Life Sciences Commons^™

06.16.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email address Matters with SPAN and ARC Forms

Participant Support Costs training for PIs available in Blackboard

A Bitter Brew For Cancer: Egcg’S Impact On Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Lizzeth Holguin, Mary-Esther Leblanc, Mariana Reyes, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant found in green tea, is an abundant treatment to treat Ewing Sarcoma cells, a pediatric cancer affecting the skeletal system. Given EGCG’s known role in other cancer treatments, these tests aim to investigate its effects as a standalone natural compound on Ewing Sarcoma cells. Focusing on the PI3K/AKT pathway, if the PI3K/AKT pathway is inhibited by EGCG, then it will lead to reduced cell survival and proliferation of EW8 cells. Using cell culture techniques, IncuCyte-based IC50 analysis, caspase 3/7, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR, EGCG’s impact was assessed on cell apoptosis and gene …

The Effect Of Epigallocatechin Gallate (Egcg) And Alpha L-Mangostin On Tp53, Bax, And Vim Gene Expression And Apoptosis In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Victoria Valdez, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is a malignant pediatric bone tumor driven by chromosomal translocations and fusion oncogenes with limited targeted treatment options. This study investigated the chemopreventive potential of two natural compounds, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, and Alpha L-Mangostin from mangosteen, on apoptosis and gene expression in ES cells. We hypothesized that EGCG and Alpha L-Mangostin treatment would induce apoptosis and downregulate cancer-promoting genes. To test this, we performed tissue culture, IC50 assays, caspase-based apoptosis detection, RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR on ES cell lines treated with a high and low concentration of the two compounds. Our …

Minimal Anti-Cancer Effects Of Mushroom-Derived Compounds Hispidin And Chaga Extract On Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Jordan Cosgrove, Fiona Coulbourne, Iris Reyna, Giselle Serna-Flores, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer of adolescents and young adults driven by the EWSR1–FLI1 gene fusion. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, though survival rates remain low. Natural compounds such as hispidin, derived from fungi, and Chaga mushroom extract have shown potential anti-cancer effects by disrupting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis in other cancer models. In this study, we tested the effects of hispidin and Chaga extract on Ewing sarcoma cells to evaluate their ability to suppress cell growth and identify potential therapeutic benefits.

The Effects Of Panobinostat On Cellular Signaling Pathways And How It Relates To Antitumor Activities In Ewing Sarcoma Cancer Cells, Crystal Valenzuela, Andrew Martini, Hannah Navarro, Mario Flores, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the bones and surrounding soft tissues, most commonly in children and young adults. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, a well-documented cause involves a chromosomal translocation resulting in the fusion of the EWSR1 and FLI1 genes. This fusion produces abnormal proteins that disrupt normal gene expression, cell signaling, and RNA processing, contributing to tumorigenesis. Prognosis varies significantly depending on the extent of metastasis, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 82% in localized cases to 39% in metastatic cases. Standard treatments include chemotherapy typically involving vincristine, doxorubicin, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide—surgical …

The Effects Of Hispidin And Eribulin Mesylate On Cell Proliferation Of Ewing Sarcoma Cell Lines, Elena Mares, Angelina Juarrita, Sierra Munoz, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that targets the cells within bones and soft tissue and is most prevalent in younger populations. It is important to look at this specific cancer because there is no cure yet, and the risks increase, even after a patient has completed their treatment. We hypothesize that if we treat Ewing sarcoma cell lines with natural compounds, specifically Hispidin and Eribulin Mesylate, then the cell lines will decrease in cell viability and there will be an increase in apoptosis of the cancerous cell lines. We performed a series of experiments, which included IC50 analysis, …

05.05.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Research Showcase Photos

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Chancellor's Award for Research and Creative Scholarship

Video of the ORED website

Sweet Snacks Effects On Hispanic/Latino Childhood Obesity, Lemlen Belete, Brisa Rodriguez Alcantar

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Background:

Obesity rates in children has become a growing concern in the Hispanic/Latino community in Nevada. This study examines the availability of sweet snacks in the home and its association with children's dietary behavior.

Methods:

Data was analyzed from a survey of 155 Latina mothers using logistic regression while controlling for income, education, and acculturation. The survey was conducted in Nevada, between October 2022 and March 2024.

Results:

The frequency of keeping sweets in the home was significantly associated with children's consumption of various sweets. For every increase in keeping sweets at home, the odds of children consuming: • Chocolate …

Stress And Glucose Regulation In Adults At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Analysis From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sophia Lysne, Regina Dispa, Brenna Way, Bea Francene Pilnade, Donya Shahamati, Romina Ballesteros, Christopher Acosta, Keren Morales, Esther Adaji, Ohis Egbaidomeh

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Additionally, prediabetes is a critical precursor, as it elevates the risk of developing both T2DM and CVDs. (2)

Recent literature reveals among individuals with severe perceived stress, there is a higher likelihood of HbA1c% levels meeting the criteria for prediabetes (5.7– 6.4%) as compared to those with lower perceived stress. (3)

Studies show that psychological stress has hyperglycemic effects in individuals with T2DM, suggesting that stress is associated with poorer blood glucose control. (4)

Developing A Trial Unique Sequencing Task For Mice, Yader Gomez, Lilly Hagos, Gage Pompa, Ariana Mitic, Orlando Montiel, Talha Soluoku

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The hippocampus and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play distinct yet complimentary roles in the performance of cognitively demanding tasks.

While rodent models cannot truly capture human cognition, there is a serious need to develop more cognitively demanding rodent tasks to better understand human cognition to develop new tools to fight neurodegeneration.

Sequencing tasks are some of the most difficult for rodents to perform and are notoriously difficult to train.

Cutting edge interactive touch screen technology allows us to test an endless array of sequences, in a sound-controlled enclosure featuring a simple behavioral response for the mice.

Study Aim: To …

Marine Heat Waves Effects On Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem Functioning, Skyler Peterson, S. Schneider, C.L. Webb, A. Leighton

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Severe heat waves may cause long-term changes in marine ecosystems and are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency. Here we use surveys from six localities across a six-year interval (2013-2019) to investigate the effects of heat waves on the functional diversity of rocky intertidal ecosystems (Vancouver Island, Canada).

Functional diversity, the number and types of functions performed by organisms, influences ecosystem stability and health. To assess changes in functional diversity we used analyses of biological traits. Biological traits are measurable properties of organisms that describe their morphology, physiology, and behavior. We quantitatively assessed changes in functional diversity in response …

Competence Protein Comea And Oxidative Stress In Bacillus Subtilis Stationary Phase Mutagenesis, Angeline Roldan, Sam Schauf

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Stationary Phase Mutagenesis is a process where a bacterium can accumulate mutations in the absence of cell division. This may occur via competent DNA uptake and oxidant DNA damage and repair. ComEA is a transmembrane protein in B. subtilis that is required for the transport of exogenous DNA into the cell. (Figure 1)

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Exoy Enzymatic Activity Inhibits Exos-Induced Caspase-3/7 Activation But Not Cytotoxicity In Pmvecs, Connor Holm

Poster Presentations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aer.) is the most common cause of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients. Different combinations of exoenzymes (S, T, Y, and U) are found in P. aer. strains. ExoY is most often associated with VAP in ICU patients. ExoY infection of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) induces cell rounding but does not activate intracellular caspase-3/7 or cause cell death. ExoS and ExoT infection of epithelial cells leads to caspase-3/7 dependent cell death. Previous studies using epithelial cells show that ExoY alleviates the cytotoxic effects of ExoS and ExoT. Here, we sought to determine whether ExoY inhibits …

Ghosts In Glass: Ghost Crabs (Ocypode Quadrata) As Judges Of Glass Sand For Coastal Restoration, Emily Parrish

Poster Presentations

Coastal erosion is heavily impacting coastal ecosystems across the Gulf. For instance, the state of Louisiana loses a football field worth of land every 100 minutes (Couvillion, 2017). The drastic loss of coastline highlights the dire need for restoration in the Northern Gulf Coast. An unexpected solution to this sediment loss may solve two major environmental issues at once by diverting millions of tons of glass waste from entering America’s landfills each year. By crushing glass to create sand and gravel for coastal restoration, we may generate a consistent and sustainable source of substrate. Our goal is to determine the …

Decoding Bacterial Resilience: Srnas And Sigma Factors In Stress Adaptation And Persistence Of Salmonella, Anita Nguyen

Poster Presentations

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules in bacteria that function primarily to regulate gene expression, including those associated with stress. The Borchert Lab has identified 173 sRNAs and > 500 sRNAs that are responsive to desiccation and carbon starvation (c-starvation), respectively. Prokaryotic transcription involves an RNA Polymerase (RNAP) that transcribes DNA into RNA. RNAP involves sigma factors, which recognize promoters for the initial steps of RNA synthesis. The Borchert Lab has determined that there are significant overlaps between sRNAs expressed in cells subjected to both short-term durations and long-term durations of carbon starvation. Salmonella enterica serovars can have outbreaks associated …

Fisheries Occasional Publication No.148 - Aquaculture Of Seaweed In Western Australia: Policy Principles Relating To Licences And Exemptions For The Aquaculture Of Seaweed In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

of aquaculture, and clarifies the process and information required to assess applications for aquaculture licences, leases and exemptions for seaweed aquaculture in WA.

Development of principles will support decision-making for the take of wild seaweed and for the grant or variation of aquaculture licences for seaweed aquaculture.

Evidence Based Research Review Of Remote Independent Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Verification, Katrina Perkins, Hannah Holder, Marie St. Clair

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Crónicas De Gastronomía Ancestral De La Provincia De Ubaté (Cundinamarca), Johanna Andrea Gil Palacios, Nancy Milena Valiente Triana, Nohora Liliana Agudelo Rodríguez, Carlos Alfonso López Urquina, Cristian Ballén Guarín, John Henry Vásquez Calderón

Institucional

Este libro es un viaje maravilloso que conduce al lector a comprender la estrecha relación entre territorio y gastronomía. Cada accidente geográfico representa un reto de sus pobladores que potencia su creatividad para sobrevivir e implica el esfuerzo para que broten frutos que se puedan llevar a la mesa, en sendas preparaciones que se van heredando entre generaciones. Las personas cuentan llenas de orgullo las gestas que han vivido en torno a la comida, las reuniones familiares, las fiestas patronales, y las convierten en la mejor vitrina de su identidad y la celebración de las cosechas. Es un verdadero placer …

Raíces Y Recuerdos: Plantas Ornamentales Para Entornos Saludables, Adriana Hernández Bustos, María Janeth Camargo Garzón, María Victoria Rojas Martínez, Segundo Leonardo Cortes López

Ciencias de la Salud

El reino vegetal es un universo lleno de vida, colores, texturas, aromas y beneficios que trascienden a través del tiempo. Es un aliado perfecto para el trabajo conjunto e intergeneracional; para este caso, las plantas no solo embellecen los paisajes y espacios, sino que tienen además el poder de mejorar nuestra calidad de vida, especialmente cuando se integran en actividades terapéuticas y sociales con personas mayores.

Building Climate Resilience Through Food Recovery, San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, Alexander Pourfard, Aranza Ruvalcaba

San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative

In an effort to combat GHG emissions from food waste, California passed Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) into law in 2016. The bill contains key provisions aimed at increasing edible food recovery. By rescuing food that would otherwise go to the landfill, California entities have been able to help save precious food and advance sustainable solutions to address climate change in their local communities. Since the food recovery requirements took effect in January of 2022, over 217,000 tons of unsold food have been recovered annually, providing more than 700 million meals to food-insecure Californians.

04.21.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

ORED Stakeholder Meetings

SEC Travel Grants

Research Week 2025 Poster, Michael Schueth

Research Week

Research Week 2025 Poster

We Are Our Brains: Disembodied Brain Films In 1950s Cold War America, David P. Pierson

Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Books

Personified Body Parts in Cinema, Literature, and Visual Culture investigates the power of personifying body parts in cinema, television, visual culture, literature, erotica, folklore, and mystique.

Culturally, socially, and poetically exposing hidden aspects and subtleties of human existentialism, this book vigorously questions and problematizes numerous artistic, aesthetic, technological, naïve, and macabre manipulations of body parts for various purposes. A diverse team of authors explore how scribing human traits to limbs, eyes, brains, genitalia, hearts, and other inner organs is grotesque and aesthetic, repealing and appealing, intimidating and intimate, rude and enjoyable, material and spiritual, surprising and mundane. Personified organs are …

Research Week 2025, Michael Schueth

Research Week

Welcome to Undergraduate Research Week at Collin College!

This week celebrates the innovative research and scholarly work of our undergraduate students across all disciplines. From our informative webinars to Cultivating Scholars, our student poster presentation, the week offers opportunities to explore new ideas, share discoveries, and connect with fellow researchers and faculty mentors.

We invite all students, faculty, and staff to participate in these events designed to highlight the importance of undergraduate research in academic and professional development. Whether you're presenting your work or simply curious about your peers' projects, your engagement helps foster our college's culture of inquiry and …

Cultivating Scholars 2025, Elizabeth Hamner

Research Week

Cultivating Scholars is an interdisciplinary event promoting undergraduate students and their special interest topics. It is a research-based setting meant to imitate a professional conference. Students work with Faculty Mentors to conduct a high-quality project and present it to the community.

Date: April 24, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Place: Collin College, Frisco Campus Conference Center

Investigating The Effect Of Soil Origin On Antibiotic Production In Streptomyces, Emu Suzuki

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

Streptomyces bacteria produce antibiotics that inhibit competing microorganisms. We hypothesized that Streptomyces from the rhizosphere (around plant roots) would be more likely to produce antibiotics than those from bulk soil (further away from roots). Soil samples were collected from rhizosphere and bulk soils in transitional and long-term organic fields of corn and alfalfa. Streptomyces from these soils were cultured on glucose-asparagine agar media. Their antibiotic production was evaluated by testing whether they could inhibit the growth of two target Streptomyces strains. No significant effects of soil type (rhizosphere vs. bulk), crop, or management on antibiotic production were observed for one …

04.14.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Updated CITI Training Courses

Science Celebration

IHL Prepayment Approval

The Importance Of Well-Being For College Students, Benjamin Williamson, Dr. Mary Jan Greer, Phd, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Provided education on well-being, enabled independence, and improved quality of life, specifically for college students in this setting.

Advocate for Sustainable Programs:

Advocated for more programs to address the needs of college students and integrated all 8 dimensions of wellness into their current lifestyle

Support Academic Advancement:

Addressed college students' needs for overcoming occupational adversities which affects the longevity and academic success of college students

Motivate College Students:

Provided accessible and occupation-based resources that supported participating college students in independently improving their occupational roles

Advance Holistic Based Strategies:

Incorporated holistic based strategies that apply to each occupational role affecting participating …

04.07.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

New ORED Website Goes Live

Oxford Pitch Competition

Hughes Miller, Strategic Partnerships

Resistant & Persistent Bacterial Cells, Jean-Louis Bru

Open Educational Resources

An activity on the difference between resistant & persistent bacterial cells. This activity aims to build on the pre-lecture materials about resistant bacterial cells, so that students can make a connection toward persistent cells. In both cases, they make antibiotics less effective.

Learning Objectives

Recognize the importance of antibiotics in fighting bacterial infections. Understand how bacterial species become antibiotic resistant. Determine the difference between resistant and persistent bacterial cells.

Social and Collaborative

Students work together on this in-class activity in groups of 2-4 (3, ideally). Each student will have one of the following roles: encourager, recorded, investigator, and time keeper. …