Category: Poster Presentation
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Bi- and Tridentate Ligand Complexes of Iron and Nickel as Catalysts in Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation
By Ksenia Mangino, Jillian Pabalan Faculty Mentor: Dr. Adharsh Raghavan Abstract As opposed to the arduous storage and transport of hydrogen gas in pressurized cylinders, H2 can be easily recovered from solid ammonia borane (AB; NH3BH3) through catalytic dehydrogenation. This alternative method is more cost-effective and space-effective, as well as safer. Although precious metals such…
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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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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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Analysis of Metal Concentrations, Soil Health, and Socioeconomic Factors in a Fredericksburg, Virginia, Environmental Justice Soil Survey
By Audrey Turner, Natalie Anderson, Lily Hoffman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Melanie Szulczewski Abstract This project investigated correlations between soil quality and environmental justice factors in the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia. We began by using a two-stage cluster sampling method to determine soil sample sites. One census block was randomly selected within each of the twenty…
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Impacts of Water pH and Hardness on Potomac River and Mattawoman Creek Sediment-Water Metal Partitioning
By Summer Orledge Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tyler Frankel Abstract Anthropogenic activities such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and munitions testing can often result in the enrichment of various metals beyond background levels. Many of these persistent contaminants pose neurotoxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive risks to aquatic wildlife and humans. While water chemistry is known to modulate…
