My research area pertains to molecular genetics with the focus of this project being molecular evolution. The purpose of this research is to understand the evolutionary relationship between papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) in the Carica papaya genome to establish context for further investigation into the enzymes’ functions in various C. papaya tissues at different stages […]
B51: Conservación y Canciones: Agrobiodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge in Peru
A growing population, changing climate, and constantly evolving pest pressures have for many years highlighted the importance of genetic diversity in food and crop systems. This is especially true in the Peruvian Andes, most famously known as the birthplace of the potato. Because of the harsh conditions under which the crop originated, maintaining a diverse […]
B54: Testing Interoceptive Deficits as a Moderator of ADHD and Restrictive Eating Pathology
Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which has a high comorbidity rate with other psychological concerns, including disordered eating. For instance, people with ADHD are at a 3.8 times increased risk for an eating disorder, and people with an eating disorder had 2.6 times increased risk for ADHD. Interoceptive ability refers to one’s […]
B55: A Review on the Use of Spectral Phasor Analysis in Cellular Biophysics and Biomedicine
Certain molecules found in cells like Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide Hydrogenase (NADH), and flavins exhibit natural fluorescence called autofluorescence. Autofluorescence spectroscopy can be used to identify different metabolic effects caused by these compounds. Phasor analysis is an analytical technique used to assess real time emission signals that could be used to […]
B56: Sensing Cellular Metabolism in Turbid Media Using Spectral Phasor Analysis on Uv-excited Autofluorescence
Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) are metabolic cofactors playing significant, distinct roles in cellular metabolism primarily involving cellular respiration and maintaining antioxidant defenses, respectively. Signals from NADH and NADPH are a significant component of cellular autofluorescence and are useful for metabolic sensing. For in vivo sensing of tissues, challenges […]
B59: What is the connection between Misuse of ADHD Medications and Drinking Habits Amongst College Students?
One in 6 students in college misuse stimulant ADHD medications. Prescription stimulants and ADHD diagnoses are on the rise, yet many students use these medications even if they are not diagnosed. ADHD stimulant medications can intensify alcohol effects, however, it is unknown the correlation between being diagnosed with ADHD, taking stimulant medications, and types of […]
B60: COVID-19, Social Interactions, and College Drinking. An Analysis on Drinking Trends
Alcohol abuse is a continuous problem in the US, and those effects are amplified by the global pandemic in COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic affected drinking culture in limiting social interactions between others. Before continuing, social isolation needs to be defined and is defined as complete (or near complete) lack of contact between an individual and […]
B61: How Confidence in the Efficacy of the Covid-19 Vaccine Effects the Drinking Behaviors of College-Aged Individuals
Alcohol remains a public health problem among college-aged individuals, sustained even throughout the coronavirus pandemic that has affected these recent years. The pandemic has shaped the social and political landscape and affected our belief in our own safety in typical social situations as well as the safety of preventative measures such as masking up or […]
B62: Tiers of Influence: Perceived Sorority Rankings and their Relations with Body Image and Drinking Behaviors
Among colleges nationwide there is an alarming relationship between membership in Greek social organizations, body image, and drinking behavior. Recent research indicates that women in sororities have higher odds of developing eating disorders and eating disorder symptoms than their non-sorority member peers. Even further, “as many as 47% of those residing in a Greek house […]
B63: Academic Burnout Among College Students and its Relationship with Alcohol-Induced Blackouts
Approximately, 71% of college students experience academic burnout symptoms during their college career (George Citrone, 2021). Burnout is a feeling of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion due to the perception of high levels of stress. Burnout is an issue that affects many students and relates to excessive drinking. Blacking out is defined as a period […]