Poster search

entries below

Posters

[1]: System for thermomagnetic and galvanomagnetic transport properties measurements (10 K to 400 K)

Elsa Matilda Eriksson^★, Matthew Leibowitz, Deja Dominguez, Matt Beekman

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

Thermoelectric materials offer significant promise in direct energy conversion applications as a result of their ability to convert thermal energy into electricity without moving parts. However, their widespread use is hindered by limitations in energy conversion efficiency due to material performance. Addressing these challenges requires a detailed understanding of the microscopic charge carrier physics that governs macroscopic thermal and electronic behavior. Temperature-dependent measurements of the thermomagnetic and galvanomagnetic transport properties provide valuable insight into these underlying mechanisms. To achieve a comprehensive characterization, we simultaneously measure four key properties: resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, Hall coefficient, and Nernst coefficient. This work discusses the design and implementation of a new custom measurement system capable of operating from 10 K to 400 K, including the measurement protocols necessary for accurate and reproducible data collection.

[2]: Speed Variation Affects Local Density but Not Order in the Vicsek Model

Karen Severson^★, A. Pasha Tabatabai

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

Collective motion occurs often in the natural world, providing benefits to those within the group. Classic examples of this include the schooling of fish and the flocking of birds where local interactions between organisms result in long-range order. This behavior can be qualitatively reproduced using the Vicsek model. In this paper we modify the Vicsek model such that there is variability in object speed. We implement this using two methods: one where speed is continually changing for an object and another where an object moves at a constant speed but there is a distribution of speeds across the population. Both variations display a change in local density as the distribution of speeds change, however the polarization is unaffected. A difference between the effects of the two variations suggests a mechanism for retaining a cohesive group.

[3]: Self-imaging of a periodic structure

Erin Roberts^★, John Sharpe

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

When an optical grating is illuminated with a beam of light, the transmitted light can show a remarkable phenomenon where the intensity of the light periodically recreates the transmittance of the grating. This self-imaging effect (also called the Talbot effect) has been seen in many physical systems that involve waves, including acoustics, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics. In this work we present an experimental arrangement that allows us to examine in detail the optical intensity downstream from a coherently illuminated grating. This is achieved by using a stepper motor-driven translation stage and a GigE camera, both under control of the same computer. Collected data shows good agreement with a numerical simulation of the experimental system.

[4]: Collective analysis of crystallographic trends in type-1 intermetallic clathrates

William Cranney-Fee^1†★, Zoe Jackson Delos Angeles², Matthew Jenkins^1†, Michael Baitinger³, Matt Beekman¹

¹ Department of Physics, ² Department of Materials Engineering, ³ Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden, Germany, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Intermetallic clathrates are characterized by crystalline frameworks, most often based on silicon, germanium, or tin, which form cage-like polyhedra in which various guest atoms, most often alkali, alkaline earth, and select rare earths, can be encapsulated. The guest-framework interactions influence many of the physical properties of clathrates, especially the electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric properties. To date, around 300 distinct compositions of intermetallic or structurally related inorganic clathrates (such as the “inverse” clathrates) have been prepared, and as many crystallographic studies have been published, with the type I clathrate crystal structure most frequently represented. The goal of the present work is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the published crystallographic data in the clathrate literature to understand how the framework responds to different guest atoms and framework substituents. In this presentation, we will present results from our analysis thus far on type I clathrates, focusing on trends in unit cell size, atomic positions, bond lengths, and bond angles, which elucidate the response of the framework to the guest and substituent atoms.

[5]: Non-Equilibrium Fluctuations and Diffusion in quasi-2D Liquids

Breanne Evans^★, Alex Short^★, Olivia Rourke^★, Jonathan Fernsler

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

The dominant mechanism for molecular transport in biological systems, diffusion, has been described by Fick's law and Brownian motion for hundreds of years. However, recent research has measured non-equilibrium concentration fluctuations thousands of times larger than molecular length scales. This behavior is not predicted or expected by traditional diffusion models and is theoretically attributed to coupling between diffusive mechanisms and fluid flow. These ‘Giant Fluctuations’ are theorized to be significantly larger in two dimensions than in three dimensions. The experiments presented here explore the diffusive mechanisms in quasi-2D fluids using freely-suspended liquid crystal films and Langmuir monolayers. Videos of equilibrium and non-equilibrium diffusion are collected and analyzed through concentration correlation and structure functions to observe and quantify these fluctuations. We use fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to study non-equilibrium diffusion in a fluorescently labeled lipid monolayer. This allows us to quantify the length scales, intensity, and time scales of 2D non-equilibrium fluctuations and determine diffusion constants. A second method we use to observe these fluctuations is to measure and quantify the fractal structures formed by nanoparticles aggregating in a quasi two-dimensional fluid. Videos of copper-based quantum dots diffusing in smectic liquid crystal films are collected to measure quantities such as fractal dimension and aggregation rates, both of which depend on the diffusion mechanism we hope to quantify.

[6]: Peak Indexing Algorithm for Quasi-2D Materials with Multiple Grain Orientations Using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

Deja Dominguez^★, Matt Beekman

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

WTe?, a quasi-2D transition-metal dichalcogenide, exhibits complex diffraction behavior due to its distorted structure and multiple grain orientations. These features lead to challenges such as overlapping peaks, broadening, and peak splitting which complicates structural analysis. To address this, we have developed a peak-finding algorithm that uses density-based clustering and trendline analysis to identify Bragg reflections in high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. This project addresses two key questions: (1) Can we identify diffraction peaks with confidence? and (2) Can we interpret unusual features such as peak splitting, broad peaks, and rotational phases? To answer the latter, we will compare experimental results to simulated diffraction patterns that incorporate known defect structures, including rotated domains. We hypothesize that rotated domains—both in-plane and out-of-plane—are responsible for the observed peak splitting. By matching simulations to experimental data, we aim to uncover the dominant structural defects in WTe? and improve understanding of its crystal quality, with implications for future applications in quantum, electronic, and spintronic devices.

[7]: Describing affine and non-affine deformations in shoaling fish

Ishwarya Namburu^★, Pasha Tabatabai

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

Some common types of collective fish behavior are schooling and shoaling. These coordinated movements emerge from local interactions and rearrangements among individuals. To understand the deformations that cause this collective behavior, we use a metric which differentiates the motion of individuals within a group as affine or non-affine. By applying this metric to experimental data across different tank sizes, we found that fish movement is more affine in smaller areas.

[8]: The search for neutrinoless double beta decay with CUORE and CUPID, and an exploration of gauge theory

Sanjay Sreejith^★, Thomas Gutierrez

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

The CUORE (Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events) experiment is a bolometry experiment searching for neutrinoless double beta decay (0$\nu\beta\beta$) in $^{130}$Te. CUPID (CUORE Upgrade with Particle Detection) will use scintillating Li$_2$MoO$_4$ crystals to look for (0$\nu\beta\beta$) in $^{100}$Mo at a much higher sensitivity. The detection of (0$\nu\beta\beta$) would indicate that neutrinos, currently regarded as having distinct antiparticles (Dirac fermions), are their own antiparticle (Majorana fermions). Further, detection of (0$\nu\beta\beta$) would isolate the effective Majorana neutrino mass, and inform modifications to the Standard Model. Cal Poly is a member of these international collaborations and we will report on the status of these experiments, including remote detector operations. We will further investigate portions of the Standard Model, namely the $U(1), \space SU(2) \times U(1)$, and $SU(3)$ gauge theories.

[9]: Exploring theoretical and experimental aspects of the CUORE and CUPID detectors in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay

Alessandro Libenson^★, Thomas Gutierrez, Chad Miller

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is an experiment that has multiple purposes including the detection of neutrinoless double beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$). The apparatus contains an array of 988 tellurium-dioxide (TeO$_2$) crystals. The Tellurium-130 in these crystals theoretically exhibits this forbidden nuclear decay. Detection of $0\nu\beta\beta$ would indicate that the neutrino is its own anti-particle and thus allow for a better understanding of its mass, informing why we live in a matter-dominated universe. The CUORE Upgrade with Particle Identification (CUPID) is a future experiment, using Molybdenum-100, which aims to continue the search for $0\nu\beta\beta$ at a much higher sensitivity. The research presented here focuses on both theoretical and experimental aspects of the CUORE and CUPID. The experimental research explores three aspects of the experiment: CUPID R\&D at the Gran Sasso National Lab in Italy; the cryogenic system used to cool the system to near absolute zero; and understanding nuclear decay spectra with a focus on alpha radiation. The theoretical research primarily explores neutrino flavor oscillations and the sensitivity of the measurement apparatus through the `lobster plot'.

[10]: Introducing Orientational Alignment to Simulate Flocking Behavior in Active Finite Voronoi Model

Sofija Dimitrijevic^★, Pasha Tabatabai

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

Collective motion in active matter systems presents a novel direction for research with applications in wound healing, cancer progression, and morphogenesis. To mimic these natural phenomena, this research extends the Active Finite Voronoi (AFV) model by including an alignment rate parameter. This parameter allows us to realistically simulate flocking behavior in cell clusters. Our simulations investigate how alignment influences transitions among different emergent phases, such as dispersed, clustered, epithelial, and mesenchymal states. We define metrics that characterize the transition from disordered to collective motion, helping us differentiate epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. This extended model provides insight into the complex interactions between individual cells, further connecting the behavior of individual cells with the group level behavior.

[11]: Observing resonance behavior of a temperature-regulated quartz crystal

Lucas Hill^†★, Thomas Bensky

Department of Physics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Here we investigate the resonance profile of a temperature controlled quartz crystal to assess its use in timekeeping. We do so by sweeping frequencies from a sine-wave generator across a resistor-crystal series circuit, in a voltage divider configuration. The impedance of the crystal is known to drop dramatically near and at resonance, which will cause shifts in the voltage across the resistor in the voltage divider. Thus, the voltage across the resistor is a proxy for the detuning of the frequency sweep relative to the natural resonance frequency of the crystal. This was monitored with an oscilloscope and automated data acquisition software written in Python using PyVisa. To automate the resonance sweeps, a Python script was developed to run the frequency sweeps from just below, to just above the resonance, while capturing the voltage across the resistor. Initial observations suggested that the varying temperature of the room significantly impacted the resonant structure of the crystal, so we implemented a closed loop temperature regulator with Peltier junction to stabilize the temperature of the crystal. With this, we observe a bimodal behavior from the crystal when driven with a +5V sinusoid, which is undoubtedly stimulating harmonics in the crystal. At lower driving amplitudes (0.1 V) the bimodal behavior disappeared. Over a continuous sampling for 15 days, we conclude that our crystal has a Q=2.5x10^5 at 27C, meaning it would allow for timekeeping to within 0.34 seconds/day.

[12]: Modeling Dynamic Dark Energy Using Phantom Chaplygin Gas to Search for Non-Fine Tuned Solutions to the Cosmological Constant Problem

Josiah Hauck^★, Sanjay Sreejith^★, Aaron Whorl^★, Benjamin Shlaer

Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

The cosmological constant problem is one of the more significant problems facing modern cosmology. The current cosmological standard model ($\Lambda$-CDM) requires dark energy to be set to a constant value ($\Lambda$) at initial conditions. Natural initial conditions for dark energy cause either a Big Crunch or an empty universe, neither conducive to life. How do you create a universe that doesn’t blow apart or collapse to a singularity without significantly fine-tuned initial conditions? We use phantom Chaplygin gas, an exotic fluid with negative pressure, to prevent Big Crunches. The consequence is a dynamic reversal of Einstein-frame time, mimicking a Big Bounce. We exploit this property to dynamically tune the density of dark energy via repeated bounces, which automatically avoids Big Crunches and empty universes. Simulations have yielded promising results. When combined with inflation, the model can generate sufficient matter to create a flat, matter-dominated universe.

[13]: Progress towards Achieving Ultracold Atoms and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Hannah Reilly^†★, Liliana Martin^†★, Reese Cormier^†★, Sam Patterson^★, Tristan Searcy^★, Rand Worman^★, Zachary Yockey^★, Luke Childress^†, samuel Weston^†, Joseph Pechkis^★, Hyewon Pechkis^★

Department of Physics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Ultracold (T ~ 100 µK) atoms are ideal platforms for studies of quantum computation, rotational and gravitational sensors, and precision measurements due to their long interrogation times and tunability with external fields. When cooled to the nanokelvin regime, the individual wave functions of the atoms overlap creating a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) - a macroscopic matter wave. We will discuss our progress in building an apparatus towards achieving these exotic systems.

[14]: Enhancing Algae Biofuel Extraction through Pulsed Electric Field-Induced Cell Lysis

Samuel Weston^1★, Victoria Dai^1★, Luc Chone^1★, Kyle Khojasteh^1★, Kieran Buckingham^2★, Saxton Tofuri^1★, Josephine Muss^2★, Chase Mcgarity¹, Alan Odnoblyudov¹, Rani Ababneh¹, Elena Keeling³, Dean Arakaki¹, Jonathan Fernsler²

¹ Electrical Engineering, ² Department of Physics, ³ Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Algae are a promising carbon-neutral biofuel source, as the carbon released during combustion can be offset by carbon absorbed during growth. To access the energy-rich lipids stored in each algae cell, we rupture the cell walls using Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), applying short, high-voltage pulses to disrupt the membranes. We developed several algae chamber designs, each using microcontroller-timed pulses to deliver the required fields. Each design offers different trade-offs in efficiency, field control, and visibility. This work advances scalable, energy-efficient algae-based biofuel extraction by improving electrical power usage and capturing lysis events on video to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

[15]: Mathematical Modeling of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Giovani Thai^†★, Lizzy Gross^†★, Avery Stewart^†★, Dana Paquin

Department of Mathematics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the white blood cells that results from uncontrolled growth of myeloid cells in the bone marrow and the accumulation of these cells in the blood. The most common form of treatment for CML is imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Although imatinib is an effective treatment for CML and most patients treated with imatinib do attain some form of remission, imatinib does not completely eradicate all leukemia cells, and if treatment is stopped, all patients eventually relapse. Kim et al. constructed a system of delay differential equations to mathematically model the dynamics of anti-leukemia T-cell responses to CML during imatinib treatment, and demonstrated the usefulness of the mathematical model for studying novel treatment regimes to enhance imatinib therapy. Paquin et al. demonstrated numerically using this DDE model that strategic treatment interruptions (STIs) may have the potential to completely eradicate CML in certain cases. We conduct a comprehensive numerical study of the model parameters to identify the mathematical and numerical significance of the individual parameter values on the efficacy of imatinib treatment of CML. In particular, we analyze the effects of the numerical values of model parameters on the behavior of the system, revealing critical threshold values that impact the ability of imatinib treatment to achieve remission and/or elimination. We also show that STIs provide improvements to these critical values, categorizing this change as it relates to parameters inherent to either CML growth or immune response.

[16]: Exploring Gendered and Racialized Values within Introductory Undergraduate Mathematics Curriculum

Eve O'Neill^★, Sofia Frazzini^★, Ciera Street

Department of Mathematics, ^★Speaker

The mathematics discipline has long been associated with certain educational values, such as speed or individualism, which center specific gendered and racialized perspectives. This work builds on previous experiments and studies by offering value perspectives to undergraduate curriculum utilizing qualitative analysis from a gender-diverse perspective. In this project we studied one week's worth of undergraduate curriculum materials, as well as a syllabus, from Pre-Calculus (MATH 118, MATH 119), Calculus I (MATH 141), and Calculus II (Math 142) shared by five anonymous Cal Poly professors. Through a rigorous coding process, this codebook distills assorted themes and perspectives from these curriculum materials into 22 recurring values, which are associated with a specific value definition, examples from the curriculum materials, and analysis from a gendered and racialized perspective.

[17]: Representations of Derivatives for Teaching Calculus: Extending Beyond Traditional Frameworks

Chris Liu^★, Hannah Freund^★, Saba Gerami

Department of Mathematics, ^★Speaker

Research in mathematics education regarding derivatives has predominantly concentrated on understanding how students learn derivatives, make connections among different representations of derivative, and apply their understanding in other contexts like physics and economies (e.g., Asiala et al., 1997; Berry & Nyman, 2003; Ferrini-Mundy & Graham, 1994; Feudel & Biehler, 2021; Haghjoo & Reyhani, 2021; Hähkiöniemi, 2007; Jones & Watson, 2017; Likwambe & Christiansen, 2008; Maharaj, 2013; Orton, 1983; Roorda et al., 2007; Siyepu, 2013; Zandieh, 2000). Despite this enduring research on students’ understandings of the derivative and its important results, there is less research on the teaching of derivatives that would help develop conceptualizations of the derivative and its representations (Larsen et al., 2017). When considering various representations of the derivative, many researchers rely on Zandieh’s (2000) framework or its extended version (Roundy et al., 2015) due to its resonance with instructional and curricular approach to derivatives “through graphical, symbolic, rate, and kinematic ideas” (Jones & Watson, 2017, p. 200). Given that Zandieh’s (2000) framework is situated within research on the learning of derivatives using a theoretical cognitive model, it has shaped the language used to discuss the research on teaching of derivatives. Our past research concerning eight calculus instructors’ introductory derivative tasks (Gerami, 2023) revealed that many instructors employ representations beyond those captured in Zandieh’s (2000) widely-used framework, particularly when teaching with infinitesimals (e.g., teaching with infinitesimals; see Ely, 2024). This finding motivated the development of our extended Representations of Derivative framework (RoD). The RoD framework aims to provide a more comprehensive language for discussing and analyzing how instructors leverage different representations in their teaching of derivatives, thus revealing the cognitive processes these representations engage students with. Given that this has not been an easy undertaking, the poster would allow us to engage with a large mathematics education audience.

[18]: Characterizing the Structure of Seedling Roots with Fractal and Convex Hull Analysis

Irina Ivchenko^1†★, Colleen Marlow², Elena Dimitrova¹

¹ Department of Mathematics, ² Department of Physics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The branching form of a plant’s seedling root structure mirrors the many branching structures that occur in nature. We argue that analysis on the structure of roots can be preformed on the 2-dimensional projection of a 3-dimensional root structure based on Marstrand’s Theorem and related conclusions. We use the statistical fractal dimension and the convex hull of the projection to characterize the structure of the roots, as metrics for the occupied space. The rhizosphere (the volume radially around the root branches from which the plant accesses nutrients and water) is then projected onto the same plane as the root structure to characterize the nutrients and water gathering function of the root. Thus, we provide the foundation to determine the relationship of form of seedling roots with their function.

[19]: REPRESENTATIONS OF DERIVATIVES IN CALCULUS: AN EXTENDED FRAMEWORK

Chris Liu^★, Hannah Freund^★, Saba Gerami

Department of Mathematics, ^★Speaker

The teaching of derivatives often extends beyond the widely used representational framework by Zandieh (2000), which emphasizes graphical, symbolic, verbal, and physical ideas. Our prior research analyzing eight calculus instructors’ introductory derivative tasks found that many instructors incorporate additional representations, particularly through infinitesimal-based reasoning. Motivated by these findings, we developed the Representations of Derivative (RoD) framework, which expands the language used to analyze how instructors utilize multiple representations in their teaching. This framework aims to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the cognitive processes that different representations engage students with.

[20]: Extracting and Mapping Wildfire Policies Using NLP & GIS with the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard (PIRS)

Bernette Chan^1★, Jun Noh^2★, Nidhi Shinde^2★, Zarina Yunis^2★, Alex Dehktyar³, Kelly Bodwin²

¹ Department of Mathematics, ² Department of Statistics, ³ Department of Computer Science, ^★Speaker

Wildfires in the Western U.S. have increased in frequency and severity due to climate change and urban expansion. Local governments adopt multiple planning documents but these are often poorly integrated, limiting their effectiveness in wildfire resilience. This project applies data science techniques to extract, analyze, and evaluate city plans using the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard (PIRS) framework. We use natural language processing methods–including topic modeling (Latent Dirichlet Allocation, TF-IDF), keyword extraction, and named entity recognition (NER)–to identify spatially relevant policies that impact wildfire resilience. ??A custom NER model is being explored to improve recognition of place-based and geospatial terms in policy text. Our NLP pipeline is refined through tokenization, expanded keyword dictionaries, and text segmentation to enhance accuracy. Extracted policies are categorized based on their spatial attributes, impact on resilience, and actionability. Our current work focuses on city planning documents from Atascadero and Napa, California. Spatial terms identified in policy text are matched to a curated list of GIS layers (e.g., rivers, blue line streams, planning districts, and hazard zones), forming the basis for text-to-layer mapping. These mapped policies are visualized using QGIS, allowing us to overlay them with District Hazard Zones (DHZs), wildfire hazard areas, and other wildfire risk indicators. Future steps include incorporating LiDAR data to enhance the precision of topographic and vegetation mapping, further improving the accuracy of spatial risk assessments and more targeted policy evaluations. By combining text analysis with geospatial evaluation, this interdisciplinary approach aims to provide a replicable framework for improving urban planning in response to wildfire hazards.

[21]: Representations Arising from Matrix Row and Column Permutations

Samuel Tiscareno^†★, Jeffrey Liese^†

Department of Mathematics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The symmetric group naturally acts on words of length n by shuffling the letters, and the irreducible representations of the resulting group action are given by the RSK algorithm. In this project we aim to generalize this by examining the direct product of S$_m$ and S$_n$ and its natural action on m $\times$ n matrices through permuting the rows and columns. Through examination of various orbits of matrices under this action, we develop the extension of the RSK algorithm for use in matrices. This algorithm allows us to interpret and find the irreducible breakdowns of the action of S$_m$ $\times$ S$_n$ in a combinatorial manner. However while it gives heuristics that give valuable information about the irreducible representations, it cannot completely describe it. To this end we focused specifically on the case of 2 $\times$ n matrices. For these matrices we were able to find multiple combinatorial interpretations for their irreducible breakdown and completely describe it but our solution fails to generalize to the m $\times$ n case.

[22]: Measuring Curiosity in Intro Stats Students

Visruth Kandali^★, Ella Smith^★, Amy Truong^★, Beth Chance

Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

Exploring the nature of how students learn Statistics and how instructors can most effectively help them has been a focal point in statistics education research over the past few decades (Carver et al., 2016). While earlier studies focused on different teaching approaches (e.g., Simon et al., 1976; Federer, 1978), cognitive challenges and misconceptions (e.g., Brewer, 1985; Garfield and Ahlgren, 1988), and students' attitudes (e.g., Pavlick, 1975; Gal and Ginsburg, 1994), recent research has shifted toward understanding the motivational aspects of learning statistics, e.g. interest (e.g., Sproesser, 2016), self-efficacy (e.g., Finney and Schraw, 2003), and intrinsic motivation (e.g., Dun, 2014). We aim to explore curiosity as part of intrinsic motivation, recognizing its potential to enhance students' learning (Pluck and Johnson, 2011). Curiosity–the desire to acquire knowledge–is integral to learning environments that actively engage students when teachers can use specific techniques to evoke curiosity, enriching the learning atmosphere (Schmitt and Lahroodi, 2008). One of the initial focuses of this cross-institutional collaboration is to see whether we can measure curiosity efficiently and meaningfully within introductory statistics courses. With this satellite poster, we hope to spark discourse on how curiosity could be measured, and develop mechanisms for further studies into this idea.

[23]: Web API’s in the Classroom: Integrating the use of API’s in Statistics, Data Science, and Computer Science Courses

Mia Hodges^1†★, Olivia Kurani^2†★, Immanuel Williams^2†

¹ Orfalea , ² Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The availability of continuously changing data and the use of web APIs have grown exponentially in recent years. However, this increase has not yet been reflected in introductory statistics, data science and computer science courses. Teachers are responsible to prepare their students for real-world challenges by equipping them with the skills to independently extract, process, and analyze data, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. While providing data for students to analyze is sufficient for demonstration purposes, their careers will require them to extract data themselves. Introducing this process at the outset is fundamental, as it establishes the groundwork for career success and enables students to comprehend its significance from the early stages of their major. The ability to work with web APIs is increasingly beneficial for students’ understanding in future courses and careers. Relying solely on predefined functions for API calls subjects students to the limitations and biases of those who designed the JSON format and the functions themselves. Thus, it is crucial to teach students how to craft their own API requests as part of the broader API call process. This skill will enable students to understand and explore data more effectively. To bridge this gap, we created an API teaching curriculum in R and Python that includes various functions to work with Spotify’s API data. Music is a significant area of interest for young adults, and Spotify’s well-organized web developer website maximizes retention for beginner students. This project aims to demonstrate the basics of web APIs to teachers and introduce this topic to students.

[24]: Contributions to Confidence Intervals for Parameters of Discrete Distributions

Rachel Roggenkemper^†★, Hannah Pawig^†★, Bret Holladay^†★

Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

We study interval estimation for two of the parameters of the negative hypergeometric distribution: (i) the number of successes in a population and (ii) the size of the population. The negative hypergeometric distribution has been relatively overlooked, as the only existing exact procedure that has been applied to it is the analog of the Clopper-Pearson method. On the other hand, the Poisson distribution is a discrete distribution with one parameter, the mean number of events. The Poisson distribution has been extensively used and studied, yet the default exact methods used today (like Clopper-Pearson) tend to produce conservative intervals that have room for improvement. To address these concerns, we develop several new methods for the negative hypergeometric case, all of which maintain coverage at or above the nominal confidence level. For the Poisson, we apply the most recent exact methods published in the 21st century and note how they compare to the older procedures. In contrast to traditional methods that rely on large sample sizes—which tend to perform poorly when applied to discrete distributions—our approach takes a different direction. For both distributions, we construct confidence intervals by reverse-engineering them from an ideal coverage probability function that we establish. We then conduct a comparative analysis of various methods to identify which procedure is best. Our evaluation criteria include expected and average confidence interval widths. A link to a Shiny web app and R package is provided for computing the recommended confidence intervals in practice for negative hypergeometric; there is also a Shiny web app available for the Poisson case. Finally, we compare the confidence intervals produced from hypergeometric sampling with those from negative hypergeometric sampling, identifying the scenarios in which each method performs best.

[25]: Cognitive Competence in Introductory Statistics

Gabby Low^★, Libby Brill^★, Beth Chance

Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

Existing research has indicated that student attitudes, such as cognitive competence, are important in predicting success in statistics courses. However, numerous studies have shown that student attitudes before and after taking an introductory statistics course have not been improving. Educators argue that interactive approaches such as simulation-based inference can potentially improve student attitudes. Previous work has also suggested that women in intro statistics classes tend to show lower levels of cognitive competence compared to their male counterparts. We created a Shiny app to access, filter, and subset a large multi-institutional dataset of introductory statistics students. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between gender and cognitive competence and whether a hands-on curriculum could improve such a gender gap. We used multilevel modeling methods in R to investigate interactions between gender and variables such as curricula, primary mode of instruction, and instructor. We also supplemented our exploratory analysis of the existing dataset through interviews of summer Frost students to further identify student perceptions of both themselves and their experiences in introductory statistics courses. We observed that, on average, women reported having slightly lower levels of cognitive competence than men (in alignment with existing research), but interactive curricula were associated with a larger positive change in cognitive competence for women than men.

[26]: Toward a Robust and Simple Guideline for Checking the Central Limit Theorem

Visruth Srimath Kandali^†★, Beth Chance^†

Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

In statistical practice, many introductory statistical procedures require the sampling distribution of means to be approximately normal. Most students learn a simplified check of this condition as "$n \geq 30$", which often becomes a black-and-white mantra replacing visual inspection of the data. A slightly more detailed version might be "$n \geq 30$ as long as the population distribution is not too skewed." Our research seeks to clarify a guideline that incorporates measures of skewness along with sample size. We used simulation to explore the consequences of skewed populations with different sample sizes. We hope to provide students and practitioners with a slightly more refined rule that allows a way to operationalize the degree of skewness in statistical analysis.

[27]: One in Ten: Investigating the Prevalence of Staff-to-Student Sexual Misconduct in K–12 Public Schools

Donya Behroozi^†★, Billie-Jo Grant

Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Between K-12th grade, it is estimated that one in ten children will experience sexual misconduct by a school district employee, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Our research delves deeper into this reported statistic, investigating the prevalence of staff-to-student sexual misconduct across time. Data was sourced through the collection of state-level teacher licensure actions, Google Alerts to track relevant news stories in everyday media, and employee disciplinary records from the 500 largest public school districts in the United States. These findings offer a data-driven foundation for understanding the scale of school employee sexual misconduct in K–12 public education in recent years and offers baseline statistics to inform public awareness, policy efforts, and educational accountability.

[28]: The Sound of Statistics: Can Sonified Data Elicit an Emotional Response?

Donya Behroozi^★, Julia Schedler, Sinem Demirci

Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

Sonification, the use of sound to represent data, is a subject that has remained largely unexplored in the context of traditional data visualizations in recent years. However, given that sound through the form of music is able to elicit an emotional response from humans, it is worth exploring whether sonified data can evoke a similar emotional impact. In our study, we survey approximately two-hundred undergraduate students in introductory statistics courses to determine whether 1) simulated sonified data in the form of boxplots can elicit an emotional response from participants, 2) whether there is a relationship between the emotional response of sonified data and what modal chord the sonified data is played in, and 3) whether there is a difference in this relationship between data that is simulated versus real data with a context. Overall, this study seeks to determine whether the use of sonification as an alternative or complement to visualizations can foster a deeper, more intuitive connection to raw data.

[29]: Partial Partial Least Squares Regression: A Hybrid Approach to Dimension Reduction

Nick Patrick^★, Nathan Greenfield^★, Trevor Ruiz

Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

This research focuses on a modified Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression model that incorporates an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) component to allow specific covariates to bypass the dimension reduction process. We develop a novel estimation algorithm and incorporate sparsity constraints to extend the approach to high-dimensional data. We evaluate this method's performance across a wide range of scenarios through data simulation, and discuss possible applications of the method to ecological data.

[30]: Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

Rajagopalan Tara^1★,Anderson Paul^2†

¹ Department of Statistics, ² Computer Science , ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

My goal is to examine the causes of chronic lower back pain by examining literature and research. First, I will construct knowledge graphs, which will break down and provide connections on information in the literature related to causes of back pain. Large Language Models (LLM) will process these text chunks from the literature and research papers and provide atomic facts on back pain causes. The large language model ensures that there is sufficient information collected on back pain, and explores other neighboring nodes and areas if a text chunk does not provide enough information on the cause of back pain. Key elements will then be pulled from the atomic facts. A knowledge graph will essentially be used to explores nodes and gather information to connect the dots on lower back pain causes. I will be instructing the large language model on the output that is needed.

[31]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Pelvis: A Comprehensive Study on the Pelvic Floor and Associated Dysfunctions

Maddie Caulkins^1★, Morgan Pope^2★, Michael Jones³

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Biomedical Engineering, ³ Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

The pelvic floor is a unique and often overlooked anatomical location where the balance of muscular and visceral pressures plays a key role in the physiological processes of the structures found within. This area of the body is vital for organ support, maintaining continence, sexual function, postural control, and more. Dysfunction of certain aspects of the pelvic floor can have detrimental effects on the health and quality of life of an individual. We sought to perform a dissection to further understand the anatomy of the pelvic floor and how dysfunction occurs and can be overcome with adaptive functional patterns. Through education and experience, individuals can develop awareness and understanding of the complex network of muscles, nerves, and organs that comprise the pelvic floor.

[32]: Rebuilding and Streamlining HCV Testing and Linkage to Care at a Syringe Services Program by Overcoming Participant Barriers

Sophia Mostow^1★, Adia Pinski^2★, Candace Winstead²

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

People who use intravenous drugs face a high risk of acquiring Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), making syringe service programs ideal locations for screening and linkage to care. Following the loss of state funding pulled by SLO County Public Health in June 2024, our program, SLO Bangers, lost vital resources used to connect participants to healthcare providers, disrupting access to testing and treatment. In response, we worked to restore essential services, rebuild trust with participants, and re-establish our linkage-to-care program. To evaluate the effects of these disruptions, we will present comparative data from before and after the funding loss, illustrating the impact of service shutdowns on testing and treatment access. Additional data, collected through field notes and test counseling sessions, highlight challenges such as lack of insurance, unstable housing, and difficulty navigating healthcare systems. By addressing these barriers, we aim to improve access to treatment and ensure more participants successfully receive care.

[33]: Evaluating the Impact of the StandUPTV Intervention on Proximal Mediators and Self-reported Outcomes

Storey Balko^1†★, Grace Bell^2†★, Jennifer Perez Aguilar^3†★, Casey Nash^1†★, Sarah Kozey Keadle¹

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ³ Department of Biomedical Engineering, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Recreational sedentary screen time (rSST) is associated with increased risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality, but there is a lack of e?cacious interventions to reduce rSST among adults. The StandUPTV mHealth intervention was developed to determine the best strategies to reduce rSST in adults, and using a 2$^3$ full factorial trial, achieved a significant reduction in rSST by an average of 75 minutes per day over a 16-week period. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to examine changes in social cognitive theory (SCT) derived mediators (e.g., self-e?cacy outcome expectations and motivation), rSST-related habits, and self-reported health outcomes (e.g., sleep, SF-12) among participants in theStandUPTV trial. METHODS: Eligible participants provided informed consent and completed 11 questionnaires through the REDCap platform at three assessment time points (baseline, 8, and 16 weeks). Linear mixed-e?ects models were used to assess changes in scores at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks for each survey. RESULTS: Participants (N=110) had a mean age of 41 (11.7) y and a BMI of 29.7 (7.8) kg/m2 at baseline. At baseline compared to 16 weeks, there were significant decreases in screen time self-e?cacy (53.8 [2.5] vs 47.5 [2.8], p<0.05) and motivation scores (20.3 [0.41] vs 18.2 [0.46], p<0.001), and subjects became more conscious of screen usage (16.9 [0.39] vs 14.7 [0.44], p<0.001). Overall sleep quality improved from baseline to 16 weeks (7.5 [0.31] vs 6.7 [0.33], p<0.001) and there were improvements in mental function (39.5 [0.70] to 40.6 [0.79], p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that StandUPTV increased awareness of rSST behaviors. Interestingly, scores for SCT-related mediators did not change significantly, except for motivation and self-e?cacy which worsened. Future research is needed to understand if di?erent intervention strategies di?erentially impact proximal mediators and reductions in rSST. The intervention to reduce rSST did result in improvements in

[34]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Spinal Cord: A Comprehensive Study of the Spinal Cord, Its Surrounding Structures, and Common Sources and Treatments of Nociception

Emily Pitman^1★, Stephanie Yeakle^1★, Michael Jones²

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Back pain is a major source of discomfort seen in a majority of older adults with some regions being more susceptible than others. The goal of this project was to utilize the female human body donation through the completion of a laminectomy and a thorough literature review of primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the muscular, articular, and nervous systems that work together to compose the spinal cord and its accessory structures. The posterior cervical, thoracic, and lumbar muscular layers of the donation were reflected to isolate the spine. The shape, location, and size of articular surfaces of the vertebral column were studied due to their effects on the function and mobility of each region, causing variations of pain and its frequency. When the spinal cord was revealed, structures including its vasculature, dorsal and ventral root ganglia, and the cauda equina were accessed to identify key factors of pain, sensation, and human function. By identifying the causes and treatments of regional pain through a literature review and relating that to the structural differences found during the dissection, pain management strategies can continue to evolve away from reliance on drugs towards a more sustainable solution.

[35]: Examining SOPHE Presidential Addresses Over Time?

Camille Wilson^1★, Pamela Estrada¹, Nathan Rich¹, Elaine Auld², Julia Alber¹, Katharine Santilena¹

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² SOPHE, ^★Speaker

As the field of public health education continues to evolve some challenges and goals have persisted. One of the major professional public health organizations, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), has been working to establish professional credentials and standards while advocating for advancing health education for over 75 years. Each year, the SOPHE president provides an address highlighting historical events, goals for the organization and field, and future challenges. In partnership with the SOPHE History Committee, this study presents a summary of these presidential addresses to showcase how SOPHE’s past can inform its future. The SOPHE presidential addresses were obtained through the SOPHE journal, Health Education & Behavior, or directly from the past president. A total of 28 presidential addresses were obtained, and a thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes across the presidential addresses. Five major themes were identified including: Collaborations, Equity & Advocacy, Health Education Priorities, Organizational Issues, and Public Health Priorities and Events. As SOPHE moves past its 75th anniversary, this analysis reflects on major accomplishments and challenges while providing insight into future directions for the organization.

[36]: “If It's ‘Unnatural,’ Why is it Normal?”: Investigating the Role of Media and Sport in Normalizing Conformity to Orthodox Gender Roles

Shira Hirschel^1★, Dr. Jafra D. Thomas²

¹ Experience Industry Management, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Introduction: Individuals who do not conform to societal expectations for their gender assigned at birth risk exclusion. Purpose: One undergraduate student sought to understand how sport culture, alongside media portrayals of gender, implicitly reinforces conformity to orthodox gender role ideology. Process: Through one undergraduate course project (October-December, 2024), the student descriptively analyzed one documentary (The Codes of Gender, 2009) deconstructing implicit gender role messages in commercial advertising. The findings of this analysis were compared to one 2022 qualitative study (“Sexism in Men’s Hockey Culture”), which investigated gender role socialization of Canadian male hockey players. Results: Common themes emerged between the documentary and research article: idealization of “hyper-masculine” and “hyper-feminine” identities (self-concepts) and expressions (speech, behaviors), one “correct” way to perform gender, and prevailing gender role expectations are framed as innate. The qualitative study illustrated events coercing male athletes to conform to orthodox gender roles through bullying and hazing traditions. Conclusion: This project revealed athlete socialization events, characterized in the qualitative study, mirrored gender code expectations commonly portrayed within the commercial media landscape. This symmetry suggests prevailing media narratives legitimize coercive gender role socialization within sport teams and media and sport normalizes exclusion and invisibility of non-conformers to orthodox gender roles.

[37]: We’ve Made it Easy for People to Hate Sports and Exercise: A Reflective Thematic Analysis of Motivational Posters

Elmer Hernandez Gomez^†★, Jafra Thomas^†

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Amateurism is devalued in prevailing sport and exercise culture, undermining its development in people. This is problematic because amateurism (i.e., intrinsic love) is a powerful source of fulfillment and enduring motivation. This presentation will make the case for why advocates for sport and exercise (such as coaches, personal trainers, and health professionals) should be taught about, and how to apply, specific philosophies of amateurism. To investigate this premise, motivational messages from two sets of promotional posters for sport and exercise were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (April-June 2024). One poster set, developed in a Cal Poly course (KINE 278), was designed using the ancient Bhagavad Gita philosophy, which argues that outcome-based motives undermine skill mastery and joyful movement. The other set was located through an online search for images, using simple keywords (e.g., sport, motivation, posters) and an internet search engine. Message themes significantly differed between the class-developed posters (e.g., “embrace the present”) and those found online (e.g., “guilt-tripping”). The sharp contrast in motivational messages demonstrates that training in amateurism philosophy is needed to avoid uncritical adoption of motivational material that undermines mental well-being and long-term motivation in sport and exercise.

[38]: Impact of Technology Use on Maternal Attentiveness During Infant Feeding

Ervina Ujkaj^1★, Ashley Steenhausen^2★, Maria Stanculescu^3★, Alison K Ventura⁴

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Child Development, ³ Child Development , ⁴ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Early parent-child interactions are critical to an infant’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Infants have limited ability to regulate emotions, thus rely heavily on the consistent attention and engagement of their caregivers to meet their needs. However, in an increasingly technology-driven world, shifts in caregiver responsiveness are becoming more common. This study investigates whether maternal attentiveness to their infants when infants are 1-month and 4-months of age differs depending on whether the mother is using television, a mobile device, or no technology during feeding. Mother-infant dyads participated in feeding observations under each of the three conditions (television, mobile device use, no technology), and were also observed during a naturalistic feeding where they fed their infant as they typically would at home. Using the behavioral coding software Observer XT, maternal gaze and attention were analyzed frame by frame from recorded video footage. Results indicated that technology use significantly reduced mothers’ attentiveness to their infants during feeding interactions (p <.0001). During naturalistic feeding observations, mothers spent 58.1% (S.E. = 3.8) of the feeding duration gazing at their infants. When no technology was present, mothers spent a significantly greater percentage of the feeding duration gazing at their infant (73.6%, S.E. = 4.0) compared to television use (35.5%, S.E. = 3.8) and mobile device use (29.1%, S.E. = 4.4) conditions. The percentage of time mothers spent gazing at their infant did not differ between 1 and 4 months (p = 0.74). In conclusion, technology use decreases mothers’ attention to their infants during feeding interactions.

[39]: Do High School Coaches Know Their Why? A CAPS Framework Analysis

Tristan Hofmann^★, Aidan Freitas^★, Abby Armstrong^★, Madi Shaffer^★, Paige Rightmire^★, Nicole Hagobian

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

A wide body of literature has examined coaching effectiveness (United States Olympic \& Paralympic Committee, 2020). Sport literature has studied the coach-athlete relationship’s effect on athlete experience (Lafrenière, et al., 2011; Jowett \& Cockerill, 2003). However, there is limited research examining how well coaches understand their own purpose for coaching and whether they are able to communicate that purpose effectively. By exploring a coach’s purpose and how clearly it is communicated, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intentionality behind coaching and its potential influence on the athlete experience. Comparing the coach’s purpose against the established 4C’s of effective coaching - competence, confidence, connection, and character - can determine how well the coach’s purpose aligns with the definition of quality coaching (Côté \& Gilbert, 2009). This study will focus on assessing coaches’ understanding of their own coaching purpose, how well it aligns with the 4C’s, and how effectively it is able to be communicated (Côté \& Gilbert, 2009). High school coaches will be recruited from San Luis Obispo County high schools via email. Coaches will complete anonymous validated measures that assess coaching purpose and its relationship to the 4’Cs. Coaches will also report their coaching purpose in their own words, which will be analyzed qualitatively by the research team and compared to their own quantitative ratings.

[40]: Exploring the Usability and Features of AI?for Health Messaging

Isha Nayak^1★, Pamela Estrada¹, Annalise Mui¹, Katharine Santilena¹, David Askay², Anuraj Dhillon², Julia Alber¹

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Communication Studies Department , ^★Speaker

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a cost-effective tool for efficiently personalizing public health messages. However, how effective these messages are compared to human-generated messages requires further research. This study compares messages outcomes across AI generated compared to human generated health messaging. U.S. adults (N=1000) were recruited through an online panel. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three video conditions: 1) AI-generated realistic human avatars, 2) AI-generated animated avatars, and 3) human presenters. Each participant viewed two videos with a female and male version. The same script was used across conditions for both videos. We hypothesized that videos featuring human presenters (Condition 3) will be rated higher in perceived effectiveness and credibility compared to those featuring AI-generated avatars (Conditions 1 and 2). Additionally, we predict that messages delivered by speakers who share similar demographic characteristics with the viewer (e.g., age) will be perceived as more credible, likable, and effective. Findings from this study will offer insight into the potential for AI integration in public health messaging and inform best practices for developing acceptable and effective AI-assisted health communication materials.

[41]: Reinjury Anxiety for Athletes

Lindsey Fukushima^★, Arya Kaiwar^★, Stefanee Maurice

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Maintaining physical, mental, social, and emotional health is important for everyone, especially athletes. However, when injuries occur, as they often do, athletes are put under pressure to rehabilitate and return to play at a quick rate and maintain the level of play that they were previously at. This and their attempt to balance their school work, athletics, and personal lives contribute to their increased stress levels. Reinjury anxiety, a predominant emotion associated with return to sport, is prevalent among many athletes following a sports injury. In this study, we will interview athletes from Cal Poly’s various club sports teams after they have successfully returned to sport following an injury. We will take scores from multiple psychological surveys and use interviews to evaluate the relationship between perfectionism, athletic identity, and reinjury anxiety. The results can be used to help injured athletes through their rehabilitation and return to sport as they link pertinent psychological factors to re-injury anxiety levels.

[42]: Evaluating Inter-Rater Reliability of Physical Behavioral Annotations with Clinical Data to Advance PathML

Casey Nash^★, Storey Balko^★, JT Bernal^★, Jennifer Perez Aguilar^★, Jonah David^★, Sarah Keadle, Edgardo Hernandez

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

PathML is a machine learning software developed by Sentimetrix in collaboration with Cal Poly SLO that uses computer vision to automate labeling of video data to assess mobility, balance, and muscular endurance. The project focuses on improving functionality and expanding capabilities to support clinical researchers in aging, movement disorders, amputee care, and cancer rehabilitation. The primary objective of our research is to assess the agreement between student video annotations and the clinical scores to ensure the validity of data used to train the software. Fifty-eight participants were recruited at two sites, the Tampa VA and Cal Poly SLO. Subjects completed informed consent and were recorded with a surface pro tablet undergoing six functional tests, including the 30 Second Sit-to-Stand, Timed Up and Go, 10 Meter Walk, 2 Minute Walk, Balance, and Shoulder Arc tests. Student researchers annotated video data using Noldus Observer XT software to label key aspects of physical behaviors including start and stop, posture changes, and steps. For continuous outcomes, mean differences between labeled videos and clinical scores were compared with t-tests and intra-class correlation. Categorical outcomes (pass/fail) were compared with Kappa Statistics. All analyses were done using SPSS. We anticipate at least 80% agreement between coder and clinical scores for the Sit-to-Stand (S2S) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) functional tests. We also anticipate IRR scores above 80% to display a high level of agreement and consistency among student coders. An 80% or higher agreement between coder and clinical scores combined with high IRR between coders is critical to ensure the accuracy and consistency of student labeled videos. We hope that the refined PathML tool will accurately label physical behaviors and score clinical functional tests. Ultimately, PathML has the potential to enhance telehealth capabilities and improve patient outcomes.

[43]: Respiratory Health of communities near the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Aera on the Central Coast of California

Betsy Chavez^★, Annalise Mui^★, Jacob Lostetter^★, Adam Seal^★

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSRVA) experiences an influx of hundreds of all-terrain vehicles that travel through daily during normal operations, driving sand and other small particulate matter into the air, ultimately decreasing the air quality of surrounding communities. Numerous studies have reported that exposure to poor air quality can adversely affect lung health. This project aims to examine the effect of poor air quality on the prevalence of respiratory illnesses and lung function in adults residing in Oceano, Nipomo, and Grover Beach. 571 participants were recruited using social media. An online survey was administered measuring respiratory health, physical activity, demographic information, proximity of residence to ODSVRA, and previous COVID-19 diagnoses. A multivariate regression was used to relate these factors to scores on a validated lung health questionnaire (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire—SGRQ). Respiratory health was negatively associated with address distance to ODSRVA (? = -0.19, p < 0.001), meaning the closer participants lived to ODSRVA, the poorer their respiratory health. Additionally, respiratory health was positively associated with education (? = 0.334, p < 0.001), number of cigarettes weekly (? = 0.18, p < 0.001), and age (? = 0.18, p < 0.0005). The distance of residents to the ODSRVA was a significant predictor of respiratory health. Most notably, the closer each participant lived to ODSRVA, the worse the lower their lung volume capacity. Future data collection will involve direct testing of lung function spirometer in people living close to ODSRVA.

[44]: Understanding Disordered Eating Among College Students Through the Theory of Planned Behavior

Holly Ross^★, Dr. Chrisitine Hackman, Dr. Jafra Thomas

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Disordered eating has become an increasingly prevalent issue among college students, driven by societal pressures, media influence, and declining mental well-being, which poses a serious public health concern. Purpose. This narrative literature review applied constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine research investigating theory constructs, such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, and their influence on disordered eating behavior intentions in the college student population. Methods. A comprehensive, narrative literature review was conducted, examining survey and intervention research on disordered eating during the Spring 2024 Quarter. Deductive descriptive analysis was performed on study findings to determine their correspondence with TPB constructs. Specifically, studies were analyzed to determine how well TPB constructs might predict disordered eating behaviors and potential mitigation strategies for this psychological disorder. Results. Findings support that TPB is a useful model for understanding the intention behind disordered eating. Attitudes toward eating, perceived social pressure (subjective norms), and perceived behavioral control significantly influence eating behaviors. Interventions targeting these constructs, such as peer support groups, school-based health education programs, and digital tracking tools, can potentially reduce disordered eating patterns. TPB offers a strong theoretical framework for understanding and addressing disordered eating among college students. Conclusion. Healthful eating interventions and general health promotion programs targeting TPB constructs, namely through subjective norms, could reduce the risk of disordered eating in college student populations and empower students to adopt/maintain healthier eating behaviors. Ultimately, these theory-based strategies could improve mental and physical health outcomes in this at-risk population by shifting unhealthy eating norms.

[45]: Effect of Low Water Intake on Blood Glucose Measured with Continuous Glucose Monitor

Sydney Struve^★, Marlin Chen^★, Alison English^★, Anna Seifert^★, Chloe Holzshu^★, Jane Oswald^★, Joseph Magnus^★, Kaylinn Shade^★, Maija Shaw^★, Micah Kokin^★, Nathan Mueller^★, Sierra Young^★, Tina Javid^★, Kaylee Witana^★, Adam Seal^★

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Previous studies suggest adequate water intake may reduce post-prandial blood glucose. However, none have examined this effect in free-living conditions. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate how low water intake affects glucose regulation in a free-living setting using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS: In a counterbalanced crossover design, ten participants were randomly assigned to high-water intake (HWI; 3.7L for men, 2.7L for women) or low-water intake (LWI; 1L for men, 0.7L for women) for six days, followed by a two-day washout period with ad libitum intake. Caloric and macronutrient intake remained consistent between conditions. During the study, participants wore Freestyle Libre 3 CGMs and GeneActiv sensors to monitor blood glucose and physical activity. Urine samples were collected upon waking and between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. and analyzed for urine-specific gravity (USG). RESULTS: USG during days 1-6 for HWI were 1.023, 1.013, 1.014, 1.013, 1.013, and 1.014 and for LWI were 1.021, 1.025, 1.025, 1.024, 1.022, and 1.022. The average blood glucose levels for HWI for days 1-6 were 98.44, 101.99, 96.64, 94.6, 94.01, and 96.23. and for LWI for days 1-6 were 97.03, 98.17, 96.48, 97.19, 100.63, and 102.38. No significant difference was observed in blood glucose between HWI and LWI. USG was significantly different between HWI and LWI. CONCLUSION: Thus far, some participants exhibited lower blood glucose during HWI. However, only 10 participants have been completed; therefore, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.

[46]: Developing the Campus Medication Abortion Barriers and Facilitators Scale: Psychometrics and exploring differences by religious affiliation

Sara Cohn^1★, Emily Robles^1★, Olivia Kaciak^1★, Alex Kappos¹, Ella Andersen¹, Sarah Blankespoor¹, Christine Hackman¹, Beth Chance², Joni Roberts¹, Kara Samaniego¹

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

Background: The barriers to abortion care in the U.S. are well documented. Several states in recent years have passed laws mandating medication abortion (MAB) services on public college campuses. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to measure barriers and facilitators to getting MAB on campus, and to examine initial differences in barriers and facilitators by religious affiliation. Methods: Through literature search and consultation with undergraduate students, a scale was developed to understand barriers and facilitators of getting a MAB on campus. Participants were from a stratified (by year in school) random sample of 257 undergraduate college students who had the ability to become pregnant. Results: Exploratory factor analysis explained 63% of variance and revealed four factors: Logistics; Procedure Navigation; Personal Background; and, Peers. Cronbach’s alpha ranged between .620 and .859 for these subscales, which supports adequate to good reliability. Through independent samples t-tests, we found mean differences (p=.013 to p<.001) between those who subscribe to a religion that purports abortion to be a sin and those who do not for each subscale except for Procedure Navigation (p=.340). Discussion: Initial psychometrics for the Campus MAB Barriers and Facilitators Scale suggest that there are four subscales. Further, those with a religious affiliation that purport abortion to be a sin perceive greater barriers to MAB. Further refinement and investigation into this scale could provide utility in future research into increasing provision of MAB on college campuses.

[47]: Evaluating the Accuracy of Visual Running Gait Assessments: A Comparison Between Retail Practices and Laboratory-Based Force Platform Analysis

Misha Berry^★, Ella Boladian^★, Nick Weitzel^★, Jillian Richards^★, Robert Clark

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Many specialty running shoe stores offer visual running gait analysis, both in-person and online, that are aimed at identifying movement patterns to recommend footwear believed to correct biomechanical inefficiencies. These assessments are often reliant on subjective visual observation of the ankle and foot mechanics during the stance phase of gait. This includes early stance, mid-stance, and terminal stance. The goal of this is to improve the participant’s running efficiency and reduce their risk of injury. Although these evaluations are popular, the scientific rigor and precision of them remain significantly unverified when comparing them to laboratory standards. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the validity of retail-based visual gait assessments by comparing them to objective laboratory methods. Four healthy recreational runners went to commercial running stores to receive the standard retail gait analyses. These assessments were then replicated and compared to two research-based techniques in a controlled biomechanics laboratory setting. One technique used is a high-speed video capture paired with software that provides frame-by-frame kinematic analysis of lower extremity motion. The second technique used is ground reaction force data collected using a Kistler force platform interfaced with BioWare software. Particular attention was paid to medial-lateral ground reaction forces (Fx), especially those associated with pronation and eversion patterns in the right and left feet during the stance phase.

[48]: Do myoblasts enhance collateral arteriogenesis by normalizing endothelial dysfunction?

Arthur Klujian^1★, Sarah Keadle², Trevor Cardinal¹

¹ Biomedical Engineering, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Endothelial dysfunction is a common characteristic of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), and is possibly why natural bypass collaterals help divert blood flow around arterial blockages that occur in PAD. Endothelial dysfunction occurs when endothelial cells are persistently activated; endothelial cell permeability is a core phenotype of endothelial dysfunction and is linearly associated with the degree of activation. In this study, endothelial activation is induced using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF165), a peptide growth factor well described to cause activation and increase permeability. To quantify activation, permeability is assessed by measuring fluorescence microsphere diffusion from the media of a transwell system, through an endothelial cell monolayer, and into the bottom chamber of the well. Fluorosphere concentration is predicted using a previously established standard curve, and a change in fluorosphere concentration. After establishing our ability to quantify endothelial activation, future studies will be done to assess endothelial activation in response to media conditions related to metabolic disease, such as with high glucose. Coculturing with skeletal myoblasts will also be investigated to establish if myoblasts can rescue endothelial dysfunction and be used as a therapeutic candidate for PAD and other ischemic diseases.

[49]: Investigating occupational exposures and health outcomes in farmworking women

Neida Palacios Vieyra^1†★, Grace Willa Bell^2★, Kamille Peralta¹, Angelina Peralta², Yesenia Ceja², Suzanne Phelan¹, Alejandra Yep²

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The Women’s mobile health unit provides access to medical care to farmworking women in Santa Maria and Guadalupe who report many barriers to care, including economic, cultural, and linguistic barriers. Farm-working populations are prominent in this area and are frequently exposed to a range of occupational hazards, including pesticide exposure. Over half of the patients report prevalent occupational exposure to pesticides. Farmworking women, in particular, face additional health risks due to pesticide exposure, impacting reproductive health, including urinary tract infections. Secondary pesticide exposures may occur as well. Farmworkers may bring home pesticides on their clothes, shoes, and skin, inadvertently exposing their children and other household members to harmful chemicals. Moreover, living near farmlands can increase exposure as pesticides travel, further affecting family members who may inhale these airborne chemicals. Other occupational hazards among farmworkers include chronic physical stress from repetitive tasks and heavy lifting. The purpose of this study is to describe occupational health in farmworking women who receive care on the mobile medical clinic. Eight participants (average age of 48 years, average BMI of 26 , 88% farmworking, 100% Hispanic background) have been enrolled to date, and data collection is ongoing. The findings will inform targets for future interventions to promote healthier and safer working environments for farmworking women and families in our region.

[50]: Point-of-care testing compared to gold-standard laboratory methods in the measurement of serum lipids and HbA1c in a mobile medical clinic

Daniel Schafer-Dews^★, Rubi Solano, Cristina Macedo, Tatiana Ramirez, Mari Proksel, Elizabeth Ramirez, Suzanne Phelan

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

While studies have found POC devices are accurate in laboratory settings, their accuracy with diverse clinical populations and settings is still understudied. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of POC devices compared to gold standard laboratory testing on the Cal Poly Women's Mobile Health clinic serving immigrant and farmworking populations. A total of 33 participants completed both the POC and lab-based tests for diabetes (hemoglobin A1c; HbA1c), and 87 completed POC and lab-based tests for lipids between August 2021 and December 2024. Blood samples were collected simultaneously and tested immediately via POC methods and also sent in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes to a CLIA-certified laboratory. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlations, and paired-t tests. Results showed strong correlations (rs >0.98; ps< 0.0001) between POC and lab-based test results, but mean values on tests significantly (p< 0.05) differed for POC vs lab-based measures for HbA1c (5.6% (SD )vs. 5.4% (SD); p = 0.0XXX), respectively), total cholesterol (170.3 (SD) mg/dl vs. 188.5 (SD) mg/dl), LDL (99.9 mg/dl vs. 114.0 mg/dl) and HDL (44.4 mg/dl vs. 50.2 mg/dl) cholesterol, and triglycerides (135.5 mg/dl vs. 125.7 mg/dl). Examining proportions of people meeting criteria for clinically elevated values, POC devices (vs. lab-based) significantly (p <0.05) over diagnosed pre-diabetes (42.4% vs 18.2%), elevated LDL (51.8% vs. 32.2% ) and “poor” HDL (71.3% vs. 54.0%) and didn’t differ in rates of elevated total cholesterol (71.3% vs. 82.6%; p >0.05), and triglycerides (86.9% vs. 89.8%;p>0.05). POC devices may have practical value for screening, but positive test results should be confirmed with laboratory testing to avoid misdiagnosis. Further studies investigating POC accuracy against gold standard labs using larger sample sizes are necessary to inform the use of POC devices in mobile health clinics.

[51]: Adherence to Different Exercise Variety Interventions

Brooke Fujioka^1★, Mylène Vachon^2★, Ethan Urbach^2★, Zachary Mayor^1★, Harry O'Connor^2★, Clara McMahon², Mytam Le³, Logan Foster¹, Zoe Maude¹, Suzanne Phelan², Sarah Keadle², Todd Hagobian²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ³ Engineering, ^★Speaker

BACKGROUND: Previous experimental studies have shown that when sedentary adults start a prescribed aerobic exercise intervention, less than 50% meet the national recommendations of 150 minutes/week after six months. A possible explanation for low exercise adherence is that most interventions primarily prescribe walking, and it remains unclear whether prescribing a variety of exercises would be more effective. PURPOSE: To investigate moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and adherence to difference exercise variety interventions over four weeks. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy, previously sedentary adults (26F, 7M; 20$\pm$1.8 yr, 23.2$\pm$4.63 kg/m2, 32% Hispanic) completed a 3-day baseline in which exercise was quantified with accelerometry using a GeneActive watch. Participants were then randomized (by BMI, sex, ethnicity) to a 1) walking intervention (control), 2) exercise variety intervention, or 3) exercise progressive intervention, for four weeks. In the exercise variety intervention, each week participants were prescribed a single different exercise modality that included cycling, walking, yoga/pilates, and cross-training (kickboxing, karate, salsa dancing, circuit training). In the exercise progression intervention, the same exercises were included but each week were added to the list of options to choose from. RESULTS: In preliminary completer analyses, baseline MVPA was approximately 40$\pm$31 min/d for each group. During the four-week intervention period, MVPA was 35$\pm$26 min/d in the walking intervention, 28$\pm$23 min/d in the exercise variety intervention, and 45$\pm$ 37 min/d in the exercise progression intervention. Adherence to the weekly exercise target of at least 150 mins/week during the four-week intervention period was achieved by 63% of the walking group, 50% of the variety group, and 68% of the progression group. CONCLUSION: If preliminary analyses are confirmed with more participants enrolled, an exercise variety intervention may be an option to increase adherence among previously sedentary adults.

[52]: Improving Minor Burn Knowledge: Preliminary Analysis from a Randomized Pilot Study of the Teach-to-Goal Method Versus a Brochure-only Intervention

Laura Byrne^★, Amanda Sanchez^★, Julia Holec, Dr. Jafra Thomas

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Background. Minor burns are common, but many people lack knowledge of appropriate treatment. Improper care can exacerbate and prolong skin damage caused by burns. Purpose. The study aimed to evaluate two health communication intervention conditions: brochure learning only versus the teach-to-goal method in enhancing knowledge retention on minor burn treatment. Participants completed a pre-test to assess baseline minor burn treatment knowledge. Methods. Researchers developed an educational brochure on minor burn treatment through 4 rounds of revision, rated as optimal/superior suitability for those at, or below, a 5th-grade reading level. Researchers randomly assigned participants to a brochure-only or teach-to-goal group. Both groups received and read the brochure. The teach-to-goal group received additional hands-on instruction demonstrations with models of hands and burn treatment methods. Both groups completed a post-test at the end of the 15-minute session to measure the quantity and quality of information retained. Researchers scored tests out of 100 based on correctness. Results. 32 participants were recruited, with 16 randomly assigned to each group. 16 participants ultimately completed the training, 8 per study condition. Preliminary results suggest that the teach-to-goal group had a higher average post-test score (98.4) compared to their pre-test score (57.8) and more considerable improvement (40.6), with a lower score standard deviation (4.1) compared to the brochure-only group’s average post-test score (92.2) compared to their pre-test score (62.5) improvement (29.7), and standard deviation (10.7). Conclusion. Though preliminary findings, this study suggests that teach-to-goal education results in higher knowledge of minor burn treatment than educational brochures, according to pre and post-test scores. A follow-up analysis will determine whether scores differed significantly.

[53]: Creatine Supplementation at Simulated Altitude

Logan Foster, Brooke Fujioka, Sura Sohi, Mylene Vachon, Zoe Maude, Clara McMahon, Joey Hodge, Isaiah Martinez, Duncan Hawe, Kelly Schackel, Emma Osterink, Harry Oconnor, Zachary Mayor, Ethan Urbach, Rhyane Caspers, Kennedy Nelson, Tim Ibrahim, Todd Hagobian

Department of Kinesiology and Public Health

Background: Military personnel are frequently exposed to high altitudes, which decreases exercise performance. Previous studies have shown that creatine supplementation increased exercise performance at sea level, however no published studies have examined creatine supplementation at simulated altitude. Objective: To determine the effects of creatine supplementation at simulated altitude of 3,800m on exercise performance. Methods: Thirty-four healthy, physically active college students (27 M, 7 F; age: 20.9 ± 2.2 years; BMI: 23.9 ± 2.7 kg•m2) had completed the study to date. At sea-level baseline, participants performed a repeated sprint exercise test consisting of six, 10-second sprints on a cycle ergometer, with 60-second recovery between each sprint. Participants were then randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to placebo (glucose) or creatine supplementation (20g/day) for 2 days. After the 2-day supplementation period, participants completed the repeated sprint exercise test while breathing a hypoxic gas mixture containing 12.9% oxygen (3800m elevation). Performance measures included peak power (watts), relative peak power (watts/kg), mean power (watts), and fatigue index (watts/s). Results: Because this is an ongoing study and to ensure the groups remain blinded, Groups were referred to as Group 1 and Group 2 for analysis. Preliminary data indicated that Group 2 experienced a smaller average percent decrease in relative peak power across all sprints (-0.79%) compared to Group 1 (-2.27%), suggesting a potential performance increase in Group 2. Summary: If results continue the same trend with a total sample size of 60 participants, we anticipate differences between groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance at simulated altitude.

[54]: Development of Cloze Tests in Spanish: Pilot Testing Suitability for Patient Education Materials

Giselle Martinez^1†★, Emily Rodriguez^1†, Kevin Castaneda^2†, Dr. Jafra Thomas¹

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Interdisciplinary Studies, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Background: Cal Poly’s Mobile Mobile Health Unit (MHU) provides health material to patients, to ensure they can apply the health information that is provided to improve their quality of life. This research aims to ensure these materials are suitable and search for areas of improvement. There is very little research on adapting cloze tests to material in Spanish. Cloze (fill in the blank tests) are used to directly measure readability and to estimate comprehension. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the readability and comprehension of patient education material (PEM). Methods: Analyzed the only other known study applying the cloze test to primary school educational materials in Spanish (a 1977 dissertation). Developed and conducted a systematic, replication, pilot study of the dissertation study, but using health resource materials for adults. Our test materials consisted of a 1-page PEM from Cal Poly’s MHU and one PEM found online from Northwestern University (both on the same subject). Each PEM had an 8th grade reading level. Results: We created a database for investigating PEM suitability using rating form and a protocol for directly assessing their comprehension. The percentage correct ranged from (25.45- 41.81) for MHU cloze test, and (16.66-66.6) for the MHU open response questions. The NWU cloze tests percent correct ranged from (24.32-51.35) and (20-28) for the NWU open response questions. Conclusion: Consistent language in script allowed for an internally valid and feasible implementation of our exploratory investigation.

[55]: DXA-Determined Body Composition in Cal Poly Students: Higher Fat Mass Despite Normal BMI Compared to NHANES

Andi Franco^1†★, Ava Rose Emmerling^1†★, Lexi Yaghoubi^1†★, Andres Efren Rocha Jayasinha^2†★, Melissa Cline^1†★

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ² Department of Mathematics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Introduction: Body composition assessment is critical for understanding health beyond BMI, particularly among young adults in university settings like Cal Poly, known for its active lifestyle culture. This study aims to assess DXA-derived body composition data in Cal Poly students aged 18-25 years, comparing it to NHANES reference values. This study examines the discrepancies in fat and fat-free mass distribution among healthy college students at Cal Poly compared to national NHANES averages. It seeks to explore the relationship between DXA-derived metrics and BMI classifications in this population. Methods: DXA scans were conducted on 479 Cal Poly students to measure fat mass, fat-free mass, and BMI classifications. These metrics were compared with NHANES data for similar age groups to identify differences and trends. Results: Cal Poly students exhibited, on average, a higher percentage of fat mass compared to NHANES norms. Female students averaged 31.7% body fat, while male students averaged 19.7%. Conclusion: The study findings highlight a significant discrepancy in fat mass percentages among Cal Poly students compared to NHANES references. This suggests that despite normal BMI classifications, the university's demographic shows higher fat accumulation, potentially influenced by lifestyle factors and cultural norms. Further research is needed to understand these disparities fully.

[56]: Community outreach about the effect of the Western diet on the body

Daniela Houser^1★, Danny Inserra^1★, Maya Paykel^1★, Amara Kramer^2★, Madgalena Maj¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Animal Sciences, ^★Speaker

The Western diet, also known as the Standardized American Diet (SAD), is characterized by high saturated fat, simple sugar, and processed food intake. Excessive fat and simple sugar consumption has led to a rapid increase in metabolic syndromes such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Type II diabetes. Moreover, juvenile incidences of these syndromes have increased throughout the past years, correlated with an overall decrease in natural cane sugar consumption and an increase in the use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The goal of this project was to present the dangers of the Western diet to eighth graders, who are now entering the threshold of health advocacy and mindfulness. Common snacks with high fructose corn syrup and saturated fats are marketed towards pre-teens, making this presentation vital to the eighth graders so they can understand the dangers of metabolic syndromes associated with the Western diet. Throughout this presentation, we employed various interactive activities to engage the audience whilst providing digestible information on the consequences of HFCS use. For example, students blindly tasted sodas to identify the presence of high fructose syrup, and ranked common snacks based on their relative sugar content. The students’ active participation in these activities allowed them to practice differentiating between processed, high-sugar snacks and more nutritious alternatives. A brochure was also sent out to the parents to encourage better decision making when it comes to foods consumed by their children. By incorporating hands-on activities and relating relevant research to the lives of eighth graders, our group alerted these students to the consequences of nutritional choices and the importance of balanced diets.

[57]: Testing short-term retention memory on swine with vagal and sacral nerve stimulation.

Hannah Drouin^1★, Mia Tovar Leal^2★, Benjamin Thall^1★, Michael Jones¹, Tim Spade¹, Rodrigo Manjarin², Magdalena Maj¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Animal Science, ^★Speaker

Chronic constipation increases with age, and current treatments often fail to provide long-term relief. The vagus nerve is involved in brain-gut communication and is responsible for colonic hypomotility and rectal hyposensitivity. A decrease in the activity of the vagal nerve is observed in individuals with chronic constipation. The sacral nerve is responsible for carrying efferent and afferent fibers between the central nervous system and pelvic floor organs/muscles. To promote colonic motility and afferent sensitivity, our project focuses on the stimulation of the Vagal and Sacral nerve of six 4-6 months-old Landrace pigs via an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) and an Accelerometer-Based Motion Sensing (AMS) Lead. Daily stimulation of the IPG and AMS will occur to stimulate the vagal and sacral nerves to treat chronic constipation. Our project tests the neurobehavioral effects of the IPG system, specifically the short-term retention memory of the pigs. The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test is conducted at multiple time points: pre-surgery, post-surgery, and during stimulation. The NOR test measures the short-term memory of the pigs and their preference for novelty. We hypothesized that the vagal and sacral nerve stimulation will improve or not affect retention memory. The test is conducted weekly, on Mondays at noon. In each trial, pigs are presented with two identical objects for 10 minutes, followed by a second exposure an hour later, where one object is replaced with a novel one. Using BORIS software, we analyze the time the animal spent interacting with the novel object versus the familiar one, calculating a recognition index to quantify memory performance.

[58]: Analysis and design of Human Approach Test on female Landrace pigs to evaluate possible neuro-behavioral changes from Vagal and Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Pierre Cannarsa^1★, Kyle Mahon^1★, Austin Tinsley^2★, Liza Znamerovskaya^1★, Jarrett Frey¹, Mike Jones¹, Tim Spade¹, Manjarin Rodrigo², Magdalena Maj¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Animal Sciences, ^★Speaker

The goal of the current study is to stimulate vagal or sacral nerves to improve gastrointestinal tract motility and monitor whether the stimulation has any effect on an animal’s behavior and well-being. Stimulation of the vagal and sacral nerve have been previously shown to treat gastroparesis, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis. In this study, six 4–6-month-old female Landrace pigs were implanted with pulse generators to stimulate the vagus (n=3 animals) and sacral (n=3 animals) nerves. To evaluate the effect of nerve stimulation and the effect of surgery, we designed a human approach test to measure the fear, anxiety, and drive of Landrace pigs at our swine unit. The human approach test (HAT) is a validated behavioral test to assess animals' well-being. We are conducting biweekly HAT on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 pm using the approachability of the pigs to track possible chemical and hormonal changes due to nerve stimulation. Vagal and sacral nerves are involved in the release of GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, all neurotransmitters influencing motivation, fear, and anxiety. We created three categories to quantify the animals’ behaviors: the pig’s distance from the stationary researcher, body position, and head orientation. We record three-minute videos of each pig’s response to the person silently standing a foot away from the pen. These videos are being scored with BORIS software following a protocol to create an approach index (AI), assigning greater “point” values to positive interaction behaviors: facing the human, mounting the gate, and being within the closest third of the pen. The final score of each video will be statistically analyzed to determine if there were significant differences in behavior before and after surgery and during neuromodulation.

[59]: Investigating the production of pro-coagulant extracellular vesicles following phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus by neutrophils

Justin Grapentine^1†★, Ben Schiff^2★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Nutrition, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized particles released from cell membranes that may contribute to sepsis, a dysregulated immune response characterized by increased coagulation. We investigated the relationship between EVs and coagulation using differential centrifugation to isolate EVs and thrombin generation (TG) assays to assess coagulation. EVs from neutrophils that had phagocytosed S. aureus (SA-EVs) were pro-coagulant, a finding replicated in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. Depleting human EVs with anti-CD66b-Dynabeads abolished TG, confirming that activity originated from EVs, not bacteria. TG required Factor XII, suggesting a negatively charged molecule on EVs as the initiator. Heat treatment partially reduced TG, implicating negatively charged proteins as the agent of coagulation. To modulate EV production, we tested GW4869, an inhibitor of neutral sphingomyelinase, but found it ineffective. Proteomic analysis of spontaneously released EVs and SA-EVs identified 238 enriched proteins, including Annexins, which are involved in membrane repair. Future studies will explore the role of membrane repair in EV biogenesis. This research was supported by start-up funds and the William and Linda Frost Fund in the Cal Poly Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.

[60]: Fish Growth Analysis and Modeling of California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) in an Artificial Marine Recirculating Aquaculture System

Annabelle Tweet^1★§, Luke Ansty^2★§, Hailey Benson^2★§, Uriel Figueroa^3★§, Rentaro Motegi^1★§, Jake Ide^1★§, Gabrielle Sands^2★, Greg Schwartz^2§

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, ³ Agricultural Systems Management, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

One hundred 7-gram California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) were stocked in a 3,000 Liter artificial marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) on July 12th, 2024. Seventy individual fish were pit tagged on October 4th, 2024, and were weighed and measured (length). Fish growth was monitored during this project. Fish were sub sampled every two weeks during the quarter and weighed. Fish growth models were developed to help predict growth for future cohorts. Fish were split into two tanks to monitor growth for two different densities. Two thirds of the fish were stocked in one 1,000-liter tank and one third of the fish were stocked in a second 1,000-liter tank. As of April 1st, 2025, fish are averaging close to 750 grams. Trials are still underway.

[61]: Water Quality and Nutrient Dynamics in an Artificial Marine Recirculating Aquaculture System

Samantha Albiani^1★§, Jake Ide^2★§, Katherine Jackson^3★§, Rentaro Motegi^2★§, Ruben Moulton Huber^4★, Greg Schwartz^1§

¹ BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ³ Environmental Engineering, ⁴ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

One hundred 7-gram California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) were stocked in a 3,000 Liter artificial marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) on July 12th, 2024. This paper describes nutrient interactions during their growth from 7-gram average weight to 750 gram average weight, as of April 1st, 2025. A high protein commercial feed product was fed during this time. Water quality was measured over this period including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, oxygen concentration, pH, salinity, and temperature. Nitrogen dynamics were analyzed, including the impact of nitrification and denitrification. In addition, carbon was monitored by examining pH and alkalinity.

[62]: Aiding conservation efforts through Northern Red-legged Frog population connectivity analysis

Sydney Gutierrez^†★, Daisy Wong^★, Katelyn Arrizon, Gabrielle DeNonno, Lauren Chan

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Human activity fragments natural landscapes, disrupting movement and wildlife population connectivity. With continued anthropogenic change, it is increasingly important to understand how specific landscape features impact populations. The Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora) is native to the Pacific Northwest and is a designated surrogate species for other forest and wetland-breeding amphibians. We investigated how particular landscape features influence genetic diversity and connectivity among populations in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Region. Genomic data (RADseq) was generated for 158 individuals sampled across the region. Using Geographic Information Systems, we characterized the environmental conditions and land-use features within and between breeding sites. With a reference-aligned RADseq dataset and geospatial data, we estimated standard population genetic metrics, developed gravity models, and conducted a Maximum Likelihood Population Effect (MLPE) regression analysis to determine relationships between landscape features and population connectivity. Given the natural history and ecology of this species, we hypothesized that forested habitat, wetland corridors, and cooler, wetter climate would increase connectivity while human-modified features would decrease connectivity. We found evidence for a genetically distinct site suggesting possible human-assisted migration. The gravity models determined that at-site features did not affect gene flow among sites. Both gravity models and MLPE regression indicated that wetland and deciduous forest corridors facilitate connectivity between sites consistent with our expectations. Overall, these findings help us understand how human-altered landscapes affect amphibian movement and provide important data for improving species conservation.

[63]: Exploring Early Life Determinants of Caries Risk in Toddlers

Molly McNulty^1†★, Emma Scudero², Nolan Manning¹, Vanessa Mariscal¹, Cleo Bailey¹, Parmida Batmanghelench¹, Michelle Maciel², Jasmine Sanchez¹, Shirin Sorooshian¹, Navid Fardinesh³, Pat Fidopiastis¹, Casey Heaney², Suzanne Phelan²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ³ Central Coast Health Centers, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Background: Caries risk begins early in life and is shaped by hygiene habits and family influences. However, few studies have examined these early risk factors using objective and validated measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate early-life risk factors for caries, including child microbiomes, hygiene and eating behaviors, as well as maternal microbiomes, eating habits, and hygiene. Data was collected using intraoral camera assessments of caries, saliva-based microbial samples, measured body weight, and validated surveys of hygiene practices. Methods: Participants were 21 maternal/child dyads. Intraoral videos captured tooth surfaces and were coded using an adapted version of ICDAS. Saliva samples were collected, diluted, and plated to measure presence of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus species (LB). Validated surveys captured other risk factors. Results: Most (85.7%) of mothers were overweight, and 40% of toddlers were overweight. Most of the toddlers' teeth (89.1%) were sound, while 9.8% had mild decay and 1.1% had moderate decay. A minority of toddlers tested positive for LB (15%) and SM (45%). Most mothers (81%) reported their toddlers brushed twice or more daily, while fewer reported daily flossing (14.3%), mouthwash use (19%), or chewing sugar-free gum (19%). SM in toddlers was associated with brushing (R = -0.54, p = 0.02), access to dental care (R = 0.456, p = 0.049), number of sound teeth (R = 0.505, p = 0.023), and proportions of sound teeth (R = 0.501, p = 0.024). Maternal and toddler caries were significantly correlated (p < 0.001), as were LB and SM levels between mothers and toddlers (p < 0.001 and p = 0.038). Conclusion: These findings underscore the feasibility of using an intraoral camera to assess caries risk and suggest that early prevention efforts should target both maternal and child behaviors.

[64]: Investigating the procoagulant activity of HL-60 derived extracellular vesicles

Emmerson Heery^†★, Justin Grapentine^†, Benjamin Schiff^†, Mallary Greenlee- Wacker^†

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Sepsis is defined as a dysregulated immune response, killing 11 million people each year, and it is characterized increased inflammation, excessive coagulation and immune suppression. Our lab studies how neutrophils contribute to these problems. Neutrophils produce more extracellular vesicles (EVs), small nanoparticles, during bacterial challenge, and these EVs are elevated in sepsis. Our lab showed that EVs produced in response to sepsis causing bacteria are procoagulant and they trigger the factor XII pathway. The goal of this project was to optimize a cell culture model to test the hypothesis that a negatively charges molecule on the surface of these EVs are initiating Factor XII dependent coagulation. Hl-60 cells were differentiated with DMSO to produce neutrophil like cells and EVs produced by differentiated HL-60 cells challenged with bacteria initiate coagulation. We also showed that a heat liable component on EVs was responsible for their procoagulant activity, and preliminary data suggests that they initiate the Factor XII dependent pathway. Lastly, to support the EVs themselves were mediating coagulation, we attempted to disrupt EVs with detergent. However, additional optimization of this technique is required. Future experiments will elucidate the procoagulant factor. Together these data will provide insights into how coagulation occurs in sepsis.

[65]: Northern elephant seal weanling mass and morphometrics at Piedras Blancas

Marshall Rottier Johnson^†★§, Heather Liwanag^§

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups stay with their mothers for about four weeks before they are abruptly weaned. Adequate nourishment during this short nursing phase is paramount for the pups, as they must gain massive amounts of weight in preparation for being isolated from their mothers. After the nursing period, the mother weans the pup and returns to sea to forage, leaving her pup on the beach. The weanling pup commences a 6-8 week fast, during which it continues developing before venturing to sea on its own. Mass at weaning is a critical predictor of weanling survival. Team Ellie, Cal Poly's northern elephant seal research team, has been collecting mass and morphometric measurements (standard length, curvilinear length, and axillary girth) of between 50 and 200 weanling elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas breeding colony (San Simeon, CA) each breeding season, from 2018 through 2025. This data can be used to assess the health of the population, which may be approaching carrying capacity. We want to analyze these data across years and relative to one another to better understand the state of our local elephant seal population. Future projects could include data from the Año Nuevo breeding colony and compare on a grander scale.

[66]: Increasing learning, confidence, and retention in the immunology classroom with LEGO

Bernice Yphantides^1★, Heather Bruns², Louis Justement², Christine Loyd³, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, ³ Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health Professions, Birmingham, AL, ^★Speaker

V(D)J recombination generates antibody diversity but the concept is challenging for undergraduates to learn. We hypothesized that using LEGO models would enhance learning, confidence, and interest. To test this, students at three undergraduate universities watched the same video lecture about recombination. Then, the LEGO modeling exercise was either presented to or performed by students. We showed that students who modeled or observed modeling performed significantly better on an exam essay question than those that opted out of the modeling exercise. Our next objective was to determine whether tactile manipulation of the model was associated with increased interest and confidence. Survey results suggested that most students preferred visual learning, followed by explanations and activities. Although most students agreed that the LEGO activity gave them more confidence and increased their interest in the material, students who did the activity were more likely to strongly agree with affirming statements. For example, students who did the LEGO activity were more likely to strongly agree that the exercise helped them to memorize terminology and perform better on the exam. Overall, these data suggest that LEGO modeling of V(D)J recombination improves student comprehension, interest, and confidence.

[67]: Synthesis of Monomeric and Dimeric meta-Quaterphenylene Butadiynylene Macrocycles

Ulises Frick^★, Derik Frantz

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Using a synthetic approach that applies Suzuki coupling, Ramirez-Corey-Fuchs alkyne synthesis, and Eglinton coupling, we have synthesized monomeric and dimeric macrocycles of meta-quaterphenylene butadiynylene. The Eglinton coupling of 2,2'''-diethynyl-meta-quaterphenyl favors monomeric macrocyclization, particularly at low concentration, but also produces the dimeric macrocycle. Treating the macrocycles with TfOH promotes cyclization of their ortho-ethynylbiphenyl units, and current work aims at investigating and identifying the products of these reactions. Synthesis, dynamic structural properties, and reactivity of these macrocycles will be reported.

[68]: Kinetic Investigation of Ester Amide Ylidenenorbornadienes Fragmentation

Sonia Patil^★, Jacob Bellamah^★, Daniel Bercovici

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Ester Amide Ylidenenorbornadienes (EA-YNDs) are prepared by a [4 + 2] cycloaddition between fulvenes and ester amide acetylene dicarbonyls. A model EA-YND system was prepared with a hexyl amide and methyl ester substituent and reacted with a nucleophile, propanethiol, to yield a mixture of four diastereomers (EA-YND-PTs). Only one regioisomer was obtained, as the thiol attacks the more electrophilic carbon beta to the ester. Three out of these four diastereomers were isolated and identified by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) correlations. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to measure the diheadreal angles and further comfirm the diasteromer structures as well. The syn-EA-YND-PT diastereomers undergo an initial succinimide cyclization at room temperature before the typical retro-[4+2] fragmentation takes place. Regardless of initial cyclization, each diastereomer (or succinimide) fragments via a retro-[4 + 2] cycloaddition at different rates at 80°C. Half-lives of this fragmentation varied greatly across the diastereomers of this model system from 30 to 462 min in DMSO which was comparable to the Diester Ylidenenorbornadiene system. A diverse group of ester-amide alkynes were also used to prepare a substrate scope of EA-YNDs to observe the stereoelectronic effects on the EA-YND system.

[69]: Synthesis of Cathepsin B Inhibitors as a Treatment Targeting Anthrax and Ebola

Ishita Patel^★, Scott Eagon

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Historically, infectious diseases have been fought by designing inhibitors targeting the proteins of pathogenic invaders. These inhibitors inevitably lose their effectiveness as the pathogenic organism evolves, leading to drug resistance and calls for new treatment options. Some infectious agents, however, exploit human protein, opening the door to host-orientated treatment strategies. Our project focuses on the inhibition of the human protease Cathepsin B, which is found in the lysosome and is exploited by both Anthrax and Ebola. By repurposing a currently approved drug with weak inhibitory activity, we hope to design an improved inhibitor of Cathepsin B that could serve as a new treatment option against these deadly diseases.

[70]: Therapeutics Targeting the Iron Acquisition Systems of Escherichia coli for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Abigail McQuaid^†★, Ian Hutt^★, Audrey Beaver^★, Victor Sepulveda^★, Luke Williams^★, Zach Peterson^★, Samantha Callahan^★, Keaton Smith^★, Scott Eagon

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

We report the design of novel compounds which are thought to inhibit the iron uptake protein TonB, a protein that is not targeted by any current medication in clinical practice. Iron is essential for bacterial growth and virulence, but the urinary tract is an iron depleted environment. As a consequence, uropathogenic E. coli express multiple redundant iron acquisition systems which are highly upregulated during infection. A number of siderophores (iron chelating molecules) are produced by these systems which are able to extract iron bound to host proteins. The large number and variety of these iron acquisition systems and their upregulation underlines their importance for bacterial survival. While these iron acquisition systems use a variety of siderophores and outer membrane receptors, all of these systems require the TonB inner-membrane protein to transport the iron across the cytoplasmic membrane to the cell interior. Deletion of TonB from uropathogenic E. coli strains has been shown to greatly reduce virulence in a mouse model, demonstrating that TonB is an excellent target for a small molecule inhibitor. Targeting TonB also has the additional benefit of likely being active only in the urinary tract, preserving beneficial strains of E. coli in the gut where iron is more readily available. Additionally, there is no TonB homolog in human cells, thus limiting potential toxicity.

[71]: Synthesis of Benzoxazole Inhibitors of Kinase CK2

Adam Ordaz^★, Katherine Le^★, Blakeley Reynolds^†★, Scott Eagon

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Kinases are enzyme catalysts that allow the transfer of phosphate from ATP to serine, threonine, and tyrosine amino acids of their respective substrate proteins. Although a large number of kinases have been discovered, the biological roles of the majority of these kinases remain unknown. This along with the fact that kinase inactivity has been strongly correlated to a number of human diseases has propelled research into better understanding kinase activity and developing small molecules that target these proteins. Success in targeting kinases is underscored by the fact that there are more than sixty FDA-approved kinase inhibitor drugs, and many studies have demonstrated that protein kinases are one of the most effective protein targets for drug therapeutics. Despite the breakthroughs in recent years, kinase potential still remains largely untapped, and a number of calls for contribution have been made. To answer this call, a composition of a public library of kinase activity, called the kinase chemogenomic set (KCGS), was recently disclosed to accelerate the synthesis and screening of drugs targeting kinase activity. With public access to the KCGS, many researchers are leveraging this resource to study biological function and therapeutic potential of many understudied kinases. As a part of this public effort, our group has focused on the synthesis of a benzoxazole compound that targets CK2, a human kinase whose upregulation is associated with several forms of cancer. In developing a procedure for the synthesis of drugs targeting this kinase, we hope to develop a library of potent and selective compounds that can later be screened as potential treatments for human diseases and added to the comprehensive public library of kinase inhibitors.

[72]: Synthesis of Isoflavones as New Treatments for Leishmaniasis

Brenna Bradfield^★, Addison Sampietro^★, Scott Eagon

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by several species of Leishmania parasites and presents a number of infection types, including the disfiguring cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms, as well as the visceral form, which is fatal if untreated. Leishmaniasis is recognized as a neglected global infectious disease and has been prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi). Leishmaniasis is spread by infected sandflies, and it is estimated that there are 600,000 to 1 million infections each year with more than 600 million people at risk across the globe. Despite the prevalence of leishmaniasis, the only available treatments are very toxic (such as antimony-based drugs) and have poor clinical profiles (severe side effects, require I.V. administration, declining effectiveness due to resistance, etc.). We report a new project to develop and advance a new class of orally available drugs to treat leishmaniasis (antileishmanials) through the pre-clinical pipeline as an interdisciplinary collaboration between Cal Poly, Oregon Health & Science University, and the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy.

[73]: Enhancing mycobacterial clearance with antibody-recruiting small molecules

Grisha Dehktyar^1★, Mary Jane Hartman^2†★, Kai Winstead-Leroy^1★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker²

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Immunotherapies that enhance the immune response may offer a novel approach for eliminating mycobacteria infections. In collaboration with the Swarts lab, we have synthesized the first antibody-recruiting small molecule (ARM) for mycobacteria. ARMs are bispecific molecules that engraft haptens onto pathogenic cells and recruit endogenous, anti-hapten antibodies that promote immunity. Our ARM, called Tre-DNP, integrates into the bacterial membrane via the conserved trehalose pathway and displays DNP for antibody binding. Tre-DNP incorporation increases antibody recruitment, phagocytosis, and killing by macrophages (M?), however its mechanism was unknown. Given that antibody-mediated uptake promotes killing of pathogens by increasing the rate of M? phagolysosome (PL) fusion, we hypothesized that Tre-DNP increases killing in a similar manner. We detected lysosomes with LysoTracker, a fluorescent dye that tracks acidic compartments, labeled mycobacteria with fluorescent CMFDA, and measured colocalization using Image J and Manders’ coefficient. Tre-DNP labeling and opsonization of a fast-growing NTM, called M. abscessus, increased phagolysosome (PL) fusion. A mechanistic understanding of how Tre-DNP enhances the immune response toward mycobacteria could lead to further refinement of this immunotherapeutic strategy.

[74]: Effects of Modulators and Solvent Conditions on COF-300 Crystallinity

Sofia Valencia^†★, Leslie Hamachi^†

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline, porous polymers with potential applications in chemically active separations, membranes, and gas capture. Despite the immense promise of this class of materials, it is challenging to synthesize crystalline material, with reaction conditions optimized empirically. Towards a fundamental understanding of COF crystallization mechanisms, we sought to probe a range of optimized and non-optimized reaction conditions via small molecule Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. In this study, we performed a thorough investigation of the effects of solvent, temperature, and reaction modulators. Our findings suggest that insights from these model systems can inform improved synthesis conditions for COF materials.

[75]: Organic Acid Catalysts’ Effects on Imine Formation and Condensation Kinetics Relevant to COF Synthesis

Martin Nelson^†★, Jeffrey Johnson^†★, Leslie Hamachi

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are a class of crystalline polymers of interest for their tunable functionality and geometry. COF-300 is a three-dimensional COF synthesized colloidally via an acid catalyzed imine condensation reaction. Previously, we have shown that the acid acts as both a reaction catalyst and colloid stabilizing agent due to acid/base chemistry with amine functional groups on the COF surfaces. In this study, a range of organic acids are tested to investigate the role of the acid catalyst in the formation of colloidal COF-300 nanocrystals, which are sized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. To further probe the acid’s effect on reaction kinetics and the imine condensation equilibrium, model compound studies were performed via in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy. Computational modeling is used to fit experimental data to predicted rate equations, allowing for determination of rate constants. Studying the imine condensation equilibrium with model compounds allows for evaluation of the effect of acidic amine neutralization on imine formation. It was found that stronger acids correlate with faster reaction kinetics, but display lower overall amounts of imine formation due to greater levels of amine neutralization.

[76]: Predicting the Volatilization of Formulation Components and Mixtures

Miles Brockbank^†★, Wyatt Goldman^★, Courtney Hudson^★, Erik Sapper^†

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The transport of small molecules through polymer matrices is a key characteristic of many material systems, from drug delivery devices to latex paint film formation. While first-principles based transport and diffusion models exist, these do not readily allow for treatment of a polymer matrix that is dynamically changing. For example, the swelling or shrinking of a polymer matrix due to solvent ingress or egress or the crosslinking of the system during polymer film cure. Descriptor-based models for transport through evolving polymer matrices that will enable subsequent material system design, such coatings with controlled volatility profiles during cure, or drug delivery systems with an optimized drug release rate. This work combines thermogravimetric analysis of volatile compounds and latex-based paint formulation components to study time and temperature dependent curing and evolution of volatiles. Efforts at developing QSAR models for volatility of small molecules in a dynamically curing polymer matrix will be presented, including work with molecular descriptors and early attempts at utilizing the chemo-informatics research with polymer-component mixtures.

[77]: Fluoride Catalyzed Synthesis of Hydantoins

Adam Schulte^†★, Michael Cunningham^†★, Daniel Bercovici^†

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Hydantoins are pharmaceutically relevant small molecules, and they have been used for anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs. Hydantoin syntheses are typically carried out using the Bucherer-Bergs synthesis, consisting of carbonyl compounds, ammonium carbonate and potassium cyanide. Another common method consists of N-substituted alpha-amino acids with isocyanates. In this the novel synthesis method found, basic fluoride salts with the addition of crown ethers were used to catalyze the deprotonation of methyl propiolate followed by nucleophilic addition to isocyanates to create a urea derivative which then cyclizes to form the five-membered ring of hydantoins. Various conditions were tested for optimization of yield and purity and were verified using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Further purification of crude products included washes with ammonium salts to remove crown ethers, followed by flash column chromatography. This method of hydantoin synthesis was found to create fair yields of hydantoins when performed under inert conditions. In further experimentation, different conditions, catalysts, and purification methods will be used to maximize efficiency of this synthesis. Once optimization is achieved, structural analogs of the hydantoin molecule will be synthesized.

[78]: Optimization of Direct-to-Metal Coatings using Machine Learning

Harvir Kalkat¹, Jack Kilshaw¹, Bianca Petalver¹, Liam Alsbury², Erik Sapper¹

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² SLOHS

Developing coating formulations is a highly iterative process, and finding the right combination of materials can be difficult and time consuming. Machine learning (ML) can provide guidance during the coating formulation process by optimizing ingredient ratios to meet target properties and industry standards. This project seeks to identify the best ML models and hyperparameters that can handle coating formulation data, and find the best method of integrating ML into a coatings formulation laboratory curriculum.

[79]: Disparities in Long COVID-19 among US Adults

Camilo Vargas^1★, Rebeka Moges^2★, Nicola Manalili^2★, Lulu David^2★, Grace Caltabellotta^2★, Marilyn Tseng², Emily Marlow³, Adrienne Lent²

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ³ Department of Statistics, ^★Speaker

Limited evidence suggests possible disparities in occurrence of long COVID-19 across race/ethnic groups and urban/rural residents. We examined this issue using nationwide data from the 2022-2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. U.S. adults who reported having COVID-19 were included, resulting in a final weighted sample of n=80,093,998. Logistic regressions examined associations of race/ethnicity and metropolitan status with long COVID-19. In adjusted analyses, American Indian/Alaskan natives (adj. OR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.80) and other race/multiracial, non-Hispanics (OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.52) had higher odds while Asians had lower odds (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.82) of long COVID-19 compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Non-metropolitan residents had higher odds of long COVID-19 (adj OR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.23) compared with metropolitan residents. Odds of long COVID-19 were lower in Black (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.91) and Hispanic (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.02) participants relative to NHW participants but only in non-metropolitan areas. Long COVID-19 is experienced unequally across race/ethnicity and metropolitan/non-metropolitan residence. Further research is needed to identify preventive measures and effectively allocate resources that address these disparities.

[80]: Elucidating Structure-Property Relationships for Polymer Degradation by Mycelial Digestion

Jordan Ford^1★, Giselle Richmond^1★, William Lawrence^2★, Erik Sapper¹

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Materials Engineering, ^★Speaker

As a potential solution to the problem of polymer waste, polymer degradation via mycelium is a strong contender. Previous work suggests that several species of mycelium have polymer degrading capabilities. Analysis of the structures and functionalities of polymers successfully degraded via mycelium, such as in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethanes (PU), allow for the development of quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs). Samples of polymer (PET, PC/PU, PEG) are exposed to mycelial cultures, and regularly isolated aliquots are examined for changes in functionality (FTIR), molecular weight (DSC, GPC), dispersity (GPC), and structure (SEM). QSPR models developed through the investigation of trends in degradation can then be employed towards the design of novel polymers for engineering applications with product life cycles ending in mycelial bioremediation. Novel polymer design efforts will emphasize balancing environmental responsibility with material performance and serviceable life.

[81]: Experimental Investigation of Nucleophile Induced Ylidenenorbornadiene Monocarboxylate Ester Fragmentation Kinetics?

Jonathan Moore^★, Daniel Bercovici

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Ylidenenorbornadienes (YNDs) are bridged bicyclic molecules that are created from [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between a fulvene and an acetylene derivative as a dienophile. While YNDs are generally stable, they can undergo a Michael addition with a thiol nucleophile to trigger a retro-[4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction, fragmenting the YND. This Michael addition also yields a mixture of diastereomers. Fragmentation rates have been found to be highly variable depending on the substituents as well as the stereoisomer. Kinetic studies of these molecules have largely been focused on a dicarboxylate ester substituted YND model system. In this project, 6,6’-dimethylfulvene was reacted with methylpropiolate to yield a YND model system with only one ester substituent. Subsequent addition of propanethiol provided a mixture of 3 diastereomers that were separated chromatographically. The kinetics of fragmentation were then studied for each of these diastereomers with the goal of better understanding how differences in the stereoelectronics of YNDs with only one carboxylate ester substituent effect the rates of their fragmentation in relation to the more typical substrates containing two esters. The previous diester YND model system has a half life of 31 minutes at 80 °C, but remarkably, the YND monoester has been found to fragment nearly 3 orders of magnitude slower than the corresponding diester YND system.

[82]: Biosynthesis of a Complex Aromatic Polyketide Using CAPTURE Cloning

Katherine Weckwerth^†★, Katharine Watts

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The increasing threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens has underscored the urgent need for novel antibiotics. Natural products, particularly those produced by actinomycetes, have been a key resource of antibiotics, making their biosynthetic pathways an important target for new drug discovery. TLN-05220, an antibiotic produced by the actinomycete, Micromonospora echinospora has shown minimum inhibitory concentrations similar to those of vancomycin, the current last resort antibiotic for many antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our research aims to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway responsible for TLN-05220 production, particularly focusing on characterizing the tailoring enzymes involved and the polyketide intermediates they act upon. A key target is a complex polyketide intermediate that cannot be synthesized chemically, necessitating its production through heterologous expression of the biosynthetic gene cluster. Due to the GC rich nature of M. echinospora and the large size of the gene cluster, we utilized CAPTURE (Cas12a Assisted Precise Targeted cloning Using in vivo Cre-lox REcombination) cloning to clone a 43,000 base pair segment of our gene cluster from the M. echinospora genome. After successful replication of this partial gene cluster in Escherichia coli, we employed intergeneric conjugation to move the plasmid DNA into a variety of Streptomyces hosts. Expression of the biosynthetic enzymes and production of the polyketide intermediate in Streptomyces hosts will be determined using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

[83]: Free-Thiol Formation using Thiiranes and Alcohols

David Marinez^†★, Sandra Ward^†

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Thiol synthesis often requires multi-step procedures, typically involving putting on a leaving group followed by substitution with a sulfur-containing group like thiourea then finally deprotecting that thiol with a base. This research explores a simplified, one-step approach to thiol formation using thiirane ring opening with a free alcohol nucleophile. In this research, cinnamyl alcohol is employed to directly open a thiirane and generate a terminal free thiol. This method eliminates the need for adding a leaving group, offering a more efficient route to thiol-containing molecules. By minimizing reaction steps and reducing the use of strong nucleophiles or harsh conditions, this technique could broaden the accessibility of thiol-functionalized compounds for use in synthetic and materials chemistry. Optimization of reaction conditions is ongoing.

[84]: Molecular Cloning and Expression of a Ketosynthase-Like Decarboxylase for Analysis of Substrate Preference

Sam Catania^†★, Katharine Watts

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

TLN-05220 (TLN) is a natural product antibiotic produced by several species of Actinobacteria with activity against many antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The biosynthesis of TLN involves a Type 1 Polyketide Synthase (T1PKS), a large modular enzyme complex. Each module in the T1PKS contains multiple catalytic domains, and is responsible for synthesizing part of the polyketide scaffold. The TLN T1PKS contains a ketosynthase-like decarboxylase (KSQ) domain which catalyzes the decarboxylation of a malonyl or methylmalonyl substrate. The TLN KSQ putatively selects for methylmalonyl CoA, but other KSQ domains have been reported with predicted substrates that differ from their experimentally determined preference in vitro. An analysis of this KSQ will give us a better understanding of how the T1PKS contributes to the biosynthesis of TLN. Our goal is to clone the KSQ domain from Micromonospora echinospora (ATCC 15837), an Actinobacteria that produces TLN, and overexpress the enzyme-encoding gene in E. coli to test its biochemical activity. A plasmid containing the KSQ domain was cloned into the pET28a vector for protein overexpression in E. coli using traditional cloning. The acyl carrier protein (ACP) which delivers the substrate to the KSQ was also cloned into pET28a using Gibson Assembly. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) based assay will be used to determine the preference of the KSQ for malonyl or methylmalonyl substrates. Continued investigation of the T1PKS could provide insight into the biosynthesis of TLN-05220 that will help it to become available as an antibiotic.

[85]: Electronic and Steric Effects on UV-Vis Spectra of Dithiocarboxylates

Isabella Towne^1†★, Oz Alkaitis^1†, A.J. Kinsella-Johnson^1†, Alex Ong^1†, Makisig Velasquez^1†, Colin Krock^1†, Mohnish B. Rana^2†, M. Taylor Haynes^1†, Dave Zigler^1†

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

A series of dithiocarboxylate-containing compounds were made and identified using standard chemical characterization in order to evaluate absorbance spectra with computational and experimental results. Substituents were varied within the series to modify electronic and/or steric constraints on the dithiocarboxylate functional group. The effects of these constraints were investigated through experimental spectroscopic features such as vertical excitation energy and spectral broadening. Substituent effects were also evaluated computationally with time-dependent density functional theory coupled with constrained geometry methods to isolate specific structural contributions to spectral broadening and approximate the rotational energy barriers of the dithiocarboxylate group. With both experimental UV-Vis measurements and computational calculations of rotational energy barriers, substituents were concluded to affect the dihedral angle of the ring to the dithiocarboxylate. The results show that steric hindrance and increased electronic donation onto the ring affect the population distribution of dihedral angles in the solution. This study offers a deeper understanding of the dithiocarboxylate salts structure-property relationship.

[86]: Structure Elucidation of Purple Pigments From Micromonospora echinospora

Megan Wong^†★, Katharine Watts

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Micromonospora echinospora ssp. challisenis NRRL 12255 is a dark purple strain of bacteria that has been investigated for its production of TLN-05220, a potent antibiotic that inhibits three pathogens within the therapeutic range of vancomycin. However, the molecules that give M. echinospora its purple color have been less studied. In other genera of pigmented Actinobacteria, terpenes with highly conjugated systems have been shown to be responsible for deep orange and black colors. Based on similar pigmentation and sequence homology between genomes of Micromonospora and other genera of Actinobacteria, we hypothesize the pigments to be terpenes with conjugated double bonds, but with potentially novel structures. To characterize these molecules, we used liquid-liquid extraction of M. echinospora growth and semi-preparative HPLC to isolate those that are potentially novel. In the future, we plan to elucidate their structures through $^1$H and $^{13}$C NMR. By comparing structures of these pigments with those from other genera of Actinobacteria, we hope to learn more about evolutionary relationships between different bacteria and also how these pigments are biosynthesized.

[87]: Evolutionary Approach to the Metal Corrosion Inhibitor Search

Mateo Wolfe^1★, Calvin Smith^2★, Erik Sapper¹

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Polymers and Coatings Science, ^★Speaker

Corrosion of metallic components poses a persistent challenge across many industrial sectors such as the aerospace industry, with global repair costs estimated in the trillions annually. As infrastructure demands increase, the need for highly effective corrosion inhibitors that do not pose a toxic health risk has never been greater. However, identifying new nontoxic inhibitors is complicated by the near-infinite size of chemical space. Exhaustive screening is unfeasible, requiring strategic approaches to navigate this space efficiently. Genetic algorithms offer a solution by iteratively mutating promising candidate molecules, enabling targeted exploration of high-performing regions within chemical space. In this study, we employ an evolutionary pipeline that combines genetic algorithms with quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models to predict and optimize metal corrosion inhibitors with enhanced performance. Electrochemical and traditional corrosion testing methods are utilized to validate results and iteratively retrain the genetic model. This approach aims to accelerate the discovery of safe and effective corrosion inhibitors by offering a scalable framework for next generation material development.

[88]: Using dithiocarboxylate ligands to tune the optoelectronic properties of quantum dots

Isabella A. Landeros^★, Riley Ramos^★, Erin M. Drew^★, Samantha L. Lansky, Varsha Chandrasekaran, Kaitlyn Rockwood, Parvathi Nair, Bella R. Chabot, David F. Zigler, M. Taylor Haynes, Eric M. Jones

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

Cadmium-free QDs using ZnSe or CuInS2 are made more biocompatible through surface functionalization. Here, we show that the optoelectronic properties and solubility of these QDs can be tuned through exchanging their surface ligands with various dithiocarboxylate-containing ligands. Synthesized and surface-modified QDs were sized using dynamic light scattering and electronic spectroscopy. Dithiocarboxylate ligands with polar or ionic substituents increase the quantum dots solubility in aqueous buffers, which served to simulate physiological conditions. Dithiocarboxylate-containing ligands decrease the photoluminescence quantum yield of the quantum dots and early experiments indicate that CuInS2 and ZnSe QDs can catalyze the photodecomposition of dithiocarboxylate-containing ligands, suggesting a coupled pathway. Our surface-functionalization approach shows promise in promoting the compatibility of cadmium free QDs in biologically relevant environments for targeted delivery.

[89]: Light and Brimstone: Photochemistry of Dithiocarboxylates

Karalee Webb^1†★, Elizabeth Manis^2†, Riya Nigudkar^1†, Kelsey Blechen^1†, Reiden Emery^1†, Julia McDonald^1†, David F. Zigler^1†, M. Taylor Haynes^1†

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Contrary to other thiocarbonyl compounds, dithiocarboxylate salts have a high density of low-lying excited electronic states with unknown photochemistry. Dithiocarboxylate solutions were photolyzed using narrow band UV or visible light, with the aim of characterizing the photoproducts and identifying the mechanism of photodecomposition. The photoproducts were characterized with electronic absorption, $^1$H- and $^{13}$C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Quantum yields calculated from UV-Vis data and mass spectrometry of samples throughout an exhaustive photolysis were used to identify plausible mechanistic pathways for this photodecomposition. Evidence supports a photo-redox pathway or subsequent second-order redox reaction is involved.

[90]: Synthetic exploration making aryl-dithiocarboxylate salts

Makisig Velasquez^†★, Colin Krock^†★, M. Taylor Haynes^†, David Zigler^†

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Salts of dithiocarboxylate containing compounds, particularly aryl-dithiocarboxylate salts, are of interest due to the influence of substituent effects on their absorption in the UV-Visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A range of aryl-Grignard reagents were reacted with carbon disulfide (-CS$_2$$^-$) to make a series of aryl-dithiocarboxylates, in which substituent groups affected the steric and electronic interactions between the aryl-ring and -CS$_2$$^-$ functional group. Reaction mixtures and products were characterized by UV-Vis, IR, NMR ($^{13}$C, $^{1}$H, and $^{19}$F), and ESI mass spectroscopy. We present evidence to support our strategies to improve the synthesis of functionalized dithiocarboxylates and insights into targets that are difficult to isolate.

[91]: Thermodynamic Characteristics of OhrR Protein

Leo Lyons^★, Nathan McDevitt^★, Steven Wilkinson

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^★Speaker

OhrR is significant in its role in bacteria, more specifically its involvement in the oxidative stress response that can be caused by the oxidative compounds produced by the immune system. Pathogenic bacteria (eg. X. campestris, M. tuberculosis) use this to detoxify the defensive compounds, undermining the immune system and promoting bacterial survival. This study investigates the thermodynamic properties of the OhrR protein, and more specifically the ?G, ?H, and ?S of unfolding. Using thermal shift assays and fluorescently labeled OhrR protein, a melting point curve was determined, and used to then determine the ?G, ?H, and ?S of unfolding. The melting point curve also gives insight towards the quaternary structure of this target protein, more specifically which subunits undergo denaturation upon thermodynamic stressors. This data helps to define some of the properties and overall stability of the protein, giving broader insight to a current scientific gap in the thermodynamic characterization of bacterial proteins. This further characterization allows a better understanding for future research of this critical protein.

[92]: Developing assays to measure TonB activity in Gram-negative bacteria as a novel approach to urinary tract infection treatment

Sienna Stromberg^1†★, Serena Jenson^2†★, Adam Marin^2†, Alejandra Yep^2†

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major public health concern and a profound women's health issue. They are treated primarily with antibiotics, however, overuse and improper prescription have significantly increased antibiotic resistance, mortality rates, risk of secondary infection, and disruption of the gut microbiome. We are researching an alternative, more targeted therapeutic: small molecule inhibitors that inhibit the TonB system, responsible for powering high-affinity iron acquisition in Gram-negative bacteria, including uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Bacteria require TonB-dependent iron acquisition systems in very low-iron environments like the urinary tract, but can rely on lower-affinity systems in higher iron concentrations such as those found in the intestinal tract. An antibacterial molecule that targets TonB would diminish the negative impact on the gut microbiome. Our previous research has confirmed growth inhibition of UPEC by small molecule inhibitors in low iron media such as MOPS minimal medium. Since the TonB system cannot be isolated for in vitro assays, it is vital to confirm its involvement through multiple indirect assays. We are currently developing a second indirect assay to demonstrate the inhibitory properties of these molecules on a second TonB-dependent process, cobalamin import. The cobalamin assay utilizes a ?metE mutant of UPEC to create dependence on cobalamin import for methionine synthesis. This will indirectly link TonB usage to cell growth which we can measure as optical density in varying concentrations of cobalamin and later in the presence of small molecule inhibitors.

[93]: Variable Effects of Iron Limitation on Biofilm Formation in Uropathogenic Bacteria

Adam Marin^†★, Tania Anand-Kumar^†★, Serena Jenson^†, Sienna Stromberg^†, Alejandra Yep

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused by various uropathogenic bacteria, are one of the leading bacterial infections worldwide. The emergence of multidrug-resistant uropathogenic bacteria has created a need for novel treatment strategies. One new approach developed by our lab utilizes novel small molecule inhibitors targeting the iron scavenging abilities of uropathogenic bacteria. Limiting available iron has a cascade of impacts on several cellular functions, including the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are structures of surface-associated bacterial cells formed by bacterial secretions of polymeric compounds. These biofilms provide resistance to antibiotics and the host immune response. The importance of iron in biofilm formation has been established in some bacteria, but there is little research into the impact of iron availability on biofilm formation in a variety of uropathogenic species. Since biofilms play an important role in uropathogen virulence, we want to develop an understanding of the effect of iron availability on biofilm formation. Our findings showed that limiting iron had a variable effect on biofilm formation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[94]: Investigating Glycogen Impact on Virulence Factors in Uropathogenic E. coli CFT073 via Single-Gene Mutations

Lily Crook^†★, Lucia Mendoza^†★, Gabriella Gathman^†★, Alejandra Yep

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect more than 50% of women and are initiated when bacteria normally residing in the digestive tract ascend through the urethra and colonize the bladder. Up to 90% of uncomplicated UTIs are caused by certain uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. The urinary tract is a notoriously poor environment for bacterial growth, especially compared to the digestive tract where E. coli normally resides, and significant contributing factors to uropathogenicity are the ability to acquire nutrients such as iron, and to shift metabolic pathways of carbon utilization. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide composed of glucose units. E. coli cells can accumulate glycogen in granules upon entry into stationary phase or when growth is inhibited by lack of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphate but there is excess carbon present. Little is known about how the ability to accumulate glycogen may contribute to pathogenicity. Our lab has found that E. coli strains that are able to accumulate glycogen have a growth advantage when transferred to nutrient-poor media like urine, increasing their likelihood of successfully colonizing the urinary tract. We will generate mutant strains in the glycogen synthesis and utilization pathways of the model uropathogenic E. coli CFT073 to study their impact on uropathogenesis. We will additionally examine the role of glycogen utilization in successful growth in poor media such as artificial urine, MOPS, M9, and others, while evaluating the efficacy of a quantitative liquid iodine staining glycogen assay. This research will contribute to the growing body of literature on how bacterial carbon metabolism can contribute to virulence.

[95]: Investigating the potential adverse effects of farm work on UTI Incidence

Angelina Peralta^1†★, Kamille Peralta^2★, Yesenia Ceja^1†★, Alejandra Yep^1†, Suzanne Phelan²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common outpatient infection in the United States, impacting more than half of women. Uncomplicated UTIs commonly occur when bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal tract ascend the urethra and colonize the bladder, causing pain and discomfort when urinating. Despite extensive research on the pathogenesis of UTIs there is a lack of research on uncomplicated UTI transmission and acquisition. In particular, it is unclear whether UTIs can be acquired from the environment and transmitted among humans. In addition to this, little is known about occupational risk hazards for UTIs. Many factors including dehydration, lack of access to restrooms, infrequent urination, and long work shifts have been linked to higher UTI incidence. It has been reported that farm workers are at an increased risk for UTIs but there is insufficient research on UTI-causing bacteria in farm-working populations. We are collaborating with Dr. Suzanne Phelan and the Mobile Health Unit (MHU), which travels to Santa Maria and Guadalupe to provide free medical services to uninsured women, to study farm-working and non-farm working patients, and to assess occupational risk hazards for UTIs. We have created a multilingual survey to assess work hours, access to water and restrooms, etc. We are currently collecting urinary samples from patients with and without UTI symptoms. In addition, we will test for antibiotic resistance, and preserve samples for future metabolomic and metagenomic analysis. We expect to isolate uropathogenic strains circulating in this population and identify occupational risk hazards that put farm workers at risk for UTIs, as well as identify and assess antibiotic resistance of currently circulating UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria strains.

[96]: Characterization of Bacterial Strains Found in the Urinary Tract of Women

Yesenia Ceja^1†★, Kamille Peralta^2★, Angelina Peralta^1†★, Alejandra Yep¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very prevalent, impacting more than half of women. Uncomplicated UTIs commonly occur when bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract travel up the urethra and into the bladder causing pain and discomfort when urinating. It has been reported that farm workers are at an increased risk for UTIs but there is insufficient research on UTI-causing bacteria in farm-working populations. We aim to address this need by collecting urine samples from both farm working and non-farm working women attending the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in Santa Maria and Guadalupe. Samples have been streaked on various differential and/or selective media such as blood agar, MacConkey agar, EMB agar, and HardyChrom agar to characterize isolated bacteria. Gram stains and capsule stains are being performed to identify bacterial morphology. Collecting samples from patients with and without UTI symptoms, we have isolated a total of 7 urinary strains. We are utilizing Biolog MicroPlates protocol A to assess carbohydrate metabolism and identify the species based on biochemical data. We are also testing for antibiotic resistance using E-TEST strips to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to multiple commonly used antibiotics. This project aims to identify and characterize UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria strains currently circulating in the local farm working population.

[97]: The Efflux of Surfactants as a Potential Mechanism for the Motility of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Sophia Brooks^★, Kelsey Cliburn^†★, Brooke Imamoto^★, Jean Paclibare^★, Jin Ko^†★, Alejandra Yep^★

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

The bacterial movements swimming and swarming are powered by flagella and the proton-motive force. Swimming is individual bacterial movement in liquids while swarming is coordinated movement across solid media. Various uropathogenic microbes are capable of swarming, a virulence factor in catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The uropathogenic strain Escherichia coli CFT073 is capable of both swimming and swarming. The CFT073 ?tolC mutant lacking the main outer membrane efflux pump can swim, but loses swarming capability. We hypothesize that TolC is required to secrete a substance that helps in swarming such as a surfactant. To elucidate the reason for the phenotype observed in ?tolC, the detergent Triton X-100, was added to swarming media. Swarming agar plates were inoculated with 5?L of an overnight culture (30°C, 24 hr), using WT and ?tolC mutants. Results showed that increasing the concentration of Triton X-100 allowed CFT073 ?tolC to initiate swarming. The swarming area increased until 0.01% Triton X-100, at which point swarming was arrested. We are currently testing the effects of the surfactant on WT. Literature review revealed that the deletion of MacA, a periplasmic membrane fusion protein functioning in the transport of macrolide antibiotics, leads to a negative swarming phenotype. MacA interacts with TolC for efflux. Since knockout mutations of each of these proteins resulted in the loss of swarming, we hypothesized that they are essential in the efflux of a swarming-related molecule. Colanic acid was recently found in the literature as a surfactant for E. coli. We hypothesize that colanic acid is being transported and effluxed through the MacAB-TolC complex. In future experiments, we plan on creating a MacA deletion and running similar tests to further understand the mechanisms underlying swarming motility.

[98]: Variant Analysis of Biocide Adapted Strains to Identify Potential Genes Involved in Antibiotic Cross-Resistance

Christopher Dahl^1★, Kamille Peralta^2★, Angelina Peralta^1†★, Yesenia Ceja^1†★, Julia Johnson^1†, Jacqueline Pickel^3†, Alejandra Yep¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ³ Nutrition, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing modern public health threats. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates AMR contributed to 4.95 million deaths in 2019 and the World Bank estimates $1trillion additional healthcare costs due to AMR by 2050. Emergence of AMR as a result of misuse and overuse of antibiotics is well studied, yet the contribution of biocide exposure via cross-resistance mechanisms remains understudied. We adapted commensal and uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli to three widely used food preservatives on solid and liquid media. We confirmed stability of adaptation and quantified susceptibility to the food preservative in an adapted MIC assay. From this series of adaptations, we identified five isolates with sustained resistance to their subsequent biocide. Adapted isolates were then tested in MICs against an antibiotic panel, from which two isolates showed increased resistance to multiple antibiotics. These isolates exhibiting cross-resistance to antibiotics were sent out for genome sequencing to identify mutations, and we are currently in the process of finding Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) through variant calling analysis. The variant analysis done through snippy in Galaxy allowed us to identify a few key SNPs that could potentially modify pathways that could contribute to the antibiotic cross-resistance found in our samples. The most promising variants found were to the malX and acrF genes which encode for transporters which are known pathways for antibacterials.

[99]: Impact of Iron Availability on the Motility of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Emma Boykova^★, Sophia Brooks^★, Kelsey Cliburn^†★, Brooke Imamoto^★, Jean Paclibare^★, Jin Ko^†★, Alejandra Yep^★

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), commonly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), involve bacterial motility as a virulence factor. Swimming and swarming are flagella-driven types of motility, with swarming being collective movement on solid surfaces. A ?tolC mutant of the model uropathogenic strain CFT073 lacking the main outer efflux pump loses the ability to swarm, but retains the ability to swim. TonB, part of the TonB-ExbBD complex, energizes iron uptake via outer membrane receptors. Interestingly, the double mutant CFT073 ?tonB/?tolC can swim and swarm, similar to the WT strain. Given that iron deprivation increases swimming motility and ?tonB lacks the ability to import iron, we hypothesized that iron limitation influences swarming motility in UPEC. To test this, we tested swarming motility under standard conditions compared with added iron and reduced iron on the WT strain of UPEC strain CFT073. Swarming agar plates were inoculated with 5?L of an overnight culture (30°C, 24 hr). Results showed that added iron decreased the swarming area of the WT strain, while increasing dipyridyl (DIP, iron chelator) concentration correlated with increased swarming area. This trend reached a threshold at 600?M DIP, where swarming was arrested. We also tested swarming motility of CFT073 ?tolC under standard conditions with added iron and reduced iron using the same protocol. CFT073 ?tolC inoculated on swarming agar with no added iron displayed no swarming motility after 24 hours. Similarly, increasing or reducing iron availability through added Fe or DIP did not affect this phenotype. We are currently assessing E. coli CFT073 ?tonB and ?tolC/?tonB to investigate how their swarming phenotypes are affected. Our results indicate that iron availability has a similar impact on swarming and swimming motility, with iron depletion resulting in increased motility.

[100]: Long-Read Direct RNA Sequencing for the Transcriptome Assembly of the Marine Invertebrate, Botrylloides violaceus

Claire Nodine^1†★, Lauren Anderson^2†★, Alexa Gutu^2†★, Jack Poole^2†★, Sofia Muñiz^2†, Liane Wong^2†, Kamran Bastani³, Shawheen Ghezavat³, Jean Davidson^2†, Elena Keeling^2†

¹ Department of Biomedical Engineering, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ³ Department of Computer Science, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

This study applies Oxford Nanopore Technology's (ONT) direct RNA sequencing (dRNA-seq) to generate a draft transcriptome for Botrylloides violaceus, a non-model organism. B. violaceus is a marine invertebrate known for its ability to undergo whole-body regeneration (WBR), a process by which an entire colony can regenerate from stem cells within its blood vessels. RNA was isolated from B. violaceus colonies and prepared for direct sequencing, resulting in a transcriptome – a compilation of genes expressed in the organism at the time of RNA extraction. A pipeline was developed to assign read data to specific nucleotides and perform quality control steps before reference-free assembly. The transcriptome assembly was aligned to a B. violaceus hybrid genome developed by previous students. This transcriptome was then annotated, analyzed, and quantified in order to explore gene expression levels and functional characterization of gene pathways. These findings highlight the efficacy of ONT dRNA-seq for the creation of a transcriptome, even in non-model organisms with only a draft genome.

[101]: Investigating acute stress effects on skeletal muscle myogenesis pathways in black rockfish

Julianne Santos^★§, Eva Claussen^§, Sean C. Lema^§

Department of Biological Sciences, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Elevated cortisol affects somatic growth in teleost fishes, potentially through its impact on skeletal muscle growth. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored the effects of stress-induced cortisol on skeletal muscle myogenesis and muscle atrophy gene expression pathways in black rockfish (Sebastes melanops). Juvenile rockfish, fed either restricted (0.5% ration: 0.5% dry feed mass per fish mass per day) or ad libitum (6% ration) diets for 56 days, were sampled in ‘baseline’ pre-stressor conditions or 70 minutes post-stressor (netting and handling) after the initial netting for ‘stressed’ condition measure. Rockfish on the restricted diet failed to increase in body mass, confirming that the ration was insufficient for positive growth. Food-restricted fish exhibited elevated muscle mRNA levels of myostatin1, which negatively regulates muscle growth, and fbxo32, a gene linked to proteasomal degradation and muscle atrophy. In ad libitum-fed fish, muscle fbxo32 expression increased following acute stress, suggesting that cortisol's effect on muscle atrophy pathways may depend on prior feeding status. This study highlights how feeding regimes and stress responses interact to influence muscle growth and atrophy in teleost fishes, offering insights into cortisol's role in growth regulation.

[102]: Modeling the Baseline Metabolic Needs of Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) Based on Reproductive Status

Emma Reardon^1†★, Nicole Yee^2†★, Trevor Ruiz², Haley Moniz¹, Emily Taylor¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Ectotherms subject to harsh seasons potentially benefit from energy savings during winter inactivity. Rattlesnake reproductive frequency is primarily determined by available energy, and thus sources of energy conservation are a critical consideration for explaining the accelerated reproductive frequency of our study population. To test the hypothesis that the reduced energy expenditure female rattlesnakes experience during winters could result in beneficial savings in annual energy budgets, we investigated how reproductive status and winter inactivity periods impact the standard metabolic rates (SMR) of female Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis). We collected continuous body temperatures of pregnant and non-pregnant snakes from a population of C. viridis at a high-elevation site in Colorado and estimated their SMRs using temperature and mass data. Maintenance energy requirements of pregnant females were estimated to be 1.94 times higher than those of nonpregnant females (90% CI: 1.71-2.14), with pregnant females requiring an estimated 1149 kJ (90% CI: 990-1300) versus 594 kJ (90% CI: 573-615) required for non-pregnant females. We modeled reductions in the inactivity period to simulate potential effects of future climate change. Each week of modeled high temperatures increased energy requirements by 14.39 kJ, supporting the hypothesis that extended winters are beneficial to energy budgets.

[103]: Investigating antibacterial properties of neutrophil-derived small extracellular vesicles

Elizabeth Manis^★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Neutrophils are white blood cells that play an important role in staphylococcal infections. Our lab is interested in neutrophil extracellular vesicles (EVs), small nanoparticles that are released from cells and function intracellularly in many cell types. EVs are heterogenous, and their function can depend on the status of the parent cell, the mode of biogenesis, and other factors. Recently, EVs have been categorized into two groups: large and small. Large EVs isolated from neutrophils after bacterial challenge are antibacterial, but whether small EVs possess this function is unknown. To determine whether small EVs are bactericidal or bacteriostatic, we first isolated EVs via differential centrifugation from differentiated neutrophil-like HL-60 cells that were challenged with S. aureus. After characterization, EVs were mixed with naïve S. aureus, and growth was monitored by a plate-based assay and by recovery of colony-forming units. When EVs were mixed with naïve S. aureus, we observed a significant increase in growth over time. However, these EVs are known to associate with a small fraction of the initial S. aureus inoculum, and so this might contribute to the increased growth. To determine the effect of EVs themselves on bacterial growth, we isolated sterile EVs through filtration. Proteomic analysis of filtered EV subsets from human neutrophils showed that antibacterial proteins were enriched, including components of the membrane attack complex. Furthermore, a preliminary experiment with filtered HL-60-EVs showed that they reduced S. aureus growth over time. Based on these data, future experiments will investigate the antibacterial activity of small EVs against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

[104]: Antibiotic Sensitivity of Diacetyl-Adapted Escherichia coli

Audrey Reynolds^†★, Grace Percer^†★, Abby Lam^†★, Jennifer VanderKelen^†

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health. Resistance arises because the rapid reproduction rate of bacteria and inherent errors in DNA replication increase the chances of a bacterial cell experiencing an adaptive mutation to a new selective pressure like an antibiotic. Subsequent growth of that cell leads to an antibiotic-resistant population. This experiment tests whether Escherichia coli strains that have been desensitized to the food preservative diacetyl will also be less sensitive to antibiotics, which is known as cross-resistance. Diacetyl-adapted E. coli strains were selected via sequential exposure to increasing concentrations of the biocide. Then, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed to test whether diacetyl-adapted strains were resistant to several antibiotics. Several adapted E. coli strains demonstrated reduced sensitivity to at least one of the antibiotics either with a higher MIC or increased growth in the sub-MIC well when compared to the wild-type E. coli strain. This suggests that adaptation to diacetyl can cause some level of cross-resistance to antibiotics. Further steps involve sequencing the adapted strains to find a common mechanism that allows for resistance. This is an important area of research due to the widespread use of food preservatives and their potential role in antibiotic cross-resistance.

[105]: Applying advanced tools to enhance the temporal and spatial monitoring of phytoplankton

Ben Marshburn^★§, Nick Soares^★, Mackenzie Caffo^★§, Ryan Tieu^★, Alexis Pasulka^§

Department of Biological Sciences, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Phytoplankton play a critical role in marine food webs and the global carbon cycle. However, under certain conditions, some species can form harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can have significant environmental and economic impacts. Advancements in Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) technology are improving the monitoring of phytoplankton and HAB events along the California coastline. However, the high cost of IFC systems has limited the widespread use of this technology, making it difficult to scale monitoring efforts. Lucendi has created the Aqusens, an affordable IFC, and is currently developing AI networks to automatically detect HAB species. This project focuses on testing and validating the Aqusens software as well as manually labeling phytoplankton species to generate training data sets needed for network development. The long-term goal is to extend the HAB monitoring network along the California coast to improve early detection and response to HAB events.

[106]: Effect of Phosphate Removal on Algal Growth

Maria Shea^1★, Breanne Evans^2★, Elena Keeling¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Physics, ^★Speaker

Algae growth is one of the most persistent maintenance issues in pool systems, often resulting in poor water quality and increased chemical usage. Since phosphate is a key nutrient that promotes algal growth, phosphate removal is a strategy for managing this problem. PhosLocker is a commercial product designed to inhibit algal growth by removing phosphate from pool water. Unlike competing products, PhosLocker does not cause a noticeable increase in water turbidity or leave a cloudy white precipitate. This project tests the growth of algae in the presence of PhosLocker, as well as tracking changes in chlorine and turbidity levels over time. Chlorine demand is measured to evaluate how the presence of algae affects disinfectant levels, and turbidity is recorded to confirm PhosLocker’s clarity advantage compared to other phosphate removers. By evaluating algal growth, chlorine stability, and water clarity, this study provides insight into the practical benefits of PhosLocker’s as a pool maintenance solution.

[107]: Automated Sample Retrieval System (ASRS) for Phytoplankton Monitoring

Emma Lucke^1★, Jack Anderson^1★, Danny Guiterrez¹, Deeba Khosravi¹, Jorge Ramirez¹, Rob Brewster², Alexis Pasulka³

¹ Computer Engineering, ² Bailey College of Science and Math, ³ Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Phytoplankton play a critical role in marine ecosystems, making continuous monitoring essential for understanding ecosystem health and detecting harmful algal blooms (HABs). Recent advances in imaging flow cytometry (IFC) have improved monitoring capabilities by enabling rapid analysis of phytoplankton species, including HABs. However, integrating IFC measurements to the Cal Poly Pier monitoring efforts poses logistical challenges due to the harsh environmental conditions, the separation between surface waters and access to power, and the need for easy access to the IFC system. To overcome these sampling challenges, we developed an automated system that interfaces with an IFC to streamline the collection, processing, and flushing of water samples. The Automated Sample Retrieval System (ASRS) operates continuously and autonomously, using filtered water for self-cleaning to prevent biofouling from ocean exposure. This integrated approach, combined with imaging flow cytometry, will enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of phytoplankton data collection from the ocean surface at the Cal Poly Pier.

[108]: Genomic Exploration of the Regenerative Non-model Organism Botrylloides violaceus

Sofia Muniz^1†★, Liane Wong^1†★, Kamran Bastani^2★, Elena Keeling^1†, Borislav Hristov²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Computer Science and Software Engineering, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Advances in genome sequencing have made it possible to study the genetic landscape of a wide range of animals, including those with unique biological traits. In this project, we explore the genome of Botrylloides violaceus, a marine colonial ascidian capable of whole-body regeneration. The first subproject examines short conserved DNA sequences, known as motifs, that serve as binding sites for transcription factors, proteins that help turn genes on or off. We scanned the B. violaceus genome for motifs linked to known regeneration-related genes and pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, and mapped their locations relative to the annotated genome. This approach allowed us to identify candidate genes near these regulatory sequences that may play a role during regeneration. The second subproject looks for very small genes that may have been missed in earlier analyses, some as short as a few dozen amino acids. While tiny proteins like these have recently been found in humans, they remain largely unexplored in other animals. We used a simple gene-finding approach that looks for patterns indicating possible coding regions, and applied machine learning and protein-folding tools to predict which sequences are likely to produce real, functional proteins. Together, these two approaches help us investigate the genome of an understudied animal.

[109]: RattlEd about Snakes: Measuring the impact of elementary science curriculum through qualitative data analysis

Joy Turkstra^1†★, Ariel Bigelow-Gee^1†★, Owen Bachhuber², Max Roberts², Jasmine Nation¹, Emily Taylor²

¹ Department of Liberal Studies, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Rattlesnakes are misunderstood animals, which leads to conflicts that endanger snakes and people. However, learning about rattlesnakes at a young age can instill appreciation and respect for them. Project RattleCam livestreams 24/7 footage of a Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) den where hundreds of rattlesnakes give birth to and care for their babies. This unique glimpse into the lives of wild snakes allows viewers to observe and learn alongside researchers while developing empathy for snakes. Our project, RattlEd, aims to extend this experience to elementary school students through an innovative 8-day curriculum using observational, collaborative, and hands-on learning approaches. We measured student perceptions before and after the unit using drawings, writing prompts, and Likert-style questions. We used the qualitative data analysis platform ATLAS.ti to extract the themes and sentiments expressed in the students’ drawing captions. By implementing this curriculum, we aim to provide observation-based knowledge and improve student perceptions of rattlesnakes. All RattlEd lesson plans, teaching materials, and science notebook activities are available at RattleCam.org. We hope that our curriculum will serve as a model of fostering empathy for wildlife in science classroom.

[110]: Influence of seaweed effluent on Olympia oyster larvae

Mia Muzquiz^1★, Clare Beezhold^2★, Shannon Baldwin¹, Tatum Schnider¹, John Paneno¹, Kevin Johnson¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Environmental Management and Protection, ^★Speaker

The Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) is the only native oyster to the US West Coast and is a species of interest for restoration. Within estuaries with heavily depleted populations like Morro Bay, CA, aquaculture practices can be used to produce individuals. Previous work at the Cal Poly Pier has found intermittent failure of larvae due to low pH conditions that impact shell formation of oyster larvae. In fact, the culture of all oyster larvae has been found to be highly sensitive to ocean pH levels. In this study, we have tested one potential mechanism for limiting the impacts of low pH water by culturing seaweeds and using the water from those cultures to rear Olympia oyster larvae in static tanks. We conducted a series of trials that cultured larvae at either 21?C or 24?C in both seaweed effluent seawater or untreated seaweater. Our results found seaweed effectively buffered seawater, but the influence of this water on larval growth was not significant. Continuing work is now evaluating the use of flow through culture systems to evaluate if there are added benefits when not raised in static cultures.

[111]: Effects of acute stress on liver insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1) pathways in black rockfish

Eva Claussen^★§, Julianne Santos, Sean Lema

Department of Biological Sciences, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Elevated levels of cortisol is known to contribute to reduced growth in stressed fishes, however the mechanisms by which cortisol exerts immediate growth-inhibiting effects are not fully clear. Somatic growth in fishes and other vertebrates is controlled by several hormones including insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1). Here, we examined how acute stress affects different Igf1 pathways in black rockfish (Sebastes melanops), a nearshore marine groundfish. Rockfish were kept and fed for 56 days under two feeding amounts: an ad lib food ration (6% dry feed mass per fish mass per day), or a restricted feed ration (0.5% feed mass). Fish in both feeding groups were then either sampled directly from their tanks (baseline, pre-stressor treatment), or netted and handled, returned to their tank, and then sampled 70 min after initial netting (stressed treatment). Rockfish within the restricted food group exhibited slower mass-specific growth, lower body condition, and reduced liver hepatosomatic index (HSI) values. While liver transcript abundance of the igf1 gene was unaffected by food availability or acute stress, gene expression for the Igf1 binding protein (Igfbp) igfbp1a was elevated in the liver of fish experiencing restricted food rations. Liver igfbp1a mRNA levels also increased after the acute handling stress in both food ration groups. Igfbp1a is thought to have inhibitory effects on Igf1 action. These findings thus suggest that shifts in inhibitory Igfbp expression may play a role in modulating Igf1 regulation of somatic growth following acute stressor exposure.

[112]: Nuestra Ciencia: How Does Teaching in Spanish about Beneficial and Harmful Microbes Impact Elementary Students?

Biana Cruz^1★, Xavier Aguilar^1★, Ariela Rugendorf^2★, Alexi Ringler^3★, Victoria Lancaster^4★, Kali Rye^4★, Aylin Fernandez^5★, Stephanie Mendez^5★, Yesenia Ceja^5★, Jasmine Nation^1★, Alejandra Yep^5★, Perla Ramos Carranza^1★

¹ Department of Liberal Studies, ² Nutrition Science, ³ Computer Science, ⁴ Spanish, ⁵ Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

We describe the university-school partnership Nuestra Ciencia, which tackles two parallel sets of challenges: 1) recruitment and retention of Latinx into STEM professions, and 2) microbiology misconceptions, such as the distinction between beneficial and harmful microbes and preventing food contamination. Nuestra Ciencia addresses both, as we develop engaging experiments for elementary school students that illustrate microbiology concepts by hosting field trips and lead experiments in Spanish. In this poster, we outline the program's background, goals and components, activities developed, potential impact, and lessons learned. Our research questions include what are elementary students' microbiology preconceptions, their relevant ideas from everyday life, what are elementary and undergraduate students' attitudes towards science and scientists, as well as whether participation in Nuestra Ciencia impacts those preconceptions and attitudes. In 2024-25, we developed and taught lessons for grades 4-6 related to cross-contamination and the use of microbial fermentation in food preparation through interactive, hands-on activities. In the activity “Sr. Levadura” (‘Mr. Yeast’), students explored variables linked to ideal yeast growth and carbon dioxide production, experimenting with nutritional source, temperature, pH, and water. We helped students understand that microbes are living organisms that can have both positive and negative effects during food preparation. We have developed and piloted these lessons for 265 bilingual 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students visiting the Learn by Doing Lab from 5 schools throughout Santa Barbara County.

[113]: Depth-Resolved Molecular Characterization of Phytoplankton Community Structure from a Monthly Time Series at the Cal Poly Pier

Lucy Nelson^†★§, Alexis Pasulka

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Molecular characterization of phytoplankton community structure offers valuable insights into taxonomic diversity and relative abundance. Compared to traditional light microscopy, molecular sequencing provides a more comprehensive view of community composition, capturing pico- and nanoplankton, soft-bodied cells, and heterotrophic flagellates. Additionally, this study incorporates depth-resolved sampling, observing subsurface dynamics missed by other local monitoring projects. Monthly samples were collected at three depths off the Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach, CA. After collection, samples underwent filtration, DNA extraction and quantification, amplification of 18S and 16S rDNA regions, and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis facilitated comparisons of diversity and relative abundance across and between taxonomic groups. Depth comparisons captured the presence, composition, and stratification of phytoplankton blooms. Characterizing phytoplankton community structure, particularly in consideration of harmful algal bloom-forming species, has important implications for ecology as well as the management of commercial and recreational marine activities.

[114]: Exploring Foot Structure and Clinical Relevance Through Dissection

Graham Griswold^1★, Audrey Bartels^2★, Michael Jones²

¹ Nutrition Science, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

In describing movement at the pedal region, undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses often study leg muscles that act on the foot but neglect intrinsic muscles involved in arch stability and gait. The objective of this experiential senior project was to gain a comprehensive understanding of structural and functional components of the pedal region via human cadaveric dissection and primary literature review on biomechanics and pathology. Dissection was conducted on a male cadaver in prone and supine position, with a plantar dissection of the left foot and a dorsal dissection of the right foot. Muscles and ligaments of the dorsal and plantar regions, tendons inserting on the foot, and neurovascular structures were revealed. The primary literature review examined biomechanics and pathophysiology, including arch abnormalities and lateral ankle sprains. As pre-health students, this study provided insight into the importance of considering human anatomy as an integrated whole, as compartmentalized analysis risks overlooking the cascading effects that even minor structural abnormalities can exert on the body's function and form.

[115]: Polyhydroxybutyrate Degradation in Marine Bacteria

Michelle Siu^†★, Moira Crehan^†★, Jennifer Vanderkelen^†

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer produced by some microbes in response to excess energy sources. This polymer is biodegradable via bacterial PHB depolymerases, making it a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The project aims to analyze PHB depolymerase activity in unknown marine bacteria strains. More specifically, the focus is to determine the factors that inhibit or promote PHB depolymerase activity in the presence of PHB and other carbon sources (fructose and dextrose). The research project involves microbial characterization of unknown bacteria, quantifying colony forming units, and performing PHB depolymerase rate assays (PDRA). In PDRA tests, bacteria are grown on opaque PHB-containing agar plates with different concentrations of sugars (0-2%). Depolymerase activity creates a clearing in the agar around the bacterial colonies; halo and colony sizes are measured and compared to determine PHB depolymerase activity under various conditions. Our research shows that different concentrations of additional carbon sources can inhibit or show little effect on PHB depolymerase activity.

[116]: The Role of Identity-Based and Cultural Organizations in the Persistence of Latinx Aspiring Teachers at Cal Poly

Xavier Aguilar^1★, Isabella Contreras^1★, Citlali Luna^2★, Dayana Limon Santiago^3★, Perla Ramos Carranza^1★

¹ Department of Liberal Studies, ² Psychology, ³ Agriculture Sciences, ^★Speaker

Our research looks at the experience of Latinx undergraduate alumni who were involved in cultural organizations at Cal Poly, like Nuestra Ciencia and Educators of Color Club. We aim to understand how the experience of Latinx undergraduate alumni in cultural organizations shaped their aspirations to become teachers and their persistence in continuing in the teaching field. We have conducted a 1-hour interview and demographic survey with six undergraduate alumni and aim to conduct a total of 20 interviews. The interview includes questions about participants’ experience with cultural organizations at Cal Poly, their sense of belonging at Cal Poly, and their career aspirations. Our research team will conduct a thematic analysis on the interviews using the qualitative coding software called MAXQDA. During the analysis process, we will ensure trustworthiness through peer debriefing and member checking. This research addresses issues in the education field of recruiting and retaining Latinx teachers into the workforce as they face challenges to their persistence. We seek to address this issue through supporting the development of spaces at higher education institutions that empower Latinx aspiring teachers to thrive. This issue is especially important to address at Cal Poly as an emerging Hispanic-serving institution that strives to foster the sense of belonging and academic retention of Latinx students.

[117]: Third wheel, but still a big deal: how mating fish respond to a conspecific audience

Lena Kimura^†★, Samantha M. West, Gita R. Kolluru^†

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Social animals do not interact just in pairs, but rather as part of a social network of conspecifics. Thus, mating behavior is liable to vary depending on who is watching (“audience effect”), because the audience may be a potential rival or mate to the focal animal. Girardinus metallicus is a livebearing fish that exhibits sexual polymorphism: plain morph males are drab and sneak copulate whereas black morph males are colorful and court females. We investigated how audience type influences the behavior of a mating pair (one female and one black morph), and their reactions to the audience. Focal males had greater mating success with black morph audiences than plain morph audiences, and associated with black morph audiences more than plain morph audiences. This suggests black morphs perceive other black morphs as a greater threat of competition. Females associated more with female audiences, presumably to shoal and avoid mating harassment, whereas males associated equally with female and black morph audiences (representing potential mates and rivals, respectively). Ours is among the first studies to investigate audience effects in a sexually polymorphic species, and emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of social networks on adaptive animal behavior.

[118]: Community drug checking: A harm reduction pathway to safer drug use through a pilot program in SLO County

Brooke Imamoto^★, Jenn Bartenetti, Lois Petty, Candace Winstead

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Drug checking is a harm reduction method that helps people who use drugs (PWUD) identify harmful contaminants in their drugs, as well as a public health strategy to monitor the local drug supply. This pilot study aims to understand the illicit drug supply in San Luis Obispo County at the syringe services program, SLO Bangers. We collected 97 used syringes and 37 samples from program participants. Samples were analyzed using seven different test strips (immunoassay) and direct analysis in real time mass spectroscopy (DART-MS) by the Rapid Drug Analysis and Research (RaDAR) group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Because fentanyl unexpectedly appearing in methamphetamine can lead to overdose, this is important information for participants. Among all syringe samples, 67.0% contained methamphetamine, 8.2% contained fentanyl, and only 1.0% contained both. The five samples sold as methamphetamine were uncontaminated and not mixed with other detectable substances. An additional concern is the presence of xylazine, a veterinary sedative, mixed in fentanyl or other substances. Xylazine was not found in syringe samples. Of the participant samples sold as fentanyl, 26.9% contained xylazine. One sample sold as heroin contained xylazine. The relatively high frequency of xylazine in fentanyl is important data for empowering PWUD to make informed choices. Drug checking can also reveal new trends in the drug supply. Using DART-MS, we detected Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS), a potentially harmful and unexpected chemical, in four participant samples and one syringe sample. Future studies involve quantitation of confirmatory samples as well as detailed analyses of sensitivity and specificity of different test strip brands.

[119]: The Effect of Sirtuins on Respiration Rates in Mussel Gill Tissue

Rayne Lejano^1★§, Daniel Cianchetti^2★§, Lars Tomanek^2§

¹ Marine Science, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Nearly all of the abiotic stresses, including temperature, hypoxia, osmotic and pH stress, increase the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), in part causing damage to macromolecular cellular structures. Mitochondria have an antioxidant system in which superoxide anion will counteract ROS production during respiration within the inner membrane and matrix. Sirtuins are NAD?-dependent signaling proteins that regulate metabolic processes and are involved in critical cellular functions like respiration, transcription, and stress response. They have a conserved structure across species and help combat oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant enzyme pathways. Sirtuins are a group of seven proteins (SIRT1–SIRT7) that function in different parts of the cell, including the nucleus, cytosol, mitochondria, and nucleolus. They perform various enzymatic activities such as deacetylation, targeting proteins involved in metabolism, stress response, and gene expression. Each sirtuin has distinct roles, influencing pathways through specific targets. We used mussels (Mytilus californicus) as they reside within the intertidal zone and face diverse environmental stresses, and heat-induced oxidative stress which is linked to increased superoxide levels and sirtuin activity which make them perfect experimental units to test the effects of different localized sirtuins on respiration rates. In order to test the effects. We gathered the gill tissue from the mussels in which they were exposed to different protein inhibitors to make which they were examined using a microplate respirometer to record the O2 concentration within the wells to see the varying effect.

[120]: Nurturing Connection: Observing Changes in Maternal-Infant Feeding Interactions Between Two and Five Months

Jaymie Louie^1★, Sarah Williams^2★, Alison Ventura²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^★Speaker

Early infant development is shaped by the rapid growth in emotional connection between mother and infant, as well as the mother’s sensitivity to infant cues. By 5 months of age, infants typically demonstrate increased expression, awareness, and interaction with the mother during feeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the quality of the maternal-infant relationship changes between infants at 2 and 5 months of age. Mother-infant dyads (n = 32) participated in feeding observations via Zoom when infants were 2 months and 5 months of age. During the observations, mothers were instructed to breast- or bottle-feed their infant as they typically would at home. Video records were later coded by trained undergraduate research assistants to assess maternal and infant contributions to the feeding interactions, including maternal attention to the infant, sensitivity to infant cues, responsiveness to infant distress, and engagement of the infant in socioemotional and cognitive growth fostering, and infant clarity of cues and responsiveness to the mother. Several aspects of mother-infant interaction quality were stable between 2 and 5 months, including maternal attention (p = 0.93), sensitivity to infant cues (p = 0.43), socioemotional growth fostering (p = 0.31). However, between 2 and 5 months, mothers were significantly less responsive to their infants’ distress (p < 0.001) but engaged their infant with more cognitive growth fostering experiences (p < 0.0001). In addition, infants exhibited increases in their clarity of infant cues (p < 0.01) and responsiveness to their mothers (p < 0.01). These findings emphasize the complex nature of early maternal-infant interactions and highlight the value of fostering positive infant development during the formative 2-to-5-month period.

[121]: Streamlining Cell-Free Autoinduction for Protein Synthesis in the E. coli T7 Shuffle Strain

Larissa Firmansyah^1†★, Bella Delmundo^2†★, Liam Kennelly^3†★, Chris Falcon^3†★, Javin Oza^3†

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Engineering, ³ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a powerful tool in synthetic biology, enabling controlled protein expression without the use of living cells. However, preparation of the necessary cell extract remains a technical barrier for new users due to its complexity, hands-on requirements, and researcher oversight. To combat this, we have simplified cell-extract preparation workflow through the use of our own CFAI (cell-free autoinduction) media. Utilizing E. coli strain BL21—a cost-effective and widely used host for protein expression—we demonstrate an efficient and user-friendly protocol for extract preparation. Additionally, through utilization of BL21*DE3, a derivative of BL21, further optimization to the recombinant protein expression environment occurs due to the removal of proteases in the cytoplasm and outer membrane. While we have seen great success with CFAI media on BL21, a consequence of its reducing cellular environment means it cannot support disulfide bond formation; this in turn prohibits the synthesis of larger protein structures, such as antibody fragments. With the successful expression of protein synthesis on BL21 strains we are aiming to expand the range and capabilities of our CFAI procedure to produce therapeutics by utilizing CFAI media with another strain of E. coli capable of oxidizing environments, the T7 Shuffle strain.

[122]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Human Articular System: A Comprehensive Study of Shoulder and Hip Joint Anatomy and Associated Conditions

Maille Smith^★, Elisabeth Arrigo^★, Michael Jones

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

The articular system is a complex and essential network that enables movement, stability, and overall musculoskeletal function. Through approximately six weeks of human cadaver dissection and a review of primary literature on joint-related pathologies, the goal of this investigative Senior Project was to gain a deeper understanding of the gross anatomy and functional design of the two major ball-and-socket joints, the shoulder and hip. Dissection focused on identifying and comparing structural components critical to joint mobility and stability, including the rotator cuff and deep gluteal muscles, joint capsules, and labral cartilage. The glenohumeral joint’s large range of motion, at the expense of stability, was contrasted with the femoroacetabular joint’s robust structure, which is optimized for weight-bearing support and stability over flexibility. The literature review provided clinical context for how musculoskeletal structure and function contribute to common joint pathologies, including glenohumeral dislocation, rotator cuff tears, developmental hip dysplasia, and femoroacetabular impingement. Integrating anatomical observation with clinical literature allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of how joint structure relates to both function and dysfunction. This project provided a valuable opportunity to directly visualize musculoskeletal form and appreciate the clinical implications of joint health.

[123]: Differentiating Synechococcus and Dunaliella tertiolecta in marine samples

Fiona Ffrench^★, Raymond Ruiz^★, Moira Crehan, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

The population dynamics of marine microbes play an important role in marine ecology and algal blooms, especially since algal blooms can disrupt entire ecosystems. Flow cytometry is a technique that allows for single cell detection and differentiation of fluorescent molecules, and because some marine microbes possess endogenous fluorescent pigments, we can use these features to distinguish between species. The goal of our project in BIO 471 was to design a flow cytometry protocol that would enable differentiation between the marine bacteria, Synechococcus, and the eukaryotic algae, Dunaliella tertiolecta. Since these organisms are adapted to sea water, and the flow cytometer uses deionized water, we first tested whether cells required fixation to withstand analysis. Indeed, we found that we lost the ability to detect Synechococcus if samples were not fixed prior to analysis. Next, we determined which band pass filters in the cytometer detected light emitted from the natural pigments of each organism. High autofluorescence of Synechococcus was detected by the B525, B585, and B690 filters, whereas high autofluorescence of Dunaliella was detected by the B690 and R780 filters. When cells were mixed, the signal detected by the B690 filter was higher for Dunaliella compared to Synechococcus, and so we concluded that B690 and R780 could be used to distinguish Dunaliella.

[124]: Sexual Selection and Social Behavior: How Male Presence Influences Shoaling Decisions of Female Livebearing Fish

Amelia L. Bach^★, Sepanta Jafari Jozani, Gita R. Kolluru

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Females of the social, livebearing fish, Girardinus metallicus, form groups called shoals to avoid persistent mating attempts (harassment) from males. We explore the interactive effects of male presence and light conditions on shoaling behavior. We hypothesize that female G. metallicus shoal to avoid mating harassment, and that they use UV patterns to locate females to shoal with. We tested females in a dichotomous choice tank with female shoals behind UV+ and UV- barriers, and in low light versus high light. We did this in the presence or absence of 3D printed models of male fish. We predicted that females would prefer shoals behind UV+ barriers and in high light, and that male models would cause faster and more shoaling. This project highlights the behavioral adaptations that have evolved in female livebearing fishes to avoid mating harassment from males, a topic that has received less attention than the behavior of males of this family.

[125]: Addressing Building Accessibility Challenges for Individuals with Disabilities on American College Campuses

Brooke Fujioka^★, Amelia L. Bach^★, Olivia Halter, Emma Gothelf, Magdalena Maj, Gita R. Kolluru

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Recent increased enrollment of undergraduate students with disabilities in the US exposes the barriers systemically built into many postsecondary institutions. Obstacles such as lack of Americans with Disabilies Act (ADA) compliance limited instructor knowledge in how best to support students with disabilities, and inflexible coursework policies can negatively influence academic success and, consequently, career success. One basic, but important, aspect of college campus life is access to buildings where lectures, labs and other activities are held, and space in those areas for wheelchair users. The Cal Poly Biological Sciences Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee documented potential physical barriers to entry into buildings frequented by folks in our department. Our team tested entrances and one randomly selected classroom within four buildings for wheelchair accessibility, using a cart as a proxy. We recorded the presence or absence of wheelchair accessibility signs, automatic door openers, and functional elevators. Newer buildings (Baker Science, Frost Research Center) had automatic door openers and space for wheelchairs in classrooms, whereas older buildings (Fisher Science, Science North) lacked these. We conducted a literature review of the challenges of navigating university campuses as a disabled person. The studies highlight the importance of offering inclusive, equitable and accessible programs to every student.

[126]: Molting mechanics: Characterizing the first molt in northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups

Rachel Survilas^★§, Halley Carson^†, Heather Liwanag

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Like all pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walrus), northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris, or NES) pups are born with neonatal fur, called lanugo. After a NES pup has weaned from its mother at about 4 weeks of age, it sheds this lanugo and grows a short, flat, silver-gray coat. Unlike most pinniped species, adult NES undergo one of the most unique and extreme forms of molting, termed catastrophic molting, involving shedding and regeneration of both hair follicles and the upper layer of skin cells. NES molt on land and have a suite of adaptations to help them thermoregulate. To help dissipate excess heat caused by their thick blubber layer, NES can increase blood flow to specific body regions to facilitate heat exchange. It has been theorized that these areas, termed thermal windows, also help regenerate hair and skin cells during the catastrophic molt. No research has shown whether NES pups exhibit a catastrophic molt, or if thermal windows play a part in the molting process for pups. We hypothesized that pups do not undergo catastrophic molting during their initial molt, and predicted that their thermal windows would not be correlated with their molting process. We used a thermal imaging camera to take thermograms of NES pups during the breeding season (January to late March) at the Piedras Blancas rookery (San Simeon, CA). Preliminary results show pup thermal windows were not associated with their molted regions, which contrasts with unpublished data for the adult male molt. This pattern may be because pups do not undergo a catastrophic molt and/or because pups have not developed fine vascular control. This study will contribute to a broader effort to understand the molt in northern elephant seals across age classes, an understudied but important part of the life history of this species.

[127]: Developing a Novel Unknown Experiment for Introductory Microbiology Labs Using Bacteria Isolated From Serpentine Soil

Architha Dhananjayan^†, Emma Boykova^†, Jean Paclibare^†, Melindajane Pagaoa^†, Keaton Smith^†, Anjolie Arroyo^†, Santos De La Trinidad^†, Alejandra Yep^†, Kara Jew

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support

MCRO 224 is the first major course for the B.S. Microbiology in Cal Poly. The transition into semesters provides an opportunity to introduce authentic research within the laboratory portion of MCRO 224. The culminating experiment in the lab is the quarter-long identification of an unknown bacterium that is one of multiple possible species given to students. We propose to develop an alternative unknown experiment that utilizes novel bacterial isolates instead, providing an undergraduate research experience within the structure of a lower-division microbiology laboratory. Unique to the Central Coast, serpentine soils are characterized by their hostile living environments containing low nutrients and high heavy metal concentrations. These harsh conditions have been shown to host unique microbial communities. Mining around these areas introduces contaminants to the soils with impacts to biodiversity. To discover more about how soil microorganisms are affected by disturbed and undisturbed serpentine areas, we have collaborated with Dr. Pressler in soil science and Dr. Rajakanura in botany. We isolated bacteria from soil associated with the rhizosphere of Ceanothus cuneatus, in two separate serpentine soil sites, one by a mine and one away from a mine. We followed the standard soil aerobic heterotrophic isolation protocol used in MCRO 224, including endospore-former isolation. Currently, we have 22 isolates and performed Gram, capsule, and endospore stains to characterize cell morphology. Our next steps include performing biochemical tests, 16sRNA sequencing, and colony-PCR to identify isolates.

[128]: Impact of Riverine Habitat on Connectivity of Riverside Wrens

Emma Geitner^★, Paul Steinke^★, Lauren Chan

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Riverside Wrens are a species of songbird located in Central America, ranging from the central coast of Costa Rica to Western Panama. They are known for residing by rivers and lakes and breeding pairs have distinct musical duets used during territorial fights with other Riverside Wren pairs. Quantifying the association of individuals with each other is fundamental to our understanding of their natural history and population biology. Furthermore, patterns of genetic differentiation can reveal how populations are connected across landscapes. Genomic SNP data was collected from 75 individuals sampled from 32 sites in Costa Rica. We filtered the SNP data and estimated relatedness among individuals within sites and genetic differentiation among sites. From these estimates, we can better understand group composition and assess effects of landscape including the impact of riverine habitat on connectivity among populations. We hope to analyze the connectivity among populations and provide insight on how Riverside Wrens influence biodiversity in Costa Rica.

[129]: Effectiveness of Household Disinfectants in Removing Bacterial Biofilms on Polystyrene and Stainless Steel Surfaces

Isabella Simpson^†★, Marie Yeung

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Biofilms are resilient bacterial communities that adhere to surfaces, posing challenges in both clinical and household settings. Escherichia coli, a common foodborne pathogen, can form biofilms on various materials. As demand for natural cleaning products grows, evaluating their effectiveness against biofilms is increasingly important for public health. This study compared the efficacy of plant-based and food-grade disinfectant sprays to a synthetic benzalkonium chloride-based standard in removing E. coli biofilms from polystyrene and stainless steel. Based on previous studies showing synthetic disinfectants achieve >5.6–8.2 log reductions in Staphylococcus aureus (vs. <3 for vinegar), we hypothesized synthetic products would be more effective. E. coli biofilms were cultivated over 10 days on both substrates and treated with four full-strength sprays containing the active ingredients benzalkonium chloride, thymol, acetic acid, and methanol. Biofilm removal was assessed using 0.1% crystal violet staining and CFU/mL counts before and after treatment. Staining confirmed biofilm presence pre-treatment and complete dislodgement post-treatment, enabling accurate measurement of viable dislodged bacteria. Acetic acid showed the highest log reduction—2.99 on plastic and 3.03 on stainless steel—followed by thymol, benzalkonium chloride, and methanol. Differences in log reduction between substrates ranged from 0.04 (acetic acid) to 0.65 (methanol). Thymol was more effective on polystyrene, while acetic acid, benzalkonium chloride, and methanol performed better on stainless steel. Statistically, thymol outperformed benzalkonium chloride on both surfaces. On both substrates, acetic acid was significantly more effective than benzalkonium chloride and methanol, and also outperformed thymol on polystyrene. Contrary to the hypothesis, acetic acid was the most effective at removing E. coli biofilms from both surfaces.

[130]: Documenting and Identifying a Trematode Infection in California Newts

Sadie Ashourizadegan^†★, Lauren Chan

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Amphibians are experiencing global declines, in part due to emerging pathogens and disease. To conserve biodiversity, it’s important to identify and document pathogens and associated conditions. Observations of nodular cysts on California Newts have recently been made in central and southern California but little is known about the identification or consequences of this pathogen. Our study aims to identify the trematode parasite causing the cysts, document variation in cystic load over time, and examine correlations between cyst load and microbiome diversity. We extracted DNA from cysts on adult newts and amplified a region of the mitochondrial genome using polymerase chain reaction to identify the parasite with DNA barcoding. To document changes in individual cyst loads in a population over time, we photographed newts in Tassajara Creek San Luis Obispo weekly throughout the summer and quantified the number of cysts on the ventral trunk, dorsal trunk, chin, and tail. We additionally collected skin swabs from individuals for analysis of the skin microbiome using metabarcoding approaches. Results from this study will identify the parasite and examine the relationship between cyst loads and the skin microbiome. These findings will help us understand this potential threat to the California Newt and inform future conservation.

[131]: Antibacterial activity of synthesized organic small molecules

Léanne Pierrette Stella Ngounou^1†★, Duminda Liyanage², Jennifer J. VanderKelen³

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Collaborator from SOKA University of America, ³ Center for Applications in Biotechnology, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Antibiotics currently on the market have the disadvantage that bacteria are becoming resistant to them. This has driven researchers to find other antimicrobial molecules. Our collaborator, Duminda Liyanage of SOKA University of America, has synthesized eight small organic molecules that have potential antimicrobial activity. These are precursor molecules to therapeutic antibiotics. The antibiotic activity of these compounds has been tested in a Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In an MIC assay, different bacteria are exposed to 10 different concentrations of the antimicrobial at the same time to determine the lowest concentration that inhibits growth. The assay was performed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The day-one MICs were taken and analyzed for patterns of how the compounds affected the microbes based on their structure. The findings from this project could be beneficial for identifying antibacterial agents, contributing to the development of innovative treatments or biocides.

[132]: Monitoring the Recovery of Pismo clams (Tivela stultorum) on Pismo Beach, California

Marissa Bills^1★§, Gabe Anderson¹, Megan Emi², Alexa Cango Ruiz², Ethan Fernandez², Anna Foehr², Oliver Chamberlin², Sasha Evans¹, Jacob Hinshaw¹, Lucy Thackray¹, Madeleine Yang¹, Olivia Halter¹, Gillian Ippoliti¹, Hunter Glanz³, Benjamin Ruttenberg¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences , ³ Department of Statistics, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Pismo clams (Tivela stultorum) are an iconic shellfish species particularly important to the California Central Coast. They can be found from Monterey Bay, CA to Baja California, MX but the epicenter of their population in California was Pismo Beach, or the “Clam Capital of the World”. They supported a brief commercial fishery in the first half of the 1900s and then a robust recreational fishery up until the early 1980s when their populations declined to levels that functionally closed the recreational fishery. Populations on Pismo Beach remained low until clams began reappearing in 2015. The Ruttenberg lab has been monitoring this population since 2015 and has been able to document significant population changes in this time. With over ten years of survey data we’ve been able to identify cohorts of clams and track their growth over time. Using cohorts like this to track growth is an effective way to obtain growth rate estimations which are essential for managing this recreational fishery. We’ve also been able to better evaluate how completely we’ve surveyed the intertidal population of clams and assess which of our surveys are complete or not. This has allowed us to develop an improved method of describing clam abundance.

[133]: The Unexplored Potential of the Tick Microbiome

Samantha Steele^†★, Anjolie Arroyo^†★, Elizabeth Norris^†, Larisa Vredevoe^†

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Antibiotic resistance is a problem that is currently on the rise and is becoming difficult to combat. To keep up in the race against antibiotic resistance, it is important to look in uncommon places where new antibiotics can be discovered and developed. Many arthropods are known to use antibiotic-producing microbes to protect themselves and their young from pathogens. Ticks and other blood-feeding arthropods harbor a unique array of normal flora bacteria, including their core microbiome in addition to microbes derived while feeding on hosts, which may colonize ticks for a period of time. Antimicrobial compounds produced by tick-associated bacteria as a defense against other competitive microbes they encounter may target a range of host-derived bacteria and potentially be of use in combatting human and animal pathogens. In this project, we investigated local ixodes tick species as a source of antimicrobial-producing bacteria using culture-dependent methods. Ticks were collected from Poly Canyon, sorted by species and sex, surface sterilized, and homogenized to cultivate internal normal flora bacteria on culture media. Cross-streak and punch plug assays were performed to detect production of antimicrobial compounds and identify isolates capable of inhibiting a range of human-associated bacterial and fungal species, including surrogate species for human pathogens. A total of 19 isolates were tested against a panel of 15 different bacterial candidates and 7 different mold and yeast species. Three of these isolates, T7-01, T5-01, and T6-01, exhibited inhibition against Serratia marscesens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Citrobacter freundii, with yeast assay results still pending. The top isolates that showed promising inhibition will be identified using a BIOLOG Gen III system. The findings of these antibacterial and antifungal properties from the identified species can give insight into new ways to treat the rising resistance in bacteria and fungi.

[134]: Monitoring the Reemerging Pismo Clam Recreational Fishery on Pismo Beach, California

Ethan Fernandez^1†★§, Marissa Bills², Benamin Ruttenberg²

¹ Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Pismo clams (Tivela stultorum) are an iconic shellfish species particularly important to the California Central Coast. They can be found from Monterey Bay, CA to Baja California, MX but the epicenter of their population in California was Pismo Beach, or the “Clam Capital of the World”. They supported a brief commercial fishery in the first half of the 1900s and then a robust recreational fishery up until the early 1980s when their populations declined to levels that functionally closed the recreational fishery. However, clam populations locally began recovering in 2015 and in 2022, the first legal sized Pismo clam was found on Pismo Beach since 1993. More legal clams have been found each year since and in the last year the recreational fishery has started returning to Pismo Beach. We explored where along Pismo Beach people are clamming and conducted recreational fishery surveys, asking people questions about their participation in the fishery and measuring the clams they found.

[135]: Investigating Prey Preference of Blue and Olive Rockfish

Helen Lee^†★, Elsa Simenstad^†, Erin Johnston, Benjamin Ruttenberg

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) and Olive Rockfish (Sebastes serranoides) are two of the most abundant groundfish species caught in the California Central Coast and are an important part of the commercial and recreational groundfish fishery. To effectively manage this important resource, fishery managers must understand Blue and Olive Rockfish preferred prey and feeding trends to help predict the impact of environmental effects on feeding behavior and determine where they are in the trophic cascade within the context of their community. This provides a critical piece of life history information that can be used to manage fish stocks. Based on past research, Blue and Olive Rockfish are expected to feed relatively low on the food chain with their benthic congeners; however, both species of rockfish are expected to ingest different types of prey.

[136]: Understanding Primary Human Myoblast Morphology & Behavior

Erica Duffy^1★, Elisabeth Stodola², Trevor Cardinal¹

¹ Biomedical Engineering, ² Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause of amputation in the United States. PAD is characterized by narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to insufficient blood flow in distal limbs (ischemia) when the vessel becomes occluded. Surgical procedures can restore blood flow, but less than 50% of patients benefit; there is a need for alternative therapies. One therapeutic solution is targeting collateral vessels, which have natural abilities to enlarge and provide bypasses around blockages, a process known as arteriogenesis. Myoblasts, muscle progenitor cells, are a compelling cell therapy candidate as they promote arteriogenesis in mice. In previous studies, it was found that co-culturing mouse macrophages in vitro with primary mouse myoblasts shifted the macrophages to an M2 polarization, which is the regenerative phenotype responsible for revascularization via arteriogenesis. This current study will explore the preliminary stages of translating these findings to human primary myoblast culture. The ultimate goal is to study myoblast behavior and expression in co-culture with human primary macrophages. Future studies will focus on identifying upregulated genes by sequencing extracted RNA, which will give insight into which genes and proteins likely control regenerative macrophage polarization.

[137]: New Approaches to Estuarine Monitoring in Morro Bay: Tracking Freshwater Chemistry and Nutrient Inputs

Ruben Moulton-Huber^1★§, Avery Hoyt^2★§, India Fischer^1★§, Blake Maxon^2★§, Emily Bockmon^2§

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

Morro Bay Estuary is a biologically rich and dynamic ecosystem where freshwater from Chorro and Los Osos Creeks mixes with Pacific seawater, creating unique habitats of salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and mudflats. Since 2018, we have been monitoring the estuary’s carbonate chemistry and seawater pH to assess seasonal and interannual variability along the shoreline. In this study, we present updated data from our long-term timeseries, offering new insights into the chemical trends shaping this coastal environment. Extending the study, we now include sampling from upstream freshwater sources to determine their chemical composition and influence on estuarine conditions. This includes enhanced capacity for nutrient analysis to assess potential anthropogenic inputs from the watershed. In addition to our scientific findings, we highlight community engagement efforts, such as a hands-on pH activity taught to Morro Bay High School’s AP Environmental Science classes, developed in collaboration with grassroots organization Home Front Environmental Justice, Morro Bay.

[138]: Adapting Infant Feeding Observations for a Virtual World: Insights and Innovations

Bhagya Narayanan^1†★, Alison Ventura^2†

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Learn about the feasibility and validity of remote assessments of infant feeding observations. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptation of in-person observational methods for remote and virtual settings but also provided a natural experiment for evaluating the effectiveness of remote assessments. This study was a secondary analysis of studies of infant feeding and growth wherein both in-person and remote observations of mother-infant feeding interactions occurred. Dyads were video recorded while feeding in their homes before the pandemic or virtually on Zoom during the pandemic. We also developed methods for assessing infant intake by analyzing photos of bottles taken before and after the feeding. No significant differences were seen between in-person and virtual observations, and analysis of bottle photos provided reliable assessments of bottle weight. Remote infant feeding assessments may increase the accessibility of infant feeding studies without compromising data quality. Remote assessment of infant development potential to increase accessibility of care for young infants. Our initial study was a secondary analysis of infant feeding and growth studies. Mothers and their young infants were video recorded while feeding in their homes before the pandemic or virtually on Zoom after the pandemic. The feeding interactions were assessed using the Nursing Child Assessment Parent-Child Interaction Feeding Scale (Oxford & Findlay, 2015). In our subsequent study, we developed methods for assessing infant intake through analysis of photos of bottles taken before and after the feeding. No significant differences were seen between in person and virtual observations and analysis of bottle photos. Remote feeding assessments infant-caregiver interactions increases the accuracy, accessibility, and quality of care.

[139]: A window into welfare: behavioral monitoring of a Malayan Tiger at the Charles Paddock Zoo

Kendall G. Fraser^1★, Abigail M. Weissman^1★, Adam D. Rattner^2★, Owen M. Bachhuber¹, Karen A. Boortz³, Gita R. Kolluru¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Animal Science, ³ Charles Paddock Zoo, ^★Speaker

Animal welfare is a primary focus of modern zoos, which are devoted to maintaining optimal mental and physical states for animals in their care. These can be evaluated through the range and frequency of behaviors animals exhibit. Our study examines behavioral patterns in a 17-year-old, captive-bred male Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) at the Charles Paddock Zoo (Atascadero), contributing to species-specific welfare assessments and promoting evidence-informed enclosure design, enrichment, and husbandry. We developed a comprehensive, literature-based ethogram and used focal sampling to produce an activity budget. The tiger frequently engaged in slow pacing, a stereotypic behavior that his primary keepers interpreted as anticipation of access to his holding area. We assessed the relationship between guest presence and behavior using linear regression. There was no significant relationship between guest number and time spent pacing. Our results will enable comparisons with similar studies on this species and support recommendations to the Zoo. This project contributes to the captive carnivore welfare literature and supports conservation goals by quantifying stress-related behaviors in a managed setting. Additionally, it marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between Cal Poly and the Zoo to facilitate applied student research and the development of best practices for animal welfare.

[140]: Sex-Based Differences in Lipase Diagnostic Performance for Acute Pancreatitis

Audrey Sutton^1★, Walter Park², Breanna Collins³, Heather Liwanag¹

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Stanford University Medicine, ³ UC San Diego School of Medicine , ^★Speaker

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition in which pancreatic enzymes become activated prematurely, leading to pancreas self-digestion and tissue damage. It is a leading cause of gastrointestinal-related hospital admissions in the United States, and yet, is commonly misdiagnosed. The Atlanta Criteria for diagnosing AP includes a serum lipase elevation of >3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) as one of three diagnostic components. This threshold is applied universally, assuming equal diagnostic performance between sexes. However, differences in lipase metabolism and clinical diagnostic patterns may impact its predictive value. In this study, we investigated whether lipase diagnostic accuracy differs between males and females. This retrospective study analyzed 2,474 patients presenting to a single-site emergency department with elevated serum lipase and abdominal CT or MRI within 48 hours of testing. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed separately for males and females to evaluate differences in lipase diagnostic performance, and DeLong’s test compared Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (AUROC). We also compared physician diagnoses (chart-confirmed AP) to imaging-confirmed AP using Fisher’s exact test. AUROC for lipase was 0.85 in females and 0.74 in males (p = 0.052), suggesting higher diagnostic performance in females. Despite a standardized 3×ULN threshold, males experienced significantly more false positives and false negatives (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that lipase performs differently by sex and that physician-level diagnostic accuracy may also vary. Future research should explore whether sex-specific interpretation strategies could improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes in AP.

[141]: Assessing the Effect of Winter Storms on our Northern Elephant Seal Population

Liliana Yenovkian^†★§, Kenzie Davidson, Heather Liwanag

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

California coastal regions have experienced unprecedented storm intensities in recent years, associated with both El Niño conditions and climate change. These extreme weather events pose significant threats to pinniped (seal and sea lion) populations, with mother-pup separation during intense wave action frequently documented as a primary cause of pup mortality in northern elephant seals (NES, Mirounga angustirostris). This study will analyze a comprehensive seven-year database correlating climatic factors (wind, tidal levels, and precipitation) with NES distribution and population dynamics at the Piedras Blancas breeding colony in San Simeon, California. Specifically, we will model and compare the abundance of NES pups and weanlings across beaches throughout the breeding season in response to storm events, with particular focus on pre-storm versus post-storm arrangements. Additionally, we will compare pup survival rates to previous years with less severe storm events. We predict that extreme weather conditions, especially high tide events, will be significantly correlated with increased pup mortality rates. Using Poisson regression analysis of multiple variables including beach size, temperature, tide levels, maximum wind and gust speeds, and demographic census data, we will quantify the relationship between severe weather events and pup survival outcomes. Additionally, we will evaluate if population density affects pup survival at our study site, as documented in other colonies, through regression analyses between beach-specific population densities and successful weaning rates. By identifying the specific climatic factors most strongly associated with pup mortality, our findings will provide critical information to guide conservation management strategies for this ecologically significant marine predator during increasingly volatile climate conditions.

[142]: Expression of Wnt and Fzd Genes in a Marine Invertebrate Capable of Whole-Body Regeneration

An ongoing question in developmental biology is the extent to which different members of a gene family exhibit specialized functions versus overlapping roles in biological processes. The Wnt family of signaling proteins and their corresponding Fzd receptors, essential for cell communication during development and regeneration, have been implicated in regulating whole-body regeneration (WBR) in the marine invertebrate Botrylloides violaceus. Using a draft genome assembled by former students, our team identified thirteen Wnt genes and five Fzd genes associated with this pathway. We have optimized PCR conditions for most Wnt and Fzd primers and refined protocols for DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Currently, we are quantifying relative gene expression via qPCR. The differences in expression patterns may suggest distinct roles for these signals and receptors.

[143]: Unveiling the cellular and temporal interactions between HIV-1 Gag and the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC).

Daniel Vazquez Espinosa^★, Paige O'Dell^★, Ethan Wolfe^★, Dr. Nathaniel W. Martinez

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

HIV-1 virus assembly, release and maturation is driven by the viral protein Gag. A better understanding of the temporal cellular localization during virion assembly is relevant for determining precision targets against this viral infection. This project will explore and detail the cellular and temporal interactions between HIV-1 Gag and a family of small GTPases known as Rab proteins, that serve as regulators of many intracellular membrane trafficking pathways, including the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC). We hypothesize that disruption of the ERC will significantly impact HIV-1 Gag assembly. Current targets include endocytic proteins such as Rab11, Rab 14 and EHD1. Using COS-1 cells, these endocytic compartments are disrupted by siRNA and immunofluorescence microscopy is used to track assembly stages of Gag-GFP and ERC interactions.

[144]: Reproductive success and eye fleck identification of Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) along the coast of San Luis Obispo, California

Zane Warsen^★§, Ally Webanbauer^★§, Lauren Honold^★§, Samara Kaplan-Zenk^★§, Finley Scoular^★§, Schular Gooley^§, Clinton Francis^§

Department of Biological Sciences, ^§Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ^★Speaker

The Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani, is an intertidal obligate bird species found along the West Coast of North America. Listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a “focal species for conservation”, there is concern that the species is at risk for endangerment due to anthropogenically induced factors. Over the past decade, monitoring efforts by the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project across the Central Coast have found relatively low nest-success rates, averaging at around 22% per attempt, which raises concerns for population persistence. In 2024, we monitored nests along the coast of San Luis Obispo county to determine nest fate, overall productivity, and sources of failure. We monitored 26 breeding pairs across 28 nesting attempts. We observed 43 eggs, 29 of which were successfully hatched, and 4 chicks successfully fledged across 3 nests. We additionally compiled a database of Black Oystercatcher pupil photos from individuals within their breeding territories. Female eye-fleck patterns appear to be individually identifiable and could serve as a novel tool for resighting and identifying the same individual over time. This library of eye-fleck photos may serve as a valuable and non-invasive way to monitor the longevity, success, and movement of Black Oystercatchers over time.

[145]: Investigation of Possible Stress Effects on Telomere Length of Bluebird Nestlings

Anoushka Samuel^★, Carolina Altbaum^★, Rebecca Weber, Elena Keeling

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Telomeres are tandem repeat sequences of DNA located on the ends of chromosomes; they ensure chromosome integrity and proper length during cell replication by acting as protective caps. In multiple vertebrate species, elevated levels of stress are correlated with accelerated telomere shortening; this reduces the amount of times cells can divide and contributes to cell senescence. This study tests the possible stress effects on telomere lengths in Western bluebird nestlings, whose mothers were exposed to noise and light stressors. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and qPCR was used to quantify relative telomere length by comparing the amplification of telomere repeats to the single-copy reference gene, GAPDH. Considerable troubleshooting was conducted to achieve high quality results in DNA extraction and qPCR. Quantitative PCR is currently being conducted to analyze the remaining blood samples from bluebird nestlings.

[146]: Automated Whale Acoustics Detection

Alexander Arrieta^1†★, Sofia Bryukhova^1†★, Maddie Schroth^2†

¹ Computer Science, ² Department of Statistics, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Marine mammals, such as whales, rely heavily on acoustic signals for communication and navigation in marine environments. Monitoring their presence through acoustic data can help support conservation efforts and improve our understanding of such marine ecosystems. In this study, we focused on the development and evaluation of machine learning models for the automated detection of whale vocalizations using audio data collected from hydrophones deployed off of the coasts of Avila Beach and Monterey Bay, California. After analyzing previous approaches to this project, we developed a full processing pipeline to better test models on the data. This new developed pipeline included includes data preprocessing, model training, and validation of results. Through the efficient testing system we produced a CNN based model similar to previous teams that showed slightly higher accuracy with a reduced false positive rate that the project had been struggling with. Future directions include testing additional models such as Random Forest and LSTM, as well as exploring alternative methods for transforming raw audio data. This research was supported by the William and Linda Frost Fund in the Cal Poly Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.

[147]: Exploring Myoblast-Macrophage Interactions as a Mechanism for Promoting Arteriogenesis in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Elisabeth Stodola^1★, Gabrielle Melamed^2★, Trevor Cardinal²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Biomedical Engineering, ^★Speaker

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic condition characterized by arterial plaque buildup, leading to impaired blood flow, ischemia, and tissue necrosis in lower extremities. Affecting over 10 million individuals in the U.S., PAD is the primary cause of limb amputation. Cellular therapies have attempted to combat the need for amputation by promoting arteriogenesis of collateral vessels to form natural bypasses around occluded arteries. While these therapies have shown limited clinical success in rodents with diet-induced obesity (DIO), our lab has identified myoblasts as a novel cell therapy candidate for increasing arteriogenesis in DIO mice compared to their lean counterparts. To explore this potential mechanism, we conducted a 9 day coculture to investigate myoblast interactions with macrophages, a cell known to assist myoblasts in skeletal muscle regeneration. In vivo, arteriogenesis involves macrophage recruitment and polarization from a pro-inflammatory M1 to a pro-regenerative M2 macrophage phenotype. This “phenotypic switch” is imperative for arteriogenesis. In the M2 condition in our study, coculture with myoblasts significantly increased M2 macrophage morphology compared to M2 macrophages cultured alone, suggesting enhanced macrophage polarization via myoblast interaction. These findings implicate myoblast-macrophage relationships as a potential mechanism promoting M2 polarization and arteriogenesis, relevant for improving regenerative therapies in PAD.

[148]: Whole Mount Immunofluorescence and 3D Imaging of Sympathetic Neurons after Arteriogenesis

Sydney Luong^1†, Trevor Cardinal²

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Biomedical Engineering, ^†Frost Support

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue ischemia. Arteriogenesis, the formation of natural bypasses through collateral vessels, is a promising therapeutic target for PAD. However, arteriogenesis is associated with loss of vascular tone. Vascular tone is the ability of a vessel to contract, so loss of vascular tone can reduce blood flow. In patients with PAD, impaired regulation of blood flow can prevent tissue from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to tissue damage or death and the need for limb amputation. One of the primary regulators of vascular tone is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which regulates vasoconstriction and vasodilation. In mouse models of PAD, denervation of SNS neurons was observed following arteriogenesis, with reinnervation of SNS neurons after restoration of blood flow. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of SNS neuron denervation serves as an important tool to study arteriogenesis. To investigate the mechanisms of SNS neuron denervation, we used whole-mount immunofluorescence and 3D imaging. This approach allows for visualization of neurons in the peri-collateral region, which can be used to study the denervation-reinnervation process. Gaining further insight into the denervation-innervation process may enable the development of more targeted therapies for PAD.

[149]: Anatomy and Identity: Dissecting the Male Reproductive System

Sophia Brooks^★, Eliza Buchanan^★, Michael Jones

Department of Biological Sciences, ^★Speaker

Dissection of the male reproductive system provides a unique lens to study its anatomical, cultural, and clinical significance. The goal of this senior project was to gain a detailed understanding of the system’s structure and function while exploring its broader role in men’s health and society. This was done through the dissection of a human body donation and review of primary literature. This dissection was performed on a male cadaver in supine position. A layered approach to dissection was used beginning with the external structures, the penis and testes. These structures were dissected to expose the seminiferous tubules and epididymis—key sites for sperm production and maturation, and central to research on male infertility. Next, erectile tissues, including the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum, were examined alongside literature on erectile function. Finally, internal dissection followed the vas deferens into the pelvic cavity, revealing the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, both essential for semen production and conception. Vasculature and innervation were identified and studied at each layer of dissection, providing valuable information about blood flow, control, and sensation. This project emphasized the structural complexity and clinical relevance of the male reproductive system, highlighting its importance in reproductive health, function, and medical education.

[150]: Acid- and microwave-mediated ring opening of benzofused cyclopropane derivatives

Emma Langworthy^1†★, Kay Herlihy^2†★, Sophia Yurchenko^1†★, Eva Voss^2†★, Arianna Ortiz^2†★, Amanda Sie^2★, Emily Satterwhite^2★, Gabbi Hartman^2★, Elizabeth Gamze Gunver^1★, Alla Staroseltseva^2★, Eric Kantorowski^2★

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, ² Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

A series of benzofused 1-aryl-bicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes were prepared and subjected to acid-mediated ring opening. Cyclopropane derivatives were prepared in two or three steps from 1-indanone, 1-tetralone, and 1-benzosuberone, allowing for examination of 5-, 6-, and 7-membered fused cyclopropanes, respectively. Use of HCl-saturated deuterochloroform or TsOH in AcOH effected ring opening. Regioselectivity of cyclopropane opening was dependent on conditions and afforded either endo or exo bond fragmentation. Applying microwave TsOH in AcOH allowed for accelerated fragmentation and led to other unexpected rearrangement products, which were tracked by isotopic labeling.

[151]: Development of an at-home-diagnostic assay for the identification of poE isoform(s) status.

Jeffrey Wilson^†★, Nathaniel Martinez

Department of Biological Sciences, ^†Frost Support, ^★Speaker

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a protein composed of 299 amino acids and has functions in mammalian fat metabolism and transport vital to ensuring proper cell function. ApoE is responsible for catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and metabolism of cholesterol in peripheral tissues and acts as a ligand for membrane uptake receptors in nervous tissue to mediate cholesterol transport into neurons. ApoE proteins evolutionarily diverged into 3 major isoforms: ApoE 2, ApoE 3, and ApoE 4. The ApoE 3 isoform is the most common found isoform distributed in the human population, whereas the ApoE 2 and 4 isoforms are less common and are distinguished by a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These uncommon isoforms are associated with metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases including hyperlipoproteinemia and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Here we propose the design and development of an at-home point-of-care diagnostic capable of determining an individual’s Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoform status via genetic analysis of a buccal swab sample. Our diagnostic approach utilizes ApoE isoform-specific guide RNAs targeting the SNP loci of ApoE genes to activate CRISPR associated protein-12 (Cas12) in a 3-tiered diagnostic. Upon application of a sample, ApoE genes bind to corresponding guide RNAs unique to each lane and activate Cas12. Activated Cas12 then cleaves a segment of platform-bound single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) conjugated to a gold nanoparticle conjugated antibody. The free gold nanoparticle antibody can wick towards a capture antibody, indicating presence or absence of Cas 12 activation. A protein Isoform readout then results at antibody capture sites, with ?-capture antibodies signaling ApoE 2, 3, or 4, and ? capture antibodies serving as diagnostic controls.

[152]: Case study on Flora of San Luis Obispo Through Time and Space art piece

Annica Wu^1★, Jeanine Scaramozzino²

¹ CAFES, Plant Science, ² Bailey College of Science and Math Librarian, ^★Speaker

This project explores the intersection of botanical science, art, and community engagement through a case study focused on the flora of Poly Canyon. Over a ten-week period, native and non-native plants were collected weekly as they emerged, creating a temporal snapshot of local biodiversity. These specimens were used to construct a multi-layered botanical art installation that visually represents seasonal changes and plant community dynamics. The piece, titled “Flora of San Luis Obispo Through Time and Space”, is displayed in the Fisher Science Building and continues to evolve as new plant material is added, and is part of Where Science Meets Story, and Community Gets Curious, Spring 2025 Exhibit. As a fourth-year Plant Science student and Student Curator at the Robert F. Hoover Herbarium, I created this project as both a scientific exploration and an artistic expression, grounded in my experience teaching others how to make art from plant materials. This work is part of the Coastal California Classroom Research Collective (CCCRC) and contributes to a broader effort to make ecological knowledge accessible through interdisciplinary storytelling. Future directions include gathering audience feedback to inform future exhibits and expanding collaborative art-science displays that foster ecological awareness across campus. The group will use this art piece to inform future exhibits.

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Poster search

Posters

[1]: System for thermomagnetic and galvanomagnetic transport properties measurements (10 K to 400 K)

Elsa Matilda Eriksson★, Matthew Leibowitz, Deja Dominguez, Matt Beekman

[2]: Speed Variation Affects Local Density but Not Order in the Vicsek Model

Karen Severson★, A. Pasha Tabatabai

[3]: Self-imaging of a periodic structure

Erin Roberts★, John Sharpe

[4]: Collective analysis of crystallographic trends in type-1 intermetallic clathrates

William Cranney-Fee1†★, Zoe Jackson Delos Angeles2, Matthew Jenkins1†, Michael Baitinger3, Matt Beekman1

[5]: Non-Equilibrium Fluctuations and Diffusion in quasi-2D Liquids

Breanne Evans★, Alex Short★, Olivia Rourke★, Jonathan Fernsler

[6]: Peak Indexing Algorithm for Quasi-2D Materials with Multiple Grain Orientations Using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

Deja Dominguez★, Matt Beekman

[7]: Describing affine and non-affine deformations in shoaling fish

Ishwarya Namburu★, Pasha Tabatabai

[8]: The search for neutrinoless double beta decay with CUORE and CUPID, and an exploration of gauge theory

Sanjay Sreejith★, Thomas Gutierrez

[9]: Exploring theoretical and experimental aspects of the CUORE and CUPID detectors in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay

Alessandro Libenson★, Thomas Gutierrez, Chad Miller

[10]: Introducing Orientational Alignment to Simulate Flocking Behavior in Active Finite Voronoi Model

Sofija Dimitrijevic★, Pasha Tabatabai

[11]: Observing resonance behavior of a temperature-regulated quartz crystal

Lucas Hill†★, Thomas Bensky

[12]: Modeling Dynamic Dark Energy Using Phantom Chaplygin Gas to Search for Non-Fine Tuned Solutions to the Cosmological Constant Problem

Josiah Hauck★, Sanjay Sreejith★, Aaron Whorl★, Benjamin Shlaer

[13]: Progress towards Achieving Ultracold Atoms and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Hannah Reilly†★, Liliana Martin†★, Reese Cormier†★, Sam Patterson★, Tristan Searcy★, Rand Worman★, Zachary Yockey★, Luke Childress†, samuel Weston†, Joseph Pechkis★, Hyewon Pechkis★

[14]: Enhancing Algae Biofuel Extraction through Pulsed Electric Field-Induced Cell Lysis

Samuel Weston1★, Victoria Dai1★, Luc Chone1★, Kyle Khojasteh1★, Kieran Buckingham2★, Saxton Tofuri1★, Josephine Muss2★, Chase Mcgarity1, Alan Odnoblyudov1, Rani Ababneh1, Elena Keeling3, Dean Arakaki1, Jonathan Fernsler2

[15]: Mathematical Modeling of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Giovani Thai†★, Lizzy Gross†★, Avery Stewart†★, Dana Paquin

[16]: Exploring Gendered and Racialized Values within Introductory Undergraduate Mathematics Curriculum

Eve O'Neill★, Sofia Frazzini★, Ciera Street

[17]: Representations of Derivatives for Teaching Calculus: Extending Beyond Traditional Frameworks

Chris Liu★, Hannah Freund★, Saba Gerami

[18]: Characterizing the Structure of Seedling Roots with Fractal and Convex Hull Analysis

Irina Ivchenko1†★, Colleen Marlow2, Elena Dimitrova1

[19]: REPRESENTATIONS OF DERIVATIVES IN CALCULUS: AN EXTENDED FRAMEWORK

Chris Liu★, Hannah Freund★, Saba Gerami

[20]: Extracting and Mapping Wildfire Policies Using NLP & GIS with the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard (PIRS)

Bernette Chan1★, Jun Noh2★, Nidhi Shinde2★, Zarina Yunis2★, Alex Dehktyar3, Kelly Bodwin2

[21]: Representations Arising from Matrix Row and Column Permutations

Samuel Tiscareno†★, Jeffrey Liese†

[22]: Measuring Curiosity in Intro Stats Students

Visruth Kandali★, Ella Smith★, Amy Truong★, Beth Chance

[23]: Web API’s in the Classroom: Integrating the use of API’s in Statistics, Data Science, and Computer Science Courses

Mia Hodges1†★, Olivia Kurani2†★, Immanuel Williams2†

[24]: Contributions to Confidence Intervals for Parameters of Discrete Distributions

Rachel Roggenkemper†★, Hannah Pawig†★, Bret Holladay†★

[25]: Cognitive Competence in Introductory Statistics

Gabby Low★, Libby Brill★, Beth Chance

[26]: Toward a Robust and Simple Guideline for Checking the Central Limit Theorem

Visruth Srimath Kandali†★, Beth Chance†

[27]: One in Ten: Investigating the Prevalence of Staff-to-Student Sexual Misconduct in K–12 Public Schools

Donya Behroozi†★, Billie-Jo Grant

[28]: The Sound of Statistics: Can Sonified Data Elicit an Emotional Response?

Donya Behroozi★, Julia Schedler, Sinem Demirci

[29]: Partial Partial Least Squares Regression: A Hybrid Approach to Dimension Reduction

Nick Patrick★, Nathan Greenfield★, Trevor Ruiz

[30]: Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

Rajagopalan Tara1★,Anderson Paul2†

[31]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Pelvis: A Comprehensive Study on the Pelvic Floor and Associated Dysfunctions

Maddie Caulkins1★, Morgan Pope2★, Michael Jones3

[32]: Rebuilding and Streamlining HCV Testing and Linkage to Care at a Syringe Services Program by Overcoming Participant Barriers

Sophia Mostow1★, Adia Pinski2★, Candace Winstead2

[33]: Evaluating the Impact of the StandUPTV Intervention on Proximal Mediators and Self-reported Outcomes

Storey Balko1†★, Grace Bell2†★, Jennifer Perez Aguilar3†★, Casey Nash1†★, Sarah Kozey Keadle1

[34]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Spinal Cord: A Comprehensive Study of the Spinal Cord, Its Surrounding Structures, and Common Sources and Treatments of Nociception

Emily Pitman1★, Stephanie Yeakle1★, Michael Jones2

[35]: Examining SOPHE Presidential Addresses Over Time?

Camille Wilson1★, Pamela Estrada1, Nathan Rich1, Elaine Auld2, Julia Alber1, Katharine Santilena1

[36]: “If It's ‘Unnatural,’ Why is it Normal?”: Investigating the Role of Media and Sport in Normalizing Conformity to Orthodox Gender Roles

Shira Hirschel1★, Dr. Jafra D. Thomas2

[37]: We’ve Made it Easy for People to Hate Sports and Exercise: A Reflective Thematic Analysis of Motivational Posters

Elmer Hernandez Gomez†★, Jafra Thomas†

[38]: Impact of Technology Use on Maternal Attentiveness During Infant Feeding

Ervina Ujkaj1★, Ashley Steenhausen2★, Maria Stanculescu3★, Alison K Ventura4

[39]: Do High School Coaches Know Their Why? A CAPS Framework Analysis

Tristan Hofmann★, Aidan Freitas★, Abby Armstrong★, Madi Shaffer★, Paige Rightmire★, Nicole Hagobian

Elsa Matilda Eriksson^★, Matthew Leibowitz, Deja Dominguez, Matt Beekman

Karen Severson^★, A. Pasha Tabatabai

Erin Roberts^★, John Sharpe

William Cranney-Fee^1†★, Zoe Jackson Delos Angeles², Matthew Jenkins^1†, Michael Baitinger³, Matt Beekman¹

Breanne Evans^★, Alex Short^★, Olivia Rourke^★, Jonathan Fernsler

Deja Dominguez^★, Matt Beekman

Ishwarya Namburu^★, Pasha Tabatabai

Sanjay Sreejith^★, Thomas Gutierrez

Alessandro Libenson^★, Thomas Gutierrez, Chad Miller

Sofija Dimitrijevic^★, Pasha Tabatabai

Lucas Hill^†★, Thomas Bensky

Josiah Hauck^★, Sanjay Sreejith^★, Aaron Whorl^★, Benjamin Shlaer

Hannah Reilly^†★, Liliana Martin^†★, Reese Cormier^†★, Sam Patterson^★, Tristan Searcy^★, Rand Worman^★, Zachary Yockey^★, Luke Childress^†, samuel Weston^†, Joseph Pechkis^★, Hyewon Pechkis^★

Samuel Weston^1★, Victoria Dai^1★, Luc Chone^1★, Kyle Khojasteh^1★, Kieran Buckingham^2★, Saxton Tofuri^1★, Josephine Muss^2★, Chase Mcgarity¹, Alan Odnoblyudov¹, Rani Ababneh¹, Elena Keeling³, Dean Arakaki¹, Jonathan Fernsler²

Giovani Thai^†★, Lizzy Gross^†★, Avery Stewart^†★, Dana Paquin

Eve O'Neill^★, Sofia Frazzini^★, Ciera Street

Chris Liu^★, Hannah Freund^★, Saba Gerami

Irina Ivchenko^1†★, Colleen Marlow², Elena Dimitrova¹

Chris Liu^★, Hannah Freund^★, Saba Gerami

Bernette Chan^1★, Jun Noh^2★, Nidhi Shinde^2★, Zarina Yunis^2★, Alex Dehktyar³, Kelly Bodwin²

Samuel Tiscareno^†★, Jeffrey Liese^†

Visruth Kandali^★, Ella Smith^★, Amy Truong^★, Beth Chance

Mia Hodges^1†★, Olivia Kurani^2†★, Immanuel Williams^2†

Rachel Roggenkemper^†★, Hannah Pawig^†★, Bret Holladay^†★

Gabby Low^★, Libby Brill^★, Beth Chance

Visruth Srimath Kandali^†★, Beth Chance^†

Donya Behroozi^†★, Billie-Jo Grant

Donya Behroozi^★, Julia Schedler, Sinem Demirci

Nick Patrick^★, Nathan Greenfield^★, Trevor Ruiz

Rajagopalan Tara^1★,Anderson Paul^2†

Maddie Caulkins^1★, Morgan Pope^2★, Michael Jones³

Sophia Mostow^1★, Adia Pinski^2★, Candace Winstead²

Storey Balko^1†★, Grace Bell^2†★, Jennifer Perez Aguilar^3†★, Casey Nash^1†★, Sarah Kozey Keadle¹

Emily Pitman^1★, Stephanie Yeakle^1★, Michael Jones²

Camille Wilson^1★, Pamela Estrada¹, Nathan Rich¹, Elaine Auld², Julia Alber¹, Katharine Santilena¹

Shira Hirschel^1★, Dr. Jafra D. Thomas²

Elmer Hernandez Gomez^†★, Jafra Thomas^†

Ervina Ujkaj^1★, Ashley Steenhausen^2★, Maria Stanculescu^3★, Alison K Ventura⁴

Tristan Hofmann^★, Aidan Freitas^★, Abby Armstrong^★, Madi Shaffer^★, Paige Rightmire^★, Nicole Hagobian

Isha Nayak^1★, Pamela Estrada¹, Annalise Mui¹, Katharine Santilena¹, David Askay², Anuraj Dhillon², Julia Alber¹

Lindsey Fukushima^★, Arya Kaiwar^★, Stefanee Maurice

Casey Nash^★, Storey Balko^★, JT Bernal^★, Jennifer Perez Aguilar^★, Jonah David^★, Sarah Keadle, Edgardo Hernandez

Betsy Chavez^★, Annalise Mui^★, Jacob Lostetter^★, Adam Seal^★

Holly Ross^★, Dr. Chrisitine Hackman, Dr. Jafra Thomas

Sydney Struve^★, Marlin Chen^★, Alison English^★, Anna Seifert^★, Chloe Holzshu^★, Jane Oswald^★, Joseph Magnus^★, Kaylinn Shade^★, Maija Shaw^★, Micah Kokin^★, Nathan Mueller^★, Sierra Young^★, Tina Javid^★, Kaylee Witana^★, Adam Seal^★

Sara Cohn^1★, Emily Robles^1★, Olivia Kaciak^1★, Alex Kappos¹, Ella Andersen¹, Sarah Blankespoor¹, Christine Hackman¹, Beth Chance², Joni Roberts¹, Kara Samaniego¹

Misha Berry^★, Ella Boladian^★, Nick Weitzel^★, Jillian Richards^★, Robert Clark

Arthur Klujian^1★, Sarah Keadle², Trevor Cardinal¹

Neida Palacios Vieyra^1†★, Grace Willa Bell^2★, Kamille Peralta¹, Angelina Peralta², Yesenia Ceja², Suzanne Phelan¹, Alejandra Yep²

Daniel Schafer-Dews^★, Rubi Solano, Cristina Macedo, Tatiana Ramirez, Mari Proksel, Elizabeth Ramirez, Suzanne Phelan

Brooke Fujioka^1★, Mylène Vachon^2★, Ethan Urbach^2★, Zachary Mayor^1★, Harry O'Connor^2★, Clara McMahon², Mytam Le³, Logan Foster¹, Zoe Maude¹, Suzanne Phelan², Sarah Keadle², Todd Hagobian²

Laura Byrne^★, Amanda Sanchez^★, Julia Holec, Dr. Jafra Thomas

Giselle Martinez^1†★, Emily Rodriguez^1†, Kevin Castaneda^2†, Dr. Jafra Thomas¹

Andi Franco^1†★, Ava Rose Emmerling^1†★, Lexi Yaghoubi^1†★, Andres Efren Rocha Jayasinha^2†★, Melissa Cline^1†★

Daniela Houser^1★, Danny Inserra^1★, Maya Paykel^1★, Amara Kramer^2★, Madgalena Maj¹

Hannah Drouin^1★, Mia Tovar Leal^2★, Benjamin Thall^1★, Michael Jones¹, Tim Spade¹, Rodrigo Manjarin², Magdalena Maj¹

Pierre Cannarsa^1★, Kyle Mahon^1★, Austin Tinsley^2★, Liza Znamerovskaya^1★, Jarrett Frey¹, Mike Jones¹, Tim Spade¹, Manjarin Rodrigo², Magdalena Maj¹

Justin Grapentine^1†★, Ben Schiff^2★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker¹

Annabelle Tweet^1★§, Luke Ansty^2★§, Hailey Benson^2★§, Uriel Figueroa^3★§, Rentaro Motegi^1★§, Jake Ide^1★§, Gabrielle Sands^2★, Greg Schwartz^2§

Samantha Albiani^1★§, Jake Ide^2★§, Katherine Jackson^3★§, Rentaro Motegi^2★§, Ruben Moulton Huber^4★, Greg Schwartz^1§

Sydney Gutierrez^†★, Daisy Wong^★, Katelyn Arrizon, Gabrielle DeNonno, Lauren Chan

Molly McNulty^1†★, Emma Scudero², Nolan Manning¹, Vanessa Mariscal¹, Cleo Bailey¹, Parmida Batmanghelench¹, Michelle Maciel², Jasmine Sanchez¹, Shirin Sorooshian¹, Navid Fardinesh³, Pat Fidopiastis¹, Casey Heaney², Suzanne Phelan²

Emmerson Heery^†★, Justin Grapentine^†, Benjamin Schiff^†, Mallary Greenlee- Wacker^†

Marshall Rottier Johnson^†★§, Heather Liwanag^§

Bernice Yphantides^1★, Heather Bruns², Louis Justement², Christine Loyd³, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker¹

Ulises Frick^★, Derik Frantz

Sonia Patil^★, Jacob Bellamah^★, Daniel Bercovici

Ishita Patel^★, Scott Eagon

Abigail McQuaid^†★, Ian Hutt^★, Audrey Beaver^★, Victor Sepulveda^★, Luke Williams^★, Zach Peterson^★, Samantha Callahan^★, Keaton Smith^★, Scott Eagon

Adam Ordaz^★, Katherine Le^★, Blakeley Reynolds^†★, Scott Eagon

Brenna Bradfield^★, Addison Sampietro^★, Scott Eagon

Grisha Dehktyar^1★, Mary Jane Hartman^2†★, Kai Winstead-Leroy^1★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker²

Sofia Valencia^†★, Leslie Hamachi^†