Digital Commons Network^™

Study Of Uv Sensitivity On Mus109 And Marionette Gene Rescue, Precious Malunga

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The mus109 gene in Drosophila melanogaster, homologous to human DNA2, plays a critical role in DNA repair and genomic stability. Mutations in mus109 increase sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents like UV radiation. This study investigates whether the marionette (mrn) gene, which encodes a subunit of the TFIIH complex also involved in DNA repair, can rescue the UV-sensitive phenotype of mus109IS mutants. Survival assays were conducted using various UV exposure times on progeny from crosses between mus109IS mutants and either mus109D2 or mrn mutants. Results confirmed the UV sensitivity of mus109IS/mus109D2 flies, while mus109IS/mrn progeny exhibited increased survival, suggesting a …

Does Geography Affect People’S Choice To Change Their Surname After Marriage?, Raniyah Perris, Aleksandra Zubrowski, Mayoori Giritharan

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our research concerned the relationship between geography, and whether people choose to change their last names after marriage. We were interested in this topic because we pondered on the idea of whether there were other factors outside of family and beliefs that acted as a socializing agent that impacted an individual’s choice to change their last name after marriage. This topic is sociologically relevant because it helps people better understand how society is slowly beginning to change by geographic region, and also how traditions that sociologically impact individuals and communities are now beginning to change. Our literature review supports our …

Organizing For Environmental Justice In Chicago's Northside, Aana Shenai

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

As one of Loyola’s Social Justice Interns, Aana Shenai worked as an intern with ONE Northside, a community organizing non-profit based in Chicago’s northside. In addition to learning foundational organizing principles, Aana designed a popular training as her internship project that focused on showing community members the intersections between the climate, environment and energy. Her other work included supporting the ONS Green Schools Campaign by attending school research visits, helping schools find funding for green projects, and building relationships with community partners.

Visit To Devon Gurdwara Sahib Of Chicago, Hiba Anis

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

For a project for THEO 299, I conducted a study on Sikhism by visiting a local Sikh religious site. I chose to visit the Devon Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago, where I observed the practices of Sikhs and immersed myself in the culture and religion. I also conducted short interviews of 3 practitioners to learn more about their experiences.

Building An Equitable Food System: Lessons From Community-Driven Initiatives In The Chicago Region, Abigail Stetter

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This research explores how community assets can be mobilized to build a resilient, equitable food system by evaluating key learnings from the Chicago Region Food System Fund’s (CRFSF) March 2022 Community Assets funding round. The CRFSF provided grants to 48 non-profit organizations leveraging community strengths to transform how food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed through approaches centered on economic and racial equity. The evaluation employs thematic content analysis of qualitative data from grantee applications and reports. The results will increase understanding of how community-driven initiatives enhance food system resilience, challenges encountered, and actionable recommendations to further strengthen local food …

The Geography Of Inequality: Investigating Racial Disparities In Milwaukee’S Urban Amenities, Abigail Stetter

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Milwaukee is recognized as one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States, which has been reinforced by a history of systemic exclusionary policies and practices like urban renewal projects and redlining. This segregation has influenced the distribution of urban amenities which play a crucial role in shaping residents quality of life. This research investigates the distribution of urban amenities (institutional, commercial, and recreational) and their intersection with racial demographics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by comparing maps from 1950 and 2020. The anticipated findings will inform actionable policy recommendations aimed at fostering a more equitable distribution of urban resources.

Ovarian Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Ulk1 In Downstream Signaling In Mitochondrial Plasticity, Malaika Amin, Isabelle Lewis, Nazia Bano

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Eva Schmelz, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Coordinated by Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer in women, reported as the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths in women. With a survival rate of less than 30%, it is a genetically and histologically heterogenous disease and the most aggressive serous ovarian cancer is now thought to originate in the epithelial cells of the fallopian tubes. Ovarian cells exfoliate from their primary tumors and are disseminated throughout peritoneal cavity. Previous studies from our lab show that cancer progression and hypoxic conditions promote …

Sampling Avian Biodiversity In Ecuador: Impacts Of Fragmentation And Explorations Of Diet, Anna Kryder, Mackenzie Alderson

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Ecuador has on of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world including more than 1,650 bird species. In this study we examined the impact of human development on avian species richness in Ecuador and explored the role of tropical species in the ecosystem by comparing dietary patterns of identified tropical birds to a representative sample of birds found in Virginia. In 2024 and 2025 bird biodiversity was surveyed at four sites in Ecuador. For each survey, five individuals identified birds by sight and sound for 30-minutes. Each site was surveyed at least twice …

Lack Of “Necromone” Avoidance In A Terrestrial Isopod (Porcellio Laevis), Lauren Lassere, Anna Starman

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Many species of invertebrates recognize and avoid death cues released by conspecifics. It is suggested that linoleic acid may be a key component of these "necromone" cues. When killed, terrestrial isopods also release linoleic acid among other chemicals. In this study we explored whether or not Dairy cow isopods (Porcellio laevis) avoid commercially purchased linoleic acid. Avoidance behavior was measured by time spent in a Y-maze scented with commercially obtained linoleic acid and two other cues (water – neutral and canola oil – 21% linoleic acid). Isopods did not differ in the amount …

Human Settlement Impacts On Moth Diversity In Ecuador, Lauren Lassere, Frank Matter, Annika Gulling

Science Seminar

Moths play a vital role in the overall health of any ecosystem as they are important pollinators and food resources for multiple species (particularly birds and bats). Human habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study examined the impact of habitat disturbance on moth populations and diversity in the tropics (Pastaza Province, Ecuador). Significantly fewer moths were found during trapping sessions in disturbed habitats compared to those with less disturbance. Moreover, a higher diversity of moths were found in …

Diurnal And Nocturnal Patterns Of Leaf Cutter Ants (Atta Spp.), Mateo Rivera, Elizabeth Kagarise, Sophia Maurer, Selena Wolfe

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Leaf cutter Ants (Atta spp.) form highly complex colonies and play a key role in moving nutrients from the canopy to the forest floor in Central and South America and are considered pests in agricultural regions. In order to provide fodder for their underground fungal garden, worker ants will forage during the day and night, though they are considered to be heavier night time foragers (1). In this study, we compared leaf delivery, worker activity, and minim activity along marked foraging trails during the day and night. Activity along 11 foraging trails from …

Hashtags, Influencers, And Ethical Eating, Astrid Van Baba

Science Seminar

Media is known to be able to influence people’s opinions and attitudes on a variety to topics (Kat & Lazarsfeld, 2017), everything from their lifestyle, perspectives towards the environment, and the food to consume. To better understand the media’s influence on people’s food choices, this study explores social media and its role in young adults’ perception of their food choices. Specifically, looking at how social media influences Hollins University students’ perceptions and understanding of their diets concerning environmental awareness. Through a cross-sectional survey design administered through Microsoft Forms in Spring 2025, participants were asked about their dietary choices, social media …

Tuning Electronic And Steric Properties Of Diphosphines: Synthesis And Characterization Of Ph₂Pchrpph₂ Variants, Faith Rosales

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Daniel Derringer This study explores the synthesis and characterization of diphosphines of the type Ph₂PCHRPPh₂, focusing on the variability of the R group to tune electronic and steric properties. We have successfully synthesized and analyzed Ph₂PCH(CN)PPh₂ and Ph₂PCH(CH₃)PPh₂, demonstrating significant differences in their electronic and steric profiles. Building on this foundation, we aim to synthesize Ph₂PCH(CCl₃)PPh₂, hypothesizing that the introduction of the CCl₃ group will further modulate the ligand's properties. Preliminary results indicate promising pathways for the synthesis of Ph₂PCH(CCl₃)PPh₂, which could offer unique advantages in coordination chemistry and catalysis. Further studies will focus on …

When Do Jumps Matter? A Comparison Of Black-Scholes And Merton Jump Diffusion Models In Pricing European Options, Mai Nguyen

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Giancarlo Schrementi

In 1973, Fischer Black and Myron Scholes introduced the Black-Scholes model as an objective quantitative method to price options that do not pay dividends. Over the years, this model has been modified to cover more complex derivatives and stocks, providing a foundational framework for traders and investors to understand option pricing in a systematic way. The formula is based on key assumptions that the volatility of the underlying asset remains unchanged through time and that the market returns should follow a constant log-normal distribution. However, these ideal assumptions do not always hold in …

Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Goal Framing And Classroom Environments: The Impact Of Autonomous And Controlling Environments On Undergraduate Academic Performance, Ameena Alsmadi

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Alex Wooten

This project reviewed existing literature on the impact of autonomous versus controlled learning environments on students' academic performance, motivation, and engagement. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), the review explores how autonomy-supportive teaching strategies influence students' intrinsic motivation, perceived competence, and overall academic outcomes compared to controlling environments. In addition to the literature review, an empirical study was conducted to build upon previous research findings. A survey containing three measures—motivation type (IEMM), perceived classroom environment (CPEM), and perceived performance (PPQ)—was distributed to students at Hollins University. The study examined the relationship between these factors …

Breathing Easy: Ventilation And Long Covid Risk In Indoor Spaces, Kristine Clyde, Melissa Batyi, Shania Braithwaite

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Abubakarr Jalloh, Chanlee Luu, James Miller

This study focuses on monitoring indoor CO₂ levels as a way to assess ventilation quality and potential risk for airborne disease transmission on the Hollins University campus. Because humans exhale carbon dioxide, elevated CO₂ levels in enclosed spaces can serve as a proxy for poor airflow and increased potential for the spread of airborne viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Using portable CO₂ sensors (Aranet4), we collected data from a variety of campus buildings with different room sizes, layouts, and ventilation systems. These included newer or recently updated spaces, such as …

Mate Rejection In Heterosexual And Homosexual College-Aged Females, Arden Kiely

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Seung-Hee Han

This project explores how women’s romantic dealbreakers—traits or behaviors that lead to rejecting a potential partner—differ based on sexual orientation and relationship goals. Guided by evolutionary theory, which suggests that women are generally more selective in mate choice due to higher parental investment (Trivers, 1972), we asked: Do heterosexual and homosexual college-aged women differ in what they consider romantic dealbreakers in short- versus long-term relationships? Participants completed a survey measuring their responses to common dealbreakers across both relationship contexts. We hypothesized that heterosexual women would report more dealbreakers overall, particularly in long-term relationships, …

Maternal Childhood Trauma And How That Impacts Infants, Ruby Minnelli

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Seunghee Han

I am proposing a study on maternal adverse experiences in childhood and adulthood. Maternal adverse experiences in childhood or adulthood can have a significant impact on their relationships with their infants. The severity of their adverse experiences is a large factor. It is important to see how these things impact infant development based on previous research. I plan to conduct interviews, self-report questionnaires, and to assess the relationship effectively through more objective measures. Not a lot of research has been done on these things, so I propose these methods.

Birth Order And Elementary School-Aged Children’S Compliance Tendencies, Olivia Olson, Arden Kiely

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Seung-Hee Han

Previous research has found that children's higher compliance is associated with later positive developmental outcomes such as less socio-emotional problems. Birth order differences are often considered a related factor in compliance development (van Berkel et al., 2023.) To determine the effect of birth order, we conducted a pilot study by recruiting nine early elementary school-aged children. Before observation, parents were sent online surveys to understand demographics and gauge children’s personality. Children’s behaviors were observed while doing the Clean-up Toys Task in the lab (Kochanska & Kim, 2013). Parents and children were interviewed individually …

The Magic Of Differential Forms And Why Physicists Don't Use Them, Rhyann Wilson

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Tim Magee Vector calculus is the standard for performing calculations in many areas of physics, including electrodynamics. While mathematicians and physicists alike have always questioned whether or not there existed a method of calculation which could truly encapsulate the complexities of our physical world, about 20 years after Maxwell’s equations on electrodynamics were published there finally came a bit of a breakthrough in the form of a concept called differential forms. It’s been discovered that differential forms actually work quite well with vector calculus, the ways of “translating” between vector calculus and differential forms have …

Lead Content In Red Wine And Apple Juice, Callie Russell

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Daniel Derringer This poster looks at trace metal analysis performed on two different kinds of filtered beverages, red wine and apple juice, and the average lead content of each. Beverages were chosen at three different price points and are being analyzed in triplicate with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Early results indicate that there is relatively high lead content in one brand of apple juice, exceeding that allowed in drinking water, with possible lead content in the other two brands, while very little lead content in red wine. Further data is necessary to create statistical …

Discriminative Vs Generative Classification Models : Classify Music Genres In A Spotify Dataset, Oluwadamilare Agoro

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Giancarlo Schrementi

Music genres are typically categorized based on auditory characteristics, but some genres, such as sleep, chill, ambient, and study music, share striking similarities. This paper aims to provide insights into the mathematical differences underlying genre distinctions. Initial exploratory data analysis is performed on a dataset from Spo- tify that contains numeric measures for tracks across these four genres and statistical differences are noted. Three classification models, a discriminative model (Logistic Re- gression) and two generative models (Linear Discriminant Analysis and Naive Bayes) are trained and then used to predict the genre of novel …

The Effects Of Paranoia On Perception And Belief Of Conspiracy Theories, Claire Everett

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Bowers, Dr. Richard Michalski

Along with the increasing information and accessibility of media through internet access, “conspiracy theories,” have increased (Uscinski, et al., 2022). The objectives of the proposed research are to identify and understand the demographics of those who are more likely to believe conspiratorial beliefs. Conspiratorial beliefs, otherwise known as “conspiracy theories,” have been on the rise since the 1970s. Certain personality traits and demographics are associated with greater susceptibility to these beliefs, including schizotypy personality traits and a younger age (Hart & Graether, 2018; McCaffree & Saide, 2022). This study investigates …

Impacts Of Noise Pollution On Breeding Rates In Seaside Sparrows, Madeline Loss

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael, Dr. Daniel Derringer, Dr. Molly Lynch, and Dr. Kaila Thorn Ammodramus maritimus (seaside sparrows) use vocal communication for mating, territory claiming, and other types of communication. Noise pollution is any noise level over 85 decibels (dB). Construction typically exceeds 90 dB while traffic stays around 45-70 dB. (Aiyer, et al. 2021). Line transect surveys will be established in control and noise polluted sites, and (nests/eggs*) along the transects will be counted as a measure of reproductive success. Ten line transect surveys will be performed in the protected saltmarsh of Poquoson, VA, which …

The Effects Iron Pollution Has On The Health Of Medionidus Conradicus, Autumn Dale

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael, Dr. Daniel Derringer, Dr. Molly Lynch, Dr. Kaila Thorn Freshwater mussels like Medionidus conradicus (the Cumberland Moccasinshell) are essential to the health of aquatic ecosystems in Southwest Virginia and serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to pollution (Jones, 2015). This study aims to examine the effects of iron (Fe) pollution from coal mining runoff on the physiological state of M. condradicus. Approximately 60 mussels will be divided into control and experimental groups and raised in lab-based aquatic microcosms. Test groups will be exposed to Fe concentrations found in …

Worry About The Impacts Of Climate Change Among Youths In Ecuador And The U.S, Ti-Shawn Wellington

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard and Dr. Kaila Thorn Climate change remains one of the most urgent global challenges, with its impacts increasingly felt across diverse communities. Public perception, particularly among youth, plays a pivotal role in driving environmental policy and collective action. This study explores the levels of concern among young adults (ages 18–29) in the United States and Ecuador regarding the impact of climate change on personal and global issues. A Qualtrics survey in English and Spanish was distributed via social media platforms in both countries, yielding 33 U.S. and 35 Ecuadorian responses from this age …

Grooming Dyads In Captive Hamadryas Baboons (Papio Hamadryas), Anna Starman, Holly Hylton

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Allogrooming (cleaning the fur of another conspecific) plays a role in social dynamics of One Male Units (OMUs) in Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas). OMUs are the smallest social grouping of Hamadryas baboons typically composed of one adult male and a few reproductive females as well as juveniles. Bouts of grooming in four baboon OMUs at the North Carolina Zoo were observed. Nearly 75% of the grooming bouts were conducted by adult females with the harem male receiving the attention in most of these bouts. The torso was groomed most frequently and bouts that …

Application Of The Fast Marching Method To The Reconstruction Of Greenland Ice Sheet Retreat Across The Early Holocene Period, Ryan M. Fleetwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As the Greenland Ice Sheet retreats, it has become an increasingly large contributor to global sea level rise. As such, it has become important to study the geologic past of Greenland to understand the projected acceleration of mass loss, and where the ice sheet is heading in the future. In this research, we utilize the PaleoGrIS database, which contains 12 contours at 500-1000 year intervals, ranging between 14,000 years ago and 6,500 years ago. The contours were constructed by a team at the University of Sheffield using geochronological methods, mainly terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure and radiocarbon dating. These methods …

Tau-Indifferent Parking Functions, Hannah Eubanks

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Molly Lynch

Parking functions have been well-studied for many years. Parking functions involve n cars, each with a preferred parking spot on a one-way street. Each car will try to park in its preferred spot but will take the next available if their preferred spot is taken. We introduce and study Tau-Indifferent Parking Functions, denoted 𝜏-Indiff., where one or more cars have no preference and will park in the first available spot. We will discover when a preference vector becomes a 𝜏-indiff parking function and how many 𝜏-indiff parking functions exist. By testing this rule, …

Mistaken Identity? Examining Race, Time, And Procedure In Eyewitness Memory, Madison Brousseau

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Alex Wooten

This study investigated how encoding time, perpetrator race, and procedure interact in creating accurate eyewitness identifications. While previous studies have investigated these variables (Marcon et al., 2010; Nguyen et al., 2017), none have examined their interactive effects. Participants (N = 1,700) through Prolific were randomized into various conditions, each containing two blocks. Each block had a perpetrator face, either a same-race (white) face, or cross-race (black) face, viewed for either a short encoding period (1 second), or long encoding period (5 seconds), followed by a distractor task. After, they were given an identification …