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[1 - 2nd floor lobby]: Pinching the Best k: Finding Optimal k Clusters in k-Means using CRAB MetricAllen Choi★, Jasmine Cabrera★, Kelly BodwinDepartment of Statistics, ★SpeakerUnsupervised clustering algorithms such as k-Means and Hierarchical Clustering are commonly used today in research and academia. While many different scoring methods have been developed to determine the best number of clusters, i.e. Elbow Method and Silhouette Score, they often lead to ambiguous decisions that tend to disagree with one another. To address this, the team has created a new cluster scoring method, the CRAB algorithm. This approach utilizes random subsampling of the dataset along with the classification of observation pairs. The team's constructed definition of "rivals" and "buddies" between pairwise points gives insight into which observations tend to "stick together" and those that tend to be farther apart. For research use, the team explores the clustering behavior of the algorithm under the null and alternative case for clustering patterns. Additionally, the team is creating an R package that implements different functions to understand the many capabilities of the CRAB algorithm, allowing other researchers to utilize the new scoring method as an alternative to existing methods. |
[2 - 2nd floor lobby]: Applications of Extended Hausdorff-Pompeiu Distance to Spatial Autoregressive ModelsCarly Waldeck★, Lucas Kantorowski★, Mason Souza★, Alejandro Gomez, Julia Schedler★Department of Statistics, ★SpeakerData collected at a particular location are common in many fields: median household income for a city or state, the concentration of particulate matter measured at a precise monitoring location, or the locations at which earthquakes occur are all examples. One possible use of such data is to build a model to understand how certain variables impact the ability to predict another, for example, how does the median household income vary as a function of the proportion of the population with a high school diploma or higher? Regression is the statistical tool that most would reach for to answer this question, but spatial data presents a challenge: observations close to one another tend to be similar, so the independence assumption of regression is violated, which can lead to falsely significant results. Spatial Regression models provide a way to relax the independence assumption in these situations by specifying a specific model for the dependence that is appropriate for the data. We examine the class of spatial regression models for regional data, namely Simultaneous Autoregressive and Conditional Autoregressive (SAR/CAR) models. A classic paper demonstrates that common models used for spatial dependence in SAR and CAR models can lead to results that violate intuition of how nearby regions should relate. We explore whether altering the model for spatial dependence to incorporate the irregular shape of regions via the extended Hausdorff distance will lead to more intuitive results. |
[3 - 2nd floor lobby]: Modeling Student Interactions in Online Statistics CoursesAlexis Hegarty†★, Ashlyn Philips†★, Anelise Sabbag†Department of Statistics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerAs asynchronous virtual learning becomes more common, especially post-COVID-19, statistics educators face new challenges in fostering student engagement and collaboration. This study investigates the use of Collaborative Keys assignments (CKs), which are structured group assignments designed to promote interaction in an introductory asynchronous online statistics course. Guided by the Community of Inquiry framework which focuses on teacher, social, and cognitive exchanges, this study explores how CKs can support positive interactions between students and provides a key teaching element in online environments. Results show a high proportion of video references among teacher presence indicators and of agreement between students among social presence indicators. A weak positive association between total social presence and final course grade was also observed. Possible predictors of academic performance included indicators such as inclusive pronoun use (e.g., “we” and “our”), answering questions, and asking questions. Cognitive coding is currently under way with indicators such as self-evaluation, self-evaluation with statistical reference, peer correction, defending solutions in one’s own words, defending solutions through reference to video or the instructor, and selecting answers from initial responses. These findings offer actionable insights for educators aiming to enhance student connection and learning in asynchronous settings. |
[4 - 2nd floor lobby]: Measuring curiosity in introductory statistics studentsAmy Truong†★, Ella Smith★, Beth ChanceDepartment of Statistics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerOur multi-year, cross-institutional study explores student curiosity as a key component of intrinsic motivation in introductory statistics education. We present our research design for measuring student curiosity through the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (pre/post), mid-term reflection surveys, and periodic open-ended “I Wonder” surveys throughout the course. Drawing on preliminary data from seven introductory statistics courses across three institutions, we demonstrate the viability of our methodology and share insights from our rubric development process. This research emphasizes our systematic approach to understanding what sparks statistical curiosity and whether it differs by student audience/instructor, findings that could inform how instructors design and teach introductory statistics courses. |
[5 - 2nd floor lobby]: A Refined Physical Behavior Score to Predict All-Cause MortalityChris Liu★, Jeffrey SklarDepartment of Statistics, ★SpeakerPhysical and sedentary behaviors such as moderate or vigorous exercise, sitting and sleeping, and the time spent engaging in these activities are known to be associated with the risk of all-cause mortality among adults. We propose a physical behavior score (PBS) that combines self-reported measures of physical activity with objective measures of physical activity from wearable device (accelerometer) data. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 that include participants age 20 years or older, this study examines the relationship between our newly developed physical behavior score and all-cause mortality among the NHANES participants. Survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models with and without the physical behavior score are estimated and compared to assess the added value of incorporating accelerometer-based measures alongside self-reported data. The results demonstrate that our refined metric, incorporating both subjective and objective measures of physical activity, offers improved physical behavior characterization and stronger prediction of mortality risk compared to self-reported measures alone. |
[6 - 2nd floor lobby]: Using Association Networks to Explore the Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms in California Coastal WatersBarbara Ibrahim1†★, Emi Degembe1†★, Lucy Nelson2, Trevor Ruiz1, Alexis Pasulka21 Department of Statistics, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerHarmful algal blooms can be detrimental to humans and other wildlife species, but the microbial ecology of harmful species is less well understood. This project utilizes microbial relative abundance data collected off the Cal Poly Pier to estimate co-occurrence relationships between taxa over a two-year period and identify association networks involving harmful algal species. We consider challenges associated with estimation and interpretation and propose a variety of metrics to better understand community structure. We then use these measures to explore seasonal and depth-related variation. These patterns may provide insight that supports more targeted sampling for monitoring and management efforts. |
[7 - 2nd floor lobby]: Quality Control of Morro Bay Estuarine Monitoring Data for Detecting Disruptions in Oxygen-pH CouplingJose Garcia★§, Alea Seifert★§, Trevor Ruiz§Department of Statistics, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerIn marine ecosystems, water chemistry strongly shapes community structure but also reflects ecosystem function. Biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration produce strong coupling between dissolved oxygen (O$_2$) and pH. High-frequency monitoring data from Morro Bay reveal localized and unexplained disruptions to this relationship, suggesting possible changes in ecosystem function, environmental conditions, or both. However, ocean chemistry data are often noisy, and measurement error may affect downstream analyses, making it difficult to assess the statistical significance of local disruptions. This project implements a quality control pipeline for retrospective analysis of monitoring data and develops approaches to asses local disruptions to the O$_2$–pH relationship. Implementation of quality control procedures is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s real-time processing protocols (QARTOD). The processed data are then used to explore O$_2$ and pH decoupling patterns across monitoring locations using two approaches: a hypothesis-testing framework and a statistical modeling framework. The initial approaches developed in this project extend readily to additional water chemistry parameters and may find broader application in the analysis of environmental monitoring data. |
[8 - 2nd floor lobby]: Animated Data Manipulation GIFs in RAlisa Krasilnikov★, Sophia Meek★, Immanuel WilliamsDepartment of Statistics, ★SpeakerUnderstanding data transformation in R is often challenging for beginners, particularly when function names alone do not make the underlying changes clear. This project uses animated GIFs to visualize three foundational tidyverse verbs — select(), mutate(), and filter() — making otherwise invisible operations visible through consistent motion, color, and spatial cues. Grounded in learning sciences research, the approach treats animations as “digital manipulatives,” enabling learners to observe transformations as dynamic processes rather than static outputs. This aids students in forming accurate mental models of how data moves and evolves. The palmerpenguins dataset provides a concrete, low-cognitive-load context for examples, allowing learners to focus on transformation logic rather than interpreting unfamiliar data. But, the project also prioritizes adaptability, with modular code that allows educators to easily customize animations for different datasets and instructional settings. By externalizing movement typically hidden within the code, these visuals aim to improve comprehension, foster critical thinking, and support more confident, active engagement with R code. This is particularly important in an era of AI-generated code, where learners must be able to interpret and evaluate what the code is doing, rather than relying on a surface-level familiarity with syntax. |
[9 - 2nd floor lobby]: Urban Forest Tree AllometryKaviya Veerasingam1†★, Cami Pawlak2†, Reed Kenny2†, Julia Schedler1†, Trevor Ruiz1†1 Department of Statistics, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTree allometry examines how different physical attributes of trees scale in relation to one another with tree growth. Allometric equations describe these scaling relationships and can be used to make predictions on characteristics such as tree height, diameter at breast height, canopy width, and several others. Since trees in natural forests and urban environments grow under different conditions, allometric equations developed for natural forests to urban trees can give inaccurate predictions. In this project we estimate allometric equations using a mixed model approach specifically for trees in California’s urban environments that describe relationships between height, diameter at breast height, canopy width, and tree age. We use individual-level data on the 198 most common tree species in California from a database comprising 2,252,926 records on 901,435 trees. These urban-specific equations provide more reliable predictions and potentially support improved urban forest planning. |
[10 - 2nd floor lobby]: Which instructional format best builds on tactile simulation for learning two-proportion concepts?Ryan Marangattu★, Beth ChanceDepartment of Statistics, ★SpeakerThis study investigates how different instructional formats build on an initial tactile simulation when teaching two proportion concepts. All students first completed a tactile card-shuffling activity designed to simulate sampling variability and introduce the logic of comparing two proportions. Following this shared experience, students were assigned to one of three secondary instructional formats: an interactive applet, a PowerPoint animation, or a prerecorded video demonstration. A paired pre–post design was used to measure changes in conceptual understanding, with assessments administered immediately before and after the secondary instructional intervention. The primary outcome was the magnitude of improvement in students’ ability to interpret simulation results, understand variability, and reason about differences between proportions. The study aims to identify which instructional approach most effectively builds on hands-on simulation, which will inform best practices for teaching statistical concepts. Findings may also clarify whether more interactive or passive visual formats differentially impact student comprehension when layered on top of tactile learning. |
[11 - 2nd floor lobby]: Comprehensive Comparison of Regression ModelsJustin Mai†★, Colin Hassett†★, Holladay Brett†Department of Statistics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThis project replicates and extends An Extensive Experimental Survey of Regression Methods (Fernández-Delgado et al., 2018) using the tidymodels framework in R to compare a broad set of regression algorithms in a reproducible setting. We tested 12 models across 32 datasets in the OpenML CTR23 benchmark suite. Guided by findings from the original study, we investigated rule-based methods in greater depth. In addition to rule-based methods, we considered ensemble methods and Bayesian frameworks as part of our model selection. To ensure fair comparison across models, predictors with pairwise correlation greater than 0.75 were filtered by removing one variable from each highly correlated pair. For smaller datasets, we used 5-fold cross-validation. For larger datasets, we used a 60/20/20 train-validation-test split, where the validation set was used for model tuning and the test set was reserved for final evaluation. Each model was assigned a Friedman rank based on its predictive performance and runtime. Statistically significant differences in R$^2$ and runtime were assessed using the Nemenyi post hoc test following the Friedman test. |
[12 - 2nd floor lobby]: Structured vs. Unstructured AI Prompting: Effects on Learning Outcomes and Efficiency in an Undergraduate Statistics CourseMeghana Kolar1★, Sam Otto2, Immanuel Williams11 Department of Statistics, 2 Orfalea , ★SpeakerGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used by students as a study aid, yet little empirical work examines how prompt design influences learning in authentic undergraduate classroom settings. This study investigates how structured prompt engineering techniques impact student learning outcomes and efficiency in an undergraduate statistics course. Specifically, we compare five conditions: unstructured prompting, Role–Task–Format (RTF), Javascript Object Notation (JSON)-structured prompting, a combined RTF+JSON approach, and a control condition without AI. Approximately 70 students participate in a randomized experimental design embedded within instruction on One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Learning gains are measured using pre- and post-assessments, while efficiency is evaluated through time-on-task and number of prompts used. Student perceptions, including cognitive effort and usability, are collected through post-activity surveys. Our framework emphasizes structuring prompts using JSON schemas to externalize reasoning and promote reproducibility. By requiring students to define roles, tasks, and output formats, we aim to shift AI use from passive response generation to active cognitive engagement. Findings from this study will provide insight into how structured prompting can enhance critical thinking, improve learning efficiency, and support responsible integration of AI in statistics education. This work contributes to the growing conversation on designing effective human–AI learning interactions in quantitative contexts. |
[13 - 2nd floor lobby]: INVESTIGATING EMOJI AND DESCRIPTION SURVEYS AS AN AVENUE FOR INCREASING THE ACCURACY OF STUDENTS’ RESPONSES TO CLASSROOM SURVEYSOtis Hunt†★, Allison TheoboldDepartment of Statistics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerStandard Likert-scale surveys are ubiquitous in education given their simplicity and ease of use. However, the predictability of Likert-responses is potentially detrimental to the thoughtfulness of students’ responses. In this study, we designed surveys with the goal of reducing neutral responses and addressing the perceived non-uniform distances between response options. To increase cognitive engagement, we considered two possible avenues of “game-ifying” surveys—descriptions and emojis—replacing Likert-scale responses with options that better mirror students’ experiences. These surveys were implemented in an undergraduate statistics course to gauge students’ experiences collaborating with their peers. This paper explores the responses obtained from both types of surveys, comparing the prevalence of neutral responses and provides recommendations for structuring educational surveys. |
[14 - 2nd floor lobby]: Geographic and Environmental Drivers of Rattlesnake Thermoregulation and MetabolismNicole Yee1†★, Allen Choi1★, Trevor Ruiz1†, Emily Taylor2†, Haley Moniz21 Department of Statistics, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerUnderstanding how local conditions shape ecological niches across a broad geographic extent provides key insight into how populations respond to climate and environment. Rattlesnakes, as ectotherms, have biological and physiological functions strongly impacted by temperature and sunlight availability, which vary with latitude, season, and elevation; thus, populations in different locations can exhibit quite distinct behavioral and life-cycle patterns. Many studies use passively-recorded continuous physiological measurements to understand these dynamics. This work develops a functional regression approach for integrated analysis of such data from individuals across multiple populations to model the influence of elevation, latitude, and environmental temperature on physiological responses. In the context of rattlesnake populations, the work explores implications for the typical metabolism and energetic requirements of populations as characterized by geography and local climate. Modeling continuous time series across populations involves accounting for high time resolution, individual variation, and environmental contrasts. We model body temperature as a continuous daily function using functional regression with cyclic smooths and multilevel functional principal components to capture individual and site level variation. Environmental factors influence both the magnitude and structure of daily temperature curves with strong diurnal cycles and increased distinction between environments in warmer months, flat curves during brumation, and mixed patterns across environments in transitional periods. This framework applies to functional data across populations and geographic scales, enabling analysis of how environmental variation shapes behavior. |
[15 - 2nd floor lobby]: Detecting Humpback Whale Songs Using Machine LearningLucas Kantorowski★, Kelly Bodwin, Maddie SchrothDepartment of Statistics, ★SpeakerThe ecosystem of Earth’s oceanic environments is difficult to understand with our current technology. The lack of light beneath the surface of the ocean emphasizes the use of acoustic based analyses to examine marine species. Whales are one such marine mammal known for their acoustic presence. Analysis of whale presence requires technology, knowledge, and time. Machine learning models help reduce the tedium of the annotation process. These models can detect periods of downtime, and help bioacousticians skip directly to the next sound of interest. They take advantage of previously annotated sound data, and predict on new sound data. However, detection of whale song is difficult due to the continuous time nature of data. We build upon Wong et al. (2025), which focuses on using machine learning algorithms to detect gray whale songs. They use Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients to capture the short-term spectrum of sound. This data modelling processing was tested on humpback whales to limited success. Humpback whale songs are more sonically complex, with their songs occurring at a wider range of frequencies. We expand upon previous work by capturing the time and frequency-based nature of humpback whale songs. |
[16 - 2nd floor lobby]: Outlining the Landscape of Collaborative Programming ToolsSylvia Du1†★, Jack Poole2★, Sydney Potkey2†★, Allison Theobold21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Statistics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerCollaborative coding fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and authentic programming practice, yet its classroom adoption is limited by the availability of suitable platforms. This paper compares three widely used tools—Google Colab, CoCalc, and Posit Cloud—to assess their effectiveness for collaborative work in Python and R. We evaluate each platform’s collaborative features, administrative and financial costs, and accessibility, with attention to how they support different collaboration strategies. Our analysis highlights tradeoffs between real-time editing, synchronized execution, and ease of administration. Based on these findings, we provide practical recommendations to help instructors select platforms and design group projects that maximize the benefits of collaborative coding in data science and statistics courses. |
[17 - 2nd floor lobby]: ML-Driven Structural Parameters & Uncertainties for Rubin DP1 GalaxiesDiego Lockyer★, Louise Edwards, Aritra GhoshDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerIn Rubin’s first 10 years of operation, more galaxies will be collected as part of Data Release 1 (DR1) than in the history of astronomy. This amount of data will necessitate methods such as machine-learning algorithms for analysis of galaxy morphology at scale. In preparation for this, we apply the Galaxy Morphology Posterior Estimation Network (GaMPEN) to estimate structural parameters for ~200k Rubin Data Preview 1 (DP1) survey galaxies with robust associated uncertainties, for galaxies with z ? 1 and m ? 25. GaMPEN is a machine learning framework that estimates Bayesian posteriors for a galaxy’s bulge-to-total light ratio ($L_B$/$L_T$), effective radius ($R_e$), and flux ($F$). Applying transfer learning to real data, we are currently in the process of training GaMPEN with ~8% of our data set. Using a small amount of DP1 data, we are able to create Rubin-specific GaMPEN models by fine-tuning previously trained GaMPEN models used on Hyper Suprime-Cam Wide survey data. Having publicly-available trained models will be crucial for analyzing future Rubin data releases, including the soon to be available DR1. |
[18 - 2nd floor lobby]: Algae Lysis Using Ultrasonic VibrationsJosephine Muss1★, Michael Xu1★, Lauren Wasson1, Jonathan Fernsler1, Elena Keeling2, Dean Arakaki31 Department of Physics, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, 3 Electrical Engineering, ★SpeakerAlgae is a promising carbon-neutral biofuel source, as the carbon released during combustion can be offset by carbon absorbed during growth. We plan on breaking open algae to release lipids with ultrasonic frequencies using a probe sonicator to rupture the cell membranes. We use Dunaliella salina, a unicellular, saltwater algae which lacks a cell wall. We are using the probe sonicator, testing between varying times and varying power while keeping a constant volume and algae density to measure the percentage of lysed cells by imaging with a microscope, counting the lysed cells on the grid of a hemocytometer. With the data, we are developing a model for the pressure field across a solution which we intend to use to establish an equation for the expected percentage of lysis given tube geometry, power, frequency, time, type of algae. The goal of the research is to advance a scalable, time- and energy-efficient algae-based biofuel process through ultrasonic frequencies by finding the parameters for efficient algae lysis. |
[19 - 2nd floor lobby]: Non-equilibrium fluctuations and diffusion in quasi-2D liquidsRyan Newton★, Breanne Evans★, Henry Heidersbach★, Rand Worman★, Marea Hughes★, Isabelle Kraemer★, Nick Taylor★, Diego Dal Mas★, Jonathan FernslerDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerThe 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. This project aims to explore the diffusive mechanisms in quasi-2D fluids using Langmuir monolayers and freely suspended liquid crystal films. Videos of equilibrium and non-equilibrium diffusion were 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. |
[20 - 2nd floor lobby]: Inherited Zircon: Investigation of Pluton Emplacement in the Tuolumne Intrusive Suite, Sierra Nevada, CaliforniaMarissa LeValley1★, Marie Clare Reali1★, Jade Star Lackey2, Andrew Kylander-Clark3, Scott Johnston11 Department of Physics, 2 Claremont Universtity, 3 UC Santa Barbara, ★SpeakerThe emplacement of plutonic rocks in the upper crust has implications for the formation of continental crust and the generation and storage of arc magma beneath volcanic centers. The Tuolumne Intrusive Suite (TIS) in Yosemite National Park consists of five texturally distinct granodiorite units that are younger and progressively more felsic toward its center, and offers an ideal site to investigate two competing hypotheses for pluton emplacement: (1) kilometer-scale magma intrusions that mix in the upper crust, and (2) smaller sub-kilometer pulses that evolve in the lower–middle crust. To assess the possibility of mixing between pHD and CP units, we used plots of U/Ta vs. Nb/Ta in zircon to distinguish autocryst and inherited antecryst populations in CP samples. Across the CP, geochemical antecrysts yielded ages of >89 Ma, and overlap in age and geochemistry with zircon from older TIS units. Antecryst populations are highest (up to 19% of all analyses) in CP samples within 100 m of the pHD-CP boundary and are homogeneously lower (< 7%) in samples collected from across the interior of the CP. Marginal CP samples also display slightly older autocryst ages (88.7–88.0 Ma) whereas autocryst ages from the interior of the CP are younger (87.2-87.6 Ma). Increasing antecryst abundance in CP near the pHD-CP is consistent with emplacement-level intra-unit mixing, whereas older CP autocryst ages may suggest that marginal CP is a distinct TIS unit. Our continued work focuses on using CL imaging of zircon to assess volume of inherited zircon across the CP to more accurately estimate the volume of inherited antecrystic material, and on description of unit contacts to assess possible mixing mechanisms. |
[21 - 2nd floor lobby]: Geodesic completion of Big Bangs from emergent geometryCameron Corley★, Benjamin ShlaerDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerCosmologies that are always expanding are generally known to be past-incomplete, having, e.g., a Big Bang singularity. Past geodesically complete cosmologies are thought to require either contraction, or an asymptotically static past. We demonstrate a third possible solution: Einstein-frame cosmic time can be a dynamical quantity that attains a local minimum and reverses direction. This occurs in the presence of phantom Chaplygin gas, whose acoustic cone defines a more fundamental “causal-frame” geometry. The resulting spacetime is geodesically complete in both the causal-frame and Einstein-frame where the Einstein-frame lapse function, N, can smoothly change sign. The resulting causal-frame geometry provides a sensible notion of causality for all fields and predicts a non-singular bounce akin to time reversal in Einstein-frame that is robust against arbitrary additions of matter. |
[22 - 2nd floor lobby]: Probing the Surroundings of a Supermassive Black HoleNoemi Corona Calvario1★, Lizvette Villafaña21 Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, 2 Department of Physics, ★SpeakerActive Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are luminous centers of galaxies powered by the accretion of matter onto supermassive black holes. A key component of AGN is the broad-line region (BLR), whose structure and dynamics can be studied by forward modeling reverberation mapping datasets. The Code for AGN Reverberation and Modeling of Emission Lines (CARAMEL) uses Bayesian statistics to find the parameters that best reproduce observed data. In this work, we present modeling results for the Seyfert 1 galaxy PG 2209+184 using data from the Lick AGN Monitoring Project (LAMP) in 2016. Our results indicate that the H$\beta$ emission from the BLR is consistent with the geometry of a thick disk ($\theta_o=29.1^\circ{}^{+11.0}_{-8.4}$), with a radius of $r_{\text{median}}$=$15.2^{+1.1}_{-1.0}$ (light-days) viewed at an inclination of $\theta_i=30.2^\circ{}^{+8.7}_{-6.9}$. Additionally, the model suggests that close to 54\% of particles have nearly circular orbits $(f_{\text{ellip}}=0.54^{+0.10}_{-0.15})$, while the remainder show inflowing orbits toward the black hole. Most notably, the mass of the black hole resulted in $\log_{10} ({M_{\text{BH}}}/M_\odot)=7.53^{+0.19}_{-0.20}$. |
[23 - 2nd floor lobby]: Ice Melt and Plume Dynamics in a Stratified TankCharlotte Maderazo1★, Khalid Abbed1★, Zane Marchi1★, Ryan Walter21 Marine Science, 2 Department of Physics, ★SpeakerIce and glacier melting rates are increasing exponentially due to anthropogenic causes. This intensified change can lead to numerous environmental consequences such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, and changes in ocean circulation. Understanding fjord systems and how they respond to various forcing dynamics, including predicted changes to ocean stratification, will help us refine predictions of ice loss and subsequent consequences including changes to ocean circulation and heat transport. The Cal Poly Stratified Fluids Tank can emulate the vertical density stratification common in fjord systems, where fresh and brackish water from inland sources and ice melt sits on top of denser seawater intruding into the fjord from the ocean. This study focuses on how the density difference between the ice sheet and the top ocean layer influences ice-sheet melt time, ice-melt-plume velocities, temperature dynamics, and advection rates. Preliminary findings show that increased stratification results in longer melt times, slower plume velocities, and enhanced upward plume advection. We will present initial results from a network of thermistor probes throughout the tank to quantify melt-plume transport using MATLAB. Future work will investigate a wider range of density differences between the ice and the top ocean layer to better understand how varying stratification influences melt dynamics. |
[24 - 2nd floor lobby]: The Search for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with the CUORE DetectorLiam Murphy★, Lucy Fagan★, Thomas D. GutierrezDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerNeutrinos are omnipresent throughout the universe, however their properties are still not fully understood. The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE), located at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy, works to answer these questions by searching for neutrinoless double beta decay ($0\nu$$\beta$$\beta$). Detection of $0\nu$$\beta$$\beta$ would imply that the neutrino is its own antiparticle, defining the neutrino as a Majorana particle. The properties of a Majorana particle would point to a specific interpretation of neutrino mass and strengthen the leptogenesis theory during the early Universe. The CUORE collaboration, which Cal Poly is a part of, has bounded the lower limit of $0\nu$$\beta$$\beta$ in Tellurium-130 as 3.5 x 10$^{25}$years (35 yottayears), based on 2 tonne-year detection data. The experiment presented in this poster uses 988 Tellurium-Dioxide (TeO$_2$) crystals isolated from external radiation to detect neutrinoless double beta decays. Future experiments include the CUORE Upgrade with Particle IDentification (CUPID). This work was done in part with support from NSF-1913374 and NSF-2412377. |
[25 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Geant4 Simulations of the ALICE FoCal-E DetectorIsaac Lara Romo★, Jennifer KlayDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerThe ALICE experiment investigates the physics of the first microseconds after the big bang by colliding heavy-ions at high energies. These collisions create similar thermodynamic conditions to those of the early universe, producing matter known as Quark-Gluon Plasma. This experiment features a wide variety of detectors, including calorimeters that measure the energy of particles produced during collisions. One of these detectors is the FoCal-E, a recent upgrade, which was replicated in a simulation environment to characterize the energy deposition within its sensor cells using a primary electron source and verify the position of the electromagnetic shower maximum within the detector. These results were used to evaluate the placement and performance of high-granularity sensor layers in resolving shower development. |
[26 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Modeling the Broad-Line Region of RBS 1917Brooke Berrios★, Lizvette VillafañaDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerThe relationship between supermassive black holes (SMBH) and their host galaxies has been long investigated, yet much is still unknown about the origin of the SMBH-galaxy connection. The Broad-Line Region’s (BLR) close proximity to the SMBH allows for us to use it as a probe, gaining insight about specific characteristics of this nearby gas, including its inclination angle, disk thickness, and black hole mass. Using the Code for AGN Reverberation and Modeling of Emission Lines (CARAMEL), we forward model the BLR using reverberation mapping data for RBS 1917. We find that its inclination angle is 20.2$^{+9.9}$$_{-3.9}$, its opening angle is 25.1$^{+9.2}$$_{-7.5}$ and its black hole mass is log10(MBH/M)=7.04$^{+0.23}$$_{-0.35}$. |
[27 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Construction and operation of a Rubidium-vapor atomic clockLucas Hill★, Tom BenskyDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerHere we report on the completion and operation of a Rubidium-vapor atomic clock. Microwaves at 6.834GHz de-pump excited atoms, where intensity measured by a photodetector drops sharply as the Rb87 gas is forced back into an absorptive state in resonance. To isolate the F=2 transition, the local magnetic field generated by the earth must be canceled, prohibiting Zeeman-splitting of the clock transition. For this we use Helmholtz coils. A computer automated procedure was developed to step currents and graph the resonance position at each current. By doing so, the minimum portion of the resulting quadratic-Zeeman-spitting parabola indicates a zero-field environment. We determined that to be 0.104A horizontally and 0.006A vertically. We then took microwave resonance scans over many weeks (over 70,000 resonances) and histogrammed the resonance centers. From the resulting gaussian, we determine the Quality factor (f/?f). This factor describes the ability of the apparatus to determine the resonance centroid, which is an indicator of the quality of the microwave signal, and the potential of the apparatus as a precision timekeeper. We can conclude that the Q-value is stable with a f/?f=10^-9, which results in a timekeeping accuracy of approximately 50?s per day or 1s per 50 years. This is 6800 times more accurate than a previously tested quartz crystal, and 600,000 times more accurate than an average mechanical clock. |
[28 - 3rd floor Room 304]: The Lorenz Model as a Foundation for Investigating Chaotic BehaviorElle Pharris★, Pasha TabatabaiDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerA system is chaotic if it is deterministic and extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Chaotic systems are deterministic because, under the same initial conditions, they behave in a characteristic manner according to the laws of physics. We can determine the trajectories of chaotic systems by solving or approximating a set of differential equations or discrete systems. Sensitivity to initial conditions means that two otherwise identical systems with different initial conditions will have dramatically different, diverging trajectories. We used the Lorenz model of atmospheric convection, the foundational model for chaos, as a benchmark for analyzing chaotic behavior. In particular, we used numerical approximations of the Lorenz equations to track the trajectories of different initial states. We then visualized the phase-space of the Lorenz attractor and estimated the Lyapunov exponents of the Lorenz model. We are looking to apply these methods to inferred equations of motion for collective groups of fish to determine whether fish shoals behave in a chaotic manner. |
[29 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Optimizing Neural Network Training to Predict the Collective Behavior of FishJohnathon McCarthy★, Pasha TabatabaiDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerBecause predicting complex group behavior is essential for understanding and modeling natural systems, we aim to predict the positions and velocities of a school of fish. In this experiment, we accurately predict the positions and velocities of a school of fish swimming in a quasi-2D container. There are many parameters that are used to train a neural network, which affect their predictive performance, thus making our predictions difficult to optimize. We are running multiple tests with variations of each of these parameters to determine the most efficient Network to use. We test each neural network by inputting the coordinates and velocities of a single frame, and we quantify how well each network predicts the group behavior within data that the network has never seen. |
[30 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Measuring Lifetimes of Neighbors in Collective Fish BehaviorMillie Lucyk†★, Pasha TabatabaiDepartment of Physics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerFor this project we look at how groups of fish interact and move within arenas of different sizes. Using tracking data of groups of fish we looked at two strategies to quantify rearrangements, one of them was to look at the duration over how long each fish stays surrounded by the same neighbors was analyzed. Most neighbor relationships change quickly however some neighbors stick around much longer, producing a long-tailed distribution of interaction times. This pattern is similar across different datasets and arena sizes. We also quantified how long fish remain in the interior of the group, providing additional insight into how group structure evolves over time. Overall, this approach offers a simple way to quantify interaction dynamics in collective animal behavior. |
[31 - 3rd floor Room 304]: A 3D Magneto-Optical Trap for Ultracold AtomsLiliana Martin†★, Luke Childress†★, Samuel Weston★, Hannah Reilly†, Jackson Floyd†, John Eis, Cavan Bannon, Joseph Pechkis, Hyewon PechkisDepartment of Physics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWe report details on an apparatus for studies of ultracold atomic systems and quantum degenerate gases. Specifically, will we discuss laser cooling and trapping techniques to obtain ultracold (T < 1 mK) atomic samples and all-optical trapping and evaporative cooling to reach quantum degeneracy (T ~ 100 nK). We will also discuss detection and characterization of cold atom clouds through absorption imaging and present our recent progress towards studies of spinor systems. |
[32 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Computing the Standard Deviation of Oscillator Periods to Find Stability Time RegionsElizabeth Dewar-Kudsi★, Thomas BenskyDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerIn an effort to understand the stability of electronic oscillators, a 555 integrated circuit was wired in stable frequency mode and connected to a time interval analyzer. Python code was developed to automate the collection of thousands of sequential pulse-to-pulse time intervals. The standard deviation of the collected periods was computed as an indicator of oscillator stability relative to the average period. We thus computed it as time progressed, based on all previous measurements. It was expected that the standard deviation would converge after a specific time and remain so. However, after long runs (in excess of 48 hours), the standard deviation did not converge, confounding our analysis. We decided to follow a more standard approach of computing the Allan Variance of the periods, which is the standard deviation, but with well-defined observation windows. With these, we’ll show regions of oscillator stability with a near-zero slope across the various frequencies. This gives us insights into regions of noise (slope of -1) and frequency shifting (slopes of -1) gleaned from the log-log plots of Allan Variance vs observation window. Our continued goal is to develop a procedure to determine the time interval during which the oscillator is most stable. |
[33 - 3rd floor Room 304]: CARAMEL modeling of the BLR for Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG+04Sophia O'Mahony★, L VillafanaDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerIt is now understood that a super massive black hole (SMBH) resides in the center of all galaxies. For galaxies in our local universe, we can determine the mass of the SMBH using stellar kinematics. However, the stars in galaxies further away are unable to be resolved. Therefore, we must use other techniques to calculate the mass of the central SMBH. Reverberation mapping of the broad line region (BLR) provides a powerful alternative by using time variability to probe the broad-line region in active galactic nuclei. Direct modeling approaches such as CARAMEL fit the geometry and kinematics of the broad-line region directly to the data, allowing black hole masses to be inferred without external virial factor calibration. In this study we use the CARAMEL code, which implements forward modeling techniques, to model the reverberated H? emission line in nine Seyfert 1 galaxies from the Lick Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) Monitoring Project (LAMP) 2016 sample. Here we focus on the galaxy MCG-04 (z = 0.03235). We found the BLR of this galaxy to be best described as a slightly thick disk ?(??_o=??13.6?^°?_(-4.9)^(+6.9)) inclined ?_i=??11.3?^°?_(-5.0)^(+5.8) toward the observer and a median BLR radius of r_median=?6.24?_(-0.87)^(+1.01) (light days), with a black hole mass of ?log?_10 (M_BH/M_? )=?7.59?_(-0.28)^(+0.42). |
[34 - 3rd floor Room 304]: The Decay of the $\mu$: Theory, Experimentation, and SimulationSoren Munoz★, Thomas D. GutierrezDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerThis presentation provides an overview of advanced undergraduate research on the leptonic weak decay of the muon. The work is organized into three components: theoretical derivations within quantum field theory using Fermi’s Golden Rule, empirical analysis and statistical modeling of decay data, and Monte Carlo simulations implemented with the Geant4 toolkit. Each component is presented individually and then integrated to highlight the connections between theoretical predictions, experimental results, and computational modeling. |
[35 - 3rd floor Room 304]: Characterizing Pluton-Dike Relationships to Establish Constraints on Magma Mixing in the Tuolumne Intrusive SuiteAdam Poelman★, Scott JohnstonDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerSilicic volcanic eruptions have the potential for catastrophic impacts on our society. These events are driven by dynamic processes occurring within the Earth’s crust. However, the emplacement, evolution, and storage of large magma bodies in the Earth’s crust remains an unresolved problem. Increasing our understanding of subsurface magma dynamics is critical for advancing volcanic hazard assessment. The Tuolumne Intrusive Suite (TIS) in Yosemite National Park is a massive intrusive plutonic body (~1200 km2) of crystallized silicic rock that may represent an ancient volcanic magma system. The TIS is composed of five well-documented units that become progressively younger and more felsic towards the center, preserving the physical and chemical record of magma emplacement and evolution. This study focuses on characterizing a suite of dikes, the Sunrise porphyry (Sp), that place new constraints on the timing and extent of magma mixing between adjacent TIS units. Methods include petrography, zircon geochronology, and structural relationships with the associated TIS units. Field observations show that these dikes cut porphyritic Half Dome (pHD) near the contact with the younger Cathedral Peak (CP). The Sunrise porphyry is characterized by a fine-grained groundmass with amphibole, pHD-like potassium feldspar, and biotite phenocrysts, exhibiting sharp contacts with the pHD. Elsewhere, Sunrise porphyry locally contains megacrystic K-feldspar phenocrysts up to 9 cm in length with inclusion-rich cores. The structural relationships between the Sp and host TIS units feature inclusions of pHD, crosscutting relationships with CP schlieren, leucogranite, and aplite dikes, and a close association with mariolitic cavities. Our results indicate the suite of dikes intruded the pHD when it was too cool to mix with intruding bodies; Zircon Geochronology can be utilized to establish a minimum age of this period. |
[37 - 3rd floor lobby]: From Linearized Metric Perturbations to the Graviton: Limits of a Classical Spin-2 Field Theory of GravitySoren Munoz★, Stamatis VokosDepartment of Physics, ★SpeakerStarting with a classical field theory of massless, spin-two particles in a flat (Minkowski) spacetime background, interpreted quantum mechanically as a QFT of weakly self-interacting gravitons, it is possible to bootstrap oneself self-consistently to the full Einsteinian general relativistic action order-by-order. This advanced undergraduate project traces and replicates the Deser-Feynman approach. |
[38 - 3rd floor lobby]: Fish Conformity in a Minimally Complex SystemNikolai Toledo†★, Pasha Tabatabai†Department of Physics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerIn order to understand more about the decision making of animals, and how both the surroundings as well as the existence of a group affect decision making, we perform experiments where we track and measure the motion and spatial transitions of fish in a minimally complex environment. This minimally complex environment consists of two circular regions where fish are free to move, as well as a narrow linking tunnel. We observe fish crossings and use image analysis techniques to track fish motion. As a result, we can quantitatively measure statistical metrics associated with motion, such as the transition rate between two states as well as the occupation time in each state. We measure this for isolated fish, and we compare these results to both fish within small groups as well as modified physical environments. We hope that the discrepancies between these groups give us insight into the extent to which fish decision making is random or affected by the existence of a group. |
[39 - 3rd floor lobby]: Counting Distinct Images of Matrices Under Weak CompositionsElli Sumera†★, Jeffrey Liese†Department of Mathematics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerLet $M$ be a $j \times k$ matrix, and let $n$ be a non-negative integer. We investigate the sequence $f$ where $f(n)$ is the number of distinct vectors of the form $M.\mathbf{v}$ such that $\mathbf{v}$ is a weak composition of $n$ into $k$ parts. We utilize concepts from linear algebra and abstract algebra, including polynomial rings and Stanley decompositions, to present an algorithm for finding a closed-form solution for these sequences in certain cases. We also present one application to pure mathematics in the area of representation theory, where we count the number of inequivalent representations of the symmetric group $S_3$ arising from group actions with exactly $n$ orbits. |
[40 - 3rd floor lobby]: Representations via the Lens of Category TheoryMark Muzquiz†★, Aaron Boone†★, Easton Robert†Department of Mathematics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerRepresentation theory was developed long before the advent and popularization of category theory, and as such it has not been given the categorical treatment it deserves. In its classical form, a representation of a group G is realized as a homomorphism into automorphism groups of vector spaces, a perspective that is functional but ultimately obscuring the essence of representations. Here, we develop a framework in which representations are interpreted as objects in a functor category. By viewing a group as its associated delooping category (groupoid), representations become functors from the delooping category to the category of vector spaces over a fixed field, intertwiners arise organically as natural transformations, and induced representations appear as kan extensions. |
[41 - 3rd floor lobby]: Alphabet coding for efficient bioacoustic analysis of humpback whale songs along the California coastIsaac Ng1★§, Maddie Schroth2, Heather Liwanag11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Mathematics, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerLong-term acoustic monitoring of migratory cetaceans can provide information about the central coast’s marine soundscape that is key to conservation efforts. The long term aim of our project is to establish a long-term bioacoustic monitoring station off the coast of central California and help close the gap in our understanding of marine mammal presence along the Pacific coastline. The goal of our project this past year was to develop a methodology for simplifying the analysis of complex bioacoustic recordings of humpback songs. Humpback whale vocalizations can give an insight into their behavior, social structures, and responses to environmental changes. We used data recorded from our hydrophone at the base of the Cal Poly pier in Avila beach, which was periodically deployed between 2022 and 2023 . To create a consistent way of organizing humpback songs for human analysis, we assigned each whale vocalization/ call unit in a song to a specific letter of the alphabet, creating an alphabet-based coding system that enables more efficient summaries of humpback whale songs. This method simplifies complex vocalizations into a structured format, allowing for rapid analysis and comparison across different recordings. This approach could enhance our ability to implement artificial intelligence in the future to help annotate sound files and spectrograms to reduce processing time while maintaining accuracy in larger datasets. This increases our ability to monitor marine mammal populations and understand regional differences along the coast, supporting more targeted conservation efforts. |
[42 - 3rd floor lobby]: Knot PolynomialsKyler Andolina†★, Vanessa Garcia Sanchez†★, Anton KaulDepartment of Mathematics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerIf you are presented with two diagrams of a knot, is there a way to determine if the knots are equivalent? One way of tackling this question is by considering the first homology of the knot complement $S^{3}\setminus K$. Another way of approach is by calculating the linking number of a knot. In our project, we explore and compare Alexander’s method (as shown in "Topological Invariants of Knots and Links") with an algebraic topology construction. In the latter, we will use the first homology of the infinite cyclic cover of the knot complement $H_1(\tilde{X})$. |
[43 - 3rd floor lobby]: From Chessboards to Permutations: Generalizing Hertzsprung’s ProblemRiley Stricker★, Kiva Rutenberg★, Roshan Nadhani★, Dylan RetsekDepartment of Mathematics, ★SpeakerChess boards provide a natural framework for many combinatorial ideas. In 1887 Hertzsprung posed the question: How many ways n kings could be arranged on an n x n chess board with no two kings attacking? Our team has dived into the generalization of the problem, where k non-attacking kings are placed each column and row of the n x n board. In rooting out under what conditions such boards exist we uncovered interesting Graph Theoretical expressions of the problem, and the effort to decompose these boards led to interesting connections to permutations and knot theory. This poster will focus on the question: How can we use the given generating function from Hertzsprung's problem to count the number of these generalized boards? The poster will cover Hertzsprung's problem, our generalization of the problem, how we decompose the boards, and what we have learned about existence so far. |
[44 - 3rd floor lobby]: Magic Positivity and Ehrhart TheoryChance Crigler†★, Dana Paquin†Department of Mathematics, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWe consider the magic positivity of the Ehrhart polynomial of the dilated base polytope of the minimal matroid of rank $k$ and dimension $n$. We prove that for $\displaystyle 1\leq k<\lfloor\frac{n}{2}\rfloor$, the $n-k-1$ dilate of the Ehrhart polynomial is not magic positive. We also show that for sufficiently large $n$, the $n-k$ dilate of the Ehrhart polynomial is in general magic positive. This gives rise to a lower bound for the $m-$index of the Ehrhart polynomial and an asymptotic which suggests the conjectured $m-$index is correct. |
[45 - 3rd floor lobby]: Trends in Particulate Matter (PM2.5) levels from 2017 to 2023 across California CountiesVanessa Puentes★, Herme Lopez, Erika MezaDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerParticulate matter (PM2.5) is made up of floating solid particles containing liquid beads that are able to invade the airways of one’s lungs, and infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to a range of adverse health outcomes. While urbanization and economic growth may be one reason for higher PM2.5 levels in large California counties, such as Los Angeles, little is known about smaller counties. In this study we will focus on how PM2.5 levels have fluctuated throughout 58 California counties from 2017 to 2023. Based on the growing populations and modernization, we hypothesize that PM2.5 levels have increased over time from 2017 to 2023. Using data from the Public Health institute we created a data set with annual average concentrations of PM2.5 levels from 2017 to 2023. In 2023, the 5 counties with the highest PM2.5 levels were Los Angeles (15.0µg/m3), Riverside (14.8µg/m3), Tulare (14.1µg/m3), San Bernardino (14.0µg/m3), and Kern (14.0µg/m). These levels were lower than the highest average PM2.5 level in 2017, which was 17.6µg/m3. Although levels of PM2.5 have decreased across all counties from 2017 to 2023, Kern county was consistently in the top 5. This may have important health implications given that 10 other counties in California had higher populations compared to Kern. Future work will look more closely at sources of PM2.5 across the identified top 10. |
[46 - 3rd floor lobby]: Automated Estimation of Functional Walking Test Performance Using Video-Based Pose EstimationRory Smail1★, Sarah Keadle21 Computer Science x Kinesiology, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerFunctional status is a critical indicator of health across clinical rehabilitation populations. Measures of gait and ambulatory capacity are routinely used to assess functional decline, monitor recovery, and predict adverse outcomes such as falls, hospitalization, and mortality. Among the most widely used field based assessments are the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and 2 Minute Walk Tests (2MWT), which provide clinically meaningful measures of walking speed and endurance. The 10MWT and 2MWT are benchmark field tests for evaluating functional mobility in clinical and rehabilitation contexts. They are widely used to evaluate the functional status, progress, and possible fall risks in populations with impairments. Recent advances in computer vision and the widespread availability of low cost video have created new opportunities for these functional assessments to be remoteHowever, in health research the use of image processing remains burdensome and cost prohibitive, often requiring manual annotations by trained staff. In naturalistic conditions, frame-by-frame analysis and annotation of video is the only ground truth measure available to validate metrics such as steps, postural transitions, behavior type (e.g., housework, walking) and location (e.g., work, park), all of which are directly linked to health. PathML seeks to address these gaps by leveraging computer vision methods, primarily through pose estimation, to extract gait metrics from video recordings. By automating the scoring of standardized functional tests such as the 10MWT and 2MWT, PathML aims to enable accurate remote assessment of functional mobility. In this study we present methods for estimating walking velocity and total walking distance from video across multiple datasets and clinical contexts. This supports our broader goal of bringing video based functional assessment into telehealth and clinical research workflows. |
[48 - 3rd floor lobby]: Hydration Habits of Cal Poly Women’s Basketball AthletesAva Zavala1★, Giselle Martinez1†★, Olivia Metayer1★, Isha Kale1★, Cole Cutchin1★, Zara Lieben2★, Antonio Bailon1†★, Adam Seal11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerPrevious research suggests that as little as 2% body weight loss due to dehydration can decrease performance (Judge et al., 2021). Sweat rate and sweat sodium concentration vary between individual athletes during training and can significantly influence hydration strategies and athletic performance. In high-intensity sports, such as basketball, sweat rate and sodium loss are important factors in preventing hypohydration and maintaining performance. Previous studies have provided limited data on hydration habits among collegiate women’s basketball players. The purpose of this study was to identify individual hydration habits during training in Division 1 women’s basketball players to provide personalized recommendations for fluid and sodium intake. Participant’s sweat rate was calculated from the difference in body weight pre- and post-practice while accounting for all food and fluid intake and urine output. Participants consumed all fluid from pre-weighed bottles that remained with the researchers throughout the practice. Fluid bottles were weighed after practice. Any food was weighed before consumption, and all urine voids were collected and weighed. 3M absorbent patches were placed on participants’ forearms during training to collect sweat samples. Sweat was extracted, and its sodium concentration was analyzed using an LAQUA sodium analyzer. Dehydration was calculated as the percentage of body weight loss during training. Overall, 6 out of 11 participants (54.5%) experienced dehydration of more than 2% of body weight. Average sweat rate across all participants was 0.71 L/h, and sweat sodium concentration was 758 mg/L, resulting in a total sodium loss of 1,316 mg/L. In our sample of Division I women’s basketball players, a significant percentage of athletes failed to prevent dehydration of greater than 2%. These athletes likely experienced performance decrements due to dehydration, and efforts should be made to increase fluid intake. |
[49 - 3rd floor lobby]: Understanding Behavior Changes Beyond Screen Time Reduction: An ACT24 Analysis of StandUPTVCasey Nash1★, Ella Friis-Alfers2★, Sarah Keadle11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerRecreational sedentary screen time (rSST) is a major contributor to sedentary behavior and poor health outcomes. The StandUPTV intervention uses a multicomponent mHealth approach to reduce rSST and examine how individuals reallocate their time. To assess this, the study uses Activities Completed Over Time in 24 Hours (ACT24), a validated previous-day recall tool that estimates time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity. Although rSST decreased, there was no significant decrease in total sedentary time or increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants completed the ACT24 survey at baseline, mid-intervention (8 weeks), and at post-intervention (16 weeks) to examine time-use patterns. We aim to assess how ACT24 data could explain what behaviors are replacing screen time. ACT24 data is categorized into broad activity domains (household, work, leisure, etc.), and further refined by screen usage and physical nature (active vs. sedentary). Statistical tests have not been performed; however, we aim to determine which combinations of behaviors relate to varying health outcomes. |
[50 - 3rd floor lobby]: Feasibility and Adherence to Different Exercise Interventions?Victoria Rodriguez1†★, Brooke Fujioka2†★, Duncan Hawe1★, Zachary Mayor2★, Harry O'Connor1★, Adrienne Frere2★, Zoe Maude2★, Emma Osterink1★, Mylène Vachon1★, Logan Foster1★, Joey Hodge1★, Grishmita Puttha1★, Hanna Kuster1★, Mia Epstein1★, Brielle Vail1★, Todd Hagobian11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerBACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that when sedentary adults follow a prescribed aerobic exercise intervention, about 50% continue after six months and meet the national recommendations of 150 minutes/week. A potential explanation for low exercise adherence is that most interventions primarily prescribe walking. It remains unclear whether prescribing an intervention with a variety of exercise modalities would be a more effective strategy to increase adherence. PURPOSE: To investigate physical activity levels and adherence to different exercise variety interventions over a five-week period. METHODS: Sixty-eight previously sedentary college-aged adults completed a baseline period up to 7 days in which exercise was quantified with accelerometry using a GeneActive watch. Participants were then randomized (by BMI, sex, and ethnicity) into one of three intervention groups for four weeks: (1) walking intervention (control), (2) exercise variety (EV), or (3) exercise progressive (EP) EV intervention randomly prescribed a single different exercise modality each week (cycling, walking, yoga/pilates, and cross-training which includes kickboxing, karate, salsa dancing, circuit training). The EP intervention included the same modalities, but each week a different modality was randomly added to the list of options to choose from. Data will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA (group x time interaction) adjusting for BMI, sex, and ethnicity. RESULTS: Data collection and subsequent analysis are ongoing, with a target enrollment of 90 total participants (30 per group). Currently, 22 participants have completed the walking intervention, 23 the EV, and 23 the EP. CONCLUSION: If preliminary trends from current analyses are confirmed with additional participants enrolled, prescribing an exercise variety intervention may be an effective strategy to increase adherence among previously sedentary adults. To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare exercise plan adherence success across interventions differing in the prescribed exercise modalities. |
[51 - 3rd floor lobby]: 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-Dews1★, Mathew Laurean2, Rubi Solano3, Cristina Macedo3, Tatiana Ramirez3, Suzanne Phelan11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, 3 Department of --Select--, ★SpeakerWhile studies have found POC devices are accurate in laboratory settings, their accuracy with diverse 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 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 correlations, and paired-t tests. Results showed strong correlations (rs >0.98; ps< 0.0001) between POC and lab 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. |
[52 - 3rd floor lobby]: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF COMPUTER VISION MODELS TO ESTIMATE STEP COUNTSMax Schemenauer1★, Sarah Keadle2, Alex Dekhtyar1, Jonathan Ventura11 Computer Science, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerStep counts are a simple, practical way to track daily physical activity and its impact on overall health. The gold-standard reference measure for step counts is dual-counted manual labeling of direct observation by trained research assistants (RA), however this approach is extremely time and labor intensive. Our objective was to develop and evaluate a computer vision model to estimate step counts directly from video data. Participants (N=23) were aged 18-75y (mean =37y) with no major mobility limitations and an average BMI of 25.9 kg/m2. Each participant completed two, 3-hour sessions where they were followed by a RA who video-recorded them using a GoPro Hero 5. Videos were labeled by trained RAs — a step was defined as picking up and placing the foot down. Video was sampled at 10 fps and processed using AlphaPose to extract 2D skeletal keypoints. From ankle keypoints, we derived lower-limb kinematic features capturing vertical displacement, bilateral asymmetry, and velocity (See Figure 1). These were provided as temporal sequences to a Transformer-based regression model (MGen) trained to predict a continuous step likelihood signal. Discrete steps were identified via peak detection. We also evaluated a context-aware pipeline that routes frames to specialized models for different types of movement (e.g., walking/running, sedentary). The model outputs were matched to the hand-labeled step events using a tolerance of ±2 frames to compute error statistics. Evaluation was done using 5-fold cross validation. Results are shown in Table 1 below. Using predicted state routing, the model achieved an average F1 score of 0.736 with step count error of +6.5%. Overall, these findings provide novel evidence that a computer vision model can provide reasonably accurate estimates of step counts compared to manually labeled data. More research is needed to refine and evaluate this approach in a diverse and independent sample. |
[53 - 3rd floor lobby]: Applying a Youth Soccer Development Framework Through Boris Video AnalysisMarlow Buettner★, Sarah KeadleDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerBackground: Youth soccer has one of the highest participation rates with an estimated 3 million children playing annually in the U.S. There are approximately 10,000 different youth clubs, yet there is a growing disparity in resources and opportunities for youth soccer. Wealthier clubs with more resources are able to invest more into the development of their teams and players through video analysis, contributing to a “pay to play” culture and financially driven performance gap. We aimed to address this gap by designing an ethogram to efficiently and inexpensively analyze youth soccer matches. Methods: Partnering with a local youth soccer club, we created a framework using principles from the U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework as well as the MLS Next and Taka Quality of Play collaboration to lay a foundation of objectives for player growth and development. We then used BORIS, a coding software designed for labeling behavioral events from video, to label specific player actions (ex. shot, successful dribble, or line breaking pass). We watched and labeled three separate matches from the same U12 boys team at the beginning, midway point, and end of the season. We are currently conducting correlational analysis to objectively measure changes in behaviors throughout the season. Results: In general, teams tactically tend to focus either on ball retention or on speed in transition. Teams that prioritize possession of the ball look to break down opponents more slowly, while transitional teams look to win the ball and attack as quickly as possible to catch the opponent off guard. In our preliminary analysis we found there to be far more offensive behavior labels than defensive, signifying a more “possession based” style of play from the team analyzed. We also found there to be a positive correlation between time in possession and “line breaking passes”. |
[54 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Understanding the short-term mental health impacts of tree planting volunteer activities in San Luis ObispoJazlyn Lupio1★, Ellie Howell2, Erika Meza11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 ECOSLO - non-profit employee, ★SpeakerStudies have shown that engagement with our environment through gardening or spending time in green spaces can have positive effects on one’s mental health. This research seeks to understand the short-term mental health impacts of tree planting volunteer activities in the city of San Luis Obispo. A total of 26 participants completed the online survey designed to assess perceived mental health benefits of participating in tree planting volunteer activities. The survey used Likert-scale questions measuring perceived mental wellbeing (e.g. feeling less stressed, happier, more energized, more connected to nature) and a sense of purpose and community connection following participation. The sample (n = 26) included about 35% of participants aged 65 and older and about 23% aged 25-34. The majority of participants (81%) identified as White, 54% were male and 46% female. Participants reported strong motivations for volunteering, including caring about the environment (92%), enjoying being outdoors (92%), and giving back to the community (89%). A majority also reported benefits to mental wellbeing, with many agreeing that they felt less stressed (69%), happier (46%), more energized (54%), and 62% strongly agreed that they felt a sense of accomplishment after tree planting events. 84% of participants agreed that tree planting gave them a sense of purpose, while 84% also reported feeling more connected to their community. Future research could expand on these findings by using a larger and more diverse sample, as well as incorporating pre- and post-participation measures to better assess changes in mental and physical health over time. |
[55 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Investigating occupational exposures and health outcomes in farmworking womenNeida Palacios Vieyra1†★, Erika Meza1, Suzanne Phelan1, Cristina Macedo1, Alejandra Yep2, Adam Seal11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThe Women’s Mobile Health Unit provides access to medical care to farm-working 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. 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. Participants were 23 Hispanic farmworking women (average age of 46 years).? Results indicate that 77.2% of participants reported being exposed to pesticides at their place of employment, 95.7% reported not knowing the specific pesticides used at their place of employment, and 43.4% reported not receiving training in the safe use of pesticides in the past 12 months with their current employer. Additional analyses will examine access to water, restrooms, breaks, and excessive heat. Findings will inform strategies to support occupational health in farmworking women. |
[56 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Nicotine Pouch Beliefs Among U.S. Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional StudyTyler Gee†★, Camden Tsou★, Julia Alber, Adrienne LentDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTobacco use has been at the forefront of public health concern and scrutiny. It remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. However, use of emerging nicotine products (e.g. nicotine pouches, heated tobacco units) are growing as well as concerns for how such new products will affect public health outcomes, particularly among youth and young adults. This study compared beliefs about traditional and emerging tobacco products including nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and traditional cigarettes. Participants were asked to rate their level agreement from 1) Strongly Disagree to 7) Strongly agree on beliefs about nicotine pouches. Participants were recruited through a Qualtrics survey panel. Data from this national survey of U.S. young adults (N=750) found that positive attitudes toward nicotine pouches (M= 4.78, SD=1.17) were higher than negative attitudes towards nicotine pouches (M= 3.41, SD=1.20). Additionally, participants did indicate some superior attitudes toward nicotine pouches over other products were also evident (M= 4.26, SD=1.22). The average perceived control value (M=5.38, SD=1.08) was higher than the perceived norms value for nicotine pouches (M=4.60, SD=1.21). Findings from this study will provide key insights regarding current perceptions of nicotine pouches among young adults and how they relate to their use. |
[57 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Effects of Pedal Type and Instruction on Cycling Performance in Novice CyclistsIsabella Finch1★, Makayla Stallman1★, Solana Martin2★, Dante Argento2★, Aiden Freitas2★, AJ Lopez2, Cory Greever2, Jason Blank11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerEndurance cycling requires muscular and cardiovascular efficiency, which can be analyzed through oxygen uptake (VO2) and power output. Clipless pedals require specific shoes and cleats that fix the foot to the pedal and are claimed to provide more efficient transfer of force and improved power output compared to traditional platform pedals. This study will test the efficiency of clipless pedals versus platform pedals by having participants perform two 8-minute maximal power tests on a stationary bicycle instrumented with a load cell that measures directly the force being applied through the cranks onto the chain. To qualify, participants will perform a VO2max test to ensure they are physically fit. Each power test includes a 15-minute warm-up, 8-minute maximal effort power test, 10-minute recovery period, an additional 8-minute maximal power test, and ends with a 15-minute cool down period. Pedal orders will be randomized with a washout period of 48-96 hours between trials to ensure limited crossover fatigue. Power output, VO2, and pedaling force dynamics will be measured and compared across pedal systems. If clipless pedals are more efficient, participants should produce more power for a given VO2 and transmit a greater proportion of force from the cranks to the chain. |
[58 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Women’s Oral Health: Effects of Estrogen on Caries Risk during the Menstrual Cycle and Birth Control useMolly McNulty1†★, Issy Berberich2★, Georgia Hudson2★, Todd Hagobian2, Adam Seal2, Suzanne Phelan21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWomen tend to have worse oral health than men, and conditions worsen during pregnancy and menopause. However, little to no studies have examined how oral contraceptives and different menstrual phases influence risk of caries. The purpose of this observational study is to explore whether differing estrogen levels and cycles affect caries risk by examining saliva characteristics in young adult women. At this date, we have enrolled 13 participants, with a goal of 20 total. Participants are female, ages 18-30, and either have a regular menstrual cycle or take oral contraceptives. Each participant first completed a survey about their health, oral hygiene, and dietary habits. Saliva samples were collected twice from each participant, two weeks apart, during high and low estrogen phases. Saliva was analyzed for flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. Estrogen levels in the saliva will be measured using an ELISA once data collection is complete. Linear regression models and correlation tests will be used to examine whether estrogen levels predict saliva flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity. Findings from this study will help determine whether and how estrogen fluctuations affect caries risk in women and will inform the design of future interventions to reduce that risk. |
[59 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Coaching ReimaginedIzzy Bauer★, Sophia Minnite★, Cassie Styles★, Mia Gatanaga★, Katie Stuecker★, Sarah Guthrie★, Madeleine Sampson★, Morgan Rightmire★, Nicole HagobianDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerCoaching Efficacy refers to the extent in which a coach feels confident and competent that their coaching is able to create learning and performance outcomes for their athletes. The purpose of our study is to examine the extent to which coaches feel competent in their abilities, if an increase in coach competency has a positive effect on athletic participation, and if there is a relationship between online coaching resources, and an improvement in coaching efficacy amongst coaches. The preliminary methodology included a mixed method analysis, using a pre-survey to gather information on how coaches in the SLO Unified School District self evaluated their strengths and weaknesses, as well as asked for additional comments on where they could use more coaching education. The survey consisted of a 5 point Likert scale, as well as a Coaching Efficacy II scale to analyze seven specific sport psychology areas. Utilizing basic descriptive statistics, these answers were reviewed. Similarly, for questions which were open ended, a reflexive qualitative analysis occurred, as inspired by Methods by Braun and Clarke (Braun and Clarke, 2006.) In analysis of the results from the preliminary survey, coaches indicate a want and desire to improve, while expressing there are still areas they could benefit from further education. Coaches generally expressed a need to improve upon managing interpersonal variables, establishing their roles as leaders, communicating more clearly, giving feedback, influencing athlete motivation, facilitation of positive team environments, balancing task and social cohesion, addressing age appropriateness, and addressing athlete anxiety. The results further indicate that the use of an educational coaching resource could potentially be beneficial to coaches in the district. It is from the results of these preliminary findings that the development of an educational coaching website has been created, and shared with coaches in the district. |
[60 - 3rd floor Room 306]: The Relationship Between Body Weight and Sweat Rate in Cal Poly Women’s Basketball AthletesHailene Stitt1★, Owen Mills1★, Sierra Young1★, Jazmin Garcia2★, Rhys Appleby2★, Serenity Macedo2★, Mohnish Rana1★, Adam Seal11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerWhen examining hydration habits in elite athletes, individual factors must be considered to achieve optimal hydration and peak performance. Previous research suggests that as little as 2% body weight loss due to dehydration can decrease performance. Body weight and sweat have been shown to be related in athletes in other sports; however, limited data exist on female collegiate basketball players. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body weight and sweat rate during training in Division 1 women’s basketball players. It was hypothesized that higher body weight would be positively related to sweat rate. Eleven participants were recruited from the Cal Poly women’s basketball team. Participants’ sweat loss was calculated as the difference between pre- and post-practice body weight, accounting for all food and fluid intake and urine output. Participants consumed fluid from pre-weighed bottles that remained with researchers throughout practice. Fluid bottles were weighed after practice. Food was weighed before consumption, and urine voids were collected and weighed. Sweat rate (L/h) was calculated by dividing sweat loss (L) by the number of hours (h). The relationship between body weight and sweat rate was analyzed using single linear regression. All analyses were performed with JMP Pro. The mean sweat rate across all participants was 0.71 ± 0.27 L/h. Mean bodyweight was 72.6 ± 6.6 kg. The single linear regression indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between body weight and sweat rate (r = 0.62, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that athletes with higher body weight experience greater sweat loss during training. Body weight may serve as a predictor of sweat rate and can inform individualized hydration. |
[61 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Provider Prospectives on Maternal Cannabis UseJulie Gonzalez-Barajas†★, Anthony Duarte, Suzanne Phelan, Julia AlberDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerLeading health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend universal screening for cannabis early in pregnancy, clear counseling to abstain from cannabis during pregnancy and lactation, and offering alternative therapies for any purported medicinal cannabis. The purpose of this study is to assess women’s health providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation. This study is cross-sectional, only surveying participants once. We created a survey with six sections to collect information from medical professionals and their knowledge and opinions about cannabis use during pregnancy. We will examine provider perceptions of risk by trimester, their screening and counseling practices, response to positive screens, and comfort and confidence. Questions were used from a National Sample Survey of Physicians conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges to evaluate the demographic factors of those answering the survey questions. |
[62 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Exploring the feasibility of incorporating generative AI into campus health messagingBowie Cowan1★, Jessica Wang1★, Cami Gorospe1★, Sadie Levin1★, Andre Sillas2, Katharine Santilena1, Julia Alber11 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Campus Health and Wellbeing , ★SpeakerBackground: Nicotine pouch usage is an increasing health issue among college-aged adults. Across the U.S., generative artificial intelligence (AI) offers the potential for rapidly tailoring health messaging in campus wellness programs; however, AI preferences among peer educators are underexplored. This study investigates the perceived usability, feasibility, and likability of generative AI for campus nicotine pouch prevention messaging among peer educators. Methods: The study consists of two phases: 1) focus groups with peer health educators (n=18), and 2) intercept interviews with a sample of college students. Focus group participants completed a workshop integrating ChatGPT and Canva Pro AI to generate flyers, followed by a discussion of their experiences. Intercept interviews will examine the AI-generated flyers from the focus groups compared to human-generated flyers, among a sample of college students. Results: Focus groups revealed five key themes: 1) Interactions of AI systems, 2) Assessment of AI output, 3) Preferred generation method, 4) Trust and ethical considerations, and 5) Nicotine health perceptions. The most prevalent code referenced 62 times was “AI seen as not useful” followed by “Inaccessibility of Canva Pro AI” referenced 35 times. Based on these findings, we hypothesize our intercept interviews will show preference towards human generated materials. Discussion: Current student results show a preference for human created content and low confidence in AI generated messaging among peer educators. As AI continues to develop, future research is needed to examine the effectiveness of using these platforms, in combination with each other, for campus health promotion. |
[63 - 3rd floor Room 306]: A home remedy type of household": A qualitative exploration of factors impacting Latinx student utilization of college health center servicesLuis Moreno1★, Keily Aguirre2★, Carlos Manzano-Peralta3★, Ximena Rosas-Fajardo3★, Kari Mansager4, Christine Hackman51 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 OCOB, 3 CENG, 4 Campus Health & Wellbeing, 5 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerBackground: In college campuses that are majority white, Latinx students face issues with academic success and sense of belonging. Important services for students are offered through campus health centers, such as mental health counseling, primary care health services, food assistance, and health education that can support students as they progress through their college career. Purpose: To explore the factors that impact Latinx student utilization of college health center services on one campus health center in a California public university. Methods: The research team, comprised of four Latinx students, one college health practitioner, and one researcher, conducted focus groups with Latinx students that asked questions about their perspectives and experience with the college health center services. We engaged in thematic analysis through two rounds of qualitative coding (open, axial) to develop a codebook. Results: From the four focus groups and 36 participants, we identified five themes and 15 subthemes based on the levels of the Social Ecological Model (societal, community, organization, interpersonal, intrapersonal) to acknowledge how personal (e.g., being first generation) and community (e.g., mental health taboo) factors interact with institutional (e.g., intentional outreach) and societal (xenophobia and racism) structures that impact Latinx students’ service utilization. Discussion: Overall, participants felt that their campus health center was accessible and welcoming to Latinx students. However, they identified specific institutional and community barriers and provided helpful recommendations to improve access to campus health services and sense of belonging for Latinx students on campus. |
[64 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Assessing Awareness of and Interest in PolyFit Exercise Testing Services at Cal PolyBrooke Krishel★, Elijah Barasch★, Will Ackerman★, Oscar Lundberg★, Adam Seal, Cory Greever, Selene TobinDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerAccess to affordable exercise and health testing is limited for many college students and community members. Cal Poly previously offered a successful student-run exercise testing program, PolyFit, but this program has unfortunately been out of service for 3 years. This project aims to support the reintroduction of PolyFit by assessing current awareness of the program and interest in student-led fitness and health assessment services. A cross-sectional, survey-based study is being developed and submitted for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. The anonymous online survey will be administered through REDCaP and will assess awareness of PolyFit, interest in specific services (e.g., VO? max testing, body composition testing, resting metabolic rate testing and others), and preferences related to cost and maximum amount participants would pay for services to help determine feasible cost ranges. The survey also includes measures of physical activity levels, resistance training participation, and exercise self-efficacy using validated instruments, including Physical Activity Frequency (PAFF) and the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) scale. These data will be used to evaluate physical activity behaviors in the Cal Poly community and examine how self-reported physical activity levels and self-efficacy relate to interest in exercise testing services. The study's findings will guide the structure and implementation of the PolyFit program. This project will help guide a more sustainable and long-term approach to student-led exercise testing at Cal Poly by using survey data to better understand community interest and health behaviors. |
[65 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Biomechanical Analysis of Collegiate Pitchers Using KinaTrax System: a pilot studyMichael Galentine1★, Brandon Solari2★, Ethan Krieshok1★, Sophia Lederle1★, Nate Cheslog1★, Sydnie Lowry1★, Christie O'Hara1★1 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Statistics, ★SpeakerNumerous studies have examined the role of lower extremity mechanics in baseball pitch velocity, emphasizing mechanical energy transfer and ground reaction forces (GRFs). Prior research has identified significant differences in vertical and anterior–posterior GRFs between the pivot and stride legs, with these differences closely associated with pelvis rotation and trunk acceleration. The stride leg has a large component in generating braking forces, creating a stable base for efficient rotational sequencing and energy transfer to the upper extremities. Pitching over the course of a game decreases muscular strength and pitch velocity, supporting the use of lower extremity mechanics as indicators of fatigue. From an injury prevention perspective, lower body fatigue has been linked to altered upper extremity mechanics, with limitations in hip rotational range of motion associated with increased elbow loading and injury risk. Fatigue assessments have largely been confined to laboratory-based strength and kinematic testing, limiting their applicability in live game settings. With the advent of markerless motion capture technology such as KinaTrax, it is now possible to estimate GRFs and joint kinematics in-game without disrupting competition. This study aims to analyze changes in lower extremity GRFs and joint angles in baseball pitchers, enabling quantification of fatigue in a competitive environment. Data was recorded from Cal Poly pitchers during home games. The findings have the potential to improve real-time performance evaluation and inform coaching decisions aimed at reducing injury risk and optimizing performance. |
[66 - 3rd floor Room 306]: Trends in Pesticide Use in San Luis Obispo County from 2017-2023Hermelinda Lopez★, Vanessa Puentes, Erika MezaDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerResearch has shown that chronic exposure to pesticides is associated with adverse health outcomes, including cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory issues, and endocrine disruption. California is among the highest consumers of pesticides globally, and while pesticide applications vary regionally, little research has examined long-term trends in pesticide use, particularly in San Luis Obispo County. This study extracted data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website from 2017 to 2023 to describe pesticide use patterns in San Luis Obispo County. We identified Sulfur, Chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene, Mineral Oil consistently ranked among the top five most used pesticides (by pounds applied). Among previously identified “high-toxicity” pesticides, Mancozeb and Thiram consistently had the highest pounds applied in San Luis Obispo County. These findings highlight heterogeneity in pesticide use across California and the importance of monitoring pesticide use across different commodities. Further research should investigate the pathways by which long-term exposure to these specific pesticides affects local agricultural workers and communities in San Luis Obispo County. |
[67 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Creatine Supplementation to Increase Exercise Performance at Simulated AltitudeBrooke Fujioka1★, Duncan Hawe2★, Victoria Rodriguez2★, Adrienne Frere1★, Zoe Maude1★, Joey Hodge2★, Emma Osterink1★, Zachary Mayor1★, Harry O'Conner2★, Grishmita Puttha2★, Hanna Kuster2★, Mia Epstein2★, Brielle Vail2, Logan Foster1, Mylene Vachon2, Cory Greever2, Todd Hagobian21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerExercise performance decreases at high altitudes. Creatine supplementation increases exercise performance at sea level. Purpose: To determine the effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance at a simulated altitude of 3,800m. Methods: Ninety-two healthy, physically active college students (73M, 19F; age: 21.0±2.0 years; BMI: 24.2±2.9 kg/m$^2$) have completed the study to date. At sea-level baseline, participants completed a repeated sprint exercise test (six, 10-second sprints with 60-seconds recovery between each sprint) on a cycle ergometer. In a double-blinded fashion, participants were randomly assigned to placebo (dextrose) or creatine (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 (3,800m elevation). Exercise performance, assessed as relative mean power and relative peak power, was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Preliminary data indicated a decreased exercise performance at simulated altitude compared to sea level for both groups in relative peak power (F = 8.71, p <0.05) but not relative mean power (F=0.9451, p= 0.3312). There was no difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in relative peak power and relative mean power across sprints (p>0.05). Analyses accounting for individual sprints and other exercise performance variables is ongoing. Summary: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance at simulated altitude. |
[68 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Understanding the Struggles of Collegiate Club Sport AthletesMark Ybarra★, Nicole HagobianDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerCalifornia Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offers a variety of club sports which many students participate in. These athletes go through many of the similar struggles as their Division 1 athlete peers. Academic demands, training schedules, and sport travel requirements can be challenging for athletes to balance and find success in their sport and in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine how Club Sport athletes handle the pressures of maintaining their performance, while also handling the pressures of maintaining their academic goals. Additionally, this study aimed to look at factors that add to these pressures within school and sport. Interviews were conducted with six Cal Poly club sport athletes from various sports. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Athlete responses were analyzed using an inductive thematic qualitative analysis approach that closely aligns with Braun and Clarke’s (2022) guidelines. Three main themes and one subtheme emerged: (1) The athlete identifies being a student rather than a student athlete: Subtheme: Team Environment, (2) Athletes perceive and deal with the demands of being a collegiate club sport athlete differently and (3) Theme: Feeling Somewhat Recognized by the University. Overall, the results indicate that club sport athletes' responses to balancing sport and academics vary by the individual athlete. The results of this study can help Universities better understand how to support their club sport athletes. |
[69 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Psychosocial benefits of ethnic enclaves among Chinese immigrants in PhiladelphiaHoai-Phuong Hoang1★, Marilyn Tseng21 Department of Mathematics, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerEthnic enclaves, neighborhoods with many people sharing the same ethnicity, may offer physical and social resources that promote wellbeing. We hypothesized that residents of enclaves would have psychosocial benefits because of their greater engagement with enclave-based resources. A sample of 601 Chinese immigrants in Philadelphia living in established enclaves (Chinatown, South Philadelphia), an emerging enclave (Northeast), and non-enclave neighborhoods answered questions about social connectedness, social identification, social support, social capital, and social isolation, as well as where they spent their time. We quantified enclave engagement as hours/week spent on activities (e.g., shopping) in an enclave. We used ANOVA, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and post-hoc tests to examine bivariate associations among residence, enclave engagement, and psychosocial variables. We found that Chinatown residents had significantly higher mean scores for social connectedness and four of five components of social identity than Northeast residents, and significantly higher mean scores for three of five components of social identity and greater cognitive social capital than non-enclave residents. Chinatown and South Philadelphia residents were significantly more engaged in enclave activities than non-enclave or Northeast residents. Engagement in established enclaves, in turn, was associated with two components of social capital and weakly but significantly correlated with social connectedness and social identity, suggesting that greater engagement with neighborhood resources might explain the beneficial effects of ethnic enclaves. We will continue our investigation with stratified and adjusted analyses. |
[70 - 4th floor Room 400A]: A Longitudinal Study of Attrition in Youth Club SoccerGabriella Romero★, Annie Hoke★, Carolyn Wagner★, Nicole HagobianDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerYouth sport attrition is the prolonged discontinuation of one or all organized sports among children and adolescents (Gould & Petlichkoff, 1988). Youth sport attrition rates remain a concern, with approximately 70% of athletes discontinuing sport by age 13 (SFIA, 2023; Brenner et al., 2024). This trend is particularly evident in outdoor soccer, with the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reporting declines among children and adolescents compared to previous years (SFIA, 2021, 2023). Youth sport attrition has primarily relied on cross-sectional surveys to identify factors associated with dropout, with limited longitudinal evidence and uncertainty regarding respondent identity (i.e., athlete, parent/guardian, both). The present study aims to address these gaps by employing a longitudinal design to examine dropout in youth soccer clubs over a three-year period. Using a modified version of the Youth Sport Dropout Questionnaire (YSDQ), the study will assess how capability, opportunity, motivation, and social support are linked to dropout and compare responses based on who completed the survey (Lara-Bercial et al., 2025). In addition, youth sport attrition research is limited to organized sport settings and the definition of “dropout” varies, leading to the omission of a range of sport experiences, including informal sport participation and switching to a different sport or club. The present study will adopt the terms engagement, disengagement, and reengagement to describe different sport interactions. Understanding different sport interactions following dropout can reveal factors linked to sustained discontinuation and inform interventions that support continued or renewed participation. |
[71 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Developing the Campus Medication Abortion Barriers Scale: Methodology and Initial ResultsDaisy Hajek1★, Sara Kenefick1★, Bridgette Segal1★, Leah Burnett1★, Siya Shah1★, Christine Hackman1, Joni Roberts1, Kara Samaniego21 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Liberal Studies, ★SpeakerBackground: Since 2023, college students attending California State University and University of California schools have had state mandated access to medication abortion through their universities. Medication abortion, which consists of taking a series of two pills to terminate an early pregnancy, accounts for the majority of abortions in the US. Despite expanded access in some states, there are persistent barriers such as proximity to a provider, stigma, cost, and lack of social and material support. The aim of this research is to validate a scale to measure potential barriers to medication abortion through campus health centers, and run initial analyses to determine if there are subgroups of students who are disproportionately impacted. Methods: Participants will be recruited at various times and locations across the Cal Poly campus by student researchers. Eligible participants include enrolled students 18 years or older who are biologically able to become pregnant (i.e., have a uterus). Participants will complete a 5-minute Qualtrics survey developed with an expert panel that established face and content validity for the Barriers to Medication Abortion Through Campus Health Centers scale. After completion, participants will complete a short demographic questionnaire (age, sex, college level, residence, religious affiliation, abortion stance, and political affiliation). Results: Data collection will occur during late April and early May of this year. Initial statistics will be run to establish psychometrics, uncover any subscales, and understand what subgroups may experience greater barriers to medication abortion. Discussion: These findings will be used to develop recommendations for campus health centers that offer similar services to improve access to mediation abortion. |
[72 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Enhancing Water Quality Through Denitrification in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)Samantha Albiani1★§, Katherine Jackson2★§, Gabrielle Sands1★§, Zachary Pike3★§, Greg Schwartz1§1 BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, 2 Environmental Engineering, 3 Agricultural Systems Management, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerIntensification of aquaculture practices has pushed the aquaculture industry to look for acceptable practices from environmental and economic perspectives (Badiola et al., 2018) as some aquaculture has proved to be very detrimental to local ecosystems due to discharge of polluted water. This project aims to quantify a denitrification system to help move Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to zero-discharge and to quantify resources (energy, water, labor) for artificial seawater RAS’s. Previously 70-California Yellowtail were raised in a recirculating aquaculture system for 18 months. The primary system challenge not addressed was toxic nitrate levels. This research focused on improving performance of a denitrification system. A system of six 5-gallon buckets continuously fed system water was designed. Nutrient testing measured alkalinity, ORP, pH, nitrate levels, temperature, and oxygen levels. Trials in triplicate compared carbon additions at 3, 6.5, and 10 g of vegetable glycerin per volume of reactor per day, 4, 6, and 8 L of media, and two different HRT’s, 24 and 14 hours. Preliminary results show that 6.5 g of carbon per volume of reactor per day and 6 L of media at 24-hour HRT can deplete most of the nitrogen. Another trial is ongoing comparing the system HRT on denitrification. |
[73 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Understanding and meeting the needs of diverse syringe service program participant populationsGabriella Lazaro1★, Joshua Carreira2, Kamille Peralta1, Ursula Black3, Lois Petty4, Candace Winstead51 BS Public Health, 2 BS Psychology , 3 PhD in Spanish Language and Literature, 4 Program manager and founding member, SLO Bangers, 5 Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Cal Poly, ★SpeakerSyringe services programs utilize many modalities in order to meet the needs of people who use drugs, and in geographically large counties, employing multiple strategies to connect individuals is essential. SLO Bangers syringe exchange program has three weekly fixed sites at public health buildings, as well as three weekly outreach sites at shelters to serve these populations. SLO Bangers also does weekly direct outreach at a large unsheltered encampment at the Santa Maria Riverbed. Understanding the differences and similarities between these populations is essential to providing community-centered harm reduction services. In general, through our demographic data collection, our sites have seen a decrease in individuals' participant access to services, with anecdotal reports of increased barriers by our participants, including law enforcement action and lack of supply. |
[74 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Optimizing Solar Power Utilization Using AI-Based Weather Forecasting ModelsTahoura Safari★, Fayeq SyedEngineering, ★SpeakerSolar energy is a rapidly growing source of clean electricity, but its power output can change quickly due to clouds and weather conditions. These fluctuations make it difficult for energy systems to reliably balance electricity supply and demand. Accurate short-term forecasting of solar power generation is therefore essential for improving the efficiency and stability of renewable energy systems. This research investigates the use of artificial intelligence to forecast photovoltaic (PV) power generation by combining sky imagery with meteorological data. The study integrates sky image data from the Stanford SKIPP’D dataset with weather data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) to predict solar power output 30 minutes in advance. Multiple machine learning and deep learning models were evaluated, including Linear Regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and a hybrid CNN-LSTM model. Results show that the CNN-LSTM model achieved the most accurate predictions, reducing root mean square error (RMSE) by 34% compared to a persistence baseline method. These findings highlight the potential of AI-driven forecasting to improve solar energy management. More accurate predictions can support better battery scheduling, reduce wasted energy, and enhance the stability of smart grids and microgrids. This research demonstrates how artificial intelligence can help make renewable energy systems more reliable and efficient. |
[75 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Assessing Rodenticide Use on a University Campus: Distribution, Composition, and Implications for Non-Target WildlifeAnna Foehr1★, Oliver Chamberlin1★, Kale Ly1★, Alondra Quintero1★, Ananya Juneja2, Adam Kanefield1, Ryan Grual1, Charli Fallon1, Olivia Walsh1, Mackenzie Stogner1, Caelum Ritzdorf1, Gabi Sanchez1, Seeta Sistla3, Tim Bean21 NRES, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, 3 NRES, ★SpeakerRodenticides are widely used to control rodent populations, yet their effects on non target wildlife present ongoing environmental concerns. In California, the Poison Free Wildlife Act restricts anticoagulant rodenticides, but other toxicants such as bromethalin remain legal despite evidence of ecological risk. At Cal Poly, rodenticides are extensively implemented as part of campus pest management. This study examines the distribution, composition, and management of rodenticides on campus and evaluates their potential environmental impacts. Methods included a review of rodenticide regulations across regions, analysis of university pest management contracts, and field based mapping of bait boxes using geographic information systems to document their locations, contents, and associated distributors. A total of 466 rodenticide bait boxes were identified across campus, with bromethalin as the primary toxicant and Orkin as the main distributor. Additional bait boxes from multiple companies were documented, and some lacked proper labeling. Observations also indicate inconsistencies in the removal and management of bait boxes following contractor transitions. The continued use of bromethalin, despite restrictions in other regions, suggests reliance on potentially harmful control methods and highlights gaps in oversight. These findings support the need for more sustainable pest management strategies that reduce risks to non target species. |
[76 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Analysis of the Effects of the Western Diet on Colon PermeabilityHannah Drouin1★, Maya Paykel1★, Ashley Renda1★, Danny Inserra1★, Liza Znamerovskaya1★, Rodrigo Manjarin2, Magdalena Maj11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, ★SpeakerDiet is strongly correlated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which also affects the liver-gut axis and organs such as the colon. Juvenile Iberian pigs were fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet enriched in coconut oil (COCO) for 10 weeks. The objective of this project was to compare the effect of the COCO diet with the control diet on the colon using Western blot analysis. For transcriptomic analysis, RNA was isolated from COCO and control tissues for library preparation and sequencing. DAVID Gene Ontology software was used to identify and characterize genes that were up- or down-regulated for biological processes (BP), cellular components (CC), and metabolic function (MF) in the COCO diet. Heatmaps were created using ClustVis to visualize expression and select proteins for Western blots. We performed Western blots to analyze the expression of four proteins: Claudin 4, Claudin 2, ZO1, and Occludin, which are known to play a role in colon permeability. Western blots showed no significant difference between the two diets in average protein expression between the two diets. Using H&E staining, colon crypt depth was found to be significantly greater in COCO-fed pigs, indicating high levels of tissue renewal. It is expected that Ki67+ analysis, which identifies actively dividing cells, will show increased crypt stem cell counts in response to inflammation in the COCO diet. |
[77 - 4th floor Room 400A]: Water Quality Characterization and Sensor Calibration at a Restoring Tidal Wetland in South San Francisco BayParker Johnson★, Alexander ParkerDepartment of Oceanography and Natural Sciences, Cal Poly Maritime Academy., ★SpeakerTotal suspended solids (TSS) are a critical variable in San Francisco Bay, influencing light availability, primary productivity, and sediment supply for tidal wetland restoration. We examined water quality, including TSS at the Eden Landing wetland restoration project in South San Francisco Bay. The primary objective of our study was to develop a site-specific calibration between optical backscatter measured by a Yellow Springs Instruments EXO2 (YSI) sonde and discrete samples for TSS. We collected discrete samples hourly over 24-hour periods, starting at 1200 and concluding at 1100 the following day on March 2–3 and April 8–9, 2026 using an ISCO autosampler deployed next to the YSI sonde. TSS was determined by water filtration onto pre-tared 47 mm GF/F filters on a vacuum manifold. Filters were then dried and TSS mass (mg/L) determined by difference between post filtration and pre-tared weights. Laboratory analysis of TSS and final calibration are currently in progress. We also analyzed continuous sonde data from November 2025 through March 2026. The spring–neap tidal cycle appeared to be a determinant of dissolved oxygen (DO) variability, with higher DO concentrations (both as percent saturation and mg/L) observed during neap tides. Variability in salinity and optical backscatter was closely associated with rainfall events, which were frequent during the study period and likely influenced freshwater input and suspended sediment dynamics. These preliminary results highlight the importance of tidal forcing and watershed inputs in regulating water quality in the San Francisco Bay. |
[78 - 4th floor lobby]: Design and Characterization of a Pulsed Electric Field Chamber for Microalgae LysisConnor Strutin1★, Sam Weston1★, Dean Arakaki1, Jonathan Fernsler21 Electrical Engineering, 2 Department of Physics, ★SpeakerPulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology enables non-thermal disruption of microalgae cells for biofuel and bioproduct extraction. This project focuses on the development of a lab-scale PEF chamber using parallel-plate stainless steel electrodes with sub-millimeter spacing to achieve electric field strengths ranging from 1 to 40 kV/cm. Electrical characterization is performed using a function generator and high-voltage amplifier to evaluate voltage delivery, impedance effects, and breakdown behavior. Initial testing highlights challenges in achieving sufficient voltage across the chamber due to impedance mismatches and switching limitations. Ongoing work includes refinement of the chamber geometry and pulse delivery system to enable consistent high-field operation. The goal is to establish a reliable and repeatable platform for effective microalgae lysis. |
[79 - 4th floor lobby]: Close out of California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) production in an Artificial Marine Recirculating Aquaculture SystemAnnabelle Tweet1★§, Katherine Jackson2★§, Samantha Albiani3★§, Gabrielle Sands4★§, Zachary Pike5§, Greg Schwartz3§1 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Environmental Engineering, 3 BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, 4 BioResource And Agricultural Engineering, 5 Agricultural Systems Management, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerIn commercial aquaculture, there is rising interest in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and consequently a need to optimize production at high stocking densities without compromising growth. To investigate this, 100 7-gram California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) were stocked in a marine RAS on July 12th, 2024. 70 fish were pit tagged on October 4th, 2024 and split into two 1000-liter tanks, with stocking densities of 10.8 and 6 kg/m^3. Total length and mass were recorded biweekly from the beginning of Fall 2024 through the end of Fall 2025, and growth models were developed to predict trajectories of future cohorts. No statistically significant effect of stocking density on growth rate was observed within the tested range. Densities reached 49.5 and 26.1 kg/m^3 with final average individual fish mass at 1.6 kg. Fish were harvested periodically from Spring through Fall 2025, with tissue and blood samples collected for research on fish cortisol levels. In Winter 2026, Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were introduced to a similar RAS. A secondary objective was to assess the replicability of these RAS protocols in L. vannamei to investigate whether the methods developed for fish could be replicated on a different species. |
[80 - 4th floor lobby]: Enhancing scientific reasoning abilities of non-STEM majors through mobile appsJrue Reese1†★, Ryan Lauderbach2★, Julian Labbe2★, Ken Kubiak2, Hyewon Pechkis1, Joseph Pechkis11 Department of Physics, 2 Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWe report on the development of a new mobile application to perform data acquisition and analysis to be used in conjunction with the investigative science learning environment approach (ISLE) to enhance learning and scientific reasoning abilities In GE courses. We will discuss our progress on developing waveform and fast Fourier transform acquisition tools for measurement of sound in the context of physics of music. We will also discuss our recent work incorporating the ISLE approach in a GE course with mobile app-based experiments. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation. |
[81 - 4th floor lobby]: Silicone Wristbands: Tools to Measure Firefighter Exposure to PAHs in Wildfire SmokeRosa Flaherty1★, Mikka Sopenoff1★, Kayla Toms1, Mysha Fahmi1, Rob Fanter2, Matthew Zoerb11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science, ★SpeakerWildland firefighters are constantly exposed to toxic chemicals in smoke. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are products of incomplete combustion, and many of these compounds are associated with increased health risks, including cancer. This study employs silicone wristbands as non-invasive passive samplers for quantifying PAH exposure in field conditions. During a prescribed burn, firefighters wore wristbands both outside and inside their personal protective equipment (PPE) to capture ambient levels and potential exposure. Wristband extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to measure naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene. Measurement of PAHs in the wristbands permitted an exposure comparison across the participants and different PPE styles. These findings support silicone wristbands as effective, low-cost tools for chemical sampling methods. |
[83 - 4th floor lobby]: Development of Low-Cost Radar Tide Gauge for High-Resolution Coastal Water Level MeasurementsEugene Petrov1★§, Evan Lee1§, Aiden Satoshi1§, Stefan Talke1★§, John Ridgely1§, Serena Lee2§1 College of Engineering, 2 Bureau of Meteorology, Australia, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerIn this poster, we describe progress towards developing a simple, user-friendly, low-cost gauge for measuring ocean surface elevation from fixed structures such as piers, pilings, docks, and other coastal structures. The goal is to collect water level data at a high enough sampling rate to measure tides, waves, and other short-term coastal processes. By keeping the system inexpensive and practical to deploy, the project supports observations to better understand ocean phenomena, monitor extreme events, and prepare for sea-level rise and other climate change effects. The current system uses a radar gauge coupled with a GNSS sensor for time-keeping and potentially self-surveying. The system is built with custom hardware combining an ESP-32 based controller and an Acconeer XM125 radar module. The firmware is developed using a MicroPython-based approach designed for rapid testing, easier configuration, and flexible deployment. Data is logged locally to an SD card, and where Wi-Fi is available, transmitted through a server for remote web access. The total cost for the gauge is <$150. Initial results from Morro Bay show good comparison with other gauges. Compared to previous approaches, our current version is less expensive, more reliable, and more user-friendly. Our approach emphasizes accessibility, field adaptability, and low system cost while maintaining enough measurement resolution to observe dynamic ocean behavior. |
[84 - 4th floor lobby]: Understanding Short-Term Stratification in Estuarine and Coastal Waters Using Simple Data Analysis MethodsGino McDonnell, Maryam MohammadpourOceanography and natural scienceShort term changes in vertical stratification play an important role in mixing, transport, and water quality in estuarine and coastal systems. In this study, we combined CTD profiles collected from central California estuaries with publicly available datasets from USGS and NOAA / CeNCOOS stations in San Francisco Bay and nearby coastal regions to examine short-term variability in water-column structure. The objective was to develop simple and robust stratification metrics that can be applied across different environments and used in undergraduate research. Using MATLAB, we processed and quality controlled the data, interpolated profiles to common depth levels, and calculated key stratification measures, including surface to bottom density difference and potential energy anomaly. Results show that even relatively shallow water columns (10–30 m) exhibit clear and consistent stratification patterns. Estuarine stations displayed stronger and more variable stratification, with rapid transitions between mixed and stratified states driven by tides and freshwater input. In contrast, coastal stations were more weakly stratified and influenced by wind-driven mixing and surface heating. Across all stations, simple stratification measures consistently distinguished between high-mixing and strongly stratified conditions. These findings demonstrate that basic, physically meaningful indices can effectively capture short term stratification variability across different environments. This project provides a practical and reproducible workflow for integrating observational oceanographic data into undergraduate education and research. |
[85 - 4th floor lobby]: Bioinformatics Capstone 2026: A Multimodal Model for IBD Patient Stratification with VirgilGenevieve Newstead1★, Collin Ngo1★, Lena Kimura1★, Thomas Le2★, Paul Anderson2, Jean Davidson11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Computer Science and Software Engineering, ★SpeakerInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses a group of chronic autoimmune disorders affecting approximately 3.1 million adults in the United States. It is characterized by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with increased risks of colorectal cancer and osteoporosis. IBD is incurable, with no single known cause or clear inheritance pattern. Genetic polymorphisms influence disease progression and treatment response, yet genetic testing and analysis remain widely unavailable. We are partnering with Virgil, an early-stage biomedical startup that aims to develop a user-friendly clinical diagnostic tool to improve IBD diagnosis. Our work focuses on developing a model that clusters IBD patients into phenotypic groups, approximating underlying genotypic pathways. We employ a multimodal approach, integrating clinical, family history, and pharmacologic data to identify patient subgroups with shared characteristics. By inferring underlying pathways, the model seeks to provide an accessible alternative to genetic testing. We expect this comprehensive approach to support more precise treatment selection and reduce time to remission, ultimately improving patient quality of life and access to personalized care. |
[86 - 4th floor lobby]: Central Coast Tide Gauge ProjectCharlie Newcomb1★§, Edward Laiche1★§, Andrew Pruitt1★§, Stefan Talke2§1 Civil Engineering, 2 Coastal Engineering, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerIn this poster, we describe our efforts to develop and expand a tide gauge network on the California Coast, particularly Morro Bay. At present, we have four ultrasonic gauges measuring at multiple locations; two new deployments are scheduled for April/May. The longest time series extends back to 2021, and several locations have >2 years of (nearly) continuous data. Gauges are checked and data is downloaded every 1-3 months. Multiple-repeat surveys are being used to define the vertical elevation datum of the data to <1 cm accuracy. We are currently processing and quality assuring records to obtain an hourly, research quality data set that can be used to assess tides, seasonal variations in water level, and baseline sea-level. Our data has been used in 3 Masters theses and 3 scientific/engineering projects, and is helping to support restoration efforts in the Chorro Creek Delta and the assessment of sea-level rise effects on South Bay Blvd. between Los Osos and Morro Bay. Some of the records have been submitted to national and international data repositories. Long-term, these records serve as a baseline for present-day conditions against which to compare sea-level rise effects in the future. |
[87 - 4th floor lobby]: Sleep Well Firefighters: Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial Testing an App-Based Sleep Health Intervention in Firefighters on the Central Coast of CaliforniaNicole Winters1★, Hannah Miller2★, Izabella Petro2★, Tony Gonzalez2★, Anthony Minasian2★, Noemi Alarcon2, Cristina Macedo2, Kelly Bennion3, James Antony3, Sarah Keadle2, Suzanne Phelan2, Selene Tobin21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 3 Department of Psychology and Child Development, ★SpeakerOver 30% of adults do not get the recommended amount of sleep (7-9 hours), which can contribute to serious health problems. Firefighters are a special population due to their work-shift schedules and are known to suffer from poor sleep. Inadequate sleep can affect firefighters’ ability to navigate the cognitive and physical demands of their job. To address this issue, the Sleep Well Firefighters Study was developed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an app-based intervention aimed at improving sleep in Central Coast firefighters in a 3-month randomized control trial. Data collection is currently ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by July 2026. 39 firefighters have been successfully enrolled in the study. In this project, we report the methods of this study. This includes a summary of the recruitment procedures in which flyers describing the objective of the study and inclusion criteria were circulated to Cal Fire and city fire stations on the central coast. Firefighters who qualified were asked to attend an orientation session via Zoom or in-person at their assigned station. At this session, participants could elect to enroll and complete an informed consent. Baseline measures include validated health questionnaires and objective sleep tracking for one week. Participants are then randomly assigned to either 1) a control group that is given basic sleep hygiene information, or 2) a treatment group that receives the app-based intervention and one-on-one sleep coaching. After the conclusion of the study, we will conduct post-intervention testing in which we repeat baseline assessments and measure user satisfaction. |
[88 - 4th floor lobby]: Bioinformatics Capstone 2026: Multispecific Antibody Design Through Enhanced Visualization and Intelligent Patent Data Integration with BioGlyphGrisha Dekhtyar1★, Adi Netanel2★, Deeksha Radharaj2★, Srish Maulik3★, Paul Anderson3, Jean Davidson21 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, 3 Computer Science and Software Engineering, ★SpeakerBioGlyph, founded by Cal Poly alumni McClain Kressman, is a biotech startup focused on allowing scientists to design in-silico biologic drugs. With a specific focus on multispecific antibodies, BioGlyph allows users to choose a therapeutic area and design “glyphs” that can be engineered to target specific molecules. Users can import antibody sequences specific for their targets and use preexisting building blocks to create a panel of novel biologics. A feature of generating a panel involves developing mutants that can be viewed through a 3D structure viewer. However, Bioglyph lacks certain core features found in industry standard structure viewers such as PyMol, making it hard for users to fully analyze their mutants. As part of the Bioinformatics Capstone, our team worked on integrating a React based implementation of Mol*, the web-based version of PyMol. This new implementation allows for multiple residues to be highlighted, specific color mapping, and selective surface representation. BioGlyph has integrated our Mol* implementation in their developer build of their software. Another core feature of BioGlyph is the ability to annotate antibody sequences in the app itself. However, users may be creating biologics that have been patented. Our group is designing a pipeline to scrape, extract, and structure data on multi-specific antibodies, focusing on binding sites, amino acid sequences, and associated patent identifiers from patents and scientific literature. Completion of this pipeline will help assist researchers in developing and engineering novel multispecific antibodies in a streamlined, efficient manner. |
[89 - 4th floor lobby]: Benchmarking AI-Assisted Formulation Design: Comparing Specialized and General-Purpose LLMs for Direct-to-Metal Coatings with Targeted Color and Solar ReflectivityCara Pelling★, William Diment, Erik Sapper, Ray FernandoDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerThe development of direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings with precise colorimetric and solar reflectivity specifications is a complex formulation challenge traditionally requiring significant and lengthy trial-and-error experimentation. Artificial intelligence platforms offer a promising path to accelerate this process, but their relative capabilities for formulation tasks are relatively unknown. This study presents a systematic comparison of three AI platforms in their ability to suggest novel DTM coating formulations targeted defining CIE L*a*b* color values and solar reflectivity. Each platform was provided an identical dataset of existing DTM formulations annotated with measured color and solar reflectivity data and was prompted to recommend a formulation expected to meet specified performance metrics. The resulting formulations are evaluated for proximity and accuracy to target L*a*b* coordinates and solar reflectivity, overall feasibility, and the quality of the AI's reasoning. This work aims to inform how formulators can most effectively leverage AI tools to accelerate coatings development. |
[90 - 4th floor lobby]: Nutrient Sources within the Morro Bay WatershedIndia Fischer1★§, Blake Andrew Maxon2§, Emily Bockmon2§1 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerNutrient pollution is one of the largest threats faced by our ocean and waterways. Excess nutrients in waterbodies can lead to eutrophication, which causes a phytoplankton bloom and then die-off, ultimately stripping the water of oxygen. Point sources of nutrients in Morro Bay have not been identified or extensively studied. This work examines sources of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and silicate within the Morro Bay watershed during the 2024-2025 wet season, using discrete samples collected at four locations. Using data from creek monitoring sites and Morro Bay time series data, this study demonstrates that wastewater discharge from the Men’s Colony treatment plant and agricultural runoff from farms within the watershed are major sources of phosphorus in Morro Bay. |
[91 - 4th floor lobby]: Thermally Induced Color Changes in Iron Oxide Coatings for CAL FIRE's Structural AnalysisTabatha Whitfield★, Han Diep★, Leslie Hamachi, Erik SapperDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerArchitectural coatings serve as protective barriers against environmental damage while contributing to the visual appearance of built environments. This study examines the thermally induced color transformation of yellow iron oxide (goethite) to red iron oxide (hematite) in both pigment form and within applied coatings. The objective is to provide insights relevant to CAL FIRE for improved analysis of Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) fire behavior, including temperature exposure and duration. Paint formulations containing varying concentrations of yellow iron oxide were applied to multiple substrates, including pine wood, composite wood, drywall, and Hardie Plank. Coated samples were subjected to controlled direct flame and radiant heat exposures, followed by different cooling conditions. Temperature and exposure time were systematically varied and resulting color changes were quantified using CIELAB color space measurements. Pigment characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Results indicate that heating induces dehydration of goethite, resulting in a phase transformation to hematite. This structural change produces a permanent and measurable shift in color. A consistent relationship was observed between temperature, exposure time, and degree of color change in coatings containing yellow iron oxide. These findings suggest that post-fire color variations observed in the field may serve as indicators of thermal exposure and could be attributed to the presence of yellow iron oxide pigments. This work supports the potential use of pigment-based color change as a qualitative tool for fire exposure assessment in WUI environments. |
[92 - 4th floor lobby]: Development of a Membrane-Based Optical pH Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Marine EnvironmentsKeira Engler1★, Abbey Hoffman2★, David Long1, Emily Bockmon11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Environmental Engineering, ★SpeakerThis project focuses on the development of a novel optical pH sensor based on the properties of proton exchange membranes similar to Nafion. pH is a central chemical variable in marine systems, strongly influencing ocean carbon chemistry, organismal biology, and marine ecology. Accurate, reliable, and cost-efficient pH measurements are therefore crucial for advancing marine research. Currently available pH sensing technologies are expensive, contain complex moving parts, and are susceptible to failure in harsh marine environments where the risk of biofouling is high. The device we envision operates on established chemical principles, in which a pH indicator dye is measured optically in a quantitative manner. Unlike existing devices, our design does not employ pumps, microfluidics, or other complicating features that can lead to failure. Our initial designs position a pH indicator behind a proton exchange membrane that separates the analysis chamber from surrounding seawater. The membrane selectively permits proton transport while preventing exposure of the indicator to direct biofouling, enabling passive equilibration with ambient pH conditions. The membranes are reinforced for stability and exhibit antimicrobial properties, minimizing biofouling and the risk of damage in a hostile marine setting. The successful development of this optical pH sensor would provide a reliable and economical tool for long-term marine monitoring, supporting research on topics such as ocean acidification, ecosystem health, and biogeochemical cycling. Ultimately, this project has the potential to expand access to high-quality pH measurements and improve our understanding of changing marine environments. |
[93 - 4th floor lobby]: Birch Reduction of Substituted 1-Arylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexanesAmanda Sie★, Elizabeth Gunver★, Arianna Ortiz★, Eva Voss★, Eric KantorowskiDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerThis experiment explores the application of Birch reduction to a series of 1-arylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. The reactions were carried out under standard Birch conditions using sodium metal in liquid ammonia with ethanol at ?78 °C. Equipping the aromatic ring with an electron-donating group, it was predicted that the reduction would generate a cyclopropylcarbinyl radical intermediate which could initiate a rearrangement of the cyclopropane. Instead, the aromatic ring was reduced while the cyclopropane remained intact. Proton NMR analysis confirmed the unaltered cylcopropane, thus demonstrating its robustness under the Birch conditions. |
[94 - 4th floor Room 400B]: The Effects of Low Dose Exposure to Glyphosate on the Neurobehavioral Activity and Well-Being of Iberian Pigs with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)Brooke Fernandez1★, Colin Harrison1★, Holly Kranz1★, McKenzie Pauley1★, Emily Phillips1★, Fernanda Sebastian2★, Benjamin Thall1★, Emily Winch1★, Rodrigo Manjarin2, Magdalena Maj11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Animal Sciences, ★SpeakerGlyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides that almost all Americans are exposed to daily. Glyphosate, at high levels, is known to be neurotoxic, gut toxic, and liver toxic, but the effects at low levels are not fully understood. Our research team conducted an animal study to elucidate the effect of a low dose glyphosate supplementation in a high fat, high fructose diet, resulting in diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease & neurodegeneration. We use Iberian pigs as a model organism, because of their physiological, anatomical, neurological, and metabolic similarities to humans. This was a long-term, 8-month animal study, during which we ran a series of neurobehavioral tests. The Human Approach Test (HAT) is a non-invasive behavioral assay that assesses pigs' fear, anxiety, and well-being. Additionally, activity levels were monitored using a modified Open Field Test (OFT). This test was conducted in the home pen, analyzing post-prandial movement and behaviors. Given the established neurodegenerative and toxic effects of glyphosate on critical tissues, we predict that chronic low dose exposure would result in a decrease of overall activity and well-being, along with an increased in fear and anxiety related behaviors. |
[95 - 4th floor Room 400B]: NMR Studies Towards the Rational Development of New Imine-Linked Covalent Organic FrameworksAva Durbin1†★, Makisig Velasquez1, Winston Untung2, Leslie Hamachi11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Materials Engineering, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerCovalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are porous, crystalline polymers composed entirely of covalently bonded organic building blocks. Their stability arises from a dynamic equilibrium of reversible covalent bond formation, which enables error correction during crystallization. This research focuses on COF-300, an imine-linked framework, and explores modifications to its synthetic procedure using substituted aldehydes to generate structurally diverse materials. Initial experiments applying standard COF-300 conditions to the substituted aldehydes resulted in amorphous products, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results highlight the sensitivity of COF formation conditions, which are often determined empirically. To better understand the reaction equilibrium, a model compound was developed to mimic the imine bond formation and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We hypothesize that optimizing reagent ratios in the model system to achieve a favorable equilibrium will translate to improved crystallinity in the full-scale COF synthesis. Preliminary findings indicate that adjusting reagent concentrations significantly influences the equilibrium position, though scalability remains under investigation. Establishing these conditions could enable the synthesis of new COFs with tailored surface chemistries, expanding their potential for applications in gas storage, catalysis, and water purification. |
[96 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Macrocycle-based hydrogels as platforms for kinetic molecular uptake and releaseLuke Huntington†★, Gabe Owyang†★, Daniel Druhl†★, Carson Hasselbrink†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThe development of functional soft materials for kinetic uptake and release of small molecules is of significant interest in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and chemical isolation. Herein, the formation of a hydrogel derived from triscalixresorcin[4]arene (R3), a synthetically accessible macrocyclic scaffold, was investigated. The macrocycle undergoes self-assembly after deprotonation and subsequent protonation in aqueous conditions to form a three-dimensional network stabilized by hydrogen bonding, resulting in a robust hydrogel with tunable mechanical and chemical properties. An ideal range of concentrations of R3 to form the hydrogel was also determined. This study investigated the hydrogel’s capacity for the uptake and kinetic release of a range of model compounds differing in size, polarity, and charge. The inherent structural features of the macrocycle, including its defined cavity and molecular assembly behavior, suggest potential for selective interactions with guest molecules. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the hydrogel network may enable alteration of uptake and release profiles under varying conditions. These findings highlight the potential of macrocycle-based hydrogels as versatile platforms for molecular uptake and kinetic release. This work establishes a foundation for further exploration of structure–property relationships and the design of next-generation functional materials for biomedical and environmental applications. |
[97 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Molecular Cloning, Expression, and Purification of a Ketosynthase-Like Decarboxylase for Analysis of Substrate PreferenceSam Catania†★, Katharine Watts†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTLN-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 hybrid Type 1/Type 2 Polyketide Synthase (PKS) pathway. The Type 1 PKS is comprised of a loading module and an extension module that make a 2-methylbutyrate starter unit. The TLN Type 1 PKS contains a ketosynthase-like decarboxylase (KSQ) domain which catalyzes the decarboxylation of a malonyl or methylmalonyl substrate and an acyltransferase (AT) domain that selects the extender unit and loads it onto the acyl carrier protein (ACP). The TLN KSQ putatively selects for methylmalonyl CoA, but other KSQ domains in loading modules have been reported with predicted substrates that differ from their experimentally determined preference in vitro. Type 1/Type 2 PKS hybrid pathways produce complex polyketide products, often use useful bioactivity, so analyzing the TLN hybrid Type 1/Type 2 PKS pathway could lead to a greater understanding of how similar pathways function. To test its biochemical activity, we cloned the KSQ-AT from Micromonospora echinospora (ATCC 15837) as a didomain due to the insolubility of the KSQ by itself. We then performed site-directed mutagenesis to inactivate the AT domain to avoid testing its activity instead of the KSQ. The ACP, which delivers the substrate to the KSQ, was also cloned into the pET28a vector using Gibson Assembly. A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) based kinetic assay will be used to determine the preference of the KSQ for malonyl or methylmalonyl substrates. Continued investigation of the TLN hybrid Type 1/Type II PKS pathway could provide insight that will lead to the engineering of new natural product antibiotics. |
[98 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Evaluation of Hand-Held, Field-Ready Seawater Carbonate InstrumentsJeffrey Dang★, Katherine Jackson★, David Long, Emily BockmonDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerWith the ongoing need to monitor ocean acidification, the evaluation of small-scale measurement devices expands the ability to monitor ocean pollution and chemistry without the need for large-scale equipment. This project compares the effectiveness of small-scale, affordable seawater devices to state-of-the-art lab instruments. Two instruments were assessed, the pCO$_2$-to-go instrument (Dakunalytics) which measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in seawater, and the pHyter (Sunburst Sensors) which measures seawater pH. Seawater samples were collected year-round in Morro Bay, California at various locations and depths to investigate seasonal and meteorological changes. Paired discrete samples were returned to the lab, where they were analyzed on state-of-the-art instrumentation for pH, total dissolved inorganic carbon, and total alkalinity. Field pCO$_2$ measurements were compared to values calculated from these parameters. Results showed strong correlations between measured and calculated pCO$_2$ values, although not exact matches. Results from the pHyter were compared directly to samples analyzed using the same method on a benchtop spectrometer with automated sample handling. Findings showed strong agreement with laboratory spectrophotometric measurements, with only a small negative bias observed in the pHyter measurements. These results suggest that affordable, portable devices can provide sufficient accuracy for coastal monitoring. Both instruments eliminate the need for collecting and transporting seawater for laboratory analysis. |
[99 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Cloning Asparagine Synthetase-like Enzymes for Investigation of Antibiotic BiosynthesisMegan Wong†★, Katharine Watts†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWith antibiotic resistance on the rise, the need for novel molecules that inhibit pathogenic bacteria is crucial. Micromonospora echinospora, a species of actinobacteria, is being investigated for its production of TLN-05220, which has demonstrated inhibitory activity against common antibiotic-resistant bacteria at nanomolar scales—more potent than the current leading last-resort antibiotic, vancomycin, which is required at micromolar concentrations. The structure of TLN-05220 consists of a conjugated polyketide backbone with a piperazinone moiety derived from amino acid precursors. Two asparagine synthetase-like genes in the TLN-05220 biosynthetic gene cluster, tlnF and tln4, are putatively responsible for the ligation of these amino acid residues onto the polyketide scaffold. The focus of this research has been cloning these genes in both Escherichia coli and Streptomyces coelicolor using Gibson Assembly and restriction digest and ligation techniques. Once cloned successfully, these genes can be expressed and purified for use in in vitro assays to determine function and substrate preference. Understanding the specific biosynthetic function of the asparagine synthetase-like enzymes will provide foundational knowledge for developing a production system for TLN-05220 and for bioengineering novel natural product antibiotics. |
[100 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Development of a Handheld Instrument to Measure Total Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in Seawater in Remote Field ApplicationsEmma Kurata1†★§, Rafay Maker-Agha2★§, Cole Taylor1§, Abbey Hoffman2, David Long1§, Emily Bockmon1§1 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Environmental Engineering, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerThe inorganic forms of carbon in seawater are studied extensively by oceanographers, climatologists, aquaculture specialists, and many marine scientists to understand how elevated inorganic carbon alters marine life and seawater chemistry. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), a parameter used to measure ocean acidification, is the total amount of inorganic carbon present in an aqueous solution, including carbon dioxide gas, carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion, and carbonate ion. Current laboratory instrumentation to measure DIC is elaborate and costly. Additionally, samples require transportation from the marine environment back to scientific laboratories for analysis, which increases the opportunity for chemical alteration by atmospheric or biological influences. Inherently, this limits the accessibility of current DIC systems. As a result, this research focuses on the development of an affordable, portable, and efficient DIC system. This system was designed to be easily assembled and taken apart to make fieldwork and traveling easy. Ideally, it will be replicated by other scientists who seek to monitor their local marine environments at a lower financial burden. Moreover, this instrument has the potential to expand ocean monitoring by increasing the data available to scientists who assess issues of climate change and ocean acidification. |
[101 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Functional Identification of Protein 3r8e as a ROK-Family GlucokinaseAlex Seroogy1★, Dalton Dencklau2, Michel Evertsen2, Bonnie L. Hall11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Grand View University, ★SpeakerThe Protein Data Bank (PDB) contains over 250,000 experimentally determined structures and more than 1 million predicted models. Many lack functional annotation, highlighting a gap between structural and functional characterization. The structure of protein 3r8e was solved in 2011 by the Joint Center for Structural Genomics but its function has still not been confirmed. Protein 3r8e is from Cytophaga hutchinsonii, a soil-dwelling bacterium with a unique surface-based cellulose degradation system. This distinctive mode of cellulose utilization, which differs from classical enzyme secretion systems, has positioned C. hutchinsonii as a model organism of interest for biomaterials and biomass conversion research. Protein 3r8e function was investigated using multiple in silico tools, including BLASTp, CLEAN, Foldseek, and InterPro. Collectively, these analyses suggest that 3r8e belongs to the ROK (repressor, ORF, kinase) family and functions as a glucokinase. To further evaluate 3r8e substrate specificity, molecular docking was performed using a panel of sugars. While all substrates could be accommodated, glucose had the most favorable interactions with the active site. Experimental validation of this prediction utilized 3r8e protein overexpressed in E. coli and purified via nickel affinity chromatography. The protein was used to evaluate substrate specificity and kinetic properties. It exhibited high specificity and activity for glucose, with little or no activity observed for other substrates. Together, these results support the functional annotation of 3r8e as a ROK-family glucokinase. |
[102 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Structural Color Pigments for Water-Based Latex PaintsNix Liou1†★, Elijah Hannaford1†★, Maelyn Peters2★, Leslie Hamachi1, Justin Hancock11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Materials Engineering, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThis project is the synthesis of structural color pigments for waterborne latex paints, where the color of the pigment coming not from the chemical composition, but rather the physical structure. In these materials, color comes from the interaction of light with the pigment’s nanostructure, rather than differences in chemical composition from traditional pigments. For inverse opal, our chosen nanostructure, pore size dictates the perceived color of the material. Structural color is a solution to more hazardous heavy metal pigments, creating safer and more environmentally friendly paint formulations. Other researchers have successfully created the inverse opal nanostructure with a limited number of high refractive index metal oxides; however, it has not yet been incorporated into a paint. In this project, our goal is to synthesize the inverse opal microstructure with a larger variety of high refractive index metal oxides with the aim of incorporating them into waterborne latex paints. |
[103 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Investigating Antimicrobial Properties within a Library of Ancient Bacterial StrainsSafiya Rufino1, Kaitlyn Calligan1, Rachel Johnson2, Katharine Watts21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryThe discovery of new antibiotics is necessary to combat the increase of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Microbes can biosynthesize secondary metabolites called natural products, which often exhibit antimicrobial activity. Antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) may contain antibiotic-resistant genes, contributing to the intrinsic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of the producer. In our research, we turned towards the past to investigate ancient strains’ intrinsic resistance to modern-day antibiotics and the ability to produce novel antibiotics. These strains are thought to have originated from 25 to 40 million years ago and are sourced from Amber and Deep-sea cores. From our library of 93 ancient strains, 31 strains were cultured and screened to efficiently identify antibiotic-producing and resistant bacteria. Among these strains tested, 13 bacteria exhibited AMR against current antibiotics, and 7 strains demonstrated growth inhibition of one or more of the following species: Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, or Enterobacter aerogenes. Three promising antibiotic-producing strains have consistently exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive B. subtilis, in triplicate. Ongoing steps focus on structural characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, so we can identify the structure of these antimicrobial compounds. Genomic DNA extraction was performed on strains that displayed both antibiotic resistance and antibiotic production. We used a high-salt wash genomic DNA extraction to successfully obtain the full genomes of 6 different ancient strains with more to come. The genomes were sequenced as both long and short reads for optimal bioinformatic analysis to identify BGCs of interest. Using these findings, we aim to compare ancient antibiotic structures with modern-day antibiotics to understand their ancestry, noting potentially evolved similarities and differences. Ideally, we will uncover novel antibiotics that address the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. |
[104 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Evaluation of Solar Reflective Pigments for use in Direct-to-Metal FormulationsWilliam Diment★, Sam Margolin, Carson Dorough, Audrey Haindfield, Elizabeth Luis Antonio, Tina Zhuo, Charlie Parker, Ray Fernando, Erik SapperDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerSolar reflective coatings offer a promising strategy to mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing absorption of near-infrared solar energy. Previous work at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo investigated the solar reflectance of a series of grayscale direct-to-metal (DTM) formulations and compared these coatings to similarly colored DTM paints mixed from an identical base using standard, non-reflective pigments. A secondary study evaluated the effect of film thickness and found that, above a threshold value, thickness does not significantly affect solar reflectance for either solar reflective or non-solar reflective pigments. New findings indicate that paints made with solar reflective pigments can be color matched to existing standards, providing solar reflective alternatives to existing colors. Because grayscale paints have limited use in commercial and architectural settings, this work expanded the project scope to include red, yellow, green, and blue pigments. Recent work has focused on mixing and characterizing a large series of tinted DTM coatings using both standard pigments and solar reflective alternatives. Evaluated properties include CIELAB color, visible spectrum reflectance, gloss, contrast ratio, solar spectrum (IR and NIR) reflectance, and paint weight. Coating durability and weathering effects are also evaluated via accelerated UV exposure and neutral salt spray testing. Overall, this work emphasizes developing solar reflective color matches that meet existing standards without requiring performance concessions. |
[105 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Advancing VOC Analysis Using Benchmark Paint Formulation ComponentsWyatt Goldman★, Miles Brockbank†★, Erik SapperDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerCurrent industry-standard methods for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and coatings present notable trade-offs: oven tests are often inaccurate or inconsistent, while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is?time-consuming and requires labor-intensive analysis. This study explores thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a potential supplemental method, one which combines the simplicity of oven testing with the accuracy of GC-MS. Using common paint?formulation components, we compared VOC measurements across the three methods. TGA consistently produced results comparable in accuracy to GC-MS, giving real-time volatilization data while only requiring timeframes similar to the oven test. These findings support TGA as a valid, efficient, and accurate method for VOC analysis in industrial formulations |
[106 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Synthesis of Cathepsin B Inhibitors as a Treatment Targeting Anthrax and EbolaIshita Patel★, Blakeley Reynolds★, Scott Eagon★Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerHistorically, 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. |
[107 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Characterization of Hexokinase Candidates from Human PathogensBianca Petalver1★, Celisa Cortes1★, Neha Dalal2★, Bonnie L. Hall11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerThe rise of drug-resistant and understudied pathogens presents a significant challenge to global health, particularly for immunocompromised populations. Many of the diseases caused by these pathogens lack effective treatments, highlighting the need to identify new therapeutic targets. The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID) seeks to address this gap by determining the structures of proteins hoped to play an important biological role in human pathogens. They have generated a large set of experimentally solved structures lacking functional validation. The next step for these proteins is function prediction, followed by experimental function validation. This project focuses on the characterization of three proteins provisionally annotated as hexokinases, each from a different human pathogen. Hexokinases are enzymes that phosphorylate sugars and play an integral role in the central metabolism of many organisms. A variety of in silico analyses, including sequence- and structure-based comparisons, confirm the annotation as hexokinases. To validate these annotations experimentally, recombinant protein over-expression and purification has begun. Coupled in vitro kinase assays will be used to assess the substrate specificity and kinetic properties of each protein. By linking protein structure to function for these proteins, it is hoped we will gain insight into the biology and vulnerabilities of these pathogens. |
[108 - 4th floor Room 400B]: Ylidenenorbornadiene carboxylates (YNDs) - Experimental Kinetic Analysis of a Nucleophile-Induced retro-[4+2] FragmentationDylan Katz1★, Kalen Ramirez2★, Emma Van De Velde2★, Dan Bercovici21 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerYlidenenorbornadienes (YNDs) are bridged bicyclic molecules that are synthesized via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between a fulvene and an acetylene derivative. YNDs have shown great stability, but they can undergo a subsequent Michael addition with a thiol nucleophile to trigger a retro [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. This Michael addition also yields a mixture of four diastereomers, which all fragment at varying rates. Fragmentation rates have been found to be highly dependent on the substituents as well as the stereoisomer. Kinetic studies of these molecules have largely focused on a dicarboxylate-ester-substituted YND model system. In previous works, a monoester-substituted YND was used as the model system to study fragmentation kinetics and diastereomer composition. Currently, we are investigating reaction rates of diphenylfulvene and methylphenylproiolate derivatives to yield monoester aryl substituted YND systems. Our findings show that increasingly electron-withdrawing aryl substitution groups yield faster fragmentation rates. Ylidenenorbornadienes (YNDs) are bridged bicyclic molecules that are synthesized via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between a fulvene and an acetylene derivative. YNDs have shown great stability, but they can undergo a subsequent Michael addition with a thiol nucleophile to trigger a retro [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. This Michael addition also yields a mixture of four diastereomers, which all fragment at varying rates. Fragmentation rates have been found to be highly dependent on the substituents as well as the stereoisomer. Kinetic studies of these molecules have largely focused on a dicarboxylate-ester-substituted YND model system. In previous works, a monoester-substituted YND was used as the model system to study fragmentation kinetics and diastereomer composition. Currently, we are investigating reaction rates of diphenylfulvene and methylphenylproiolate derivatives to yield monoester aryl substituted YND systems. Our findings show that increasingly electron-withdrawing aryl substitution groups yield faster fragmentation rates. |
[109 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Utilizing CAPTURE Cloning to Investigate Tailoring Steps in TLN-05220 BiosynthesisEmma Boykova1★, Katharine Watts21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerRising antibiotic resistance raises a concern for the efficacy of current, modern-day antibiotics. TLN-05220 is an antibiotic whose minimum inhibitory concentration is similar to that of vancomycin, a last resort antibiotic for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. CAPTURE, or Cas12a-assisted Precise Targeted Cloning Using In-Vivo Cre-lox Recombination, is a method of cloning that can be used to clone large, GC-rich segments of DNA that are difficult to clone with traditional cloning methods. Previous efforts have included CAPTURE cloning a biosynthetic gene cluster of actinomycete Micromonospora echinospora ATCC15837 to include genes essential to the structure and ligation of pieces of TLN-05220, but were missing two essential genes encoding a drug exporter and a transcriptional regulator. This led to poor expression of the TLN-05220 biosynthetic gene cluster in a heterologous host. We are currently attempting to CAPTURE an expanded set of genes including the transcriptional regulator and drug exporter not previously CAPTURE’d. Once this CAPTURE clone has been isolated through transformation, it can be conjugated into a Streptomyces heterologous host to express the biosynthetic gene cluster and isolate TLN-05220 and biosynthetic intermediates. Through this process, we are able to produce molecules of interest and can then perform gene knockouts of the various TLN-05220 genes hypothesized to be essential to structure formation to determine their function. |
[110 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Investigating the Catalytic Dependency of the Threonine Metabolic Pathway in Chromatin RegulationTyler Hendrick1†★, Sage Byerrum2†★, Chloe Khokhar2†, Adi Netanel1, Jennifer K. Chik2†1 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerMoonlighters are a class of multi-functional proteins that challenge the "one protein, one function" paradigm. For a protein to be classified as a moonlighter, it must demonstrate multiple distinct biological functions on the same polypeptide chain that cannot be attributed to gene fusion, duplication, or alternative splicing. This study focuses on characterizing chromatin-based moonlighting roles for aspartate kinase (Hom3) and aspartic $\beta$ semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase (Hom2), in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While these proteins have been well characterized for their roles in threonine biosynthesis, we have discovered that they also contribute to both DNA damage repair and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) silencing. However, it remains unclear whether these proteins mediate their chromatin-based functions through their threonine-based catalytic activity or indirectly through functional partners. To further examine Hom3 and Hom2’s moonlighting roles, catalytically inactive mutants of each protein were generated via CRISPR-based mutagenesis to distinguish between catalytic activity and moonlighting functions. Because humans lack a threonine biosynthetic pathway, Hom3 and Hom2 are attractive pharmaceutical targets for the development of specific anti-fungal therapies. In addition, their moonlighting roles offer the potential for dual-pathway inhibition, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. |
[111 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Isothermal Kinetic Analysis of VOC Behavior in Compound Mixtures and FormulationsMiles Brockbank†★, Wyatt Goldman, Erik SapperDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerStrategies exist for estimating the volatility of singular formulation components. Heuristic approaches – such as counting the number of carbons – and surrogate methods such as predicting the vapor pressure of the compound have all shown some degree of promise in determining whether a proposed molecule will behave as a VOC in a coating formulation. However, little work has been done studying the complex, interactive behavior of molecules with varying degrees of volatility that co-exist within a single formulation. Here, we employ thermogravimetric analysis and isothermal kinetic analysis of raw materials and coating formulations of varying complexity to arrive at a structure-mixture-property understanding of VOC behavior in coatings. Specifically, we interrogate the activation energy of volatilization for components in realistic coating mixtures. This work lays the foundation for a clearer understanding of how molecule structure determines volatility behavior in formulations. |
[112 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Light and Brimstone: Investigation of the Photochemistry of DithiocarboxylatesKaralee Webb†★, Joseph Gaytan†★, David Zigler†, M. Taylor Haynes†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerContrary to other thiocarbonyl compounds, dithiocarboxylate salts have a high density of low-lying excited electronic states with unknown photochemistry. Dithiocarboxylate solutions were photolyzed under inert conditions using narrow band UV or visible light, with the aim of characterizing the photoproducts. Further photolyses of dithiocarboxylate salts were performed in the presence of a sacrificial oxidant. The photoproducts were characterized by electronic absorption, $^1$H- and $^{13}$C-NMR, EPR, IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Identified photoproducts were used to investigate plausible mechanistic pathways for this photodecomposition. |
[113 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Therapeutics Targeting the Iron Acquisition Systems of Escherichia coli for the Treatment of Urinary Tract InfectionsAbigail McQuaid★, Ian Hutt★, Audrey Beaver★, Victor Sepulveda★, Luke Williams★, Zach Peterson★, Keaton Smith★, Samantha Callahan★, Scott Eagon★Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerWe 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. |
[114 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Investigating TLN-05220 Biosynthesis Through CAPTURE Cloning and SARP-Mediated ActivationNatalie Lubinski1†★, Katharine Watts2†1 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThe rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens has created an urgent need for new antibiotics. TLN-05220, an aromatic polyketide antibiotic produced by Micromonospora echinospora ATCC 15837, exhibits nanomolar activity against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant pathogens, with potency comparable to that of last-resort antibiotics such as vancomycin. Our research aims to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of TLN-05220, with particular focus on accessing a proposed polyketide–glycine intermediate (TLN-2) to enable characterization of enzymes involved in amino acid incorporation. A 43 kb segment of the putative TLN biosynthetic gene cluster was captured using CAPTURE (Cas12a-assisted precise targeted cloning using in vivo Cre-lox recombination) and heterologously expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M1152. However, the initial construct lacked key elements, including a complete Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein (SARP) gene, which may limit production of pathway intermediates. To address this, an additional copy of the SARP gene was cloned into an integrative plasmid and introduced into the CAPTURE clone-containing strain to activate transcription of the biosynthetic gene cluster. LC-MS/MS analysis of the original capture clone did not detect the expected intermediate (TLN-2), indicating minimal or absent production under these conditions. In contrast, negative mode LC-MS/MS analysis of the SARP-complemented strain revealed an m/z signal consistent with a previously reported biosynthetic intermediate (TLN-1), likely arising from an earlier step in the TLN-05220 pathway. Ongoing work involves liquid culture extractions of both strains to confirm whether introduction of the additional SARP gene increases production of TLN-1 and to optimize growth and extraction conditions for its isolation. Ultimately, isolation of TLN-1 will advance our understanding of the TLN-05220 biosynthetic pathway, enable evaluation of its role as a substrate for amino acid ligases, and support future engineering of novel natural product antibiotics. |
[115 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Identification and Characterization of Propanethiol-Substituted Ester Amide Ylidenenorbornadiene DiastereomersAdam Schulte†★, Remy Kageff†★, Daniel Bercovici†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerEster amide ylidenenorbornadienes (EA-YNDs) are compounds prepared via [4+2] cycloadditions of fulvenes and ester amide alkynes. A series of EA-YND species were prepared using 6,6-dimethylfulvene and methyl esters with varying amide substituents. These were subsequently treated with propanethiol, affording four diastereomers (EA-YND-PTs). A unique case was observed when an adamantyl amide substituent was used, highlighting the effects of sterics. Of the four diastereomers, the two syn species were found to undergo a succinimide cyclization at room temperature prior to [4+2] cycloaddition. The ratio of diastereomers varied depending on the properties of the amide substituent’s ability to undergo the succinimide cyclization. Diastereomers are characterized by Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY), utilizing the Karplus equation as the primary characterization technique. |
[116 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Ester Amide Ylidenenorbornadienes (EA-YNDs): Synthesis and Thiol-Promoted Fragmentation KineticsHannah Bowman†★, Simran Singh†★, Dan Bercovici†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerEster Amide Ylidenenorbornadienes (EA-YNDs) are prepared by a [4 + 2] cycloaddition between fulvenes and ester amide alkynes. 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. 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. |
[117 - 5th floor Room 500A]: The Effects of Glyphosate on Short-Term Memory in Iberian Swine Model of MASLDHolly Kranz1★, Brooke Auerbach1★, Meena Shasha1★, Fernanda Sebastian2★, Sahnyah Wilkins-Jones2★, Brianne Agresti2, Magdalena Maj1, Rodrigo Manjarin21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Animal Sciences, ★SpeakerGlyphosate, a chemical commonly found in popular herbicide products, leaches into food and water supplies. Glyphosate, in high concentrations, is known to have toxic effects on the neurological and gastrointestinal systems. This study examined the long-term effects of low-dose glyphosate supplementation in diet-induced metabolic syndrome using animal models. Iberian pigs were selected as our animal model systems due to their physiological, neurological, and metabolic similarities to humans. The three dietary treatment groups were: control, high-sugar high-fat, and high-sugar high-fat with low-dose glyphosate supplementation. The Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR) is a non-invasive behavioral assay designed to assess short-term memory retention. The test was performed weekly over 8 months and measured the animal's interaction with both novel and familiar objects over defined time intervals. Increased exploration of the novel object is indicative of stronger recognition of the familiar object. Pigs naturally prefer novelty, so a healthy pig will show greater interest in a new object compared to a familiar one. Behavioral interactions are being quantified from video recordings using BORIS software. We expect that animals fed a glyphosate-supplemented diet will decrease interaction with the novel object. |
[118 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Exploring the Role of a DUF262 domain-containing Protein in Antibiotic Cross-Resistance in Pseudomonas fluorescensAudrey Reynolds★, Jennifer VanderKelenDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerExposure to biocides can select for bacteria with mutations that allow for improved survival in an otherwise fatal environment. Such mutations can sometimes confer resistance to other biocides, called cross-resistance. We are investigating the mechanisms by which mutant Pseudomonas fluorescens strains with reduced sensitivity to a food preservative, diacetyl, are also less sensitive to antibiotics. Three mutant P. fluorescens strains adapted to 1.25M diacetyl have reduced sensitivity to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. Sequencing of these strains revealed numerous mutations, but all three had single mutations affecting the same region of a DUF262 domain–containing protein. Structural comparison of the protein variants to the wild-type protein showed that they all bind DNA, and in different ways. To analyze the effect of this mutation alone, and its role in diacetyl/antibiotic resistance, one of the mutations will be introduced into the wild-type strain using multiplex automated gene engineering (MAGE). This process involves introducing a synthesized oligonucleotide containing the mutation into the cell to serve as a substitute Okazaki fragment during replication. Accessory proteins on a MAGE-specific plasmid are also required. So far, the plasmid has been successfully transformed into Escherichia coli for amplification and has been verified by restriction digestion. |
[119 - 5th floor Room 500A]: Bioinformatics Capstone 2026: Working with SeaGrant to study population genomics of Olympia OystersKat Arrizon1★, Larissa Firmansyah1★, Jack Poole1★, Nivashini Saravanakumar2★, Kevin Johnson1, Paul Anderson3, Jean Davidson11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Biomedical Engineering, 3 Computer Science and Software Engineering, ★SpeakerThe Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida), the only oyster species native to the U.S. West Coast, has declined due to overharvesting, habitat loss, invasive species, and changing seawater conditions. Hatcheries in California are raising oysters to support restoration, but the genetic diversity of these populations and their relationship to wild oysters are not well characterized. For successful reintroduction and population maintenance, it's essential that aquaculturists are able to quickly and cheaply test the genetic diversity and relatedness of hatchery oysters to wild populations. As part of the Bioinformatics Minor Capstone experience, our team worked with Dr. Kevin Johnson and SeaGrant to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from oysters collected across multiple California estuaries to examine genetic variation within and between populations. After filtering the data for quality, we used two complementary genome scanning pipelines, pcadapt and OutFLANK, to identify loci under selection and detect outlier SNPs. By combining results from both approaches, we identified a set of high-confidence SNPs that reflect genetic differences across estuaries. We then used these SNPs to develop a GTseq panel, enabling fast and cost-effective genetic testing that can be used to determine how hatchery-raised oysters compare to wild populations and assess population connectivity and differentiation across estuaries. Overall, this work improves our understanding of genetic variation in Olympia oysters and provides a practical tool to support conservation and restoration efforts along the California coast. |
[120 - 5th floor lobby]: Factors influencing pup adoption in northern elephant sealsLucy Nosbisch†★, Mackenzie Davidson, Olivia Springer, Molly Murphy, Heather E.M. LiwanagDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerCapital breeding is a reproductive strategy in which foraging and reproduction are temporally and spatially separated. For capital breeding marine mammals, that means the mother is fasting during the lactation period. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris, NES) are capital breeding seals with a 4-week nursing period. Although NES mothers only have enough stored energy to successfully wean a single pup, there are cases in which a mother will “adopt” a pup that is not her own, nursing it in addition to the one she birthed. This behavior should be maladaptive, as the mother is splitting resources only meant for one pup among two or more, and that is unlikely to result in survival for any of the pups; yet pup adoption has been observed in multiple NES mothers each breeding season. To better understand what factors contribute to this phenomenon, we used drone-captured aerial images to compare the frequency of pup adoption across seven breeding beaches at the Piedras Blancas breeding site. We also conducted field observations of adoption events during the 2026 breeding season, by giving adoptive mothers unique hair-dye marks so we could resight them throughout the season. Preliminary results indicate that frequency of adoption may be influenced by level of exposure of the breeding site to high surf, with higher rates of adoption at more exposed beaches. Given the negative consequences of pup adoption in NES, understanding the factors driving it can provide insight into the effects of environmental variation, including climate change, for this ecologically important species. |
[121 - 5th floor lobby]: Monitoring microplastics in seawater and sediment in San Luis Obispo BayAlexa Marin★§, Angelina Massa★§, Cheyenne Jepson★§, Olivia Halter★§, Nikki Adams§Department of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerMicroplastics (plastic particles < 5mm) are pervasive throughout global ecosystems, water, sediments, and terrestrial and aquatic organisms. For the past five years, the Adams laboratory at Cal Poly, SLO, has measured microplastics (MPs) in sediments, oysters, sea urchins and seawater of the Morro Bay Estuary and surrounding areas. Utilizing methods established from our previous studies, we are examining the concentrations and types of MPs (fiber, angular, or other) in seawater and sediments every month at six field sites within the Bay (south of Avila pier, San Luis Obispo Creek outlet, end of the Cal Poly Pier and the beach north of the Hartford Pier). The sites vary in their proximity to possible MP sources and oceanographic conditions. We hypothesize that MP prevalence will vary among sites and seasons and that fibers will be the most commonly identified type of MP. We have sampled for five months and are currently isolating MPs from samples using filtration and digested organic material using KOH. We will stain and identify plastics using fluorescence microscopy. Our results will indicate whether different sources or weather variations are contributing to MP pollution among sites and seasons, allowing us to inform agencies how to reduce contamination in the Bay. |
[122 - 5th floor lobby]: Food Preservative and Antibiotic Cross-Resistance in Pseudomonas fluorescensAbriana Lam†★, Jennifer VanderKelen†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThe rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major global health concern, typically linked to antibiotic overuse. However, non-antibiotic biocides may also drive resistance through cross resistance. This study examines whether exposure to diacetyl, a common food preservative and fermentation byproduct, can select for bacterial strains with reduced antibiotic susceptibility. Diacetyl is present in dairy products, wine and beer, and processed foods. It exerts antimicrobial effects by generating reactive oxygen species which can negatively impact proteins, membranes, and DNA. A subset of diacetyl-adapted Pseudomonas strains exhibited increased resistance to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin compared to the wild type, indicating cross-resistance. This suggests that adaptation to diacetyl activates stress-response pathways, like biofilm formation or increased efflux, that also confer antibiotic resistance. To test whether the adapted strains had an increase in biofilm formation, a deep-well biofilm assay was performed. Preliminary results showed that the adapted mutant formed significantly more biofilm than the wild type strain. This suggests that biofilm formation is at least one mediator of the cross resistance in these Pseudomonas strains. |
[123 - 5th floor lobby]: Investigating the antibacterial and pro-coagulant activity of neutrophil-derived small extracellular vesicles induced by phagocytosis of S. aureusEmmerson Heery†★, Lizzie Manis★, Sophia Arias, Gabriella Richardson, Mallary Greenlee-WackerDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, nanosized particles with the ability to influence host-pathogen interactions. Their function depends on several factors, including the status of the EV-releasing cell type. For example, EVs produced from neutrophils (PMN) challenged with S. aureus (PMN-SA-EVs) initiate the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, but EVs released spontaneously from neutrophils do not. The goal of our work was to identify the mechanism for this pro-coagulant activity and the other effects PMN-SA-EVs have on the host response. To test whether an EV surface protein was required for pro-coagulant activity, we treated PMN-SA-EVs with proteinase K (PK) and measured thrombin generation (TG). In support of protein involvement, PK treatment of PMN-SA-EVs reduced TG. We also explored whether PMN-SA-EVs had antibacterial properties. Toward this goal, we investigated the effect of EVs on transcription in monocyte-derived macrophages and on the growth of bacteria. Macrophages were treated with spontaneously released PMN-EVs or PMN-SA-EVs. There were minimal transcriptional differences between the two conditions, with transcriptional responses corresponding to donor identity instead of treatment groups. In contrast, EVs had a direct effect on bacteria, with PMN-SA-EVs reducing the growth of new S. aureus cultures. This work better elucidates the role of PMN-SA-EVs in host-pathogen interactions, and our future efforts aim to uncover the mechanisms in more detail. |
[124 - 5th floor lobby]: Investigating glycogen’s role in the virulence of Uropathogenic E. coli CFT073 using single-gene mutations and competition assaysLucia Mendoza★, Kika Cuneo★, Lucy Ginzel★, Lily Crook★, Alejandra Yep†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerUrinary tract infections are among the leading causes of bacterial infections worldwide, affecting women 4 to 5 times more than men in the United States annually. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are responsible for up to 75% of reported cases of uncomplicated UTIs, which occur when commensal bacteria residing in the digestive tract ascend the urethra and colonize the bladder. The urinary tract is a notoriously poor environment for bacterial growth, lacking the breadth of nutrients present in the digestive tract where E. coli normally reside. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide composed of glucose units. E. coli can accumulate glycogen when nitrogen sources are limited and carbon sources are abundant, or when E. coli enter stationary phase under conditions of limited growth. During stationary phase, glycogen plays an important role in prolonging viability by providing a source of energy, particularly under starvation conditions. This process is mediated by genes in the glgBXCAP operon that regulate glycogen synthesis and degradation. Although glycogen metabolism is well characterized, its role in UPEC pathogenicity remains unclear. Our lab has found that glycogen-accumulating E. coli strains have a growth advantage when transferred to nutrient-deficient MOPS and artificial urine, increasing their likelihood of successfully colonizing the urinary tract. Previous studies have also found that glycogen-overaccumulating mutants ($\Delta$glgX) have enhanced starvation viability when grown in low-nutrient M9 media. To better understand the role of glycogen accumulation in uropathogenesis, we will generate single-gene knockout mutants of genes in the glgBXCAP operon in E. coli CFT073 using the lambda red recombinase system. Using nalidixic acid resistance as a differential characteristic between strains in media, we will design competition experiments between single-gene knockout mutants and WT CFT073 to examine the role of glucose utilization in minimal media that mimic the nutrient-deficient urinary tract. |
[125 - 5th floor lobby]: Characterization of Urinary Isolates from the California Central CoastMiranda Nguyen1★, Ashton Prieve1★, Erin Drew1★, Brigitt Hernandez1★, Kelsa Ropersmith1, Brooke Fujioka1, Christina Benitez1, Alejandra Yep1, Suzanne Phelan21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, ★SpeakerUncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly common outpatient infections in the United States, impacting more than half of women. These infections occur when gastrointestinal bacteria ascend the urethra and colonize the bladder, causing urinary symptoms. Despite extensive research on the pathogenesis of UTIs, there is a lack of research on uncomplicated UTI transmission and acquisition factors. On the central coast of California, farm work is an integral part of the community, especially in SLO County. 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. The goal of this project is to characterize and identify urinary tract bacteria from urine samples, assess occupational risk, and compare symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The samples were collected by the Mobile Health Unit (MHU), which provides free medical services to uninsured women in Santa Maria and Guadalupe, CA. Initial characterization of urinary tract microflora was conducted through morphological and biochemical testing of isolated colonies from urine samples of both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. These tests were followed by examination of antibiotic susceptibility profiles and identification via GEN III MicroPlateTM (BIOLOG) phenotypic assays. Identification of isolates revealed diverse urinary tract microflora in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The most common genus identified was Staphylococcus (4 isolates). Other isolates included species from Corynebacterium (2 isolates), Klebsiella (1 isolate), and Lactobacillus (1 isolate) genera. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed variable resistance. This project contributes to the idea that women in farmwork harbor a diverse range of bacterial profiles with a variety of antibiotic resistance patterns. The emerging trends in the results may reveal potential future challenges in treating UTIs and identify a new marginalized community at risk. |
[126 - 5th floor lobby]: Population size and sustainable harvest of a range-expanding fisheryAdam Perry★, Crow WhiteDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerPopulation size, and size relative to carrying capacity, are essential biological information for guiding the management of harvested species. We integrated mark-recapture and field survey data with spatial analyses and bioeconomic modeling to estimate population size and sustainable harvest rate of the range-expanding kelp forest gastropod and California commercial fisheries species Kellet’s whelk (Kelletia kelletii). We applied mark-recapture analysis to genotyped individuals sampled in subsequent years to estimate population size at four survey sites across Kellet’s whelk’s range. Concurrently, we estimated population size using SCUBA-based survey data collected at 36 sites over multiple years. We combined these independent estimates with long-term satellite-based monitoring of kelp cover as a proxy for subtidal rocky reef habitat to spatially interpolate the population estimates across the species’ entire biogeographic range, from southern Baja, Mexico to Monterey Bay, California, USA. We integrated this population biology data to estimate Maximum Sustainable Yield and compare with current regulations and harvest rates. We further divided our analysis into biographic regions including Kellet’s whelk’s newly-expanded range in central California, where population size is smaller and growing, to support regional management. This integrative analysis provides a spatially explicit and data-driven foundation for informing sustainable management of an emerging fishery. |
[127 - 5th floor lobby]: Nuestra Ciencia: Microbiology in Spanish Impacts Elementary Students’ Views on ScienceCeleste Chavez1★, Samara Perez2★, Brianna Payne3★, Kali Rye3★, Yvette Salas Rodriguez4★, Citlali Luna1★, Jessica Garcia-Tapia4★, Emily Hernandez4★, Sarai Castillo4★, Lucia Mendoza5★, Neha Dalal5★, Perla Ramos Carranza6, Jasmine Nation4, Alejandra Yep61 Psychology, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 3 Spanish, 4 Department of Liberal Studies, 5 Microbiology, 6 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerOur research focuses on Nuestra Ciencia, a university-community partnership that addresses microbiology misconceptions and the recruitment and retention of Latinx students into STEM professions. We develop engaging microbiology activities and experiments in Spanish for elementary school students by hosting field trips to Cal Poly. In this poster, we outline the program's background, goals, activities developed, potential impact, and lessons learned. Our research questions include what elementary students' microbiology preconceptions are, their relevant ideas from everyday life, and their views towards science and scientists, and whether participation in Nuestra Ciencia shapes those preconceptions and views. In 2025-26, we developed and piloted lessons related to microbes in fermented foods and the importance of implementing daily dental hygiene practices. We taught these lessons to 252 bilingual 4th-6th-grade students visiting the Learn by Doing Lab from six schools throughout the Central Coast. We collected pre- and post-questionnaires from elementary students to capture their understanding of the microbiology concepts and surveys from teachers and parent-chaperones to understand their perception of how students’ experience of Nuestra Ciencia influences their views on science. Our findings show the value of integrating microbiology and Spanish into educational settings at an early age. |
[128 - 5th floor lobby]: Effect of Phosphate Removal on Algal GrowthMaria Shea★, Jack Hodge★, Elena KeelingDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerAlgae 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. Furthermore, the use of PhosLocker can potentially reduce the amount of chlorine used in pools. This project tests the growth of algae in the presence of PhosLocker with and without chlorine supplementation, using spectrophotometry to analyze chlorophyll and particle density. Chlorine levels may change in the presence of algae, so we measured them throughout our trials. By evaluating algal growth and chlorine stability, this study provides insight into the practical benefits of PhosLocker as a pool maintenance solution. |
[129 - 5th floor lobby]: From policy to practice: Are STEM laboratories truly accessible?Alyssa Fong★, Naomi Ninburg★, Kaylee Ly★, Gita Kolluru★Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerStudents with disabilities face significant barriers to receiving the same quality education as their peers, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recent data show that students with disabilities constitute 21% of undergraduate students in the US, but only 10% of students pursuing STEM. Reduced accessibility of laboratory spaces may contribute to this discrepancy, but is often overlooked by those designing lab spaces and curricula. These spaces can be especially difficult to navigate for those with physical disabilities due to a failure by designers to account for diverse mobility, sensory, or technological needs. Critically evaluating post-secondary educational institutions helps to combat systemic barriers that people with disabilities face and helps to ensure that every student has equal access to learning opportunities. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) established accessibility guidelines for public spaces for individuals with disabilities. There is no “grandfather clause” exempting buildings constructed prior to 1991. The Biological Sciences Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Committee plans to assess ADA compliance of selected undergraduate science laboratories, commonly used in introductory level classes, built prior to 1991 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. We plan to further our study by quantifying our assessment of each learning space and present our findings to the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics. Laboratories are a commonly used space amongst STEM students but are often limiting for those with disabilities. Assessment of facility requirements and subsequent advocacy for any necessary space alterations are steps toward achieving equitable and accessible education for all. |
[130 - 5th floor lobby]: Extending the Shelf Life and improving the safety of Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) using Lactic Acid Bacteria.Simon Lam1†★, Anthony Soundar2†★, Marie Yeung2†1 Food Science, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerSince 2019, hundreds of illnesses have been linked to contaminated lettuce. Typical pathogenic contaminants, often found in fecal matter and non-potable water, can be reduced through physical washing and sanitizing processes. However, recent studies suggest bacteria may colonize in the plant tissues, which would decrease the effectiveness of standard, physical treatment methods. Previous studies showed the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group may be harnessed as a biocontrol method to reduce pathogen concentrations in fresh produce. Testing this idea, a rudimentary hydroponic system was developed to cultivate lettuce plants. Seeds? were immersed in a nitrogen-enriched solution for four days then inoculated with 10$^8$ CFU/mL each of E. coli and LAB cultures into the broth. Plant pH, color, and height were tracked daily. With respect to height, a major qualitative characteristic of plant health, preliminary results showed the mean growth heights of the co-inoculated plants were 1.4 cm (n = 1 biological replicates) and 1.9 cm (n = 2 technical replicates) for the negative controls. Growth rate was similar among all seeds, however inoculated samples were shown to decompose faster than the negative controls. No significant differences in the pH of the broth or plant color were detected. We plan to refine the experimental design using mature Lactuca Sativa samples, as hydroponic growth from seedlings to mature plants posed a time and growth constraint. We also plan to use a lower inoculum level (10$^4$ CFU/mL) to minimize rapid effects of deterioration in plant growth. |
[131 - 5th floor lobby]: Design of Isoform-Specific qPCR Primers for ApoE Genotyping in Point-of-Care DiagnosticsJeffrey Wilson†★, Shawky Basil★, Nathaniel MartinezDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerApolipoprotein E (ApoE) proteins mediate lipid transport by acting as ligands for cellular membrane uptake receptors. In the human population, ApoE is a polymorphic gene found on chromosome 19. While the ApoE 3 isoform is the most common and functionally normal polymorphism, ApoE 2 and ApoE4 isoforms are malfunctional due to a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It is now well established that homozygous ApoE4 is associated with an 8 to 15-fold higher risk of developing metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases including hyperlipoproteinemia and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Due to the fact that a SNP is the only distinguishing feature between these polymorphisms, specific and selective amplification of these gene targets has proven to be challenging. Here we propose the design of novel qPCR primer pairs for the specific amplification and quantification of these target sequences. The successful development of these primers will support precise ApoE genotyping and contribute to the advancement of accessible, at-home point-of-care diagnostic tools for assessing genetic risk. |
[132 - 5th floor lobby]: Morphological variation in Castilleja hybrids of the White MountainsAnnalise Burrows†★, Dena GrossenbacherDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerCastilleja (paintbrushes) is a genus of roughly 200 hemiparasitic herbs distributed across the Americas and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in North American botany. High rates of interspecific gene flow within this young lineage result in frequent hybridization and the formation of species complexes. This study examines a putative hybrid zone in California's White Mountains between C. linariifolia — a tall, red-flowered, presumably hummingbird-pollinated species of lower elevations — and C. nana, a dwarf, purple-flowered alpine specialist. These taxa differ substantially in elevation, floral morphology, and likely pollinator syndrome, yet morphologically intermediate individuals have been documented at the base of Campito Mountain, Mono County since 2015. Using 65 rehydrated herbarium specimens, we measured 25 floral and vegetative traits. Random Forest classification ranked beak-to-tube ratio, size traits, and flower color as the strongest predictors of parental identity. Factor analysis of mixed data revealed that putative hybrids are intermediate along the primary axis of morphological variation but occupy novel trait-space along the second dimension, suggesting new trait combinations. These results provide a morphological foundation for ongoing genomic work (RAD-seq) aimed at characterizing hybridization and its role in shaping phenotypic diversity within Castilleja. |
[133 - 5th floor lobby]: Exploring the role of complement in extracellular vesicle production: Insights into host-pathogen interactionsJustin Grapentine†★, Oliver Smith†★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerIncreased intravascular coagulation is a molecular hallmark of sepsis and we showed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human neutrophils challenged with bacteria activate the coagulation cascade. Discovery of the EV biogenesis pathway may lead to the ability to interfere with EV production and reduce coagulation. Although the production of some neutrophil EV subsets relies on membrane curvature caused by neutral sphingomyelinase (nSmase), the production of EVs in response to staphylococcal challenge was nSmase-independent. To investigate other possible biogenesis pathways, we performed proteomics on three EV subsets: those produced spontaneously, in response to fMLF, and after staphylococcal challenge. After protein abundances were normalized, we compared fold changes between subsets. Annexins and proteins involved in the formation of the membrane attack complex (C5b-9) were enriched in EVs produced after staphylococcal challenge, and we validated the proteomics with immunoblotting. Based on these results, we propose that complement-mediated bystander activation produces membrane damage, which initiates Annexin-mediated repair and EV production. To test this, we opsonized bacteria with C9-sufficient or deficient serum, and measured production of EVs by monitoring Flotillin-1. In the absence of C9, less Flotillin-1 was observed compared to the control. These data suggest a role for complement in EV production. |
[134 - 5th floor lobby]: Temporal variation of Euryhelmis sp. cyst burden in California newts (Taricha torosa)Kristina Efner★, Lauren ChanDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerAmphibians are the most endangered class of animal globally with infectious diseases contributing substantially to their continuing population decline. California newts are experiencing declining population levels due to invasive predators, fragmented habitat, and possibly, disease. In San Luis Obispo County, California raised white cysts identified as Euryhelmis metacercariae have been observed on California newts (Taricha torosa). However, little is known about how this infection affects the individual’s body condition or how the infection changes over time. I examined seasonal changes of cyst load and potential association with host body condition across two breeding sites during the 2025 breeding season. Population-level analyses were conducted using only first captures (n = 139 individuals), while recaptured individuals (n = 16; 33 capture events) were analyzed separately to assess within-individual changes. Contrary to my predictions, cyst count did not increase significantly over the breeding season. Recaptured individuals exhibited heterogeneous infection trajectories, with both increases and decreases in cyst burden between captures. Baseline cyst load did not predict change in body condition (weight/SVL per day), showing no short-term physiological cost of infection. Further recapture studies may clarify how parasite load changes over a longer period of time and how this may influence body condition. |
[135 - 5th floor lobby]: Understanding Euryhelmis infections in Taricha torosa through identification of transmission hostsNancy G. Barahona★, Lauren M. ChanDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerTrematode parasites are commonly found in amphibian systems, yet their transmission pathways and host associations are poorly understood. In California’s Central Coast, California Newts (Taricha torosa) have been observed with cysts caused by trematodes in the genus Euryhelmis, but the life cycle and host species involved in transmission remain unclear. Our project aims to identify the hosts contributing to the Euryhelmis life cycle and characterize parasite communities within these freshwater ecosystems. To address this, we combine field sampling and molecular approaches. We collect potential intermediate hosts, such as freshwater snails, from aquatic sites and screen these for parasite infections using both microscopy and molecular barcoding. Fecal samples from possible mammalian definitive hosts are also collected and examined for parasite presence. We identify parasite samples using DNA barcoding targeting the 28S rRNA and COI gene regions, allowing for comparison of parasite lineages across hosts. By linking parasite identities among multiple hosts, we will clarify transmission pathways and determine whether currently sampled snail species contribute to infection in the California Newt. This project will generate new data for Euryhelmis and other trematodes to clarify how parasite communities differ across hosts, and also assess potential ecological or conservation implications associated with parasite burdens in amphibian populations. |
[136 - 5th floor hallway]: Coloration and Alternative Reproductive Tactics in Girardinus metallicusSarah Gonzalez, Sydney Henry, Gita KolluruDepartment of Biological SciencesColoration plays a vital role in sexual selection, influencing both mate choice and intrasexual competition. Being more colorful is often associated with dominance and higher mating success. However, in the poeciliid fish, Girardinus metallicus, black morphs are colorful and display, whereas plain morphs sneak copulate and have been described as drab, similar to females. We quantified hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB) using standardized image analysis, to test the hypotheses that: 1) plain morph males are more drab than black morph males; and 2) plain morph males have similar coloration as?females, both of which would allow them to sneak copulate more easily without being detected. By studying variation in coloration across the species, this study aims to provide insight on how coloration contributes towards behavior and reproductive success. |
[137 - 5th floor hallway]: Spatial Comparison of Dissolved Oxygen in Morro Bay, CaliforniaLeah Oleksik1★§, Skylar Collings1★§, Kevin Johnson2, Emily Bockmon11 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerMorro Bay estuary is a small estuary along California’s central coast with a significant impact on the local economy through waterfront recreational and commercial activities, including two oyster farms. The estuary is characterized by variable freshwater input, with Morro Bay experiencing a wet, rainy winter season and hot, dry summer. Water quality is important to monitor due to the diverse ecosystem in Morro Bay. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, a key metric in water quality, often vary with freshwater input and through biological modification by respiration and phytoplankton or algae growth. A portable DO and temperature sensor was deployed at an oyster farm to characterize the environment that the oysters are experiencing. These conditions were compared to long-term DO sensor readings at an autonomous shore station maintained by the Central and Northern Coastal Ocean Observing System in south Morro Bay. We found that DO levels at the oyster farm are consistently higher than the south bay sensor and are less variable. This difference between the two locations is likely caused by physical and biological changes within the back of Morro Bay and long water residence times. |
[138 - 5th floor hallway]: Analysis of expression of an mRNA stability regulatory protein, tristetraprolin (TTP), in mouse macrophagesNoor Fennelly1★, Abby McRoberts1★, Eleanor Tweedy2★, Abraham Zamora1★, Sandi Clement11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Biomedical Engineering, ★SpeakerTristetraprolin (TTP) is a key regulator of inflammation that functions as an RNA-binding protein to regulate the degradation of pro-inflammatory mRNAs. In unactivated cells, low levels of unphosphorylated TTP promote mRNA decay. In response to infection or stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), expression of TTP is upregulated, and the protein becomes phosphorylated due to activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. While the phosphorylation of TTP has been well characterized, the timing and mechanism of TTP dephosphorylation are poorly understood. In order to better understand the mechanism by which TTP is dephosphorylated, we are using Western blots to analyze the relative levels of TTP and other proteins involved in this pathway in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages. Overall, this work aims to optimize experimental conditions for TTP detection and expression to better understand its role in post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory responses in mammalian cells. |
[139 - 5th floor hallway]: Longer cold stratification decreases germination rates of an alpine annual plantAnnika Vaatveit★, Roxanne Grechman★, Rheanna Dunton★, Shelby DeVincent★, Eliza ClarkDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerAlpine plants are adapted to cold temperatures, and thus threatened by climate change as winter and spring become shorter and warmer. Most alpine plants require a period of cold or freezing temperatures (cold stratification) in the winter before seeds will germinate in the spring. We investigate how early life-history stages of germination and establishment are influenced by cold stratification, simulated in the lab and how those responses differ across the range of the species. We collected seeds of a short-lived alpine plant, Androsace septentrionalis, from 15 sites across three latitudes in the Rocky Mountains and subjected them to cold stratification at 4°C for 0, 2, 8, or 12 weeks. We planted the seeds in the greenhouse and recorded germination rates over three weeks. Contrary to expectations,W we found higher germination rates when seeds experienced no cold treatments. We also found this differed between collection locations, with seeds from the most southern site showing a weaker response than seeds from the other sites. Unlike other alpine plants, a warmer and shorter spring may promote A. septentrionalis germination. but also causes fewer seeds to enter the seed bank. These germination trends are important for predicting seed bank dynamics, population growth, and extinction under climate change into the future. |
[140 - 5th floor hallway]: The effects of mating harassment in Girardinus metallicus fish: do males keep females from feeding?Josephine Cohen1★, Pamela Deshayes2★, Bethney Lemon1★, Gita R. Kolluru1★1 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Animal Science, ★SpeakerSexual conflict in animals arises because males have higher optimal mating rates than females, because sperm are cheaper to produce than eggs. Consequently, males pursue frequent mating opportunities whereas females prioritize foraging and predator avoidance to support costly reproduction. This male “mating harassment” can restrict female movement or disrupt female foraging. Girardinus metallicus is a livebearing fish whose males are polymorphic: black morphs court females whereas plain morphs sneak copulations. In livebearing fishes, the presence of males directly causes reduced feeding and causes tighter grouping of females, potentially increasing food competition in exchange for mating harassment avoidance. However, almost all research on our species has been done on black morph males only, leaving a gap in our understanding of plain morph male-female interactions. We quantified the behavior of female G. metallicus in either a female pair or mixed-sex trio (one plain morph male and two females). This mimics the sex ratio in the wild more closely than previous studies. We hypothesized that female foraging rates would be lower in the presence of the male due to mating harassment. Our results will provide insight into how mating harassment influences female resource acquisition and the behavioral trade-offs it generates, contributing to a broader understanding of sexual conflict across livebearing fish species. |
[141 - 5th floor hallway]: The First Molecular Phylogeny of Pacific Banana Slugs (Ariolimax): Insights from CO1 and 16S mtDNAWarren Roth1★, Jann Vendetti2, White Crow31 Department of Animal Science, 2 Malacology Department, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerBanana slugs are large terrestrial slugs in the genus Ariolimax that are endemic to the coastal habitats and mountain foothills of western North America, from approximately Santa Barbara, California to Sikta, Alaska. Although studied for their mating behaviors, a molecular-based phylogeny of banana slugs has never been published. Here, we analyzed banana slug specimens from the California Northern Channel Islands, San Luis Obispo County, GenBank, and the collections of Dr. Jan Leonard (UC Santa Cruz), the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the California Academy of Sciences to generate a mitochondrial (mt) DNA-based phylogeny (CO1 and 16S) of the six described Ariolimax species: A. brachyphallus, A. buttoni, A. californicus, A. columbianus, A. dolichophallus, and A. stramineus. Our mtDNA phylogeny reveals inconsistencies with previously described morphology-based species assignments, with individuals clustering in genetically distinct species that do not correspond to their original classifications. The CO1 sequences generated for this phylogeny also represent a genetic "barcode" for supporting species identification in future research on banana slugs. We aim to integrate our mtDNA results with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic data generated by colleagues at Cal State San Marcos to create the first publishable phylogeny of this genus. |
[142 - 5th floor Room 500B]: What’s with all the yelling? Examining behavioral context of female northern elephant seal vocalizationsTess Kenny★§, Natalie Almeria, Mai Griffith, Heather LiwanagDepartment of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerEvolution has favored the use of vocalizations in a variety of species for a wide range of benefits. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris, NES) specifically use both threat and attraction calls. Threat calls, made to intimidate conspecifics, are vastly different from attraction calls, which facilitate bonding between mother and pup. Male NES vocalizations (which are only threat calls) have been well studied, but there has been little bioacoustic research on females who make up a majority of the beach during breeding season. While it is known that attraction calls are needed for the survival of pups, there is still limited information on NES female vocalization and the variation in calls among individuals and across contexts. This study examines the bioacoustic properties of female vocalizations, comparing attraction and threat calls and analyzing within and between individuals. In the 2026 breeding season, we observed 14 female NES with pups and recorded them audiovisually at La Tortuga beach, part of the Piedras Blancas rookery in San Simeon, CA. For each 30-minute recording (n=22 total), we viewed and analyzed every call of the focal female. We first categorized calls as either threat or attraction calls, then further classified calls according to their behavioral context. In further bioacoustic analysis, we will have quantified parameters such as peak frequency, frequency range, frequency modulation, and call duration, allowing for statistical comparisons across and within individuals. This is the first study to examine the behavioral context in which NES females vocalize during the breeding season, providing insight into the acoustic dynamics of an ecologically important species. |
[143 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Advancing UTI Diagnosis: A Multiplex qPCR Approach for Rapid Pathogen-Specific DetectionJulia Moore★, Noah Pick★, Olivia Hsu★, Maya Katz★, Jean DavidsonDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, yet current diagnostic methods rely heavily on culture-based techniques that are time-consuming and can delay targeted treatment. Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing improper antibiotic use. This project explores the development of a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay capable of detecting multiple uropathogenic bacteria simultaneously. A focus on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, three of the most prevalent UTI-causing organisms, has been explored using sequence alignment and targeted primer/probe design. Future work spanning into other UTI-causing bacterial species will broaden the scope of detectable pathogens using qPCR. In the wet-lab component of this study, species-specific probes labeled with distinct fluorophores were used with universal primers to amplify conserved target regions across bacterial genomes. Standard curves were generated for each organism through serial dilutions over several orders of magnitude. This enabled assessment of assay sensitivity, efficiency, and limit of detection. Both singleplex and multiplex configurations were evaluated to establish baseline performance and compatibility of simultaneous detection. Multiplexing offers the ability to diagnose patients with multiple uropathogens accurately and optimize treatment approaches with appropriate antibiotics, thus mitigating antibiotic resistance and treatment failure. The result of this work provides a framework for translating multiplex qPCR assays into clinical diagnostics. By enabling rapid, sensitive, and pathogen-specific detection directly from patient samples, this approach has the potential to significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround time compared to traditional methods. In future applications, integration with automated sample preparation and point-of-care platforms could allow for real-time identification of UTI pathogens in clinical settings. |
[144 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Analysis of Microbial Biofilms that Cause Settlement of Watersipora spp.Nico Stromme†★, Zoey Wall, Nikki AdamsDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerWatersipora is a genus of bryozoan and a marine invertebrate that is invasive to California’s central coast. They are a common biofouling organism and damage local ecosystems and man-made structures. To determine how to decrease Watersipora fouling presence, the factors that drive their settlement and growth must be considered. One factor is the presence of microbial biofilms, which can affect larval settlement of Watersipora through chemical cues. The objective of this study is to identify the optimal incubation time for allowing biofilm growth and to identify what types of microbes facilitate Watersipora settlement. We exposed groups of Watersipora larvae to microbial biofilms that were developed for varying amounts of time (0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 days), and measured the time required for larval settlement. The 12 and 24 day biofilms induced significantly faster settlement. To identify the microbial community structure,we sampled the biofilms and are analyzing them using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the level of diversity in each biofilm and compare the microbial community structure across different levels of biofilm development. We will determine whether the 12 and 24 day biofilms contain a different microbial community structure compared to the 0, 3 and 6 day biofilms. |
[145 - 5th floor Room 500B]: De Novo Genome Assembly of Sceloporus arenicolus, an endemic and endangered LizardKat Arrizon1★, Emi Degembe2★, Ellie Armstrong3, Lauren Chan11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Statistics, 3 UC Riverside Department of EEOB, ★SpeakerThe Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) is endemic to the Mescalero-Monahans Sand Dune Ecosystem of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas in the United States. This species occurs only in Shinnery Oak-dominated sand dunes and faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation associated with oil and gas development. In June 2024, S. arenicolus was listed as Federally Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Despite declining populations and past genetic studies, there are very limited genomic resources for this species as well as for closely related Sceloporus species. Here, we present the first reference genome for S. arenicolus constructed from long-read HiFi sequences and paired-end HiC reads. This reference genome serves as an important tool for assessment of inbreeding, estimation of population size change, and identification of loci under location selection pressures. Furthermore, this genome expands representation across the Sceloporus phylogeny and will serve useful for comparative genomic studies across phyrnosomatid lizards. |
[146 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Temporal and spatial variability of bacterial communities within the Morro Bay Estuary via 16S rRNA sequencingXander Murray★, Alexis PasulkaDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerMicroorganisms play important roles in marine food webs and global biogeochemical cycles. Understanding how microbial composition and diversity influence these ecosystem functions is important for public health and predicting the future health of nearshore marine ecosystems. Morro Bay estuary is a short, low inflow estuary along the central coast of California. The front bay is primarily oceanic in character, while the back bay has intermittent freshwater influx. Seasonal variations in the strength of oceanic upwelling in the front bay and magnitude of creek flow from rain in the back bay can contribute to temporal and spatial differences between sites. In addition, anthropogenic influences from agriculture, aquaculture, urban/suburban runoff, and wastewater can also influence the environmental conditions within the bay. Collectively, this environmental variability influences the microbial community. In this study, we characterized the bacterial community from a weekly time series over two years (2023-2024) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. This is the first characterization of the bacterial community within the estuary and demonstrates the potential for long-term monitoring to improve our understanding of this ecosystem. |
[147 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) Responses to Urbanization: Defensive Behavior, Body Condition, and Hydration Across a Human Disturbance GradientGrant McCargar★, Emily TaylorDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerHumans increasingly encounter rattlesnakes in urban settings as human-wildlife conflicts scale with expanding land development. Snakebites at these interfaces pose threats to human and domestic animal safety, and treating these incidents with antivenom is highly expensive. Rattlesnake populations are equally at risk in the form of human-induced mortality and indirect anthropogenic stressors. Snakes are foundational components of ecosystems that control prey populations and disease spread, so it is essential to understand the dynamics between snakes and humans at urban-natural interfaces to minimize conflict and preserve balanced ecosystem function. This study quantifies western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) responses to urbanization and human disturbance across three axes: defensive behavior, body condition, and hydration. Rattlesnakes will be sampled across a continuous gradient of urban and natural habitats in central California using a combination of urban snake relocation services and targeted hiking surveys. Defensive behavior is measured by recording captured individuals with GoPro action cameras and determining overall rattling proportion times and number of strikes during a standardized behavioral trial. Health and hydration are determined using body condition indices and blood plasma osmolality measurements. Results will compare urban and natural rattlesnake trends and inform management strategies to promote coexistence with these ecologically critical reptiles. |
[148 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Creation of recombinant plasmids for inducible expression of chromoproteins in bacteria.Haylie Carlon1★, May Chapman1★, Michelle Mendez1★, Zachary Oates1★, Itzela Rodgriguez2★, Sandi Clement11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerChromoproteins belong to a class of proteins expressed within corals that give them their bright colors. Similar to green fluorescent protein (GFP), chromoprotein coding sequences can be used as reporter genes to indicate a variety of cellular functions. In contrast to GFP, which requires special equipment to excite and visualize protein fluorescence, chromoproteins absorb ambient light and emit colored light which we can see. While these genes originally evolved in eukaryotic cells, chromoproteins have been shown to be non toxic to bacteria, however, high levels of chromoprotein expression reduces cell fitness. Constitutive expression of these proteins can lead to the accumulation of point mutations and selection of variants with reduced color intensity. The purpose of our project is to move chromoprotein genes from constitutive bacterial expression vectors and paste them into the inducible pET30a vector for regulated protein expression in bacteria. Our approach is to use molecular cloning techniques including PCR, gel purification, gel extraction, and Gibson assembly. By completing these steps, we will be able to stitch together the chromoprotein inserts and pET30a vector for further transformation into competent E. coli cells that will express the chromoprotein gene. |
[149 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Lower Extremity: A Comprehensive Study of the Female Knee Joint and Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuryAlyssa Cason1★, Amelia Faust1★, Michael Jones DPT MS21 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerFemale athletes experience a higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate than their male counterparts. Strain forces resulting from non-contact dynamic movements like “cutting” (change of direction) and jumping are known contributing factors. This dissection-based project sought to reveal the lower extremity anatomical structures that contribute to and are directly injured in ACL injuries. Through a comprehensive literature review, sex-based differences such as Q angle, hip width, and tibial plateau were investigated and summarized. Additionally, the posterolateral hip, knee, and medial ankle were explored through cadaveric dissection, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying structures that may contribute to ACL tears. Injury prevention and reconstructive surgery were also included in the research to gain further knowledge of current solutions to the growing issue of ACL injury in female athletes. This project identified many structures, including the deep external rotators of the hip, the ligaments of the knee, and the tendons of the invertors of the ankle, all of which were found in the literature review to be involved in the injury mechanism. |
[150 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Special Senses: Gross Anatomical Relationships and Clinical Correlations of the Orbit, Ear, Nose, Mouth, and Infratemporal RegionsSylvie Brickman★, Eva Claussen★, Carys Phillips★, Michael JonesDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerThe special senses—vision, olfaction, gustation, audition, and equilibrium—depend on precise anatomical relationships within the orbit, temporal bone, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and infratemporal fossa. Because these systems are housed in compact, highly specialized regions, even minor structural disruption can result in clinically significant sensory deficits. This integrated cadaveric dissection and literature review project investigated the gross anatomy underlying the special senses through superior dissections of the orbit and ear, dissection of the infratemporal fossa, and hemisection of the head and neck to expose the oral and nasal cavities. These approaches revealed the orbital neurovasculature and extraocular muscles, middle and inner ear structures involved in hearing and equilibrium, the nasal cavity and olfactory region, and the oral and infratemporal pathways supporting gustation. Direct visualizations of these relationships, along with supporting clinical literature, clarified correlations including cranial nerve dysfunction, diplopia and impaired ocular motility, olfactory loss, altered taste and oral sensation, and auditory and vestibular disorders. Overall, this study emphasizes how precise anatomical organization underlies normal sensory function and how disruption of these relationships can lead to clinically significant deficits affecting everyday perception and quality of life. |
[151 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Cadaveric Dissection of the Upper Extremity: A Comprehensive Study of the Female Shoulder Joint and Shoulder Impingement InjuryNicole Smith†★, Jenny Hennefer†★, Michael Jones†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerShoulder impingement syndrome is a common source of pain and functional limitation, particularly among populations performing repetitive overhead activities. While clinical assessments often focus on isolated tests, the condition is multifactorial, encompassing rotator cuff fibrovascular changes, bursal inflammation, and altered glenohumeral mechanics, requiring a deeper anatomical understanding for effective management. This project investigated anatomical contributors to shoulder impingement through a comprehensive cadaveric dissection of a female shoulder, focusing on spatial relationships within the subacromial space. Through layering and reflection of musculature, we documented the force couple dynamic between the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles, essential for maintaining proper centering of the humeral head within the glenoid fossa during arm elevation and coordinated movement patterns. The dissection highlighted the constrained volume of the subacromial corridor, demonstrating how subtle structural variation or muscular imbalances can result in mechanical compression of the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa. The course of the suprascapular nerve was also traced through the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches, exhibiting how neural compromise may contribute to rotator cuff weakness and exacerbate impingement. By integrating these observations with clinical insights into injury mechanisms and rehabilitation strategies, this study emphasizes the importance of a holistic, system-level approach to assessment and treatment. |
[152 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Cadaver Dissection of the Vertebral Column: The Human Back Musculature and Association with Scoliosis in Relation to Gait, Movement, and the Central Nervous SystemRena Keyes1★, Carmen Glim1★1 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerThe human vertebral column and surrounding musculature form a complex integrated system that is responsible for posture, movement, and neural protection. Understanding the involved anatomy is essential for both clinical and surgical contexts, particularly in management of spinal deformities such as scoliosis. This dissection project aimed to expose spinal muscles and structures, including the spinal column, directly related to human movement and neural connectivity. The human body donation presented with scoliosis sparking discussion of dysfunction, pain, and degeneration within the human back. A scientific literature review was conducted to discover known correlations between altered spinal mechanics and associated symptoms like pain and altered gait patterns (walking). Finally, this research also revealed how the nervous system is vital to human activity and relies heavily on healthy morphology for protection. Overall, this dissection and literature review highlights how structural abnormalities in the human spine result in altered biomechanics, dysfunction, and ultimately pain. This project reinforces the importance of understanding spinal anatomy when working with individuals who have impaired conditions such as scoliosis. |
[153 - 5th floor Room 500B]: The persistent underrepresentation of females in cardiovascular disease clinical trials in the United StatesAlyssa Fong★, Lana Purdy★, Naomi Ninburg★, Helen Bui★, Mika Kohno★, Gita Kolluru★Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in females, yet it has been historically framed as a male condition. This misperception has driven decades of female underrepresentation in the clinical trials that shape treatment evidence, resulting in cardiovascular care for females being largely based on data from studies of males. Females often present with different symptoms, face distinct risk factors, and experience worse CVD outcomes than males. Male and female hearts also differ fundamentally at the cellular and molecular levels, meaning findings from male-dominant trials cannot be reliably generalized to female patients. As members of the Biological Sciences Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Committee, we undertook a literature review to explore and quantify this pressing inequity in healthcare research. Using the search engine clinicaltrials.gov, we collected data from the first 50% of search results, sorted by relevance, published between 2007 and 2025. Legislation, including the 2007 Food and Drug Administration Amendment Act and the 2016 Sex as a Biological Variable Mandate strived to improve female representation in research design and preclinical studies. Although the percentage of total female participants in clinical trials has increased, the studies do not necessarily investigate sex-based patterns. This results in a body of evidence primarily based on males, but applied to a disease that is the leading cause of death of females worldwide. Increasing female representation requires redesigned clinical trial enrollment criteria, mandatory female-specific analysis, and a fundamental reframing of CVD as a women’s health issue. |
[154 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Bioinformatics Capstone 2026: Identifying Changes in Biomarkers of Phagocytosis Upon Antibody Exposure with PheastEmily Degembe1★, Lizzy Johnson2★, Daniel Lopez3★, Kelly Nguyen2★, Jean Davidson2, Paul Anderson41 Department of Statistics, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, 3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 4 Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, ★SpeakerPheast Therapeutics (Pheast) designs cancer immunotherapy drugs that activate the immune system to target cancer cells. Their lead program, PHST001, is an anti-CD24 macrophage checkpoint inhibitor antibody currently advancing through Phase 1 of clinical trials. CD24 is a cell-surface receptor overexpressed on cancer cells as a “don’t eat me” signal (DEM) by interacting with Siglec-10, preventing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. As a part of the Bioinformatics Capstone experience, we partnered with Pheast to analyze gene changes in macrophages that have eaten PHST001-coated cancer cells and study correlations between CD24 expression and biological variables across various patient populations, including pediatric cases. We hope to provide insight to the company on other applications including pediatric cancers and using biomarkers to optimize patients who would best respond to this treatment. By leveraging the use of internal and public datasets, these studies focused on further understanding the mechanisms of macrophage phagocytosis with CD24-Siglec-10 axis blockade, and where drugs targeting CD24, DEM, and tumor associated antigens would be most useful for patients. We use tools such as Bioconductor, DESeq2, and TCGA to generate foundational results to assist Pheast in their biopharmaceutical pipelines. Overall, we have leveraged bioinformatic tools through public and proprietary datasets to advance precision treatments of cancer in the clinic. |
[155 - 5th floor Room 500B]: Application of Fermented Fruit Peel Extract as a Natural and Sustainable Wash to Reduce Microbial Contamination in Leafy GreensKrystal Ung★, Marie YeungDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerLeafy greens are among the most widely consumed fresh produce for a healthy diet. However, the increasing consumption of raw leafy greens in recent years has led to a rise in foodborne outbreaks. Previous studies show that fruit peels discarded as food waste contain antimicrobial bioactive compounds. Naturally occurring lactobacilli, wild yeasts, and other microflora may produce antimicrobial metabolites during fermentation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fermented fruit peel extracts could act as a sustainable alternative in reducing bacterial contamination in fresh produce. To prepare the wash, pineapple, kiwi, and lemon peels were mixed with water, molasses, and Lactobacillus, then fermented for approximately 2 weeks under dark conditions at room temperature. Following fermentation, the wash was filtered. Approximately 1×10$^8$ to 1×10$^9$ cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were dispersed and adsorbed onto each filter paper to mimic a produce surface for about 30 minutes. The inoculated filter papers were assigned to one wash treatment (pineapple, kiwi, or lemon) and treated approximately 30 minutes total to simulate rinsing cycles of leafy greens. To quantify Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis cells on the filter papers, the papers were vigorously shaken in phosphate-buffered saline. The resulting bacterial suspension was then serially diluted and plated on tryptic soy agar. Filter papers washed with water alone (control) reduced E. coli by approximately 2 log. In contrast, pineapple and lemon washes resulted in an approximate 4 log reduction, indicating greater effectiveness than water alone. For S. epidermidis, kiwi and lemon washes achieved about a 5 log reduction, whereas water alone reduced cell counts by approximately 3 log. These findings suggest that fermented fruit peel extract washes show potential in reducing common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. However, we observed high variability in the data, indicating that additional replicates are needed. |
[156 - 5th floor Room 500B]: A1C in Context: A community-based approach to addressing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treatment outcomes in underserved populationsAshley Steenhausen1★, Elliot Kunz2★, Tristan Dougherty3★, Jaydon Chen4★, Jean Davidson31 Psychology, 2 Department of Mathematics, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, 4 Computer Science, ★SpeakerEstablished in 2011, the SLO Noor Foundation operates free clinics that provide medical, dental, and vision care to uninsured adults in San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County. As a volunteer-based organization, it is committed to delivering equitable care regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, or gender. An estimated 72% of Noor Clinic’s patient population has elevated hemoglobin A1C levels. Given that A1C levels, which reflect average blood glucose over a three-month period, are essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes, Noor Clinic identified a need for a more effective system to track these values and assess treatment outcomes. Effective care for this high-risk population depends on the ability to accurately track patient data and implement timely interventions in a way that is accessible to providers. Tracking A1C levels enables clinicians to evaluate the impact of prescribed medications and treatment protocols over time. In response to this need, our team developed an interactive dashboard that allows providers to easily access and monitor individual patients’ changes in A1C over time, supporting more informed and efficient clinical decision-making. Here we will present our team's work with Noor Clinic including mining electronic health record (EHR) data to identify patterns in disease progression and treatment response, developing predictive models to flag patients at highest risk, and integrating these insights into the dashboard to enhance clinical decision support. This work not only strengthens patient care at Noor Clinic but also provides us with hands-on experience at the intersection of data science and equitable healthcare delivery. |
[157 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Exploring natural products of microalgaeChristina Benitez Ruiz1★, Miranda Nguyen1, Alexis Pasulka1, Jennifer Carroll2, Alejandra Yep11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ★SpeakerIn recent decades, bacteria have developed increased resistance to antibiotics, becoming a serious public health concern. It is estimated that by 2050, this crisis could cause 300 million premature deaths. It is imperative that we develop new antimicrobials to combat resistant infections that are challenging to treat. Novel sources, like marine organisms, are being explored for their therapeutic potential. In particular, microalgae and cyanobacteria have gained attention due to their bioactive compounds. Cyanobacteria are rich reservoirs of natural products that have adapted to harsh marine environments, offering unique chemical diversity for drug development. They are also abundant in our ecosystem and may serve as a promising alternative since many of their compounds are less likely to disrupt the human microflora. In this project, we focus on the cyanobacteria species Synechococcus 9311 (Syn 9311) and its potential to produce antimicrobial compounds. Previous studies have shown that cyanobacteria from the genera Synechocystis and Synechococcus exhibit antimicrobial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. Additionally, these organisms also produce antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids and phycocyanin. Despite these findings, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for antibacterial activity remain poorly understood. We are exploring the antibacterial potential of Syn 9311 using different extraction processes. Three solvents with different polarities were used to separate bioactive compounds, which were then tested against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This project aimed to determine whether Syn 9311 produces antimicrobial compounds by testing its ability to inhibit bacterial growth using the Kirby-Bauer assay. However, challenges related to compound isolation and identification needed to be addressed. |
[158 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Developing a ultra high density larval culturing system for culturing the native Olympia oysterSophia Duck★§, Annabelle Tweet★§, Anna Mooradian★§, Monique DeMalteris★§, Kevin Johnson§Department of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerA major bottleneck of culturing native bivalves for aquaculture is the need for commercial scale larval culturing equipment. While these facilities exist in California, the two major hatcheries are primarily focused on production of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) to meet industry demands. There is a need for smaller scale commercial production methods to be developed for the production of species with lower demand, such as Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida). This species is declining across the west coast and there is interest in culturing it for restoration purposes. Our team successfully built a series of Hatfield Ultra Density Larval Systems (HUDLS) at the Cal Poly pier, novel technology that was developed at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. Over the Summer of 2025, we induced spawning for both Pacific and Olympia oysters, maintained a cohort of broodstock, monitored growth of larvae, conducted feed calculations, and maintained the culturing system. Initially low larval survival rates were experienced, and after several rounds of troubleshooting we concluded that this was due to insufficient nutritional content as well as parasitic contamination in our algal feed. We were able to successfully culture Olympia oysters in the HUDLS, however our production was limited due to poor microalgae quality. |
[159 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Development and optimization of an LDH assay for cytotoxicity assessmentLisbeth Nicolas★, Isabel Parsons★, Carolyn Richards★, Sandi ClementDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerMeasuring cytotoxicity, or cell toxicity, is an essential part of the drug development pathway as it allows researchers to determine the drug's safety implications on humans. The goal of this project is to develop an efficient cytotoxicity assay in human kidney and bladder cells that can be easily replicated by various users. In order to do this, we are optimizing a colorimetric assay to measure the release of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) which is present in most mammalian cell types. Damage to the cell membrane results in release of LDH into the media and is associated with loss of cell viability. Variability in mammalian cell culture conditions such as cell concentration, media composition, and sera types can influence LDH concentration and activity. Thus, it is important to create a standardized set of conditions for performing LDH assays. We will present the results of our standardization reactions to determine optimal cell concentration and to ensure reliable and consistent results for screening potential drug compounds for cytotoxicity. |
[160 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Sarepta Scholars: A Biotech Experience at Cal Poly, SLO.Grisha Dekhtyar1★, Colin McCombs2★, Jennifer VanderKelen2, Jean Davidson21 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerSarepta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of genetic therapies for rare muscular and neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with Cal Poly’s Center for Applications in Biotechnology (CAB), the Sarepta Scholars program sends two students to Sarepta’s Gene Therapy Center for Excellence in Columbus, Ohio, for a summer internship. This experience includes rotations in Research Operations, Non-Clinical Research Sciences, and Translational Biology, allowing students to gain exposure to multiple stages of therapeutic development in an industry-based, FDA-regulated biotechnology setting. Students observe how cross-functional teams contribute to the development, testing, and advancement of gene therapies for patients in need. In the process, students gain a better understanding of translational research and associated challenges, regulatory processes, and the collaborative work needed to move therapies from early-stage research toward clinical application. Sarepta scholars return to Cal Poly and continue supporting Sarepta’s translational research by doing research in the CAB. This year, Sarepta asked the students to assay protein quantification comparing common methods (bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay and NanoDrop spectroscopy) and different buffers to find which combination of factors gives the most consistent and precise quantification. This is critical for therapies targeting multiple organs and cell types. This unique partnership and the associated research experiences show students how collaboration between industry and academia can prepare them for careers in biotechnology while also supporting research and workforce development. |
[161 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Characterization and Isolation of Microbes from Unique Serpentine Soil EnvironmentsArchitha Dhananjayan†★, Santos De La Trinidad†★, Jean Paclibare†★, Melindajane Pagaoa†★, Keaton Smith†★, Kara Jew, Alejandra YepDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerAcross California’s Central Coast, serpentine soils are characterized by nutrient-poor and metal-rich concentrations, creating strong selective pressure on resident microbial communities. Mining introduces contaminants, disrupting biodiversity, and hosting unique metal-tolerant microorganisms. Baseline comparisons of microbes from disturbed and undisturbed serpentine habitats remains limited. We developed methods to isolate and characterize serpentine-associated microbes. Serpentine rhizosphere soil samples were collected by our collaborators from three sites: undisturbed North (n=6), mining sites (n=12), and undisturbed South (n=6). Our team conducted phenotypic screening and assessed DNA quality for downstream genotypic analyses. Environmental DNA was extracted from 24 samples using the Qiagen DNeasy PowerLyzer PowerSoil protocol and evaluated by NanoDrop spectrophotometry for quality-control. DNA recovery varied across samples (0.8–24.2 ng/mL), with total concentrations of 64–1,936 ng, indicating sufficient DNA for microbial sequencing. Purity metrics fell below ideal ranges for some samples (A260/280 = 0.39–1.81; A260/230 = 0.30–1.41), consistent with co-extracted contaminants common in complex environmental samples. Results indicate while many of the extracts contain measurable DNA, additional purification will be required prior to PCR and sequencing. To complement eDNA metrics with phenotypic observations, two mining-site samples were serially diluted and plated to isolate morphologically distinct colonies for staining and microscopy. Isolates displayed diverse colony and cellular phenotypes, including Gram-positive and negative bacteria; many were endospore formers, consistent with stress-tolerant taxa. Ongoing work includes 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare communities across site types and further characterization of cultured isolates associated with metal-tolerance and environmental persistence. Overall, serpentine rhizosphere samples yielded measurable microbial DNA but often contained inhibitory contaminants. Establishing these quality-control benchmarks strengthens downstream sequencing comparisons and improves confidence that extraction conditions capture microbial diversity. |
[162 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Therapeutics Targeting Iron Acquisition Systems of Escherichia coli for the Treatment of UTIsSiera Sadowski Aguirre1★, Bryce McCarthy2†★, Omid Panahbarhagh1†★, Kelsey Patterson1†★, Samantha Green1, Alejandra Yep11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, affecting a majority of women and exhibiting high recurrence rates. Primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), standard treatment relies on broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, widespread use has contributed to rising resistance, increased recurrence rates, and significant disruption of the host gut microbiome. These limitations highlight a critical need for targeted antimicrobial strategies that selectively impair pathogens while avoiding broad effects on commensal bacteria. This project aims to target the TonB system within E. coli, an energy-transducing complex that enables high-affinity iron acquisition in gram-negative bacteria. Given that iron import depends on the TonB system only in iron-deficient environments, like the urinary tract, an antibacterial molecule that targets TonB would diminish the negative impact on the gut microbiome. In collaboration with Dr. Eagon’s lab (CHEM), we are synthesizing small-molecule inhibitors targeting the TonB system. In this work, we propose two novel growth-based assays to assess TonB activity. These assays will be used to verify TonB inhibition and assess the efficiency of small-molecule inhibitors as a step closer towards a more targeted urinary tract infection therapeutic. |
[163 - 6th floor Room 600A]: From cultures to communities: tracking phytoplankton dynamics at the Cal Poly PierJules Kafeyan1★, Sophia Catania1★§, Raedi Danielson2, Roamie Gailey3§, Alexis Pasulka11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Environmental Engineering, 3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerEnvironmental monitoring and targeted laboratory investigations are both critical for characterizing coastal phytoplankton communities. Monthly field observations at the Cal Poly Pier capture temporal and vertical variability in phytoplankton composition, chlorophyll a (a proxy for biomass), and environmental conditions. Laboratory cultures, in turn, provide insight into representative taxa and enable the development of new monitoring tools. Here we focus on developing flow cytometry methods to better resolve picophytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria in both cultured and natural samples. By integrating field observations with laboratory experiments, this work highlights how cultures can serve as both model systems and methodological benchmarks, strengthening our ability to interpret and quantify phytoplankton dynamics in coastal ecosystems. |
[164 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm associated with microplasticsTrevor Konya†★, Marie Yeung†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerMicroplastics (MP) are an emerging pollutant with vast implications for environmental safety and human health. MPs are plastics under 5 mm in size of varying shape and composition. The textured hydrophobic surface of MPs represent a unique microhabitat for the formation of biofilm communities. Additionally, studies show that the lateral gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in heterogeneous MP-associated biofilm is up to 100 times greater than in natural substrates. The unique challenges posed by MP pollution are exacerbated by antibiotic pollution. The interaction between MP-associated biofilm and antibiotic pollution threatens to amplify development of AMR in bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a nosocomial pathogen and biofilm former. To quantify the development of AMR in P. aeruginosa in MP-associated biofilm, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) without MP exposure was analyzed by a microbroth dilution assay, with the concentration two-fold below the MIC determined as the subinhibitory concentration (sub-MIC). Then, P. aeruginosa was incubated in tryptic soy broth (TSB) at 37? exposed to a sub-MIC of amoxicillin or doxycycline and 1mm MPs, aged with UV to simulate naturally-occuring MPs. The development of AMR in P. aeruginosa biofilms was measured by another microbroth dilution assay, utilizing a 96 well plate filled with 100 ?L TSB and 1 MP in each well. Antibiotics were applied by a two-fold serial dilution. Current predictions suggest that the MIC of P. aeruginosa in MP-associated biofilm will be greater than those without biofilm due to the facilitation of lateral gene transfer. |
[165 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of Different Matcha VarietiesFathima Morales★, Marie YeungDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerMatcha, which comes from the plant Camellia sinensis, has been linked to various health benefits including antimicrobial activity. Previous studies have found that matcha displayed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sasagawa et al., 2021). However, limited research has evaluated how processing and cultivation differences affect its antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different matcha varieties, including hojicha. Matcha varieties such as organic, teahouse blends, barista blends, culinary grade, and hojicha green tea were assessed against multiple bacterial species, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Matcha suspensions were prepared and tested using a cross-streak method against the bacterial species listed to determine antagonistic capabilities. A disk diffusion assay using different concentrations was also conducted using the jade leaf culinary grade matcha suspension on S. epidermidis and S. pyogenes. Preliminary results indicated antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition observed when S. epidermidis was exposed to both jade leaf teahouse and barista blends. No zones of inhibition were observed in other bacterial species with the other matcha varieties. There were no zones of inhibition observed for the disk diffusion assay. These findings suggest antimicrobial effects may vary depending on the type of matcha. Further studies should be conducted to better support these observations to determine if there is a difference in antimicrobial activity in these matcha types. Next steps include increasing sample size, different testing methods and the use of different matcha concentrations to determine inhibitory capabilities. |
[166 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Beyond Fatigue: “Why Do Rattlesnakes Yawn?”Breanna Burke★, Emily TaylorDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerYawning is a behavior people commonly associate with tiredness. However, in most animals, “yawning” (e.g., extended gaping of the mouth) is poorly understood and could have a number of functions. Prairie rattlesnake Crotalus viridis yawns have captivated hundreds of viewers on Project RattleCam’s YouTube livestream of a rattlesnake den in Colorado. Viewer-driven curiosity and attention around rattlesnakes opening their jaws and exposing their fangs sparked our research question aiming to quantify and understand the predictors of yawning behavior in this species. Previous research shows that fasting snakes yawn to help aid in jaw readjustment after consuming prey, yet these behaviors have not been studied in wild contexts and may be associated with other physiological or behavioral traits. Using footage of >600 rattlesnake yawns obtained from the summer of 2024, we tested the following hypotheses: (1) yawning initiates upcoming ecdysis, serving as a mechanism to crack the skin to start the process of shedding, (2) yawning assists with odor detection by facilitating the capture of chemical cues and transportation to the vomeronasal organ, (3) yawning signifies a transition between two behavioral states, and (4) yawning helps reset the vomeronasal organ to enhance its function. We analyzed Project Rattlecam footage for spikes in yawning frequencies to observe seasonal differences, identified the body position commonly associated with yawning, and differentiated yawning between neonates and adults. More data is currently being collected to understand rattlesnake yawning behavior by using non-invasive techniques that reduce disturbance to note the natural behavior of this cryptic species. |
[167 - 6th floor Room 600A]: Identification and Characterization of High-Affinity Molecular Binders for Insulin Detection in Point-of-Care DiagnosticsAnika Nagavara1†★, Erica Haley2★, Nathaniel Martinez3†1 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerMetabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including hypertension, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance; the latter being a key indicator of disease risk. Accurate insulin detection is therefore essential for effective monitoring and prevention. While enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) remain the gold standard, they are costly, time-intensive, and require laboratory infrastructure, limiting their use in point-of-care applications. Insulin detection is further complicated by its structural heterogeneity. It exists as monomers, dimers, and zinc-stabilized hexamers and can aggregate under physiological conditions, reducing binding reliability and assay reproducibility. Furthermore, insulin can become heavily glycosylated, further complicating detection. Both antibody- and aptamer-based systems can be made sensitive to these conformational changes and have been tried in our laboratory. This project aims to identify and characterize high-affinity molecular binders capable of robust insulin recognition. Prior work evaluated the IGA3 DNA aptamer and an insulin-binding peptide. Current efforts focus on the eLtaS domain from Staphylococcus aureus, which is cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and assessed for insulin binding. Binding performance is compared to that of conventional anti-insulin antibodies. These findings aim to improve insulin detection and support the development of low-cost, reliable point-of-care diagnostics for structurally dynamic biomolecules. |
[168 - 6th floor lobby]: A holistic approach to characterizing phytoplankton communities in the Morro Bay EstuaryBella Martinez1★§, Luke Vellutini2★§, Sydney Yium2†§, Naomi Villarete2, Nicholas Soares2, Alexis Pasulka21 Animal Science, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerMorro Bay is a biologically rich estuary influenced by tidal exchange with the Pacific Ocean and freshwater input from surrounding creeks. As a semi-enclosed system, it provides a unique setting for examining how environmental variability across space and time influences phytoplankton communities. Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web and contribute to water quality. However, under certain environmental conditions, some toxin-producing species can induce harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten marine life, human health, and aquaculture. This project integrates student training with community-supported monitoring efforts. Weekly field sampling at two sites is conducted by community volunteers, while students characterize phytoplankton composition using microscopy-based counts, chlorophyll-a measurements, and molecular methods. Collectively, these efforts create a collaborative approach that strengthens both scientific understanding and local engagement. A 3.5-year time-series has revealed strong spatial and temporal gradients within Morro Bay. Diatoms and dinoflagellates exhibit clear spatial and seasonal patterns that reflect their distinct ecological niches. In addition, recent observations also suggest that shifts in rainfall patterns and seasonality alter phytoplankton distributions and HAB occurrence. This work highlights how sustained monitoring can advance scientific understanding while fostering long-term community stewardship of a local ecosystem. |
[169 - 6th floor lobby]: Antibody Recruiting Small Molecules as Immune ProbesKai Winstead-Leroy1★, Grisha Dekhtyar1★, Mary Jane Hartman2†★, Mallary Greenlee-Wacker21 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerImmunotherapies that enhance the immune response may offer a novel approach for eliminating mycobacteria infections. Our collaborative team synthesized and characterized the first antibody-recruiting small molecule (ARM) for mycobacteria. ARMs are bispecific molecules that attach haptens to pathogenic cells and recruit endogenous, anti-hapten antibodies that promote immunity. The core component to our ARMs is trehalose, which integrates into the bacterial membrane via a conserved pathway and displays the hapten, DNP, for antibody binding. Tre-DNP incorporation increases antibody recruitment, phagocytosis, and killing by macrophages. We hypothesized that antibody-dependent Fc receptor (FcR) signaling promotes macrophage phagolysosome (PL) fusion, which we tested by measuring colocalization of Lysotracker-labeled lysosomes and CMFDA-stained bacteria. Macrophages that ingested ARM-labeled and opsonized mycobacteria exhibited greater PL fusion than compared to the controls. To further enhance ARM incorporation and antibody recruitment, we developed second-generation ARMs using a two-step click conjugation approach. Preliminary data indicated that these ARMs achieved improved incorporation and antibody recruitment compared with the one-step approach. Ongoing studies are testing whether greater antibody recruitment or different haptens promote a stronger immune response. A mechanistic understanding of how Tre-DNP enhances the immune response toward mycobacteria could lead to further refinement of this immunotherapeutic strategy. |
[170 - 6th floor lobby]: Advancing HAB monitoring with imaging flow cytometry and 3D learning toolsRyan Tieu★§, Keaton Porter★§, Nicholas Soares, Alexis PasulkaDepartment of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerHarmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased in magnitude and duration within the California Current due to regional warming, impacting coastal ecosystems, aquaculture species, and public health. Development and refinement of imaging flow cytometry (IFC) technology is needed to enhance the temporal and spatial monitoring of HAB events. Lucendi, Inc. has developed a practical and affordable IFC instrument, the Aqusens, and is building AI networks for rapid and autonomous identification of HAB species. This project focuses on manually labeling phytoplankton images to train the AI network and validate the accuracy of the Aqusens. To broaden awareness of this monitoring approach and train both students and growers in HAB identification, we developed 3D phytoplankton models derived from IFC images, a public-facing outreach activity centered on spatial identification, and a grower-focused HAB identification guide. These resources were designed to support users in interpreting flow cytometry images and navigating the challenges associated with phytoplankton identification. The long-term goal of this project is to expand the HAB monitoring network along the California coast to improve early detection and response to HAB events. |
[171 - 6th floor lobby]: Early-Life-Stage Transcriptome of Botrylloides violaceus from Long-Read Direct RNA SequencingAlexa Gutu1★, Jack Poole1★, Will Mayer2★, Harrison White1★, Carlos Feliciano3★, Sophia Woodard4★, Elena Keeling1, Jean Davidson11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, 3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 4 Department of Statistics, ★SpeakerThis study applies Oxford Nanopore Technology's (ONT) direct RNA sequencing (dRNA-seq) to generate a draft transcriptome for Botrylloides violaceus embryos/early larvae. B. violaceus is a chordate known for its ability to perform both sexual and asexual reproduction and undergo whole-body regeneration (WBR). Since the cellular processes that create body structures during embryogenesis must be mimicked during WBR, this study aims to create an embryonic/early larval transcriptome for gene expression comparison with a previously completed adult transcriptome. For non-model organisms such as Botrylloides violaceus, comparative transcriptome analyses provide a practical way to characterize signaling pathways relevant for regeneration. To create this transcriptome, RNA was isolated from B. violaceus embryos and larvae and then directly sequenced using the ONT MinION flow cell. Reads were assembled using RNA-Bloom2. Functional annotation was then performed using EggNOG against an updated reference genome. This study demonstrates that direct RNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology is a feasible approach for generating high quality transcriptomic data in non-model organisms similar to B. violaceus. |
[172 - 6th floor lobby]: Production of an Oral Hepatitis B Vaccine from Transgenic MaizeMaya Paykel1†★, Muneaki Watanabe2, John Howard2, Magdalena Maj11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Applied Biotechnology Institute, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerChronic infection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects over 300 million people worldwide. While safe, the HBV vaccine requires cold-chain transportation and storage, and is costly to produce. To circumvent these needs, our group has successfully transferred genes encoding Hepatitis B surface antigen into the genome of maize to produce a bioencapsulated, orally deliverable vaccine candidate. The goal of this summer research project was to identify genetic maize lines with the highest Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression. To do so, we ground maize material and extracted proteins using a PBS with 1% TritonX-100 buffer. The collected supernatant containing HBsAg was then used in immunosorbent assays, gel staining, and Western blots. To quantify antigen concentrations in different genetic lines, we developed a sandwich ELISA using rabbit anti-HBsAb as coating antibody and biotinylated anti-rabbit Ab conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as secondary antibody. Once we identified the line with the highest HepB concentrations, we degermed that line in methods differing in “pin,” the speed of the grinding mill, or “roll,” the size of the space in which seeds collect during degermination. We found that degermination with lower grinding speed and a wider space for seeds to collect yielded better results, as higher speed or a narrower space likely produces more heat which degrades the proteins. We found that line CC230019G at Pin 10; Roll 1.5, 1 had the highest level of Hepatitis B antigen accumulation, yielding 2950 mg HBsAg per kg of ground corn. This high concentration is very promising for our goal of developing a heat-stable, orally administered Hepatitis B vaccine. |
[173 - 6th floor lobby]: Effects of a simulated heat wave on hypothalamic-pituitary HPG axis signaling in a desert pupfish.Victoria Miller†★, Sean Lema†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTemperature is one of the main environmental factors regulating reproduction in fishes. While gradually increasing temperatures can induce reproduction in temperate fishes, atypically high temperatures have been shown to impair reproduction. With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat wave events in aquatic habitats, understanding the impacts of those events on fish reproduction becomes crucial. In this study, we examined how a simulated heatwave impacted the reproductive endocrinology of the pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae, a eurythermal fish endemic to the Death Valley region of California and Nevada, USA. Adult pupfish were maintained in mixed-sex groups under fluctuating temperatures that cycled from a morning low of 20-21°C to 31-32°C in late afternoon. After 54 d, some of the fish were exposed to a simulated heatwave for 6 d by elevating maximum and minimum temperatures by 6°C. Examination of HPG axis signaling components in the hypothalamus revealed a reduced relative abundance of mRNAs encoding gonadotropin-releasing hormone 3 (gnrh3) in male, but not female, pupfish exposed to heat wave conditions. In the pituitary gland, males exposed to the simulated heat wave showed reduced mRNA levels of follicle-stimulating hormone subunit-? (fsh?), while females had reduced fsh? and luteinizing hormone subunit-? (lh?) mRNAs. Taken together, these observations suggest that short-term elevations of temperature during heat wave events can alter hypothalamic-pituitary components of the HPG axis. |
[174 - 6th floor lobby]: Seasonal distribution of southern sea otter females and pups in the Morro Bay estuaryOna Musoll-Buendia1†★§, Heather Liwanag21 CAFES, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerThe southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population has struggled to recover after its decimation during the fur trade. Estuaries, including Morro Bay, have played an important role in sea otter population recovery because their protected habitat provides calm, shallow waters for females to birth and raise their pups, refuge from great white shark predation, and abundant prey. This project will examine seasonal changes in the use of Morro Bay by sea otter mothers and pups. Based on preliminary data from Sea Otter Savvy, we predict seasonal hotspots of sea otter mothers and pups in two distinct locations in Morro Bay. To test this, we will use geospatial information systems (GIS) to analyze a 10-year data set of monthly sea otter abundance, behavior, location, pup counts, and pup size, as well as associated environmental conditions, such as tide and wind speed. We will create and examine several heat maps, to track seasonal changes in the distribution of sea otter mothers with dependent pups throughout the bay. To investigate how pup size a?ects maternal behavior and spatial use, we will compare the distribution of foraging and resting for mothers with small versus large dependent pups. Identifying the spatial preferences of sea otter mothers with pups in Morro Bay can increase understanding of the dynamics of sea otter occupation of estuaries, which may inform population recovery e?orts. Additionally, defining areas within Morro Bay that are important to sea otters is an essential step in protecting them from local human impacts. |
[175 - 6th floor lobby]: Population Bias in Variant Classification: Disparities in VUS Rates Between European and Latino Ancestry GroupsValentino Bernal★, Jean DavidsonDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerGenetic variants are permanent alterations in an individual’s DNA sequence that differ from the canonical reference sequence. While we often think of these as problematic, not all variants cause or are associated with disease, instead many are benign. However, it is critical to understand which variations are potentially pathogenic and which can be safely ignored in clinical settings. The ACMG provides guidelines to classify variants into benign, likely benign, uncertain significance (VUS), likely pathogenic, and pathogenic for integration into clinical care. There are many factors that are involved in the ultimate classification, such as population frequency, family segregation data, computational predictions, and experimental data. Population frequency is the frequency of specific variants in genomic population databases, such as Gnomad and Clinvar. However, it is well known that these databases are disproportionately based on European ancestry populations leading to questions about the global validity of their characterization abilities in diverse populations. We used Clinvar and Gnomad databases to analyze variants of unknown significance and their differences between European ancestry and Latino ancestry populations. The study showed that Latino ancestry populations are more likely to be labeled as VUS for the same variants are classified in populations with European ancestry and may have different variant frequencies within the populations. We present several examples of significant differences between population allele frequencies that may be causing this increase in uncertainty and how that may lead to biased classification in clinical settings. |
[176 - 6th floor lobby]: Mating Harassment and Shoaling Decisions in Females of a Live-Bearing FishChloe Whittington★, Amelia Bach★, Taylor Miles★§, Kolluru R. Gita, Sepanta Jafari JozaniDepartment of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerFemales of the social, livebearing fish, Girardinus metallicus, form groups called shoals to avoid persistent mating attempts from males (mating harassment) and to avoid predators. We hypothesized that: 1) female G. metallicus shoal with other females, in part to avoid mating harassment; 2) females can find shoals more easily if they are under high light levels; and 3) females increase shoaling behavior in the presence of males to dilute mating harassment risk. We tested females in a dichotomous choice tank with female shoals behind clear barriers. In Experiment 1, there was a shoal in only one compartment. In Experiment 2, shoals were in both compartments, one situated under high light and other under low light. In both experiments, we quantified shoaling in the presence and absence of 3D-printed male fish models (mating harassment treatment). Females respond to the models as though they are live males. We predicted that: 1) females would approach faster and spend more time with the side with a shoal in Experiment 1 and the shoal under high light in Experiment 2; 2) these effects would be intensified when model males were present. Prediction 1 was supported, but in Experiment 2, females spent more time with the low-light shoal regardless of male presence, possibly because high light levels increase perceived predation risk. Larger females took longer to get to a shoal than smaller females in the absence of male models, suggesting that higher quality females perceive less of a risk to themselves. However, in the presence of male models, all females went to a shoal equally quickly, suggesting the imminent threat of mating harassment causes even large females to seek safety. This project highlights how biotic and abiotic factors interact to shape behavioral adaptations in female live-bearing fishes to avoid mating harassment from males. |
[177 - 6th floor lobby]: Relationship of IGF1 signaling to growth rate variation in California yellowtailNola Weston1★§, Victoria Miller1, Olivia Martin1, Sean Lema1, Greg Schwartz21 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 BioResource & Agricultural Engineering, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerGrowth in fish is regulated by the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) hormone axis, and shifts in GH/IGF1 signaling are an important endocrine mechanism underlying growth variation. Here we examined how IGF1 signaling related to variation in somatic growth rate in California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis), a carangid fish being developed for aquaculture. Young-of-the-year yellowtail were reared in tanks on the same closed recirculating system under similar per fish mass feed rations at either a low fish density (26 kg/m3 at the time of sampling) or high fish density (50 kg/m3). Fish were measured and weighed to allow for calculation of specific growth rate during the last 28 d prior to sampling. Liver tissue was then collected and processed to quantify the relative mRNA levels of igf1 and IGF binding proteins. Individual fish with higher specific growth rates had greater relative igf1 mRNA abundance in the liver. While liver igf1 mRNA levels were similar in fish from the low- and high-density conditions, mRNAs encoding IGF binding protein 1a (igfbp1a) were at higher relative abundance in fish at higher density. These findings point to individual differences in growth rate being connected to liver IGF1 production in California yellowtail and provide a foundation of future physiological studies evaluating the specific growth requirements of this species for optimal rearing for aquaculture. |
[178 - 6th floor lobby]: Environmental and geographic influences on throat color polymorphisms in the Common Side-blotched LizardLeah Nibarger★, Cole Ivie, Lauren ChanDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerColoration is a multifunctional trait shaped by both natural and sexual selection and it contributes to thermoregulation, camouflage, and communication across a diversity of taxa. Some populations of the Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) exhibit a well-documented male throat color polymorphism (orange, yellow, and blue) associated with alternative reproductive strategies and maintained by frequency-dependent selection. While the behavioral basis of this system is well-studied, the extent to which environmental and geographic factors may contribute to maintaining this variation in other populations remains largely unclear. The California Channel Islands and adjacent coastal mainland provide a landscape to investigate these dynamics, as populations experience differences in vegetation composition, climate, and urbanization in addition to geographic isolation. We examine how landscape characteristics may shape the geographic distribution and maintenance of throat color variation in Uta stansburiana. Using standardized photographic data, we classify individual phenotypes within and across populations. We integrate high-resolution land cover data to explore relationships between habitat heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity. By investigating these patterns, this study provides insight into the complex mechanisms that maintain phenotypic diversity in populations. |
[179 - 6th floor lobby]: Wnt Signaling in Whole Body Regeneration: Primer Optimization and Gene characterization in B. ViolaceusMia Robles1★, Neilani Sengmany1★, Jack Poole1, Will Mayer2, Elena Keeling11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Computer Science, ★SpeakerThe non-model colonial ascidian Botrylloides violaceus is an invertebrate chordate, closely related to vertebrates. It has the ability to regenerate its entire body through a process known as whole body regeneration (WBR), driven by stem cells circulating in the blood. The Wnt pathway is initiated by a conserved family of Wnt proteins that bind to Frizzled receptors to trigger downstream signaling. These Wnts are encoded by a gene family and play diverse and sometimes overlapping roles in development and regeneration in different organisms. Previous work in the Keeling Lab produced a B. violaceus draft genome, which was updated to include additional evidence from sister taxa in new literature in its annotation. The updated annotation is more complete than its predecessor, allowing additional genes to be identified, including Wnt4. In addition, this study further elucidated expression of the Wnt pathway in B. violaceus by refining primer design for Wnt family genes that previously showed inconsistent amplification or multiple bands. The experimental approach involved genomic DNA (gDNA) and total RNA isolation from B. violaceus tissues, followed by cDNA synthesis. Target genes, including Wnt11, Wnt4, and Wnt5.2, were targeted via PCR amplification using custom primers designed in Primer3. The goal of this study is to enable reliable RT-qPCR analysis of Wnt expression and improve our understanding of Wnt-mediated regulation in whole-body regeneration. |
[180 - 6th floor lobby]: A simulated short-term heat wave alters ovarian steroidogenesis pathways in a eurythermal pupfishOlivia Martin†★, Victoria Miller†, Nola Weston§, Isabel Villafuerte§, Sean LemaDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerThe frequency of extreme heat wave events has been increasing in freshwater and marine habitats with climate change. Effects of such heat wave events on fish reproduction, however, are largely unclear, despite the sensitivity of reproduction to temperature. Here, we examined how a simulated heatwave impacted reproductive status and endocrine physiology in the pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae, a species with one of the highest thermal limits for reproduction among fishes. Adult pupfish in mixed-sex groups were maintained under ecologically-relevant fluctuating temperatures that cycled diurnally from a morning low of 20-21°C to an afternoon high of 31-32°C. After 54 d, a subset of fish was exposed to a simulated heatwave for 6 d by elevating daily maximum and minimum temperatures by 6°C. Female pupfish, but not male pupfish, exposed to the heat wave showed a lower gonadosomatic index (GSI). That lower GSI was paralleled by reduced abundances for FSH and LH receptor mRNAs in the ovary, a reduction in mRNA levels encoding several steroidogenic enzymes including cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme cyp11a1, 3betahsd, and ovarian aromatase |
[181 - 6th floor lobby]: Characterizing the Northern Elephant Seal Natal MoltNeela Dowell1★, Heather Liwanag21 Animal Science, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerA Critical Transition: Characterizing the Molt of Northern Elephant Seal Pups Many animals complete a molt by gradually shedding and replacing their feathers, fur, or skin, but the mammalian catastrophic molt is a process specific to only monk and elephant seals. In contrast to the more common mammalian molt of shedding individual hair follicles, the catastrophic molt is a month-long process, during which juvenile and adult elephant seals slough off hair follicles attached to cornified epidermis. They are forced to remain fasting on land to avoid losing too much body temperature in cold water. While we know that northern elephant seal pups begin their natal molt during or after weaning, we hope to discover whether or not this molt is catastrophic or not. We will collect hair samples from 5 pups by running a fine-tooth comb over the entire body. Adult female, juvenile, sub-adult, and adult male molt pieces that are undoubtedly catastrophically molted will be collected opportunistically from the study beach for comparison. Through examination of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides, we will determine if the pup molt has cornified epidermis attached to the hair follicles which would indicate catastrophic molt, or are simply composed of hair follicles. The natal molt is shared by all elephant seals, yet virtually no work has been done on the specifics of this molt; this research would give us insight on a vulnerable age class of a sentinel species and is the first type of work to categorize the northern elephant seal pup molt. |
[182 - 6th floor lobby]: Linking environmental variability to phytoplankton blooms and toxin production along the California central coastSydney Yium†★§, Alexis PasulkaDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerPhytoplankton are microscopic marine algae that play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems through oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and serving as the base of marine food webs. Under certain environmental conditions, however, phytoplankton can proliferate into harmful algal blooms (HABs), some of which produce potent neurotoxins. Notably, species within the genera Alexandrium and Pseudonitzschia produce saxitoxin and domoic acid (DA), respectively, which can lead to shellfish toxicity, marine mammal mortality, and significant impacts on fisheries, aquaculture, and public health. This study investigates the drivers of HAB development and toxin production using a decade-long time series at the Cal Poly Pier. Weekly measurements of phytoplankton abundance, nutrient concentrations, dissolved DA concentration, and environmental conditions (temperature, salinity and turbidity) were analyzed to explore the ecological niches of these genera and species within them. Results indicate that Pseudonitzschia delicatissima and Pseudonitzschia seriata occupy different ecological niches, and DA production may be related to temperature stress. |
[183 - 6th floor hall]: Optimizing Intranuclear Microinjection for Monitoring the Assembly of Fluorescently Labeled HIV-1 Proteins in Mammalian CellsEthan Wolfe★, Lauren Davis★, Nathaniel MartinezDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerAssembly of HIV-1 in host cells is driven by expression of the viral protein G-antigen (Gag). To avoid handling and manipulating infectious particles, studies commonly rely on introducing viral genetic material into mammalian cells to investigate intracellular viral trafficking. Lipid-based transfection is a widely used technique for this purpose, but lacks cell specificity and identification, limiting its utility for tracking early viral protein expression at the single-cell level. As an alternative approach, intranuclear microinjection allows for precise delivery of genetic material directly into the nucleus of selected cells. This project aims to develop and optimize a protocol for intranuclear microinjection of plasmids encoding HIV-1 proteins, including Gag and envelope glycoprotein (Env) using the Eppendorf FemtoJet microinjection system. Using COS-1 cells, fluorescently labeled Gag and Env will be expressed following microinjection, allowing real-time visualization of their intracellular trafficking in individual cells. This approach provides improved control over delivery and expression, enabling more detailed characterization of HIV-1 protein dynamics during early stages of viral assembly. |
[184 - 6th floor hall]: Evaluating Growth and Performance of Pacific oysters in paired laboratory and field trialsNaomi Villarete★§, William Hill★§, Isaac Ng★§, Annabelle Tweet§, Sophia Duck§, Anna Morradian§, Lara Carrion§, Monique Demalteris§, Kevin Johnson§, John Paneno§, Kristin Hardy§Department of Biological Sciences, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerThis study evaluated the performance of four commercially available Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) lineages (Triploid, Miyagi, Midori, and Miyagi x Midori hybrids) in controlled laboratory trials and farm trials across four West Coast estuaries: Morro Bay, CA, Tomales Bay, CA, Arcata Bay, CA, and Eld Inlet, WA. To accomplish this, we conducted a pre-outplant survival assay to evaluate lineage-specific resilience and sensitivity in response to two laboratory-simulated stressors: elevated temperature and hypoxia. This provided us a baseline comparison of lineage performance in vivo to identify any lineage-specific sensitivities during farm trials. We evaluated survival, growth, condition index, and environmental conditions monthly from April to November, 2025. During the farm trials, monthly sampling events were conducted to monitor for survival and collection of 6 individuals per replicate bag (n = 18 per lineage per estuary) that were shipped to Cal Poly for morphometric analysis including, length, width, depth, weight, and condition index (CI). These trials found significant variation in performance across the range of estuaries with Eld Inlet having the lowest survival throughout the farm trials and Arcata Bay having the highest survival. We also found that growth rates were significantly lower in Arcata Bay than any other estuary in the trial. Finally, we found that across all estuaries the Miyagi lineage was the highest performing lineage and is our recommended species for general planting on the US West Coast. |
[185 - 6th floor hall]: Bioinformatics Capstone Experience: Identifying Lung Adenocarcinoma DNA Methylation Signatures with Protean BioDiagnosticsOlivia Kurani1★, Giovanni De La Luz2★, Matthew Le2★, Gabrielle DeNonno3★, Jean Davidson3, Paul Anderson21 Department of Statistics, 2 Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerDNA methylation is an important epigenetic process that influences gene expression and contributes to normal development in humans. Dysregulation of DNA methylation has been identified in all types of cancer, aiding tumorigenesis and cancer manifestation by silencing tumor suppressor genes, aberrantly activating oncogenes, and contributing to overall genomic instability. Current research has indicated that DNA methylation data can be used in determining tumor origin, predicting cancer progression, indicating potential treatment responses, and identifying novel therapeutic targets. In partnering with Protean BioDiagnostics, it is our goal to contribute to the current landscape of epigenetic research by identifying methylation signatures in cancer samples and creating a methylation-based cancer classifier. We will utilize EPICv2 array-based methylation data from lung adenocarcinoma samples to identify patterns of methylation in and around certain genes involved in cancer progression, while also considering other demographic and biological variables. Relevant patterns will be integrated into a methylation-based lung cancer classifier, with the goal of developing a tool that can recognize and distinguish between various cancer subtypes. In collaboration with a cancer diagnostics company, our work has the potential to be incorporated into clinical reporting, informing patient care decisions and contributing to both research advancements and improved outcomes in the field of oncology. |
[186 - 6th floor hall]: Does intertidal position influence stress resilience in acorn barnacles residing in the rocky intertidal zone?Nelly Fabre†★, Chase Coddington†★, Kristin Hardy†Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerLife in the rocky intertidal zone can be very challenging for animals that cannot move. Barnacles, mussels, and other non-mobile animals found here spend part of each day submerged in cool, oxygenated, food-rich seawater, and another part of the day in the air where they experience temperature extremes, dehydration, UV radiation and a lack of food. By necessity, life in such a dynamic habitat has led to the evolution of robust biochemical, physiological, morphological and behavioral stress defenses in these organisms. The stress experience of any particular species (or individual) in the intertidal zone, however, is dependent on where they are anchored relative to the low tide mark. Animals that are found very high in the intertidal zone - or even in the splash zone above the high tide line - experience much longer period of stressful air exposure than those lower in the intertidal. We hypothesize that non-mobile acorn barnacles found in the higher reaches of the intertidal zone will demonstrate 1) increased cellular stress defenses (e.g., antioxidant activity) and 2) increased anaerobic metabolic activity (as lactate dehydrogenase activity) in the face of environmental stress challenges. Further, we expect these differences to exist both within a single species (e.g., Balanus glandula) and across multiple species (e.g., Chthamalus dalli, B. glandula, Tetraclita rubescens and Semibalanus cariosus) that can be found spanning the wide vertical distribution in the rocky intertidal. Understanding how the early stress history of marine organisms influences their stress resilience as an adult has wide-ranging implications for fields including aquaculture, climate-change biology, and conservation biology. |
[187 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Community level extracellular degradation of an alternative carbon sourceSawyer Sperry★, Collin Clarke★, Jennifer VanderkelenDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerPolyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer that is synthesized by certain bacteria during stressful conditions. It is an alternative carbon source for bacteria, but it can also be used as a biodegradable plastic in various commercial applications. Our research focuses on the extracellular degradation of PHB at the community level to try to identify a community that is more effective at PHB degradation than any of the isolated single species. We hypothesized that the presence of the complete set of enzymes for PHB metabolism (4-5 enzymes), whether in a single species, or in a bacterial community, would be the fastest at extracellular degradation. The sequences of a set of six PHB-degrading marine bacteria were analyzed to determine which of the PHB catabolic enzymes were present, and bacterial pairings were selected to test how different enzyme combinations affect degradation rates. Selected pairs were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and plated in triplicate on marine agar plates containing PHB. PHB degradation over 14 days was quantified by measuring the “zone of clearing” around the bacteria as it metabolized the PHB. Preliminary results suggest a combination of Bacillus infantis and Acinetobacter schindleri degrade faster together than any single species we have studied. |
[188 - 6th floor Room 600B]: The impact of mating harassment on the foraging rates of female sailfin molly fishLouie Tagalicud†★, Toshiro Wada★, Sepanta Jafari Jozani, Carson Harrison, Ingo Schlupp, Philip S. Queller, Tyler J. Reich, Eric P. Palkovacs, Gita R. KolluruDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerEggs are more energetically expensive to produce than sperm, which leads to a difference in optimal mating rate between the sexes. Males are generally selected to mate as often as possible, whereas females are selected to be choosy. This leads to persistent mating by males, termed mating harassment. Mating harassment reduces female fitness, primarily by reducing foraging rates. This is exemplified in sailfin molly fish (Poecilia latipinna). Under intense mate competition, male sailfins evolved sexual polymorphism: small males chase females and sneak copulate (harassment) whereas large males perform a courtship display that allows for female choice. When sailfins are allowed to interact directly, females forage less with small males than with large males; they are harassed by the small males, whereas they choose to mate with large males. But if the male is confined, does anticipation of harassment also reduce foraging? We allowed hungry females to forage on daphnia with a stimulus fish confined to a tube, and showed that confined males did not directly impact female foraging rates. During trials, females approached the stimulus tube to associate with large males and females, but avoided small males. Females that avoided the stimulus fish (located in the center) were able to consume more daphnia (which mainly congregated in the corners of the tank). These results provide evidence that female sailfins did avoid small males, presumably to avoid mating harassment. It happened that, given our tank setup, this ended up yielding more foraging opportunities for females in the presence of small males. However, in the wild, where food may be located near harassing males, attempts to avoid mating harassment may reduce female fitness by reducing foraging opportunities. Our findings suggest that reacting to potential mates by avoiding or approaching them may impact foraging opportunities, generating tradeoffs between mate choice and foraging. |
[189 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Revealing bias from uniform vs random point contact survey methods for quantifying coral reef coverAliyah Levin, Crow WhiteDepartment of Biological SciencesEstimating species or substrate cover in habitats is a common practice in ecological research, often conducted using point contact surveys. Uniformly spaced survey points are sometimes used, as they are easy to place in the field with survey tools like quadrats and meter tapes. However, randomly spaced survey points support an unbiased experimental design with strong statistical power, especially when the substrate exhibits a structured spatial pattern. To examine potential bias from uniform vs. random points, we compared coral cover using uniform vs. random point contact surveys within quadrats. We analyzed satellite imagery of coral reefs in Jamaica and integrated image analysis software to overlay uniform and random points within quadrats. We then identified proportional coral presence at four spur and groove coral reefs off the coast of Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica, chosen strategically to reveal a uniformity bias because of their parallel pattern. Results indicate a significant, approximately 9.12% overestimate in coral reef cover from uniform point surveys compared with random point surveys. We aim to develop this study into a university-level computer lab activity that demonstrates to ecology students the biases involved in point contact survey methods, as well as how to use image analysis tools for quantifying substrate cover from photo-quadrat files. We advise that future research expand upon our study by investigating other ecological settings to quantify the prevalence, strength and direction of bias from uniform point contact surveys in various habitats. |
[190 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Chlorophyll-a Variability and Phytoplankton Bloom Frequency In Central San Francisco Bay: Analysis of a Ten-Year Water Quality RecordLuca M. Gutcher★, Alexander E. Parker★Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerChlorophyll-a Variability and Phytoplankton Bloom Frequency In Central San Francisco Bay: Analysis of a Ten-Year Water Quality Record Luca M. Gutcher and Alexander E. Parker Department of Oceanography and Natural Sciences, Cal Poly Maritime Academy This study quantified chlorophyll-a variability and bloom frequency at a water quality station in central San Francisco Bay, to improve understanding of phytoplankton dynamics near the estuary’s mouth at the Golden Gate. The station, maintained by the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, has been operating since 2016. We analyzed continuous chlorophyll-a fluorescence over a ten-year period to characterize phytoplankton biomass and seasonal patterns. Bloom frequency was assessed by quantifying exceedances of a 20 µg/L daily-average chlorophyll-a threshold, used as a proxy for bloom conditions. Frequency analyses were conducted to identify any temporal patterns. Chlorophyll-a concentrations exceeded the bloom threshold an average of 40 days per year across the record, with a maximum of 77 days in 2022, corresponding to the unprecedented harmful algal bloom (HAB) of Heterosigma akashiwo in late summer. Blooms were most likely to occur in March-April, and late June through September. Elevated chlorophyll-a events were associated with increased temperature and salinity, reduced turbidity, and enhanced light availability. Our results suggest that the station may be suitable for early detection of harmful algal blooms in Central San Francisco Bay where HAB frequency has increased in recent years. |
[191 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Antimicrobial Properties of Household SpicesKrati Soni1★, Marie Yeung21 Nutrition Science , 2 Department of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerThe increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has led to growing interest in naturally derived antimicrobial agents, specifically those that are widely available and inexpensive. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of selected household spices, specifically red chili pepper flakes and oregano, and their effects on bacterial motility using Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays were conducted using serial dilutions of spice extracts to determine the lowest concentration required to inhibit visible bacterial growth. Results demonstrated that both spices exhibited measurable concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, with no visible growth in the MIC assay at 10$^{-2}$, and increased growth observed at 10$^{-3}$ and higher dilutions. To further assess bacterial growth and swarming motility across concentrations, aliquots from each MIC well were transferred to LB agar plates. In swarming assays, E. coli displayed reduced swarming motility at concentrations 10$^{-3}$ and 10$^{-4}$ compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that certain compounds in both spices may interfere with the mechanisms involved in bacterial growth and motility. Overall, the study highlights the potential of household spices as alternative antimicrobial agents and calls for further investigation into their mechanisms of action and applications in controlling bacterial infections. |
[193 - 6th floor Room 600B]: The effect of corn trypsin inhibitor on the accumulation of recombinant trypsin in transgenic maizeHannah Drouin1†★, Gina Fake2, Muneaki Watanabe2, John Howard2, Magdalena Maj11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Applied Biotechnology Institute, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTrypsin is an enzyme that aids in digestion by breaking down proteins. Bovine and porcine trypsin is used for commercial purposes and obtained via the pancreas of cows and pigs, respectively. The animal-derived protein can lead to possible contamination by pathogens. To produce an animal free alternative, our group has successfully transferred genes encoding trypsin protein into the genome of corn plants, creating a maize-expression system. Maize-expression systems provide long term storage of proteins and prevents contamination by pathogens. The goal of this research project was to identify maize lines with various levels of recombinant trypsin and corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) activity. We performed enzyme assays to measure trypsin’s catalytic activity in various corn lines. Standards were prepared using bovine trypsin in esterase buffer. Corn lines varied between 34 to 438 mg of trypsin per kg of corn seed. Next, corn seeds were degermed and we performed a western blot on the endosperm and germ separately. The western blot found that CTI is mainly located in the endosperm of the corn seed. Finally, we modified the trypsin purification procedure to include the isolation and purification of CTI. We used a SP Sepharose XL cation exchange column to separate the proteins. The best separation resulted in a wash with NaCl concentration between 30 mM and 35 mM, pH between 4.5 and 4.2, 25 mM CaCl2, and 5 mM NaOAc. The enzyme assays and western blots provided trypsin and CTI activity levels for maize lines, and CTI separation is still an ongoing project. |
[194 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Comparison of Laboratory-Adapted and Newly Acquired Bacterial Strains for Microbiology EducationLauren Davis★, Kelsa Ropersmith★, Guin Dechance★, Candace WinsteadDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerMicrobiology classes taught at Cal Poly require laboratory standard bacterial strains to elicit expected results in order to best educate developing microbiologists. Over years of repeated use, some key bacterial results have shifted away from their expected results and complicated interpretation. Older laboratory strains of Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae were compared to newly acquired strains. Tools for comparison included microscopic morphology, colony morphology and growth patterns on various media, biochemical tests, and BIOLOG analysis. Each strain was tested in duplicates by three students to control for variability and ensure replicable results. These results were recorded in a table comparing the lab adapted strains to the newly purchased strains. This will allow the instructor to choose strains that best match expected results especially for key distinguishing data between species. This will enhance student learning and decrease instructor frustration. |
[195 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Dissecting the Neural Basis of Motor Dysfunction in Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome: A Proposed CRISPR Mouse Model of Thiamine DeficiencyNoah Pick★, Sebastian Wangamez★, Jean DavidsonDepartment of Biological Sciences, ★SpeakerWernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a neurological disorder most commonly associated with chronic alcohol misuse. This alcohol based dementia causes impaired thiamine absorption and metabolism which leads to acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Clinically, WKS presents with ataxia, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction. Cerebellar degeneration has been strongly implicated in the motor deficits observed in WKS. It remains unclear whether impaired motor coordination arises solely from cerebellar damage, or from disruptions to integrated motor systems such as reflex pathways and balance-related physiological mechanisms. This project proposes the development of a CRISPR-engineered mouse model with genetically programmed susceptibility to thiamine deficiency, combined with an induced thiamine-deficient diet to model acute disease onset. Using this system, we aim to isolate the relative contributions of cerebellar dysfunction versus systemic motor impairments. Neuroimaging techniques, including structural and functional MRI, will be used to assess cerebellar volume and network-level activity. Behavioral assays will quantify motor coordination, gait stability, reflex responses, and balance. Prior studies demonstrate cerebellar neuronal loss and volume decline in WKS, alongside measurable ataxia and disrupted neural circuitry. Evidence of early motor impairment and widespread network dysfunction suggests that motor deficits may not be exclusively cerebellar in origin. By integrating neuroimaging with functional motor assessments, this study will test the hypothesis that WKS-related motor dysfunction reflects both localized cerebellar injury and broader physiological disruption. |
[196 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Assessing disturbance risk by watercraft for southern sea otters in Morro BayNatalie Almeria1†★§, Morgan Martinez1, Gena Bental2, Heather Liwanag11 Department of Biological Sciences, 2 Department of --Select--, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerEstuaries represent critical habitats in the recovery of the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population, because they typically provide shallow waters with abundant prey and some protection from predators. As southern sea otter populations continue to recover and expand their use of estuarine habitats, their distribution increasingly overlaps with areas of human recreation. Recreational watercraft, such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and motorized boats, can disturb sea otters and impose energetic costs on a species with exceptionally high metabolic demands and limited energetic reserves. The Morro Bay estuary exemplifies this overlap, as it is both a popular destination for water-based recreation and a site of a growing southern sea otter population. The objective of this study is to examine spatial and temporal variation of potential sea otter disturbance by watercraft in the Morro Bay estuary. To do this, we will conduct ground-based surveys, quantifying total watercraft abundance across various regions of the bay. Surveys will be conducted across multiple time periods to capture variation in watercraft use depending on weather, peak recreational times, and season. Using these data, we will calculate a spatial risk index of an individual otter encountering watercraft. Identifying areas of elevated disturbance risk provides information that can be used in developing mitigation strategies aimed at protecting the recovering southern sea otter population in this estuarine habitat, while maintaining recreational access. The ultimate goal is to promote responsible wildlife viewing in this important refuge for the threatened southern sea otter. |
[197 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Examining intra-colony and inter-colony movement of northern elephant seals from Piedras BlancasMadeline Yarkin1†★§, Heather Liwanag21 Animal Science, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, §Santa Rosa Creek Foundation Support, ★SpeakerNorthern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris, NES), driven nearly to extinction in the 19th century, have made a remarkable recovery and currently have colonies ranging from Mexico to Oregon. To understand and manage northern elephant seal populations, researchers along the California coast use flipper tags (sheep ear tags, inserted into the interdigital webbing of the hind flippers) to track individual seals throughout their lifetime. The tags are color-coded according to the breeding site where they were attached. Team Ellie at Cal Poly has been tagging young-of-the year elephant seals with white flipper tags at Piedras Blancas since 2018, contributing to the greater effort to track the movement of individual seals within and between rookeries. This project will organize and analyze the resight data (sightings of individual flipper tags), including tags of all colors seen at Piedras Blancas and white tags seen at other rookeries, to gain insight into the movement of seals to and from the largest mainland breeding site for the species. We hypothesize that juvenile seals (up to three years old) will exhibit greater dispersal to other breeding colonies, compared to older seals. Additionally, we hypothesize that northern elephant seals will exhibit higher site fidelity during the breeding haulout than during the molting haulout. Results of this project will not only provide insight into movement dynamics within our local rookery, but will also elucidate population dynamics and connectivity for a widespread, ecologically important marine predator along the west coast of the U.S. |
[198 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Evaluating microRNA Regulation of Healthspan Using Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegansRoman Arora1†★, Alyssa Fong2†★, Elliott Cookson2†★, Lorenzo Espinoza2†★, Delaney Dann21 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, conserved non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in aging, stress response, and disease. Despite their importance, many miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans remain functionally uncharacterized. This project aims to develop and apply locomotion-based assays to determine how miRNAs influence functional decline during aging. MiR-234 is minimally characterized but has a conserved human homolog, miR-137, implicated in neurological disorders and cancer. Because locomotion in C. elegans is tightly controlled by the nervous system, changes in motor behavior provide a sensitive readout of neuronal health. By comparing age-associated changes in motility between miR-234 loss-of-function mutants and wild-type animals, this work will establish a quantitative framework for assessing miRNA-dependent regulation of motor function across the lifespan. |
[199 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Chasing the cup of gold: Does climate predict California Poppy flower color?Marjorie Say†★, Kelsey Byrne†, Brooke Wallasch, Dena GrossenbacherDepartment of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerThe California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) occurs in at least three flower-color morphs including orange, yellow, and intermediate. This polymorphism has a documented spatial distribution across the state, yet it remains unknown why the color morphs occur where they do. We analyzed temperature and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation data for a random subset of iNaturalist observations where we qualitatively assigned color classes. Orange morphs had a higher probability of occurring in areas with a warmer climate than yellow morphs. UVB radiation has a significant interaction with temperature, with orange morphs being more likely to occur in areas with low UVB radiation at warmer temperatures. Further analysis and data cleaning is required to fully understand the relationship between the color morphs and abiotic factors. |
[200 - 6th floor Room 600B]: Affirming Undergraduates’ Science Identity through Community-Based and Culturally Relevant Science TeachingXavier Aguilar1★, Thais Malfavon1★, Jessica Garcia-Tapia1★, Citlali Luna2★, Isaiah Rivera1†★, Dayana Limon Santiago3, Jasmine Nation1, Alejandra Yep4, Perla Ramos-Carranza1†1 Department of Liberal Studies, 2 Psychology, 3 Agricultural Sciences, 4 Department of Biological Sciences, †Frost Support, ★SpeakerTraditional science classrooms and learning spaces in higher education can be harmful and marginalizing for underrepresented students. Service-learning and culturally relevant pedagogy are two pedagogical approaches that have the potential to support the identity and belonging of underrepresented students. Our research focuses on the experience of undergraduates who participated in the Nuestra Ciencia Learn by Doing Lab at Cal Poly, where they taught microbiology lessons in Spanish to bilingual elementary students. Specifically, we examine how undergraduates’ participation shaped their science identity. 32 undergraduates (78% female; 75% Latinx) who enrolled in the service-learning course between 2021-2024 participated in a focus group interview. A thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews, which included multiple rounds of inductive and deductive coding. The findings suggest that participation in the service-learning course shaped undergraduates’ views of their past, present, and future selves in relation to science through connecting to their childhood selves, transforming their perceptions of science, and envisioning new possibilities for their future.This research has valuable implications for science faculty and departments in higher education that aspire to promote the persistence and retention of underrepresented students. |
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