Congenital heart defects are often accompanied by improper blood flow throughout the heart, leading to greater complications in patients born with such defects and often resulting in higher mortality rates. Given the severity of these conditions, it is important to understand more about the development of heart defects and how they specifically impact the cardiovascular […]
C02: Investigating the Temporal Role of Retinoic Acid Signaling in Cardiac Outflow Tract Development in Zebrafish
The heart is the first organ to form and function during embryonic development. Improper heart growth can lead to congenital heart defects which are the most common type of developmental defects in humans. The two-chambered heart in a zebrafish embryo can be used to easily observe impacted heart formation. During the development of the embryo, […]
C01: Molecular analysis of pendulum mutants presenting with defects in heart valve and outflow tract development
Unidirectional blood flow, controlled by valves within the heart, is an essential component for proper and efficient heart function. 30% of patients exhibiting a congenital heart defect present with defects in these valves resulting in decreased heart function. In zebrafish, valve formation occurs at the atrioventricular canal (AVC) and outflow tract (OFT). The signaling pathways […]
B60: Vocal Communication and Group Decision Making in Lowland Woolly Monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii)
In group living species, animals must form a consensus about when and where to perform daily activities (e.g., traveling, foraging, resting) in order to maintain cohesion, otherwise the benefits of group living will be lost. Here, we use behavioral, geospatial, and vocal data of wild lowland woolley monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) to examine what role […]
B59: Metapragmatics of Competitive FPS Games
This project focuses on the metapragmatics of competitive FPS game communities. Like any other sport, communication skills in competitive FPS games are integral both to successful play as well as the community’s consideration and appreciation of cohesive groups, as it applies to both team play as well as wider acceptance within the community. Research was […]
B57: Respect Native Sovereignty in Social Work Practice
As a social work major and global and intercultural studies co-major, I chose to focus my independent study on Native American intergenerational trauma. I have read and now written on its structural causes throughout history, and more adequate ways of healing from a professional standpoint. Lasting disparities in Native American communities call great urgency to […]
B55: Hungry for More: Food Insecurity Programs at Miami University
This project was a part of my global health capstone project, which I completed through an immersion experience this spring at TOPSS food pantry in Oxford, Ohio. During this time, I observed that no college students had used the pantry while I was there. I learned in previous coursework that food insecurity in college students […]
B53: Is There An Association Between Secondhand Smoke and The Development of Depression in US Adults
Somatic and psychological symptoms of depression can lead to decreased quality of life, lack of motivation, and in severe cases, suicidal ideation, or loss of life. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of depression due to these chemical exposures, the development of chronic physical conditions, and the biological effects of nicotine. We are determining if […]
B52: Schedule I and II Drug Usage Effects on Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Combination use of alcohol and Schedule I or II drugs pose numerous threats to the health of the public. Although much is known about the health effects of Schedule I or II drug use combined with alcohol, there are a very limited number of studies which actually quantify the number of co-users of these substances […]
B51: Learning How to Communicate Research with Non-Disciplinary Audiences
The student authors of this proposal represent Miami University for the STR (Scholars Transforming through Research) program of the Council on Undergraduate Research. This program emphasizes the development of civically engaged researchers, through regularly scheduled professional development webinars. Participants learned valuable skills in communicating the impact of undergraduate research with a range of stakeholder groups. […]