My general research area is biological anthropology. I observed eleven individuals across three troops of western lowland gorillas (gorilla gorilla) at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden between 2022 and 2023 (N = 105 hrs). Behavioral data were collected under the context of focal animal sampling to assess differences in social interactions and spatial proximity […]
A22: Impact of Nicotine and Alcohol Individually and Concurrently in ChAT-MOR Knockout Mice
Alcohol and nicotine are common substances that impact individuals individually and concurrently. This project aims to investigate the impact of nicotine and alcohol in ChAT-MOR mice individually and concurrently. Nicotine and ethanol both affect dopamine release through different mechanisms. We are specifically studying the impact of cholinergic interneurons on dopamine release within the striatum. CHAT-MOR […]
CSIV-01: Estimating Deer Population and Impacts in Miami University Natural Areas
In recent history, deer populations have increased due to the near extinction of natural predators and an increase in available food from agriculture. We need to understand the impact that overabundant deer have on ecosystems in our Miami University Natural Areas. Deer browse causes damage to seedlings, and when seedlings are depleted few become saplings, […]
C16: Moth Diversity and Abundance in an Old Growth Eastern Deciduous Forest
Flying insect biomass is rapidly declining, despite insects being the most abundant and diverse group of animals on the planet. Research is only now revealing the extent of this ongoing decline, as most entomology-based research has remained focused on pest species in the past. It is vital that we begin to examine the extent of […]
C21: Changes in Interior Alaskan Flying Insect Biomass
In recent decades, there has been a notable decline in flying insect biomass levels. Since insects act as key contributors to various ecosystem services, it is important to understand changes in biomass levels for conservation purposes. Unfortunately, areas around the globe lack historical data on flying insect populations. This study attempts to establish a baseline […]
C22: Phenotypic characterization of Foxe3 knockouts and a streamlined protocol for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
Foxe3 is a DNA-transcription factor (TF) that is vital to the normal development of the lens. The lens is a structural component of the eye that is responsible for transmitting and focusing light onto the retina. Here we examine the role that Foxe3 plays in regulating networks of genes that are essential for cellular differentiation. […]
C25: Regenerative Hallmarks of Aging: Insights Through the Lens of Pleurodeles Waltl
Cataracts can cause blindness and affects mostly older individuals. Traditionally, treatment for cataracts is an invasive ophthalmological procedure in which the lens of the eye is replaced by a physician. However, exploration of regeneration-competent vertebrates, such as the newt Pleurodeles waltl (P. waltl) has offered exciting models to study natural, in vivo lens regeneration. Regarded […]
C02: Investigating the Temporal Role of Retinoic Acid Signaling in Cardiac Outflow Tract Development in Zebrafish
The heart is the first organ to form and function during embryonic development. Improper heart growth can lead to congenital heart defects which are the most common type of developmental defects in humans. The two-chambered heart in a zebrafish embryo can be used to easily observe impacted heart formation. During the development of the embryo, […]
C04: Retinoic Acid Signaling Promotes Ventral Aorta Development in Zebrafish
Developmental birth defects emerge due to abnormalities in the formation and growth of embryonic tissues. Congenital heart defects are the most common developmental defect in humans. This condition can affect the tissue within the heart and the surrounding greater vessels. Zebrafish are used to study these defects because their anatomy provides a similar and simpler […]
B55: Hungry for More: Food Insecurity Programs at Miami University
This project was a part of my global health capstone project, which I completed through an immersion experience this spring at TOPSS food pantry in Oxford, Ohio. During this time, I observed that no college students had used the pantry while I was there. I learned in previous coursework that food insecurity in college students […]