Grp94 is a molecular chaperone found in the Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 family. Grp94 is found in the endoplasmic reticulum and is a homodimer composed of a nucleotide-binding domain (NTD), middle domain (MD), and carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). Heat shock proteins help maintain homeostasis in a cell that is under stress. Folded proteins become unfolded […]
A05: Using molecular biology to conduct biogeographic analysis of the Gammarus lacustris species complex in North America
Gammarus lacustris possesses one of the largest ranges observed among freshwater Amphipoda, occurring from eastern Europe to southern China and Siberia, and into the western United States and Canada. A range this size is truly remarkable for a single amphipod species, given that they lack both a resting stage and a dispersal larval stage and […]
A10: Presence and Location of Twin Arginine Transport System in Cyanobacteria PCC 6803
The Twin Arginine Translocase system (TAT) is a translocase present both on bacteria plasma membranes and in thylakoid membranes of chloroplast-containing eukaryotes. Cyanobacteria contain both a plasma membrane and a thylakoid membrane but only one set of genes for the TAT system components. This study attempts to identify to which membrane or membranes the products […]
A14: Understanding Retinal Regeneration through the Analysis of Integrated Pathways of the Embryonic Chick
There is a substantial segment of the human population that suffers from visual impairments due to common retinal ailments such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and visual decline with age. However, humans lack the ability to regenerate damaged retinal tissue; therefore, research exploring gene regulation in regenerative animals can provide important insight to combat retinal […]
A15: Eye of Newt: The Role of Macrophages in Lens Regeneration
Regeneration is a fascinating injury response that can be found widely across the animal kingdom. Previous studies have shown that macrophages are required for successful regeneration in a variety of different species and tissues. We wanted to investigate if macrophages have a role to play in lens regeneration in the Spanish newt. To do this, […]
A53: The Effects of Male Competition and Lighting Conditions on Courtship and Copulation Success in Rabidosa rabida (Araneae: Lycosidae)
My study focused on the ecology and behavior of the wolf spider, Rabidosa rabida. Many species of wolf spiders serve an important biocontrol function in agricultural systems. Understanding wolf spider population regulation mechanisms may be important to discerning their biocontrol function. One important regulatory mechanism, copulation success, could impact population size, growth, and density. My […]
A66: Consequences of Lake Browning on Ectoparasite Prevalence and Location on Centrarchid Fish
Lake browning, or an increase in terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) entering a lake, can result in decreases in that lake’s water transparency. Decreases in water transparency may cause a reduction in underwater exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation (UV). Centrarchid fish are known to host a variety of external parasites that are sensitive to […]
A76: Removal of DNA Methylation Has a Larger Effect on Meiotic Recombination in Female Meiosis
Meiotic recombination is an important process that creates genetic diversity when genetic materials are exchanged between homologous chromosomes. While past studies have focused on genetic factors regulating recombination, less research has been conducted on how epigenetic factors, like DNA methylation, affect meiotic recombination, and why sexes differ in recombination. My project is part of a […]
B02: “There’s No Place Like Home”: Substandard housing, economic instability, and mental health in Central Appalachia
I traveled to Central Appalachia with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) to participate in immersive health experiences related to my global health minor. ASP is a large nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, and its mission is to provide home repairs and renovations for people living in substandard housing conditions. I volunteered with the organization […]
B05: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Contrary to humans, some vertebrates have an exceptional ability to regenerate damaged tissues including the Spanish newt (Pleurodeles waltl) which can regenerate a range of complex structures. Retinal regeneration in some newt species has been reported after the removal of the whole retina. Our focus is to characterize the reprogramming of the retinal pigment epithelium […]