Other Genetics and Genomics Commons^™

Exploring Muslim American Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing: Perceptions, Barriers, And Ethical Considerations, Hannah Mahmoud

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward genetic testing within the Muslim American community, a group often underrepresented in genomic research and public health discourse. Using a community-distributed digital survey, data was collected from 50 self-identified Muslim Americans on their familiarity with genetic testing, reproductive and ethical considerations, and the influence of religious factors. While only 18% had undergone genetic testing themselves, many were familiar through family or friends, and most expressed cautious interest—especially when results could influence future family planning. Education level, age, and religious values shaped both comfort and understanding.

A key theme was the desire for culturally …

Genome Editing Using Crispr-Cas9 In Annual Killifish Species, Keria Moritsugu-Vandehey

University Honors Theses

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing has been used successfully to knock out genes in model organisms such as zebrafish, turquoise killifish, and cichlid fish. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing has not been verified in the annual killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus. We hypothesize that targeted editing of the tyrosinase gene in embryos of A. limnaeus will lead to fish without the ability to produce black pigment. Embryos at the 1-cell stage were injected with a Cas9 cocktail containing a mix of guide RNA molecules that target the genomic sequence of the tyrosinase gene and either an mRNA coding for the Cas9 protein or Cas9 protein. …

Genetic Considerations For The Conservation Of The Red Junglefowl, Courtney Lee Mcpheron

University Honors Theses

The undomesticated wild populations of our domestic species deserve heightened consideration when it comes to their conservation. Not only do they carry significant socio-cultural and economic roles, but they offer an exceptionally unique case study for population genetics. The red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) of southern and south-eastern Asia is considered to be the living ancestor and progenitor of the domestic chicken. This literature review examines how published research has evaluated its genetic relationship with the chicken and implications for its conservation. A special emphasis is given to the threat of genetic introgression with domestic and feral chicken populations …