Digital Commons Network^™

The Associations Between Meniscus Tear Location And The Prevalence And Severity Of Cartilage Wear In Different Knee Compartments Using An Arthroscopic Grading System, Tara Korbal, Claudia Leonardi, Amy Bronstone, Vinod Dasa

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Meniscus tears are associated with progressive cartilage degeneration and worsening osteoarthritis. Although several previous studies have explored the relationship between meniscus tears and cartilage damage, few have examined the relationship between tear location and cartilage wear in all knee compartments using an arthroscopic grading system. Objectives: Evaluate the association between meniscus tear location and the prevalence and severity of high-grade cartilage wear in knee compartments. Methods: A total of 210 patients were categorized into groups based on meniscus tear location: medial meniscus tear (MMT, n = 106), lateral meniscus tear (LMT, n = 41), and medial-lateral meniscus tear (MLMT, …

Liver-Directed Base Editing Of Abcc6 Prevents Ectopic Calcification In A Variant-Humanized Mouse Model Of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, Lauren C. Testa, Dora Obiri-Yeboah, Hooda Said, Ping Qu, Michael A. Levine, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Kiran Musunuru, Qiaoli Li, Xiao Wang

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder characterized by ectopic calcification of elastic fibers throughout the skin, retina, and arteries. It is caused by pathogenic variants in ABCC6 , which encodes a transmembrane transporter that primarily localizes to hepatocytes. Loss of ABCC6 function in hepatocytes leads to systemic deficiency of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a potent inhibitor of calcification; such depletion of PPi from the circulation is responsible for multisystemic ectopic calcification seen in PXE. Therefore, liver-targeted variant correction by genome editing and subsequent restoration of systemic PPi may offer a one-and-done therapeutic approach for PXE. The ABCC6 …

Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna Mokarran) Chondrocranium, Female, Nicholas Burchett, Michelle Bassali, Marissa Rosas, Rileigh Gonzalez, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus Itajara) Vertebrae, Nicholas Burchett, David W. Kerstetter, Rileigh Gonzalez, Sierra Rafacz, Ema Nagel

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

A Real Medical Mission Clinic To Manage Cardiovascular Health Inequities And Improve Outcomes, Cynthia A. Borum, Byron Haitas

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States.^1-4 Today, a gap exists with cardiovascular inequities in underserved communities relating to access to cardiac care.^1-4

In 2022, an experienced cardiologist and nurse practitioner leader established a once-a-month free faith-based cardiology clinic in Nashville and surrounding counties in Tennessee. The goal is to improve access to cardiac care^1-3 and contribute to quality health outcomes for the underserved.

Structure: A 501(c)(3) non-profit clinic structure was the framework for implementing the faith-based medical cardiology clinic.⁵ The faith-based cardiology clinic occurs one Saturday each month with voluntary …

Fall Dances: Memory 2025 Playbill, Providence College Department Of Theatre, Dance, & Film

Playbill and Promotion

Providence College Department of Theatre, Dance & Film

Fall Dances: Memory 2025

November 21, 2025, 7:30pm

November 22, 2025, 2:00pm

Choreographers: Michaela Pendola, Heather Ahern, Nina Kossler, Debra Meunier, Katrina Pavao, Colin Stilwell, Rowan Locascio-McLaughlin, Emma Daigneau, Elizabeth Graney, Grace Sittig, Alyssa Rago, Kiley Vallee

Dancers: Lola Blessington, Emma Daigneau, Madyson Daley, Noël Rose DeRosa, Ella Ford, Caroline Guanci, Amanda Kleinman, Emma Preston, Katherine Pritchard, Alyssa Rago, Kiley Vallee, Lauren Gerew, Penelope Kearns, Heidi Nicholls, Elizabeth Graney, Anna Bernat, Kendal Forslund, Helena Gillin, Gabriella Girard, Anna Gross, Sophia Quinn, Jade Bocciarelli, Simone Chabot, Caroline Puccini, Grace Sittig, Heather Ahern, Elaina …

Patriarchal Logics In Entrepreneurial Ecosystems And Outcomes For Female Entrepreneurs, Alexandria Krause Matlack

Dissertations

This dissertation examines how patriarchal logics shape the efficiency of funding for female entrepreneurs by comparing two U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) within the same state: Kansas City and St. Louis. Although these EEs are geographically proximate and structurally comparable, St. Louis has nearly twice as many women-led ventures as Kansas City receiving institutional capital. Drawing on 31 semi-structured interviews, the study includes 20 entrepreneurs, 11 from Kansas City (5 women, 6 men) and 9 from St. Louis (4 women, 5 men), of whom are CEOs of startups founded between 2014 and 2022 and recipients of institutional funding (e.g., grants, angel, …

American Institute Of Chemical Engineers Honor Two Unh Researchers, Brooks Payette

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Disulfide Triazole Phosphorus Fire Retardant Via Photochemical Conditions, Jason Liu

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

The development of fire retardants is critical to enhancing fire safety and advancing fire science. The novel synthesis of a disulfide triazole phosphorus thiolacid fire retardant under photochemical conditions, along with relevant testing on plume generation performance, aims to answer our research goals.The proposed specific synthesis and conditions provide for a more efficient and environmentally greener route compared to conventional methods, utilizing photochemical click reactions. Furthermore, the addition of sulfur element to conventionally sole phosphorus-based FR reduces the chance of leaching by increasing the molecular weight of the compound and overcoming the obstacle of low molecular weight problems while also …

November 21, 2025 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

On The Spot: How Have You Been Impacted By Unh Budget Cuts?, Tess Kujawa

Digital Edition

No abstract provided.

From Red To Green: Using Gis To Examine Colorado’S Inequitable Housing Patterns In Urban Greenspace Accessibility, Jessica Howard Karr

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

Urban greenspaces provide numerous benefits to the mental and physical health of nearby people who access these locations for physical recreation, social interaction, and contemplation. Discriminatory urban planning policies from the past, such as redlining, have ensured that greenspace access is not always equitable for communities with diverse racial and socioeconomic compositions. This project utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine relationships between tree cover canopy, greenspace percentage within a census tract, and greenspace accessibility within a graded census tract system based on demographics and historic redlining locations in the Colorado cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. The results …

Box Elder County Tourism Adventure Passport: Pilot Program Geospatial Analysis, Evaluation, And Next Steps., Janessa Knotts

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

The Box Elder County Tourism Office created the Tourism Adventure Passport Program and launched a pilot program in July 2025. GIS was used to engage and encourage visitors and locals to visit some or all sites listed and submit information, including GPS points, to participate in the program. To promote tourism in Box Elder County, the program highlights well known sites like the Golden Spike National Historic Park, along with other, less-known sites. The pilot program data was used to create a geospatial analysis and an analysis of the number of visits each site received and number of visitors were …

The Silent Concert: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist, 35 Years Later, Lauren Beals

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Beals, Lauren. 2025. The Silent Concert: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist, 35 Years Later. UNLV Undergraduate Law Review. Background and objectives: In March of 1990, thieves stole 13 pieces of artwork from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. This study strives to discern a proper punishment for the elusive culprits of the Gardner Museum Heist, and highlight the importance of missing cultural property. Methods and approach: This study relies on the testimony of the United Nations in their 1970 "Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer… of Cultural Property,” …

The Emotional Climate Crisis: An Integrative Review Of Mental Health Outcomes From Climate-Related Disasters, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Introduction: Climate change is a planetary and public health crisis. Between 2000 and 2019, over 1.2 million deaths and 4 billion individuals were affected by climate-related disasters. These events often impact mental health. This integrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health outcomes particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and eco-anxiety among populations affected by climate disasters. Methods: Using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage framework, this integrative review is in the preliminary analysis stage. A systematic search will be conducted for peer-reviewed studies published globally from January 1995 to March 2024. Eligible studies include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research on mental health …

Inflammaging And Cognitive Decline: A Brief Review Of The Chronic Low-Grade Neural Inflammation Hypothesis, Gage Pompa

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

This presentation reviews the chronic low‑grade neural inflammation hypothesis as a mechanism linking aging to cognitive decline. Inflammaging refers to persistent, low‑level inflammation that develops with age due to immune dysregulation in the absence of infection. In the brain, this process is often triggered by the accumulation of beta‑amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau tangles. Microglia attempt to clear these proteins, but their prolonged activation releases inflammatory mediators that damage surrounding neurons. Over time, this sustained neural inflammation contributes to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and major depression. Imaging markers …

Design And Validation Of A Bilateral, Multi-Site 3d-Printed Neuronal Implant For Rodent Electrophysiology, Homero Phelps, Jonathan V. Trinidad, Talha Soluoku

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Neuronal electrophysiology implants are essential tools in neuroscience for recording brain activity and investigating neurological disorders. Our lab’s previous 3D-printed implant designs centered around a single-site, recording platform that was limited in adaptability, precision, and lacked in vivo validation due to lingering engineering malfunctions. To combat limitations and expand recording capabilities, this project aimed to design and validate a new implant capable of multi-site, bilateral recordings across both brain hemispheres, specifically targeting the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), regions critical for learning and memory. Building on the Open Ephys ShuttleDrive model, the implant was redesigned using …

Structural Equation Modeling Of Educational Factors Associated With Racial Trauma: Belonging, Efficacy, And Persistence Among Bipoc College Students, Miguel Castano, Richard Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Racial trauma refers to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms from repeated exposure to racism and racial discrimination, generally expressed as hypervigilance and lack of safety, negative cognitions causing bleak perceptions of oneself and the world, and difficulty coping through reduced ability to manage distress. Literature shows that BIPOC students encounter racism on university campuses more frequently than non-BIPOC students, suggesting they are more vulnerable to racial trauma. Racial trauma has been linked to negative mental health outcomes; however, little is known about its impact on educational outcomes. Academic belonging, self-efficacy, and persistence are key educational factors tied to academic performance and …

The Impact Of Food Insecurity On The Physical And Mental Health Of Food Service Workers And Their Households, Pedro Andrade

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Food insecurity in the United States continues to be a persistent problem, as this household stressor has worsened in the past decade. The prevalence of food insecurity varies by demographic; however, income is a key factor when discussing food security status. One group experiencing food insecurity, but often overlooked when talking about solutions, is food service workers. This research sought to understand the impact of food insecurity on food service workers and their households. A literature review was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the associations between food insecurity and physical health, mental health, household health, and occupational and …

From Dante’S Inferno To California: Visualizing The Marginalized In Sandow Birk’S Social Critique, Lorenzo Williams

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

This research explores the intersection of medieval literature and contemporary visual art, focusing specifically on Sandow Birk’s reinterpretation of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. By examining Birk’s illustrated adaptations of Inferno and Purgatorio, this paper analyzes how he translates and visually reimagines Dante’s moral and spiritual journey as a modern critique of California’s social crises, particularly those affecting unhoused populations. It investigates Birk’s recontextualization of Dante’s allegory in relation to the urban decay of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Ultimately, this study aims to reveal how Birk’s visual narrative bridges historical understandings of religious and social issues with contemporary experiences of …

Prediction Error's Influence Of Declarative Memory: A Replication, Camila Schettini, Kevin Mohawk

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

We often have predictions about what to expect in our everyday encounters. However, not all these predictions will be accurate. Prediction error (PE) refers to the discrepancy between expectations and actual observed outcomes, and it is believed to play a role in learning, such as in classical conditioning. Yet, its relationship to one-shot declarative memory remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to replicate Greve et al. (2017, Experiment 1) by testing whether PE enhances memory. Participants first learned scene-word associations in which a specific scene image was paired with one of two category labels, “positive” or “negative”. …

Exploring Themes Of Gender And Nature Through An Ecofeminist Analysis Of Three Eco-Horror Films, Valeria Evelin Valdez Rios

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

With warmer days and more frequent natural disasters, it is clear to see climate change and global warming on the rise. It is more important now than ever to spread awareness about climate change’s consequences and how we can address them. Both nature and women are oppressed by patriarchal, capitalist systems, which is why we are interested in the intersection of gender and nature in environmental media. Our hopes are to tap into an under-studied field of environmental communication by analyzing eco-horror films, which are horror films with environmental messages. Using ecofeminist rhetorical theories, we analyze how three eco-horror films …

Simulation Of Fluid Flow Based On Navier Stokes Equations, Ricardo Marquez, Javier Perez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

This work presents a computational study of incompressible flow based on the Navier-Stokes equations using finite element method. The Crank-Nicolson approximation is used for discretizing the time derivative. The study consists of investigating the effect of the choice of finite elements and the size of the time step in obtaining the numerical velocity and pressure. This is illustrated with FreeFEM++ simulations of the von Karman benchmark flow problem. Profiles of drag, lift and pressure drop will be presented in time.

Spatiotemporal Feature Extraction From Vertical Grf Signals For Parkinson’S Disease Severity Assessment Using Physionet And Gaitpd, Nitya Jadeja

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs motor coordination, often resulting in measurable gait disturbances. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) signals provide a quantitative means of capturing these abnormalities and monitoring disease progression. This study focuses on the extraction and analysis of spatiotemporal gait features such as stride variability, stance duration, and force imbalance, from the PhysioNet Gait dataset to better understand their correlation with PD severity. Using gait analysis and machine learning techniques, recent computational models are reviewed and evaluated for their ability to assess PD progression through VGRF data. The analysis compares data-driven approaches with …

Relationship Between Caffeine Use And Eating Disorders, Hannah Segura, Maegan Nation

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Eating disorders are a spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms related to eating and compensatory weight management behaviors. Body image concerns can be a significant risk factor for various disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Additionally, eating disorders are commonly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Supplement usage such as performance enhancing supplements is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger populations. Using different supplements has been shown to put adolescents at an increased risk for body dysmorphia, disordered eating behaviors, as well as other potentially harmful health effects, like electrolyte complications, heart issues, or even death. Across the …

Gendered Patterns Of Trauma & Ptsd Symptoms Among Latine Americans: A Mixed-Methods Analysis, Abigail Panariso, Gerardo Garcia, Melanie Garcia, Yajairy Carbrales, Mariam Sultan

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Latine communities in the U.S. experience disproportionate exposure to traumatic events, contributing to behavioral health disparities such as elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and underutilization of mental health care. Gender, as a key social determinant of health, influences both types of trauma encountered and the severity of symptoms. Little research has tackled how gender intersects with structural inequities within Latine populations, such as discrimination, immigration stress, and socioeconomic marginalization. This mixed-methods study assessed gender differences in trauma experiences and PTSD symptoms among 328 Latine American adults (148 men, 180 women) recruited through an online survey. We predicted gender …

Examining County-Level Barriers To Midwife-Attended Births Among Black Women In The United States, Asia Miles

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and Objectives: In 2011, the American Public Health Association (APHA) passed legislation aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity by addressing shortages in maternity care providers and facilities. The purpose of this study was to examine county-level characteristics that influence Black women’s access to midwife-attended births across the U.S. Methods and Approach: Data on midwife-attended births were obtained from CDC WONDER for U.S. counties with populations of 100,000 or greater, and county-level characteristics were gathered from the Area Health Resources File. The dependent variable was the change in nurse-midwife-attended births from 2011 to 2023. Independent variables included changes in …

Associations Between Gad-7 And Phq-9 Scores And Willingness To Seek Treatment, Josephine Shaw

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In recent years, mental health concerns among college students have increased significantly. This study aims to analyze data on student willingness and frequency to seek counseling services, such as UNLV CAPS (Student Counseling and Psychological Services), and the appeal of utilizing alternative interventions such as exercise and meditation. This study collected data from UNLV students, faculty, and staff through distribution of a scannable QR code. It included whether they were in therapy, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, their respective functional impairment questions, and willingness to consider therapy alternatives. Based on respondents’ answers to the PHQ-9, the highest proportion peaked at 36% …

Real-Time Ai-Enabled Therapeutic Device For Improving Peripheral Perfusion And Glucose Regulation In Type 2 Diabetes, Torryana Tanis

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is frequently accompanied by peripheral microvascular disease, leading to impaired lower limb perfusion, impaired healing, and vulnerability to ulcers and amputation. The existing medical devices are predominantly aimed at systemic glucose control and do not have local therapeutic intervention to improve circulation or allow muscular glucose delivery. To meet this crucial demand, we have developed a portable, two-in-one biofeedback device that combines non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) therapy for the calf muscle. The glucose monitoring subsystem implements near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure skin light absorptance on the index finger. Real-time blood glucose …

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of Uneven Terrain Gait Training In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Gabriel Bacani, Dawn Ruby, Sara Hazen, Katie Bricarell

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Lower limb prosthesis users (LLPUs) often feel less confident walking in their day-to-day lives. Even with rehabilitation, some individuals do not develop the skills and confidence needed to walk across different terrains. Walking practice on varied terrains may be a method for increasing skill and confidence. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing an uneven terrain training program for LLPUs. Three LLPUs completed a series of 12 training sessions on an uneven terrain treadmill. Participants walked for up to 12 trials per session with each bout lasting up to 2 minutes. The terrain increased in …