Antarctic ecosystems are one of the few places where mankind has yet to significantly disturb the biogeochemical cycling of microorganisms. The goal of this study was to subject samples from Lake Fryxell, an Antractic freshwater lake, to high salinity conditions in order to observe compositional changes in the microbial communities and detect resilience. We conducted […]
C22-P: #Native Influencers: Decolonizing Social Media
How does media broadcast Native voice/perspective? How does this form of “storytelling” negotiate Native identity? How are non-Native audiences reacting to these performances? This study examines social media use in Native American communities and continues my previous engagement with Native American storytelling by investigating digital performances, stories, and discourses. By utilizing an anthropologically informed discourse-centered […]
B23-P: Selective Halogenation of 2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine Ligands for [M(L1)2]2+[X]2^2- Spin-Crossover Relaxation Rate Characterization
This work encompasses inorganic and physical chemistry to ask how halogenation of select ligand influences the spin-crossover properties of the Fe and Co complexes. Previous work has shown complexes with spin-crossover transitions at very low temperatures (~200K). This low temperature is not viable for any scalable storage method. There has been a reported complex using […]
C31-P: Fluorite and Calcite Melt Inclusions in Apatite from Carbonatitic Intrusions at the Schickler Occurrence and Dwyer Mine, Ontario, Canada
My research area encompasses the subjects of mineralogy and petrology in the study of unusual melt chemistries. This research involves investigation into fluorite and calcite melt inclusions trapped within apatite crystals from the Schickler Occurrence and Dwyer Mine, located in Ontario, Canada. We have investigated the textures and variable internal mineral assemblages of melt inclusions, […]
A29-P: Characterizing The Role of NHE1 Protein in Mice Sperm Physiology Using CRISPR/Cas9
Sodium/hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) are a family of vital transmembrane proteins responsible for facilitating ion transport and thus regulating intracellular pH as well as cell volume. Certain NHEs have been shown to be necessary for sperm motility and thus fertility, and there are many different isoforms expressed in sperm cells. However, the specific physiological role of […]
B03-P: The Interaction of β-Lactoglobulin with Nonionic Surfactant Lauryldimethylamine Oxide
Surfactants are amphiphilic molecules that can stabilize interfaces, notably between hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments. Interactions between surfactants and proteins play an important role in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, protein purification, and the characterization of membrane proteins. Characterizing these interactions and the structure of protein-surfactant complexes is necessary for proper product formation and development as […]
C32-P: High-Frequency Monitoring of Ice Cover Dynamics in Three Pennsylvania Lakes during Two Contrasting Winters
With climate change and warming temperatures, ice cover duration in lakes across the world is becoming shorter. Duration of ice cover is tightly linked to oxygen concentrations at lake bottoms, with longer periods of ice cover associated with lower oxygen concentrations, which are detrimental for biological processes and food web interactions. I researched how this […]
B08-P: A Morphometric Analysis of Leaf Shape Responses to Abiotic Stress
Soil salinity causes an estimated $27 billion in agricultural losses every year, and these losses are predicted to be exacerbated by climate change. Brassica rapa is an important oil seed and vegetable crop that includes leafy greens such as bok choy. How B. rapa reacts to abiotic stresses such as soil salinity could greatly affect […]
C21-P: Quantifying Groundwater and Surface Water Interactions in the Four Mile Creek Alluvial Buried Aquifer
Many municipal water supplies come from groundwater pumped from wells that are set near surface water to take advantage of induced infiltration. By inducing surface water to enter the groundwater system, drawdown in the wells is minimized and the pumping capacity is increased. There are two potential problems that can result, however. First, there is […]
A11-P: The Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Seafood Industry and the Implications on Human Health
Over the past 50 years, global seafood consumption has increased, with the most noticeable changes taking place in the least developed and food insecure countries. However, the threat of climate change and its effects on ocean chemistry, have the potential to seriously jeopardize the health of marine organisms and their consumers alike. The purpose of […]