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The Evolution Of The Stress Response In The Trinidadian Killifish: Ecological Drivers And Maternal Mediation, Mikaela E. Feder

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Ecological variables can induce the stress response in organisms. Yet, few studies have tested for evolutionary shifts in stress responses across ecological gradients. In these studies, we used Trinidadian killifish found in sites with predators (high predation, HP) and sites where they are the only fish present (killifish only, KO). HP and KO populations differ in a suite of behavioral and life-history traits, making the Trinidadian killifish an excellent model to examine evolutionary physiology. My dissertation addresses the knowledge gap by examining: (1) how baseline cortisol differs in wild-caught Trinidadian killifish found in HP and KO sites, (2) the influence …

Atorvastatin Alters Neuronal Morphology Data Set, Carolyn L. Pytte

Publications and Research

Statins are highly effective and widely prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs. However, statins cross the blood-brain barrier and decrease neural cholesterol in animal models, raising concern that long-term statin use may impact cholesterol-dependent structures and functions in the brain. Cholesterol is a fundamental component of cell membranes and experimentally decreasing membrane cholesterol has been shown to alter cell morphology in vitro. In addition, brain regions that undergo adult neurogenesis rely on local brain cholesterol for the manufacture of new neuronal membranes. Thus neurogenesis may be particularly vulnerable to long-term statin use. Here we asked whether oral statin treatment impacts neurogenesis …

Office Of Grants And Research Services Awards 2024-2025, Office Of Grants And Research Services, Seton Hall University

Office of Grants and Research Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Office Of Grants And Research Services Submissions 2024-2025, Office Of Grants And Research Services, Seton Hall University

Office of Grants and Research Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Environmental Monitoring Report: For Work Performed: July 1, 2022 Through June 30, 2023, Tennessee. Department Of Environment And Conservation

Environmental Monitoring Reports

This FY2023 EMR presents results for 20 independent projects, originally defined in TDEC’s FY2023 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) and subsequently completed over the course of FY2023 period of performance.

A Rhetorical Analysis Of Allyson Felix’S Commencement Speech At Usc In 2022., Silvia Solares

Communication 300 Papers

This paper looks at Allyson Felix’s 2022 commencement speech at the University of Southern California using the neo-Aristotelian method. Felix is a USC graduate and Olympic track star. During this commencement speech she shared her personal story about finding her voice and standing up for what she believes in. She was a very successful track and field athlete with many sponsors. She found her voice especially when it came to speaking out about pregnancy discrimination in sports. She explained clearly and with much detail how her experience with Nike led her to push for policy changes that now help other …

Investigating Woody Vegetation Recruitment Post Riparian Enhancement Extraction Along The Baduwa't, Rize Martins De Oliveira, Wiley Hughes, Owen Lenox

Forestry, Fire, & Rangeland Management Senior Capstones

The Baduwa’t River in Humboldt County, California, faces a legacy of channelization, poor land management, and severe flooding that has left high, dry floodplain terraces disconnected from the river and dominated by invasive vegetation. In response to sediment deficits during drought years, Riparian Enhancement Extractions (REEs) were introduced as an alternative gravel mining method that simultaneously presented opportunities for habitat restoration. This study evaluates five REEs along the Baduwa’t to identify the construction features and site conditions that promote successful riparian vegetation establishment. Findings show that REEs can create seasonal wetlands conducive to native riparian habitat reestablishment, when excavation is …

Assessing Understory Along The Elk River (Hikshari') In Headwaters Forest Reserve, Humboldt County, California, Julie R. Meyers, Aliyah M. Ingram, Caleb N. Larkin, Joshua L. Carpenter

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

Northern California’s extensive logging history and lack of forest management has altered old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests, leaving dense, homogenous second and third-growth forest stands. This has led to the use of modern restoration techniques such as variable density thinning (VDT) which aims to rehabilitate old-growth forest conditions by improving stand heterogeneity and light availability for understory species. Our study was done in Headwaters Forest Reserve (HFR) along the Elk River (Hikshari’) Trail in Humboldt County, California. Initially, the project was supervised by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field Office. However, the 2025 U.S. government …

Ecological Assessment And Restoration Strategy For The Riparian Wetlands Of Woody Ryno Farms, Bee Krstich, Ethan Michael Gilmore, Kai Jeremy Hensley, Nicolas Augusto Yanez, Vanessa Luis

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

Woody Ryno Farms is situated in McKinleyville, Humboldt County, California. The surrounding area is a mosaic of farmland, homes, and wetlands. This project aims to gather information about the health and species composition of the wetlands on Woody Ryno Farms. A step-point method was used to collect data on species composition along 16 m transects at 2 m intervals; all plants within a 1 m radius were identified and documented. Following data collection, we used Excel to analyze data based on several factors, including transect number, plants identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and native versus invasive taxa. Statistical analysis …

Restoring Riparian Health And Cultural Resources Along School Creek, A Baduwa’T Tributary, At Blue Lake Rancheria, Humboldt County, Ca, Karlie G. Hall, Fern W. Mcbride, Natalie R. Christenson, Olivia C. Brock, Emily A. King

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

Riparian corridors are essential components of the landscape, supporting healthy streams and surrounding habitats by stabilizing banks, retaining water, and regulating stream temperatures. Indigenous peoples have stewarded these environments since time immemorial, cultivating deep relationships with the land and its culturally significant plants. Their continued ability to practice, transmit, and sustain this knowledge is vital not only for maintaining Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) but also for fostering resilient and healthy ecosystems. The purpose of this project was to revegetate a riparian area of School Creek with culturally significant plants. School Creek is a tributary in the Baduwa’t watershed at Blue …

Becoming Reacquainted: Baseline Habitat Assessment Of Streams On Returned Tribal Lands Of Blue Lake Rancheria, California, Haley Davis, Sophia Enriquez, Cecilia Olnes, Grace Poitras

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

This project presents baseline habitat data for three tributaries of the Baduwa’t (Mad River) – Powers Creek, School Creek, and Kelly Creek – located on or adjacent to reacquired Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) lands. These small coastal streams hold ecological and cultural significance and have the potential to support salmonids and other aquatic species. Powers Creek and School Creek were dry during the survey period and were assessed using qualitative, waypoint-based observations of vegetation, substrate, instream cover, channel morphology, and potential fish passage barriers. Kelly Creek, a perennial tributary, was surveyed using the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) …

Assessing Wood Jam Formation In The South Fork Elk River In Headwaters Forest Reserve, California (Year 2), Blaine Follrath, Nico Hutton, Diego Rodriguez, Torrey Stapp

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

Large woody debris (LWD) contribute to the formation of complex habitat structures by stabilizing channels, creating refugia, and enhancing spawning conditions. A lack of LWD in the South Fork Elk River in Headwaters Forest Reserve has been identified by the BLM as a limiting factor in salmonid resurgence. Salmonids provide vital ecological functions to their watersheds; however, their populations face the pressure of habitat loss. This study expands upon last year’s assessment of wood jam formation on the South Fork Elk River and examines how log jam structures have changed over time since the BLM’s 2022 accelerated recruitment project. This …

The New Inquiry Notice: Lessons From E-Commerce, Richard F. Storrow

Oklahoma Law Review

No abstract provided.

Understanding Tap As A Narrative Form, Jylian R. Haynes

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I will be researching tap dancing as narrative form. As a tap teacher and member of the dance community, I feel pulled to learn about tap as a narrative form to educated myself and my students, and to inspire my choreography. I will support my research on tap as a narrative form by looking at tap history, technique, and pull from personal experience. As well as writing a research paper, I will create a piece of choreography to showcase my research. The paper and choreographed piece will work adjacently to emphasize the things I learn about tap as …

2025 F1rst Look, Nova Southeastern University

First Look

No abstract provided.

2025 Nsu Fact Book, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Fact Book

In 2025, NSU was recognized by the Carnegie Classification system as one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold all three of the following designations: Very High Research Activity (R1), Community Engaged Institution, and Opportunity College & University (OCU). Its R1 classification places NSU among the top tier of U.S. research universities, a milestone that reflects our continued growth and commitment to research that leads to real-world impact.. As an R1 institution, NSU is shining a new light on scientific discovery, medical breakthroughs, and technologies that advance quality of life: from pioneering treatments in neuro-immunology and cancer, to safeguarding coral …

Jmorph Summary Data Cownose And Eagle Ray, Frank E. Fish

Biology Data Repository

The data are for the examination of hydrodynamic lift of the cephalic lobes of the cownose ray and spotted eagle ray. Data are from flow tank test of model heads of the two species.

Sea Turtle Turning, Frank E. Fish

Biology Data Repository

Data are for the analysis of the kinematics of turning by juvenile sea turtles.

Integrating Data Management Plans Into The Unified Architecture Framework Standards Views, Cansu Yalim, Holly A. H. Handley

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

System Architecting translates an operational concept into a model of the system to be realized. There is a need for a Data Management Plan (DMP) to be included in the overall system engineering process with the advent of Digital Engineering. Data longevity, accessibility, and integrity can all be improved throughout the system's lifecycle by a well-defined DMP. System engineers use an architecture framework to arrange the system data into several sets of viewpoints. Incorporating a DMP at this point specifies the procedures for gathering, storing, retrieving, and maintaining data to ensure that all interested parties have access to current, correct …

"Discovering The Mysterious Ocean: A New Approach To Igniting Children’S Interest In Marine Sciences", Laura Goretti

Theses & ETDs

This thesis presents the development of a series of interactive musical books designed to ignite children's interest in marine sciences. The project addresses the lack of ocean literacy and school curricula in children’s books by integrating ocean principles and the New College of Florida Marine Biology curriculum with art and hands-on activities. The books target kindergarten and early elementary-aged children as the importance of early exposure to scientific concepts and children's innate scientific inquiry are discussed. Current challenges in science education are examined, highlighting the possible tools that should be utilized to enhance students’ engagement, interest, and excitement towards marine …

I’M All The Fishes In The Sea: Creating An Animal Care Ethic From Spinoza’S Ethics, Denicia Finney

Theses & ETDs

Although Spinoza encourages us to understand Nature, and our place as parts in it, he felt inclined to say that the lower animals have nothing in common with our nature, and so ‘we have every right against them that they have against us’. Is he ultimately justified in making this claim? I believe that Spinoza's ethic, and the end that ensues from it would actually warrant fair consideration of the lower animals. I demonstrate this through the separation of the eternal essence and the particular essence which each individual is composed of. Insofar as humankind acts according to the universal …

Who We Don’T See: Paternal Kinship In Adoption, Nikhita Razdan

Theses & ETDs

The topic of this research is discovering what defines the connection between adopted people and their biological fathers due to the lack of research regarding that perspective. The research was conducted through repeated in-depth interviews online and in person. The subjects that are addressed here involve the intersection between adoptees' gender and adoptive identity, biases held within the adoptive household, and negative biases towards their countries of origin. These topics assist in understanding the kinship found, or not found, between the participants and their biological fathers. Two frameworks are also presented here, deemed the Adoptive Environment Bias and the Motherland …

Evaluating The Effects Of Coastal Development On Sea Turtle Nesting Success Rates In Southwest Florida, Lydia Ubry

Theses & ETDs

The barrier islands of Sarasota County are one of the highest-density nesting areas for Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) and Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) in Florida and the greater Gulf of Mexico region. Additionally, these islands (Lido Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key) are all highly developed with varying types of dominant structures on each key. This study aims to examine the different types of development on these islands over time (1974-2023) in conjunction with marine turtle nesting success rates. Findings include a higher number of nesting turtles overall, despite a great increase in development since the …

A Different Dimension: A Comparison Between 2d Cell Lines And 3d Organoids In Cancer Drug Screening Cell Viability​, Paytin Curran, Isaac Packer, Delaney Anderson, Victoria Johnson, Jeffery Okojie, Jared Barrott

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Cancer drug screening is commonly performed on two-dimensional (2D) cancer cell lines. Recent innovations in cell line development and methods of incubation has led to further interest in the development of three-dimensional (3D) organoids from standard cancer cell lines and patient-derived tissue. Our research intends to test the relationship between cell viability of 2D cancer cell lines and the viability of 3D organoids during cancer drug screening.

For Dust Thou Art, And Unto Dust Shalt Thou Return — Testing Soil-Derived Plant-Beneficial Bacteria For Potential As Biofertilizers, Johnathon Brim, Blake Oler, Jacob Hardy, Joseph Richardson, Ryan Bjazevich, Kate Whalen, Emmelia Wevers, Foxx Naylor, Ethan Shreeve, Alex Cherry, Ethan Cherry, Tanner Gunnell, Jayden Longhurst, Andrew Burrows, Mailon Odell, Jacob Sy, Jeffrey Schacterle

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

• The results of plant testing have shown that bacteria treated seeds outperform the control seeds on a consistent basis
• We will continue to receive more data from out own experiments as well as crowdsourcing methods.
• Our next step is to begin comparing results of our soil/seed treatment against commercially available fertilizers that use beneficial bacteria.

How Microbiota Affect The Drosophila Melanogaster Life History Approach, Ricardo Romo, John M. Chaston

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

• The microbiota of Drosophila melanogaster plays a significant role in its life history strategy and local adaptation [1]. This study examines how variations in microbiota composition influence the trade-offs between reproduction and somatic maintenance.
• Previous research has shown that LAB and AAB bacteria affect Drosophila Melanogaster life history strategies and this research explores the effects of LAB and AAB bacterial strains on flies raised under controlled conditions.
• This study contributes to the growing evidence that microbiota is an essential factor in understanding local adaptation and evolutionary biology and how certain bacterial strains affect an organism’s reproductive strategy.

Population Monitoring Of Packera Castoreus, Autumn Gudmundsen, Madison Huie, Steve Flinders, Loreen Allphin

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Packera castoreus is a rare flowering plant, endemic to high elevations in the Belknap volcanic substrates of the Tushar Mountains of Utah (fig.1 & 2).

• The species has been classified as high priority for monitoring and conservation by the Utah Native Plant Society.1

There have been conservation concerns for rare alpine species recently due to increased threats, primarily:

• Grazing from large ungulates (mountain goats, deer, & elk)2
• Human impacts (especially hiking)1
• Climate change1

To better understand the impacts of these various threats on P. castoreus, we monitored populations from 2018-2022 and assessed plant morphology, community composition, and population …

Investigating The Role Of The Liver-Brain Axis In Addiction, Camryn Holt, Isabella Roque, Shimran Sharma, Chris Galbraith, Jordan T. Yorgason

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Ethanol (EtOH) increases dopamine (DA) release, leading to addictive behaviors.

Ex vivo, EtOH only alters DA release at supraphysiological levels.

The liver metabolizes EtOH, and metabolites can escape into systemic circulation and cross the blood-brain barrier.

We hypothesize that these metabolites may induce changes in the mesolimbic circuitry and thus contribute to the reinforcing effects of EtOH.

We examined the effects of bile acids (BAs) and other EtOH metabolites on accumbal DA release and CIN firing.

We also investigated downstream effects of EtOH metabolism, such as macrophage migration and TGR5-mediated release of glucagon- like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

The Impact Of Family Variables On The Mental Health Of Gender Expansive Transitional Age Youth And Adults, Courtney Erdly

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Gender expansive individuals are at an elevated risk for stress and poor psychological outcomes such as depression, substance abuse, and death by suicide due to minority stress. Family variables can either protect against or perpetuate poor psychological outcomes. There is need to examine specific protective and risk factors in families with gender expansive children. The present study explores the relationship between family and caregiver relationship variables and well-being in a sample of 39 gender expansive individuals. Participants completed an online survey consisting of questionnaires measuring current internalizing and externalizing symptoms and their perception of their family structure, functioning, and parental …

The Impact Of Leadership Curriculum On High School Students’ Self-Efficacy, Shannon R. Brown

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This explanatory sequential mixed methods-case study design grounded in Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, examines the impact of leadership development curriculum on high school students’ perceived levels of self-efficacy as well as researching characteristics students report are most important for strengthening their self-efficacy. Quantitatively, via convenience non-probabilistic sampling, an online Qualtrics questionnaire was used to collect data from 17 students currently in high school who were enrolled in a one-semester leadership development course in their junior or senior year. Qualitatively, six students who completed the questionnaire participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, nine students who completed the questionnaire provided three different reflective artifacts …