Wildfires are capable of altering landscapes, devastating forests, and communities, and are increasing in frequency and intensity. However, the hazard extends well past the burn phase as burn scars are at high risk for the generation of debris flows and flooding in the days, weeks, and years after a fire. Conconully, WA, experienced severe post-fire debris flows and flooding in 2022 following the 2021 Muckamuck fire. Witnessing the effects of both the fire and the subsequent debris flow on my community motivated me to explore why these events occur, to investigate how they initiate, and help inform future warnings or mitigation strategies to increase resilience in the face of these hazards. Whether these floods and debris flows were initiated by shallow landslides, or storm runoff remains unknown, and could alter how post-fire hazard or evacuation warnings are issued. In this study, we employ geospatial analysis to identify areas affected by the fire and correlate these with the origins of the debris flows and flooding. Additionally, we use meteorological data and historical records of similar incidents over the past century, to identify thresholds for flooding initiation both before and after fires. By focusing on this topic, we hope to shed light on the long-term consequences of fires on communities and initiate a dialogue about the ongoing risks they face.

Recent research shows the lux operon utilized with in-vivo bioluminescence imaging to detect infectious diseases in animal models. Modifications to this operon led to the development of enhanced bioluminescence in Escherichia coli cells. However, expression of this operon has not been optimized for expression in other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aims to optimize the lux reporter gene expression for Staphylococcus aureus, so luminescence is bright enough to register without specialized equipment. To date, the research has explored Gibson Assembly for cloning the gene sequences into a shuttle vector and efforts to modulate gene expression to reduce toxicity in E. coli.

Overdose deaths in the United States have rapidly increased in the past few years accounting for over 107,000 deaths in 2022 with more than half being attributed to the co-usage of opioids and stimulants. Despite the prevalence of polysubstance use, research has predominantly focused on single substance use, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding its neurological effects. Addiction-associated behaviors such as drug-seeking, drug-taking, and relapse vulnerability has been attributed dysregulation of the striatum. We recently found that polysubstance exposure to methamphetamine and fentanyl leads to behavioral differences in methamphetamine-seeking but not fentanyl-seeking relative to single-substance rats, suggesting that polysubstance use causes distinct changes in striatal circuitry. Our overarching objective is to determine to what extent pursuit of methamphetamine and fentanyl involves shared neural pathways. How do distinct striatal neuron subpopulations responsive to either methamphetamine or fentanyl regulate drug-seeking in animals exposed to both substances? To investigate this, rats are placed into self-administration boxes and undergo two phases of daily intermittent access drug self-administration. In the first phase of self-administration, lasting 10 days, a novel targeted recombination in active population (TRAP) technology and recombinant viral vector is used to target inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to striatal cells that are activated during fentanyl- or methamphetamine-seeking. For the second phase of the experiment, lasting 28 days, rats are then divided into groups for either self-administration of methamphetamine, fentanyl or a polysubstance model. Using chemogenetic manipulations in polysubstance rats, we will test the hypothesis that inhibition of the striatal neuron subpopulations active during fentanyl-seeking will decrease methamphetamine-seeking whereas inhibition of methamphetamine activated neurons will have no impact on fentanyl-seeking. These experiments will provide important insights and lay the groundwork for future studies into how striatal circuits regulate behavior during single and polysubstance use of opioids and stimulants.

During embryonic development, gene expression is temporally and spatially coordinated to control organogenesis and fetal growth. We previously identified a subset of 140 genes that conferred lethal and sub-viable phenotypes in mice and are likely to be haploinsufficient in humans. These genes presumptively play essential roles in fetal development, but their function is unknown. I aim to uncover the role of these genes in mouse embryonic development using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Analysis (WGCNA). Co-expression analysis will be conducted on mouse embryonic stem cell RNA sequencing data obtained at three different stages of in vitro differentiation and across two different genetic backgrounds, creating a subset of nine samples encompassing 12555 genes. Choosing three different time points allows us to see how expression of our genes of interest changes over time, and choosing two different genotypes (wild type and knock-in) allows us to investigate if expression changes due to a single point mutation. We performed dynamic clustering on this RNA sequencing data to identify co-expressed gene clusters. I will map these gene clusters to biological pathways to make inferences about which cellular processes, metabolic functions, or structural components the genes of interest are involved in. This may indicate the role of these genes in fetal development and help reveal why fetal viability is compromised. In future studies, the functional characterization of these genes will generate new ideas and hypotheses about the basis of genetic disease.

Cyberbullying is repeated, intentional harm inflicted through digital platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and online forums. Most researchers focus on cyberbullying in adolescence, but it continues into adulthood. Young adults (ages 18–25) undergo major life changes and use social media frequently, which increases their risk of experiencing cyberbullying. LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender and non-binary people, face higher rates of online harassment. Cyberbullying can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. While existing research focuses on cyberbullying among LGBTQ+ individuals as a broad group, few studies examine its specific impact on transgender and non-binary people. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate cyberbullying in transgender and/or non-binary emerging adults. A survey of transgender and/or non-binary participants aged 18–25 will be conducted using a modified Cyberbullying Victimization Scale to measure three types of victimization: Verbal/Written, Visual/Sexual, Social Exclusion/In-Person Bullying. Participants will report experiences in public online spaces and private online spaces. The study will collect demographic data such as gender identity, racial or ethnic background, level of outness, and social media usage to examine correlations between these factors and cyberbullying experiences. By integrating statistical trends and personal narratives, this research will provide a deeper understanding of cyberbullying in transgender and non-binary communities. The findings will inform social media policies, platform safety measures, and mental health support efforts for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating online harassment.

Cervical traumatic spinal cord injury (TCSCI) is a devastating condition that leads to tetraplegia, severely impairing essential life functions and independence. Individuals with cervical TCSCI struggle with hand function, reaching, eating, grasping, and writing, significantly reducing their quality of life. In the U.S., cervical SCI is the most common type of spinal injury, affecting over 300,000 individuals, with approximately 17,900 new cases annually. The long-term disability resulting from TCSCI often necessitates continuous medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies to enhance functional recovery. Our preclinical study evaluates upper extremity dysfunction in rats following cervical TCSCI using behavioral assessments, specifically the Forelimb Reaching Task (FRT) and the Irvine, Beatties, and Bresnahan (IBB) test. These tests provide valuable insights into motor impairments and recovery over time. FRT assesses shoulder movement and fine motor control by placing the rat in a transparent box with side slits, allowing it to extend its forelimb to grasp a chocolate pellet. The grasping behavior is scored on a standardized scale. This test primarily evaluates digit precision and reaching ability. IBB provides a broader analysis of forelimb function, including both proximal and distal limb recovery. In this test, the rat is placed in a cylinder with food, and its grasping and eating behavior are recorded. Forelimb function is later evaluated based on elbow position, paw support, forepaw placement, and digit movements. By comparing these tests, we aim to determine their efficacy in assessing functional deficits and recovery post-SCI. This analysis is critical for refining behavioral assessments and guiding the development of new therapies to enhance motor recovery and improve the quality of life for individuals with cervical SCI.

My research is focused on the question of "Why do first-generation Indian Sikh immigrants return back to their origin country?" I am researching about why some migrants return and others do not, specifically the factors that influence the decision-making. My initial research showcased economic motivations being parallel to initial migration as well as return to one's origin country, along with the the influences of the labor market. I hypothesize that return migration in India is driven by the same realities that drive emigration, namely opportunities to develop economically. I conducted qualitative interviews with Indian Sikh immigrants, both those who had returned back to India along with those currently living in a destination country. The subjects were identified through established social personal networks and participants were screened through questions about their migration journey and if they identified as Sikhs. My project is still in progress, however I have completed more than half of my intended goal for qualitative interviews. My preliminary findings suggest that the primary reasons for migration out of an origin country and returning back relates to economic motivations. However social factors, such as conflicts within the origin country and discrimination in the destination country also impact the decision-making processes and intentions of return. The findings of this research are impactful within migration studies, especially as return migration is a relatively new field that is constantly developing. The case study of Sikh Indian Immigrants has not been researched extensively in the past, showcasing why identifying the various factors influencing motivations and intentions is crucial when understanding the patterns of migration. 

Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectroscopy (DART+ MS) is a chemical identification tool that uses a superheated gas stream to ionize chemical samples, producing a distinct chemical signal that can be used to identify the composition of an unknown sample. DART+ MS is used reliably in fields like forensics, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and more recently, environmental protection. At the Wasser Research Lab, at the Center for Environmental Forensic Science, we work to protect endangered species such as African Elephants. Using Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectroscopy, we seek to find if elephant ivory from different regions in Africa has distinct chemical signatures, allowing us to geolocalize ivory samples based on their DART+ MS signatures. Current methods of elephant geolocation include genetic testing, but results can often be ambiguous; By using this completely different, complementary approach, we could improve our estimates of these inconclusive tests. If there is a chemical difference in the ivory of Elephants from the Savannah and Forest regions of Africa, then we can trace the origins of ivory obtained from illegal seizures, aiding in the conservation efforts of African elephants. Chemical distinctions aside, we also hope to answer questions about the effects of certain chemical preservatives on ivory samples and whether the DART+ MS signal varies along the length of the cut of the tusk, establishing best practices for sampling. Ultimately, our goal is to determine if DART+ MS proves to be a reliable and quick method of identifying elephant ivory for conservation efforts. By bridging cutting-edge technology with conservation science, we hope this research will make a significant impact on efforts to combat the illegal ivory trade and wildlife crime. 

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most significant year-to-year climate variation, affecting weather and climate systems worldwide. However, current prediction models, both dynamic and statistical, struggle with accuracy due to the complex mechanism of ENSO. This study introduces a regional temperature and salinity prediction method using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning model, which is well-suited for identifying long-term patterns in sequential data. The model is applied to three specific regions using in-situ data from Argo floats: the central-eastern Pacific, the central tropical Pacific Niño 3.4 region, and the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP). These regions are chosen because they play key roles in ENSO dynamics. Results show that the LSTM model performs best in the WPWP, where the average mean squared error (MSE) is low (0.03), indicating high accuracy and stability. This is likely due to lower noise in the original data. In contrast, the model performs poorly in the central-eastern Pacific, where the average MSE is much higher (7.03), suggesting instability due to high noise in original data. These findings highlight the potential of deep learning for regional climate predictions and suggest that LSTM models could improve local weather forecasting and fisheries management.

Nanoparticles are drug delivery carriers on the nanometer-length scale, and are promising targeted drug delivery solutions due to their small size and tailorability. However, current materials used to produce nanoparticles are synthetic and typically lead to large amounts of chemical waste and high costs. To explore more sustainable technologies, the Nance and Roumeli labs established a novel bacterial cellulose nanoparticle (BCNP) platform. BCNPs are formulated with a bacteria that produces cellulose and no byproducts when cultured, allowing for less reagents required and non-toxic biodegradable wastes. To be comparable to synthetic nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform, BCNPs must load and release drugs and be biocompatible with mammalian cells. In this project, I explored the tunability of BCNPs through size modification, performed cytotoxicity studies on a microglial cell line, and carried out drug loading studies. I found that higher mixing speeds during BC culturing led to a smaller BCNP size and variable particle concentration. Through cytotoxicity analysis in cell culture, I showed BCNPs were not toxic. Ongoing studies are assessing BCNP cytotoxicity as a function of BCNP dose. To demonstrate drug loading, I am incorporating catalase, an enzyme with the ability to mitigate oxidative stress markers, into BCNPs to analyze their efficacy in an in vitro model of oxidative injury. These results show BCNPs have the potential to become a sustainable nanomedicine platform and provide an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of synthetic nanoparticles.

Discrimination is a long-studied aspect of the minority social experience. For minoritized individuals, it influences mental and physical health, access to resources, economic opportunities, and the internal process of creating and understanding identity. Government anti-discrimination laws provide protections and pathways for minorities to seek justice when they face discrimination. However, current literature critiques the effectiveness of anti-discrimination laws because the burden to prosecute is on the marginalized person, who is more likely to face barriers in doing so. Since anti-discrimination laws are not fully protective, minoritized individuals turn to their community for support. The availability of a supportive community is a vital part of collectively fighting discrimination and providing marginalized groups with resources. This study addresses the influence anti-discrimination laws have on transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals in their community engagement. I will compare the impact of anti-discrimination laws in Washington and Idaho on TNB adults’ engagement in their community, measuring the type, frequency, and knowledge of local community events. I will conduct a survey of TNB adults in Washington and Idaho asking about knowledge of state and local anti-discrimination laws. I will combine this with data from the Movement Advancement Project which provides state-by-state anti-discrimination law documentation. I predict that the influence of anti-discrimination laws on varying types of TNB community involvement will depend on the state context. In Washington, with well-rounded protections, there will be a decrease in political advocacy and an increase in community-focused activities. In contrast, in Idaho, with limited protections, I predict an increase in political advocacy and a decrease in community-focused activities. Understanding the influence of anti-discrimination laws on community engagement and how TNB individuals seek support will illuminate potential flaws in anti-discrimination policy, improve policy, and insight into how to better support TNB individuals broadly.

Most eukaryotes use histones to package the genome. However, many animals package their sperm genomes using specialized DNA-binding proteins called protamines, which package DNA in sperm more tightly to fit inside the sperm head. Based on the transcriptional silencing role of protamines, we hypothesize that protamines can suppress meiotic drivers, which kill other sperm to bias their own transmission. Previously, we discovered that one protamine gene, Mst77F, is required to suppress meiotic drivers on the Y-chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster. Since drive is generally deleterious for transmitting autosomal alleles due to lower male fertility, theories predict that multiple drive suppressors will arise within populations; Mst77F may represent just one such suppressor. We hypothesized that natural variants in distinct genetic loci interact with as well as impact meiotic drive in Drosophila melanogaster. To identify these natural variants, I crossed wild-type flies to Mst77F knockout flies to generate hemizygous Mst77F flies carrying genetic backgrounds from four different populations. I measured the fertility and drive strength by crossing individual hemizygous males from each genetic background to five wild-type females. Using a genetic crossing scheme, I will test for variation in X-linked targets and Y-linked drive in 5 additional populations. This will reveal insights into the mechanism of Y-linked drive and the basis of X-chromosome susceptibility to drive. My study contributes to a better understanding of the pervasive effects of meiotic drive in natural populations and the unexpected function of protamines.

Even among the most progressive liberation groups, hierarchies persist. Since transgender identities were long seen as the "more sexually deviant" margin of gay collective identity, sociological transgender studies are relatively new compared to research on gay identities and cultures which had already reached maturity. This results in a disparity in cultural recognition, public image, and scholarly knowledge between LGB and TQ+ communities. Additionally, research on sexualities and gender identities typically runs parallel in past scholarly work, instead of showing the intersections of sexuality and transness. While there's a significant discourse around trans lesbian women in lesbian communities, trans gay men among gay communities remain neglected. The invisibility experienced by gay trans men could offer us a new perspective on understanding the more subtle, underlying tension within queer communities. Trans gay men's experiences of going through gender transition significantly influence how well they can fit into gay spaces, which are primarily populated by cis gay men. My project focuses on the experiences of trans men engaging in predominantly cis gay men's spaces, such as gay bars and social clubs. The study specifically asks: How does the transition status of trans men who identify as same gender loving affect their inclusion among gay spaces and communities? To address this question, I employ a qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews of 7 participants who are adult same gender loving trans men, out for more than 1 year, and have experience engaging in gay communities and spaces. The results indicate that although blatant transphobia is rare in most gay spaces, it's common for cis gay men to draw an invisible line between trans men and themselves. Alienation and microaggression from cis gay men toward trans men happen often in both public spaces and interpersonal romantic relationships.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly colonizes cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs, causing persistent infections even under novel CFTR modulator therapies such as elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI). While antibiotic resistance and patient-specific factors partly explain this persistence, bacterial adaptation to post-ETI conditions likely plays a critical role. Previous findings of functional shifts in bacterial variants point to underlying genotypic changes, yet the genomic basis for P. aeruginosa’s persistence remains insufficiently defined. This work aims to identify the genetic adaptations enabling P. aeruginosa to persist in CF lungs despite the improved airway environment afforded by ETI. We developed a method combining temporal allele frequency shifts and cross-patient recurrence to identify selection. My preliminary analysis revealed algG, a gene involved in alginate biosynthesis, as a promising candidate showing multiple signatures of positive selection. First, algG mutations increased in frequency across two-thirds of sampled individuals. Second, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the parallel evolution of algG mutations within individual hosts. Third, statistical testing showed significant enrichment for non-synonymous mutations in algG, indicating protein-altering changes are favored. I am extending this work by developing null models to quantify the significance of observed parallel evolution both within and between hosts, and using protein structural prediction to evaluate the functional impact of identified mutations. This research provides novel insights into bacterial adaptation mechanisms during CF treatment and may guide the development of more effective therapies targeting P. aeruginosa persistence. The findings will enhance our understanding of pathogen evolution within human hosts and have implications for improving treatment outcomes for CF patients. 

Landslides are one of the main agents of erosion in wet and mountainous regions and can have a long-lasting impact on the landscape. In the Puget Lowland of Washington, landslides are prevalent, especially along steep coastal bluffs. Despite their common occurrence, their triggers are often unknown. In particular, their connection to strong shaking from seismically active faults versus precipitation events is an outstanding problem. The Southern Whidbey Island Fault (SWIF) stretches from Victoria B.C. across Puget Sound into the mainland near Woodinville. The SWIF has produced at least four earthquakes since the last ice age, with the most recent occurring less than 2,700 years ago, evidencing its capability of generating an earthquake up to M7.5. This work quantifies the area, extent, landslide type, roughness of the surface (as a proxy for age), and location distribution of landslides along the coastal bluffs of Whidbey Island. Our ultimate goal is to understand possible links between the landslide inventories in the coastal Whidbey Island area and the activity of the SWIF. Using high-resolution LIDAR elevation data (3 m) we perform a series of topographic analyses using GIS and Python tools to establish a landslide chronology. We use the Ledgewood-Bonair Landslide triggered by a rainstorm in 2013, as a spatial and temporal reference to calibrate our analysis. Our results will shed light on the dynamics of coastal landslides, the feedback between landslide preservation, wave and tidal erosion, and hillslope processes. This study advances our knowledge of cascading hazards from the SWIF and informs risk assessment for the region.

Optimizing cell culture methods for marine invertebrates has proven to be challenging, with only a few immortal cell lines available compared to the thousands that exist for vertebrates. Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial tunicate, is native to the Mediterranean Sea and found within marinas along U.S. coasts and other temperate locations worldwide. In addition to being a sister taxa to vertebrates, B. schlosseri undergoes whole-body regeneration regularly, making it a suitable candidate for cell culture development.The Gardell lab investigates the effects of media formulation on epithelial cell proliferation and longevity. Previously, our lab established a media formulation made of DMEM, FBS, Pen Strep, Gentamicin, Amphotericin B, and Sea Salt as resources for cell growth. Wild colonies of B. schlosseri were collected from local marinas followed by microdissection of their zooid and buds for seeding in vitro. Results from utilizing this formulation showed consistently low cell growth; ranging from an average of ~10 to ~50 cells per seeded tissue within a 5 day period. To promote cell proliferation, we explored modifying the media formulation using various ratios of complete media to seawater with similar total osmolality. By diluting the media with seawater, this simulates a similar environment that B. schlosseri regularly reproduces and replicates in. The results indicated that dilutions of 75% Media with 25% Seawater, and 50% Media with 50% Seawater yielded the most consistent growth and highest cell production within a 5 day period. Given this outcome, continued replication of cell culture with this media formulation is required to ensure consistency of results across B. schlosseri genotypes.  Once medium conditions are optimized I will determine a total estimated cell count, which is necessary to perform a time course experiment that aims to characterize the gene and protein regulation of cells in vitro.

Technology is an integral part of modern life, extending into elementary classrooms where one-to-one device programs have become the norm. While technology can increase accessibility to education, its widespread integration in early learning environments raises concerns about its long-term impact on students and teachers. This research critically examines the role of gamified learning applications in elementary education, questioning whether they enhance or hinder cognitive development, attention span, and problem-solving skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, I conducted surveys and interviews with educators and students in Seattle Public Schools to assess the effects of technology-driven instruction. Preliminary findings suggest that while applications like Khan Academy focus on educational enrichment, others, such as Prodigy, prioritize engagement through addictive, game-like mechanics. This distinction highlights a growing concern: when profit-driven applications shape learning experiences, students may develop a dependence on digital stimuli. Additionally, teachers face challenges balancing digital instruction with traditional instructional methods. This study contributes to ongoing discussions about the ethics and effectiveness of digital learning tools, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that preserves curiosity, critical thinking, and human connection in education.

Submarine channels represent the offshore continuation of onshore rivers. The shape of submarine channels captures valuable information about changes on the seafloor caused by fault movement during earthquakes. Many submarine channel systems are observed at the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast of Washington and Oregon. The Cascadia subduction zone is a tectonically dynamic system that exhibits many faults which appear to interact with these channels. These interactions are analyzed by quantifying the shape, or morphology, of the Astoria submarine channel, the offshore continuation of the Columbia River. We quantify channel morphology in ArcGIS Pro and Python in order to answer the hypotheses that 1) channels incise deeper where they cross active faults and 2) channel width is not affected by faulting. Some of these measurements include channel width, depth, width-depth ratios, bank slope, bank angle, cross swath profiles, and longitudinal profile analysis. This will offer insight into the behavior and evolution of faulting at the Cascadia subduction zone and how this affects people living along the Pacific Northwest coast who are at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.

Public discourse on prison labor often centers on its ethical implications, yet little research has been conducted on its impact on local labor markets. The Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP), a federal initiative that allows private companies to employ incarcerated individuals at prevailing industry wages, offers a unique opportunity to assess these impacts. Currently, there are 45 correctional facilities which use the program, and they partner with 222 businesses. This empirical study examines how participation in PIECP influences local labor markets by analyzing changes in wages across sectors and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to inform public policy discussions on the role of prison labor in the U.S. economy. Using a difference-in-differences research design, I compare regions where prisons implement PIECP employment with those where certified facilities do not engage in the program. Data from the National Correctional Industries Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics will be used to quantify these effects. This research aims to provide insights into how prison labor through this program affects local labor markets.

In the Puget Sound region, some lowland lake ecosystems have been contaminated with metals from the former ASARCO copper smelter located in Ruston, WA. Arsenic, a toxic metalloid, has accumulated in various parts of lake environments from this contamination. Chinese Mystery Snails (CMS) are a ubiquitous freshwater snail species that feed on periphyton, an environmental compartment found to hyperaccumulate arsenic (Hull et al., 2023). This feeding could be a key entry point of arsenic into our food chain. Our research has utilized CMS to test the hypothesis that trophic transfer of arsenic occurs through consuming periphyton and their gut microbiome is altered as a result. To test this hypothesis, our lab conducted a feeding-based arsenic exposure with lab acclimated reference lake CMS. These CMS were either fed algae wafers (control) or periphyton obtained from a high arsenic concentration lake. Trophic transfer of arsenic and gut microbiome alterations were not observed in the food-based arsenic exposure. This led us to hypothesize that waterborne arsenic exposure is an important route for bioaccumulation in CMS, with arsenic concentration correlating to gut microbiome changes. To test this, we conducted a comparative waterborne experiment, exposing CMS to arsenic concentrations of 0, 20ppb and 200ppb. At the end of the exposure, 16S amplicon sequencing was performed on CMS gut contents to assess how the varying arsenic concentrations affect microbiome composition. Whole-body arsenic quantification was conducted using ICP-MS to determine the degree of arsenic bioaccumulation that occurs at different concentrations. 

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological and pathological state that causes major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions with an estimated global rate between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals every year. Many therapeutic strategies have been proposed to overcome neurodegenerative events and reduce secondary neuronal damage. Available treatments are limited and only provide supportive relief to patients with lifetime disability. The severity of impairment is related to the function of the remaining viable neural resources since the central neurons cannot yet be repaired or replaced, only reorganized.   Use-dependent movement therapies have been proven to increase neuronal plasticity. In addition, electrical stimulation can directly induce neuronal plasticity, enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Using a well-known rat model of Acute Spinal Cord Injury (ASCI) available in our laboratory, we hypothesized that targeted, activity-dependent spinal stimulation (TADSS) with physical retraining enhances motor recovery after SCI by facilitating and directing intrinsic synaptic plasticity in specific spared motor circuits below SCI. Long-Evans rats will undergo training and testing for pellet reaching four-legged assessment test, and CatWalkXL test for 4 weeks followed by a moderate to severe unilateral dorsal spinal contusion at the C4/C5 border ipsilateral to the dominant forelimb, resulting in a marked and persistent inability to extend the elbow, wrist, and digits for injured group. Following injury, a neurochip is implanted which delivers closed-loop electrical stimulation below the lesion point throughout the weekdays of training (for 6-8 hours per day). All groups will resume training for another 40 weeks and data will be collected and analyzed. Based on our initial data, we expect to prove that electrical stimulation combined with physical training improves the functional recovery of limb use after acute unilateral spinal cord injury.  

This study investigates the physical mechanisms driving spatiotemporal variability of

barrier layers in the Western Tropical Pacific (WTP) along 149°E, with a specific focus on the

La Niña phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Barrier layers, which separate the

surface mixed layer from the thermocline, regulate ocean-atmosphere interactions and influence

climate dynamics. This research assesses the relative contributions of freshwater input from

precipitation, and wind stress on barrier layer formation and thickness. Data were collected

during a research cruise in January 2025 aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson from an

Underway Conductivity Temperature and Density (UCTD) sensor for temperature profiles, and

public-source meteorological data for atmospheric conditions (ERA5). Seven stations, spaced

two degrees apart in latitude, were sampled along a transect from 4°N to 15°N. Each station

provided data to analyze barrier layer thickness, with spatiotemporal variability determined by

comparing different formation mechanisms across stations. Spearman Correlation analyses were

used to determine dominant factors influencing barrier layer thickness and variability. We found

that barrier layer thickness in the WTP shows a general positive but statistically insignificant

relationship with freshwater (ρ 0.32 and p-value 0.48), and a general negative but statistically

insignificant relationship with wind stress (ρ 0.18 and p-value 0.70). During La Niña conditions,

these effects are expected to drive variability, with thicker layers forming in regions of high

precipitation and weak wind stress. Increased freshwater input enhances stratification, while

strong wind stress likely promotes surface and subsurface mixing, leading to barrier layer

thinning. Understanding these dynamics has implications for improving ocean-atmospheric

interaction climate models in the tropical Pacific.

Understanding how blood flow can be influenced by the use of drag-reducing polymers (DRPs) is crucial for addressing secondary injury mechanisms in spinal cord injuries (SCI). SCI disrupts spinal blood flow due to increased intraspinal pressure, altered vascular topology and increased resistance, exacerbating hypoperfusion resulting in hypoxia additional cell death. Thus, mitigating the impact of these secondary mechanisms is critical for better outcomes. We hypothesize that DRPs may reduce vascular resistance by reducing turbulent flow in injured spinal cords; specifically, by reducing the effect of flow separation in larger vessels. The major experiments of this study are to (1) test multiple DRP concentrations to find optimal restoration of hemodynamics after injury and (2) to design 3D models of in-vivo vasculature structures based on ultrasound scans. We have currently tested 2 different DRP concentrations and determined an ideal injection volume in a non-injured rat to increase blood flow—we hope to further these experiments via an injury model and analyzing effects of DRP. Hemodynamic analyses will be conducted from contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) scans at baseline, post-DRP injection at 30, 60, 90 minutes where a microbubble bolus injection will be delivered. Specifically, we will examine arrival time delay (ATD) which represents relative vascular resistance and area under the curve (AUC) which represents total blood flow volume. Preliminary results showed improvement of flow attributed to the DRP injection (~ 15-20% decrease and increase in ATD and AUC respectively). I will also design 3D models of intraspinal vessels informed by imaging and bioinks to explore blood flow behavior in controlled in vitro settings. Combined, these studies will serve to understand how DRPs can be effective as mitigating secondary injury mechanisms of SCI and improve recovery