Digital Commons Network^™

Using Analytical Ultracentrifugation To Characterize Ric8:Gαi Protein Binding, Ephraim Neils Mortenson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a target of 35% of FDA-approved drugs and play a major role in cellular communication. GPCRs activate various Gα proteins, such as Gαi, which activate downstream effector proteins and result in intracellular signaling. Ric-8A is a molecular chaperone protein required for Gαi biogenesis and has cytosolic guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity. Understanding proteins which regulate GPCR pathways, like Ric-8A, may reveal novel therapeutic targets in G-protein signaling.

As an undergraduate volunteer in the Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) core, my goal is to use AUC to characterize the binding behavior of Gαi and Ric-8A, independently verify association …

Exploring The Impact Of Menstrual Cycle Length On Negative Affect And Anxiety, Gracie Jane Hietala

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Menstrual cycle length is a biological factor that may influence psychological well-being, yet its relationship remains under-researched. The study “Emotion Recognition and Mood Along the Menstrual Cycle,” by Pletzer and Noachtar recruited 230 naturally-cycling women to examine how menstrual cycle phases impact the ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions. Participants were surveyed during their menses, peri-ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases, with assessments covering psychological factors and hormone levels. Using the open-source data collected from the previous study, the current study investigates the relationship between menstrual cycle, negative mood and anxiety. Results indicate that there is a significant correlation between these …

Group-Based Bcst For Patients With Rcc, Emily M. Ehli

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract

Background

Refractory Chronic Cough (RCC) is a highly prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals globally. RCC can be effectively treated with behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) provided by specialty trained speech- language pathologists (SLP). Access to BCST is a problem due to limited numbers of BCST providers, long travel distances, transportations costs, etc. Research has shown BCST to be effective via telehealth. Group-based BCST would help treat numerous patients with RCC at once, addressing the problem of access to a BCST provider.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of group BCST for patients …

Rnai Mediated Knockdown Of Genes Related To Human Ovarian Insufficiency And Dysgenesis In Model Organism, C. Elegans, Kathryn Bick

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Ovarian dysgenesis (OD) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are related conditions, where a lack of ovarian growth and germline stem cell division causes the loss of normal ovarian function and early depletion of ovarian follicles, which often presents as infertility and early onset menopause in women. There are numerous genes associated with broad ovarian dysgenesis and POI, including 129 different human genes. While OD and POI is common in females who possess just one X-chromosome, “pure” 46 XX gonadal dysgenesis is a rare condition resulting in OD and POI even though the individual has both X chromosomes. Just one gene, …

Ensuring Treatment Fidelity, Molia Thi Dao, Emma Pearl Henry

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Some preschool children experience substantial difficulties saying speech sounds and being understood by others. They may receive intervention from a speech-language pathologist to help them increase their intelligibility. The intervention procedures require a high level of treatment fidelity, the implementation of detailed protocols to support consistent and effective treatment. Treatment fidelity is imperative while conducting research to maintain consistency and provide thorough procedures for future interventionists utilizing and replicating the research. The research questions are how to develop a checklist that outlines the procedures and documents accountability and credibility for treatment delivered in a group setting within a specialized clinic …

The Hidden Impact Of Concussions: Cognitive And Balance Recovery In Male Adolescent Hockey Players, Hunter Richard Naugle

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Ice hockey is a high-impact sport with an inherent risk of concussions due to body checking, high-speed collisions, and falls. Despite these advancements, concussions remain a significant concern, particularly among adolescent players who may be more vulnerable to long-term effects.This study aimed to evaluate trends in concussion screening outcomes among adolescent ice hockey players over a six-year period (2017-2023).Eleven male adolescent ice hockey players (15.7 + 3.0 years old) completed a baseline concussion assessment, concussion screening for injury, and follow up concussion assessments between 2017-2023. Concussion screening included the SCAT5 assessing orientation, immediate memory, concentration, delayed recall, and balance using …

Interwoven Struggles: The Intersection Of Reproductive Justice And Environmental Justice Through An Ecofeminist Lens, Maya Kowski

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Reproductive justice (RJ) and environmental justice (EJ) are deeply interconnected, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and systemic reproductive oppression. This poster explores how environmental factors—such as pollution, climate change, and toxic exposure—impact reproductive autonomy, pregnancy outcomes, and access to healthcare in the United States, positioning RJ as an essential component of EJ. This research examines historical and contemporary examples of environmental racism affecting reproductive health, highlighting how climate disasters, industrial pollution, and resource extraction disproportionately harm communities of color and Indigenous populations. Through case studies and movement analysis, this presentation discusses coalition-building between RJ and EJ …

Investigating The Role Of Fbf-1 In Somatic Rnai Inheritance In C. Elegans, Elizabeth Sweeney

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in eukaryotes in which gene suppression is initiated by the presence of short, double-stranded RNA in a cell’s cytoplasm. This is a conserved process that likely evolved primarily to mediate resistance to pathogens. It is also an incredibly useful tool in experimental biology, due to its stability, specificity, and relative ease of use in targeted gene expression modification. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), the effects of RNAi are heritable and systemic, making it an ideal model organism for studying transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

FBF-1 is a member of the PUF protein family, …

Female Hummingbird Metabolism, Gabriella F. Weida

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Animal metabolism studies have frequently focused on males, resulting in a considerable gap in the knowledge of the metabolic requirements of females. These differences may have important ecological and evolutionary consequences, as female behaviors (nesting, incubation, and foraging to feed young) may lead to metabolic demands that vary significantly from those of males. Previous work has led to a hypothesis that metabolic rates to support hovering are greater outdoors compared with rates for the same behavior in laboratory studies, potentially due to wind and thermal conditions. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by measuring the metabolic cost of females …

How Warming Shapes Early Life Stages Of Alpine Cushion Plants, Christopher Cardella

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Alpine tundra is a harsh environment with short growing seasons, low temperatures, and nutrient-poor soils. These ecosystems are warming faster than the global average. Yet how this rapid warming shapes the early life stages of alpine plants is not yet fully understood. Early life stages such as seed germination and seedling survival and growth are some of the most vulnerable life stages in a plant’s life, potentially posing a bottleneck to recruitment. In summer 2023, we collected seeds from three alpine plant species—Silene acaulis, Minuartia obtusiloba, and Phlox condensata—at the Niwot Ridge LTER, CO. Using a controlled germination study, we …

Eliminating Harvest Of White-Tailed Deer Bucks Impacts Age Classes And Gross Score, Ethan Bartek

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Management actions revolving around white-tailed deer (Odocoieus virginianus) typically aim to increase the age of the males (i.e., “bucks”) in the population and antler size to meet social expectations. However, the efficacy of management actions in meeting objectives is sometimes uncertain due to a lack of empirical data. As part of a broad study estimating mammal community composition, 773 trail cameras were placed randomly across the ~6,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch in western Montana from 2017-2024. From 2017-2019, this ranch allowed liberal harvest of white-tailed deer as part of the Block Management Program. Due to concerns with white-tailed deer buck …

Individual Accounts Of Interactions With First Responders: A Pilot Study, Addison P. O'Neill, Sophia L. Boughey, Taylor C. Sadewic

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Autistic Individuals Interactions with First Responders: A Pilot Study

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 people experience autism, which accounts for over 30,000 Montanans (CDC, 2023). Autism is characterized by differences in social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. With these deficits come differences in communication styles and reactions in high stress situations. The literature shows minimal research on effective training practices for teaching first responders and emergency front-line medical staff how to interact with individuals with autism, especially those with complex communication needs (McGonigle et al, 2014, Cheung, et al, 2019). The research …

Investigating The Impact Of Shame Resilience And Internalized Weight Stigma On Body Image In Men, Julia Kathryn Brink

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Internalized weight stigma occurs when individuals apply negative weight-related stereotypes to themselves, which can lead to adverse outcomes, such as psychological distress, shame, eating disorders, and body image dissatisfaction. Societal pressures emphasizing muscularity and leanness exacerbate the negative psychological effects of weight stigma among male populations. Despite growing research on weight stigma and body image, male populations remain understudied, leaving gaps in understanding their unique experiences. Amongst both female and male identifying populations, existing research displays that resilience acts as a potential protective factor against the negative impacts of shame thus mitigating psychological distress. Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) measures factors …

Exploring The Relation Between Children’S Theory Of Mind And Social Understanding, Kylin Spangler, Sarah Sweezy

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Theory of mind and social understanding are both components of children’s social-cognitive development and rapidly develop in preschool age children. Related to the ability to understand the mental states of others, theory of mind is the ability to recognize other people’s thoughts, beliefs, desires, and knowledge, and is commonly assessed through false belief understanding. As a child interacts with caregivers and friends, they are able to infer more about what another person may be thinking or feeling, increasing their overall social understanding.

The current study tested children’s (N = 39; 3-5 years) false belief understanding using the unexpected contents …

Psychological Assessment Is Here To Stay, Irving B. Weiner

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Psychological assessment is based on the psychology of individual differences and dates back to the beginnings of scientific psychology. Clinical psychology began as a profession that provided psychological assessment, and through the 1950s assessment was what most clinical psychologists did most of the time. The value and propriety of psychological assessment was subsequently challenged on various grounds, and other activities gradually supplanted diagnostic testing as a preferred career role among clinical psychologists. Despite predictions of its demise, assessment has continued to be the second most frequent professional activity of clinical psychologists, after psychotherapy. Instead of fading away, psychological assessment has …

Wais-Iv Index And Full Scale Intelligence Quotient Score Differences Between Standard And Prorated Scoring Methods, Traci Wimberly Olivier, Charles Golden, Amarilis Acevedo, Victoria I. Sterk, Kristina M. Espinosa, Kayla M. Spengler

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Standard scoring methods for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) require that all core subtests be used to compute index scores, yet it is possible to prorate certain indices using a reduced number of subtests. The purpose of this study is to explore differences in WAIS-IV Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, and Full Scale IQ Index scores as a result of using standard versus prorated scoring methods. Participants were 149 adults, ages 18 to 84 who were previously administered the WAIS-IV. Protocols were scored using standard scoring methods and then re-scored using each alternate proration combination for Verbal Comprehension, …

The Mmpi-Arc And Mmpi-Af Scales: Psychometric Properties Of The Mmpi-2-Rf’S Restructured Clinical (Rc) And Higher Order Factor Scales When Adapted For Use With Archival Adolescent Mmpi Data., Susan L. Trumbetta, P. Kevin Bolinskey, Irving I. Gottesman

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Objective: To explore the psychometric properties of MMPI-adapted versions of the MMPI-2-RF’s RC and factor scales when applied to archival adolescent MMPI data. Method: We explored the internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and criterion validity of newly derived MMPI-adapted RC scales and MMPI-adapted higher-order factors (MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF) using data from the first normative adolescent MMPI samples: 3,971 ninth graders assessed in Minneapolis public schools in 1947-1948 and 11,329 ninth graders assessed statewide in 1954. Results: Most MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF scales showed good internal reliability, which did not vary uniformly with the proportion of available items. The MMPI-ARC scales …

The Role Of Ephrin-B2 In Frequency Map Formation In The Cochlear Nucleus, Joshua Morcos

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our initial study indicates that ephrin-B2 is differentially expressed in the CN during tonotopic map formation. To assess its role in guiding auditory nerve fiber growth, we performed a stripe assay and found that ephrin-B2 signaling repels auditory nerve fibers in a regional and stage-dependent manner. Additionally, ephrin-B2 mutant mice exhibit altered auditory brainstem responses and broader isofrequency bands of neural activation in response to pure-tone sound stimulation. These findings suggest that ephrin-B2 plays a role in establishing precise tonotopic organization in the auditory brainstem, which is essential for maintaining accurate auditory processing.

Encouraging Exploration: How Facilitation Supports Children's Stem Talk In Museums, Neva Lang, Milla Metlicka Bs, Catherine Haden Phd

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our research is aimed at understanding educational practices that can support children’s early STEM learning in informal educational settings, including museums. Program design and facilitation strategies used by museum staff can promote conversations about STEM concepts (Mohabir et al., 2021) and provide opportunities for increased parent-child engagement while tinkering (Letourneau et al., 2021). Our study examines how family engagement in an orientation provided by museum staff at the outset of a tinkering activity, as well as facilitation as families engaged in tinkering might support children’s STEM talk during and after a tinkering activity.

The Economic Motivations Behind Climate Change Denial, Eliza Daigle, Brooks Duprey

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Climate change denial is often driven by economic interests, particularly among corporations that profit from industries reliant on fossil fuels. This can lead to companies spreading disinformation, casting doubt on what is considered a consensus by scientists worldwide. Disinformation is generated with the goal of preventing government regulations that could threaten their profits. By funding disinformation campaigns and lobbying against climate policies these corporations are steering the public discourse away from environmental issues and concerns. Understanding the economic motivations behind climate change denial is crucial in addressing misinformation and ensuring that policy decisions are guided by science rather than profit.

Tourism Effects On Reptile Biodiversity And Abundances In The Peruvian Amazon, Gabriel Sierens, Ethan Morrow

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The Peruvian rainforest houses many reptile species with diverse habitat preferences, complicating our understanding of their diversity and abundance. Healthy reptile populations are essential for the rainforest ecosystem's health. Thus, it's crucial for scientists to accurately assess reptile distribution and abundance in tropical forests and their ecological roles. This study uses visual encounter surveys to document reptile biodiversity and locations along Peru’s Madre de Dios River and Lake Sandoval. Focusing on the microhabitats during a seven-day observational period, we aim to highlight the need to preserve the natural environments where reptiles thrive and compare these areas to tourism rates.

Evaluating Regioselectivity Of Dienophile Adsorption To Tetracene Via Diels-Alder Reaction In The Vapor Phase, Sophia Marie Rankin

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Diels-Alder synthetic reactions of organic compounds are fundamental to chemistry and have broad applications. Steep activation energy barriers control the regioselectivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon acenes, forming predictable adducts. However, initial data from our group suggests that strict regioselectivity may be altered when Diels-Alder reactions are performed in solid phase due to molecular packing. Our research examines how reaction cavity-specific effects in solid phase impact formation of unprecedented adducts, detected using mass spectrometry and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy techniques. The rules of Diels-Alder reactions in solid phase versus solution, and their application to alternative dienophiles with differing molecular properties, will be discussed.

A Comparison Of Blood Cellular Indices Between Esrd And A Healthy Ambulatory Population, Roy Diego Nunez

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, with only 10–15% kidney function remaining. Using 2023 data from Loyola University Medical Center, we evaluated 12 blood cellular indices as prognostic markers in ESRD versus healthy controls. Mann-Whitney U Test and Spearman Correlations showed significant differences (p<0.05) in most indices, excluding Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio. Despite cohort variability, these findings highlight the potential of cellular indices as ESRD prognostic tools. This study lays the groundwork for future longitudinal analysis to track disease progression.

Spectrophotometric Analysis Of Water Color Paint Quality, Mick Allen, Anurathi Madasi, Amanda Newton

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Due to the variety of quality and price ranges of watercolor paints available on the commercial market, the ability to test the quality of watercolor paints can be a major benefit to artists. One method of test- ing paint quality would be using spectrophotometry. By shining a light through a sample of watercolor paint suspended in water it is possible to find the parts per million (ppm) and color of a paint sample by comparing the initial and final intensity of light. We will construct a visible light spectrophotometer comprised of a visible light source that can be split into …

Examining Veterinary Pharmaceutical Occurrence In Urban Freshwater Bodies: A Case Study Of Dog Beaches Along Lake Michigan, Etta Budd

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Pharmaceuticals are one of many emerging contaminants in freshwater bodies that threaten the health of aquatic ecosystems. This research investigates dogs as a source of veterinary medicine pollutants that jeopardize the health of these ecosystems. The study focuses on three chemicals found in two commonly prescribed dog medications and their potential presence in areas with differing levels of dog activity. Analysis will include pre-established techniques utilizing solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS). This research aims to enhance understanding of this emerging issue and to inform future efforts to protect and manage the health of freshwater resources.

Exploring Deep Neural Network Reuse In Computational Natural Science, Karolina Ryzka

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The creation and training of deep learning models pose significant technical, financial, and environmental challenges, which can be addressed through the reuse of pre-trained deep neural network models (PTMs), which enables deep learning methodologies with little comparative cost. While previous research has focused on PTM applications in software engineering, our work investigates their growing role in computational Natural Science. Our ongoing work examines and longitudinally measures PTM reuse in computational Natural Science. Our efforts quantify PTM reuse methodologies, identifies trends regarding the reuse of PTM architectures across Natural Science, and provides insights into how PTMs are progressing science.

Pathways To Compassion: Mapping Gender-Affirming Healthcare Experiences, Ashley Gotlib

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Project Description

Overview:
This research project examines how transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals experience healthcare in religiously affiliated healthcare systems, particularly within Catholic institutions. The project aims to identify gaps, barriers, and best practices in gender-affirming care delivery through surveys and interviews with TGNC patients, their loved ones, healthcare providers, and community members.

The goal is to develop a comprehensive workflow map that provides actionable recommendations for improving care, enhancing provider competency, and fostering more inclusive institutional policies. Ultimately, this project seeks to ensure that faith-based healthcare systems can better meet the needs of TGNC patients while delivering compassionate, …

Investigating The Reinforcing Effects Of Optogenetic Stimulation Of Lateral Hypothalamus Projections To The Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus And Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus In Mice, Jacqueline Moghadam

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Previous studies have shown that in both mice and rats, glutamatergic inputs from the Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus (LDTg) to the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) result in rewarding effects. Little is known about the role of afferent inputs to the LDTg in reward function. The Lateral Hypothalamus (LH) is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuitry and projects to the LDTg. We plan to test whether optogenetic excitation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) glutamatergic input to the LDTg is reinforcing in mice.

When Systems Fail: An Analysis Of Eu Energy Policy Throughout The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine, Jameson R. Walker

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked the “first truly global energy crisis” which impacted every continent on the planet, and involved all fossil fuels (International Energy Agency, 2023). After the invasion, many European Union (EU) nations struggled to maintain a stable energy system due to surging prices and blocked pipelines impacting the region’s energy security.

Energy instability contributed to economic instability as the EU scrambled to maintain consumer prices, and when policies failed to maintain the existing energy system, the environment suffered as well, leading to increased deforestation and wood-burning activity. The EU’s emergency energy regulation has since ended; however, …

Social Justice Theatre: Notes From The Field Dramaturgy, Grace Herman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Under a dramaturgical lens, I worked to provide the resources and support for responsible and ethical social justice theatre. My research dives into the injustice and oppression depicted in Anna Deavere Smith's play Notes from the Field, which centers around the school-to-prison pipeline in the United States.