(9:00-9:15)
[36]: Potential Selective Copper (I) Detection Through DNA-Binding Protein Interactions
Katrina Culman1★, Andrew Sayers2★, Steven Wilkinson21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★Speaker
Multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) proteins are widely represented amongst bacterial and archaeal transcription factors. MarR proteins regulate a wide variety of cellular processes including efflux and degradation of toxins. MarR proteins are characterized by specific interactions with small molecules or transition metals which function to modify MarR-DNA binding thereby either attenuating or enhancing gene expression. The MarR homolog, CrmR (copper-responsive MarR) is found in Clostridioides difficile, a pathogenic bacterium that commonly causes colon infections in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Our findings demonstrate that CrmR binds at multiple sites in the promoter/operator region of an operon that includes a predicted multi-antimicrobial extrusion (MATE) protein. We also show that the CrmR-DNA binding interaction is attenuated by copper under reducing conditions which would be characteristic of the bacterial cytoplasm. Taken together, these findings suggest a novel, copper-induced stress response mechanism in C. difficile that may have important implications in the well-documented antibiotic resistance of this pathogen. |
(9:15-9:30)
[37]: Therapeutics Targeting the Iron Acquisition Systems of Escherichia coli for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Ian Hutt†★, Scott EagonDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★Speaker
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli with approximately 10.5 million annual cases in the United States alone. Antibiotics have been effective at treating UTIs, but their effectiveness is waning due to the surging resistance to antibiotics in causative bacteria. If current trends continue, some researchers predict that current popular antibiotics will no longer function as effective treatment against UTIs. This problem highlights the need for new therapeutics to combat resistance.
Acquisition of iron is essential to E. coli growth and survival in the urinary tract. Our goal is to prevent the uptake of iron by inhibiting the TonB protein, which is essential to E. coli in the use of transporting chelated iron into the cell. In addition, this treatment method is expected to leave beneficial E. coli strains in other regions of the body unharmed.
Recently, issues with our original synthesis pathway have prompted us to design an alternative pathway. Eventually, a promising pathway involving a microwave acylation and subsequent allylic bromination was discovered. This new pathway aims to greatly cut down the work and time involved, making the formation of desired compounds much more efficient. |
(9:30-9:45)
[38]: Bioinformatics Capstone: An Applied Consulting Experience in Genomics and Biotech
Madeline Bittner1★, Cooper Koenig1★, Nasreen Buhn1★, Isabella Lamont1★, Lauren Anderson1★, Christopher Dahl1★, Elisa Delgado1★, Fiona Ffrench1★, Sedona Fugitt1★, Schuyler Gooley1★, Josh Gottschalk2★, Eva Hamill3★, Lizzie Manis4★, Nikita Mittal2★, Tyler Weipert1★, Sofia Willoughby4★, Mateo Wolfe5★, Liane Wong1★, Yiu-Ming Wu5★, Jean Davidson1, Paul Anderson31 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, 3 Department of Computer Science, 4 Department of Microbiology, 5 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★Speaker
The Bioinformatics Capstone serves as the integrative experience for students completing the cross-disciplinary Bioinformatics minor, drawing on coursework in biology, statistics, computer science, and data science. In this final project, students act as consultants, applying bioinformatics tools and methodologies to solve real-world challenges presented by external clients. This quarter, client partners include SeaGrant, Virgil, and QuantumCyte. The SeaGrant project focuses on analyzing genomic data from west coast Olympia oysters to develop tools for assessing the genetic relatedness between aquaculture-farmed and wild populations. This work supports conservation efforts by informing reintroduction strategies and identifying unique genomic signatures across populations. Virgil, a local biomedical startup, is developing a diagnostic platform that leverages genomic and clinical metadata to recommend personalized treatment plans for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Capstone students are contributing to the integration and analysis of these data sources to support precision medicine efforts. QuantumCyte, a California-based biotech company, is advancing cancer diagnostics through the fusion of AI-driven imaging and RNA sequencing technologies. Their goal is to improve detection of variant allele frequencies and gene expression patterns for more accurate and efficient cancer diagnosis. Students are helping refine bioinformatics workflows and analytical strategies to support this cutting-edge research.
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(9:45-10)
[39]: Insulated Solar Electric Cooker Development
Logan Williams1†★, Eli Wortman2★, Nick Doing3★, Kyle Kojatesh4†★, Michael Albert5†★, Elena Venner4†★, David Agahjanyan6†★, Pete Schwartz6†1 MATE, 2 ME, 3 AERO, 4 EE, 5 CE, 6 Department of Physics, †Frost Support, ★Speaker
Insulated Solar Electric Cooker Development Abstract
Solid Thermal Storage (STS) plays a vital role in improving the performance of the Insulated Solar Electric Cooker (ISEC). By integrating a thermal mass beneath the cook pot, the system stores solar-generated heat for later use, enabling higher cooking power and expanding functionality beyond simple boiling and simmering. Key to effective STS design is balancing specific heat capacity with thermal conductivity to optimize energy storage and transfer. Concrete, due to its affordability, local availability, and adaptability, was evaluated as a potential STS material. Although its thermal conductivity proved insufficient for this application, the exploration led to promising use of concrete in structural components of the ISEC, supporting local, cost-effective manufacturing.
To make concrete a viable structural alternative, research explored processing techniques and high strength additives to improve mechanical properties while decreasing thickness to a goal of 5 mm. The physical appearance was also researched, and studies indicate that to produce a smooth surface with a glossy sheen, the desired face should rest upon high density polyethylene during production.
Further research has developed and produced a power optimizing circuit for solar panels.This circuit can be utilized to regulate the systems power throughout the varying intensities of sunlight seen throughout the day.
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(10-10:15)
[40]: Examining current perceptions towards nicotine pouches among college students
Tyler Gee1★, Sharena Martin2★, Kira Schlieman1, Timothy Mai1, Katherine Santilena1, Julia Alber1, Adrienne Lent11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Interdisciplinary Studies - College of Liberal Arts, ★Speaker
Despite public health efforts to decrease use, tobacco companies continue to successfully market to younger audiences – most recently with introducing nicotine pouches in 2016. From 2019 to 2022, nicotine pouch sales increased from 126 million to 808 million. Given the newness of these products, research on perception is limited. Existing research suggests young adults and youth are more likely to use nicotine pouches than other adults. This study examined perceptions towards nicotine pouches among a sample of young adults. Intercept interviews (N=80), lasting 5-10 minutes, were conducted on a university campus in Central California between November 2024 and February 2025. Common interview themes included perceptions of harm, popular brands, social acceptance, and comparison of tobacco products. Many students viewed nicotine pouches as less risky when compared to traditional and electronic cigarettes. Some participants viewed nicotine pouches as socially acceptable, believing they do not harm those around them unlike other tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes). Interviewees, users and non-users alike, regarded nicotine pouches as a popular product. ‘Zyn’ was identified as the prominent nicotine pouch brand, with occasional references to ‘Velo.’ These findings provide insights into college students' beliefs surrounding nicotine pouches; however, more research is needed to understand young adults’ beliefs nationwide. |
(10:15-10:30)
[41]: College student perceptions of on-campus medication abortion services: Preliminary findings from a qualitative study
Alexander Kappos1★, Sara Cohn1★, Ella Andersen1★, Shin Liow1, Emily Robles1†, Olivia Kaciak1, Christine Hackman1, Joni Roberts1, Kara Samaniego21 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Psychology and Child Development, †Frost Support, ★Speaker
Background: California Senate Bill 24 (SB24) mandates that all California public college campus health centers offer medication abortion (MAB). Understanding student perceptions of the implementation of SB24 is essential for shaping policy and public discourse, as well as increasing access to reproductive healthcare.
Purpose: This study explores student perceptions and experiences related to SB24 implementation and provision of MAB services at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Methods: We conducted 34 qualitative interviews with Cal Poly students recruited through general education courses, snowball sampling, and the university’s secure health messaging system. Participants included both biological males and females. Interview transcripts are being analyzed using an inductive, open coding process based on thematic analysis. We aim to complete both open and axial coding to develop a qualitative codebook by Summer 2025.
Results: Preliminary findings reveal a range of student perspectives, including a lack of awareness of on-campus MAB services, general support for MAB on campus, concerns about confidentiality and health outcomes, and the role of stigma in shaping attitudes and behaviors.
Discussion: This research project highlights the importance of considering varied viewpoints regarding SB24. Understanding student perceptions and experiences can aid in the development of tailored outreach and education, as well as the implementation of policies that support students’ reproductive health needs. |
(10:30-10:45)
[42]: Integrating heart health into home visitation: Qualitative analysis of home visitor perspectives
Elle Largent1★, Suzanne Phelan21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★Speaker
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, disproportionately affecting minority and low income populations. CVD risk factors (e.g., unhealthy eating, smoking, etc.) are significant contributors to prenatal and postpartum morbidity and mortality. Throughout the country, there are evidence-based home-visiting programs in place providing interventions to pregnant and postpartum people and children; however, these often focus on supporting clients’ social wellbeing, and parenting skills, as well as facilitating community resource connection. These are all important interventions, and this study explores the possibility of enriching these interventions by understanding the perspectives of home-visiting programs on integrating CVD related content into home visitation as part of a NIH-funded implementation trial, ENRICH. Participating home-visiting programs in the study were locally based around two sister sites conducting the research, Cal Poly SLO and Brown University in Rhode Island. Interviews were conducted with home-visiting staff, and then transcripted and analyzed for key themes that would provide structure for considering what heart health intervention should look like. Barriers to intervention, as well as facilitators, were both identified and placed in context of heart health intervention. In general, home-visiting staff were receptive to the implementation of a new heart-health program and believed their clients would also be interested. |