Category: College of Arts & Sciences
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The Effects of Myoglianin Knockdown on Drosophila melanogaster with Myotonic Dystrophy Type One
By Eleni Kepler Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy Type One (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a CTG repeat expansion in DMPK that is characterized primarily by low muscle tone. Another common symptom of DM1 is insulin resistance due to aberrant splicing of the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle (INSR), which…
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Hydraulic Fracturing vs. Grassroots Political Pushback in Western Pennsylvania
By Shadwick Yoder Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ranjit Singh Abstract Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” as it is commonly referred to as is all too familiar for residents of Western Pennsylvania. With a desperate job market and an economy with remnants of the rust belt remaining, Pennsylvanians are torn by the promise of quick economic development and…
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The effect of voluntary exercise on circadian rhythms of mice
By Molly Daw Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Physical exercise influences biological systems such as metabolism, cardiovascular health, and neural function. Its role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal “clock” that regulates wake-sleep cycles is less understood. This study examined how voluntary exercise affects circadian activity in mice. It was expected that limited…
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Exercise and its Possible Effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases
By Lordina Agyekum Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deborah O’Dell Abstract As the world progresses, scientists have made strides to increase longevity and comfort when it comes with aging. However, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease have made it harder for older adults to have such palliative care due to memory decline. Dementia and…
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THE IMPACT OF NOREPINEPHRINE EXPOSURE ON MICROGLIA IL-1B PRODUCTION
By Mikyas Telahun, Meah Katz, Kristy Bagley Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deborah O’Dell Abstract Neuroinflammation, driven by proinflammatory cytokines, is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Norepinephrine (NE) activates microglial adrenergic receptors, potentially increasing IL-1B production. This study investigates the effects of chromic NE exposure on IL-1β production in human microglial cells, using receptor-specific antagonists (prazosin for…
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Sex Differences in Parasitism and Morphology in the Freshwater Snail Elimia virginica
By Kate Green Faculty Mentor: Dr. Abbie Tomba Abstract The differential impacts of parasitism on male and female freshwater snails by trematodes, a flatworm, is largely unstudied. While trematode diversity indicates the health of aquatic ecosystems, they have a negative impact on snails by sterilizing them. Snails are vital in aquatic ecosystems; they are an…
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Deconstructing the AfD: An analysis of the German right-wing populist political party, the Alternative for Germany
By Elizabeth Breckenridge Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hansen-Glucklich Abstract The Alternativ fuer Deutschland (Alternative for Germany) (AfD) is a far-right populist party that has quickly grown into power within the decade, particularly in Eastern German states due to their emphasis on nationalization, populist rhetoric, and attraction to voters’ fears about immigration and cultural change. The AfD…
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Changes in Small Area Flow Accumulation and Watershed Creation in Fredericksburg, Virginia
By Jacob Lohr Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jackie Gallagher Abstract This study explores the application of watershed analysis tools—including the Flow Accumulation, Flow Direction, and Fill tools—on small-scale areas within the rapidly developing City of Fredericksburg. By applying these GIS tools to high-resolution LiDAR-derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), the study examines water flow patterns before and…
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Cluster Analysis of Fredericksburg’s Historic Markers
By Aimee Trehey Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen Hanna Abstract Wayside panels and other public historic markers are often overlooked, but important tools that help to shape public understandings of a place. Geographers and other academics have studied these markers and different means of analyzing them. This study uses data collected from comprehensive catalogs of historic…
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Augustine Washington’s Lived Environment
By Sarah Moore Faculty Mentor: Dr. Katherine Parker Abstract Augustine Washington, most notably the father of George Washington, was a lower gentry class man in early 18th century Virginia, who held considerable land and prestige. Washington owned and modified three properties and houses during the final 10 years of his life. The choices of these…
