2018 Undergraduate Exhibition

RNase P is a metalloenzyme which cleaves precursor tRNA. Two specific nucleotides, A90 and U93, are located in a strand of the P4 stem of the catalytic core of RNase P. This strand base-pairs with another RNA strand within the catalytic core, and the uracil and adenine nucleotides of interest are thought to 'stick out' to facilitate the binding of magnesium ions. We mutated these nucleotides to reveal their role in catalysis.

Antibiotic resistance is a current problem throughout the world, making bacterial infections more difficult to treat. Previously, a screen of 13,000 compounds was performed to test for potential antibiotics. Of those, two of the compounds were chosen for further testing. A minimum inhibitory assay, or MIC, will be performed using gram-negative bacteria, such as M. tuberculosis and S. flexneri. The MIC will determine the potential use of the compounds as an antibiotic against these bacteria.

NAD+ is an essential molecule in biological processes such as metabolism and lifespan. Deficiencies in NAD+ lead to complications in the model organism C. elegans. We research a phenotype caused by a gene-environment interaction involving the riboside pathway of NAD+ synthesis. This delayed hatching phenotype occurs when nmrk-1 is knocked down and the animal is grown in oxidative stress environments. We seek to understand the contribution of environmental factors to the expression of delayed hatching.

This work examines what factors influence varied perceptions of electoral conflict using a case study in Tanzania. The 2015 general elections in Tanzania, some constituencies experienced electoral conflict. Using an original survey developed in conjunction with graduate students at the University of Dar es Salaam, this paper tests perceptions of violence in Kawe, a constituency in the heart of Dar es Salaam that experienced conflict during the 2015 general elections.

We strive to find the ultimate lowest concentration of absorber that can be imaged at any given depth. We came up with different kinds of tissue phantom recipes that can mimic human breast tissue best manner. The tissue phantoms are made of varied densities to help perform tomography on the densest and thickest human breast tissues. Diagnosing a cancer at its efficiently early stages of development can decrease the mortality rate significantly.

Pollinator Panic! is an educational tool developed by students in collaboration with the Center for Pollinator Research to communicate the complexity of bee community dynamics and promote awareness for bee conservation. The player acts as a field researcher who sets out to restore a damaged habitat using flora and bee species. By examining how these species interact to build a more stable community, the game illustrates research vital to the ecological health of pollinators.

Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, TX in August 2017 causing $100 billion in water damages across the city. Houston's flat topography means that the area is vulnerable to flooding. My research uses GIS analysis to locate the most suitable sites along the Buffalo Bayou to construct new wetlands, calculate the acreage of wetland sites, and calculate potential cost of construction, ultimately reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.

Comparative analysis in the United States vs. Costa Rica. Preventative Care for geriatrics provides annual week visits four times a year vs. the United State's one visit. Costa Rica bring healthcare the citizens. 98% of Costa Rica's population is vaccinated. The United States falls around 91%. Primary Care Technicians visit villages and towns, bringing healthcare to its citizens. They collect health data, social and economic data and make a decision about the family's care.

Climate change is a problem that has been accumulating over the past few decades due to a variety of reasons. There's an opportunity to look at climate change as an opportunity to better the planet as well as individuals' diets. Implementing green spaces throughout State College that could be used for agricultural purposes and enjoyment. This will provide the resources to eat a more plant-based diet and fix climate change in the meantime.

In the Roll's lab, our group studies protein localization across the different classes of neurons found in the model organism Drosophila. These proteins are heavily implicated in cell function and structure, and lead to specific abnormalities in neuronal cells when they are absent or otherwise manipulated, therefore, studying these proteins will allow for deeper insight into the causes of various neurodegenerative diseases found in humans.

Alcohol increases estrogen signaling in mammary epithelial cells resulting in increased proliferation. We were interested in determining if PTHrP, a negative regulator of estrogen, could block the proliferative effects of alcohol. MCF-7 cells were treated with alcohol and/or PTHrP and proliferation was measured. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with alcohol caused an increase in proliferation whereas pretreatment with PTHrP inhibited these effects, suggesting that PTHrP may inhibit the growth-promoting effects of alcohol in the mammary gland.

The community of Johnston Square is one of many in Baltimore suffering the effects of a shrinking city. With much of the neighborhood abandoned or in disrepair, local residents are pushing for a revitalization and looking for better ways to use these city spaces. This project describes one possible design solution to some of these issues and, more importantly, the geo-design process used to judge the appropriateness of the program and location.

The United States has over 200 coal slurry impoundments classified as having a high hazard for human life, economy, and catastrophe. This research's objective is to use a shake table to liquefy soil (wet coal) in order to find a relationship between its geotechnical properties and its behavior during seismic events, where it experiences both static and dynamic loadings. If proven to be effective, state agencies and industries might prevent future catastrophes with these dams.