Digital Commons Network^™

Elucidating The Function Of An Evolutionarily Conserved Embryonic Splice Variant Of Type Ii Collagen During Vertebrate Development, Taylor Woolman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This study investigates the role of exon 2 in the zebrafish col2a1a gene, a paralog of the human COL2A1 gene essential for connective tissue and skeletal development. Exon 2 encodes the von Willebrand Factor Type C (VWF-C) domain, which binds TGF-β ligands involved in embryonic dorsoventral patterning. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we aim to delete exon 2 and prevent expression of the embryonic splice variant (v1), forcing premature use of the post-embryonic variant (v2). We hypothesize that loss of the VWF-C domain will disrupt TGF-β signaling, leading to defects in embryonic development and vertebral formation.

Phosphorylation And Isomerization Of The Synaptic Scaffold Protein Psd-95, Sai Kanuru

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

PSD-95 is an important scaffolding protein located in the postsynaptic density that is abundant in glutamatergic synapses in the brain. It provides structural support for receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. It has been shown to be implicated in various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and schizophrenia. It plays a crucial role in mediating NMDA receptor-dependent LTD, which is one of the primary mechanisms behind synaptic plasticity. NMDAR-LTD is dependent on multiple posttranslational modifications, one of which being phosphorylation. Our experiments investigated Pin1 mediated isomerization and phosphorylation of T19.

Social Justice Internship- Girlforward: How A Non-Profit Is Supporting The Refugee Community In Chicago., Liz-Anne Debeauville-Jones

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Abstract:

GirlForward operates as a critical stabilizing force for immigrant communities amid an increasingly volatile political climate. This non-profit supports refugee and asylum-seeking girls aged 14- 21 displaced by global conflict. Programming is structured around three core pillars: Mentorship, Education, and Safe Spaces– designed to foster personal development and community integration. Their 4W framework seeks to promote holistic development through Wellness, Wisdom, Wallet, and World knowledge.

Sustained through philanthropic contributions, their services play a pivotal role in mitigating the socio-economic challenges these families face. Without community support, participants encounter significant barriers that affect their stability and integration in Chicago.

Modeling The Influence Of Environmental Factors On Invasive P. Clarkii Catch Per Unit Effort In An Urban River System, Penelope Reynolds, Reuben Keller, Rachel Anelise Rogers

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Procambarus clarkii is an invasive crayfish species that has recently become established in the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River. The Keller Lab has been intensively trapping P. clarkii in the NSC and collecting data for the past eight years with the goal of reducing population growth and species spread. My research will use our collection of data and analyze it against multiple different environmental variables to explore the potential relationships between P. clarkii catch-per-unit-effort and environmental conditions. These relationships could provide insight on future trapping methods to maximize our invasive species removal efforts.

Alpha And Beta Particle Motion Ray Tracing In A Cloud Chamber, Faiza Nadeem, Florence Pan, Ryan Madera

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project investigates particle motion within a cloud chamber using a thoriated electrode and Helmholtz coil to artificially “create” alpha and beta particles, respectively, within the chamber. To quantify the motion of these particles, we monitor the chamber’s internal conditions using an Arduino micro-controller and trace the particles’ paths of motion using a video analysis software called Fiji. The value of this research comes from the experimental process itself because it necessitates the use of programming skills, a comprehensive understanding of complex physical principles, and an intensive data collection process by undergraduate students.

Testing The Motivational Effects Of Exciting Lh To Pptg And Ldtg Projections In Rats, Emma Bickford

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Drugs of abuse and rewarding stimuli increase dopamine (DA) activity in the mesolimbic system, particularly within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Mesopontine regions, including the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), regulate VTA DA activity and contribute to drug sensitization, though their afferent inputs remain poorly defined. The lateral hypothalamus (LH), a key motivational region, projects to both the LDTg and PPTg, suggesting a pathway for modulating mesolimbic DA signaling. Using optogenetics, this study will selectively stimulate LH–PPTg projections in rats to examine their role in motivation, feeding, reward processing, and addiction.

Construction Of A Geiger-Müller Counter, Katie Siobhan Bennett, Benjamin Allen Murdoch

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our investigation describes the construction of a Geiger-Müller Counter from an Arduino Uno kit. With the use of some resistors, a breadboard, DC powersource and a Geiger tube, and other miscellaneous supplies, we were able to not only physically build the circuitry for the Geiger-Müller Counter, but we were also able to program it to produce sounds, lights, and a display screen to show the count rate of the sources used. This investigation allowed for a comparison between our system and an industrial-grade counter, as well as demonstrated the simplicity of creating expensive equipment with accessible and affordable materials.

Investigating The Impact Of Individual Differences In Inattentiveness On Learning From Gesture, Alexander Hurka

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with inattentiveness and lower working memory capacity, which can impair academic performance. Gestures, movements of the hands that express information alongside speech, help maintain attention and support learning. We investigated whether adults learn Japanese vocabulary more effectively through speech alone or speech+gesture instruction. Baseline and visual attentiveness were measured to explore interactions between attention and gesture-based learning. Spontaneous gesture rates were also measured to consider the implications of gesture production in learning. This study helps understand and develop gesture-related tools that can be particularly beneficial to students struggling with attention.

Can A Different Research Poster Format Increase Attendee Engagement? A Case Report., Elizabeth M. Ardolino, Kelli Nielsen, Mike Morrison, Jane E. Sullivan

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: Poster sessions are a widely used method of knowledge dissemination at professional conferences, yet their effectiveness in promoting engagement and knowledge transfer is uncertain. Traditional poster formats often follow a dense, text-heavy structure that may contribute to cognitive overload. Billboard-style posters, grounded in Cognitive Load Theory, offer an alternative design intended to enhance clarity and engagement.

Methods: This case report describes a three-year implementation (2022–2024) of billboard-style posters at the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Annual Conference. Attendees were invited to complete a brief survey after viewing either traditional or billboard-style posters. The survey assessed engagement (time spent reading …

Innovative Framework And Checklist For Enhancing Interprofessional Education: A Literature Review Of Program Design, Delivery, And Outcome Measurement, Stacy Castronova, Lori Rainchuso

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: This dual-focused study aimed (1) to conduct a comprehensive literature review of interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives across health disciplines to examine collaboration patterns, delivery methods, validated assessment tools, and outcome measures and (2) to develop an evidence-informed framework and checklist, based on the findings and identified gaps, to improve the standardization and reporting of IPE programs.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three professional databases, targeting peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2024. Inclusion criteria prioritized studies that provided detailed descriptions of IPE intervention delivery, utilized validated measurement tools, and demonstrated participant engagement to ensure the selection …

Remembering Former Vda President - Dr Michael Abbott

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Greatness In Now - The Class Of 2019 Remembers A Classmate, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Strength In Numbers - Members Descend On Washington, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Dental Safety Net, Ally Singer Wright

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Fraud Protection - How To Protect Your Practice From Financial Fraud, Jennifer Nieto

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

What's Up Pac?, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Double Standard - Diy And Ethics, Elizabeth C. Stapleston Leiner Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

A Balanced Portfolio - Understanding Various Mutal Fund Options, Mona Jain

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Dental Benefits Expert - Giving You A Fighting Chance, Laura Givens

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Brush Up On Marketing, Kelsey Leavey

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Businessperson Or Practitioner?, James R. Schroeder Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Pathology Puzzler, John A. Svirsky Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Board Of Dentistry Notes June 21, 2019, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Two New Endorsements, Elise Rupinski

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Estranged?, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

No Longer Tooth Doctors, Marvin E. Pizer Dds, Ms, Ma, Ficd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

How Dirty Is Your Office's Bathroom?, Henry M. Botuck Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

A Little Perspective, Kirk Norbo Dmd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Take Action Like A Superhero, Ryan Dunn

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Va Dent J July, August And September 2019

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.