Category: Poster Presentation
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Spatio-Temporal and bioaccumulation analysis of trace metal concentrations within sediment and dagger blade grass shrimp in Chincoteague Bay, USA
By Katie Burbridge Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ben Kisila Abstract Aquatic environments endure continual threat by anthropogenic influence as global population and development increases. Industrial activities, agricultural expansion and urbanization exacerbates the transfer of sediments and associated contaminants, including trace metals, to aquatic ecosystems leading to potential bioaccumulation of toxic elements in both wildlife and human…
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Theological Rituals of Death: An Archaeological Case Study of a Thirteenth Century Christian Burial Site
By Makayla Bowman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Barry Abstract The focus of this project is a case study analysis of the death-related rituals evident through archaeological remains of a thirteenth-century Spanish burial site. This research is significant because the site lacks literary records; thus, one must rely on material culture and physical evidence to piece…
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A novel Social Stress Choice Model to Explore the Neurobiology of Stress
By Caroline Turner, Gabby Valle Faculty Mentor: Parrish Waters Abstract Social stressors compromise the most intense stressors that animals face. We have developed a novel model called the ‘social stress choice paradigm’ that allows us to better explore social stress in laboratory mice. In this study, we will assess the effects of this paradigm on…
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Generational Perceptions on Workplace Arrangements
By Margarita Korsakava Faculty Mentor: Alexandra Dunn Abstract This study examines how Generation Z and millennials perceive different work arrangements: in-person, remote, and hybrid. Participants will complete a seven-part online survey featuring both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The purpose of this research is to explore generational differences in workplace preferences to better anticipate future trends…
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Northern Virginia Waterways in Relation to Urbanization
By David Nichols Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ben Kisila Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a class of carcinogenic, persistent organic pollutants that are primarily derived from the partial combustion coal and petroleum products such as coal-tar sealant or gasoline. Increasing population in Northern Virginia and the coinciding acceleration of urban and suburban development have increased…
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Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Growth of Jurkat T Lympocytes
By Caroline Sampson, Emma Jones Faculty Mentor: Randall Reif Abstract Proton Pump inhibitors (PPIs), common in stomach acid medications, have been shown to be toxic to some cancer cells by inhibition of the vascular ATPase proton pump which, under normal conditions, removes protons from the cell. With proton pumps deactivated, accumulation of protons inside the…
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Effect of Sodium Benzoate on Pancreatic Function in Zebrafish
By Josiah Arnold Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dianne Baker Abstract The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is growing globally, and its onset is influenced by factors beyond genetic heritability. One possible factor is sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in many foods and cosmetic products. Its use is widely controversial, and it has recently been linked…
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The Relationship Between Sleepiness, Dopamine, and Food Impulsivity
By Rae Mears Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hilary Stebbins Abstract This poster investigates the role of sleepiness and dopamine function (measured by spontaneous eye blink rate; sEBR), in impulsive action toward food stimuli. Analysis of Go/NoGo performance suggests that participants were more impulsive toward food stimuli compared to non-food stimuli, although there was no significant difference…
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Role of Semaglutide in the Pro-Cognitive Effects of Environmental Enrichment
By Christopher Anderson, Alexis Miller Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, et al.) is an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) that enjoys a high use rate for both its on-label (therapy for diabetes mellitus) and off-label (appetite quenching) effects. Semaglutide also has positive effects on cognitive performance, although…
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Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metal Enrichment in a Historic Appalachian Mining Stream
By Eric Torres Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ben Kisila Abstract This study examined the spatial distribution of heavy metals along the Levisa Fork and primary tributaries in Buchanan County, VA and Pike County, KY. Buchanan and Pike Counties have a long history of coal mining, a process known to release heavy metals into surrounding waterways. Exposure…
