Category: Biological Sciences
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Data Analysis of Emergency Phones Across the UMW Campus
By Connor Kimener Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alan Griffith Abstract Emergency phones, commonly called Blue Lights, are placed across campus as a safety resource for students. Keeping these maps updated is an important part of giving students the knowledge of where they can access these phones. Data was collected in the field through the use of…
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Neurotoxic Effects of Monoethyl Phthalate in CD-1 Mice
By Sasha Murphy Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Phthalates, a group of industrial chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics, have been implicated in various health concerns, including neurotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the effects of phthalate exposure on spatial memory impairment, blood-brain barrier permeability, and neurogenesis in mouse models. Ten CD-1…
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Methionine Restriction Decreases Protein Synthesis in Breast Cancer Cells
By Sierra Williams Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract Previous research conducted at the University of Mary Washington showed that triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells may respond well to methionine restriction as a form of treatment. Cancer cells have a higher dependency on methionine than healthy cells, and utilizing this difference could allow treatments…
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Comparing parasitism and resistance to flow in two populations of Elimia virginica
By Morgan Hicok Faculty Mentor: Dr. Abbie Tomba Abstract Trematodes are parasitic flatworms that infect freshwater snails and can cause changes in metabolic function and growth. Flow rates and water levels are now more variable due to climate change, increasing stress and dislodgment in the snail population. This study investigates parasitic induced changes in shell…
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The Effect of Methionine Restriction on the Autophagy of Breast Cancer Cells
By Brooke Martin Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract The Effect of Methionine Restriction on the Autophagy of Breast Cancer Cells Methionine is an essential amino acid involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA, RNA, and histone methylation via its metabolite, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). DNA methylation can inhibit autophagy related genes and reduce transcription and translation.…
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Voluntary Wheel Running in Mice Influences Hippocampal Physiology and Lashley Maze Performance
By Michael Afful, William Burkey, Aidan Kimener Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Memory is a fundamental cognitive function that is crucial for adapting to an environment. Many modes of exercise, including aerobic and anaerobic activity, can increase memory function by modulating multiple physiological systems. Our study examines the effect of different levels of voluntary…
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The effect of different levels of exercise on anxiety and BDNF levels in the amygdala
By Sabrina Perez, Kori Wilson, Paola Marquez Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the US. Regular physical activity reduces anxiety, elevates mood, and improves stress resilience, but the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that elicits neuron growth and…
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The effect of exercise on motivation in mice
By Molly Daw, Lauren Foley, Cassidy Shaw Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Exercise is a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being. Specifically, exercise plays a crucial role in addiction recovery and management of abstinence. The brain dopamine system is composed of neurons that originate in the ventral tegmental area and release dopamine…
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The Effect of Exercise Accessibility on Sociability in CD-1 Female Mice
By O. Romboletti, S. Bronski, C. Jones, S. Hinsdale Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Physical activity mediates a range of behavioral and physiological processes in mammals; this includes social interactions and neurochemical signaling. This study investigates whether accessibility to exercise alters social behavior in CD-1 female mice. These behavioral modifications are associated with variations…
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Exercise Accessibility effect on Sociability in CD-1 Female mice
By Sydney Bronski, Chloe Jones, Sierra Hinsdale, Olivia Romboletti Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract This study investigates the influence of exercise on social behavior and associated neurochemical markers in mice using the three-chamber test. Mice will be divided into groups with varying access to running wheels to assess how different levels of physical activity…
