Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule synthesized by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO functions as a brain neurotransmitter and immune system defense molecule. Animals undergoing an inflammatory response, such as from bacterial infection, exhibit changes in behavior. We are using the cricket Acheta domesticus to explore the role NO may play […]
A53: The Effects of Male Competition and Lighting Conditions on Courtship and Copulation Success in Rabidosa rabida (Araneae: Lycosidae)
My study focused on the ecology and behavior of the wolf spider, Rabidosa rabida. Many species of wolf spiders serve an important biocontrol function in agricultural systems. Understanding wolf spider population regulation mechanisms may be important to discerning their biocontrol function. One important regulatory mechanism, copulation success, could impact population size, growth, and density. My […]
A66: Consequences of Lake Browning on Ectoparasite Prevalence and Location on Centrarchid Fish
Lake browning, or an increase in terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) entering a lake, can result in decreases in that lake’s water transparency. Decreases in water transparency may cause a reduction in underwater exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation (UV). Centrarchid fish are known to host a variety of external parasites that are sensitive to […]
A76: Removal of DNA Methylation Has a Larger Effect on Meiotic Recombination in Female Meiosis
Meiotic recombination is an important process that creates genetic diversity when genetic materials are exchanged between homologous chromosomes. While past studies have focused on genetic factors regulating recombination, less research has been conducted on how epigenetic factors, like DNA methylation, affect meiotic recombination, and why sexes differ in recombination. My project is part of a […]
B04: Mental Health in First-Generation Students
We are members of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) scholars that are participating in a first-year research course focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our research project is focused on “Mental Health in First-Generation Students”. Moving to college is the first step towards adulthood and one of the biggest transitions in a person’s life. This […]
B05: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Contrary to humans, some vertebrates have an exceptional ability to regenerate damaged tissues including the Spanish newt (Pleurodeles waltl) which can regenerate a range of complex structures. Retinal regeneration in some newt species has been reported after the removal of the whole retina. Our focus is to characterize the reprogramming of the retinal pigment epithelium […]
B08: What Do First-Year Miami Students Know About Human Trafficking?
Our research question is “What level of knowledge does the average Miami University first-year student have on the subject of human trafficking and how can the University better provide resources to increase awareness?”. The general research area of our project is social sciences with a focus on social justice. We began to research this topic […]
B09: The Influence of Media Bias
Our general research area is media bias. This project questions how influential the media’s bias is on its viewers when portraying racial minorities, women, and protesters. This study is relevant for all fields because everyone is a media consumer. We surveyed the current first-year class at Miami University to understand how influential the bias is […]
B10: Longterm Effects of Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and Deer on Forest Floor Plant Composition
The negative impacts of overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and invasive species in deciduous forests have been well documented. However, their combined impacts are less understood. We tested the impacts of 11 years of exclusion of deer and removal of the invasive shrub Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) on forest floor plant composition in deciduous forests […]
B14: Characterizing the Role of NHE11 in Mammalian Sperm Physiology Using Crispr/Cas9 Gene Edited Mice
Sodium Hydrogen Exchangers (NHEs) are a family of proteins which are important for regulating the pH of a cell. Previous studies have found certain NHE proteins to be essential for sperm cell motility and fertility. There still remains one completely uncharacterized NHE protein: the NHE11 protein. Work in our lab has found that in mammals, […]