Biology Commons^™

Barcoding Adelpha Immatures To Understand Host Breadth, Connor P. Soderstrom, Elizabeth Song, Rylie Towne

Pacific Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference (PURCC)

No abstract provided.

What Forests Teach Us About Community, Paige E. Copenhaver-Parry

Faculty Publications - Department of Biological & Molecular Science

Each spring, I have the privilege of witnessing the miracle of new life as seeds that have buried themselves in the soil over the winter sprout roots, shed their papery coats, and stretch their bright green needles up toward the sun. My students and I spend weeks crawling across the forest floor – bellies, knees, and elbows scraping through the rich humus – as we identify, count, and measure hundreds of newly emerged conifer seedlings. Some of these seedlings will eventually grow into some of the largest trees in the world, but for now they stand scarcely two inches tall.

Impact Of Animal Programming On Human Attitudes Of Local Wildlife, Ashton Jerger

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Attitudes towards wildlife can have direct implications on peoples’ interest in conserving local habitats and their overall ecological choices. Attitudes are formed by multiple components of an individual’s life history. However, through interactive, educational experiences, there is a potential to change current attitudes. Animal programs are an example of interactive, educational experiences that provide individuals the opportunity to get up-close to animal ambassadors and participate in engaging conversations about them. An animal program assessment was conducted with the 2019 summer camps at the Ohio Wildlife Center to quantify the changes in peoples’ affiliation for local wildlife and their willingness to …

The Role Of Reactive Oxygen Species In The Gut Immune Response Of Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides Felis), Clark Hall

Honors College Theses

Fleas transmit numerous deadly and debilitating diseases, including the causative agents of murine typhus and plague. Because initial entry of these infectious agents occurs while blood feeding, the immune response in the flea gut is considered to be the first line of defense against invading microbes. However, relatively few studies have identified the flea immune molecules that effectively resist or limit infection in the gut. In other hematophagous insects, an immediate immune response to imbibed pathogens is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we utilized cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) to investigate whether natural infections …

Expression Of Endothelial Protein C Receptor In Prostate Cancer, Jessika Bonner, Austin Brewington

Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) is expressed in the serum of patients with prostate cancer and in a prostate cancer cell line, PC-3. EPCR is normally expressed by endothelial cells in the blood vessel, where it functions as a co-receptor in the anti-coagulant protein C system. The localization and function of EPCR on endothelial cells is well-documented. Our previous studies have shown that the receptor EPCR interacts with thrombomodulin (TM) on endothelial cells. TM is also expressed by prostate tumor cells in vivo and in vitro, where it regulates proliferation and invasion by these prostate tumor cells. The …

Impacts Of Invasive Rats And Tourism On A Threatened Island Bird: The Palau Micronesian Scrubfowl, Paul M. Radley, Robert A. Davis, Tim S. Doherty

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Invasive predators have decimated island biodiversity worldwide. Rats (Rattus spp.) are perhaps the greatest conservation threat to island fauna. The ground nesting Palau Micronesian Scrubfowl Megapodius laperouse senex (Megapodiidae) inhabits many of the islands of Palau's Rock Island Southern Lagoon Conservation Area (RISL) in the western Pacific. These islands are also heavily visited by tourists and support populations of introduced rats, both of which may act as added stressors for the scrubfowl. Using passive chew-tag and call playback surveys on five tourist-visited and five tourist-free islands, we investigated if rats and tourists negatively affect scrubfowl, and if higher rat activity …

Biol 250: Snps Found In The Ptc (Bitter Tasting) Gene, Katelin Savage

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Probiotics On Inflammatory Responses In Neuronal Tissue, Laura O’Dea, Meredith Lebel, Nicole Haynes

Research and Creativity Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 40 million people. While the pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated, some studies suggest AD associated chronic inflammation is caused by hyperactive microglia that produce pro-inflammatory factors. Probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may influence neurochemistry via the gut-brain-axis, which controls communication between the intestines and brain, crossing over the blood brain barrier (BBB). A model of the BBB was constructed with a double transwell system to clarify the effects of probiotics on cerebral inflammation. Microglia cells grown in the basolateral chamber were co-cultured with …

Carbon Sequestration And Storage Estimates Of Landscaped Trees On The University Of Mary Washington Campus, Daniel Milliken

Research and Creativity Symposium

Trees play an important ecological role within the urban environment. They improve public health, provide environmental support and provide aesthetic benefits to cities. To help provide a better understanding on the services that our trees provide, researchers have come up with a way to place economic (monetary) value on these services they provide. Our study will explore the ideas of ecosystem values and answer the following questions: What are the services that the trees located on the University of Mary Washington (UMW) campus provide for the faculty and student population? Specifically, what amount of carbon is removed from the atmosphere …

Assessing The Presence And Concentrations Of Microplastics In The Gizzards Of Virginia Waterfowl, Thomas Bustamante

Research and Creativity Symposium

Microplastics are defined as plastic fragments that are smaller than 5mm. These particles have become a ubiquitous water pollutant in recent years. While a substantial amount of research on their impacts on marine ecosystems has been conducted, the effect of microplastics on freshwater food webs remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the presence and concentrations of microplastic particles in the gizzards of the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), Bufflehead Duck (Bucephala albeola), and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) hunted in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Virginia. Gizzards were bisected and had their …

Investigating Reproductive Success And Endocrine Regulation Of Mating Strategies In Male Medaka, Lauren Closs

Research and Creativity Symposium

Mate guarding, when two males compete for one female, is a reproductive strategy seen across a variety of vertebrate species. This often leads to hierarchical relationships, in which one male exerts dominance over other, subordinate males. However, the physiological mechanisms that promote dominance or subordinance in males remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the reproductive success and endocrine signals of these reproductive strategies in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). To identify dominant and subordinate males, triads consisting of two males of different genotypes and one female were observed repeatedly for 5 days. Male reproductive success was determined by genotyping embryos from …

A Basic Ddradseq Two‐Enzyme Protocol Performs Well With Herbarium And Silica‐Dried Tissues Across Four Genera, Ingrid E. Jordon-Thaden, James B. Beck, Catherine A. Rushworth, Michael D. Windham, Nicolas Diaz, Jason T. Cantley, Christopher T. Martine, Carl J. Rothfels

Faculty Journal Articles

Premise

The ability to sequence genome‐scale data from herbarium specimens would allow for the economical development of data sets with broad taxonomic and geographic sampling that would otherwise not be possible. Here, we evaluate the utility of a basic double‐digest restriction site–associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) protocol using DNAs from four genera extracted from both silica‐dried and herbarium tissue.

Methods

DNAs from Draba, Boechera, Solidago, and Ilex were processed with a ddRADseq protocol. The effects of DNA degradation, taxon, and specimen age were assessed.

Results

Although taxon, preservation method, and specimen age affected data recovery, large phylogenetically informative …

Genetic Variance In Flocculin Protein Family, Sarah Dooley, Dale Beach

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Yeast fermentation produces a number of commercially important products, most typically represented by alcoholic beverages. In craft breweries that do not use expensive filtration systems, selecting a yeast variety for fermentation can determine the clarity of the product from hazy Belgian pilsner to a crisp, clear American lager. Flocculation refers to a stress response behavior in yeast to group together (flocculate) in conditions like low sugar or high alcohol content as experienced at the end of fermentation. Higher levels of flocculation increase the clarity. The process of flocculation is genetically controlled through a series of complicated interactions and depends on …

Fact Or Myth: The Flu Can Be Caused By The Flu Vaccine, Arleigh Wood

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

To many, the flu vaccine seems like a threat to an otherwise healthy individual. People often get the flu after receiving the flu shot, which does not promote confidence in the general public. These and other reasonings have created a myth that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. Understanding how the vaccination is created and how it interacts with the immune system helps to realize why the flu vaccine cannot cause the virus. For the vaccine to work, adaptive immunity must be activated by the introduction of the viral particles in a safe manner. An effective immune response from …

Analyzing The Flight Patterns And Behavior Of Dragonflies Engaged In Aerial Territory Battles, Brandon Hastings, Brandon Jackson

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

It has previously been determined that male dragonflies occupying the most suitable territory within a habitat have a higher flight-muscle ratio (FMR) than those occupying poor territories, but it is unknown how this increased FMR relates to their flight patterns. This study examined the flight patterns of dragonflies engaged in aerial territory battles to investigate differences in maneuverability between winners and losers. 3D video data of dragonflies interacting in a natural habitat was analyzed for territorial flights. Winners showed a lower maximum angular velocity compared to losers.

How Can We Change Gut Microbiota For Healthy Lives?, Elizaveta Shmakova

Scientific Communication News

No abstract provided.

Yeast Bxi1p/Ybh3p Is A Ph-Sensitive Calcium Channel In Escherichia Coli., Amanda Raffa, John Kalhorn

Biology Student Scholarship

Amanda Raffa ’21
Major: Biology

John Kalhorn ’21
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, Biology

39 And Me: The Evolution Of Dogs Through The Study Of Genomics, Lauren Flynn, Kathleen Kuhl, Jordan Pagliuca, Megan Russel

Biology Student Scholarship

Lauren Flynn ’21
Major: Biology and Mathematics

Jordan Pagliuca ’21
Major: Biology

Kathleen Kuhl ’22
Major: Biology

Megan Russell ’20
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elisabeth Arévalo, Biology

Our lab is interested in utilizing the dog model to explore the relationship between genes, evolution, and physical traits. The human selection and manipulation of different desirable traits in dogs has led to mutations that create the unique traits and diversity of breeds. Our lab uses different molecular methods to assess genetic mutations and different inheritable traits ranging from physical characteristics to disease in a variety of dog breeds. Statistical analysis and …

Autophagy And Lipid Metabolism In C.Elegans, Cristina De Corral, Samantha Otalvaro

Biology Student Scholarship

Cristina de Corral ’22
Major: Biology

Samantha Otalvaro ’22
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Melissa Silvestrini, Biology

The synthesis, storage, delivery and breakdown of lipids in the cell is crucial for organismal homeostasis. Dysfunction in lipid metabolism can lead to a variety of pathologies including diabetes, heart disease, and even neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s. One common link between these metabolic diseases is the cellular recycling process of autophagy. Autophagy plays a complex role in lipid metabolism as it is required for both lipid storage and breakdown. In C. elegans, loss of autophagy during development impairs production of neutral lipids. …

In Vitro Assessment Of Acute Neuro-Inflammation In A Model Of The Blood Brain Barrier, Cassandra Phillips, Dak Ojuka, Ramon G. Ortega-Alvarez, Anne-Deyssa Victor, Kathryn Fama

Biology Student Scholarship

Cassandra Phillips ’20
Major: Biology and Psychology

Dak Ojuka '20
Major: Biology Minor: Business and Innovation

Anne-Deyssa Victor '21
Major: Biology

Ramon G. Ortega-Alvarez ’20
Major: Biology

Kathryn Fama ’21
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Charles Toth, Biology

The purpose of this experiment was to develop an in vitro model of the blood brain barrier that incorporated brain endothelial microvascular cells (BMEC) and co-cultures composed of neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages. All cell types were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. A transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate barrier function. In addition, the model was …

Modeling Parkinson’S Disease In The Budding Yeast, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Yuri Takenaka

Biology Student Scholarship

Major: Biology and Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Fr. Nicanor Austriaco O.P., Biology

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common, incurable neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. PD patients have accumulations of abnormal proteins called Lewy Bodies (LBs) within their neurons that trigger cell death. Damaged and dead neurons lead to decline in dopamine levels, triggering the symptoms of Parkinson’s such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and slowed movement. Numerous studies have shown that the human protein, alpha-synuclein and Tau, are two major components of Lewy Bodies. To study the relationship between protein aggregation and cell death, I have created a system to co-overexpress human …

Distribution Of The Cold Water Coral Astrangia In The Waters Of Narrangansett Bay, Jared Getgano, Sarah Ramsaran, Victoria Hartley, Noah Mina

Biology Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Drosophila Models Of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ella Clifford, Jackson Diltz, Emily Teixeira

Biology Student Scholarship

Ella Clifford ’20
Major: Biology and Psychology

Jackson Diltz ’22
Major: Biology

Emily Teixeira ’22
Major: Biology

We are working to determine if there are structural differences in the brains of flies modeling neurodegenerative diseases such as Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in comparison to wild type flies. Our project is a complement to another study our lab is conducting on the metabolic activity of fruit fly models of neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing cell size, cell pattern, and number of cells, we want to determine if the functional differences found in the metabolic study are mirrored in the structure of …

Volume 12, Haleigh James, Hannah Meyls, Hope Irvin, Megan E. Hlavaty, Samara L. Gall, Austin J. Funk, Karyn Keane, Sarah Ghali, Antonio Harvey, Andrew Jones, Rachel Hazelwood, Madison Schmitz, Marija Venta, Haley Tebo, Jeremiah Gilmer, Bridget Dunn, Benjamin Sullivan, Mckenzie Johnson

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction, Dr. Roger A. Byrne, Dean

From the Editor, Dr. Larissa "Kat" Tracy

From the Designers, Rachel English, Rachel Hanson

Immortality in the Mortal World: Otherworldly Intervention in "Lanval" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale" by Haleigh James

Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Moroccan Olive Oils by HPLC by Hannah Meyls

Art by Hope Irvin

The Effects of Cell Phone Use on Gameplay Enjoyment and Frustration by Megan E. Hlavaty, Samara L. Gall, and Austin J. Funk

Care, No Matter What: Planned Parenthood's Use of Organizational Rhetoric to Expand its Reputation by Karyn Keane

Analysis of Petroleum Products for …

General Dna Methylation Patterns And Environmentally-Induced Differential Methylation In The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica), Yaamini R. Venkataraman, Alan M. Downey-Wall, Justin Ries, Isaac Westfield, Samuel J. White, Steven B. Roberts, Kathleen E. Lotterhos

Biology

Epigenetic modification, specifically DNA methylation, is one possible mechanism for intergenerational plasticity. Before inheritance of methylation patterns can be characterized, we need a better understanding of how environmental change modifies the parental epigenome. To examine the influence of experimental ocean acidification on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) gonad tissue, oysters were cultured in the laboratory under control (491 ± 49 μatm) or high (2550 ± 211 μatm) pCO2 conditions for 4 weeks. DNA from reproductive tissue was isolated from five oysters per treatment, then subjected to bisulfite treatment and DNA sequencing. Irrespective of treatment, DNA methylation was primarily found in gene …

Investigating Metabolic Reprogramming In Neurodegenerative Disease, Sidney Mackinnon, Samantha Nicodemus

Biology Student Scholarship

Sidney MacKinnon ’21
Major: Biology

Samantha Nicodemus ’20
Major: Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience Certificate

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marla Tipping, Biology

Pmsf And Sfn Reduce Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation In A Yeast Model Of Parkinson’S Disease, Noah Kozub, Taylor Brysgel, Christopher Yerxa

Biology Student Scholarship

Noah Kozub ’22
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Fr. Nicanor Austriaco O.P, Biology

Studying Cardiovascular Disease Using Human Stem Cell-Derived 3d Cardiomyocytes, Nicholas Dash, Veronica Bohl

Biology Student Scholarship

Veronica Bohl ’20
Major: Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience Certificate Program

Nicholas Dash ’20
Major: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Charles Toth, Biology

This experiment provides insight on how using metabolites derived naturally from the microbiome can influence cardiac inflammation.3D cardiomyocytes were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells through the utilization of small molecules and growth factors. Quantitative PCR was performed to verify that the organoids expressed genes associated with cardiomyocyte cells. Primers for the genes FOXa2, TNNT2, MYH7, AHR, CACNA1, and KCNH2 were used for the qPCR, as these genes are expressed more prominently in cardiomyocyte cells than the undifferentiated …

There’S A New Species Of Thief Ant Hiding In The Pine Barrens Of Rhode Island, Justin Andries

Biology Student Scholarship

Major: Biology and Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. James Waters, Biology

Ants are often missed underfoot and overlooked, but they are among the most ecologically dominant groups of animals on the planet. There are more than 200 species of ants which have been scientifically recorded in New England but samples from Rhode Island represent less than a percent of the overall survey of our regional taxa. To discover the species that are found in Rhode Island, we are engaged in a multi-year and multi-location effort to systematically trap and accurately identify the ant species found in diverse rural and urban habitats …

493— The Effects Of 5-Azacytidine On Hla-Abc, Hla-E, Hla-G And Hla-A Expression, Adam Hansen, Robert W. O'Donnell

GREAT Day Posters

Epigenetic modifiers, like the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Azacytidine (5-AzaC), have been shown to increase human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. The expression of HLA is required for a T-cell response to detect tumor cells. A lack of HLA expression allows tumor cells to escape immune detection. It has been previously shown that 5-AzaC is able to upregulate HLA-ABC expression in the cell line MDA-MB-435. However, other HLA proteins like HLA-E and HLA-G may be concurrently upregulated, which would have negative implications on tumor immunity. One flask of MDA-MB-435 cells was treated for 48 hours with 5-AzaC at 0.0025 mg/mL and another …