2018 Undergraduate Exhibition

Title Presenter Abstract Faculty Sponsor Number
THE MOLECULAR FUNCTION OF TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN 132A AS ITS HOMOLOG DETONATOR IN D. MELANOGASTER Grace Chon We studied the drosophila melanogaster homolog to TMEM132a, named detonator (dtn). Using RNAi and TMEM132a-deficient fly lines, we bred offspring with appropriate driver lines to produce offspring with reduced dtn expression, indicated by lethality or a balancer chromosome-induced phenotype. We found that dtn knockdown resulted a reduction in whole wing size in flies bred with MS-1096 driver lines. Dtn knockdown resulted in lethality, as shown by reduced numbers of male offspring in tub-Gal4 driver crosses. Aimin Liu 265
The Politics of Arctic Sea Ice Loss and the Law of the Sea Emma S A Behr This is a qualitative thesis comprised of comparative case studies (the United States, Canada, and Denmark) exploring the reasons why the United States is the only country of the eight Arctic nations that has not ratified the United Nations International Law of the Sea Treaty. The results show that the main factors influencing a country's likelihood of treaty ratification are the presence of nonrenewable energy business interest groups, regime type, and public opinion. Xun Cao 200
The Potential of Coating Polyurethane with ‘Self-like’ Molecules to Reduce the Host Response to Implanted Medical Devices Sheherbano Hussain, Jimmy Hadid and Zoha Babar

Macrophages, cells of the immune system, play a pivotal role in the host inflammatory response by attacking foreign materials not seen as 'self.' Implanted biomedical devices made of polyurethane are not identified as 'self.' The potential of coating polyurethane with 'self-like' molecules to reduce or prevent the host response from attacking such devices propelled this research. The reduction of macrophage adherence to polyurethane films coated with palmitoleic acid and bovine serum albumin will be presented.

 Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin 197
The recent development of urban agriculture in Japan: urban planning and alternative food movements Julia Madelaine Higson

Cities in Japan are characterized by a mosaic patchwork of urban and rural land use, which has developed over time as a result of planning laws and alternative food movements. Conventionally, the inability to establish a clear distinction between urban and rural landscapes has been viewed as a failure in Japan. However, mixed use landscapes can actually benefit cities by building resilience to natural disasters, providing ecosystem services, revitalizing shrinking cities and promoting food security.

 Karl Zimmerer 03
The relationship between anthropometric and physiological variables and fitness among college students Madison M Galascio This study examined the differences in anthropometric and physiological variables based on fitness among undergraduate college students. Data was collected via an online survey (demographics and physical activity) and an objective fitness assessment (Anthropometrics and physiological variables). Participants were categorized into aerobic fitness quartiles, and differences examined using one-way ANOVAs. Anthropometric and physiological variables differed significantly between the least and most fit, suggesting greater attention should be paid to the health of those less fit. Melissa Bopp 254
The Relationship between Lesion Recovery and Functional Connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury Alexander Rembalsky

In this research the aim was to examine pathophysiology and brain plasticity during recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). We focused on 14 individuals with TBI at three different time points during first year post-injury. The goal was to examine lesion recovery and it's relation to changes in functional connectivity and behavioral outcome. Preliminary findings revealed that after injury early response is increased activity in core networks shown as increased strength of connections.

 Dr. Frank Hillary 477
The Relationship between Sexual Attitudes and the HEXACO Alyssa Rivera The goal of my study is to determine the relationship between four multidimensional sexual attitudes and a more recently developed personality model called the HEXACO (Ashton & Lee, 2009). Past research has not found connections between personality and multidimensional attitudes of sexuality. These associations will determine how personality contributes to people's perceptions of sexuality. Michelle Yarwood 427
The Revitalization of Shamanism among the Buriat and Tuva of Siberia Kylie Rose Doran

Shamanism is a worldview based on connections that link the natural world to beliefs in a supernatural world, and shamans are those individuals who mediate both worlds. Thriving despite efforts of Christian missionaries and Soviet propagandists to eradicate it, shamanism has proven its ability to stand the test of time. The history of Siberian indigenous peoples is one of power and powerlessness, much like histories of minority groups all over the world.

 Dr. Catherine Wanner 04
The Role of Paternal Mental Health Status on Youth Health and Health Behaviors Kelsey Marie Maguire

The association between maternal and child health is well established, but the role of the father is less understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between paternal mental health and child health and weight in a nationally representative sample of U.S. fathers and youth (0-17 years). Findings from this study will contribute to our understanding of the role paternal mental health plays on child health outcomes, which will inform intervention efforts.

 Dr. Scherezade Mama 302
The Role of Sign and Symbol in Contemporary Painting Lindsey Kircher

Through an example of my own artwork, I will explain the value of signage throughout art history and into contemporary art today. Abstraction and simplification of the human figure and space serve as important tools in communicating memory and meaning; their reductive nature in fact contributes greater information. Whether through cave paintings, hieroglyphics, or the masterpieces of Picasso, symbolization rather than exact representation has been effective in expressing and magnifying the human experience.

 John Bowman 09
The Role of the Rcs Phosphorelay in Cefsulodin Resistant E. coli Corey Moletsky

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a multifaceted problem threatening the world's population and require constant research and development. The Rcs Phosphorelay is a conserved pathway among enteric pathogens and shows promise as a potential antibiotic target. This research aims to determine the role of the Rcs Phosphorelay in intrinsic antibiotic resistance. This was achieved through resistance profile comparisons of Cefsulodin resistant isolates to various beta-lactam antibiotics and kill curve analysis with Cefsulodin.

 Dr. Sarah Ades 30
Thermal Transport in 2D Semiconductors Yiwen Song Accurate assessment of thermal properties of MoS2, a two-dimensional layered semiconductor material, is essential for the development of ultra-efficient low power electronic devices based on this material. However, thermal properties of MoS2 are not well understood due to limitations associated with existing experimental techniques. In this study, thermoreflectance thermal imaging and Raman thermometry will be used to obtain accurate data for thermal conductivity calculation. Sukwon Choi 174
Thermo-electric Field Assisted Sintering of U.S. Bronze Christian D Muth Research focused on determining the effects of thermo-electric field assisted sintering of a bronze material. The sintering will occur using an Ultra-flex HS-4 induction heater and simultaneously passing of a current through the sample to the point of sintering. Following, the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the sintered samples will be compared with that of a conventional oven style sintering process. Daudi Waryoba 192
Time spent performing household tasks and African American adolescents' academic functioning. Nicole A Telfer I examined the association between academic functioning and time spent performing household tasks among 344 African American adolescents. I also tested if the association between academic functioning and time spent performing household tasks differs for boys and girls. Adolescents completed questionnaires about their school experiences, and mothers reported report card grades. Adolescents who spent more time performing household tasks reported more school trouble and lower GPA. These associations did not differ for boys versus girls. Susan Marie McHale 178
Timing and Impact of Habitat Type on Black Bear Corn Crop Damage Alec Scott Baker Our study compared bear damage to cornfields between forest cover in northern Clarion County (n=5) and agriculture in southern Clarion County (n=5). Damage was surveyed weekly from 13 August 2017 to 22 October 2017. There was strong evidence that surrounding habitat type had a significant impact on percentage of damage (p = 0.016). The difference in mean amount of damage was not significant (p = 0.116) between the two habitat types. Keely Roen 148
Topological optimization of cooling fins through the use of an evolutionary algorithm for use in additive manufacturing Joshua D Langer The advent of additive manufacturing has allowed for the creation of novel cooling fin geometries. Thus, a topological optimizer for cooling applications is necessitated. However, due to the complexities of fluid dynamics this has not been previously possible with traditional gradient based approaches. By using an evolutionary algorithm a simple and robust topological optimizer has been developed. The optimizer has developed several new cooling fin designs, that outperform traditional shapes. Stephen Lynch 299
Towards a decision support framework for mitigating the risk of VBDs such as malaria through engaging with built environment professionals Sumit Pareek According to the World Health Organization, there were 216,000 estimated cases of malaria in 2016. The built environment can propagate the spread of malaria. This research uses a web of causation approach and a survey to identify and validate knowledge gaps between the built environment and public health industries. Data is used for providing recommendations on how to leverage decision making during the construction process as a tool to mitigate the spread of malaria. Esther Obonyo 180
Treatment of VEGF Overexpression via DNA Aptamer-Encapsulated Polymer Microneedle Arrays Brandon Joseph Davis Protein overexpression can lead to dramatic imbalances in the fragile physiological environment. In order to provide effective treatment, it is crucial to identify protein blockers and develop novel delivery methods. DNA aptamers are an emerging class of protein blockers capable of rivaling traditional antibodies. Aptamers can inhibit the bioactivity of the proteins by blocking binding sites or sequestering free protein. This research aims to demonstrate that aptamer-functionalized microneedles possess inhibitory effects on a model protein. Yong Wang 500
Twenty-two years of forest regeneration in a Pennsylvanian sanctuary Nicholas Alan Kremp

Over the summer of 2017, the vegetation both inside and outside of two deer exclosures in Wayne County, Pennsylvania were studied to measure the impact of deer browsing on forest regeneration. Estimates of groundcover along with surveys of flowers, fruits, and seedlings were conducted. Measurements of stem density and size of sapling and mature trees were also taken. Results indicate that current deer populations severely restrict reproduction of native herbs and regeneration of canopy trees.

 Dr. David Byman 27
TWIN TOLERATIONS, TERRORISM, AND DEMOCRACY Hamsa Ibrahim Fayed Can religious toleration improve democracy and reduce recruitment to insurgencies within Muslim Majority states? The purpose of this paper will be to explore Twin Tolerations, a theory of religious toleration, in Muslim-majority states. I conducted a quantitative analysis of Muslim Majority countries between 1990 - 2008. I found that low government restrictions and low religious influence between state governments and religious institutions improve democracy and reduce terrorism in Muslim-majority states. Matthew Golder 485
Ultrasound Computed Tomography and Its Applications in the Imaging of Breast Tissue Michael Maslakowski Ultrasound Computed Tomography (UCT) provides a cheaper alternative to mammograms with zero-radiological exposure. UCT currently has faced two major problems in the past poor image processing algorithms and extremely long computation times. In this research a preliminary device was developed to image a single 2D slice of a breast phantom. As the system will be developed it will be given capability to take layered images to render an entire tomographic view of analyzed tissue. Mohamed Almekkawy 266
Understanding Marine Particle Breakup Using Lab and Field Data Aditya Sanjay Akole

The rate of settlement of marine flocs depends on their size as they get affected by the drag force of water. Changes in the formation of flocs and their breakup into particulate matter affects a lot of factors like sunlight penetration, availability of organic particles for zooplankton grazing, etc. The goal of this project is to develop a model that describes the strength of flocs by evaluating experimental data and developing plot trends using Python.

 Dr. Matthew Rau 292
Understanding the effects of horsenettle trichomes (Solanum carolinense) on the peritrophic membrane of tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) using fluorescent powder Nina Dennington Previous studies have shown, non-glandular trichomes found on Solanum carolinense in the diet of the Manduca sexta decrease size, increase metabolism, and decrease survival. This study uses fluorescent powder to find the mechanism as to why trichomes impact growth: by blocking or by piercing the peritrophic membrane. Trichomes may block nutrient uptake through the peritrophic membrane. Alternatively, trichomes may pierce the membrane therefore increasing energy expenditure, tissue repair and immune function. Andrew Stephenson 125
Understanding the Influence of Motivational Readiness on the Relationship between Desired Body Image and Physical Activity in African American Adults Hannah Tripp Jones The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating role of motivational readiness on the relationship between desired body image and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in African American adults. We found that as desired body image decreased, motivational readiness for exercise and MVPA increased. Results suggest the importance of increasing awareness of risks associated with obesity in an effort to reduce preferences for a higher body shape and size among African American adults. Scherezade Mama 147
Understanding the Reciprocal Relationship Between Interpersonal Behaviors and Autonomic Nervous System Functioning in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder Mckayla Bradford Mawn The aim was to characterize the role of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) functioning in interpersonal dysfunction in those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It was hypothesized that patients with BPD would experience greater SNS activation during interpersonal interactions. 110 romantic couples (one partner was selected for psychopathology) discussed the greatest disagreement in their relationship for 10 minutes while skin conductance data and behavioral states were coded. Results indicate that BPD patients experienced decreased SNS activation. Michael Hallquist 190
Use of Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 to Mutate Tmem132 Family Anna Lin Tmem132 family of five novel transmembrane proteins (a-e) have been associated with multiple human disease conditions such as cranial aneurysm and lung defects. However, their molecular functions remain largely unknown, potentially due to functional redundancy. To study their roles in basic cellular processes, we will use a newly-developed multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 approach to mutate all five Tmem132 genes simultaneously cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and evaluate the survival, proliferation and various signaling pathways in the mutant cells. Aimin Liu 498
Using an in vivo Functional Approach to Determine Interaction Relationships between an S-Locus F-Box Protein and Two S-RNases of Petunia inflata Involved in Self-Incompatibility Patrick G Stone Self-Incompatibility (SI) is a self/non-self recognition mechanism by which pistils of flowering plants reject self-pollen to prevent inbreeding and accept non-self pollen to generate genetic diversity. In Petunia inflata, the polymorphic S-RNase gene encodes the pistil determinant, and 17 S-locus F-box (SLF) genes encode the pollen determinant. I have expressed S2-SLF13 fused with Green Fluorescent Protein in S2S3 and S2S7 transgenic plants to determine the interaction relationships between S2-SLF13 and S3-RNase and S7-RNase. Teh-hui Kao 306
USING BILINGUALISM AS A TOOL TO STUDY RECOGNITION MEMORY FOR GRAMMAR AND MEANING Aliza N Winneg To reconcile an ongoing debate to whether the retention of form takes precedence over the retention of meaning in memory, an eye-tracking reading study was conducted on bilingual participants at the University of Puerto Rico. Participants read unilingual Spanish and codeswitched sentences and answered comprehension questions, always in unilingual sentences. Results suggest that form of the target noun is retained and results in interference. However, a simple math problem was enough for interference to disappear. Giuli Dussias 191
Using Freshwater Mussels to Evaluate the Ecological Conditions of the Coldwater River Post-Impact Bethany Louise Dennis After a contractor was hired to excavate the Coldwater River in an effort to improve the drainage system of Jordan Lake in Michigan, approximately fourteen miles of the river's riparian zone was removed and its channel dredged. To assess the damage imposed on aquatic life and move forward with a plan to preserve the integrity of such species, we conducted biological assessments of various species of mussels within and downstream of the site of impact. Eric Snyder 491
Using Fusion Constructs to Map the Membrane Topology of Lit Protein Sarah Elizabeth Staskiewicz

In 2017 the Meredith Lab discovered Lit, a putative membrane protein, that is responsible for creating lyso-form lipoproteins. Lit functions as a novel mechanism that has yet to be observed and is critical for understanding how these lipoproteins are formed. This proposed research measures activity of fusion proteins in order to determine the membrane topology of E. faecalis Lit. Results will provide a more in depth characterization of Lit and how lyso-form lipoproteins are made.

 Dr. Timothy Meredith 115
USING POSITIVE DEVIANCE BY MICRONUTRIENT STATUS TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENCES IN FOOD BEHAVIORS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN GHANA. Carissa Noel Heine

This study used the "Positive Deviance" approach to assess lifestyle and food behavior differences in reproductive-age Ghanaian women based on micronutrient and health status. Quantitative and qualitative data were used. The study found that consumption of turkey berry (high in iron), ownership of home and agricultural land, and exposure to the healthcare system were higher among the positive deviants (healthiest women), while consumption of starchy foods and sugary drinks were higher among negative deviants.

 Dr. Alison Gernand 231
Using soil temperature, soil moisture, precipitation and date to predict red-backed salamander vertical movement from refugia to the surface Danielle D Bear

Red-backed salamanders are a lungless terrestrial species that rely on abiotic factors to complete needed biological processes such as cutaneous respiration. In order to remain in optimal conditions, these salamanders exert some control over their environmental conditions through vertical movement from the surface to refugia below. Changes in these factors could alter their movement timing. We seek to find relationships between these factors in order to discover which conditions motivate their movement to the surface.

 Dr. David Miller 465
Velocity and Direction of Ocean Currents at Various Depths Through the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea Tyler R Harpster and Edley Edwards

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was used to determine velocity and direction of ocean currents, which play an important role in the distribution of ocean heat/particles and navigation, as well as diel vertical migration of plankton in the water column. We found a western current traveling through the S. Atlantic ocean as well as in the N. Caribbean Sea. We found evidence of diel vertical migration down to a depth of 600 meters.

 Dr. Monica Medina 116
Visualizing Large Numbers of Genetic Markers in Select Genes in the Genome Browser Luana Soares Goulet Visualizing SNP locations through the "My Sessions" feature of the Genome Browser allows for targeting areas of the genome for more in-depth research on the genetic impact on any phenotype. SNPs associated with craving in an exploratory dataset are presented in a new track in the Genome Browser. A graphic display of these SNPs aids in rapid recognition of their relation to each other and to genes of interest. David Vandenbergh 141
Vortex Core Dynamics in a Swirling Jet Near Vortex Breakdown Sean Clees

The dynamics of a swirling jet are investigated at swirl numbers in the range of the critical swirl number for vortex breakdown (VB). VB, a bifurcation in the structure of a swirling jet, results in a recirculation region forming along the centerline of the jet. Investigation of time-averaged velocity measurements leads to the identification of three flow regimes. Velocity fields in these regimes are analyzed to characterize jet dynamics and identify a precessing vortex core.

 Jacqueline O'Connor 188
War and Conflict in Regime Transitioning States Timofey Velenchuk The relationship between regime change and conflict is examined in the pre and post-Cold War period under the Eastern European and former Soviet Union states, the states which were directly impacted and related to the set-up of the world powers system during both periods. Douglas Lemke 418
Women's Legislative Representation in Africa Jennifer A Heckman What explains variation in the level of women's legislative representation in Africa? This paper expands on previous studies to examine the interaction between demand-side and supply-side factors in the analyses. In this paper, I rectify these limitations in the existing literature by examining how institutional, economic, cultural, and international factors influence the supply of, and demand for, women's representation in Africa by using a new dataset. Matthew Golder 199
Yeast 2-hybrid screening for novel interactors of Shrm3, a protein involved in neural tube morphogenesis. Trevor Frank Tranchina Shroom (Shrm) is a highly conserved family of proteins that are defined by the conservation of actin and Rho kinase binding domains. Shroom family proteins have been implicated in the development of the vertebrate ear, kidney, and in brain connectivity. Little is known about what activates Shrm3 function or localization. To better understand these processes we aimed to find novel protein interactors of Shrm3. The screens returned a number of novel interactors. Jessica Petko 189
ZNF804A/ATXN1 Research Project Proposal Yilun Shen

2017/18 ZNF804A/ATXN1 Research Project Proposal Advisor: Yijing Zhou (yxz167@psu.edu) Yingwei Mao neuroscience Lab Yilun Shen Schizophrenia SCZ risk gene ZNF804A directly interacts with neurodegenerative disease ADCA risk gene ATXN1 abstract is longer than 75words, please see attachment.

 Dr. Yingwei Mao 496
“ONLY I CAN SEXUALIZE ME”: EXAMINING THEMES OF EMPOWERMENT IN NORTHEASTERN RENAISSANCE FAIRES Aubrey Nicole NICOLE Tallon and Jackie Hensler Given the social stigmas associated with Renaissance Faires, this study examined the meaning of Renaissance Faires to performers and how performers perceived erotic capital to be expressed at these Faires. Using a series of semi-structured interviews, researchers viewed respondent narratives and established codes. Thematic coding revealed four main focuses--empowerment, community, diversity, and sexuality. Implications of these themes on Renaissance Faire culture will be discussed within the exhibit. Andrew Mowen 102