Digital Commons Network^™

The Supply And Demand Of Ozempic In America: An Economic Analysis, Eeman Chaudhary, Irelin Ruppel, Magdalen Forbes

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Pablo Hernandez

This research project examines the supply and demand dynamics of Ozempic, a diabetes medication that has seen a dramatic increase in demand due to its off-label use for weight loss. This study provides a real-world application of key economic principles, particularly the law of supply and demand, price elasticity, and market equilibrium. Ozempic’s demand has surged due to increased consumer interest, largely driven by social media and weight loss trends. However, supply has not kept pace with changes in demand resulting in shortages and rising prices. This imbalance illustrates how changes in demand …

Have Land-Saving Biotechnologies Influenced The Efficiency And Scalability Of Agricultural Products In South Korea?, Aaditi Adhikari, Samragyi Karki

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Pablo Hernandez

This research explores the influence of land-saving biotechnologies on the efficiency and scalability of agricultural production in South Korea over the past fifteen years. Amid growing concerns over food security, limited arable land, and environmental sustainability, South Korea has increasingly adopted advanced biotechnologies such as high-yield crop varieties, vertical farming systems, and smart greenhouses. These innovations have not only optimized land use but also enhanced productivity through the integration of AI and precision farming. Drawing upon the theory of induced innovation, this study analyzes how shifts in resource constraints have shaped South Korea’s …

From Siop To The Workplace: How Racially And Religiously Diverse Leadership Shapes Organizations, Ameena Alsmadi

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Pablo Hernandez

This project explores an important question: Do companies have a responsibility to build racially and religiously diverse leadership teams—and does this actually improve workplace outcomes like decision-making, fairness, and inclusion? To investigate this, I am engaging with research and expert discussions at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Conference. I’m attending sessions such as "New Directions for DEI in the Workplace" and "Practitioner Best Practice Sharing", which offer real-world case studies and evidence-based practices from professionals working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These experiences form the basis of my ongoing …

Breathing Easy: Public Perceptions Of 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 research investigates public awareness on the relationship between ventilation and the risk of COVID-19 infection in indoor spaces, as welll as perceptions of its ongoing risks, including the long-term condition known as Long COVID. As respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV2 primarily spread through airborne particles, indoor air quality and ventilation have become key factors in minimizing exposure particularly in shared environments like classrooms and campus buildings. Through an online survey that was administered at Hollins University, we collected data on how students and community members perceive indoor COVID-19 transmission …

Investigating The Polyphenols In Bucida Buceras (Black Olive) Seeds And Testing The Cardioprotective Effects On Oxidative Stress Induced Cardiomyocytes, Su Gursoy

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael, Dr. Daniel Derringer Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the cell is less protected compared to the nuclear DNA. Therefore, when oxidative stress is induced in a cell, it will affect mtDNA more than nuclear DNA, causing disruptions in the cell’s energy production. This damage will cause cell death and eventually affect the function of organs that require high levels of energy. In the heart, mitochondrial damage results in an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria, resulting in disruptions in myocardium and leading to insufficient circulation of blood throughout …

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 …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Precursors To Fullerene-Functionalized Metal Chalcogenide Nanosheets, Olivia A. Cogswell

Science Seminar

Under the direction of Dr. Brian Reeves

Bulk heterojunction solar cells composed of fullerene electron acceptors and polymer electron donors are the current leaders in the field of flexible and transparent solar cells. The solubility of these components enables low-cost production of thin, transparent films but renders low efficiency. Metal chalcogenide nanosheets, such as CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnSe represent potential solutions to the problem. Although these materials are difficult to process because of their low solubility, it is hypothesized that chemically bonding fullerenes to CdX (X= S, Se) and ZnX nanosheets will improve nanosheet stability and solubility while maintaining …

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 …

The Ethics Of Animal Rights And Zoos, Jamie L. Tucker Crockett

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In my essay, I will be diving into the controversial issue of Animal containment, focusing on zoos in the United States. I will be taking this opportunity to establish a new way of thinking about the argument which states the pros of zoos outweigh the negative effects they have on the animals who live there. Neither side of the argument has a malicious intention towards harming animals. Instead, each side shows a different approach to what it is to properly care, and respect for animal rights. Those arguing in support of zoos commonly reference arguments dating back to Aristotle. However, …

Investigation Of Ric8-Gαi Nucleotide Exchange Activity, Fiona Morrow

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract: Ric8 is a chaperone protein for the Gα subunit of the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), the most common and diverse membrane receptor group in eukaryotic cells. The GPCR initiates cellular response upon recognition of an extracellular ligand, by transducing the signal across the cellular membrane and activating the Gα subunit of the G protein heterotrimer on the interior of the membrane. When in the inactive state, GDP is bound to Gα in the heterotrimer. Upon ligand binding, the GPCR facilitates exchange of GDP for GTP, resulting in dissociation of Gα:GTP from the complex and continuation of the signaling …

Poor Little Woman And Sybil Of The Rhine: Code Switching In Hildegard Of Bingen’S Writing, Bridgett Meskis

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Hildegard of Bingen (1098- 1179) was a twelfth century German Benedictine abbess, mystic, author, composer, and theologian. Despite the heavily patriarchal and restrictive culture of her day, Hildegard managed to gain autonomy and authority within her community. She benefited from a boom in popularity in the mid-1990s, which saw a broadening of research subjects, including focus on the gender dynamics at play in Hildegard’s life. This scholarship has died down significantly since. Given the breadth and depth of her work, Hildegard of Bingen’s work deserves to be revisited through more recent theoretical lenses that can provide significant insights into her …

Balanced On My Tiptoes: Why Do People Toe-Walk And How Can Professionals Learn From Them?, Kamara Wilbur

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This journalistic and personal essay is about idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) and makes a case for more thoughtful communication between the scientific world and individual toe-walkers. ITW is the medical term describing when a person lands on the ball of the foot instead of the heel, usually occurring when learning to walk. While there have been many studies on effective ways to treat ITW, they tend to emphasize observational methods and behavioral and structural changes, neglecting to focus on the individual’s personal experiences and understandings of why they toe-walk. In fact, after treatment for tendon structure or foot gait, many toe-walkers …

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 …

Closing Thoughts, Mark A. Russell

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

No abstract provided.

Finding Geometric Variances From Nominal Measurements, Austin Bridenthal

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

This study worked to find differences between the measurements of what parts should be and what they actually were. When a part is manufactured, it is given a nominal measurement which provides the exact geometric numbers representing that section of the part. The true measurements of parts are almost never exactly the same as the nominal measurement, due to varying production issues during component manufacture. A Hexagon Laser Scanner (LS) was used to create computer generated figures of the parts, while Siemens NX, CATIA V5, Creo, Solidworks, and Inventor softwares were used to create Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models of the …

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 …

Shock Pulse Absorption Using An Elastomeric Structure Enhanced With Non-Newtonian Fluid, Noah Herbert

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

Non-Newtonian fluids have unique properties which may make them ideal materials to be used in the manufacture of safety equipment. Different types of materials have widely differing properties, and researchers are only now beginning to investigate the physical properties of these various materials. Two different forms of impact experimentation were selected for the ongoing investigation, hammer blow testing and air cart collision testing. Specialty pucks were manufactured, along with control specimens for physical property determination. Normalized energy absorption in collision was recorded against the frequency of the response for 19 different materials. In general, the non-Newtonian fluid filled pucks exhibited …

Changes In The Δ17o Values Of Nitrate Contained In Sedimentary Strata Of The Confidence Hills Formation To Mark Shifts In Precipitation Over Time During The Pliocene-Pleistocene Transition, Brandon Botha

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

During the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition, the Earth went through significant changes. The Earth transitioned from a warm, relatively wet climate to a cooler and drier climate with the formation of ice caps. The goal of this project was to create a tool to be able to evaluate the ability of a paleo-climate model to predict changes in mean annual precipitation or determine what caused these changes. The main hypothesis was changes in the Δ17O values of nitrate contained in the sediments of the Confidence Hills formation would mark shifts in precipitation during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition. The collected samples were crushed using …

Chemical Enhancement Of Mechanically Fibrillated Nanocellulose (Mcnf) Films For Improved Mechanical Performance, Robert Miller

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

Mechanically extracted cellulose nanofibrils (mCNF), which have not been chemically modified, were used to create mechanically isotropic films. Crosslinking systems like carbodiimides, poly-functional aziridines, blocked isocyanates, and polyamide epichlorohydrin were added to chemically crosslink the nanocellulose films and improve the mechanical properties. The process to make the casting mixtures involved taking 3.1wt% mCNF, DI water, and a premeasured crosslinker solution to create a three to one ratio of solids for the final mixture of crosslinker to mCNF. Two cases were analyzed with each of the different crosslinkers: one with a viscosifier and one without to determine the crosslinking compound. The …

Opening Thoughts, Carol S. Stwalley

American Journal of Rising Scholar Activities

No abstract provided.

Presence With Purpose: Growing Fair Trade Awareness, Tabitha Skyles, Sofia Mir, Natziry Lavanderos, Mason Mccreary, Anoushka Maller

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In collaboration with the Chicago Fair Trade Organization, our team developed a comprehensive Marketing Mix strategy for World Fair Trade Day to align with their objectives and expand the reach of fair trade values. Over the course of the Spring 2025 semester, our select group analyzed and optimized key marketing elements—promotion, price, product, and place—to enhance the organization's overall marketing strategy and impact for this event.

Allp North American Review, Marley Fletcher, Kaitlin Murphy, Justin Brown, Ashley Staszak, Addelyn Vana

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This is a collection of letters showcasing the correspondence between poet Amy Lowell and editor Elizabeth Cutting. Through these letters, we understand how artistic movements are not only built on theory or aesthetics, but also on collaboration, mentorship, and personal connection. By showcasing these letters with minimal editorial intervention, we invite readers to experience modernism not only as letters on a page, but as emotional, personal, and evolving conversation. This collection serves as a reminder that literature is as much about relationships as it is about texts.

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.

The Concentration Of Heavy Metals Within Bird Feathers Of Neotropical Migrants Found On Loyola’S Lakeshore Campus, Rowan Schul

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation explores the relationship between heavy metal concentration in birds and migratory season. Over the course of three migration seasons, birds were collected from window strike fatalities across campus in collaboration with Student Operation for Avian Relief. Feathers from these individuals were tested using ICP-MS for their heavy metal load. They were tested for metals that are known to have adverse effects on avian health. Significant differences in metal loads were found between species, metal concentration and migratory season. The findings indicate similar testing could be done to identify potential metal pollution hot spots.

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. …