The study we conducted observes the correlation between engagement in Student Activities, and Academic Success. We did this study as part of the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences scholars program (HASS), which focuses on exposure to Undergraduate Research. We gathered data on the different social, academic, religious, and hobby organizations that students are involved in, […]
A57: Building a Compact, Portable IR Viewer for Less Than $250 Using a Raspberry Pi Single-Board Computer
Using readily-available, inexpensive hobbyist components, we have built a handheld portable infrared viewer costing 10X less than its commercial counterpart. A Raspberry Pi single-board computer is used along with touchscreen and camera components. Our product offers larger display size than the commercial unit, a rugged structure, and easier DIY repair. Author(s): Chanakya Pandya, Physics and […]
B08: Effects of GASP-1 Protein on Binge-like and Aversion Resistant Drinking in C57 Mice
In the RAD lab, I currently work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, where we look at the neural pathways involved in addiction. In this study, we look at the effects of knocking out a gene found in the X chromosome in female and male rodents. Previous studies have shown that female rodents drink more alcohol […]
A56: Effectiveness of Psilocybin in Females Depends on Estrous Stage
The tryptamine psilocybin exerts its hallucinogenic effects primarily through agonism of 5-HT2A receptors. 5-HT2A receptor expression fluctuates across the estrous cycle, driven by variation in estradiol level. Therefore, it is likely that the hallucinogenic effects of the drug may also vary across the estrous cycle. The head twitch response, also called wet dog shake, can […]
A59: Academic Resources for Black and Latino Students
The research conducted in this study as hosted by our HASS scholars program, surrounds the topic of academic resources for black and latinx students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), specifically Miami University. In order to collect data for this research a survey was sent out to undergraduate students. We posed survey questions that ask about […]
A58: The Effect of Mental Health Stigmas in Historically Underrepresented Communities
Our general research area, conducted as part of the HASS Scholars Program, is mental health stigmas. Our work was conducted through a survey sent to students online on the Miami University Oxford campus. We asked: How does stigma regarding mental health affect historically underrepresented populations on campus? This study is relevant in that our group […]
A55: The Impact of Methylation on the Epigenetic Regulation of the SLC9B1 gene
DNA methylation is a critical mechanism for the epigenetic control of tissue differentiation in organisms, particularly when it comes to the development of sperm and testes. There is little information, however, concerning specific methylation patterns and their effects on these regions. One gene of interest is SLC9B1, which codes for NHA1, a sodium-hydrogen exchanger that […]
A54: 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 maintaining the pH of a cell. A few NHEs have been found to be essential for the function and fertility of sperm cells. One of these in particular, NHE11, is exclusively expressed in the sperm and testes. NHE11 is also the only […]
A52: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairment diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These diseases affect the retina, a layer of cells in the posterior portion of the eye that is responsible for transmitting signals to your brain through photoreceptors that allow you to see. Our lab focuses on regenerating the retina and […]
A50: Effect of Humidity on Foraging Success and Web Structure in Two Invasive Species of Cellar Spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae)
The coexistence of two ecologically similar species could be explained by differential use of microhabitats. This study investigated factors that influence foraging and web building behavior of two invasive species of arthropod predators in the family Pholcidae. Both are well-adapted to human dwellings, with Pholcus phalangioides, the larger species, undergoing displacement in Southwest Ohio by […]