD during the lifetimes because women live longer than men on average and other factors. The duration and quality of sleep are associated with a healthy brain, especially during aging. Impaired and poor sleep is both an early symptom of AD and a contributing factor to cognitive impairment. Maintaining proper sleep can help prevent cognitive impairment, AD, and dementia. Sleep deprivation may increase the risk for beta-amyloid (Aβ) build-up and …

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The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern Apr 2026

The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Verbal encouragement has not been shown to reliably enhance performance on the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT); however, research has found that when individuals swear during the WAnT, average power increases. This study examined whether incorporating swearing into verbal encouragement during a WAnT enhances performance, self-confidence, and psychological flow compared to standard verbal encouragement without swearing. Forty-one physically active participants (25 females, 16 males; age 20.8 ± 0.78 years) completed two counterbalanced laboratory visits involving verbal encouragement with swearing (VES) and without swearing (VE) while performing the WAnT on a Wattbike Air ergometer. Average power, fatigue index, self-confidence, and psychological flow …

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Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel Apr 2026

Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is one of the most common insect repellents worldwide and is generally regarded as safe for humans. As such, DEET is available as a nonprescribed product to the public for topical application, with concentrations reaching up to 4.0M. However, new studies in other organisms suggest it may have a greater physiological effect than thought before. Research has shown that DEET can reduce Photosystem II activity in algae, alter red blood cell production and lipid metabolism in fish, and cause developmental and cardiovascular issues in zebrafish embryos. These findings point toward disruptions in mitochondrial and oxidative processes. Mammalian …

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The Effects Of Vestibular Dysfunction On Cognition, Sai Puneeth Kothuru, Mia Fernandez, Sol Crisanto-Ojeda Apr 2026

The Effects Of Vestibular Dysfunction On Cognition, Sai Puneeth Kothuru, Mia Fernandez, Sol Crisanto-Ojeda

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Virtual Reality (VR) systems are being used more in education, entertainment, and research, but can produce motion sickness that could temporarily disrupt cognitive functioning. This study examined whether exposure to a VR roller coaster experience leads to short-term changes in cognitive flexibility, attention, spatial orientation awareness, and anxiety compared to a control condition. Participants were randomly assigned to a VR condition or a computer-based 2D viewing condition with identical roller coaster visual content. Participants completed three testing blocks: baseline, after exposure, and after a 10-minute recovery period. Cognitive flexibility and attention were assessed using the Trail Making Test (TMT) and …

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Creatine In Dementia And The Aging Brain, Dylan Kuni Apr 2026

Creatine In Dementia And The Aging Brain, Dylan Kuni

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Dementia is a syndrome that interferes with cognitive functions and an individual's ability to function independently. Dementia includes several subtypes caused by different neuropathologies, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most common form. AD is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles in the brain, associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and deficits in energy metabolism. While treatments for AD exist, the efficacy, safety, and cost are a concern, highlighting the need for additional prevention and treatment strategies. This literature review examines the role of creatine in brain health and disease, including AD and related dementias. …

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An Analysis Of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices In Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players, Caiden Largent Apr 2026

An Analysis Of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices In Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players, Caiden Largent

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Vertical jump height in volleyball, a key performance measure, may be assessed in a laboratory and measured on the court. Baseline lab measurements are conducted in a controlled environment using a Vertec, while on the court, measurements utilize VERT wearable devices as these measurements. VERT estimates jump height indirectly through inertial measurements when compared to Vertec testing. The purpose of this study is to analyze jump height performance in collegiate volleyball attacking players. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II female volleyball attackers were assessed across five separate matches. Results showed differences shown between jump heights across sets and matches …

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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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Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh Apr 2026

Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Epirubicin is a widely used anticancer agent whose mechanism of action (DNA intercalation leading to disruption of the double-stranded helical structure) has been extensively studied. Despite its clinical effectiveness, epirubicin is associated with significant side effects that limit its therapeutic window. In this work, we investigated the interaction of epirubicin with a circular double-stranded plasmid DNA (2686 bp) in the presence and absence of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide (AIC). Spectroscopic studies combined with a modified Stern-Volmer methodology were used to determine binding constants. The results indicate that stepwise addition of AIC enhances epirubicin intercalation, yielding a higher DNA-epirubicin binding constant compared to epirubicin …

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Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh Apr 2026

Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Running biomechanics reflect coordinated strategies rather than isolated variable effects and are thought to influence injury risk. This study investigates whether distinct running gait patterns identified through principal component analysis (PCA) of biomechanical variables were associated with injury occurrence in collegiate cross-country athletes. Twenty-two university cross-country runners (N=22; n = 5 males, n = 17 females; age range = 18-25 years) completed a 3D biomechanical gait assessment from which we derived step frequency (SF), hip and ankle propulsive power, knee abductor moments (KAM), vertical stiffness (kvert), contralateral pelvis drop (CPD), hip adduction (HADD), time of braking force ( …

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Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal Apr 2026

Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Previous research indicates the biomechanics at the ankle joint can lead to increased risk of injury such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, Achilles rupture, or patellofemoral tendinopathy. Studies also revealed that the establishment of baseline ankle range-of-motion (ROM) measures can allow the decrease of injury for a team over the course of professional season. Understanding ankle ROM norms can lead to detecting critical injuries and the development of a strength and conditioning plan to help avoid injury. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship that fatigue has upon ankle ROM using a static lunge test to …

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Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur Apr 2026

Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Steroids (STRs) have essential roles in human physiology and disease, regulating processes such as metabolism and immunity. STRs exert their effects through receptor-mediated pathways and by modulating cell membrane properties. STRs can intercalate into phospholipid (PL) bilayers, altering membrane properties that can influence downstream biological processes. While STR-protein interactions have been widely studied, little is known about how STR-PL interactions influence membrane properties. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the interactions between testosterone (TST) and cholesterol (CHOL) with three representative PLs: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). STR-PL complexes were modeled using an aqueous …

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Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore Apr 2026

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Fungi in the genus Ganoderma have been widely studied in Chinese culture for their medicinal properties and promoting overall health and longevity. Our prior work on eight Ganoderma species showed that they contain Secondary Metabolite Clusters (SMCs) that code for multiple terpenes, betalactones, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). These compounds are well known for their cytotoxic and anticancer potential. Using the bioinformatics platform antiSMASH, we previously identified and annotated the specific SMCs within these genomes that are predicted to produce such bioactive metabolites. To test the results obtained from the bioinformatics analysis, fungal extracts were prepared from …

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Effects Of Bhb(Beta-Hydroxybutyrate) Of Mood, Memory, And Handgrip, Christianna Needham, Sahanj Joshi, Jairaj Bajaj Apr 2026

Effects Of Bhb(Beta-Hydroxybutyrate) Of Mood, Memory, And Handgrip, Christianna Needham, Sahanj Joshi, Jairaj Bajaj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of acute beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on handgrip, mood states and memory of healthy men and women. The subjects were exercise science students from Nova Southeastern University between 18-22 years of age. Subjects performed Handgrip strength, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Memtrax the tests prior to consuming BHB, as well as 30 minutes, and 60 minutes post consumption. A total of 136 healthy participants (20.5±1.4 years) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n=47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n=43). A Two-Way ANOVA test revealed no significant …

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Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani Apr 2026

Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The symbiotic relationship between cnidarian hosts and photosynthetic dinoflagellates relies on a dynamic exchange of metabolites between key organelles including chloroplasts and mitochondria. Understanding how temperature affects this exchange is pivotal to determine its role in metabolic dysbiosis, but methodological challenges in isolating mitochondria from cnidarian tissue must be addressed. The aim of this project is to develop a reproducible homogenization and isolation protocol of mitochondria from the upside-down sea jelly Cassiopea xamachana, to be used as a model for subsequent bioenergetic studies. Mesogleal tissue from laboratory acclimated C. xamachana was finely minced, and several mechanical homogenization methods were …

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Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris Apr 2026

Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Homesickness is a prevalent condition affecting many college students. Several factors contribute to homesickness, including, but not limited to, adjustment difficulty, missing family and friends, rumination, and loneliness. To better understand homesickness, we explored how engagement, anxiety, and personality moderate each factor. Engagement and personality were hypothesized to negatively correlate with homesickness. Trait anxiety was hypothesized to positively correlate with homesickness. We examined these variables by having participants complete a Google form that included questions from four surveys: the Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS), the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory …

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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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Refining Potent Stat3 Inhibitor Structure Through Molecular Docking, Dev Patel, Dev Patel Apr 2026

Refining Potent Stat3 Inhibitor Structure Through Molecular Docking, Dev Patel, Dev Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a central role in signaling regulation in many cancers including glioblastoma. Normally, STAT3 is activated by the presence of ligand. In cancer cells, STAT3 is constitutively activated, making it a therapeutic target. STAT3 inhibitors currently used in clinical trials act by targeting upstream activators of STAT3. However, cancer cells bypass these pathways, activating STAT3 through receptor-pathway independent mechanism. Therefore, there is a need for inhibitors to directly target and inhibit STAT3, therefore blocking its function. Nitro groups (-NO2) are being investigated as potential anti-cancer compounds. In cellular studies, IX-11 …

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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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Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel Apr 2026

Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Jump-based movements in volleyball, particularly unilateral landings, generate substantial injury risk to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These landings create asymmetrical ground reaction forces and patellar joint instability, with outside and right-side hitters most affected since they often land on a single leg after spiking. Prior studies show that unilateral landings produce higher peak forces and reduced knee flexion compared to bilateral landings, increasing biomechanical stress. Lead-limb dominance and player position further influence landing mechanics and loading patterns. Using VERT, a wearable sensor that records jump height, frequency, and landing impact, along with synchronized video analysis, this study compares landing …

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