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 […]
A51: Comparison of a Dual-Task and Typical Exercise Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Adults
Introduction: Benefits of physical activity on cognitive function in adults are well established as are “brain games”- cognitive activities that are fun and stimulating. Exercise programs that combine both physical and cognitive activities, called dual-task training (DT), have the potential to efficiently and effectively enhance both physical and cognitive function. Purpose: The purpose of this […]
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 […]
A49: Carnitine Degradation in an Isolated Strain of the Gut Bacterium Citrobacter amalonaticus
The gut microbiome is home to several species of bacteria and other microorganisms that play an essential role in human health. For example, the normal bacteria in our gut provide resistance to pathogenic species and directly impact nutrient metabolism, such as the production of vitamin K. Carnitine, which is a molecule commonly found in seafood […]
A48: Seeing a Future Together: The Potential for Health Programs to Reduce Avoidable Blindness in Rural Communities
My project is about avoidable blindness in rural areas of the United States and is analyzed through the lens of global health. The work was conducted with a mix of in-field work and academic work. My immersion experience involved spending 7 weeks immersed in rural Honduras. During this time I shadowed physicians and community health […]
B17: Heat Recovery from Aerated Static Composting Systems
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections approached our senior design team with the idea of capturing heat from compost piles for use in heating water or buildings. Their facility is roughly half a football field in size, containing agricultural and food waste. Compost piles are able to reach temperatures upwards of 160°F, to the […]
B34: Potential Drivers of Decadal Bluegill Patterns in Turbid Reservoirs
Larval fish population dynamics are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. Larval stages of planktivorous fish temporally overlap in aquatic systems. In midwestern reservoirs in the USA, larval stages of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) temporally overlap in early-mid summer. Larval gizzard shad hatch earlier (early May) than bluegill (June) and can […]
B36: Modeling Habitat Suitability for the Endangered Species, Equus Grevy (Grevy’s Zebra)
Species endangerment is a prominent, yet complex threat to our ecosystems because no two species are the same. Thus, a unique approach is required to effectively conserve each species. These approaches require a range of detailed information to ensure that conservation efforts are achievable without expending don’t cause inadvertent effects on the species health, relationships, […]
A47: Depicting Inequities in Oral Health: Barriers to Dental Care Among Marginalized Groups in the U.S.
This project is the final component of Global Health Studies immersion experience. I completed this experience at two different dental clinics within the Cincinnati Health Network. I shadowed dental professionals for approximately 40 hours, taking detailed field notes for qualitative research, in addition to my literature research. Oral health is one of the most integral, […]
A46: Impact of Chlamydia on Caspase Activation
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if Chlamydia psittaci is inhibiting caspase activation in HeLa cells through the sequestering of ceramide. This was done by treating cells infected with C. psittaci, as well as uninfected cells, with increasing concentrations of C6-ceramide. A fluorometric multiplex activity assay was used to measure caspase activation.It was […]