Digital Commons Network^™

Brain Iron Metabolism In Mouse Models Of Cerebral Hypoperfusion And Iron Overload, Areej Ashraf

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Maniskas (The University of Texas Houston), Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael (Hollins University) Brain homeostasis is fundamental to normal neurological functions, as excess iron can trigger oxidative stress and contribute to cognitive deficits. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) has been reported to contribute to the physiopathology of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Iron accumulation has been reported to influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). This research project explores the impacts of CCH and iron overload on behavioral outcomes and iron metabolism in aged (17-18 …

Behavioral Responses Of Magellanic Penguins At Their Breeding Colony On Magdalena Island, Holly Hylton, Gabriella Demaria, Charlie Dobson, Lukas Hanson, Finley Webb

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Glenda Hevia, School for Field Studies, Chile Coordinated by Dr. Renee Godard Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are culturally and ecologically significant seabirds that are found in southern South America. Our study aimed to observe the behaviors of Magellanic penguins in a small breeding colony located at Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan, Patagonia, Chile. We observed 81 penguins over three continuous days in November 2024 to analyze how environmental and anthropogenic factors impact adult penguins. Behavioral metrics included time spent in burrows, proportion of time active, and vocalizations. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive …

A Comparison Of Behavioral Activity And Spatial Relationships In A Captive Populations Of Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla Gorilla) And Common Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes), Samantha Hahn

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard

The fundamental mission of most modern zoos is conservation, research, and education, with a strong focus on animal welfare that provides adequate space and enrichment for species to maintain natural behaviors. We compared the behavioral activity and spatial relationships of two ape species (lowland gorillas - Gorilla gorilla and common chimpanzees – Pan troglodytes) maintained in separate large natural enclosures at the North Carolina Zoo. In the wild, lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) are typically found in small harems with a dominant silverback male, several females and juveniles, while chimpanzees are commonly found in …

Scaredy Cats: Domestic Cat Responses To Audio Stimuli, Jennalee Williams

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Predators can detect prey by a variety of mechanisms with auditory cues being of importance particularly in nocturnal animals. Previous studies have shown that domesticated cats can track potential prey by sound. In this study, I compared the responses of nine domestic cats (Felis catus) to different sounds, two mimicking prey (a rodent death scream and crinkly noise) and a neutral beep tone. Sounds were projected from undercover and the distance the cat spent within 1 m of the speaker was recorded at 10 second intervales before (2 min), during (2 min) and …

Montana Assault Resource Index, Storytelling & Education (Mt A.R.I.S.E.): Breaking Barriers To Disclosure Of Sexual Violence In The Lgbtq+ Community, Olivia G. Donohue, Kate Bick, Cana Odegaard, Emma Hixson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project aims to address the unique needs of LEGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence, through the enhancement of social support and resource accessibility for this marginalized group, particularly reaching those in rural settings like Montana. Existing literature highlights significant failures to understand the intersectional vulnerabilities and resilience factors impacting recovery and outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals. Often, studies neglect specific subgroups, including transgender individuals, bisexual persons, and nonbinary survivors, and do not implement comprehensive, intersectional frameworks that capture the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. In rural areas, LGBTQ+ individuals face systemic issues, such as restricted access to supportive healthcare, social …

Grizzly Green Labs: Implementing A Green Lab Program At The University Of Montana, Katie Coates, Maya Gritzner, Alena Flocchini, Emma Hasquet, Sophia Miller, Kylie Olson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Research laboratories are a major but often overlooked source of energy consumption and waste in universities. Labs rely on single-use plastics for sterility and energy-intensive equipment, resulting in a substantial environmental impact. Globally, laboratories consume significantly more energy than the average household and generate millions of tons of plastic waste yearly. To address this, many universities worldwide and in the United States have adopted sustainable initiatives through “Green Lab” programs, which have been found to successfully reduce resource consumption while maintaining research integrity. Despite the University of Montana's commitment to sustainability, no university programs or regulations address lab sustainability, even …

Modification Of Process Inputs Using Hog Cooling Pads, Gilbert Benitez

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

Purdue University researchers have developed a low-cost hog cooling pad which uses ground-based water as a coolant for sows in farrowing crates. Initial testing has proven the positive effects of the unit on sow and piglet productivity, but thus far little research has been done on seeing whether or not the use of the pads reduces water consumption by the animals or how much energy is required to operate the units. This study examined data collected during an indirect calorimetry testing program. The limited availability of water sensors hindered the meaningfulness of the water consumption data, but the energy consumption …

Probing Surface Characteristics Of Plant-Based Protein Powders, Anthony Scott

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

Plant-based protein powders are expected to take-on a larger role in human diet as concerns regarding animal-based protein production grow. Unfortunately, not much physical property information about these proteins is available. This study was an attempt by researchers to perform an initial investigation of five powders: Mung bean, peas, pumpkin seed, Fava bean, and Soybeans. Typical particle sizing was determined, along with the surface morphology. Shear testing on the bulk materials was performed to establish the powders’ potential flowability. Inverse gas chromatography provided surface energies of the five protein types, and an X-ray photoelectron spectrograph was used to determine the …

Opening Thoughts, Carol S. Stwalley

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

No abstract provided.

How Science Denial And Christian Perceptions Shape Policy, Isabella Mednis, Caroline Byrne

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will focus on the public perceptions of Christianity and how they differ from how Christians believe they are perceived, compared to a rising disregard for the scientific consensus. Over the 2025 Spring semester, we worked in a group of two students, in pursuit to understanding the undeniably related uptick in faith based executive orders and science denying policies. We were able to demonstrate the importance in societal acknowledgment of science and different ways of thinking because polarity cause misleading public policy. Through this project, we fortified our understanding of the complexity of science denial and religion.

Assessing Functional Changes In The Gut Microbiome In Ctcl Patients Pre- And Post Therapy, Merjaan Ahmad, Sophia Rahman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The human microbiome, composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, is influenced by diet, health, and the environment, impacting immune response, digestion, and mental health. This study analyzed microbiome data from CTCL patients, focusing on changes after phototherapy. Using Microbiome Analyst, we identified 32 significant enzymes and 8 pathways. Notably, enzyme EC:1.1.1.370 and pathway P562 increased post-phototherapy, indicating metabolic shifts in inositol processing. These findings suggest phototherapy may modulate microbial metabolism, warranting further research.

Motility In Urinary And Non-Urinary Bacterial Strains, Olive Kolar, Helen Appleberry, Ali Osborn, Catherine Putonti

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

A recent study from the Putonti lab concluded that there are two genetically distinct lineages of the bacterium Streptococcus anginosus: group 1, found throughout the body; and group 2, found in the urogenital tract. A 1995 study asserted that urinary strains of S. anginosus exhibited motility, but this was observed before current taxonomic classifications were established. Here I test for motility in both groups of S. anginosus. I expect to find evidence of motility in S. anginosus group 2, but not in group 1. This will add to the classification criteria of group 2 as S. anginosus subsp. …

Skin Microbiota Differs Between Black And White Patients With Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Mylee S. Mccool, Dania Achmar, Saima S. Rahman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) disproportionately affects Black patients, who experience higher rates of sepsis and mortality. This study examines differences in the lesional and non-lesional skin microbiomes of Black and White CTCL patients using 16S rRNA and tuf gene sequencing. Results reveal distinct microbial compositions, with increased Staphylococcus aureus abundance in Black patients. Our team contributed by developing RStudio-based code to visualize and analyze microbiome sequencing data, facilitating clearer interpretation of microbial differences. These findings suggest microbial factors may contribute to racial disparities in CTCL outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutic interventions and further microbiome research.

Modern-Day Aquatic Species Comparisons To Trabecular Development In The Early Tetrapod Ossinodus And Its Significance To The Vertebrate Conquest Of Land, Natalie Kaytor, Megan Whitney

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Nearly 350 million years ago, early tetrapods made a critical transition from living in water to living on land. To better understand how early tetrapods may have spent their time on land during their lifetimes, I examined a growth series of femora from an early Australian tetrapod, Ossinodus. I then compared these to modern-day turtle specimens with the goal of relating Ossinodus to either more aquatic or more terrestrial species. Preliminarily results indicate that Ossinodus may have lived their lives between the two environments. More comparisons to modern-day species may further these results.

Amphibian Density In The Inkaterra Reserve In Madre De Díos, Peru ​ A Measurement Of Species Density Within The Inkaterra Reserve​, Isabella Songer, Rachel Kinsella, Isaac Morales

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Research on the species richness in the Amazon has been sought after for conservation work and the international trade business. Frogs, salamanders, and toads are especially rich in this wet and warm environment. This study will focus on measuring the density of these species using visual monitoring to create a list of species density and diversity. This has the goal of being able to assist in future citizen science projects in the Madre de Díos region of Peru.

A Nourish Chicago Community Education Project: The Sweet Truth About The Food Science And Chemistry Of Sugar, Lily Grace Yezback

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Sugar is a fundamental component of food science, playing a significant role in our lives beyond its satisfying taste. This research dives into the sweet world of sugar and explores its contribution to texture, preservation, color and flavor. The various structures of sugar, their chemical properties, and important impact on human health are investigated as well. Additionally, hidden and artificial sugars are unveiled and their secretive consequences are highlighted. Under Dr. Pine's guidance, I worked to spread this knowledge to the greater Chicago community in order to enlighten the public and encourage healthier consumption habits across the city.

Exploring The Effects Of Biocide Exposure On Non-Target Organisms: How Glyphosate And Imidacloprid Affect Daphnia Vital Rates, Logan Granger

Academic Festival

Abstract

The use of herbicides and pesticides is ubiquitous in the United States, yet the effects that exposure to these biocides has on non-target organisms, particularly in aquatic systems, remains under-emphasized. The unintended consequences of single and concomitant biocide exposures could include changes in vital rates (survival, growth, reproduction), as well as behavioral, morphological, or physiological characteristics. Daphnia is a key species in most lakes and ponds, consuming phytoplankton and regulating algal densities while also being a valuable prey for planktivorous fish. We tested the independent and combined effects of two common biocides (the pesticide Imidacloprid and the herbicide Glyphosate) …

Analysis Of Microbial Community Structure Reveals Significant Differences Between River Basins On The Dingle Peninsula Of Ireland, Mary Mcmanus, Megan Prettyman

Academic Festival

The Feohanagh, Milltown, and Owenmore rivers of the Dingle Peninsula on the southwest coast of Ireland drain conjoined basins of approximately equal size and shape. While these rivers occupy similar spaces of land, the land surrounding the basins serves different purposes and varies substantially in land-use and land-cover (LULC). Our specific aim was to compare the planktonic microbial communities at the outflow region of the rivers for spatial and temporal variation. Five water samples were taken from each of the three rivers at two different timepoints, and Illumina sequencing of the 16S and ITS rRNA regions was conducted to identify …

Chronic Stress Effects On Anxiety And Spatial Memory Is Altered By Adolescent Bisphenol-A Exposure In Female Rats, Elizabeth A. Brennan, Liam T. Connelly, Joseph R. Giegerich, Julianna J. Mondella, Kristina M. Rybak

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Missing The Mark: Uncovering Gaps In Young Adults Investment Knowledge, Sophia Mayo

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

How The Lack Of Sleep Affects The Academic Performance Of College Students, Jillian Angeramo

Academic Festival

This poster explores the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among college students, addressing the widespread belief that insufficient sleep negatively impacts GPA. Using data from the 2021 Pioneer Student Health and Well-being Survey, we conducted a cross-sectional observational analysis of 211 students aged 18–40. Sleep quality was measured using the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale, and academic performance was assessed by self-reported GPA. Results revealed a very weak negative correlation (r = –0.064) between sleep quality and GPA, with a p-value of 0.355, indicating no statistically significant relationship. These findings challenge previous literature suggesting a direct link between poor …

Influence Of Poverty Status On Prevalence Of Coronary Heart Disease Among U.S. Adults 50 And Older, Skyla Contarino, Nicole Lapointe, Rebecca Chernik, Alyssa Brady

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

The Transformative Effects Of A Physical Fitness Program For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gianna N. Piscitelli

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Family Nutrition On The Presence Of Developmental Delays In Children Age 5-10 Years Old, Hailey Conklin, Nadia Bjaelker, Sophia Kalosinis

Academic Festival

This study investigates the correlation between family nutrition and the prevalence of developmental delays in children aged 5 to 10 years in the United States. Using data from the 2023 National Survey of Children’s Health, we explored the impact of household food security on the occurrence of developmental delay. Our results of the study revealed a statistically significant association between food insecurity and developmental delays. This supports the hypothesis that limited access to nutritious food increases the likelihood of developmental challenges. Families who reported inconsistent or insufficient access to nutritious meals were more likely to report that their child had …

Program Development For 18-Year Old Female Targeting Body Recomposition, Anthony Alison, Aidan Connolly, Katie Musser

Academic Festival

Our client, a healthy and motivated 18-year-old, approached us with the goal of reducing body fat while building lean muscle mass, with a particular emphasis on developing upper body strength. She currently maintains a consistent exercise routine, training six days per week, and has expressed a strong interest in more challenging workouts aimed at hypertrophy. Based on her goals and training history, we developed a structured hypertrophy-focused resistance training program, consisting of four days of resistance training complemented by two days of conditioning to support fat loss and improve overall fitness.

The Expression Pattern Of Α6 And Β4 Integrin Receptor Subunits In Cultured Chick Forebrain Neurons, Jenna Jacinto

Academic Festival

Previous data suggest that a laminin receptor is localized in the axons of chick forebrain neurons mediating the axon-growth promoting properties of laminin. Many heterodimers from the integrin family of proteins have previously been identified as laminin receptors, including the α6β4 heterodimer. We tested the role of β4, β1, and α6 integrins in laminin-induced increases in axonal growth using function blocking antibodies. Axons of neurons grown on laminin treated with β4 integrin function blocking antibodies or α6 integrin function blocking antibodies were significantly shorter compared to untreated cultures or cultures treated with a β1 integrin function-blocking antibody. These data are …

Comparing The Effects Of Elevated Temperatures On Flowering Of A Foundation Species In Natural Versus Restored Marshes, Emma M. Murphy

Academic Festival

Globally, many plants are experiencing elevated temperatures as a result of climate change, which can affect survival, growth, and reproduction and have far-reaching impacts on populations and communities, particularly in plant-dominated ecosystems. In addition, these effects may vary depending on whether a system is composed mainly of a natural population that has existed for decades with minimal human interference versus a restored population that has been created or modified by human activity. Here, we focus on the effects of ambient versus elevated temperatures on the reproduction of Spartina alterniflora, a foundation species in natural versus restored salt marshes, to …

Determining How Oyster Health And Parasite Prevalence Differ Between Aquaculture Grow-Out Methods, Olivia Griffin

Academic Festival

Oyster aquaculture provides a variety of valuable ecosystem services and is a critical component of sustainable seafood production in the United States. However, a number of stressors, such as pollutants and parasites, hamper the sustainability of oyster aquaculture. Oyster aquaculture uses multiple farming techniques, such as on-bottom cages and floating bags, to optimize oyster survival, growth, condition, and marketability. These different methods expose oysters to a variety of abiotic and biotic factors that can independently and interactively affect oyster health metrics. In particular, the relationship between grow-out methods and parasite exposure, and the consequent effects on oyster survival and growth, …

Comparing Behavioral And Physiological Methods Of Pain Assessment Used In Veterinary Medicine, Julia Calvi

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Protein Targeting Of Amyloid Precursor Protein In Cultured Neurons, Julianna Koman, Joseph Tenedine, Benedetto Galluzzo, Mark Jareb Phd

Academic Festival

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has commonly shown to lead to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease through its cleavage into amyloid-β plaques that aggregate in the brain, causing neurodegeneration. To better understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, researching the normal targeting and processing of APP in neurons can reveal many of the processes that lead to the aggregation of senile plaques in the brain. We have expressed a FLAG-tagged human APP construct in cultured embryonic chick forebrain neurons and visualized its distribution using immunocytochemistry and fluorescent microscopy. Initial findings show that APP is expressed in cell body, dendrites, and axons …