Previous research has shown that female rodents have higher rates of alcohol consumption than males, but the mechanisms underlying these behavioral differences have yet to be uncovered. Here, we used the Four Core Genotype mouse model along with Intermittent Access to evaluate the effects of gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes on drinking habits. Four Core […]
B18: Investigation of a Novel Pyrolyzed PDMS/Ni Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM)
The release of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is an issue that continues to plague society due to high usage of fossil fuels and expanding landfills. In an effort to combat the levels of CO2 and CH4 accumulating, chemical engineers have turned to the dry reformation of methane to produce syngas (H2 and […]
B16: Tightening the Safety Net: Mental Health Services for Hispanic Patients in Free Clinics
This project focuses on the role of free clinics as an essential part of the healthcare “safety net” that serves those without sufficient healthcare coverage and how free clinics have the potential to provide better mental health care for Hispanic patients. My research draws from both my experience as a Spanish-English translator and public health […]
B15: Does Gender Moderate the Relation Between Parasympathetic Regulation and Empathic Behaviors
The area of research that I have focused on in this study pertains to psychology and is specifically about children’s socioemotional development. Participants were 100 children (44 girls, 56 boys) and their mothers participating in an ongoing longitudinal study, with a visit at age four and age five. To measure child empathy coders scored overall […]
B14: Legacies of Conflict: Influences on Public Opinion in Germany and Lithuania on the War in Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revealed an apparent disunity in Europe. This was evident during a June 2022 study abroad program in Lithuania, where Ukrainian flags and “Slava Ukraini” were everywhere, compared to Germany where only a single Ukrainian flag was seen. Lithuanian politicians and advisors would constantly bring up the conflict and their […]
B13: Effects of Morphine Withdrawal on FMOR Mice
Due to problems caused by the opioid crisis in the United States, it is necessary to find solutions for both prevention and treatment of opioid abuse. This study looks at manipulation of the FoxP2 gene in regards to changes in withdrawal symptoms with the opiate morphine. This was done by removing the mu-opioid receptors from […]
B12: How Difficulty With Accessing Healthy Foods in Shelters Contributes to Diabetes Among Homeless Adults
As the homeless population continues to increase, it is important that we pay attention to how people are being affected by certain illnesses, such as diabetes. During my time volunteering at the Refuge of Hope shelter for homeless men in Canton, Ohio, it was very apparent that the homeless population is getting hit hard by […]
B11: Sense of Belonging in Undergraduate Students at Miami
This study, conducted by the HASS scholars program, focuses on students’ sense of belonging in university throughout four years. To understand what affects this, we broke it down into possible factors. We sent a survey with our questions through social media to students at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio and received 50 responses. The survey […]
B10: Behavioral Effects of N,N,N-Trimethyltryptamine and Possible Receptor Mechanisms
In the McMurray Lab, we study the behavioral and molecular effects of hallucinogenic drugs on serotonergic systems, namely the 5-HT2a receptor. Common antipsychotic drugs and hallucinogens used for mental health treatment are known to bind to the 5-HT2a receptor, and activation of this receptor is believed to lead to a downstream improvement of behavioral and […]
B09: Indicators of Hepatic and Renal Health after Psychedelic Treatment in Rats
Clinical trials on the use of psilocybin (PSL) to treat depression are promising, but still in preliminary stages. Additionionally, they are confounded by the presence of hallucinations, which may not be necessary for its clinical effectiveness, but create challenges when designing experiments. Results from our lab have also indicated potential antidepressant efficacy for a number […]