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Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Pathology Puzzler, John A. Svirsky Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Remembering A Classmate

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Blessing Amongst Disaster, Julie Erickson

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Time To Think...And Change, Marvin E. Pizer Dds, Ms, Ma, Ficd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Two New Endorsements, Elise Rupinski

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

An Osha Inspection, Henry M. Botuck Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Firewall, Richard F. Roadcap Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Diy Dentistry?, Kirk Norbo Dmd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Four Big Wins, Sam W. Galstan Dds, Mph

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Va Dent J April, May And June 2019

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Developing Self-Determination Through Physical Activity Courses In Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs, Shannon P. Zimmerman, Samantha Ross-Cypcar, Peter R. Giacobbi, Lesley Cottrell, Emily Murphy, Andrea Taliaferro, Jeanette Garcia

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience low physical activity levels, with only 23% meeting recommended guidelines, increasing their risk for secondary health conditions. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in the U.S. present an opportunity for physical activity promotion. This study examined physical activity strategies across a national sample of IPSE programs (n = 27) using a sequential mixed-method approach, including surveys and follow-up interviews, focusing on alignment with Self-Determination Theory (SDT). While 70.37% of programs offered formalized physical activity courses, all promoted physical activity informally. Common practices included peer mentorship (96.3% of programs), goal setting (100%), and …

Measuring Disability Prevalence In Healthcare: A Study Comparing Two Disability Measures, Kristen L. Milefchik, Rhonda K. Dailey, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with disabilities experience significant health disparities and interventions are needed to address them. Measuring disability prevalence is an essential aspect of designing effective, data-driven healthcare strategies. Accurately measuring disability prevalence is challenging given disability is a complex phenomenon, with biological, social, environmental, and cultural components. Previous studies have compared a variety of disability status measurements and found that measurements were incongruent with each other. This study examines the concordance between disability status using two different measures: the nationally recognized American Community Survey (ACS-6) functional difficulty questions and one disability identity question. We used data from 3,621 adult patients participating …

End Of Dino Dominance - Ecological Trends In Late Cretaceous Communities, Matthieu Weinberg, Liam Lucas, Katya Borkovskaya

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

We studied the ecosystem stability of an End-Cretaceous ecosystem out of the Lance Creek Formation in Wyoming. This ecosystem represented a time interval immediately before the mass extinction wiping out all non-avian dinosaurs. Overall, our data suggests that stability was relatively good leading up to the asteroid impact that catalyzed the mass extinction.

Calculating The Abundance Of Primordial Black Holes, Babel Barm, Cole Owen Bucholtz

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project aims to understand the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) in the early universe. PBHs are hypothetical black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang. They are fascinating because they might explain mysterious cosmic phenomena like dark matter or the origin of supermassive black holes. To estimate how many PBHs could have formed, we will use two different mathematical models: the Press-Schechter formalism and the theory of peaks. Comparing these methods will help us test the reliability of current theories and guide future astronomical observations.

Interference Colors To Thickness: Measuring Thin-Film Dynamics With A Camera And Arduino, Babel Barm, James Knott

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In this project, we studied how the thickness of a soap film can be measured using the colors created by thin-film interference. When light shines on a soap film, some light reflects off the front surface and some off the back surface. These light waves combine and create colorful patterns that depend on the film’s thickness. By observing these patterns, we can learn how the thickness of the film changes over time.

We used two methods to collect data: a camera to capture the colors of the film and a phototransistor connected to an Arduino to measure the intensity of …

From Cellphone Surface To Microbial Identity: Characterization Of An Unknown Bacterium, Raayan Haseeb Jafri

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation explores the identification of an unknown bacterium isolated from a cellphone, highlighting the presence of microorganisms on everyday surfaces. Through microscopy, biochemical testing, and metabolic analysis, the organism was systematically characterized based on its morphology and physiological properties. Key tests included Gram staining, motility analysis, and multiple biochemical assays to determine metabolic capabilities. The results suggest that the organism is a Gram-positive, non-motile, fermentative bacterium most consistent with a Streptococcus species. This project demonstrates the importance of microbial identification and emphasizes the relevance of microorganisms in human-associated environments.

Examining The Efficacy Of The Allosteric Site In Adp Glucose Pyrophosphorylase From A. Tumefaciens, Shanna Kaldani, Isabella Tyma

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

ADP-glucose Pyrophosphorylase (ADP-GlcPPase) is a regulatory enzyme in bacteria that synthesizes glycogen. A. tumefaciens ADP-Glc PPase is activated by Fructose 6-phosphate (Fru6P) and Pyruvate (Pyr). To investigate Fru6P binding, the Tyrosine 124 and Arginine 75 residues of A. tumefaciens ADP-Glc PPase were mutated to Alanine.  We found that Y124A and R75A had some activation by Fru6P and Pyr but did not reach a Vmax equivalent to Wildtype. R75A/Y124A  had similar activation to the single mutants. Thermal Shift assays tested the enzyme-ligand binding of the activators. This project expanded our understanding of the allosteric binding in A. tumefaciens ADP-Glc PPase.

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 …

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

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Remembering Former Vda President - Dr Michael Abbott

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.