In the age of the internet, literature is consumed in unprecedented ways. Modern social movements often call upon those of the past through key quotes and references to influential literary works. Quotes can go viral, seen outside of their context by thousands of people and become associated with these movements or rediscovered by new communities. For instance, key figures in post-WWII literature such as author and civil rights activist James Baldwin have had their words re-immortalized within the context of contemporary movements such as Black Lives Matter. Baldwin’s era of literature was one of marked social change and evolution within the literary world that parallels our society today, making it significant to understand how quotes from this period can reappear and spread across social media. To analyze the reception of post-war literature on Twitter, we utilized a dataset of over 40 million tweets quoting or referencing James Baldwin, as well as similar datasets quoting four other influential authors of the time including David Foster Wallace and Kurt Vonnegut. We focused on the patterns of text reuse (i.e., the repetition of known quotes) in tweets from 2006-2023, examining key moments of reception and exploring the context of virality for key quotes. During this context-finding process, we also developed a novel method for conducting self-identified user demographic analysis. We implemented clustering algorithms on both tweets and user bios, supplemented the resulting clusters with manual merging processes, and experimented with various visualization strategies. Our results yielded clear quote usage patterns for certain demographic groups, demonstrating the efficacy of the novel demographic extraction method. These methods can be expanded for further demographic-focused social media research and help us understand how cultural movements evolve today.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, causing over a million deaths annually despite being a curable disease. A critical issue is treatment non-adherence, as many patients struggle to complete the required six-month regimen due to a lack of support and access to reliable medical guidance. Improving treatment adherence can significantly increase recovery rates and save lives. This project develops an AI-augmented chatbot powered by GPT-based models to assist Spanish-speaking TB patients. This is done by providing accurate medical guidance, fostering empathy, and enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers. Integrated into a Human-System Interaction (HSI) interface, the system employs three AI models: a two-step pipeline that classifies messages as informational or emotional to tailor responses appropriately, a few-shot model that generates responses based on examples from prior patient interactions, and a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) + few-shot model that retrieves relevant medical information from guidelines while maintaining conversational fluency. These models leverage the same underlying technology as ChatGPT, optimizing responses for accuracy, linguistic fluency, and empathy. As part of the research team, I contributed to model development and implementation, ensuring alignment with medical guidelines and human-centered design principles. The chatbot is currently undergoing external evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including healthcare professionals specializing in TB treatment and AI researchers. Evaluators interact with the chatbot using personas as TB patients, asking medical and support-related questions to assess response quality. They rate the system based on medical accuracy, linguistic fluency, empathy, and other key criteria relevant to patient-provider communication. Insights from this evaluation will guide future refinements, with the goal of improving AI-driven patient support systems in clinical settings.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by repetitive behavioral patterns and challenges with social interaction. Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common comorbidity of ASD, and individuals with the disorder tend to have a distinct gut microbial community composition and circulating metabolomes. Elevated levels of gut-derived metabolite 4-ethylphenolsulfate (4-EPS) are associated with ASD mouse models and children with ASD. Administration of 4-EPS to conventional mice induced atypical myelination and anxiety-like behaviors. 4-Ethylphenol (4-EP), its precursor, is produced by gut microbiota before host-mediated sulfation; however, its microbial biosynthetic pathway remains unknown. We propose a pathway involving stepwise conversion of plant-derived complex polysaccharides to 4-EP. My project aims to identify a gut microbial enzyme that completes the first step of this proposed pathway: a hydroxycinnamoyl esterase. After extensive literature review and biochemical study, candidate enzymes from resident gut microbes were identified and selected using bioinformatic tools. In vitro and in vivo experiments will be used to assess their activity towards model and dietary substrates. Remaining substrate and product concentrations will reveal species and strain specific enzymatic activity and substrate uptake. If the results are negative, this bioinformatics to experimental analysis pipeline will be repeated on new candidate enzymes. This work complements ongoing lab investigations to demonstrate the complete enzymatic pathway in a single species. Elucidating the microbial biosynthetic pathway of 4-EPS will contribute to detangling the gut’s role in ASD, regardless of if it is causal to the disorder or simply a biomarker. More importantly, studying the biochemistry and metabolism of gut microbiota supports the efforts to fill fundamental gaps in understanding the gut-brain axis. 

Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD) can result from a pathogenic variant in the PSEN2 gene, which encodes an integral membrane protein called Presenilin 2. This variant has been shown to result in a harmful change in the balance of amyloid-β types in neurons, which has been hypothesized to increase risk of dementia. The diverse capabilities of Presenilin give reason to hypothesize that there may be other effects of the variant protein that are connected to ADAD pathogenesis. Reduced spine density, a feature of ADAD pathology, may be caused by overactivity of synaptic pruning. This activity is mediated by resident innate immune cells in the brain called microglia. We sought to explore the effects of PSEN2 variants on microglia-neuronal interactions via the assessment of synaptic pruning in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived in vitro model. We differentiated CVIA2 isogenic and PSEN2 N141I variant hiPSCs into both microglia and neurons. Utilizing a coculture of both wild-type neurons and microglia with the PSEN2 N141I variant, we performed immunocytochemistry for synaptic proteins Synapsin 1 and PSD95a. We then imaged the microglia and neurons using confocal microscopy. We assessed differences in synaptic pruning by quantifying immunofluorescent signal of Synapsin in microglia. Specifically, we looked at the colocalization of synaptic protein expression with signal from microglia-specific protein Iba1. We hypothesized that the variant microglia would contain a significantly different amount of signal for Synapsin compared to that of a control sample of wild-type microglia and neurons, implying a change to synaptic pruning function. If altered microglial synaptic pruning activity is shown to play a role in ADAD pathogenesis, targeting microglia could become a possible therapeutic treatment for patients.

The Sensors, Energy, and Automation Lab (SEAL) aims to gamify undergraduate research by instituting a leaderboard, awarding points for tasks, assigning ranks for accomplishments and published papers, and framing research directions as Quests. Individuals receive a character sheet with a health bar, while groups compete against one another in Racetrack- a software for team challenges. Gamification in educational settings is well-studied: gamifying learning can boost students’ motivation, retention, and challenge appraisal. However, research indicates that the efficacy of gamification varies dramatically, particularly personality traits like extraversion, which correlate more positively with success in software with leaderboards. Significant gaps exist in gamification literature; existing research primarily studies gamification in classrooms, not workplaces or research environments. Further, the studies fail to incorporate modern approaches to psychology. The socio-psychological model suggests personalities and behaviors differ depending on the environment, meaning people may exhibit different personality traits in gamified environments. Moreover, gamer motivation, a personality test tailored to predicting player personality with strong correlations to the Big Five (psychological scale for key personality traits), has yet to be tested in gamification studies. By accounting for contemporary psychological theory, SEAL aims to rigorously test the hypothesis that gamification is an effective structure in lab organizations through multi-year longitudinal study on a scale never seen in gamification literature. SEAL’s large cohort and gamified structure offer a perfect platform to analyze the role of demographic and personality type in gamification outcomes. Our preliminary results explored collected qualitative and quantitative data on demographics, gamer motivation personality, and perceptions of the SEAL system by anonymously surveying 81 associates. Our longitudinal study contributes to the growing literature on gamification; a solution potentially improving productivity in research ecosystems.

Plasma, a fluid consisting of highly charged particles, is the single most abundant state of matter in the universe, yet our understanding of its properties remains incomplete. One common method of generating plasma is by inducing a large voltage difference between two charged electrodes in a low-pressure environment, referred to as direct current (DC) plasma. Understanding the relationship between plasma temperature and spectral line intensity as a function of external parameters, such as voltage, pressure, and position, is crucial to optimizing plasma-based processes. This study analyzes these dependencies systematically to help build a further understanding of the spatially dependent properties of DC plasmas. We extract electron temperature from spectroscopic measurements by analyzing line intensities assuming a Maxwell-Boltzmann electron energy distribution. The intensity of spectral lines is related to electron energy via the Boltzmann factor, allowing for temperature determination through a logarithmic plot of intensity ratios versus upper energy levels. By varying voltage and pressure, we identified trends in intensity and temperature, providing insights into plasma behavior. Our results suggest that higher discharge voltages correspond to an increase in electron temperatures, indicating a direct relationship between voltage and temperature. These results provide a greater understanding of plasma-based processes, paving a path toward greater efficiency in applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, surface treatment, and materials processing.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common debilitating psychiatric disorder, marked by a preoccupation with one's physical appearance and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This preoccupation is due to one's perceived flaws that are not noticeable to others, causing extreme distress and functional impairment. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown how aberration in visual processing is central to BDD. BDD participants often exhibit an unusual focus on high-detail image information (high spatial frequency processing) versus broad image information (low spatial frequency processing), leading to perceptual disturbances. Other research has shown hypoactivation of early cortices, such as V1 and V2, can be found in BDD participants compared to healthy controls when viewing low spatial frequency information. Hypoactivation in visual cortices extends across multiple stimulus categories, indicating a fundamental deficit in integrating low-spatial frequency information. This study aims to isolate and examine low-level visual processing using fMRI and visual mapping techniques to precisely localize the stage of the visual hierarchy where visual processing is altered in BDD. We aim to recruit n=30 participants (n=15 with BDD, n=15 healthy controls), all of whom will undergo clinical diagnostic interviews and behavioral assessments characterizing spatial frequency processing, ending with a spatial frequency processing task involving both low-level and high-level spatial frequency processing. We hypothesize that the results of our research will show that those with BDD will display reduced sensitivity to low spatial frequency stimuli in early visual cortices. If our hypothesis is confirmed, these findings will reveal potential new biomarkers of perceptual dysfunction in BDD, informing intervention efforts to address more fundamental perceptual deficits and identify potential risk markers for early detection of this disorder.

Circadian clocks have evolved as a powerful adaptation in response to daily environmental changes, allowing optimally timed sleep-wake cycles. The solar light-dark (LD) cycle is the dominant zeitgeber (time-giver) for entrainment (synchronization) of sleep and wake to external cues. While our lab has found that humans sleep less and later the days prior to the full moon phase where moonlight is available in the early night, moonlight was found to be an unreliable cue in determining lunar modulation of sleep for the light-polluted city population. Thus, my project investigates whether lunar cycling on activity patterns remains present without photic moonlight exposure using a diurnal non-human primate model: captive titi monkeys (Plecturocebus). The California National Primate Research Center collected titi monkey data (n=16) between 2022 to 2024 using AX3 from Axivity, a wearable data log that measures acceleration to monitor physical activity. I am using the statistical software R to derive activity onset and sleep onset/offset as phase markers of activity. Additionally, I am fitting different cosine models to a 30/15-day period, respectively lunar and semilunar, to analyze the periodic data for activity across the lunar month. We expect to see phase markers of activity oscillate with the monthly lunar phase, showing how the lunar cycle influences circadian rhythms in diurnal non-human primates, even in the absence of moonlight. This study may reveal a novel finding on lunar rhythms on activity patterns and could incur interest on how endogenous processes have adapted to the lunar cycle. Further molecular work could elucidate the neural mechanism behind lunar modulation of sleep and provide insights on improved treatment of dysregulated sleep.

The tongue base is a key structure in respiration and swallowing and morphological and functional adaptations to its volumetric changes are largely unknown. Thus, addressing this gap could enhance the understanding of breathing and swallowing disorders in the enlarged and reduced tongue base. Twelve Yucatan minipigs 8-to-9-month-old (half each sex) were analyzed. Six minipigs received a high-caloric chow pellet to reach a BMI>50 (enlargement group), while the others underwent surgical partial tongue base ablation (reduction group). Five weeks after surgery all minipigs were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) synchronized with respiratory cycle gating. Mid-sagittal cross-sectional areas of the velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways, and retroglossal space during inspiration and expiration were quantified using ITK-SNAP. The volumes were also calculated using segmentation techniques. These measurements were compared between the enlargement and reduction groups in the inspiratory and expiratory cross-sectional areas to determine differences. Extrapolating from one minipig from the enlarged group observed larger mid-sagittal cross-sectional areas of the interested regions compared to the reduction group. The enlarged minipig observed greater differences in range and larger averages and medians for each cross-sectional volume. The enlargement group also had slower inspiratory and expiratory rates than the reduced group. Observations from one minipig from the reduced group were observed to have smaller cross-sectional areas, medians, and averages for all interested regions. Additionally, the reduced minipig had more frequent respiratory rates. The current analysis of the sagittal views from the obese enlarged tongue base versus the reduced tongue base minipigs revealed larger volumes within the enlarged group. This pattern currently suggests enlarged tongue base minipigs with larger cross-sectional volumes, but less inspiratory and expiratory rates. However, the reduced tongue base minipigs are anticipated to have smaller cross-sectional volumes and more frequent respiratory rates compared to the enlarged group.

Presbyphonia, or "aging voice", is one of the most common voice concerns, with prevalence ranging from 19-40% in the older adult (60+) population. Common symptoms of presbyphonia are a strained, weak voice and reduced loudness, which causes communication difficulties that negatively affect mental and social wellbeing. A key factor contributing to presbyphonia is vocal fold atrophy, which is deterioration of the muscle and tissue in the vocal folds. This causes weakness and incomplete vocal fold closure during voice production. Treatment usually consists of voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or vocal fold injections to bulk up vocal fold volume from an otolaryngologist. Currently, the standard for viewing the vocal folds to assess post-treatment change in vocal function is via an endoscope. However, endoscopic examination of the vocal folds relies on perceptual assessment in two dimensions, restricting analysis of vocal fold volume. In this research project, I am using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the vocal folds in 3D, allowing for a complete analysis of volume in mm3. My goal is to use this novel method to provide new information on which treatments create the best outcomes for patients in terms of vocal fold volume and voice quality. Participants undergo a comprehensive voice assessment conducted by me and a mentor SLP, an initial MRI scan, and then complete one of two treatment pathways: either 4-6 weeks of voice therapy or vocal fold injections. After treatment, they return for another voice assessment and MRI to evaluate the effects. This research is ongoing, but I anticipate that both treatment groups will experience improvement in voice outcomes, consistent with the literature. However, it is unknown if vocal fold volume will increase in both treatment groups, as MRI has not been used to assess post-treatment outcomes in this patient population.  

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system is a promising target for substance use disorder, yet its role in long-term addiction regulation remains unclear. This project investigates how selective activation of the KOR/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway activates the enzyme peroxiredoxin VI (PRDX6), triggering the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and resulting in long-lasting KOR inactivation distinct from its canonical Gαi pathway. I investigate whether JWT-101, a repurposed ligand, acts as a long-term KOR antagonist by inducing JNK-mediated ROS production, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues. KOR-Cre mice were injected in the prefrontal cortex with oROS-Gr, a fluorescent tag that senses ROS concentrations, for selective expression in KOR-positive neurons. Using high-resolution two-photon microscopy, I monitored ROS levels in live brain slices after 2 weeks from these mice. Bath application of JWT-101 led to increased fluorescence, indicating elevated ROS production and thus, JNK activation. To confirm JNK path specificity, I applied MJ33, an inhibitor of PRDX6. Fluorescence was reduced following MJ33 treatment, indicating that JWT-101 acts in a KOR/JNK manner. These findings suggest that JWT-101 induces KOR inactivation through ROS-mediated signaling. This research provides insights into KOR/JNK signaling in substance use disorders, with implications for developing targeted therapies for recovery and relapse prevention.

Before a child says their first word, they begin to produce and practice sounds they hear. Early vocalizations play a crucial role in speech development and language acquisition. However, most research on infant vocalizations focuses on children in Western, industrialized societies. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on diverse linguistic environments, specifically examining emergent sounds in the Panãra community, an Indigenous group in the Brazilian Amazon with approximately 700 speakers. Ten infants aged 2-21 months wore recording devices that collected a recording of their language environment over a day. Alongside shared ethnographic observations, I manually annotated selected 30-second audio segments for a fine-grained analysis of child vocalizations. I am currently analyzing the frequency and types of child vocalizations (i.e. vocal play, canonical babbling, variegated babbling) in infants' speech, and I plan to explore how these vocalizations may differ across the age range studied. I predict that child vocalizations will become more complex with increasing age, following pre-speech vocal development stages broadly found across cultures. My findings will contribute to a broader understanding of how language learning varies across cultural settings, vocalization stages, and the role of the environment to language development. 

The stimulation of the genioglossus muscle may prevent upper airway collapse in breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thus, the present study was to analyze the 3D-changes of the tongue base by electric stimulation of genioglossal muscle in relation to volumetric alterations of the tongue base in minipigs. Twenty 8-to-9-month-old Yucatan minipigs were used. Of them, 8 were controls, and 12 were experimental. Each experimental same-sex sibling pair was randomly assigned: 1. Normal-weight having surgical tongue base volumetric reduction. 2. Enlargement having significant obesity, BMI>50. All minipigs received surgical implantation of eight 2mm ultrasonic crystals in a cubic-shaped array in the tongue base. The distance change between each crystal pair indicated dimensional deformations for lengths, widths, and thicknesses responding to the stimulation. Increased distances indicated elongations while decreased indicated shortenings. Stimulations to the left genioglossal muscle were ramping up in range of 10-40V to reach the maximal amplitudes (tetany). Stimulation of the genioglossus muscle in controls induced left lengthening, anterior thickening and overall widening along with posterior thinning and right shortening. In contrast, the reduction group showed thickening and widening with left lengthening and minor right shortening. Elongations in the reduction group were larger than those in the control group (p<0.05). The enlargement group showed decreased dorso-ventral lengths compared to those of the control and reduction groups (p<0.05), along with antero-posterior thickening and widening. Stimulation of the genioglossus muscle induces distinctive deformational patterns between the normal and volumetric-altered tongue bases. For instance, shortening in length in the enlarged tongue due to obesity may suggest retraction of the tongue base inducing narrowing of the oropharyngeal airway. These results may contribute to understanding kinematic adaptations in the respiratory dynamics in relation to the volumetric alterations of the tongue base, a current approach to treat moderate and severe OSA. 

Cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often result in impaired locomotion and forelimb mobility. Assessed with a forelimb locomotor scale (FLS), previous research demonstrated improved forelimb locomotion with task-specific physical therapy (PT) training following a unilateral 150 kdyne C6 SCI in a rat model. Improvement in locomotion was calculated using a recovery ratio, which measures the difference in FLS scores normalized to the animal’s baseline score. There was a significant improvement in the recovery ratio (3dpi-14wpi) for animals that underwent task-specific PT training (p ≤ 0.0014). The underlying molecular mechanisms behind this improvement are still unclear. A potential explanation for these functional changes is the task-specific PT-induced increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) targeted at the injury site. Task-specific PT stimulates neurons, microglia, and astrocytes to release BDNF, promoting neuron survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. These processes are crucial for mediating the effects of cervical SCI trauma. This study investigates whether BDNF expression in the spinal cord varies in rats that underwent task-specific PT training following cervical SCI. PT-trained rats are hypothesized to have increased BDNF within the spinal cord, especially proximal to the injury site, which would help mitigate SCI trauma and enhance forelimb locomotion and mobility. To this end, we performed immunohistochemistry staining and quantification of BDNF in the spinal cord and compared it across three groups: PT + SCI, SCI-only, and Sham. The expression levels of BDNF in neuronal cells, astrocytes, and microglia were then correlated with their FLS scores to determine if there was a positive correlation between BDNF expression and forelimb locomotion. This would indicate that BDNF supports synaptic plasticity and recovery from SCI-induced trauma.

Mycobacterium abscessus is a non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species that causes severe pulmonary infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients and those with preexisting lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Treating M. abscessus infections is challenging due to its intrinsic antibiotic tolerance and capacity to develop multidrug resistance. To identify novel molecules that can target this pathogen and enhance current treatments, we screened a library of FDA-approved drugs (n = 2,400). Our data shows that Netupitant, a drug commonly used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, exhibits potent antibacterial activity against a broad range of M. abscessus clinical isolates, including multidrug-resistant strains, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 4 to 16 µg/mL. Furthermore, in combination with amikacin, a standard treatment for M. abscessus infections, Netupitant demonstrated strong synergistic interactions, as confirmed by checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assays. These findings highlight Netupitant’s potential as a novel therapeutic option for M. abscessus, particularly in combination with existing antibiotics. Future studies exploring its mechanism of action and in vivo efficacy could further advance antibacterial drug discovery for difficult-to-treat NTM infections.

The aim of this study was to examine the respiratory 3D deformational changes in the tongue base with normal weight and obesity in a minipig model. This study included 6 same-sex sibling pairs (3 pairs each sex) of Yucatan minipigs 8-to-9 months old. Of each pair, one minipig was normal weight with a BMI<35 and the other was fed a special diet reaching a BMI>50 (obese,). While under sedation, eight 2mm ultrasonic piezoelectric crystals with an extended skin button attached to the back were surgically implanted at the base of the tongue in a cubic-shaped arrangement. These crystals represented dorsoventral lengths, anteroposterior widths, and thicknesses. The 3D deformational changes of the tongue base were recorded during respiration using a Sonometric system together with synchronized electromyography and airflow recordings to identify respiratory phases. The amplitudes and durations of each dimensional change within the crystal-defined region concerning inspiration were calculated for 5- consecutive respiratory cycles per minipig. The total respiratory cycle duration was 1.87±0.38s in the normal-weight group and 3.2±1.01s in the obese group (p<0.05).  Similarly, the durations of the inspiratory phase in the normal and obese groups were 0.62±0.36s and 1.19±0.77s respectively (p<0.05). Deformational changes in the normal-weighted group included dorsoventral lengthening, anteroposterior ventral widening with dorsal shortening, and thickening in all dimensions. In contrast, the obese group showed dorsal lengthening with ventral shortening, widening in all dimensions, and anterior thickening with posterior shortening. Overall, larger dynamics were observed in the normal-weighted group compared to the obese group (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that obesity affects tongue base respiratory kinematics, with longer respiratory cycles and decreased deformational changes mainly ventrally and posteriorly. These findings enhance understanding of obesity's impact on the oropharyngeal function, with implications for breathing disorders.

As Cannabis use is becoming more widespread there is growing concern regarding the respiratory exposures of employees working in indoor cannabis processing facilities. Employees in these occupational settings are frequently exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), other respiratory irritants, and allergic sensitizers. These exposures are linked to work related illness and disease, such as occupational asthma. Notably, a fatality, in 2022, in a Cannabis worker due to occupational asthma highlights the urgent need for improved exposure controls. Cannabis processing workers experience prolonged and frequent exposure via inhalation with little knowledge on the respiratory hazards of this work. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to reduce exposure to airborne hazards during automated joint filling. Automated joint filling is a common process in Cannabis production facilities, using mechanized equipment pre-ground material is dispensed into pre-rolled cones. This method is preferred in the field as it increases both consistency and efficiency. Over a ~2-hour sampling period across eight batches of pre-rolled joints, we conducted gravimetric sampling for inhalable PM using two inhalable aerosol samplers (IOMs) positioned at the workbench and in the breathing zone. VOC exposure was assessed using thermal desorption tubes and photoionization detectors (PIDs), while continuous respirable PM concentrations were measured using a Nanozen DustCount monitor. Testing air concentration for PM and VOCs with and without the LEV mechanism is being conducted to determine its effectiveness at reducing exposure. We hypothesize that this may be an effective solution, as the LEV has controlled these agents significantly in other similar workplace settings. As this field grows due to recent state by state legalization of Cannabis, these findings hold great impact for workplace safety regulation and solutions. Additional research should be gathered on long-term exposure effects and preventive mechanisms.

Sound is a vibration that is created by an oscillating object and travels in periodic waves of pressure through a medium. Sound waves are characterized by properties such as frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed. The purpose of my research was to measure the effects the lower temperature and air pressure present in the stratosphere have on the properties of sound. To conduct this research I custom-designed an Arduino based sensor with a barometer and thermometer that was then attached to a weather balloon. The sensor also had a buzzer that repeated a tone at constant intervals along with a microphone that measured the amplitude of sound across various frequencies as it was necessary to consider the impact that the high wind speeds present in the stratosphere would have on the measurements. As the air becomes colder and less dense it also becomes less elastic causing it to transfer energy less efficiently which in turn leads to a decrease in amplitude. Frequency, however, did not change as it is determined by the source of the sound and does not depend on the properties of the medium. Understanding how changes in the properties of the medium affect the properties of sound opens a path to using sound to illuminate the properties of the medium. Additionally, broadening our understanding of how various atmospheric conditions present on our own planet affect the properties of sound deepens our understanding of how the various atmospheric conditions present on other planets will impact the properties of sound.

The electron transfer energy and the voltage of solar cells can be changed by tuning the energy band gap of photovoltaic materials. In lead perovskites, this is mainly controlled by the particular halides around lead atoms, with the best materials often having mixed halide compositions. Iodide substitution and identification in lead chloride APOSS perovskites to generate mixed-halide perovskites for control of light absorption in solar cells is creatively proposed in this project. In my previous work, I investigated new methods of bromide substitution and found that highly controlled substitution was achieved by heating copper chloride APOSS perovskites, (APOSS)[Cu₄Cl₁₆ ], in the presence of more stable organic bromides as normal methods, which includes highly reactive liquid bromine or trimethylsilyl bromide. Based on this preliminary research, proper experimental procedure and aims are put forward in this project as follows: lead chloride APOSS perovskite is first synthesized according to the synthesis method of copper chloride perovskite, which has already been published. After that, the iodide substitution is performed by exposing (APOSS) [Pb₄Cl₁₆ ] to a solution of relatively stable organic iodide reagents like carbon tetraiodide or diiodoethane at different temperature and concentration. In order to get more understanding about the substitution process on atom level, NMR and Gas Chromatography are performed to identify where the substituted chlorine atoms go.

All mammals experience a slowdown of cardiac pacemaker rate with aging. The main mechanisms to explain that phenomenon are related to alterations in the ionic currents that underlie the diastolic depolarization phase of the action potential. We have previously reported that pacemaker cells from old mice have reduced L-type calcium currents. We further explore the mechanism underlying that reduction, testing cell hypertrophy and alteration in the scaffolding of L-type calcium channels as potential mechanisms. To test for cell hypertrophy, we combined immunostaining and high-resolution imaging to map the HCN4-positive pacemaker region of isolated upper heart explants from young and old mice. We compared cell length, width, and area between young and old cells. We also determined these morphological parameters in HCN4-positive enzymatically dissociated pacemaker cells. We found no significant difference in cell dimensions or area between ages, ruling out hypertrophy as a potential mechanism. We used mass spectrometry to identify expression changes in scaffolding proteins essential for calcium channel organization at the plasma membrane. Through this approach, we identified a large reduction of caveolin 3 as a possible mechanism. Caveolin is a protein essential to forming signaling microdomains between calcium channels and other proteins. Using western blotting, we confirmed a 50% reduction of caveolin 3 in isolated pacemaker tissues from old animals. Using proximity ligation assay and super-resolution microscopy, we showed altered recruitment of L-type calcium channels into caveolae. Our findings suggest that the age-associated decrease of L-type calcium current is caused by a reduced insertion of these channels in caveolae.

The heart's primary function is to pump blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body. The biomechanical principles of the heart are determined by specializations at the organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. Little is known about how these specializations have adapted to sustain high heart rates in animals with extreme biology, as is the case of the hummingbird, whose heart rate above 1000 bpm makes it the endotherm with the highest heart rate observed in nature. We hypothesize that the hummingbird heart has evolved several adaptations at all the abovementioned levels to i) generate fast firing rates, ii) optimize electrical-contraction coupling, and iii) sustain fast contraction-relaxation cycles. Using different histological and imaging approaches, we have started to characterize the architecture of the hummingbird’s heart for the first time in a research lab. To describe the overall dimensions and structure of the hummingbird heart, we generated CT scans and 3D reconstructions of iodine-labeled Calypte anna hummingbird hearts. To characterize the organization of the tissue, we present data using hematoxylin-eosin and lectin stainings in fixed paraffin-embedded slices of the hummingbird heart. Our preliminary results showed that hummingbird ventricles have a cell density of 110 cells per 5000 µm2, around 7-fold larger than mouse ventricles. Ventricular cells in the hummingbird are 8-fold smaller with a cross-sectional area of 41 ± 4 µm2. Hummingbird hearts also have a higher capillary density with 18.0 ± 0.6 capillaries per 2500 µm2. Our results provide a foundation for structural and functional characterization of the hummingbird heart at an organ, tissue, and cellular level while opening avenues for further investigation of extreme cardiac physiology.

Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots are a high-performing semiconductor material used in optoelectronic applications due to their tunable electronic properties and low toxicity compared to cadmium-based quantum dots. However, InP quantum dots are currently synthesized at or above 180°C because of the high energy input required for nucleation and growth of the covalent nanocrystals. This study explores the synthesis of small InP clusters at lower temperatures by investigating reaction conditions that can produce InP with reduced energy consumption. Using the precursors indium carboxylate and P(SiMe₃)₃ in a nonpolar solvent toluene, we systematically investigate the evolution of InP clusters at room temperature and 60°C via UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. The formation of atomically precise InP clusters was observed at room temperature after 23 days. To speed up the reaction, we investigate adding a polar aprotic solvent or amines to promote the formation of InP at low temperatures. Including 20% of N-Methylpyrrolidone in the solvent mixture with toluene allows InP to be formed in 2 hours. Amine additives interact with the indium cations to modulate their reactivity, therefore we investigate adding varying equivalents both to the pre-formed atomically precise cluster, and to the indium and phosphorous precursors in toluene. We found that adding up to 100 equivalents of benzylamine per cluster did not promote the growth of InP clusters. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how InP forms at low temperatures for scalable, environmentally friendly production.

Stiffness measures derived from MR Elastography have shown value in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring effectiveness of therapies for liver disease but it requires extra hardware, longer scan duration and is susceptible to motion and breathing artifacts. Recent studies have revealed a strong linear correlation between water diffusion and tissue stiffness, demonstrating that Diffusion Weighted MRI (DWI) can be used to estimate stiffness values in liver tissue. DWI-derived stiffness values may help evaluate treatment-induced changes in breast cancer but to our knowledge, this has not yet been tested. The purpose of my ongoing study is to calibrate DWI estimates of tissue stiffness for the breast by optimizing DWI parameters (diffusion weightings, or ‘b-values’) and  calibration coefficients (a, b), evaluating the potential of stiffness measures for monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. We collected baseline and early treatment MRI exams from 25 patients undergoing NAC in this IRB approved study along with their treatment outcomes based on pathologic response post completion of NAC. I evaluated  the stiffness values obtained from different b-value pairs (low b-values: 100/200; high b-values: 800,1500,2000 s/mm²) and calibration coefficients(a,b=-9.7,13.9:-10.8,17.5:-8.8,21.2) and compared it to the invasive breast cancer stiffness values reported in literature. I also evaluated the performance of the optimized parameters to predict treatment response. The optimal b-value pairing (b=200,1500s/mm²) and coefficients a=-9.7,b=13.9 produced stiffness values consistent with literature. Using this approach, the performance for predicting treatment outcomes between responder and non-responder groups was AUC=0.84. These preliminary findings suggest that DWI based virtual elastography could serve as a non-invasive tool to assess tumor stiffness and track treatment efficacy, potentially improving breast cancer management.

Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly critical concern for the treatment of bacterial infections, rendering new therapy options progressively more necessary. Gram positive bacteria are common infectious agents in skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and more. A novel antibiotic candidate, MRS-2541 has been demonstrated to inhibit Gram positive methionyl-tRNA synthetase and decrease bacterial loads of both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes in mouse thigh infections to the same degree as currently recommended therapy. This study aims to further characterize the activity of MRS-2541 against Gram positive bacteria including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus salivarius. I conducted this study by first determining the preliminary minimum inhibitory concentration of MRS-2541 in growth media against each of the aforementioned organisms. I then use these results to guide time kill assays that characterize MRS-2541’s synergy with another antibiotic often used to treat Gram positive infections outside of the United States. Preliminary results demonstrate that MRS-2541 inhibits the above-mentioned organisms. Synergy experiments with MRS-2541 and existing antibiotics will be performed and results will be presented at the symposium. These results will further define the spectrum of activity as well as synergy of MRS-2541, allowing new insight into its candidacy for clinical trials. As a novel antibiotic candidate, the development of MRS-2541 will help address the increase in antibiotic resistance among Gram positive bacterial infections.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients can still experience a recurrent stroke due to platelet-rich thrombi despite being on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and a P2Y12-inhibitor. One pattern these patients have was an elevated von Willebrand Factor level (VWF), a blood clotting protein that tethers platelets to the endothelium. VWF unfolds under shear, exposes its A1 domain to which surface receptor GPIb-IX-V of platelets can bind. DAPT targets platelet activation by inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthesis and blocking ADP binding to P2Y12, but it does not directly address shear-mediated activation of platelets via VWF. Even with DAPT, platelets can still bind to VWF via GPIb-IX-V under a high shear rate. To understand the interplay between elevated VWF levels, DAPT, and platelet thrombus formation under shear flow, we used a microfluidic device to analyze platelet-rich plugs for (1) platelet activation, (2) aggregation size, and (3) contractile versus drag forces to withstand embolization. Those characteristics are measured in a healthy platelet-plug control and a platelet-plug doped with 6-fold VWF level, both with and without DAPT. We found platelet-plugs with DAPT still maintain activation, and activation level becomes higher when DAPT is combined with elevated VWF level. Platelet-plugs with DAPT and/or elevated VWF have larger aggregate size than control, and aggregate size is highest when DAPT is combined with elevated VWF level. While contractile force dominates in control, it becomes similar to drag force with DAPT and/or elevated VWF. We suspect the large size, reduced contractile force and maintained activation of platelet-plugs with elevated VWF can make the plug prone to embolization caused by the drag force. This result can shed light on the limitations of DAPT when VWF level is elevated, and introduces the possibility of screening patients for high VWF to tailor antiplatelet therapies. 

The angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling pathway is central to regulating vascular stability, remodeling, and permeability. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) promotes pAKT activation and vascular stability and regeneration, whereas Ang2 antagonizes these effects, leading to leaky vasculature. Although Tie2’s association with α5β1 integrin has been implicated in mediating these divergent outcomes, the requirement of direct F-domain ligand binding for integrin recruitment remains unclear. Here, we report the development and mechanistic evaluation of a de novo designed Tie2 mini binder (Tmb) that selectively targets the Tie2 receptor without engaging α5β1 integrin. Using an AI-based protein design pipeline, we designed Tmb with high affinity (KD ≈ 0.65 nM) for Tie2, as confirmed by CryoEM analysis, which demonstrated that Tmb accurately recapitulates its designed structure. When conjugated to multivalent scaffolds, Tmb effectively clusters Tie2 receptors, recapitulating the signaling profile of native Ang1. Notably, high valency Tmb constructs (e.g., H8T) robustly activated pAKT and induced nuclear FOXO1 exclusion, mirroring the pro-survival and vascular stabilizing effects of Ang1, despite lacking the capacity to bind α5β1 integrin directly. Detailed cellular assays revealed that Tie2 clustering leads to the formation of two distinct complexes: a Tie2–α5β1 integrin complex that facilitates focal adhesion assembly and cell migration via pCAS recruitment, and a Tie2–tight junction complex (comprising ZO1, claudin-5, and occludin) that underpins vascular barrier integrity. Importantly, competitive binding studies demonstrated that integrin recruitment to the Tie2 complex does not require direct F-domain engagement. In human iPSC-derived diabetic blood vessel organoids, treatment with Tmb-based Tie2 agonists ameliorated diabetic vasculopathy phenotypes by reducing pathogenic collagen IV deposition, restoring tight junction organization, and lowering nuclear FOXO1 levels. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanistic interplay between Tie2, integrin, and junctional proteins, and underscore the therapeutic potential of synthetic Tie2 agonists in vascular repair and diabetic vasculopathy.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and characterized by progressive muscle wasting. Dystrophin protein is essential for the stabilization of muscle fibers; without it, continuous muscle damage eventually has devastating consequences in the skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory systems. While prior AAV-mediated editing strategies have been effective in targeting these mutations, there are significant immunological concerns from the uninterrupted expression of bacterial gene editing components. This project utilizes the mdx mouse model of DMD to address these concerns by developing methods to turn gene editing on and off using novel drug-responsive pA regulator vector constructs. I have been part of this project from the start, contributing to the assembly of the expression constructs using bacterial cultures and standard cloning techniques relying on restriction enzymes and high-fidelity cloning kits to piece together our editing constructs. Initial data was acquired from cell culture tests where I helped perform quantitative dual-luciferase reporter assay analyses. Subsequent in vivo experiments were performed by delivering adeno-associated viral vectors, carrying our constructs, into mdx mice via retro orbital injection. Activation of editing activity was achieved via three intraperitoneal injections of Tetracycline.  During analyses, I played a significant role in processing muscle tissues to extract proteins, DNA, and RNA for quantitative assays. Ultimately, our cell culture tests identified two lead pA regulator sequences exhibiting favorable activation levels at therapeutically relevant Tetracycline doses. Initial in vivo tests are promising, showing drug responsive editing and dystrophin expression in mice. We anticipate that our follow up tests will restore sufficient dystrophin expression and improve muscle function, without persistent editing activity. Overall, the outcomes of these studies could have significant implications for a multitude of genetic conditions amenable to genome editing and may help accelerate translation of effective methods towards clinical trials.

Eating disorders increase the risk of co-occurring mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Asian Americans are an underrepresented population in eating pathology research; they may be under or misdiagnosed and often do not seek services because interventions do not align with their culturally specific needs. The existing literature often neglects the impact of acculturation and acculturative stress on disease presentation and etiology. Acculturative stress arises from balancing the dominant culture's values with one's culture of origin, leading to psychological distress and disordered eating as a coping mechanism. Acculturation, the process of culture change, can increase the pressure to conform to Western thin beauty standards. People who ruminate may be particularly at risk for using disordered eating as a maladaptive coping mechanism against stress. Examining the critical roles of acculturation, bicultural stress, and rumination as unique and interactive determinants of eating pathology can lead to culturally relevant knowledge about its etiology and enhance utility and effectiveness of interventions. This study is aimed to examine acculturation orientations and bicultural stress as predictors of eating pathology symptoms, and rumination as a moderator. We hypothesize that higher levels of acculturative stress will be linked to greater eating pathology symptoms, over and above acculturation orientations. Rumination—particularly brooding—is expected to exacerbate the association between eating pathology symptoms and acculturative stress. Data are from the baseline measurement occasion of an existing longitudinal survey study that examined associations among mental health, personal and sociocultural risk and protective factors. Asian American undergraduate students (N=313; Mage=19.89; 72.5% U.S.-born; 55.6% female and 32.9% male) completed the baseline survey. With the anticipated support of the Mary Gates Scholarship, we will complete hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypotheses. Regression coefficients and effect sizes, model statistics, and p-values will be reported. 

The King County Brightwater Treatment Plant includes a marine outfall pipe anchored to the seafloor that discharges highly treated effluent from the Seattle metropolitan area into Puget Sound, Washington. Since 2009, as part of an eelgrass survey study, King County biologists have collected annual video footage of the outfall pipes from which they witnessed the abundance of organisms colonizing the pipe at all depths. Consequently, in 2012, King County biologists launched a ten-year project assessing the effectiveness of the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) outfall pipe at providing habitat for marine organisms and the composition of organisms it houses. Using a  remotely operated vehicle (ROV), they placed thirty plates of HDPE material adjacent to the outfall pipe at 100ft, 300ft and 600ft depths. Sets of replicate plates were then retrieved after 2, 5, and 10 years of deployment, at which time King County staff immediately took photos of each plate for analytical assessment. In this study, we analyzed the photos for percent live cover and composition of marine organisms inhabiting the pipe material, all across depths and time intervals. We hypothesized that the wastewater outfall pipe can function as a habitat; and the extent to which different organisms, their identifications and abundance, likely vary by depths due to the environmental conditions at different levels of depths. We found that percent live cover increased over time but did not vary across depths, and that certain phyla consistently dominated cover on the plates but dominant groups varied across depths. These findings allow experts in the field to consider using outfall pipes to provide additional habitats for marine organisms, and to assess communities of organisms at depths that are less accessible. 

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are threats to a number of species in marine environments. One hypothesis states that excess nutrients in water lead to accumulations of certain plankton species that produce toxins. This can explain some illnesses such as paralytic shellfish syndrome in humans who consume impacted shellfish. HABs can be identified directly, but given the delays involved in analyzing results, other indicators may be used to predict presence of HABs as well. Possession Sound is an inlet of the Puget Sound located between Whidbey Island and the coasts of Everett and Mukilteo, Washington, connecting to the Snohomish River, as well as Saratoga Passage and Port Susan to its North and the main Puget Sound basin to its South.  Since HABs can occur in freshwater and saltwater for different reasons, Possession Sound’s status as a salt-wedge estuary makes it notable as a study site. To investigate the nature of HABs in Possession Sound, I analyzed plankton density data, chlorophyll-a levels, and phosphorus concentration data I collected in 2024 as well as data collected by the Ocean Research College Academy from 2016-2024. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were measured with a YSI EXO Sonde. Phosphorus concentrations of water samples were collected using a Niskin bottle and measured by the University of Washington Marine Chemistry Lab. I analyzed the progression of each parameter temporally and spatially. I expect to see clear spikes in certain plankton species, especially dinoflagellates, that align with similar-timed chlorophyll-a and phosphorus spikes. However, I predict that trends will be the least prominent in phosphorus concentrations due to its greater prevalence in freshwater than in saltwater. Understanding which plankton species are most responsible for HABs and temporal alignment of potential drivers can allow for better prediction of HABs in Possession Sound.

Zostera marina (eelgrass) is one of the many important biological features of Possession Sound, acting as a substrate for many microorganisms, a filter of greenhouse gases, and as protection for many species. The Possession Sound has been marked as a Seagrass Sanctuary by the Department of Natural Resources, which protects and monitors nearshore eelgrasses within the basin. By looking at what kinds of species are found in a marine environment, researchers can assess an ecosystem's overall health. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a data capture technique used by researchers that picks up DNA traces left behind by organisms, and shows their presence/absence in a given area. The study site, Mount Baker Terminal, lies inside the Possession Sound basin near Everett, Washington, and contains a large eelgrass bed. I collected 10 samples using passive filters submerged at various depths inside and outside the eelgrass bed in 2024 and processed at a WDFW lab. I analyzed these data and 40 additional samples collected by the Ocean Research College Academy from 2021-2024 using similar methods. I hypothesized that there would be more species such as crustaceans, fish, and other plants inside the eelgrass because of its ability to protect and maintain a nutrient-dense environment. These data will help shed light on species richness in each environment, which has potential implications for understanding the overall health of the ecosystem and the critical role eelgrass plays in the estuary.

Possession Sound, located between the city of Everett and Whidbey Island, is a part of both a key economic area and a bustling marine environment. Because of the marine activity, scientists study all sorts of parameters involving the water including noise. Numerous studies have assessed ambient noise in marine environments to investigate the influence of tidal forces on ambient noise. These reports found that tidal noise or “flow noise” is observed around the 0-100Hz range with the most significant impacts observed centered around 25hz. The Ocean Research College Academy operates a SoundTrap ST400 STD hydrophone mounted to Mount Baker Terminal that takes recordings daily for most of the year. Mount Baker Terminal is a small marine terminal operated by the Port of Everett, located just north of the town of Mukilteo. Using data collected from the hydrophone, I took measurements of ambient noise in root mean square amplitude centered around the 25hz range and compared that to NOAA tidal data at Everett, Washington. Using these data I investigated the potential presence of a relationship between the tides and ambient noise. When the initial measurements of root mean square amplitude were compared to tidal data from the area the results showed that tides had no significant impact on the ambient noise at Mount Baker Terminal. Investigating the effects of tides on ambient noise can be crucial to future acoustic research done by researchers in the area as results could be affected by noise created or affected by tides. Future analysis should investigate the impacts of other natural contributors to the soundscape such as rain and wind.

The Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) have a long migration from their breeding grounds in Mexico to their feeding grounds in Alaska. A subgroup of the Eastern North Pacific stock, nicknamed the Sounders, deviate from the migratory path most gray whales follow to feed in the Salish Sea, typically between the months of March and May. Other studies show that gray whales feed on benthic organisms such as ghost shrimp. Studies conducted in the Arctic area of the gray whale migration route have seen sea ice playing an important role in the gray whales being able to enter the areas where they feed. One working hypothesis is that gray whale shifts in migration patterns are the direct result of climate change; this could explain why some of the Eastern North Pacific gray whales enter and feed in Possession Sound. I analyzed sightings data, shared by the Whale Museum and recorded in Possession Sound, WA from 2000-2022. These data, most of which were compiled by the Orca Network, were filtered to identify the number of visitations each month over the study period. Early analysis shows a phenological shift in the time of the gray whale's arrival and departure from Possession Sound. The shift shows an increase in the number of months gray whales are present in Possession Sound, from a March to May visit to a year-round presence. Although these results cannot explain the reason for the phenological shift, future research must look into related shifts in the Arctic ice formation as well as ambient air and water temperature shifts. Future research calculating density of ghost shrimp in Possession Sound will also indicate why this location is favored.

Ocean acidification is the reduction of pH in seawater due to increased carbon dioxide from fossil fuels in the atmosphere and other anthropogenic factors. Ocean acidification causes shellfish such as oysters to experience difficulty building their shells. Acidification trends in the North Pacific Basin are well documented, yet pH trends in Possession Sound, a salt-wedge estuary located in the Salish Sea is less documented. Possession Sound receives discharge from the Snohomish River and has human activity along the shoreline. In this study, the average change of pH in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean was measured and compared to the average change of pH in Possession Sound since 2016. I analyzed data collected from ARGOS Floats located in the central North Pacific Ocean. For Possession Sound, I used data collected from a  YSI EXO Sonde in partnership with the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA). I collected data on 12 research cruises in 2024. I expect to find a slightly greater decrease in pH within Possession Sound than the North Pacific Basin due to the additional anthropogenic factors present in the Sound. Preliminary analysis shows a slight seasonal change in pH in Possession Sound, but little to no change yearly. I expect the data to show a steady decrease in pH for Possession Sound and the North Pacific Ocean basin every year since 2016. Calculating acidification rates and learning how they differ in various geographical locations, with separate factors, will increase understanding of the impacts of ocean acidification, which may be used in conservation efforts. 

In mammals, the primary mechanism regulating circadian rhythms is the central circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The 24-hour light-dark (LD) cycle is the primary environmental cue, or zeitgeber, that entrains the SCN and sets its phase by adjusting its timing via phase advancing or delaying. Our laboratory has demonstrated that when mice are foraging outside of their safe nest, cyclic fearful stimuli can act as a nonphotic zeitgeber, entraining circadian rhythms and shifting activity from nocturnal to diurnal. However, the mechanisms of this so-called “fear entrainment” and phase-specific properties of cyclic fear remain unclear. This study examined whether cyclic fear via footshocks differentially entrains activity depending on the circadian phase of exposure. Mice were housed under a 12h:12h LD cycle and divided into three groups based on shock timing: the first six hours of the dark phase, the last six hours of the dark phase, and the middle of the light phase. Both dark phase groups showed delayed activity, with only the early dark phase group exhibiting evidence of entrainment. The mid-light phase group remained nocturnal. To further investigate the interaction between light and nonphotic entrainment, we conducted a follow-up experiment in which mice were placed under constant laboratory conditions (constant darkness) before undergoing cyclic footshock exposure. We hypothesized that, in the absence of light cues, the phase shifts induced by fear would differ from those observed under LD conditions, potentially revealing a distinct mode of nonphotic entrainment. Our findings so far suggest that entrainment to cyclic fear may only be achieved through delays, and that circadian oscillators may use different mechanisms of entrainment in response to photic vs. nonphotic zeitgebers.

In mammals, circadian rhythms are regulated by a hierarchy of oscillators governed by a central circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is principally entrained by the light-dark (LD) cycle. Recent experiments in our lab have revealed that cyclic 24-h fearful stimuli can act as a potent nonphotic zeitgeber, entraining circadian rhythms of behavior in mice and rats. This discovery utilized a naturalistic rodent cage with a safe nesting area separated from a foraging area where feeding and drinking occur. While foraging behaviors naturally occur at night, when the foraging area is rendered dangerous by nocturnal aversive stimuli (footshocks), animals entrain behaviors to the shock schedule by shifting activity to the daytime. Under conditions of fear-entrainment, SCN clock gene expression remains loyal to the LD cycle and the SCN is necessary but not sufficient for sustaining diurnal activity. Therefore, we propose the existence of extra-SCN fear-entrained oscillators capable of overriding SCN output and influencing behavioral timing. Here, we subjected 40 mice to either diurnal shocks (DS; control) or nocturnal shocks (NS) under a 12:12 LD cycle. Following confirmation of fear-entrainment, animals were released into constant conditions and sacrificed between 24-36h after the last presentation of footshocks, either CT 1 or CT13. Brains were dissected, sliced, prepared for immunohistochemistry processing, and c-FOS and PER2 protein quantification is currently underway in the SCN, basolateral amygdala, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and dentate gyrus. We hypothesize that c-FOSs and PER2 expression within the SCN will align with the LD cycle, while centers involved in fear processing and memory will exhibit altered levels of c-FOS and PER2 expression in response to time-specific fear. Results from this study may be useful for identifying putative brain regions containing fear-entrainable oscillator(s).

The small ubiquitin-like modifier protein, SUMO, regulates the activity of many cellular processes through covalent modification of proteins. These modified targets include the protein components of chromatin; histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Chemical modification of histones directly regulates gene expression, necessitating an understanding of the role of each type of modification. The identification and role of histone SUMOylation has been described for H4 in human cells; however, SUMOylation of H2B in human cells has been recently observed but not yet characterized. SUMO is shown to impose a predominantly repressive effect on many cellular processes and proteins that it targets. Therefore, I am working toward identifying the role of H2B SUMOylation to either add to this narrative or describe novel functions of SUMO. To accomplish this, I have purified wild-type histones and SUMO-histone fusions through bacterial expression followed by size-exclusion and affinity chromatography. The purification of several of these proteins has not been described yet; therefore, I designed the purification for these proteins using unique methods, like solubilizing tags, to obtain the product. I reconstituted the purified proteins into octamers, the protein complex that DNA wraps around, and purified the octamers away from other oligomeric forms of the histones via size-exclusion chromatography. I further reconstituted the octamers into mononucleosomes by condensing DNA around them to mimic SUMOylated nucleosomes in chromatin. I hope to then subject the mononucleosomes to in vitro biochemical assays to observe changes in the modifications that regulate other chromatin-associated proteins. A better understanding of the complex dynamics at play during gene expression and repression is needed to identify stronger, safer, and more sustainable therapeutics. Furthermore, SUMO is implicated in a wide array of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Therefore, the results of this study will increase our understanding of gene regulation and provide insight towards treating related diseases.

“In Africa, whenever an old man dies, a library burns down.” –Amadou Hampâté Bâ. Malian writer, historian, and ethnologist Amadou Hampâté Bâ’s quote underlines elders as keepers and purveyors of knowledge, culture, and wisdom. As “libraries” worth prioritizing and preserving, Black grandmothers’ stories and cultural inheritances (material possessions, cultural traditions, rituals, language, etc.) have been integral to the matriarchal traditions and culture characterizing people of African descent. Yet, at key periods, African Americans have experienced threats to our collective ability to document, preserve, and pass down our “libraries” because of a lack of financial resources and technological support. Black grandmothers experience multidimensional oppressions and rarely have a chance for self-representation. What are the ways black grandmothers experience erasure in the digital age, and within their communities through displacement? How are we responding? How can researchers mitigate, document, and disrupt their erasure? To conduct this work, we collect oral histories, document cultural inheritances, and create data visualizations to digitize their "libraries." We document, preserve, and amplify Black culture and history by sharing the lived experiences of Black grandmothers. The Black Grandmother Worldmaking Library is a collaborative, community-based model for gathering, archiving, and digitizing distinct aspects of our “libraries” beginning with the stories and cultural inheritances of Black grandmothers experiencing mass displacement in Seattle’s Central District and along the Gullah Geechee Corridor. The project offers a readily accessible digital resource for Black grandmothers to contribute to and control the stories we tell about their lives. The Black Grandmother Worldmaking Library aims to repair what we are taught about Black grandmothers, to reclaim their narratives and culture using firsthand accounts, and to preserve their legacies.

I am currently assisting PhD student Jessica Luo in her research of the Sanmen Wu sound system, a language of the Wu family found in Southeast China. As Jessica writes an article that summarizes the sound structure of Sanmen Wu, I analyze utterances produced by speakers of the language. In my self-guided research, I focus on the sound quality of the consonants and their variations to determine underlying pronunciation. I also connect these variations to historical sound changes from Middle Chinese, its ancestor, into Sanmen Wu. I observe that Sanmen Wu speakers tend to freely alter pronunciations of certain consonants. For example, a speaker may say 部 [pu] or [bu] meaning ‘part,’ the latter only appearing after another spoken word. These two syllables contrast only in voicing, where [p] is voiceless and [b] is voiced. I use Praat, an industry-standard speech-analysis program, to read diagrams that depict the acoustics of these consonants to verify my findings. I am also creating a set of rules that predicts this alternation. One of the conditions is as follows: words with alternating voicing in their consonants change when pronounced within a sentence (‘medially’). Eventually, I will explain these rules, and I predict my explanation is related to the evolution of Sanmen Wu into its current stage. I reason that because the Wu language family stems from Middle Chinese, both of which require contrastive voicing to create distinct words, Sanmen Wu also contains the original underlying variation that exists in Middle Chinese. As such, I attribute this variation to an inherent part of the language rather than random circumstance. Ultimately, I intend to foster a thorough understanding of Sanmen Wu phonology and provide a foundation for further exploration of this topic.

Social media algorithms shape how people consume information, but their potential influence on political attitudes remains uncertain. This research examines whether TikTok's "For You" page algorithm influences American users' political attitudes toward China by prioritizing positive narratives of China, including support for the People's Republic of China (PRC) policies and strategic objectives. While U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns that TikTok, owned by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, may subtly influence public opinion, it remains debated whether its algorithm actively shapes user perceptions. To investigate this, we randomly assigned 60 American TikTok users to three groups: a control group with randomized content exposure, a treatment group exposed to pro-China content, and another to anti-China content. Participants completed surveys before and after their TikTok usage to measure changes in trust, favorability, and perceptions of China's role in international orders. If the algorithm operates purely for engagement optimization, we expect a polarization effect, where participants shift in opposite directions based on their respective content exposure. However, if the algorithm is actively shaping narratives, a uniform shift toward pro-China sentiment across all groups may indicate external influence. Using ANOVA and Difference-in-Differences regression, this study evaluates whether TikTok's algorithm passively reflects user engagement patterns or actively shapes political attitudes. The findings contribute to discussions on social media influence, information manipulation, and digital platforms' role in shaping public opinion.

Capillary microfluidics capitalize on surface tension effects encoded in microchannel geometry and chemistry to transfer liquids without external instruments - making them a user-friendly technology for point-of-care tests. For most applications, hydrophilic surfaces (contact angle < 90˚) are necessary to induce surface tension driven flow. Currently, vacuum plasma chambers that alter surface chemistry achieve this. Unfortunately, hydrophilic properties made with plasma processing are temporary, costly, and unstable. An inherently stable hydrophilic 3D-printing resin containing polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and acrylic acid (AA) was developed for capillary microfluidics [1]. Similarly, our group has also optimized printing parameters for resins containing PEGDA and Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) that are inherently porous, hydrophilic, and have applications for development of engineered living materials (ELMs) [2]. Our objective was to optimize and validate 3D printing parameters and geometries for both resins using a range of liquid crystal display (LCD) printers. Our proof-of-concept prints for the PEGDA-AA resin had average contact angle measurements of 42.8 ± 8.77°. Percent differences between designed and printed channel lengths, widths, and depths were 31.5 ± 0.23%, 28.9 ± 3.41%, and 2.40 ± 13.9% respectively. Additionally, we have demonstrated the feasibility of autonomous flow of fluids in the PEGDA-LAP resin with coefficients of variations (CVs) of <5% for microchannels of widths ≥ 137.6 µm. By exploring innovative resins, we increase accessibility and capability for rapid and inexpensive prototyping of microfluidics to be applied to diagnostic tests. These methods reduce costs and carbon footprints relative to traditional additive manufacturing methods.

Frontline communities across and beyond the United States are continuously affected by the US nuclear legacy: from mines to test sites to radioactive waste disposal and beyond. Activists advocating for reparations and community safety often have to engage in their own research to provide the evidence the government requires as proof of radioactive harm. Most of this evidence exists only within physical documents that are behind multiple barriers, sometimes only recently declassified, and scattered across US nuclear sites. My research goal focuses on the creation of a living digital archive to help facilitate the digitization and sharing of important documentation among frontline communities. I use GitHub’s Collection Builder platform to create the foundation for an archive that can grow over time: including the first collection, the metadata schema, and information regarding the archive and how to get involved. My work includes selective digitization of documents of the now defunct UW Radiation Ecology Department, which was primarily funded by the US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and involved in a multitude of nuclear operations. These materials are housed in the UW Libraries Special Collections. Based on preliminary findings, I expect to find important evidence in this material of neglect to the harm of long-term exposure to low levels of radiation, and the specific testing done and results produced by the UW Radiation Ecology Department. My research also prototypes an archive that community researchers can continue to build and involves community feedback that helps shape the design. It is a step in the process of achieving necessary safety measures that protect people and ecosystems from continued radioactive harm.

The Kodiak Archipelago in southern Alaska has a rich archaeological heritage that has fascinated archaeologists and local communities for decades. Despite the presence of many archaeological research projects, archaeobotanical remains found during excavation have yet to be analyzed. The archaeobotanical remains recovered from the Kodiak Archipelago have often gone overlooked by archaeologists who considered preservation too poor in the wet climate and focused instead on fauna from shell-midden sites or other cultural artifacts. The Tanginak Spring site on Sitkalidak Island in southeast Kodiak was excavated by University of Washington field schools between 1994 and 2003. It is considered one of the oldest identified sites on the archipelago, dating to 7500-6000 cal BP. Sediment samples taken during these excavations were retrieved, floated, sorted, and identified by the archaeobotany class at the University of Washington. This poster presents the initial results of the analysis of wood charcoal and other preserved plant remains from the site, providing evidence to develop new insights into plant use by Kodiak’s earliest settlers.

Pregnant women infected with influenza A virus (IAV) are at higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and poor fetal outcomes. However, the difference in the pathogenesis of IAV between pregnant women and non-pregnant women remains inadequately understood, primarily due to the lack of animal studies that use a translational model of infection. I hypothesized that higher IAV viral load and Type I interferon concentrations would be observed in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage of pregnant pig-tail macaques compared to non-pregnant macaques, and that correlating these metrics would yield different results across groups. We inoculated pregnant (n=11) and non-pregnant female (n=18) pig-tail macaques (Macaca nemestrina) with IAV H1N1 (A/California/07/2009) and euthanized them at 5 days post-inoculation, when we expected to observe peak lung pathology. We tested pulmonary function at baseline and study endpoint and conducted clinical assessments daily. I extracted RNA and performed quantitative polymerase chain reactions on the samples to calculate viral load. I also performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to quantify concentrations of Type I interferons (IFN-α, IFN-β). Lastly, I analyzed pulmonary physiology data and clinical assessment scores as a reliable measure of disease severity. A bi-modal distribution of viral load was observed in the lungs of pregnant animals (high>9e5 copies/mg; low<2e4 copies/mg), which was not observed in non-pregnant animals.  When correlating viral load at 5 days post-inoculation with Type I IFN in the lung of the pregnant animals, I found a significant positive correlation between IFN-β and viral load in both the lungs (ρ=0.8, p=0.03) and BAL (ρ=0.9, p=0.02). These results suggest that despite a strong IFN-β response in the lung, a high viral load persisted in the pregnant animals. Next steps could explore whether the kinetics of the pulmonary innate immune response is delayed in pregnancy, which impairs viral clearance. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a powerful framework that enables the analysis of spatial data, or information connected to a location, that can be applied to a variety of fields, such as public health, policy, agriculture, and environmental management. With these frameworks, we can create maps to convey specific data or general information, make comparisons between data sets, and quantify spatial characteristics. In this study, I utilized a GIS framework together with Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS RTK) methods to collect spatial data regarding hiking trails throughout Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore, Washington. I hypothesize that the positional accuracy of data collected via GNSS RTK is significantly better than positions collected via methods that do not incorporate differential correction. To test this hypothesis, I will collect differentially corrected positional data along trails in the park and compare them to uncorrected data gathered between 2013 and 2015 from the same trails. Comparisons will be made using a t-test to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference between the mean differences of each data set. Furthermore, I will use this spatial data to visualize more accurate trail locations, indicate areas requiring maintenance, and decommission unofficial trails that are harmful to the ecology in the park.

The Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (~84–72 million years [Ma]) was a dynamic interval for North American ecosystems including the evolution of angiosperm plants and the regression and transgression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). These dynamics likely impacted terrestrial fauna across the continent. Most studies investigating biodiversity in western North America during the Campanian focus on a single group (e.g., dinosaurs or herpetofauna), whereas few investigate diversity patterns of multiple taxa. This approach is imperative because comparing diversity patterns among taxa can provide rare insight into the synecology of animal communities. Vertebrate microfossil sites are ideal for such a study because they preserve large sample sizes, multiple taxonomic groups that likely coexisted, information about environmental conditions, and they sample multiple stratigraphic intervals. The Judith River Formation (JRF) of north central Montana preserves ~4 Ma of the Campanian (~79–74 Ma) and large regressive and transgressive cycles of the WIS. This formation, which is contemporaneous with the Dinosaur Park and Two Medicine formations, is also rich in vertebrate microfossil sites. To examine vertebrate diversity patterns through this critical interval, we compared taxonomic richness and relative abundances of Dinosauria, Squamata, and Lissamphibia from the JRF from three temporally distinct microfossil sites: Makela-French 1 (~77.5 Ma), Milkshake (~76.5 Ma), and Clamfetti (~75.2 Ma). Over four years, we collected and screenwashed fossiliferous, bulk-sediment samples from these sites. Thus far, we have recovered 998 and aim to recover 1,200 specimens total. We use our data and knowledge from the literature to evaluate the extrinsic factors (e.g., seaway regressions) that drove diversity changes in the JRF fauna.  Our preliminary results suggest a connection between diversity patterns and WIS cycles. We observe shifts in relative abundances and richness near the onset of the WIS transgressive cycle. 

Each year, approximately 84,100 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. Beyond the physical challenges that come with cancer, they also face significant psychosocial barriers, including gaps in health literacy, limited access to professional mental health support, and uncertainty about the future. Addressing these unmet needs requires innovative approaches, and social media, particularly Instagram offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare services and the psychosocial needs of AYAs. With 2 billion users, Instagram is widely used for connection and information sharing, making it a valuable platform for health-related support and education. This study qualitatively analyzes Instagram posts under popular pediatric cancer hashtags to: (1) explore how AYAS and caregivers use social media for health information and support, (2) identify barriers they face in healthcare, and (3) examine how social media can enhance health literacy and education. A direct content analysis of 300 posts was conducted using a newly created Instagram account to minimize algorithmic bias. AI tools, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot, helped identify commonly used hashtags, which were then cross-referenced on Instagram. The most frequently used hashtags include #childhoodcancer, #childhoodcancerawareness, #pediatriccancer, #stupidcancer, #fightlikeakid, and #morethan4. An iterative coding process, using sets of 5–10 posts, was employed to develop and refine a codebook based on existing literature. Posts were categorized by metrics, user profiles, content types, health-related quality of life, and social support. My coding team consisting of myself, and 3 other investigators will code the data using REDCap, with descriptive statistics analyzed in R Studio. Findings from this study will highlight how Instagram can serve as a powerful tool to improve health literacy, education, and mental health support for AYAs with cancer, ultimately bridging critical gaps in healthcare accessibility and education.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus known to cause Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a cancer of the soft tissues, and several other diseases. KSHV has two distinct replication cycles: a latent and lytic cycle. During latent infection, only a small section of the viral genome, the KSHV latency-associated region (KLAR), is expressed. Spindle cells, the main proliferating cell type in KS tumors, are thought to be of endothelial origin and are primarily latently infected. Due to lowered viral gene expression during latency, these cells have few viral factors to target therapeutically. Cellular factors required for infected cell survival, like altered metabolic pathways, are potential therapeutic targets for latently infected cells. One metabolic pathway altered by latent infection is fatty acid synthesis (FAS). My research focuses on understanding how KSHV infection induces FAS in cells. Since previous research has shown that expression of KLAR is sufficient to increase lipid droplet formation, a measure of FAS induction, I hypothesize that expression of one of the four genes present in KLAR is likely what upregulates this metabolic pathway. To test this hypothesis, I infected telomerase-immortalized microvascular endothelial (TIME) cells with lentivirus containing a viral plasmid overexpressing one of the four KLAR genes. I then measured lipid droplet formation across each transduced cell population using a flow cytometer. This project is still in progress; however, if the increase in lipid droplet production in transduced cells is similar to the increase observed in cells latently infected with wild-type KSHV, then I will conclude that the over-expressed gene was sufficient to up-regulate FAS. Identifying which viral gene induces FAS in infected cells will provide a new direction for future mechanistic studies and aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets for KSHV-associated diseases.

Cortical tracking, a method that examines how neural activity encodes the dynamic features of the incoming speech stimuli, allows for the study of naturally produced continuous speech. Successful encoding of acoustic features is fundamental for language processing and comprehension. Studies show that cortical tracking of at least some acoustic speech features is already robust in the first year of life. However, it is unclear whether bilingual infants exhibit enhanced cortical tracking of non-native languages compared to monolingual infants, consistent with the idea of having a "bilingual advantage" as suggested in prior research. To investigate this, we recorded neural responses from 11-month-old English learning monolinguals, English-Mandarin learning bilinguals, and two mature comparison groups of English monolingual and English-Mandarin bilingual adults, while they listen to naturally produced, continuous, infant directed speech using electroencephalography (EEG) in three conditions: English, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. Stimuli were presented at an overall level of 70 dB SPL in a sound-attenuated booth. Using a combination of machine learning and linear modeling (i.e., Multivariate Temporal Response Function approach), we analyze the EEG signals using a multivariate encoding model consisting of acoustic features including envelope, envelope derivative, word onset, and phoneme onset. We hypothesize that both bilingual adults and infants will exhibit enhanced encoding of acoustic features in Vietnamese compared to monolingual adults and infants, indicating bilingual advantage in processing a third language. Additionally, we anticipate the bilingual advantage to be more prominent in infants than adults. These findings will contribute to the understanding of how bilingualism influences neural encoding across different languages and provide neural evidence of bilingual advantage in processing and acquiring a third language. I participated in study design, recruitment, data acquisition and analysis.

Silica nanoparticles have diverse applications in catalysis, imaging, and drug delivery. Tailoring these nanoparticles for specific applications requires precise control over their size, surface chemistry, porosity, and polydispersity. These properties are controlled by a wide range of factors such as reactant type and concentration, pH, reaction temperature, and other synthesis parameters. Due to the large parameter space, determining the optimal reaction conditions for synthesizing silica nanoparticles with the desired size and morphology is time-consuming and challenging. An accelerated experimentation platform integrating automation and artificial intelligence can streamline the selection of reaction parameters for synthesizing silica nanoparticles with targeted size and morphology using machine learning-based iterative design of experiments to optimize material properties. This system uses the Science Jubilee flexible laboratory automation platform to carry out sol-gel synthesis. Small-angle X-ray scattering is used to characterize the sample. The data collected is used to optimize the reaction condition for synthesizing the targeted nanoparticle. We have successfully carried out sol-gel processes and synthesized silica nanoparticles with various sizes and polydispersity using the platform. Currently, we are working on optimizing the selection of sample synthesis conditions.

Parents play a significant role in shaping adolescent alcohol use. The specific role of adolescent decisional freedom—the extent to which adolescents independently make decisions— has yet to be examined. I conducted a brief literature review on adolescent decisional freedom, and this study explores its links with alcohol use within distinct developmental periods. Data from baseline to year 6 follow-up of the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence study (N=831) were tested for cross-sectional associations between decisional freedom and alcohol use phenomenology (i.e., drinking days per average month, past month alcohol consumption, quantity of drinks during average drinking period, and binge drinking days in the past year and month). Separate models were tested for early adolescence (ages 12-14), middle adolescence (ages 15-17), late adolescence (ages 19-20), and emerging adulthood (ages 21-24). Adolescent decisional freedom was measured using a self-report 5-point Likert scale across distinct domains (e.g., spending money, drinking alcohol, time spent with friends). Gender and age of first drink were covariates, and each model examined associations between decisional freedom and gender. Regression results consistently linked lower decisional freedom to lower alcohol use across all phenomenology in early adolescence (bs ≤ −.41, ps < .01). For middle adolescence, the protective effect of limiting decisional freedom only emerged for drinking days per average month (b = −.29, p < .01) and quantity of drinks during average drinking period (b = −.46, p = .001). In early and late adolescence, the association between lower decisional freedom and fewer past month binge drinking days was stronger for boys (bs ≥ 0.43, ps < .05). These findings suggest that increasing control over early adolescents’ decisional freedom, particularly for boys, and flexibly granting greater decisional freedom over time may protect adolescents from harmful decisions associated with alcohol use.

Prostate cancer has a significant heritable component. It is estimated that 10-15% of patients with advanced prostate cancer carry an inherited predisposing genetic mutation, and these patients generally present with a younger age of onset and a strong family history of cancer. The standard in the field of oncology is to conduct short-read DNA sequencing on such patients to find predisposing mutations. While short-read sequencing does well to identify simple mutations that cause disease in many families, our lab concluded that short-read sequencing misses critical mutations in many prostate cancer susceptibility genes. We hypothesized that prostate cancer in many families is due to complex inherited mutations such as genomic deletions, inversions, and mobile element insertions that are not detectable by conventional genomic technologies such as short-read sequencing. To test this hypothesis, our lab specifically recruited prostate cancer patients who, despite having family histories of cancer, did not have any mutations detected via conventional genetic sequencing methods. This project utilizes Nanopore long-read DNA sequencing, which reads DNA in longer fragments and can reliably detect complex mutations. My role is to conduct long-read sequencing on DNA samples from these patients, then analyze the DNA sequence for mutations. I have sequenced 32 patients so far and identified 4 complex mutations through long-read sequencing which were missed by other approaches. These complex mutations include insertions of repeat sequences and duplications which disrupt gene function in BRCA1 and BRCA2. This suggests that, consistent with our hypothesis, some patients who do not have mutations found via conventional sequencing methods do indeed carry causative mutations in well-established prostate cancer risk genes. By finding these mutations, patients can receive more targeted and effective cancer treatment, and undiagnosed family members stand a better chance of catching cancers at earlier stages.

Since the discovery of DNA in the 19th century, biochemists have been elucidating not only the structure, but unique biochemical environment of each loci. Protein-DNA neighborhoods govern chromatin structure and cellular functions (transcription, replication, etc.). To investigate which proteins and oligonucleotides compose these microenvironments, our lab and collaborators developed DNA oligonucleotide-directed proximity-interactome mapping (DNA O-MAP), a locus purification method using oligo-based ISH probes to recruit horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activity to specific DNA intervals (Liu & McGann et. al. 2024). Once these secondary, HRP-conjugated probes are localized to loci of interest, hydrogen peroxide is added with biotin-tyramide. Hydrogen peroxide activates HRP, forming biotin-tyramide phenoxyl radicals that biotinylate proteins and nucleic acids within 10-75nm. This allows for a scalable, versatile method to investigate these microenvironments. Large scale DNA O-MAP, tiling across several genomic sites, can elucidate insights into biological questions. However, the upstream protocol remains a barrier to its throughput, sensitivity, and reproducibility. In order to ensure this for analysis of tagged proteins, we sought to automate the streptavidin affinity purification protocol onto the Opentrons OT-2 robot. This is where streptavidin-coated magnetic beads capture biotinylated species from lysate. Coupled beads are recaptured with a magnetic rack and pipetting-off of flow-through. Subsequently, several washes cleans up these beads before peptides are digested off via Trypsin/LysC, dried-down, resuspended, and loaded onto a Orbitrap Eclipse LC-MS for proteomic analysis. Purification of streptavidin beads is manually intensive, inherently leading to variation between runs. The Opentrons OT-2 is an open-source liquid handler, allowing our lab to easily transfer methods to others interested in DNA O-MAP. Automating this protocol launches us from technology development to biological application. Here, I present an automated protocol for streptavidin affinity purification and evaluation of its effectiveness via comparison of the automated protocol to our lab's current, manual methods.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) ligands have been explored for anti-anxiolytic, anti-depressive, pain, and substance use disorder therapeutics. These therapeutic effects are partly due to biased signaling through the cJun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway, which involves complex molecular interactions and downstream effects that inactivate the receptor by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). JWT-101, a clinically approved compound, has been shown to produce therapeutic effects for these conditions. We hypothesize that its mechanisms of action are through KOR antagonism. I previously assessed KOR agonist-induced analgesia by measuring the latency of tail withdrawal from 52.5°C water after treatment with U50,488, a KOR agonist. Pretreatment with 15mg/kg JWT-101 24 hours before U50,488 injection effectively blocked KOR-induced analgesia in wild-type male mice. This effect was reversed by the short-acting, KOR-selective antagonist Aticaprant (5 mg/kg), suggesting that JWT-101’s action is mediated through KOR. Further investigation using in-vivo fiber photometry with the novel peroxide sensor AAV oROS-Gr revealed that JWT-101 significantly increases ROS production in KOR-expressing cells. Injection of 15 mg/kg of JWT-101 increases oROS fluorescence compared to control post-injection. Pretreatment with Aticaprant 15 minutes prior to JWT-101, blocks oROS fluorescence, suggesting that JWT-101’s activity is mediated by KOR. Pretreatment with MJ33 (a PRDX6 inhibitor upstream of JNK activity) 50 minutes before treatment with JWT-101 blocked oROS fluorescence, suggesting that this ROS production is through the JNK/PRDX6 pathway of KOR activation. This study provides insights into the mechanism of action of JWT-101 and examines the underlying molecular mechanisms of KOR-associated effects.

The Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (84–72 million years [Ma]) was a dynamic interval for North American ecosystems and included the zenith of dinosaur diversity and the regression and transgression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). Most studies that investigate vertebrate biodiversity during this interval focus on dinosaurs, whereas few focus on changes in herpetofauna (lizards, frogs, and salamanders). Herpetofauna are important indicator species of ecosystem dynamics, because they are fragile to ecosystem change. Vertebrate microfossil sites are ideal for studying herpetofauna diversity dynamics through time because they can produce large sample sizes, sample aquatic environments, and are plentiful through stratigraphic intervals. The Judith River Formation (JRF) of north central Montana is rich in vertebrate microfossil sites, preserving ~4 Ma of the Campanian (~79–74 Ma). Here we aim to document patterns of herpetofauna diversity change in the JRF by quantifying herptile taxonomic richness and relative abundances using specimens from three temporally separated microfossil sites: Makela-French 1 (~77.5 Ma), Milkshake (76.5 Ma), and Clamfetti (~75.2 Ma). We collected sediment samples from these sites over four years and processed them via underwater screen-washing techniques. Presently we have studied 470 herptile microfossils (600 planned). Our preliminary results show changes in the taxonomic diversity across the sampled sites. Taxonomic richness of herptiles varies through the formation, first increasing and then decreasing. Salamanders have the highest relative abundance, lizards decrease in relative abundance, and frogs fluctuate. We hypothesize that taxonomic patterns are influenced by the impact of WIS cycles on water supply in ecosystems: amphibians thrive in wetter environments, whereas lizards are more terrestrial. These preliminary results reflect a connection between diversity patterns and extrinsic drivers not observable through the analysis of dinosaur fossils. Our continued analysis will provide more fine-scale resolution of herptile diversity during the Campanian.

Substance use in Indigenous communities remains a significant public health concern for Indigenous communities worldwide, greatly affecting physical, mental, and social well-being. Substance use in Indigenous communities is nearly double that observed in the non-Indigenous population (Geia, et al., 2018). Such prevalence of substance use among Indigenous populations has been a source of stigma greatly related to colonialism. This study examines the prevalence of substance use among Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States identifying patterns within communities and successful intervention strategies to decrease substance use in these communities. A systematic review of literature conducted in the countries mentioned above reveals that Indigenous communities experience high rates of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Secondary to trauma and socioeconomic disparities paired with limited access to secular healthcare contributes to the exacerbation of the cycle of addiction (Spillane, et al., 2023). Specific led interventions sculpted around Indigenous culture and various community-driven, utilised participatory approaches show a high chance of decreasing substance use in these communities (Geia, et al., 2018). With such findings, the need for healthcare services that remain respectful to Indigenous culture and overall strengthen community engagement can be put in place to mitigate the prevalence of substance use in these communities and the corresponding risk factors that contribute to such circumstances. My presentation will demonstrate how the high levels of alcohol and substance use can be reduced in Indigenous communities when ethical interventions are implemented that provide long-term care for rehabilitation. This long-term care should include education, harm reduction, and encouragement for partnership between Indigenous individuals and their families and healthcare providers within the programs. The long-term care is to be residential to those struggling with substance use, rather than mainstream outside of reservations, to ensure the patients feel safe.

Adoptive cell therapy with CAR-T cells has shown promise in hematological malignancies, but efficacy in solid tumors remains a challenge in part due to CAR-T cell exhaustion and antigen heterogeneity. However, the vast majority of preclinical models do not recapitulate the tumor-immune interactions that produce these barriers. To study CAR-T therapy in a rigorous model that recapitulates tumor-immune barriers, we adapted a Kras^LSL-G12D/+;P53^f/f (KP) genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of lung adenocarcinoma. However, adapting the KP-GEMM model for various target antigens, genetic drivers of disease, or interfacing with the vast array of powerful genetic mouse models is resource intensive which prohibits widespread utility. Here, we propose a defined, modular system for generating GEMM for CAR-T preclinical studies using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. The proposed system uses polyethylenimine (PEI) to deliver SB transposon encoding oncogenic Kras^G12D and P53^R175H dominant alleles as well as our target antigen hROR1, in vivo to wild-type mice. We demonstrate that in vitro PEI successfully introduces genetic cargo into lung epithelial cell lines, while SB transposons mediate stable integration and expression. Next, we will test this in vivo. This system affords the induction of tumors with specific oncogenic driver mutations and specific tumor antigens on any genetic background. Ultimately, we expect that this approach will streamline preclinical use of GEMM in preclinical research. 

Unlawful behavior by both the government and its civilians in Mexico has developed into a crisis of violent crimes and corruption. There is a culture of high disregard of the law that is fueled by distrust in the government, subcultures such as Narco-culture, as well as institutional weakness. The aims of this study are to learn of the experiences Mexican citizens have with unlawful behavior and corruption in their government as well as understand the motivations behind this kind of behavior. For the purpose of this study, unlawful behavior will be defined as any behavior or action that violates Mexican law. Through semi-structured interviews of adult Mexican citizens I will gain insight on their thoughts and experiences. They will be asked questions regarding their participation and experiences with unlawful behavior. Due to travel limitations, the Mexican citizens interviewed for this study will be residents of Washington state. It is Mexican citizens that are facing the consequences of the high crime and corruption which makes it imperative to amplify their stories and understand their experiences and perceptions. The information collected through this research may aid in finding a solution to Mexico's crisis of crime and corruption in hope of providing Mexican civilians with a better quality of life. 

Taiwan’s agricultural sector faces systemic challenges rooted in colonial and post-war strategies, prioritizing short-term growth at the expense of local adaptability, leaving producers vulnerable to market dependency, environmental instability, and knowledge erosion. As global trade pressures and climate risks escalate, farmers need to adapt new flexible approaches to be sustainable. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have emerged as potential solutions to promote sustainable practices and empower primary producers. Government and private-sector efforts provide resources and collaborative platforms, helping producers diversify beyond raw produce sales, aiming to foster innovation, reduce dependency, and promote long-term self-sufficiency. Despite some success in stabilizing agricultural industries during crises, government-led CSR initiatives, such as subsidies and export promotions, often overlook structural issues that drive dependency. This raises critical questions about power dynamics, producer agency, and the sustainability of CSR-driven innovation. This study investigates the impact of CSR on power dynamics, resource distribution, and producer agency within Taiwan’s agricultural sector, focusing on three successful case studies: pineapple export diversification, Milksha’s dairy innovation, and pomelo value-added products. The methodology uses process tracing to identify critical turning points through data from semi-structured interviews, policy documents, and corporate reports. Additionally, interactive timeline activities during interviews allow participants to illustrate key events and decision-making processes, supported by a codebook for iterative data analysis. This research contributes to the investigation of CSR by offering practical recommendations for policymakers to improve existing frameworks and explore new models that prioritize long-term sustainability and producer agency. The findings underscore the importance of equitable resource distribution, shared decision-making, and social network engagement in achieving sustainable agricultural development in Taiwan. 

Organs maintain consistent shape, form, and volume through complex processes, one of which is cell-cell adhesion. E-Cadherin, a key cell-cell junction protein, is critical for cell shape, arrangement, and tissue structure. In this study, I investigate the role of E-Cadherin in the morphogenesis of the Drosophila Malpighian tubules, a model system where I can manipulate E-Cadherin expression and use fluorescence microscopy to observe the effects on organ growth. Previous work involved fixing and staining embryos to track E-Cadherin localization using fluorescent imaging to measure its intensity. I will further analyze E-Cadherin localization spatiotemporally by constructing a fluorescent fly line for live imaging during development. I expect E-Cadherin concentration to increase during elongation and to be enriched in looped regions of the tubules. To assess the requirement of E-Cadherin in organ formation, I will reduce its expression using RNAi and degradFP, expecting significant developmental defects due to the protein's vital role in morphogenesis. These defects will be quantified by comparing changes in cell and organ shape in control and E-Cadherin-reduced tubules. Additionally, I will help develop Python tools for 3D image analysis, including cell segmentation, creating a 3D model of E-Cadherin in tubular cells, and extracting protein intensity. Developing these tools not only enables our work in these tubular organs but also allows for comprehensive image analysis of other tubular 3D organ forms. Elucidating the precise mechanisms behind cell behavior, shape, and cell-cell interaction has important human health implications and will enable work in many other fields such as cancer, regenerative treatments, tissue growth, and organ synthesis. 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts millions of people and costs billions of dollars annually, with both estimates increasing as our aging population grows. Women are diagnosed with AD at a 2:1 higher rate than men, although the biological drivers of this difference remain elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated that changes to the function of microglia – the brain’s immune cells – observed during AD may be driving disease progression. Furthermore, microglia morphology is related to its function. Thus, we seek to characterize differences in microglia morphology between men and women with and without AD. We hypothesize that microglia from women have, on average, a more disease-associated morphology than those of men, and that differences are exacerbated in individuals with AD. We obtained tissue from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of 48 individuals who donated their brains to AD research at UW. We conducted immunohistochemistry (IHC) to stain for microglia markers (IBA1) and two markers of AD pathology (AT8 to stain for phosphorylated Tau and a pan-amyloid β stain). I imaged the samples on a Leica SP8 confocal microscope at multiple depths, which allowed us to compose a 3D rendering of the tissue through an image analysis software called IMARIS. Using IMARIS, I quantitatively measured key aspects of each microglia, such as volume and branching details. Using the data from 12-20 microglia per person, we used multiple regression to test for differences between men and women in both healthy and AD cohorts. We anticipate there are differences in the various measurements of microglial morphology between men and women with AD, which may partially explain the discrepancy in AD rates between sexes. This research is important to better understand the role of sex in AD pathology and help contextualize molecular differences observed in the larger project to which it belongs.

The ability to manipulate and ligate proteins has been a driving force in advancing our understanding of the complex regulation of biological processes in space and time. Protein ligation, in which two or more polypeptides are covalently linked, is a powerful strategy in biomacromolecular engineering, enabling precise control over protein modifications, stability, and functionality. This is particularly useful in understanding protein function and interactions, as well as modulating protein activity, including immobilization of protein-based signals within materials triggered by cytocompatible light. One proven system known for its specificity and ease of use is SpyTag/SpyCatcher, a peptide-protein pair capable of irreversible ligation via isopeptide bond formation. Recent work has demonstrated the ability to control SpyTag/Catcher ligation using cytocompatible light due to its non-invasive nature and spatiotemporal (i.e., 4D control) manipulation of protein signals on a biologically relevant timescale. However, the application of this reported photoligation strategy is hindered by the use of genetic code expansion which limits protein yield, entails additional orthogonal protein machinery, and involves translational incorporation of a non-canonical amino acid. To address these challenges, we aim to develop a photocontrolled protein ligation strategy using native protein activity while maintaining spatial and temporal control. We predict this strategy will enable dose-dependent reconstitution of ligation by varying light exposure duration and intensity in native protein systems while sidestepping challenges associated with genetic code expansion. We intend to use this strategy to further assess our capability to control split protein reconstitution and for future applications in directing complex cell fate, which has significant utility in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

We are developing a RNA scaffold-based CRISPR activation and inhibition system to controllably tune gene expression in  primary immune cells, which will allow us to manipulate and increase production and function of immune cells, vastly increasing their efficacy in fighting diseases such as cancer. Here we target Bcl11b, a key T cell transcription factor necessary for progenitor cell commitment to the T cell lineage. CRISPR activation and CRISPR interference (CRISPRai) enable activation or repression of targeted genes. Due to the large size of dCas9 activator and reperessor fusions, it is not possible to express the necessary machinery in primary mouse T cells. Thus, we are developing a CRISPRai system where the gRNA (guide RNA) contains an additional RNA hairpin to recruit RNA binding protein-effectors, enabling activation and repression in the same cell. To optimize the efficiency of CRISPRi in T cells, we are 1) cloning and testing a repressor domain for its ability to drive gene silencing and 2) testing alternative RNA base pairs (BP) and hairpin pairs. We are testing these optimizations in a T cell progenitor cell line which has turned on Bcl11b with a downstream YFP (fluorescent) reporter. Here, YFP expression, which we measure using flow cytometry, is directly correlated to Bcl11b expression levels. We hypothesize that an alternative validated RNA hairpin BP in conjunction with a novel compact transcriptional effector will result in decreased levels of YFP expression compared to the existing system.

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.

Our sense of touch plays an important role in how we perceive the world. Touch sensation is the result of an intricate interplay between the nervous system and specialized sensory cells in the skin, one such example being the Merkel cell-neurite complex. Within the Merkel cell-neurite complex, Merkel cells (MCs) detect gentle touch signals in the skin and relay them to innervating neurites via synapse-like connections. Many aspects of the MC-neurite complex, including the molecules required for its formation and structure, remain poorly understood. Our lab recently discovered the presence of MCs in the transparent zebrafish skin, making the organism well-suited for study of MC-neurite complexes. Here, we show that Protocadherin-9 (pcdh9), a cell adhesion molecule important in synaptic structure and nervous system organization, is highly expressed in both zebrafish and mammalian MCs. Using a loss-of-function mutation in zebrafish pcdh9, we find a reduction in the number of MC-neurite complexes, but not in the number of MCs, compared to controls. This suggests a role for Pcdh9 in either the formation or maintenance of MC-neurite synapses. Additionally, we observe a higher rate of MCs contacting one another in pcdh9 mutant skin, consistent with a difference in MC spatial organization. In summary, our data indicate that Pcdh9 may regulate one or more aspects of MC-neurite complex formation. We are now in the process of developing tools to further investigate and quantify MC spatial arrangement, and to uncover the ways in which Pcdh9 may affect MC maturation and behavior.

Our goal is to establish water quality baselines and ongoing trends for streams and tributaries of two separate watersheds, both of which drain into Lake Washington through Lake Forest Park, a city in the northwest part of King County, WA. This project is the first intensive multiple-site survey of urban King County watersheds using certified Washington State Department of Ecology methods. In three teams of 4-5 college students, we conducted monthly field tests of 16 sites along tributaries and sub-basins of the McAleer Watershed, and of 6 sites within the Lyon Creek watershed. We used a YSI ProDSS multiprobe meter and a Hach DR 900 colorimeter to collect measurements of air and water temperature, water turbidity, conductivity, % oxygen saturation, dissolved oxygen, pH, total suspended solids, and nitrate and phosphate levels, used Coliform Bacteria R-Cards to measure the quantitative presence of water-borne E. coli. Analysis of these water quality indices for these sites over a 12-month period will allow us to evaluate the overall health of the greater watersheds, and possible causes of poor conditions. Our data will contribute to other conservation research efforts supporting urban watershed health. This work was undertaken as a research project by undergraduates participating in the Urban Stream Ecology Internship and Training (USE-IT) program, funded by a Seattle Waterworks grant to the Stewardship Stream Initiative (SSI), an initiative launched by the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation in 2024.

It is estimated that ~15% of all cancers are caused by oncogenic virus infections. Two of the top seven cancer-causing human viruses are members of the gammaherpesvirus family: Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV). Our lab uses Murine Herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), a mouse gammaherpesvirus with shares significant genetic homology to KSHV and EBV, as a model system to understand how gammaherpesviruses alter the metabolism of their host during lytic infection to promote their replication. We recently metabolically profiled MHV-68 infected host cells at various time points during the lytic infectious cycle. Our data showed nucleotide metabolism is significantly induced in MHV-68 infected NIH/3T3 cells, revealing a potential antiviral target. This study investigates the antiviral efficacy of Methotrexate (MTX), an FDA-approved nucleotide biosynthesis inhibitor currently used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. MTX inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme crucial for producing thymidylate and purine nucleotides, which are essential for de novo nucleotide synthesis. We hypothesized that MTX can block MHV-68 production and be repurposed as an antiviral drug. To test our hypothesis, we first determined a safe concentration of MTX in NIH/3T3 cells using both qualitative (microscopy) and quantitative (trypan blue exclusion) cell viability assays. Next, we infected NIH/3T3 cells with MHV-68 and treated them with a safe level of MTX or solvent control. After 48 hours, we assessed viral production in control vs MTX treated cellular supernatants via viral plaque assays. Our results revealed that MTX significantly suppressed MHV-68 virion production by ~50-fold. These findings suggest that targeting host metabolic pathways could be an effective antiviral strategy against gammaherpesviruses in humans. Further research is needed to explore the use of MTX as a broad viral therapy against other viruses.

Chronic stress has been associated with maladaptive behaviors in both human and animal research models, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this research study, we sought to define whether stress induces neural inflammation in the ventral tegmental area, the brain region primarily responsible for regulating reward consumption, learning, memory, and addictive behaviors through moderating dopamine release in other brain areas. To do this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a chronic intermittent stress paradigm that included stressors such as wet bedding, delayed feedings, social isolation, strobe lights, and forced swims. Following the chronic stress intervention, brain sections were collected from control and experimental groups. Subsequently, immunohistological analysis was performed of microglia and astrocytes, cell types known to mediate inflammatory responses within the brain. By assessing inflammation in the ventral tegmental area through fluorescent microscopy and quantitative morphological analysis of these glial cell types, we will establish whether inflammation in this key brain region regulating motivation may be involved in the harmful behavioral outcomes often associated with chronic stress.

The objective of the Colgate-Palmolive project is to characterize the organic content and its distribution at the crystalline level in human enamel. This includes determining the distribution of proteins throughout the enamel, distinguishing the differences in composition between young and old adult teeth, and analyzing how protein composition impacts the mechanical properties of enamel within the context of aging. Raman spectroscopy was conducted to analyze the mineral composition of enamels following KOH or NaOCl deproteinization treatments, with control conditions used to isolate the impacts of protein on enamel properties. Additionally, Vickers indentation was conducted to analyze the mechanical properties of enamel following each treatment, with respect to the distance between enamel surface and the dentin enamel junction. These techniques jointly characterized the distribution of proteins within dental enamel and how it impacts mechanical behavior. 

Fusion, the process powering the sun, offers a promising solution for deep-space propulsion as it can provide high specific impulse and lightweight fuel. The Flow Z-Pinch lab is exploring the innovative sheared flow stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch technique to mitigate plasma instabilities and enable fusion using axial flows, creating a compact, scalable path to fusion power and space thrusters. Interactions with electrodes often introduce impurities into ZaP-HD plasmas, whose emission can be monitored to measure plasma parameters like electron temperature. However, excessive impurity concentrations can also contribute to radiative losses, degrading fusion performance. Spectroscopy is a key diagnostic tool for analyzing impurities, allowing measurements by examining light emissions from atoms. The ionizations per photon method (S/XB), which correlates emission intensity at a specific carbon line to particle flux using empirical coefficients based on temperature and density, will be used to quantify impurity influx. Our project uses an existing spectrometer and photomultiplier tube (PMT) setup, with initial efforts focusing on absolute calibration to relate pixel intensity to photon flux. This diagnostic is essential for our understanding of impurity dynamics and their migration in ZaP-HD plasmas. The PMT can give us a time-resolved measurement to correlate to other time-resolved diagnostics, especially to characterize the erosion rate of electrode surfaces. Preliminary data analysis will calculate carbon influx using calibrated data and S/XB coefficients, with future work extending the diagnostic system to monitor additional carbon charge states and emissions at varying axial locations. This research provides novel insights into impurity behavior in ZaP-HD, enhancing our understanding of plasma-material interactions and informing us of strategies to minimize impurity influx for improved fusion performance.

Although being in nature has been associated with benefits including health and well-being, many people do not spend time in nature. Some studies have focused on the reasons why people do not spend time in nature; however, both in this research and in nature and health research, the term "nature" is inconsistently defined. Without a concrete definition of nature, it is unclear what participants consider nature and if this affects their reasons for not spending time in nature. This work is part of a larger experiment looking at students at the University of Washington's reported time in nature, and whether or not having a definition of nature impacted people's responses to nature-related questions. Here, we identify the underlying reasons given for the individual's not spending time in nature. Additionally, we examine whether having a definition of nature which includes urban nature affects reasons why participants report spending no time in nature. Out of 1,573 participants, 273 individuals (17%) responded that they had spent no time in nature in the previous week. They were then asked to explain why they spent 0 hours in nature that week. Common themes included being too busy with school, work, and other responsibilities. Notably, one theme emerged, "feels limited by place" in which participants stated they do not spend time in nature because they "live in Seattle". Preliminary results indicate that when nature is defined, the theme feeling limited by place did not occur, meaning receiving a definition of nature appears to affect the qualitative reasons given for spending no time in nature. This study highlights the importance of defining nature while also providing valuable insights into the reasons why some might prefer to not spend time in nature, as well as barriers that prevent students from spending time in nature.

Despite advances in modern medicine in the United States, maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes continue to decline due to the social determinants of health (SDOH), resulting in poor health outcomes and death for mothers and babies. However, community-based models (CBM) of maternal and child health care have been identified as effective interventions that mitigate these negative outcomes by addressing the SDOH. Existing literature identifies CBMs as effective interventions using quantitative methods and analysis. However, my research focuses on qualitative methods and their human-centered real-world applications of CBMs. The goal of my study is to highlight the role that communities play in influencing maternal and child health outcomes and understand the effect of CMBs on participants. To investigate the impact of community-based models on MCH outcomes, I am using two questions to guide semi-structured interviews with expectant families, parents, and community health workers. My research questions are, 1) What are the experiences of providers and recipients of community-based models of maternal and child health care? and 2) Do Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and White communities in King County experience gaps in maternal and child health care services, and, if so, how do these gaps differ among communities? I am recording demographic data from participants for coding after interviews have concluded. This study will help create a more comprehensive understanding of CBMs of MCH in the field. These narratives will help further legitimize the practice of community care in traditional Western medical spaces as an effective tool to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the United States.

The intricate interplay between different brain cell types is crucial to understanding neural pathophysiological states. This project aims to investigate the effects of the treatment of GHK on glial activity and inflammation using organotypic brain slice cultures. GHK improves tissue regeneration and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, promoting neural protection. Slices taken from mice mirror the human-brain microenvironment, allowing a better understanding of neuronic health in pathological states. They also preserve the 3-D architecture of our brain, maintaining the intricacies between diverse cell types. First, the brain is collected from an euthanized mouse and rinsed in PBS, then sectioned into 100µm slices to culture, where they are exposed to different levels of GHK. Brain tissue samples are fixed in formalin to preserve cellular structure and stored in PBS. The tissue is embedded in paraffin to support stable sectioning using a microtome, allowing precise slicing into 4µm thick sections for analysis. By employing immunohistochemistry and histological techniques, insights into therapeutic strategies with the comparison of tissue cultures are shown. IHC looks at activated microglia(using IBA1), astrocytes(using GFAP), chronic inflammation(MCP1), and synaptic activity (synaptophysin) and characterizes neurons with cresyl violet staining. MCP1 levels are expected to decrease with GHK treatment. For microglia, there might be a reduction in their activated, proinflammatory state; astrocytes may show a shift towards reduced reactivity, shifting toward a homeostatic role in maintaining brain tissue stability and function. Synaptic activity is expected to improve. Neuronal health is predicted to be preserved, with enhanced structural stability and reduced signs of cellular stress. These results will help demonstrate the potential of GHK in mitigating chronic inflammation and promoting neuronal health. By revealing how GHK influences glial function and neuronal health, this research could pave the way for novel interventions targeting the improvement of neuronal health. 

Humpback whales exhibit exceptional maneuverability in water, a trait attributed to the unique scalloped structures (tubercles) on the leading edges of their flippers. This study investigates the influence of such varied tubercles on the aerodynamic performance of wings, using both wind tunnel testing and computational methods. CAD models of the rigid wings were designed for 3D printing. These addressed three variations of the fin morphology, a smoothed base model, one with leading-edge tubercles, and one with tubercles on the trailing edge as well. The fin models feature a swept wing configuration with a concave region before the wing tip, both properties of humpback whale fins. The result of wind tunnel tests at constant, turbulent, wind speeds (Re=10^5) produced plots of the lift and drag coefficients for a varying angle of attack. The experimental results showed that leading-edge tubercles increase the maximum lift and increase the maximum angle of attack before stall occurs at the cost of some additional drag. The addition of trailing-edge scallops reduced drag and raised the overall efficiency to just below the baseline. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations comparable to the wind tunnel environment and in more turbulent aquatic conditions (Re>10^6) reveal the fluid flow. The tubercles and concave region influence the fluid, reducing span wise flow and the buildup of large tip vortices. The effect of tubercles has already been employed for its influence on stall angle, notably on the rudders of some racing yachts. The studied effect's ability to manage vortices across the wing span may have applications in particle separation, though significant work would need to be done to streamline the necessary manufacturing processes.

Concrete is the most widely used structural material globally due to its strength and durability, with demand steadily increasing. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the primary binder in cementitious materials and participates in hydration reactions that contribute to the compressive strength. Unfortunately, the production of cement is responsible for ~8% of global CO₂ emissions, driving efforts to reduce its use in concrete and other cementitious materials. Consequently, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as zeolite, are being explored to reduce, but not entirely eliminate, cement in industrial settings. Zeolite is a naturally-occurring microporous pozzolanic mineral that has the propensity for replacing cement through strengthening and densifying mechanisms. It also has capability for carbon capture, which can contribute to further reduction of atmospheric CO₂. However, the effect of zeolite on carbonation reactions in concrete is not well characterized. Pozzolanic and carbonation reactions can synergize to cause concrete and mortar (concrete sans large aggregates) to further densify and strengthen over time, but they compete for the use of calcium hydroxide, a hydration byproduct. This research investigates the effect of replacing up to 30% cement in concrete with natural zeolite on the carbonation of mortar composites over a curing period of 28 days. Carbonation is conducted through elevated pressure and CO₂ concentration, rather than ambient pressure. The effect of zeolite is measured using microCT for porosity analysis, compressive testing for strength, and pH indication of cross-sections for carbonation depth. Results indicate that the porosity decreases while carbonation depth increases with zeolite content. The zeolite addition contributes to the reduction of compressive strength, ranging from 71.6 to 37.7 MPa. Overall, carbonation enhances strength, correlating with carbonation depth, but this trend is more evident under ambient carbonation (2.78% strength increase after four weeks) than under pressurized carbonation, where no distinct trend is observed.

America as a whole is facing a housing affordability crisis. The US faces a deficit of 8 million affordable units available for the 18.9 million renter households that earn under 50% of their area median income (AMI). Due to this shortage, 56% of households considered very low-income (30% > 50% AMI) and extremely low-income (less than 30% AMI) are severely cost-burdened, spending over 50% of their annual income on housing and utility costs. Cities across the country engage in different efforts to combat this issue, this project answers one question: how can adaptive reuse, specifically non-residential to residential building conversions, be effectively applied as an affordable housing solution? This report begins with a literature review that compiles the history of adaptive reuse, strategies to produce more affordable housing and how they are being applied to adaptive reuse projects, and outlines a framework for evaluating successful adaptive reuse projects as they apply to affordable housing. This preliminary research is further supported by informational interviews conducted with industry professionals in affordable housing and adaptive reuse, coupled with a series of case studies that measure the effectiveness of several adaptive reuse projects in generating affordable housing. Finally, the results will inform a series of industry best practices that outline optimal building types for adaptive reuse projects, cost-reduction strategies, and recommendations for policy and zoning changes that can better facilitate the application of adaptive reuse. The best practices outlined in this paper will help developers implement adaptive reuse more effectively in affordable housing projects, ensuring the efficient transformation of vacant buildings into livable spaces. Additionally, these guidelines will inform policymakers of the necessary regulations and incentives to support and facilitate adaptive reuse, ultimately contributing to the expansion of affordable housing options and revitalizing underutilized properties.

Female mammals possess two X chromosomes in every cell, but one is silenced by condensing into a barr body, making its genetic information largely inaccessible. While X inactivation is stable in somatic cells, it is reversible in germ cells, raising the intriguing question of what proteins maintain this silenced state. My project aims to identify the protein composition of both active and inactive X chromosomes in mice. To achieve this, I will use in situ hybridization to target proximal labeling with biotin of X chromosome-associated proteins. This is accomplished by targeting a biotinylation enzyme, such as HRP, to the X chromosomal region, where it will selectively biotinylate neighboring proteins. After affinity purification, these proteins can be identified using mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. To direct the enzyme to the correct location, a two-probe system is employed. The primary oligonucleotide probe complements a specific X chromosome region which also contains landing sites for a secondary probe. Hybridization of the secondary probe which is tagged with HRP enables precise labeling of chromosome-associated proteins. This approach enables in situ biotinylation, preserving proteins in their native context for accurate identification. Since the two X chromosomes are homologous, distinguishing between the active and inactive X requires careful probe design. By utilizing Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that exist in the X chromosomes, the maternal and paternal X chromosomes can be differentially targeted by primary probes, allowing for homolog specific protein labeling and analysis of their distinct regulatory environments. 

Skin serves two key functions: hardened cells at the surface of the skin form a superficial layer to protect against the environment, while the inner layers of the skin are packed with diverse sensory machinery which allow us to perceive and navigate the world. Incredibly, the basal most layer of the epidermis houses stem cells which allow the skin to constantly renew itself, fortifying its protective function and maintaining somatosensation by replenishing all these diverse cell types. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these multipotent and highly active skin stem cells are emerging as an effective way to treat genetic skin conditions, promote wound healing, and rejuvenate ageing skin. To understand how skin stem cells contribute to these different functions, investigators are studying the many niches within the skin which may house diverse skin stem cells. Zebrafish are an excellent model to dissect this topic due to their translucent skin and the many genetic tools available. However, the anatomy and molecular characteristics of zebrafish skin is poorly described. Recently, we performed single cell RNA-sequencing of zebrafish skin and identified seven presumptive skin stem cell subpopulations. Informed by this data, I performed whole-mount hybridization chain reaction, a form of in-situ hybridization, to investigate molecular and spatial heterogeneity in zebrafish skin stem cells. My results have identified three novel skin stem cell subpopulations which occupy distinct spatial domains along the anterior-posterior axis. I found that the appearance of each subpopulation and the establishment of their spatial domain is dynamic throughout skin development. Finally, we have constructed a tool to interrogate their behavioral and functional differences. Moving forward, I aim to determine each subpopulation’s role in skin development, homeostasis, and regeneration, as well as whether they serve as specific progenitors for certain cell types.

Somatosensory neurons innervate the skin, where their peripheral axons detect signals like touch and pain. The neurons relay stimuli to the brain via peripheral axons in the skin and spinal cord axons in the spinal cord. Given their superficial location, somatosensory axons are susceptible to damage. Axon damage can cause tingling, increased pain, or sensory inhibition, and reinnervation in mammals is often slow or incomplete. I use injury models in zebrafish to study the mechanisms of successful axon regeneration in an adult vertebrate with optically accessible skin. I aim to reveal conserved regeneration patterns of somatosensory neurons. Furthermore, I seek to understand the extent of reinnervation success and observe the prevalence of hyperinnervation post-injury. Using in vivo confocal microscopy and adult zebrafish skin models, I created a methodology to capture somatosensory reinnervation over a three-week span following a scale pluck injury. Zebrafish scales separate epidermal and dermal layers of skin, and scale removal induces regeneration of epidermal skin and surrounding dermal tissue. I use transgenic zebrafish with fluorescent labels for dorsal root ganglion DRG neurons and osteoblast cells Tg(p2rx3a:mCherry);Tg(sp7:EGFP). DRG neurons are the primary somatosensory neuron in adult zebrafish, and osteoblasts allow me to view the scale alongside axon reinnervation. For image acquisition, I designed a 3d-printed chamber for zebrafish mounting and intubation within our confocal microscope. For analysis, I developed Image J macros which use threshold analysis to quantify changes in axon density of specific regions of regenerating axons. Dermal axons tend to regenerate first while superficial axons in the epidermis regenerate secondarily in conjunction with the novel scale. To examine skin layer differences, I separate epidermal and dermal layers to compare the reinnervation trends between superficial and dermal axons. With this data, I can gain insight in the regeneration potential of somatosensory neurons.

Cell shape opens a powerful window into the genetic and mechanical processes that drive cell behavior and, ultimately, tissue morphogenesis during development. By identifying cell shape, we can track specific cells and their responses to different gene expressions - creating a clearer mapping of which cells are affected by various manipulations. In this project we combine computational tools with quantitative microscopy to measure nucleus shape, and use these readouts to identify different cell types in the pectoral fins of zebrafish embryos. High resolution images of pectoral fin nuclei were taken using confocal microscopy - a technique commonly used when capturing tissue and cell data. Following nucleus identification and segmentation during data pre-processing, the FlowShape analysis package was utilized to extract quantitative "shape vectors" that encode the morphology of each nucleus. We plan to leverage the spherical harmonic weights produced within FlowShape to cluster and identify key shape-types that emerge from the collected nuclei. These shape readouts will serve as the basis for future analyses aimed at classifying different nucleus morphologies within the pectoral fin. Ultimately we hope to use nucleus morphology to predict the expression of key marker genes. This approach provides a powerful method for bridging the gap between the rich gene expression information provided by single-cell RNA-seq atlases, and the dynamical and morphological information produced by in vivo microscopy.

The introduction of harmful strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the marine environment negatively impacts ecosystem health. When unnatural strains of E. coli are introduced through pollution events, spikes in animal sickness and death occur, and harm to human health is more likely. Understanding relationships among parameters known for contributing harmful strains of E.coli and parameters more likely to contribute non-harmful strains is important to identify the most impactful parameters leading to harmful E. coli events. Possession Sound, WA is an ideal study site for monitoring multiple parameters associated with the introduction of E. coli to a saltwater environment. The study site includes the second largest freshwater input in Puget Sound, the Snohomish River, which passes many farms on its way to the Sound. The study site is also surrounded by a heavily industrialized port, and a large-density population center. I collected water samples at various depths and recorded animal presence from 2023-2025 at ten separate sites. Using a sterile procedure, I plated water samples onto bacterial plates using Easygel® agar. Overflow and river discharge data were provided by the city of Everett and USGS respectively. Historical data were collected following similar protocols by the Ocean Research College Academy. I hypothesized that increased presence of E. coli would strongly correlate with high river discharge events and combined sewer overflow events more than other inputs, but early analysis does not support this correlation. Further research must consider parameters such as residence time of E. coli, lag time after discharge events, and water chemistry characteristics. 

Eelgrass meadows (Zostera spp.) and Kelp forests (Nereocystis spp.) are both essential habitats in Possession Sound, a saltwater estuary formed where the Snohomish River meets the Salish Sea. Home to many marine species, the Possession Sound has unique salinity levels that provide a rich environment to support marine life. These ecosystems provide vital services such as helping clean the water, sheltering fish, absorbing or filtering carbon, producing oxygen, and protecting coastlines. Given the rich marine habitat that develops in eelgrass meadows and kelp forests, conducting a study of the organisms that reside in the habitat would be beneficial to learn about their condition and influence on life within Possession Sound. To conduct the study, I used eDNA sampling for data collection. eDNA sampling analyzes genetic material from organisms and identifies what species are present in a given environment. I collected samples from two ecosystems at the stations closest to each habitat. MBT (eelgrass) and Kelp Sanctuary (kelp forest). The data I collected from the two sites were sent to the molecular genetics laboratory at WDFW for metabarcoding analysis to identify species using a passive filtration protocol. The data were then combined with historic data to determine the species present in both habitats, specifically focusing on fish and crustacean species. Preliminary analysis suggests that these habitats have similar organisms that frequent each habitat. I expect to see this trend reflected in additional eDNA data, meaning the eelgrass meadows and kelp forests will have similar representative species.

Seabirds are considered a strong indicator species for ecosystem health due to their visibility, lack of behavioral and phenotypic plasticity, and high trophic level.  Current declines in seabird populations are often attributed to bottom-up ecosystem control regulating upper trophic level populations. These bottom-up effects might be caused by reductions in marine productivity due to climate change. I performed statistical and graphical analyses on the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count data from Puget Sound and water chemistry data from the Ocean Research College Academy’s moored and deployable sensors. This allowed me to identify possible relationships between bird populations and water chemistry from 2009 to 2024 in the Possession Sound estuary. My initial analyses demonstrated the expected decline in collective seabirds counted, however certain pelagic species experienced unexpected increases. Further investigation is required to determine whether the increase was caused by ecosystem dynamics or improved count methods. My initial analyses did not indicate any relationship between water chemistry and bird populations. The lack of apparent relationship may be due to the water chemistry changes having impacts on primary productivity and indirect bottom-up trophic cascades, which could have a significant lag time in effects on bird populations. My analysis also does not account for environmental factors in disparate migration sites or breeding colonies that might affect bird populations. 

Sewage system design and heavy seasonal rainfall throughout Washington State pose risks to many marine ecosystems, as stormwater overflow can flush untreated waste into local bodies of water. The estuarine system and status of the Snohomish River as the second-largest freshwater input into Puget Sound make this area especially interesting and relevant to a larger environment. While sewer overflow events pose risks, the extent of their impact on our local water chemistry remains fairly unexplored. Studies conducted across the US suggest that this mix of human waste, debris, and potentially harmful microorganisms and chemicals in hundreds of thousands of gallons at a time can cause significant negative effects on many aspects of marine life, notably dissolved oxygen (DO), to the point of hypoxia. This study seeks to quantify the impact of combined sewage overflows (CSOs) in the Snohomish River and Possession Sound by analyzing trends seen between DO and chlorophyll levels at the mouth of the Snohomish River during low tides occurring before and after major CSO events. CSO outflow data were provided by the City of Everett’s Utilities department and DO and chlorophyll data were collected by a long-term deployed EXO 2 in the Everett marina. I hypothesized that there would be a significant negative correlation between CSO volume and DO levels and a positive correlation between CSO volume and chlorophyll. This research will help assess the risk of hypoxia, an important measurement as many marine species cannot survive in low oxygen conditions, and it will add to an important discussion about how our human systems impact marine life.

Noise pollution from 10 Hz to 200 kHz disrupts marine life and importantly damages cetaceans’ ability to navigate surroundings, communicate, and hunt. Possession Sound supports gray, humpback, and orca whales who all pass through its congested waterways and underwater soundscape. During 2023-2024 a voluntary slow down of commercial vessels occurred in Puget Sound. The results from Quiet Sound showed that 71% of 795 commercial vessels slowed down through the marked zones. There was a 50% 3 dB decrease in sound created and resulted in 72 additional minutes when underwater noise did not reach over 110 dB. One location where noise pollution is prominent is between the city of Mukilteo and the town of Clinton on Whidbey Island. The Mukilteo-Clinton ferries run 21 and a half hours a day, leading them to be a regular contributor to the underwater soundscape and an important factor to assess our environment's health. This study was conducted using data from a SoundTrap 400 hydrophone mounted .4 miles from the Mukilteo ferry terminal. 168 hours of constant data have been gathered between 2021 and 2024. From 1:30 am to 4:40 am, ferries don't run. Noise levels when the ferries don't run were compared to when they do run, which proved to show a significant reduction in overall RMS amplitude. Graphs plotting constant 24-hour RMS amplitude show spikes every half hour, which lines up with the Washington State Ferries (WSF) departure schedule. Future research must identify specific sound frequency signatures for the ferries and compare those frequencies and amplitudes to known values that may harm cetaceans and other marine life.

Oceanic currents drive all the world’s major climatic, biological, pollutant and sediment transport patterns. Many complex forces interact to produce the intricate movements of the ocean’s waters. Tidal rectification, a phenomenon caused by the spinning reference frame of the Earth acting together with island geometry and friction, is one such process which dictates how water is circulated around islands, seamounts, and other bathymetric shapes when tidal oscillations are present. Tidal rectification has been described mathematically and compared with physical measurements for many islands, but these islands fall into a few distinct categories. Many are either large and restricted to central latitudes, or small in diameter and found in far northern latitudes. Non-Island formations, such as guyots, and smaller bathymetric features in more central latitudes are not rigorously characterized through the lens of tidal rectification. This study expands the practical characterization of tidal rectification by comparing current speed data around a guyot near Namonuito Atoll, south of Guam, to a theoretical scaling of the potential forces acting on the guyot. I hypothesized that friction-based circulation would dominate over Coriolis-based circulation due to the guyot’s low latitude. Current velocity data was collected along a circular transect around the guyot by the R/V Thomas G. Thompson in December 2024. Preliminary findings, based on a scale analysis, suggest that these two cases are difficult to distinguish. Further research is needed to derive the nature of rectified circulation for small low-latitude islands. A rigorous practical analysis of the effects of tidally-rectified circulation is critical for a deeper understanding of biological processes, sediment transport, and pollutant concentrations around island communities.

The fitness industry actively influences how people define health, shaping their actions and self-image. My qualitative research examines how University of Washington students navigate fitness messaging in gym culture, social media, and advertising, analyzing its effects on self-perception, mental health, and behaviors. Since Winter 2024, I have used ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews with 30 consenting individuals and participant observations at the IMA gym, with IRB certification for ethical compliance, to identify key trends. This research focuses on four objectives: analyzing fitness industry messages around body image, exercise, and diet; investigating how these messages shape student perceptions and behaviors; examining intersections with public health, media studies, and psychology; and evaluating the ethical implications of these narratives. Preliminary findings reveal that while fitness and nutrition can improve health, commercialized messaging often leads to the opposite. Without evidence-based guidance, individuals accept and internalize health narratives that may not align with their needs, which can be detrimental. My research has revealed fitness culture reinforcing societal pressures, creating confusion about health, and leaving young adults vulnerable to misinformation, with some experiencing serious health consequences from extreme regimens promoted online. The emphasis on aesthetics often overshadows long-term well-being, contributing to over-exercise, disordered eating, and supplement misuse. This presentation will initiate critical dialogue on how fitness industry messaging impacts health behaviors and inform strategies for public health, policy, and education to address these issues. It will also raise awareness of the urgent need to evaluate health messages critically, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. I want to ensure that fitness is used as a tool for sustainable health rather than a driver of harmful standards. As I prepare for graduate studies in medical anthropology and global health this work is a critical step in my commitment to addressing health disparities.

LGBTQ+ populations face increased vulnerability to natural disasters due to factors including exclusion from aid structures, loss of healthcare, outing and harassment in shelters, and pre-existing poverty and stigma (Dominey-Howes et al, 2013; Yamashita et al, 2017). However, there is limited information specifically concentrating on transgender people's access to resources, experience with aid, or unique needs. This literature review aims to assess the current available information on transgender people's experiences of natural disasters and where there is still room for further inquiry. What does available research currently say about how transgender people perceive, prepare for, and live through natural disasters? This review will be conducted by searching through research databases and grey literature for studies on natural disasters that explicitly mention transgender people. The literature will be characterized and relevant findings, recommendations, and gaps will be summarized. We anticipate finding the amount and types of literature published, as well as information on the resources transgender people access, effectiveness of existing disaster interventions, factors affecting preparedness, and potential areas for further research. Understanding the current state of information on transgender people's experience prior to, during, and after natural disasters can inform more inclusive research and disaster planning.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has become the leading driver of the U.S. opioid epidemic, contributing to over 70,000 overdose deaths annually. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is characterized by cycles of dependence, withdrawal, and relapse, with most fatal overdoses occurring during relapse, yet existing treatments for OUD do not effectively prevent relapse. Understanding how fentanyl affects brain activity and behavior is critical for developing more effective therapies. I investigated how fentanyl exposure modulates locomotion and the neural activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) across abstinence, dependence, withdrawal, and relapse. I hypothesized that each stage would show distinct neural activation patterns and that fentanyl exposure would reduce exploration and locomotion, reflecting compulsive drug-seeking behavior. To test this, I implanted silicon probes in the NAc of mice to monitor neural activity while tracking movement and behavior with high-resolution video. Mice received increasing fentanyl doses over five days, followed by a withdrawal period and, finally, a relapse challenge dose. I analyzed their behavior using deep learning-based pose estimation for correlations with neural activity across different stages of fentanyl exposure. I expect neural recordings to show that fentanyl significantly alters NAc activity, with each phase displaying unique neural patterns. I also expect fentanyl-exposed mice to show reduced exploratory movement, consistent with behavioral inflexibility and compulsive drug-seeking tendencies characteristic of OUD. These findings could provide critical insights into how fentanyl disrupts brain function and behavior, helping to identify new targets for addiction treatment. This research lays the groundwork for future studies on relapse prevention, with the goal of improving OUD therapies and reducing overdose deaths.

Chronic pain affects about 20% of the adult population in the US, with more than 25% of these being pain that severely limit a person’s daily activities. In recent years, scientists in the field have been classifying pain as both a sensory response and emotional experience influenced by physiological and social factors. Newer research on pain behaviors and social behaviors have indicated that there is a positive association between the presence of cage mate in pain and the sensitivity to pain for a mouse. Although the behavioral responses are observed, the neural circuits mechanisms have yet to be examined. I will inject wild type mice with GCaMP in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and RCaMP in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). GCaMP and RCaMP are both genetically encoded Calcium indicators and are sensitive proxies for measuring excitatory transmission between brain regions. I will then implant fibers in both brain regions of all mice for fiber photometry recordings. After sensor expression time, I will check Calcium signals using a stressful stimulus known to stimulate excitatory pathways in mice then surgically induce pain in half of the mice. Mice will be split into chronic pain and pain-free groups, with their cage mate being either in pain or pain-free. I will perform a triad of behavioral pain testing simultaneously with fiber photometry recording, including tests for mechanical and thermal pain. I predict that for pain-free mice housed with a cage mate in pain, their pain threshold will decrease, as measured by all behavioral experiments. This should be accompanied by a stronger increase in BLA to mPFC Calcium signal when the mice are receiving painful stimuli. 

The ongoing opioid epidemic has made the need for alternative pain management strategies more urgent than ever. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffer from chronic pain, which has traditionally been treated with opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, both classes of drugs come with significant drawbacks. NSAIDs are often ineffective for managing chronic pain and can cause kidney and liver damage with prolonged use. Meanwhile, opioids lose their effectiveness over time, contributing to misuse, substance use disorders, and an increased risk of overdose. With few alternatives available that don't carry these risks, researchers are exploring new pain management options. One promising avenue is the use of cannabinoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In this study, I employ machine learning to create an unbiased kinematic and behavioral profile of mice experiencing chronic neuropathic pain using a custom-built linear track. Chronic pain and limb impairment are induced through partial sciatic nerve ligation, and a deep learning system analyzes videos of the mice to assess their movement patterns before and after treatment. I then compare these profiles to those of mice treated with NSAIDs, opioids, and cannabinoids, evaluating the effects of each treatment on behavioral measures like body position, which serves as a proxy for pain state and stress. We expect the mice treated with analgesics to show increased rearing and grooming behaviors. This research not only compares the analgesic effectiveness of cannabinoids to traditional pain-relief drugs but also helps reduce the stigma surrounding cannabinoid-based treatments.

The mechanisms guiding the sensory detection of pain and the subsequent sensitization of damaged tissue to mechanical and thermal stimuli are relatively well understood. However, mechanisms guiding the transformation of nociception into the negative feelings associated with pain remain largely unknown. This affective component, notably in chronic pain, translates into an intense emotional impact on patients and can contribute to the development of comorbid psychiatric disorders. The elderly population have a propensity to be socially isolated and face exacerbated effects of chronic pain. In 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S adults suffer from chronic pain with persons over 65 years of age having the greatest propensity of acquiring the disease. Due to this, clinical intervention models call for a more holistic approach to pain intervention that incorporates lifestyle and nutritional factors, extending beyond pharmacological treatments. One of these promising non-pharmacological interventions is positive social interaction, which has been shown to alleviate pain and suffering.  Several studies show that humans who maintain strong social bonds recover from injuries faster than people without them. However, it has not yet been evaluated the extent to which this phenomenon occurs in geriatric animals and its relative efficacy as a social intervention to alleviate chronic pain in injured mice. My project seeks to gauge whether social intervention can alleviate chronic pain symptoms in aged mice and to unveil the underlying mechanisms guiding these successful non-pharmacological treatments. I will achieve this through two aims: evaluation of social self-administration as an intervention for chronic pain, and transcriptomic analysis to identify gene expression changes as a result of social interaction. Future research will include miniscope endomicroscopy recordings to visualize cell activity within major brain regions, and comparison of cell ensemble activity between groups of mice will lead to the identification of structures encoding behavioral shifts caused by pain.

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for cognitive functions such as decision-making, emotional regulation, and attention. Dysfunction in PFC circuitry is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and anxiety. Within the PFC, excitatory glutamatergic neurons and inhibitory GABAergic neurons coordinate activity to maintain proper network function. The excitatory-inhibitory balance is critical for cognitive processing, yet the role of the most abundant GPCR in the brain, the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1), in regulating these neuronal populations remains unclear. CB1 receptors are highly expressed across other cortical regions but have the most dense expression in the PFC where they are hypothesized to modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. To investigate their cell-specific function, we utilized a CRISPR-Cas9 to locally knockout the CB1 receptor specific neuronal populations using a viral cre-dependent driver. This virus was administered in either vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT)-Cre or vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)-Cre animals to select for inhibitory or excitatory neurons, respectively. We assessed CB1 receptor expression using RNAscope in situ hybridization to quantify CB1 mRNA in VGAT-expressing inhibitory neurons and VGLUT-expressing excitatory neurons. Fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize CB1 receptor distribution and determine whether its expression differs between these neuronal populations compared to controls. By mapping CB1 receptor expression and assessing its functional role in these neurons through previous behavioral experiments, this study provided insight into how the endocannabinoid system regulates PFC circuitry. Understanding CB1-mediated modulation of excitatory and inhibitory balance could have broad implications for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by PFC dysfunction.

Strong gravitational lensing provides a natural magnifying effect for the study of the most distant galaxies. While there have been studies on the physical properties of star-forming clumps in strongly lensed galaxies, there is a critical need to automate the process of identifying these clusters, especially in scenarios where high flux density regions are to be discovered in large imaging surveys. Typical methods of clump identification rely on contrast enhancement through image smoothing and subtraction, followed by the use of visual and automatic source detection software. While generally effective, these approaches require careful parameter tuning and manual validation, limiting their efficiency and reproducibility. We present a novel software pipeline titled SUMAC (Software for Uniform Manifold Approximation of Clusters) that automatically processes FITS files of lensed galaxies, reduces the data using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), and outputs a topological map clustering together pixels with similar characteristics. Users can specify parameters of interest, including flux, spectral energy distribution, and morphology. We utilize JWST/NIRCam imagery of the z =2.481 lensed galaxy SGAS1110, confirming the functionality of SUMAC by automatically tagging points in the UMAP topological space, mapping them back to the imagery of the lensed galaxy to show alignment with visual star forming clusters. We additionally analyze spectroscopic data for the galaxy, ensuring pixels that SUMAC identifies as corresponding to star-forming clumps match characteristics such as age, metallicity, and emission line ratios that are indicative of star formation. SUMAC’s ability to handle large datasets efficiently, without requiring manual validation or extensive parameter tuning, ensures a more reproducible and scalable approach to high-redshift galactic analysis. SUMAC has the potential to be a valuable tool in the field of astronomical image processing, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of galactic dynamics studies.

Quasars are some of the most luminous objects in the universe. Through analysis of quasar spectra, outflows of gas and dust can be identified by absorption troughs. Outflows that travel at speeds greater than 10% of the speed of light are known as Extremely High Velocity Outflows (EHVOs), and while there have been fewer studies compared to those at lower speeds, they might carry out large amounts of energy due to their higher speeds. The amount of gas in these outflows can be measured and studied through their CIV absorption troughs. However, in some cases, this absorption is contaminated by absorption of other ions at lower speeds. I have developed programming tools to analyze some of these complex EHVO absorption features. I will present the results of applying these techniques to two interesting cases: (1) one of the most luminous quasars in the universe and (2) the fastest known EHVO to date. My work improves the quality of EHVO analysis, resulting in more accurate measurements of absorption of these extreme outflows. This is crucial to obtain better estimates of mass outflow rates and kinetic energies in quasars, of which EHVOs might be some of the largest contributors.

Quasars, located at the centers of distant galaxies, are among the most luminous objects in the universe due to the accretion disks surrounding their central supermassive black holes. By analyzing their spectra, we can observe outflows launched from their accretion disks which grant us insight into their physical and chemical conditions. Some of these outflows, known as Extremely High Velocity Outflows or EHVOs, have been discovered traveling at speeds greater than 10% the speed of light. Due to their extreme speeds, EHVOs carry a significant amount of kinetic energy that could potentially be impacting their host galaxies by either enhancing or quenching their star formation. While outflows traveling at lower speeds have been well studied, there is still much to learn about EHVOs. My project focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that drive EHVOs and the conditions necessary to launch them at such high speeds. To achieve this, I am collaborating with a research team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in a theoretical-observational partnership. They generate simulated spectral data of quasar winds using the Sirocco tool, adjusting quasar physical properties such as black hole mass to try and reproduce the conditions that generate EHVOs. We compare these results to observational data from the largest EHVO sample identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey’s 16th data release and provide feedback for refining theoretical inputs to better match the data. I will present the results from this work as well as what we have learned from this latest EHVO survey.

Art has long been a cornerstone for revolution. Whereas there are many narratives about artistic interventions in the established norms and systems of oppression within society, there has been less investigation of how the values held within artistic spaces inspire revolutionary change. Artistic spaces produce different modes for thinking about art, its function, and how to create space for its production by all people. I researched these norms within the context of Dutch art cooperatives that emerged from squatting movements in the 1960s and 70s. My research gave me an understanding of Dutch anarchist frameworks and their implications for creating new forms of working environments that prioritize community over capital. In Seattle, I constructed an ethnography to find different values in artistic communities through interviews and experiences in those spaces. I used my research in artistic spaces to map the values held and record how those values implicate different structural frameworks. My main question is how artistic spaces produce different structures that allow for interventions into systems of oppression and to what extent they open opportunities for revolutionary change and individual growth. I measured these through qualitative findings through interviews to find the varying values held within a community and how those are associated with organizational structure. As I continue my research throughout the winter and spring, I anticipate finding the level of collectivity and revolutionary modes of thinking to be based on the organization’s histories within the arts. These findings will implicate how artistic communities vary based on geographic location and the historical norms of that community. The findings will further provide a basis for future understandings of how the arts can create spaces that allow for revolutionary questioning of norms within Seattle and beyond through a historical narrative. 

Nature is an abstract concept with no universal definition—for example, some see a city park as nature, while others disagree. Definitions vary from physical elements (e.g., plants, animals, landscapes) to broader systems of growth and change. Disagreements arise over human-altered environments, wilderness, and spiritual significance. Much of the existing literature is limited by its focus on Western perspectives, highlighting the need for diversity. This project investigates the underlying reasons why individuals’ definitions of nature differ. In particular, I focus on less agreed upon elements, or “gray areas” (e.g., a tree between concrete or a playground structure in a park) of what constitutes nature, and seek to determine whether these differences are associated with culture, spirituality, and religion. Fifteen University of Washington students, representing diverse cultural, spiritual, and religious backgrounds, were selected from a screener sample (N=180) to participate in interviews featuring a sorting activity with nature-related terms, photos, and phrases. Throughout this activity, questions are posed to delve deeper into the nuances of "gray areas" pertaining to nature, and to understand the factors influencing these perceptions. Additional questions circle back to participants' cultural backgrounds, spirituality, and religion to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence the individual's definitions of nature. Preliminary results reveal differences in how individuals categorize phrases, words, and photos as “nature,” “not nature,” or “unsure.” Findings also suggest that understandings of nature are shaped by religious affiliations, influencing how people perceive and relate to natural environments. Identified themes, perspectives on gray areas, and connections with cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs will be presented. Understanding how cultural, spiritual, and religious affiliations shape perceptions of nature is essential for interpreting nature-related research, informing policy, and enhancing environmental management.

Many scholars have examined Ancient Rome’s reliance on enslaved labor and many more have investigated the inner workings of the cura annonae (“care of the grain supply”), the state-funded welfare program which provided free wheat to citizens under a certain income level. However, few have studied the foundation role that enslaved and other exploited labor played in the administration of the cura annonae. In this paper, I describe the history of the Ancient Roman food supply, the origins of the cura annonae, and its complex logistics. I outline the steps of the supply chain: the wheat plantations, grain ships, ports, mills, distribution, and bureaucratic administration. Using primary sources, archeological evidence, and scholarly theories, I focus on the instances of labor exploitation within the system. By applying world system theory and dependency theory to the institution of the cura annonae, I show how modern sociological and economic theories can enhance our understanding of the ancient world.

Objective. I asses the increased Latino support for Donald Trump and the GOP since 2016, and how the Democratic party was less successful in 2024 with Latinos than in previous elections. Methods. By using a mixed-methods approach that includes an in-depth bilingual content analysis and polling data I can evaluate increased GOP support from Latino voters even under increased threat. Findings. In 2024, Trump demonstrated increased Latino outreach efforts but still failed to capture a majority of Latino voters due to his continued anti-Latino and anti-immigrant rhetoric. However, perceptions of GOP hostility decreased, likely due to rising economic concerns. In comparison, Harris' Latino outreach was much better, however, her policies failed to resonate with Latinos largely due too little to no discussion of comprehensive immigration reform - which typically heightens group identity and thus mobilizes Latino voters. Conclusion. While the media and the campaigns like to discuss the importance of the Latino vote, as they seek their support, the two-party system has left Latino voters behind, effectively ignoring their substantive political wants and needs, increasing the likelihood of a shift of Latinos to the right.

3D perovskites have enormous potential for optoelectronic applications such as light-emitting devices, photodetectors and lasers, due to tunable optical properties. Achieving precise control over their characteristics, specifically color purity, can be costly to discover because of their highly nonlinear behavior.  In this work, machine learning (ML) will be employed to explore the synthesis parameter space and target perovskite films with desired RGB values. By varying the annealing time and composition of the MAPbIBr₂ perovskite while fixing other synthesis parameters the film’s optical response can be adjusted. Using Bayesian Optimization, a data-driven approach will be established based on experimental feedback for precisely tuning the perovskite. This synthesis framework is designed for easy adaptation to other synthetic spaces requiring precise material control. This research aims to accelerate ML-driven design of perovskites while enhancing our understanding of their nonlinear synthesis space.

Laboratory automation has demonstrated great potential in accelerating the discovery and optimization of new materials. However, the lack of low cost high-throughput characterization has been a limiting factor in the development of autonomous self-driving labs. To address this, we developed an open-source 3D-printable robotic framework that can be integrated with an ocean optics spectrometer probe designed to measure materials properties in a high-throughput fashion. The device is low-cost, easy to construct and fully compatible with the Opentron (OT-2) automated liquid handler. The system operates on a printer-gantry system that moves the spectrometer probe across a laboratory plate as scanning progresses. We aim to achieve scanning speeds of 1 second per well, allowing a standard 48 well laboratory plate to be completed in under 1 minute – a significant improvement over current times achieved with human testing. Additionally, we outline potential applications for the system through the characterization of perovskite semiconductors for energy-efficient lighting and discuss the challenges of fully integrating this device into a completely autonomous workflow. Despite its current limitations, by facilitating high throughput characterization through affordable, open-source technologies, this device enables materials researchers in underserved regions to accelerate progress in key areas such as green technology development. 

Data is the fuel driving AI innovation. Much of the most valuable data is, however, siloed in research centers, hospitals, banks, etc. The onerous processes researchers must go through to access each silo cause a substantial underutilization of AI in many of the most important domains, including healthcare and genomics. AI researchers cannot train models for personalized medicine if they cannot get their hands on enough relevant patient data. One way to provide broader access for research while also retaining the privacy of the original data is with synthetic data generation (SDG), which uses machine learning to generate a set of synthetic data similar enough to the real data to retain its value for research while also anonymizing it. While in some cases a single data custodian (such as a hospital) alone may have enough data to train a generative model, usually, datasets from multiple custodians need to be combined to reach a cumulative size that enables meaningful AI research. The latter is, for example, often the case for rare diseases, with each clinical site having data for only a small number of patients, which is insufficient to train high-quality synthetic data generators. The goal of my research is to generate synthetic genomics data of patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1, a rare genetic condition that causes changes in skin pigment and tumors on nerve tissue. Thanks to our Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning Lab’s inclusion in the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot and our collaboration with Sage Bionetworks, I have access to the TACC Frontera supercomputer at the University of Texas and multiple sets of NF1 patient data. Results of my work on the NAIRR include an empirical evaluation of cross-silo federated SDG algorithms in terms of quality of the generated NF1 data, computational cost, and level of privacy protection.

Architectural and spatiotemporal aspects of epigenetic regulation and cell behavior are critical for maintaining overall health. Unintentional genetic mutations can create dynamic dysregulation in the epigenome and transcriptomes at the cellular level which is implicated in diseases ranging from fibrosis to cancer. However, our tools to probe and understand these behaviors are limited by a lack of spatiotemporal control. To address this, we propose installing four-dimensional control over the potent CRISPR inhibition transcriptional effectors to establish epigenetic control at cellular scale resolutions.  CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a genetic modification system that relies on Cas9 proteins to splice and deactivate genes as controlled by a programmable guide RNA sequence. CRISPR inhibition relies on a deactivated Cas9 protein that does not directly alter the genetic material in order to sterically hinder transcription. Our work aims to formulate a CRISPR inhibitor system which can unbind from the target DNA with two photon activation via a photo-cageable noncanonical amino acid insertion. This would allow for four-dimensional spatiotemporal control over the system, thus increasing the level of control in epigenetic regulation. Currently, work is being done to test the CRISPR inhibition system in HEK 293 cells that have been lentivirally transduced with both a test sequence and the deactivated Cas9 protein. After testing is completed for this simpler system, we will move toward creating a system that incorporates the photocaged noncanonical lysine variant, giving us control over the CRISPR inhibition system with regards to both space and time.

Biological processes rely on the intricate functions of proteins, which drive essential biochemical reactions. Given their critical role, various methods have been developed to regulate protein functions in biomaterials and in vitro. Enhancing the precision of gene editing is crucial for advancing applications in gene therapy and minimizing off-target effects. My project focuses on integrating photoactivatable proteins with prime editors, a modified version of the widely known gene editor CRISPR/Cas9, to improve spatial and temporal control over gene modifications. By utilizing genetic code expansion, non-canonical amino acids are incorporated into human cells to express photocaged prime editor proteins and altering host genomes. This system enables optical stimulation to precisely regulate protein activity. Through the deployment of well-characterized photolabile groups, we expect to be able to render protein activity controllable in a dose dependent way. A key application of this approach is the development of a photoactivatable prime editor system to induce precise gene edits. Traditional CRISPR/Cas9 methods lack spatiotemporal control over activation. To address this, the system is adapted for use in hydrogels, where two-photon patterning allows visualization of prime editor protein activation in three dimensions. Our study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of optically controlling gene editing with high specificity, offering a novel strategy for advancing cell lineage tracing and gene therapy applications.

Tumor angiogenesis is characterized by unregulated blood vessel formation, impairing vascular networks and biological transport. It represents a critical stage in cancer progression, where malignant tumors metastasize and exploit the human body’s resources, which lie in vascular networks. However, the complex tumor microenvironment presents significant challenges in studying tumor angiogenesis and identifying its biomarkers. Towards addressing this concern, hydrogels—water-swollen, polymeric networks—can be used to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment, whose physiochemical properties can be precisely tuned to match that found in vivo. The DeForest Lab has developed methods and techniques in bioorthogonal chemistry and light-based subtractive manufacturing to tune such hydrogel materials with precise and unique 4D control, all at subcellular resolutions. In this project, I will exploit image-guided multiphoton lithography to engineer natively complex tumor vasculature patterns within photodegradable hydrogels. We will further embed tumor vascular spheroids within these hydrogels, providing a platform to model and assay tumor progression in vitro. This study has exciting implications for translational research and preclinical studies, particularly for disease modeling and therapeutic screening, as well as reducing ethical concerns regarding tissue and animal models in preclinical studies.

Lagomorphs (hares, rabbits and pikas) exhibit a range of specialized locomotory modes and predator avoidance strategies while maintaining similar herbivorous diets. Their close evolutionary relationship and similar trophic role makes lagomorphs an ideal group for examining the effects of habitat and locomotory modes on skeletal morphology. This project examines two aspects of lagomorph morphology to further understand its relationship to the habitat in which those lagomorphs live. The first aspect, limb anatomy, is quantified through caliper measurements and robusticity calculations of the appendicular skeleton. We previously hypothesized a relationship between limb anatomy and digging behavior in rabbits and hares. As an extension of this previous research, we have classified the extent to which each species burrows to further explore the relationships between limb morphology, evolutionary relatedness, and current burrowing behavior. The second aspect is body shape, which is quantified through caliper measurements of the vertebral column and calculated as the ratio between body length and body depth. We previously found no relationship between body shape and locomotory mode. This year, we plan to examine the third lagomorph group (pikas) and increase our hare and rabbit sample sizes to determine whether the patterns that we previously found to be insignificant remain. Further, we plan to compare these different groups using a phylogenetic ANCOVA to correct for evolutionary relationships that may cause bias in our analysis. We predict lagomorphs that burrow will have the most robust forelimbs to allow for greater force to be applied while digging. Additionally, we predict that while greater size will be associated with lower elongation, there will be no significant difference in elongation between groups of lagomorphs, based on our results last year. This project will describe the effect of habitat on skeletal morphology, which could allow for better understanding of extinct groups.

Integrating complex animal behavior with peripheral physiological recording is critical for revealing the neural basis of behavior. Traditional peripheral physiological recording methods constrain natural behavior due to cable tethers, and manually annotating behavior often introduces subjectivity. We have recently published two pipelines that independently overcome these confounds: (1) mechano-acoustic (MA) devices that provide wireless, minimally invasive peripheral recording based on finely-tuned accelerometers, and (2) a computer vision based machine learning package (Simple Behavioral Analysis, SimBA) for supervised behavioral classification from recorded videos. Here, we developed a comprehensive machine learning model to classify behavioral states using MA device accelerometer data, using SimBA to validate and extend model outcomes. We test this model by analyzing the effect of anesthesia and other consciousness-altering drugs on mice. Lastly, we extend this approach for closed-loop applications. This work contributes to the growing field of bio-signal processing, offers a data-driven approach to automated behavior classification, and provides the groundwork for answering many diverse questions in neuroscience and related fields.

While some species cannot persist in urban areas, coyotes (Canis latrans) thrive in cities in part thanks to their varied diet and creative scavenging. Urban coyotes consume more anthropogenic foods and have more diverse diets than wild populations, and the quality of the anthropogenic foods they consume varies with the landscape of the city. In addition, consumption of particular anthropogenic foods can bring coyotes into conflict with resident human populations. What are coyotes eating in Seattle, and what does their diet composition say about the specific urban environments they inhabit? DNA metabarcoding, a technique used to genetically identify the species present in a sample, provided an initial idea of coyote diet composition. However, the metabarcoding data lacks resolution for plants, invertebrates, and some anthropogenic foods. This study investigates the diet composition of Seattle’s coyotes through traditional scat analysis, building on previous metabarcoding work to identify key diet items. Traditional analysis allows for better identification of plant and invertebrate species via the identification of hard-items such as bones, exoskeletons and seeds, and can provide additional resolution where metabarcoding primers lack specificity. In particular, traditional analysis contextualizes the dietary role of chicken— the presence or absence of physical items such as feathers clarifies if coyotes are eating domestic chickens or anthropogenic foods. I estimate the percent composition of each item in a given sample and compare these results to the metabarcoding data in order to compare the strengths of traditional and genetic techniques for diet analysis. My anticipated results provide valuable information regarding the dietary role of invertebrates, the plants coyotes consume and disperse, and if coyotes are consuming domestic chickens— highlighting the advantages of traditional analysis used in conjunction with metabarcoding. These results will help refine the methods of omnivore diet research and inform action to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

Dialogue/ loving yourself as you would love another recontextualizes the queer coming-of-age narrative by using poetry, drag, and video to embrace abstraction and fragmentation as radical philosophies of self-love. Focused on the ‘girl fag,’ Dialogue/ critiques identity-based systems of queer understanding, examines how the ‘shocking/misplaced’ femininity central to the ‘girl fag’ position separates her from both transness and gayness. The suspension created by this undefinability and the obligation the ‘girl fag’ has to queer abstraction and non-identity performativity is explored through ‘dialogue’ with a dragged-up-self and typical coming-of-age motifs - love, sexuality, physical growth, and discovering passions. The Dialogue/ project consists of a short (20-30min) video poem, the accompanying poetry collection, and a short essay succinctly exploring the mission of the work in academic writing. Visuals of the project celebrate drag traditions and dance as ways to connect with queer ancestry while the sound and writing explore vocal layering, abstract sounds, historical queer languages like Polari, and ‘fag-cent’ inflection. The planned display for this event would include short sections of video, stills, and conversation about project focus and methods. This project is a process of thinking, an of-age-reflection rooted in celebrating the resistance and experience of undefinition. 

Fear extinction, the process of extinguishing conditioned fear responses, plays an essential role in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Research has shown that fear regulatory mechanisms appear to be modulated by fluctuating endogenous hormones, such as estradiol, resulting in altered fear extinction strength at different phases of the menstrual cycle. This project explores the neural and physiological mechanisms of fear extinction across different phases of the menstrual cycle. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature, as women are historically underrepresented in fear extinction studies despite experiencing higher rates of anxiety disorders. I hypothesize that participants in the early follicular phase will exhibit attenuated fear extinction and recall compared to those in the mid-luteal phase. Using a combination of skin conductance response, pupillometry, and self-report measures, I will assess fear responses during acquisition, extinction, and recall phases of a basic fear conditioning paradigm. Additionally, functional MRI will be employed to investigate brain activity. Specifically I expect to see attenuated activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a brain region which appears to modulate amygdala activity, in the early follicular group. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how menstrual cycle phases influence fear extinction, leading to more effective and tailored exposure therapy protocols for women.

Ongoing research towards the realization of the future Solar System Internet (SSI) has demonstrated the potential for using Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) to create a scalable communications network that overcomes routing complications found in outer space. At present, traditional time synchronization protocols do not scale well in outer space networks, and yet it is unavoidable that some level of time synchronization is required to ensure crucial network functionality (such as scheduled data transmission between nodes) is well supported. The result of this is a necessity to design and implement a scalable, automated time synchronization protocol within the DTN architecture. This presentation covers the development towards one such protocol initially proposed by Moy et. al in 2024. More specifically, we focus on subsequent simulation work with the goal of understanding how implementation details of the algorithm and ramifications of the SSI’s network architecture may affect the convergence behavior of clock times, such as those regarding parameter selection, clustering of nodes in a network, and contradictory setups due to inconsistent knowledge of the network topology between nodes. To address these conditions, we first review the protocol as proposed in 2024. Through simulation, we cover the potential effects of degrees of network clustering and of choosing underlying equation solvers for time convergence on simple network layouts. We conclude with an analysis of a simulation based on the network architecture of a recent DTN experiment campaign involving the International Space Station (ISS). Preliminary results suggest that the convergence of clock times can occur under the tested conditions using the proposed algorithm, but that the convergence behavior and the final “agreed upon” time may differ. These results and future works thereby inspired may be used to inform the scheduling and implementation of the clock synchronization protocol within the network architecture of the SSI.

Hydrogel biomaterials have many applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels allow for controlled drug release, dependent on a user-defined trigger. However, current stimuli-responsive hydrogels are case-specific and cannot be used for broader applications, such as targeted disease treatment. Most hydrogels can only respond to one input, making them difficult to use in treating diseases with multiple markers. We developed a fully recombinant protein-based material with protease degradable cross links that follow Boolean logic (YES/AND/OR) in response to multiple inputs to allow for user controlled material degradation and drug release. The protease degradable sequences can be easily switched out before expression depending on the application, making our hydrogel generalizable. The hydrogel will be crosslinked with Boolean logic constructs, each of which are flanked by a click-like chemistry protein system. This allows the crosslinks to be covalently ligated to a linker made from elastin-like polypeptides (ELP), which holds the hydrogel network together. The crosslinks and ELP were expressed recombinantly in E. coli and purified on an ӒKTA Pure (Cytiva). A degradation study was conducted by adding different combinations of proteases to prove that material degradation is dependent on the combination of proteases added. We then conducted rheometry to determine the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, and verified that material stiffness followed the expected logical operation, where correct inputs resulted in material degradation. Finally, we tested the hydrogel’s ability to release drugs by incorporating human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) into the gel and measuring activation of the ERK signaling pathway through a Western Blot. The Western Blot showed activation of the ERK pathway only when the correct combination of proteases was added, indicating release of a bioactive protein drug. If successful, this hydrogel could be used for therapeutic delivery of drugs and broader tissue engineering applications.

Phytophthora ramorum is regarded as a devastating pathogen to many plant species, so its detection and extermination are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. At Clark’s Creek Park in Puyallup, WA, within a stream adjacent to the dog park, P. ramorum was searched for. Rhododendron leaves were used as bait to attract Phytophthora species in various soil samples and the running water of Clarks Creek. Phytophthora from infected leaves was cultured and used for DNA extraction, PCR (with ITS4 and ITS6 barcoding primers), electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the preponderant species present was Phytophthora gonapodyides. P. ramorum was not detected at the location we surveyed. However, due to our small sample size, the presence of P. ramorum should not be ruled out, and future experiments should continue exploring its potential habitation. If P. ramorum were identified, we would report this data to the USDA for subsequent intervention.

The impact of microbial communities plays a large role in the lives of all organisms. Numerous thriving communities of microorganisms are present in places we often overlook. Our research investigates the identification of microbial communities present in the University of Washington Bothell's land, specifically the soil, leaves, and mushrooms commonly found around campus. We aim to support future microbiology lab students by identifying additional species that can be used as unknowns and address common issues students face when sequencing and identifying their known microbes. Our team collected 3 samples from 3 different environments, and each microbial strain was isolated, sequenced, and analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the 16s rRNA gene. The resulting genetic sequences obtained were then matched with NCBI BLAST to determine species identity. Additionally, microscopy and gram-staining were used to classify the bacterial isolates based on their structural characteristics. All collected data will be provided to future students to contribute to their understanding of microbial growth and increase the success rate of replicating and identifying their microbes. We aim to encourage further exploration of microbial life in commonly encountered environments and emphasize the significance of microbes in shaping the ecosystems around us. Understanding these microbial interactions can contribute to a broader understanding in fields such as microbial ecology, medicine, and public health.

Mild hyperthermia - defined as raising the human body temperature to 39-42 Celsius - has been shown to improve the effectiveness of systemic therapies for cancer treatment by improving tumor oxygenation and blood flow. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive, thermal ablative therapy that can be used to induce mild hyperthermia in a small area around the focus. When used in the presence of microbubbles (an ultrasound contrast agent), referred to as bubble-enhanced heating (BEH) HIFU becomes more efficient and increases the treatment area. Further research is required to study the mechanisms of BEH and better understand the complex relationship between microbubble dynamics and the ultrasound parameters. In this in vitro study, I fabricated gel and liquid tissue-mimicking phantoms to perform heating experiments in. The experimental setup consisted of a focused ultrasound transducer aligned to two thermocouples that were placed inside the phantom, one at the focus and one pre-focally. An imaging probe was used to image the phantoms before and after HIFU exposure. During heating experiments, I measured the temperature of the phantom at a single point via thermocouples for 30 s of continuous ultrasound exposure followed by 30 s after exposure has been stopped. I originally hypothesized that as microbubble concentration increases, the temperature elevation would also increase. However, the results showed that for both the gel and liquid phantoms measured at the focus, a higher microbubble concentration does not always result in a higher temperature elevation. This is due to the phenomenon of acoustic shadowing, where the concentration of microbubbles impedes the propagation of sound through the phantom, altering where most of the heat deposition occurs. Future experiments will be performed to confirm these results and investigate further microbubble concentrations and acoustic pressures in order to optimize BEH treatment for future clinical applications.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the aging population and is characterized pathologically by the presence of amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, other co-pathologies are often present along with AD, such as TDP-43 pathology. TDP-43 pathology, which was first described in other forms of neurodegenerative disease, has more recently been observed as a common co-pathology in AD, particularly in older individuals. The pathology is characterized by aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 in the same brain regions as the tau pathology of AD, including the hippocampus. The combination of AD and TDP-43 pathology is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, greater brain atrophy, and increased AD pathological burden, particularly tau. In past studies, it has been suggested that there may be a potential synergistic relationship between tau and TDP-43 co-pathology in model systems. However, there is limited data on the relationship between quantitative tau and TDP-43 in human post-mortem tissues. This project explores the correlation between tau protein and TDP-43 in the aged brain using a quantitative neuropathological approach. We identified brain donors from the University of Washington BioRepository and Integrated Neuropathology (BRaIN) lab with pathology-confirmed high levels of AD pathology and varying degrees of TDP-43 co-pathology, along with a matched group of donors with high AD pathology and no TDP-43 co-pathology (n=8 per group). We use immunohistochemistry to stain the frontal cortex and hippocampus of each donor for hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and different forms of pathologic tau. We quantify pathologic protein burden on digitized slides using the image analysis platform HALO and assess the relationship between tau and TDP-43 burden and cognitive function. This work will expand our understanding of the relationship between tau and TDP-43 pathology and ultimately provide new avenues for potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

As a diverse mammalian clade defined by encephalization and an increased reliance on learned behaviors, primates serve as a uniquely well-suited subject for the study of how environmental factors may influence the diversity of brain morphology. Endocasts, which are 3D models of the cranial cavity, have been proven to be reliable proxies for brain shape and size and provide an accessible method for studying brain morphology. While it has been demonstrated that environment has caused convergent cranial morphology in lemur species, more investigation is necessary to uncover the exact causal variables of these changes and how they affect primates more broadly. In this study, we test the hypothesis that climatic factors contribute to morphological differences in the neocortex, olfactory bulbs, and cerebellum among primate species. For example, food scarcity caused by greater variability in rainfall and temperature may be correlated with investment in regions associated with learning and processing as described by the cognitive buffer hypothesis. Thus, we predict that increased rainfall leads to increased food availability and an increase in neocortex size which is responsible for higher order functions. To test our hypothesis, we obtained CT scans of primate skulls from the Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. We then used 3D Slicer to create endocasts from the cranial cavity and quantify endocranial morphology using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. We used phylogenetic comparative methods in R to test whether climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and altitude have induced changes in endocast morphology across species. Our findings will enhance the understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms particular to our own lineage and may help us better predict how Anthropogenic changes to climate will affect the evolution of organisms moving forward.

User-controlled cell behavior is useful for studying wound healing because the isolated therapeutic effects of individual signals can be observed at the wound site. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold into three-dimensional structures that can capture and inhibit proteins. The biological capacity of cells to deploy traction forces as a release mechanism for extracellular proteins can be engineered through clever deployment of aptamer-bound proteins with peptide handles. Scientists at the Imperial College London recently synthesized TrAPs: Traction Force-Activated Payloads that enable precise control of cell behavior using such a strategy. We bound photocaged TrAPs lacking adhesion handles to functionalized collagen hydrogels. Peptide immobilization was then selectively patterned using 365 nm light to spatially confine cell access to captured vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). After surface seeding endothelial cells, observations were made regarding changes in cells’ physical characteristics as a result of  protein release. Through SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment), TrAPs can be designed for any target protein in the extracellular matrix. The wide scope and biorthogonality of this project allows for many applications in medical technology and user-controlled cell fate. 

Previous literature has identified the relationship between the incidence of concussion and sports played. Further delineations occur between collision versus non-collision sports, contact versus non-contact sports, and athlete gender. We aimed to examine the relationship between incidence of concussion and sport played, and if incidence correlated with increased level of contact or with differences in gender. We undertook this study to better understand why there may be a rise in concussion incidence, especially in non-contact sports and any differences in concussion incidence in sex comparable sports. The cross-sectional study design uses a large data set collected on collegiate athletic teams at universities within the PAC-12 Conference between 2016 and 2022. Each concussion was diagnosed based on the clinical assessment of the evaluating sports medicine physician. The uniqueness of this data is due to diversity in population, broad location of subjects, and sport. I will analyze concussion incidence data from all PAC-12 athletes using descriptive statistics to describe the population and incidence rates to measure differences across the various groups. We believe that our findings will show women’s sports have a higher rate of concussion than men’s. Athletes participating in collision sports such as football may not necessarily be more likely to sustain a concussion than those who play limited or non-contact sports. There has been an increase in reporting, although it is unclear whether the rise is due to an increase in reporting, actual incidence, or a little of both. The information from this study will be useful in determining where additional concussion education and prevention measures should be directed. 

Assessing one’s circadian phase is important to both clinicians and researchers. The gold standard method of estimating circadian phase involves identifying the clock time when melatonin levels increase when under dim light (<5 lux), called Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO). This method involves collecting 8 hourly saliva samples, starting in the afternoon and finishing one hour after habitual bedtime. As external conditions can mask markers of circadian phase, such as bright evening lights inhibiting melatonin production, this method requires strictly controlled conditions (i.e. no eating, drinking, standing 30 minutes before each sample). This increases money and time cost of studies assessing circadian phase, and it reduces the accuracy and accessibility of DLMO assessments. The current study (n=17) attempts to validate a new method of estimating circadian phase, developed by Dr. Achim Kramer at Charité University, based on a one-time collection of hair follicles (HFs). Participants collected their own HFs in the morning before arriving at the lab to complete an evening DLMO assessment. I verified dim light levels via lux meter, ensured participants did not stand, eat, or drink 30 minutes before providing each saliva sample, and recorded the exact time of individual participants’ sample collection. I assayed saliva samples for melatonin levels to estimate DLMO. HF samples are processed at Charité University using the RNA levels of different relevant genes. We predict the circadian phases calculated by this method will significantly correlate with those of the DLMO assessment. If validated, this method would reduce the time burden on participants from ~8 hours to a matter of minutes. Reducing the cost of circadian phase studies will benefit researchers and clinicians alike, including for those living in remote areas or in areas with less healthcare access.

Fuels are comprised of thousands of compounds and many compound classes. Olefinic compounds in fuels are known to increase the formation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and gum formation in engines. The formation of the gums leads to premature engine degradation and lessened fuel efficiency. Various methods, such as molecular bromination, have been developed to detect and analyze these gum-forming olefins. Bromination via molecular bromine has been used in the past, but it has limitations, including high cost and potential environmental harm. As an alternative to bromination, I am using silver-ion solid-phase extraction (SPE) to separate alkenes from other compounds in fuels. Silver ion chromatography selectively retains alkenes, allowing for other compounds to be removed. Selective separation of a compound class will allow me to accurately detect and quantify olefins in fuel. My preliminary results show that olefins can be separated from aromatic compounds, polar compounds, and alkanes with silver ion SPE. I accomplished this by collecting the SPE effluent in measured fractions and analyzing each fraction by gas chromatography mass spectrometry to observe analyte breakthrough. I am developing this method to selectively detect trace olefins in fuels.

Greater than 70% of the volcanism on Earth occurs along mid-ocean ridge spreading centers and plays a significant role in cycling elements into and out of the seafloor due to hydrothermal circulation. My study investigated how temperature and chlorinity/conductivity were changing in two submarine hot springs (hydrothermal vents) from September 12, 2023 – January 7, 2025, with linkages to earthquake activity. I chose this time interval due to heightened seismic activity and inflation of the volcano in recent time indicating an impending eruption at Axial Seamount is likely within a year. These data inform the underlying plumbing system and were utilized to test the hypothesis that the plumbing systems of two ~350°C hydrothermal vents (Escargot and Diva) are not interconnected in the shallow subsurface. Data utilized were from the Ocean Observatories Initiative – Regional Cabled Array (OOI-RCA) underwater observatory and Axial Seamount Earthquake Catalog. These allowed for examination of phase separation and perturbations occurring in each vent. The RCA Instruments utilized were two sensors that stream live temperature and resistivity (converted to chlorinity/conductivity) measurements from the volcano 300 miles offshore. These data, in addition to pressure data from a Bottom Pressure-Tilt sensor (BOTPT) and the Axial Seamount Earthquake catalog are being analyzed with Python to correlate earthquakes to temperature and chlorinity/conductivity and examine lunar-driven tides. Five statistically significant perturbations/events were documented and analyzed. Findings from an additional perturbation showed the occurrence of possible brine release from the subseafloor due to heightened inflation from the magma chamber. This work helped inform on process linkages leading up to an eruption and the sequestration of subsurface brines and their possible release post eruption into the overlying ocean with impacts on novel brine and metal tolerant organisms in these extreme environments. 

Political satire is often viewed as a form of indirect political expression commonly employed in authoritarian states like China. When social media is heavily regulated, satire serves as a rhetorical tool to circumvent censorship. However, satire might vary across various types of political discussion, including housing, unemployment, and the overwork culture. While prior research has extensively examined political satire and censorship in China, there is little research comparing how satire functions differently across political discussion themes. This study hypothesizes a correlation between themes of political discussion and the role and characteristics of satire in political discourse by analyzing content on Zhihu, a Chinese Q&A platform. Specifically, it examines (1) the correlation between discussion themes and stance to assess whether satire is a necessary feature for expressing dissent, (2) the prevalence of satire, measured by the proportion of satirical posts within each theme, and (3) the relationship between linguistic ambiguity and satire to determine whether ambiguity is a key strategy for evading censorship. The methodology consists of three main steps: (1) Construct a dataset by creating a random sample from a list of select political discussion themes and scraping the top discussion forums, recommended by the platform's algorithms, to ensure the sample reflects the overall user experience. (2) Qualitative text annotation based on the post's stance, ambiguity, and the presence of satire. (3) Applying natural language processing techniques to examine cross-topic variations in the use of satire and other rhetorical strategies. This approach facilitates a systematic exploration of how different types of public political discussions utilize satire to evade censorship. This research contributes to the broader understanding of political discourse under authoritarianism, offering insights into how citizens navigate the boundaries of permissible speech. 

Influenza viruses are a causative agent of seasonal flu outbreaks, which are mitigated through routine vaccination. Due to antigenic drift, many illness-causing strains evolve slower and are therefore, well-characterized. However, new strains occasionally emerge from animal reservoirs through antigenic shift, which can evade pre-existing immunity and cause lethal pandemics. Currently, H5N1 strains are of global health concern. Influenza viruses have two major antigenic surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which have opposing functions and depend on a host cellular receptor, sialic acid. HA binds sialic acid for virus entry while NA cleaves sialic acid for viral release. NA is a dimer of dimers with several distinct domains, and two of particular interest: a head domain with sialidase activity and a flexible, hypervariable stalk domain. It is suggested that stalk length alters the range of accepted substrate-enzyme geometries of the NA head. As such, it is hypothesized that stalk length influences NA expression levels, sialic acid cleavage, and head tilting. Recent literature also demonstrates that shorter NA stalks result in reduced viral fitness in human hosts. Characterizing the structural effects of different NA stalk truncation constructs will provide valuable insight into influenza host-virus interactions. HDX-MS is an excellent tool for determining the structural dynamics of NA head regions by measuring local backbone amide solvent accessibility. MS data provides a detailed profile of deuterium uptake kinetics, effectively identifying differences in NA head flexibility across constructs. Additionally, we will use negative stain electron microscopy to observe differences in NA quarternary configuration and head tilting. We plan to correlate structural changes across constructs to changes in NA native function using a variety of NA activity assays in further experiments. This ongoing study aims to inform about how NA stalk length affects the influenza replication cycle, pathogenicity, and broader implications on host immunity.

Western media has perpetuated society’s perspective of the nursing role through a sexual lens rather than a professional. Nurses face high levels of sexual harassment and violence, with some studies showing up to 80% of nurses experiencing some form of sexual harassment in the workplace at some point in their career. The relationship between the media’s sexualization of nurses has led to an increase in harassment and violence in the profession, as well as proliferating the stereotype of ‘sexy nurses.’ In this literature review, I examine both the media and cultural perception of the nurse and the data surrounding sexual harassment and violence of nurses in the workplace. We know that workplace harassment can lead to increased rates of burnout and staff turnover, if the image of nursing is changed then we can create a healthier work environment with higher levels of job satisfaction and safety.

A subset of voltage-gated potassium channels, Kv2s, are responsible for the majority of the perisomatic delayed rectifier current in pyramidal neurons of the neocortex. Mutations in these ion channels and their associated proteins cause developmental epilepsy, but the cellular mechanisms underlying this remain less clear. Previously, we have shown that the two members of the Kv2 family of voltage-gated potassium channel α-subunits, Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, are expressed differently depending upon the type of neuron in rodent primary sensory and motor neocortex. There are two major subclasses of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurons in the neocortex, extratelencephalic (ET) and intratelencephalic (IT) neurons, that are distinguished by their projection targets and laminar distribution. ET neurons, enriched in L5b of the neocortex, send projections to subcortical structures, whereas IT neurons, primarily located in L5a, project within the telencephalon. In rodents, ET neurons are enriched in Kv2.1, but not Kv2.2. Here, we tested whether these features extend to the association cortices of primates, particularly the prefrontal cortex and temporal cortex, which are essential for various higher-order cognitive functions, including recognition, attention, and planning. Using immunohistochemistry against Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, we showed that these subunits have distinct laminar distributions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and temporal cortex (TCx). Kv2.1 was predominantly expressed in L5b, whereas Kv2.2 was more concentrated in layer 2 (L2) and L5a. Using a tarantula toxin, Guanxitoxin (GxTx), to block the Kv2-mediated current, we found that, similar to what we observed previously in rodents, the role of Kv2 channels differs depending on the L5 neuron type. GxTx makes L5 ET neurons fire repetitive bursts, whereas GxTx makes L5 IT neurons less excitable. Together, these results support distinct roles for Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 in regulating excitability across ET and IT neurons in the association cortex of the macaque. 

Our understanding of atomic physics has driven technology for the past century, but we still know shockingly little about the internal structure of protons and atomic nuclei. Studying quarkonium production in high-energy electron-proton collisions is a potential gateway into probing the mysterious glue that binds nucleons together. In this research we compute the cross section for heavy quarkonium production in nuclear deep inelastic scattering at small-x within the nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics framework. Our methods decompose the process into independent leptonic and hadronic processes and includes octet contributions from S and P wave states. We employ quantum electrodynamics Feynman Rules to solve the leptonic process, and compute the short distance coefficients for the production of the heavy quark pair within the framework of the Color Glass Condensate effective field theory, which accounts for the effects of multiple interactions of the heavy quark pair with the nucleus at all orders. Our results provide insights into the kinematics of quarkonium production at the future Electron-Ion Collider at BNL.

Heartistry is a digital art gallery project dedicated to showcasing the journey of healing and empowerment for victim-survivors of relationship abuse. Heartistry, as a concept and in practice, embodies the powerful intersection of heart and artistry. As a victim-survivor myself, art became an outlet for me to express my feelings, reclaim power, and honor the complexity of resilience. My goal with this project is to establish a general understanding of how recovery is non-linear and deeply personal while also a universal human experience. I produced nine art pieces, utilizing three theoretical frameworks to explore different healing directions. Each framework -- Resilience Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care -- guides three art pieces in direction, meaning, and intentionality. Project Heartistry consists of three sections: the art and description connecting it to the framework, resources for victim-survivors and their supporters as well as resources to learn more about each framework, and an about page with the intention of the project. My hope is that other victim-survivors may feel empowered to share their art with me and the site can adapt into a gallery of many artist's work, but for now, it is just my nine pieces. It was incredibly important for me to approach the art, my language, and site design sensitively, intentionally, and inclusively. The biggest takeaways from Heartistry is that healing is not linear, victim-survivors are not alone, and art is therapeutic. 

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. 

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) functions in a protein complex with raptor to control protein synthesis in eukaryotes. A reduction of function mutation in C. elegans raptor is resistant to hypoxic death. This mutation, a missense at amino acid 1033 in the daf-15 gene, is interesting because the mutation site is conserved in all mammals, suggesting that this work could shed light on hypoxic injury mechanisms in humans. The Crowder lab has discovered that a mutation called tm11331 in a gene involved in purine metabolism blocks the hypoxia resistance of the raptor mutation. We hypothesized that the tm11331 mutation restores normal protein synthesis to the raptor mutant and therefore restores hypoxic sensitivity. For my project, I examined this hypothesis by measuring nucleolus size as an indirect measurement of protein synthesis. Four strains were used in this assay: unmutated (wild-type) worms, worms with the raptor mutation, worms with the tm11331 mutation, and worms with both raptor and tm11331 mutations. From previous experiments, we know that raptor mutants have smaller nucleoli than wild-type worms, indicating that protein synthesis rates are lowered in mutated worms. We would therefore expect that protein synthesis rates and nucleolus size would be restored in worms made hypoxia sensitive by the addition of tm11331. For this assay, all strains contained a fluorescent protein that labelled the nucleoli, allowing me to image nucleoli under fluorescence. I processed each image and measured average nucleolus size in worms from each strain. Our data shows that the tm11331 mutation increased nucleolus size in strains both with and without raptor mutation. In fact, the combination of tm11331 and the raptor mutation was not significantly different from wild type. Thus, our data supports the hypothesis that the tm11331 mutation restores hypoxic sensitivity by normalizing protein synthesis.

Strokes and heart attacks caused by a lack of oxygen, called hypoxia, are among the most prevalent form of debilitating diseases in the United States. Hypoxia has been shown to cause hypoxia-induced-fragmentation of the mitochondria altering their size, shape, and distribution (known as the mitochondrial dynamics). However, to what extent these dynamics are involved in hypoxic cell death remains unestablished. The Crowder lab through a C. elegans mutagenesis screen discovered a reduction-of-function mutation in rapTOR that confers strong hypoxia resistance. rapTOR functions in a complex with mTORC1 to control cellular metabolism including mitochondrial function. We decided to investigate whether the hypoxia resistance of the rapTOR mutant is from alterations of mitochondrial dynamics in response to hypoxic injury. To measure the mitochondrial dynamics, I visualized the mitochondria with an outer membrane fluorescent protein, in wild type and mutant worms with and without hypoxic exposure. I analyzed the images blinded to their genotype and hypoxic condition and scored mitochondria as primarily fragmented or tubular, which served as a surrogate for detecting changes in mitochondrial dynamics. For a more quantitative analysis, I utilized image processing MATLAB code and determined differences in images using principal component analysis. My analysis showed hypoxia induces small, rounded mitochondria in C. elegans resembling mitochondrial fission. I found the mitochondria in the rapTOR mutant displayed decreased hypoxia-induced-fragmentation after hypoxia. Then when I combined the rapTOR mutant with a hyperfragmented mitochondria mutant it showed fragmented mitochondria with and without hypoxic exposure. However, the double mutant is also hypoxia resistant, which is not consistent with our hypothesis that mitochondrial fragmentation drives hypoxic cell death. Therefore, we reject our hypothesis and conclude that rapTOR is hypoxia resistant from a mechanism distinct from that controlling mitochondrial fission.

Resilience to aging is a critical biological process that precedes age-related declines in physiological function. Defined as an organism’s ability to respond to physical stress and return to equilibrium quickly despite increasing age, wound healing can help in the evaluation of resilience by indicating the efficiency of repairing physical tissue damage to the body by generating new tissue. Previous correlations between resilience to aging and wound healing suggest that mice with higher rates of wound closure have less cognitive impairment and increased grip strength. GHK-Cu, a peptide that has been shown to accelerate wound healing and skin repair, has been used in topical treatments. Current studies have shown that systemic administration of the GHK-Cu peptide improves cognitive performance in aging mice and lowers inflammation levels. Understanding this role in resilience mechanisms could provide valuable insight into more complex interventions such as multiplexing. A cohort of 20 male 18-month-old C57BL/6 mice was used. Ten randomly chosen mice received daily intraperitoneal doses of GHK-Cu, while ten controls received saline for 19 days. After 3 days, a 2 mm ear punch was taken from both ears. Wound closure was measured on day 3 and day 19 by photographing the biopsy area and analyzing images with ImageJ software. After final measurements, cognitive performance and correlation to wound healing was assessed via phenotypic assays. Tissues surrounding the wound were then stained using immunohistochemistry. TNF-α and VEGF antibodies evaluated inflammation and cell growth respectively and were quantified using QuPath. The GHK-Cu peptide during the experiment showed enhanced wound healing from the physical stressor, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy to improve recovery from injuries and cognition abilities in aging populations. The findings from this study may inform translational strategies to enhance wound healing and quicker recovery from tissue injury in aging and age-related diseases.

Some older individuals exhibit the pathological hallmarks (i.e., amyloid-beta plaques and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) yet remain cognitively intact, a phenomenon known as resilience. Microglia, the primary immune cells of the central nervous system are important for clearance of debris and responding to injury in the brain. When exposed to aggregated proteins, they can release inflammatory molecules toxic to neurons.  Because neuroinflammation has been implicated in neurodegeneration, understanding how microglia interact with Aβ could provide insight into immune mechanisms that support cognitive preservation despite AD pathology. In patients with AD who have dementia, it is known that their microglia cluster around amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques which possibly contribute to damaging inflammation.  Whether microglia in resilient individuals share the same relationship to plaque is unknown. This study investigated whether microglia in resilient individuals differ in their spatial relationship to amyloid plaques compared to non-resilient individuals in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Using confocal montage images from postmortem human brain tissue where immunofluorescence stained for Iba1+ microglia and PanAβ+ Aβ plaques, I quantified the proportion of microglia clustering around Aβ in three groups: 1) individuals with symptomatic AD, 2) cognitively intact individuals with AD pathology (resilient), and 3) cognitively intact individuals with no/low AD pathology (resistant). By generating 2D surface reconstructions, I measured microglia-Aβ overlap and proximity to assess colocalization patterns. I identified differences in microglia-Aβ colocalization between these three groups. This approach can help understand how microglial interactions with Aβ may contribute to resilience mechanisms and could inform novel therapeutic strategies for AD.

Internal pressure sensing gives healthcare providers essential information regarding patient health and can help determine risk factors for many diseases. The current method for this involves the insertion of a catheter to the location where pressure is being measured (e.g. portal vein, cranium, spine), which can be an invasive and potentially dangerous surgical procedure. A promising alternative is to use ultrasound contrast imaging and microbubbles as a pressure sensor. Studies have shown that the magnitude of the subharmonic component of scattered signals from microbubbles varies as ambient pressure changes. However, many acoustic parameters can induce this effect and it is still unknown how to optimize the parameters to maximize the subharmonic response. I perform experiments to determine the ideal acoustic parameters to sense these changes in ambient pressure and apply this knowledge to develop an ultrasound imaging system that can predict these pressures in vitro.

Panãra is a Jê language spoken in the Panará Indigenous Land in the Brazilian Amazon by around 730 people. I am an undergraduate research assistant working as part of the larger Panãra Documentation Team at the University of Washington. I am in the process of transcribing, coding, and archiving field notes taken by team members during the summer of 2024. I have employed my experience with Panãra and Portuguese to resolve ambiguities in the notes and to code materials in a standardized, accessible manner. Many letters, such as ⟨b, d, g, z, l⟩, and sequences, such as ⟨-ät-⟩ or ⟨-me-⟩ are impossible due to Panãra’s phonology and orthography. However, these letters may occur in the notes due to transcriber error or Portuguese loans. When I identified suspect items, I had to use my knowledge of Panãra to determine their status. I typed the notes into text format before transferring items into a spreadsheet. In the spreadsheet, I coded part of speech and added lexical items to the ongoing dictionary. My work is a case study in longer-term, multi-researcher documentary efforts in linguistics. Not only will the body of data I code be valuable in further analysis of the language, but the processes developed will be useful in rethinking how documentary linguistics is carried out. In particular I emphasize the need for a coherent vision of data usage, from collection to coding. As the dictionary work moves forward, my next steps will be to give words that have not yet been checked in the field to the research team for the summer and to code the phonological, orthographic, and lexical information for each word into the FLEx database.

Correct segregation of chromosomes in cell division relies on kinetochores forming end-on, bioriented attachments to microtubule plus ends. In vivo, kinetochores are known to first bind to the lattice of the microtubule and then transit to the plus end either by tip disassembly or the action of plus end directed motor proteins. Force spectroscopy has recently revealed that kinetochores grip the microtubule lattice asymmetrically. Only ‘on-path’ kinetochores that are pulled toward the microtubule plus end form strong, load-bearing attachments, while minus end directed kinetochores weakly grip the lattice. The weak grip of minus end directed kinetochores limits tension across sister kinetochores and makes them susceptible to detachment by error correction machinery. We seek to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the asymmetric grip of the kinetochore. We purified recombinant kinetochore subcomplexes and tested them individually for asymmetry. We show that the Ndc80 complex exhibits a similar asymmetry as the kinetochore, albeit weaker, while the Dam1 complex is ambivalent to microtubule polarity. Single molecule fluorescence microscopy shows that kinetochores pulled toward the minus end of microtubules are deformed relative to plus end directed kinetochores. We propose that the asymmetric grip strength of kinetochores arises from a network of interactions between polar-sensitive and polar-insensitive subcomplexes that is disrupted when the kinetochore is pulled toward the minus end of a microtubule. A better understanding of the specific mechanisms of kinetochore-microtubule binding is valuable for understanding control of mitotic progression and could potentially inform more targeted anti-cancer therapies that focus specifically on dividing cells without impacting regular cell function.

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) saw an unprecedented heatwave between June 25 to July 3 of 2021, with temperatures reaching up to 15℃ above the climatological mean. Previous studies have focused on this event’s impacts on plants in Western Washington and Oregon through direct observations, or have focused on the economic implications from poor crop turnout. We used remote sensing data to take a holistic approach and examined how all plants throughout the PNW fared during and after this historical heatwave. We found that solar induced fluorescence (SIF) and near-Infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv), two remotely sensed vegetation health markers, had regionally dependent plant responses to the extreme heat. In particular, anomalously high SIF regions coincided with anomalously high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) regions due to low cloud cover. As SIF has been used as a proxy for gross primary productivity (GPP), our findings begs the question: was the elevated SIF during the heatwave indicative of higher GPP, or was the SIF response an artifact of the higher radiation? Our study aims to further our understanding of how extreme events impact plant health, which is increasingly important as heatwaves become more intense and frequent in the future.

Our nanopore experiments consist of small pores over which a voltage difference is applied to draw DNA/RNA strands through the pore. The accompanying ion current depends on the nucleotide present in the pore. This technology has become a standard commercially available method of sequencing DNA. Other nanopore applications of this system are observing the kinetics of enzymes as they process along DNA or RNA. Helicases are one specific enzyme focused on in this study. Generally, these enzymes work to unwind double stranded DNA. In nanopore sequencing helicases are used to control the passage of DNA through the nanopore by yielding slow step-by-step motion of the DNA through the pore. Helicases are adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent enzymes, which means that the concentration of ATP can affect their stepping speed, but also their propensity to backstep. Here we focus on a helicase used in a commercial nanopore sequencing device to learn more about optimizing ATP conditions and other characteristics of the enzyme kinetics in order to optimize sequencing information. Additionally, we will explore how this helicase will process modified DNA bases as well as entirely unnatural DNA bases.

Assessing how organisms respond to shifting climatic conditions is crucial in the era of climate change to predict species' resilience to environmental changes. This study aimed to explore the effects of heatwaves on grasshopper development and fitness. Specifically, I investigated the reproductive potential of two grasshopper species within the framework of a common garden heatwave experiment. In Spring 2023, we reared the grasshoppers under three heatwave intensity treatments, exposing each treatment group to three heatwaves during set developmental stages. Afterward, I dissected the preserved females frozen for analysis, quantifying the number of primary and secondary oocytes in their ovaries. Oocytes develop into eggs and as such are a metric of reproductive potential. I hypothesized that increased heat stress would result in a decline in fecundity. However, we did not find a significant effect of the heatwave treatment on oocyte count, suggesting any fecundity effects of heatwaves are via a different mechanism. Understanding how organisms respond to changing environmental conditions is key to understanding how ecosystems will change in the coming years, and is important for informing conservation efforts.

Magnetic field models of the Earth used for scientific applications and navigation systems are often mapped using ground and satellite measurements, but are rarely done at high altitudes in the atmosphere. Including magnetic field measurements from the upper troposphere and stratosphere could better inform these models. For this study, we used a MLX90393 magnetic field sensor to measure the magnetic field during a high altitude balloon flight. The sensor has a range of -20°C to 85°C, but temperatures often reach -50°C in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. In an attempt to keep the sensor within its operating range, we built an insulated enclosure of Styrofoam and mylar. The enclosure was sealed with weather resistant silicone and chemical hand warmers were placed inside. To improve the accuracy of magnetic field measurements on future balloon flights, we compared magnetic field measurements from a non-insulated and an insulated sensor during a high altitude balloon flight. In addition to magnetic field measurements, temperature and pressure measurements were taken inside and outside of the enclosure using a BMP-180 sensor.

The mandible plays a central role in the mammalian skull as it is responsible for feeding. Various selective pressures, such as diet, habitat, and climate shape mandibular morphology across mammals, and in this study, we investigated their impact on mandibular evolution of primates and carnivores. This relationship will allow us to understand how environmental factors collectively impact the evolution of various species. In our previous research, we found that diet accounts for only 21% of the variation in mandibular morphology of primates. In this study, we extended our investigation to additional factors such as climate and habitat. We hypothesized that habitat and climate will affect mandibular morphology by driving adaptations in jaw structures to meet various functional demands of different environmental conditions. We tested these hypotheses by analyzing a database of 3D scans of primate and carnivoran mandibles from natural history museums. Mandibular shape and size were quantified using geometric morphometrics of the digitized 3D models. Habitat and dietary data were sourced from the carnivoran and primate literature, and climate data was obtained from WorldClim for species with matching habitat and diet information.  We used regressions and ANOVAs to evaluate the relationships between mandibular morphology, diet, habitat, and climate. Our research may be helpful for future primate and mammal studies focusing on the selective pressures on the evolution of the mandible.

American crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) are intelligent birds that use a diverse range of vocalizations to communicate in varying behavioral contexts. We aimed to interpret these calls objectively to broaden our understanding of how crows use their vocalizations to communicate, and how specific acoustic factors change relative to the behavioral contexts in which they are used. To do this, we recorded and analyzed vocalizations of crows in two behavioral contexts: pre-roosting and mobbing. Pre-roosting is a routine behavior, occurring before sunset, where crows group together before traveling to their roost sites. Mobbing is a situational behavior where groups of crows harass a predator with approaches and calls to repel it. In this study, we initiated mobbing by playing the audio of a distress call (made by a crow when restrained by a predator) and displaying a model owl. Using a bioacoustics analysis program called Raven Pro, we extracted acoustic variables from our audio recordings, such as frequency, duration, amplitude, etc. Using these variables, we created machine learning models to differentiate pre-roost and mobbing recordings. Further analysis showed frequency-related variables were crucial during mobbing behavior. To clarify how frequency/pitch is related to mobbing, we modified the frequency of a typical crow call to match the peak frequency of a distress call and vice versa. We then played these modified calls back to wild crows and monitored their responses. Our results showed altering call frequency significantly influenced mobbing behavior. Lowering the pitch of distress calls to decreased mobbing responses. Conversely, increasing the pitch of a typical call did not induce mobbing behavior comparable to a distress call. These findings demonstrate acoustic variation in crow vocalizations is context-dependent and thereby expands our knowledge of crow social communication.

Therapeutic ultrasound with microbubble contrast agents induces biological effects that can be utilized for various clinical applications, and its non-invasiveness enables targeted treatments without harming tissue around the target by concentrating the acoustic energy of ultrasound to a specific location. In cancer therapy, ultrasound can enhance the delivery of chemotherapy by priming tumors or directly destroy cancer cells without surgical risks. While Averkiou lab investigates the effects of ultrasound pulses with microbubbles to enhance the efficiency of drug delivery into cancer cells, this project focuses on studying microbubble behavior during ultrasound-microbubble therapy and developing a technique to monitor their response and effects on surrounding tissues. A tissue-mimicking phantom with a wall-less channel will be used to simulate a vascular environment, allowing for controlled observation of microbubble cavitation. Passive cavitation detection (PCD) will be employed to monitor microbubble responses, with one transducer delivering ultrasound pulses to excite microbubbles and another transducer passively recording the resulting scattered signals. Additionally, this study will explore how excitation pulse nonlinearity influences microbubble behavior by modifying the acoustic conditions. While prior research has primarily focused on peak negative amplitudes when transmitting acoustic pressure, this project will examine the effects of both peak negative and positive amplitudes, potentially revealing new insights into microbubble dynamics and therapeutic ultrasound applications. Differences in microbubble responses to these excitation pulses will be analyzed experimentally and compared to theoretical predictions using MATLAB-based computational simulations. The findings of this study could contribute to optimizing ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and broadening the clinical applications of therapeutic ultrasound.

The humble toilet, whose sole function is to transport waste away from us, is a machine. This is how the U.S. government wants us to view immigrants right now, as human waste to be discarded. Not as individuals with loved ones, or stories, or a heartbeat. The machine that facilitates these unruly acts of human departure, has a name: Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE frames this act of hate as “disposing of the bad guys”. There has been a massive increase of individuals being deported without even so much as due process of law. ICE is a machine that acts as the judge, the jury, and the executioner. Mahmoud Khalil, a student with legal green card status, was detained in March and deported to a prison out of state and away from his legal team. Mahmoud was not given any trial before being unlawfully imprisoned, just flushed away. Mahmoud and his case are well known, but there are more cases like his every day. As you read this, the federal government is attacking UW’s own international students regarding the legality of their visas, making their current legal standing unclear. My painting aims to protest against these governmental threats and acts of terrorism. The toilet, a disarming appliance that everyone in this audience will be familiar with, is here reframed. Who decides what is waste? Who gets to pull the chain? Can we stop them? While the deeper message of my painting might not be obvious at first glance, I hope that the alien and inhuman shape will captivate individuals enough to read my statement and to learn that this toilet is not just a toilet. What can we do about this inhuman machine?

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.

Liver cancer can be diagnosed in the clinic with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). This method of diagnosis is qualitative and relies on the comparison of blood flow in the suspected tumor to the rest of the liver. However, observer biases in this method can result in inaccurate diagnoses and delays in treatment. To reduce observer bias, our lab developed a comprehensive and repeatable method of quantifying blood flow in liver tumors from CEUS scans. One problem that reduces the accuracy of this quantitative CEUS method is that tumor blood flow metrics are highly impacted by the motion of the liver, stemming from both breathing and sonographer movement. To solve this problem, there needs to be a standardized method to both detect and correct the motion of the tumor on the CEUS scan. I created an automated MATLAB algorithm to measure the motion of a suspected liver tumor on a CEUS scan and identify frames that cannot be analyzed quantitatively. Compared to a manual realignment and deletion of frames done by an expert (a very time-consuming process), as well as a current motion reduction algorithm based only on respiratory gating, my algorithm was simpler, faster, required less input, and produced similar blood flow parameters. This suggests that my MATLAB algorithm can be used in combination with quantitative CEUS processing to help clinicians diagnose liver cancer more rapidly and accurately.

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.

Prekindergarten programs have grown in popularity in the United States throughout recent decades and discussions about funding a universal (nationwide) prekindergarten program (U-PK) have increased as legislators consider the implications of such policies. Existing research points to long-term benefits of attending prekindergarten, while short-term benefits are often obscured by a phenomenon known as “fadeout”. Notably, there is a lack of empirical research describing the relationship between prekindergarten attendance and subsequent elementary school success. Regardless, parents, educators, and legislators share a common goal of improving educational outcomes for prekindergarten-age students. I have summarized research findings from existing studies on prekindergarten effectiveness by analyzing them through the lens of early childhood development, historical trends, and current U.S. education policies. Based on these results, I designed a longitudinal research proposal seeking to address shortfalls I identified within existing research. A comprehensive understanding of the nuances in early childhood education research, especially studies relating to prekindergarten effectiveness, is necessary to inform future discussions about U-PK. Most recently, the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2024 (H.R. 7114) was introduced in the House of Representatives, which would delegate funds to establish or expand access to full-day prekindergarten programs at public schools. Although further action towards this bill remains to be taken, its proposal alludes to an ongoing national emphasis on the value of early childhood education. Through analyzing the relevant past and present factors impacting early childhood education today, this paper intends to inform parents, educators, and various other interest groups by providing context to interpret research findings. It also serves as a call-to-action for future research and policies addressing U-PK in the United States.

Multiepoch scintillation studies of pulsars shed light on the structure of the interstellar medium (ISM) by finding scattering screens that affect pulsar radio signals. PSR J0332+5434 has previously shown multiple scintillation arcs, indicating multiple scattering screens. My research analyzed new observations of PSR J0332+5434 to improve our understanding of its scintillation properties and determine the number and locations of its scattering screens along the line of sight (LOS). I analyzed over 30 high-cadence observations using the Green Bank Observatory’s 20m telescope using scintillation, secondary spectra with Scintools, and time-series Jupyter notebooks to generate dynamic spectra, secondary spectra, and time-series. My analysis revealed two scintillation arcs, indicating at least two scattering screens. When I combined these arcs with transverse velocity measurements, I detected a third scattering screen. Comparing my results to previous studies showed that two of the screens had been previously identified, but the third screen had not been identified. This means that PSR J0332+5434 may have at least five scattering screens: four previously identified and one new screen from this study. Furthermore, one of the arcs I observed is spread out and shows significant asymmetry. Only one arm is usually visible at a time, which shifts from left to right throughout my observations. This asymmetry could be caused by the variation in electron density in a region of the ISM along the LOS, causing the radio waves to refract. I plan to conduct more accurate observations using the Green Bank Telescope to investigate the refractive wedge causing this asymmetry and to identify any new scattering screens. Finding new scattering screens in the ISM—the interstellar gas clouds causing radio wave scintillation—allows us to develop better electron density models to improve pulsar distance measurements and improve our understanding of the Milky Way Galaxy’s structure.

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.

Gravitational lensing is a naturally occurring phenomena in which foreground galaxies magnify the light of background galaxies, enabling observations that are otherwise too faint or distant to resolve. With the imaging capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), strongly lensed galaxies are now being spatially resolved to a degree previously unachievable. It is now not only possible but crucial to study lensed galaxies to completely unpack the properties and processes of galaxies in the early universe at these spatial scales. I use spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting and modeling tools on spatially resolved data from JWST. The data includes observations of COOLJ1241+2219, the brightest galaxy at Cosmic Dawn i.e., the first billion years of the Universe, and other high-redshift gravitationally lensed galaxies. These observations allow me to produce maps of key properties within the inner regions of these galaxies, revealing a diversity of star formation rates (SFR), star formation histories (SFH), and other stellar properties at the smallest spatial scales. This analysis is important for understanding how early galaxies evolved and quenched (stopped forming stars) not just as a single entity, but through distinct regions that otherwise cannot be resolved if not for magnification from gravitational lensing. This work is expected to significantly improve the methodologies employed to study galaxies as the sum of their individual parts, as we usher in a new era of larger telescopes in the next decade.

Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) is very common and increases the risk for severe neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Treatment of ARCD can delay and lead to the cure of age-related diseases, but there is a lack of clinically proven drugs. One option is the naturally occurring peptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), which readily forms a complex with copper (II). GHK is a key ingredient in anti-aging skin creams and regulates astrocytes through TGF-β and the SMAD pathway. As synaptic signaling decreases with age, this study investigates GHK-Cu's impact on synaptic function in middle-aged mice as a potential treatment for ARCD. Male and female C57BL/6 mice aged 20-22 months were treated with either the GHK-Cu peptide or saline as a control through intraperitoneal (IP) injection for five days. A spatial navigation learning task, the Box Maze, was utilized to analyze cognitive function by assessing the memory and learning of the mice on their last day of treatment. After the brain tissue samples were processed, synaptic function was assessed by performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) with Synaptophysin and PSD95 antibodies as molecular markers of pre- and post-synaptic integrity. The tissue slides were rehydrated, incubated with the antibodies overnight, and stained. After, the presence of antibodies was seen through microscopic examination and photographed for QuPath image analysis. Preliminary results of the Box Maze behavioral assay reveal the treated mice had increased cognitive function, memory, and learning capacity, which signals alleviated symptoms of ARCD. It is predicted that this increased resilience to ARCD will also be observed in the brain through the increased presence of Synaptophysin and PSD95 antibodies in the treated tissues compared to the control cohort. These results will show that short-term treatment of the GHK-Cu peptide will improve cognitive function and synaptic function, providing a potential treatment for ARCD and neurodegenerative diseases.

To function as a tumor suppressor, BRCA1 (breast cancer 1) must dimerize with BARD1 (BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1). Due to this critical interaction, loss-of-function BARD1 variants are associated with increased breast and ovarian cancer risk. Genetic testing has identified many rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) that cause missense substitutions in BARD1. Currently, 85.6% (1,736 of 2,028) of BARD1 missense SNVs are classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in ClinVar. A VUS classification prevents clinicians from using genetic test results to guide patient care. Consequently, there is a strong need to functionally assess BARD1 SNVs to help resolve VUS. We applied saturation genome editing (SGE) to functionally assess all possible 12,000 SNVs and 2,300 3-base deletions in BARD1. In SGE, we use CRISPR-Cas9, to edit all possible SNVs into a region of BARD1 in haploid cells. BARD1 is essential for cell growth, therefore, cells edited with loss-of-function variants become depleted from the population. We use DNA sequencing to track which SNVs become depleted from the population after 13 days in culture and are likely loss-of-function. All 14,000 variants have completed the full experimental pipeline. We show that 98% stop-gain, 29.6% splice-region, and 14.3% missense variants are loss of function relative to 1.6% of synonymous/intronic variants. The SGE data also agree strongly with current pathogenic/likely pathogenic and benign/likely benign BARD1 variants in ClinVar. Moreover, I have identified previously known and potential new protein-protein interaction interfaces through mapping our SGE data to the surfaces of BARD1’s structured domains. Ultimately, the functional scores for all BARD1 variants provide key functional evidence needed to reclassify BARD1 VUS and provide new insight into the mechanisms of BARD1 function.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is an important greenhouse gas that depletes stratospheric ozone and is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over 100 years. Emissions have increased by 40% since 1980, and N₂O has been accumulating in the atmosphere at an unprecedented rate due to its long lifetime. The rapid rise of N₂O emissions primarily come from soil microbes that respond to the increased usage of agricultural fertilizers which help supply global food demand. Other notable sources include combustion, wastewater treatment, and industrial processes such as nitric acid production. Despite the importance of N₂O, atmospheric observations have limited spatial coverage. Remote sensing presents an attractive solution to dramatically increase spatial sampling. Here we assess the feasibility of using remote sensing to measure N₂O concentrations from sub-orbital platforms. Sub-orbital remote sensing platforms provide a testbed to determine the future viability of space-borne measurements. Our work uses an airborne instrument: the Airborne Visible InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). AVIRIS is a full spectral range airborne imaging spectrometer that measures the radiance of the Earth’s atmosphere from 380 - 2510 nm wavelengths. We hypothesize that band ratios from AVIRIS can be used to detect N₂O plumes. We begin by selecting the highest emitting point-source facilities in cloud-free flight tracks. Preliminary plumes will be verified by shape and direction according to meteorological data and consistency with facility layouts. We first test this methodology on CO₂, as previous studies have demonstrated successful detections with AVIRIS. CO₂ will serve as a proof of concept before applying our method to N₂O, which is more challenging to detect due to its lower atmospheric abundance and weaker spectral signature. 

Our project will be about the intersection of prison with prisoner's sex, age, race, economic standing, innocence, recidivism, and other inequalities. We will focus on a couple of these ideas, for example, finding trends in gender disparities, the economic impact of local prisons, or plea bargains and their effect on prison populations. We will present our findings from a government issued dataset using Python. We would like to introduce how our initial understanding of prison systems have changed from learning with our mentor in the Directed Reading Program. We are planning to use linear regression and decision trees to analyze our data.

Democracies run on information, and decisions made by a democratic body are only as good as the objectives facts that voters have access to, which form the basis for political opinion. Access to information has never changed as drastically or rapidly in the United States as it did during the propagation of internet service that occurred in the period between 2000 and 2016. The effect of the internet as a source of information is theoretically ambiguous. Some herald it as a tool for the democratization of information, making knowledge easily searchable and available to all. Others lament the internet’s role in spreading misinformation, particularly through social media. To investigate the relative magnitude of these effects, I employ county-level data on home broadband connections from the Federal Communications Commission as well as voter perception survey data collected by the American National Election Studies. Controlling for social and partisan determinants, I analyze this period of internet expansion in order to determine the effects of broadband access on voters’ perceptions of objective politically relevant statistics, such as national inflation and unemployment trends. These perceptions are then compared to the real statistics during these periods to determine whether internet access has made voters more or less informed on political issues. Though my analysis is still ongoing, I anticipate disambiguating the competing effects that the internet has on information acquisition and determining which is predominant in influencing the formation of political perceptions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the social ramifications of internet access—a new and still-developing field—and inform future efforts to regulate the flow of information online.

For state policymakers concerned with road safety in the United States, tamping down on drunk driving is front of mind for good reason; alcohol-impaired crash fatalities rose from less than 11,000 annual deaths before 2020 to over 13,000 annual deaths in 2021 and 2022. To combat drunk driving, policymakers have turned to a variety of policies such as zero tolerance laws, stricter punishments for DUI charges, or lower per se illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rates, the latter of which this paper focuses on. As of this writing, every state with the exception of Utah maintains a 0.08% BAC legal limit despite the National Transportation Safety Board long recommending states lower their BAC legal limit to 0.05%. Accordingly, several state assemblies such as those of Washington, New York, or Hawaii have recently considered or are actively considering lowering the BAC legal limit. These bills have sparked intense discourse on whether a 0.05% BAC legal limit unfairly punishes responsible drinkers who may not be impaired yet blow a BAC over 0.05% on a breathalyzer test, and thus excessively disincentive drinking outside the home and unreasonably hurt the food and service industry. Thus, this paper uses difference-in-differences analyses to measure the effect of BAC policies on drinking habits, specifically alcohol consumption, and whether people substitute drinking at bars and restaurants with drinking at home. I rely on evidence from the state of Utah, which passed HB155 “Driving Under the Influence and Public Safety Revisions” in 2017, a bill that lowered Utah's BAC legal limit from 0.08% to 0.05% effective December 30, 2018. 

The axon initial segment (AIS) plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal excitability and action potential initiation. It is structurally and functionally plastic, adapting to pathological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). While microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are known to respond to injury and influence neuronal function, their interactions with the AIS remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate whether microglia associate with and alter the AIS before and after TBI, contributing to potential changes in excitability. Using a transgenic mouse model with GFP-labeled microglia, brain tissue is stained for neurons (Nissl), microglia (GFP), and the AIS (Ankyrin G) followed by confocal microscopy to obtain high-resolution images to visualize microglial interactions with the AIS. Image J is utilized to quantify AIS length, fluorescence intensity, and microglial proximity. I hypothesize that TBI induces structural changes in the AIS, including shortening or fragmentation, and that microglial interaction may play a role in these alterations. Preliminary data suggest an increased microglial presence near the AIS after injury, potentially indicating a role in either AIS disruption or repair. By identifying how microglia interact with the AIS, this research contributes to our understanding of neuroinflammatory responses following TBI. These findings may have implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving neuronal function after injury. Further studies will explore whether microglia mediate AIS remodeling through direct contact or secreted factors, offering insights into potential interventions for TBI-related neurological dysfunction.

In Weezer's 1996 album Pinkerton, frontman Rivers Cuomo laid his heart on the table, completely bare, in often grotesque detail. This uncomfortable exercise in intimacy didn't work well for audiences or critics, until recently. Despite its problematic themes, the album has gone on to go platinum, and later critical reception praises this awkward honesty. This example goes against the established order of scrutiny, or defies the conventions of-- as reactionaries may put it-- 'cancel culture'. Conversely, the work of David Foster Wallace has been put under intense social scrutiny, as more people have become aware of Mary Karr's abuse allegations against him. These two deeply flawed, yet undeniably talented, men showcase the issues with these creatives we hate to love-- be it from their actions or ideas. What was it that allowed Pinkerton to flourish today, while its controversial contemporaries have fallen from their pedestals for the exact same reasons? Starting with art from the nineties, this lecture works forward in time to evaluate modern audience's embrace of retrospective re-evaluation of art that has been fundamentally changed since publication by progressing social attitudes and the revelation of scandals. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is an opportunistic pathogen that infects the airways of people with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that increases susceptibility to lung infections. Pa uses an intercellular communication system called quorum sensing (QS) that allows bacteria to sense cell density and coordinate behaviors among the population, including regulation of virulence. In the laboratory strain PAO1, there are three complete QS systems in Pa that are regulated by the transcription factors LasR, RhlR, and PqsR. PAO1 QS is organized hierarchically with LasR regulating RhlR, and the hierarchy is influenced by the transcription factor MexT that delays RhlR activity. However, it is unknown if QS hierarchy is found widely in Pa strains. My project tested whether the QS hierarchy exists in clinical isolates of Pa. We obtained 3 clinical isolates with intact lasR, rhlR, and mexT genes and created lasR and mexT knockout mutants for each strain to test the effects on RhlR activity compared to wild-type. To measure RhlR activity, we transformed each strain with a RhlR reporter plasmid. We found that a PAO1 mexT mutant shows greater RhlR activity compared to wild-type, while each clinical isolate showed similar RhlR activity between wild-type and the mexT mutant. We observed lower RhlR activity in clinical-isolate lasR mutants compared to wild-type, demonstrating LasR-dependent QS like PAO1. In PAO1, a ∆lasR∆mexT double knockout mutant restored RhlR activity. Interestingly, in clinical isolates, we observed no change in RhlR activity in these ∆lasR∆mexT double knockout mutants as compared to the lasR mutant, indicating MexT is not regulating QS hierarchy in these clinical isolates. Altogether, the clinical isolates displayed a LasR-dependent QS architecture similar to PAO1, but this was not dependent on MexT. Thus, my work points to undiscovered factors that influence QS architecture and highlight the diversity of QS regulation in strains of Pa.

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are one of the most prevalent marine mammals along the West Coast of the United States. In the Salish Sea, harbor seal populations have increased significantly since the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and the population is now considered to be at carrying capacity. These seals prey on many species of fish and invertebrates and are themselves a major component of the diet of local transient killer whales. Harbor seals can frequently be seen resting in groups on land at places called haul-out sites. They are known for their high site fidelity, meaning that the same seals consistently return to the same sites. These haul-out sites are frequently dominated by a specific sex or age range. This study investigated whether specific seals are more likely to be re-sighted in smaller groups or with other specific individuals within the haul-out site. Using SealNet, an AI facial recognition system, I analyzed photographic data from 750 images from the Ocean Research College Academy’s (ORCA’s) long-term data collection that were taken from haul-out sites at the mouth of the Snohomish River. SealNet identifies individual seals by analyzing facial features and comparing them across photos, assigning a similarity score for each photo and ranking them in descending order. The results of this research are aimed at determining if harbor seals exhibit more complex social structures within haul-out sites. Understanding the social structure of harbor seals can help provide insight into their cooperation, competition, and overall population dynamics. This study focuses on haul-out sites while the majority of interactions occur in the water, so further study is needed to better understand the dynamics of this population.

Everett’s Naval base, train tracks running parallel to the shore, and robust recreational/commercial boat traffic add to the increasingly loud acoustic environment of Possession Sound. Several studies have linked elevated sound pressure levels to reducing the acoustic communication space and disrupting critical behaviors such as feeding, breeding, and communication in marine fish and invertebrates. Ongoing research within the Salish Sea has highlighted some habitats like seagrass meadows (Zostera marina) and kelp forests (Nereocystis spp.) that can aid in mitigating the effects of noise pollution on underwater communities on top of being a foraging habitat, shelter, and critical nurseries for various species. Although the Salish Sea as a whole has seen dwindling kelp forests and eelgrass meadows in recent years, Possession Sound nonetheless contains both habitats. For my study, both Z. marina and N. ssp. were present around the perimeter of Hat Island, 5 nautical miles from the Port of Everett. I collected 8 seven minute recordings using a deployable hydrophone (SoundTrap 300). Preliminary analysis has revealed distinct biological sounds, primarily within the 0-5 kHz range, and are denoted as a part of the biophony of the soundscape. I analyzed the soundscapes using ‘Root Mean Square’ (RMS) amplitude formatting, because it indicates the equivalent steady state energy value of oscillating sound waves. I utilized RMS amplitude measurements for comparison inside the habitats to the appropriate counterpart outside the habitats (exclusion zone is a minimum distance of 100 meters from the previous recording). Future analysis will expand with continued gathering of ambient soundscape data into early spring to ensure the utilized dataset can represent multiple seasons and atmospheric conditions as well.

6PPD-Quinone (6PPD-Q) is a toxic transformation product of the tire rubber additive, 6PPD, that has been identified as the primary cause of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) mortality in watersheds impacted by roadway runoff. Recent studies have focused on quantifying the lethal concentration of 6PPD-Q, identifying the major sources, and predicting the environmental release from rubber products. Organic chemical release from solids is typically evaluated with solvent extraction where organic solvent and solid are contacted, releasing the leachable chemicals for measurement. However, different solvents and methods introduce inconsistencies in leaching data from different laboratories. This study evaluates the impact of solvent choice on 6PPD-Q extraction from crumb rubber. I will quantify 6PPD-Q concentrations in methanol, ethyl acetate, or acetone during storage after rubber extractions. Determining the best solvent for 6PPD-Q that promotes the most recovery and stability is essential for data quality. After this study, desorption and resorption rates of 6PPD-Q onto various crumb rubbers will be measured.  These studies aim to improve study design for leaching assessments and enhance our understanding of the persistence and mobility of 6PPD-Q in the environment.

Additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, often produces surface ridges, especially for complex geometries, that require post-processing to achieve a smooth finish. Laser ablation is an effective technique for smoothing these surfaces, but precise identification of ridges is crucial for optimizing the process. This study explores the use of machine learning to detect and ablate 3D print ridges, improving the accuracy of laser smoothing. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained on greyscale images of printed surfaces, learning to segment ridge regions from background material. From there, image processing filters and a line transform was applied to gather line defining information to be converted into DXF, a readable file for the laser software. The trained model was integrated into a graphical user interface (GUI) to automate ridge detection and guide the laser for targeted ablation, minimizing manual intervention. The system was validated on test parts, demonstrating overall efficiency and accuracy in ridge identification. Other experiments were done to determine proper laser and process parameters to achieve an accurate and smooth surface finish. The experimental results showed improved surface uniformity. The automated approach made laser smoothing efficient and scalable for industrial and manufacturing applications. By leveraging machine learning, this method advances the precision and repeatability of post-processing in 3D printing, reducing labor costs and improving final product quality.

Laser interferometry is a common diagnostic used to measure electron density in plasma experiments. Traditionally, laser interferometers have been employed under the assumption that the scene and reference beams must be equal in length. While this practice maximizes the signal to noise ratio, it provides challenges to experiments requiring multiple laser beams in laboratories with space constraints. Allowing beam paths to be unequal in length would permit increased flexibility in optical setups. In pursuit of this flexibility, some researchers have shown that gas tube laser interferometers with unequal path lengths can produce accurate measurements, provided that the difference in path lengths is equal to some integer multiple of double the cavity length of the gas tube laser. These investigations, however, assumed that the spatial periodicity seen in a homodyne Michelson interferometer configuration will remain constant when employing the same path length differences on a heterodyne Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration, with which actual plasma density measurements were collected. This work aims to close the gap between proofs of concept and experimental implementations by investigating the signal quality of a Mach-Zehnder heterodyne quadrature helium-neon (HeNe) interferometer over a range of path length differences. Experimental methods and results are given for the benchtop investigation of signal quality. Application of the setup is discussed for measuring plasma density in ZaP-HD, an experimental device at the University of Washington used to demonstrate a sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch nuclear fusion space thruster concept.

Music Emotion Recognition (MER) is a prominent area of research in engineering and data science. With the development of music feature extraction systems, the focus has been selecting relevant features and building predictive models based on them. This study aims to build a small structure that can extract music features, and compute the parameters used in classifying emotions. In this study, Marsyas is used to extract music features, and then LASSO regression model is applied to estimate the valence and arousal with the music features. The calculated valence and arousal are used to classify the music emotion based on Russell's Circumplex Model. This approach provides a view of the whole process of classifying music emotion, from extracting the basic features to calculating the parameters, to classifying the emotion.

The project aims to design a multi-modal sensor network with VLF antennas will be implemented to model the ionospheric D-region in real-time. In consideration of not having ground truth data, such a network will address the ill-posed problem of inverting with robust regularization techniques. High-data-rate acquisition, high-data-rate processing, and dynamically adaptable auto-tuning will be included in our design. Drawing on experience with the NeSSI, modularity and a digital bus for centrally processed, real-time processing will be part of a standardized, modular sensor network that will be designed. The D-region, an upper atmospheric dusty plasma, controls radio wave propagation via fluctuations in charge. Numerical simulations in our work simulate such occurrences as HF to UHF range radar echoes, validated through experiments in radar labs. Ionospheric instabilities in occurrences such as SAPS events generated through space weather result in GPS and Starlink communications outages. 3D electrostatic fluid and gyrokinetic equations are included in our model, which is significant for describing such instabilities. Real-time observation, predictive maintenance, and reliability in communications networks are enhanced through such studies.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with the limited regenerative capacity of cardiac tissue resulting in long-term functional deficits following injury or defects. There is a critical need to develop physiologically relevant engineered heart tissues (EHTs) for disease modeling, drug discovery, and even cardiac surgery. Extrusion-based bioprinting offers a promising approach to generate EHTs with high spatial precision using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). However, most extrusion-based bioprinting methods rely on hydrogel-rich bioinks to achieve desirable rheological properties, often leading to low cell densities that limit tissue functionality. Here, we show that the cell’s properties can be leveraged to form high cell density bioinks with suitable rheological properties, without the need for excessive hydrogel content. Using these boinks, we bioprinted cardiac tissues (400 M cells/mL) around flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) posts (2mm diameter) to assess contractile force output and electrophysiological characteristics. The printed cells began spontaneously beating after two days, maintained high viability (>80%), and formed mechanically robust tissues with strong structural integrity. These findings highlight the feasibility of high cell-density bioprinting for cardiac tissue engineering and provide a foundation for future work aimed at generating complex, functional EHTs with high cell-density and spatial precision.

Current methods of cancer immunotherapy, such as CAR T-cell therapy, can treat blood cancers. However, treating solid tumors with T-cells remains a challenge, as the necrotic cores of solid tumors are a toxic environment for human immune cells. Bacteria are inexpensive, easy to genetically modify, and have many species which can colonize tumors. Bacteria, therefore, have potential to be an effective alternative to T-cell based treatments. Our challenge is to engineer E. coli bacteria to secrete immunomodulatory payloads upon colonizing the tumor microenvironment. This could be a useful avenue for immunotherapy, especially if the bacteria could produce multiple cargos with synergistic effects. However, we have limited data on what therapeutics E. coli can secrete, and whether it can secrete multiple therapeutics simultaneously. In the fall, I tested whether known E. coli secretion tags could export immunomodulatory minibinder proteins designed by the Baker lab. These minibinders interact with cytokine receptors on tumor cells and are hypothesized to reduce rates of tumor metastasis, which could make them effective anti-cancer therapeutics. Through western blot analysis, I successfully detected secretion of one of these candidate minibinders. My next step is to test whether it can be secreted together with another designed cytokine, Neo-2/15. I anticipate that combining cargos might lower each individual therapeutic’s secretion, since expressing multiple proteins may increase the cell’s burden past its secretion capabilities. If secretion or expression is observed, I will work on optimizing secretion of each therapeutic. The results of this experiment will broaden our understanding of E. coli’s potential as a delivery mechanism for individual and combined therapeutics, open future avenues to test more human immunomodulatory therapeutics and combinations thereof, and hopefully someday facilitate more effective forms of cancer immunotherapy.

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a cancer caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). While most KS tumor cells are latently infected, where KSHV is inactive, all current treatments for herpesviruses target lytic infection. The Lagunoff lab has shown that latent KSHV infection, similarly to cancer cells, induces the Warburg effect, in which glycolysis is used as an energy source rather than oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme that catalyzes the last step of glycolysis, increases cell death specifically in latently infected cells. This indicated that the KSHV-induced upregulation of glycolysis was necessary for the survival of these cells; however, it is unknown how KSHV induces this requirement. The goal of my proposal is to determine the viral mechanism for the induction of the Warburg effect in latently infected cells. During latent infection, only the KSHV-latency-associated-region (KLAR) of the viral genome is expressed. KLAR encodes 4 genes: vFLIP, vCyc, LANA, the kaposins, and a cluster of 12 microRNAs. I hypothesized that one of the genes or miRNAs is necessary and/or sufficient to induce the requirement for glycolysis in latently infected cells. To test for necessity, I am using KSHV recombinant viruses that have a deletion in vFLIP, vCyc, the kaposins, or the entire miRNA locus to infect endothelial cells. To test sufficiency, our lab has created lentiviral vectors that contain one of the KLAR genes or the miRNA locus to overexpress these genes in endothelial cells. I anticipate that vCyc and/or the miRNA locus might exhibit necessity/sufficiency, since prior studies have identified these as important for the regulation of other metabolic pathways. Understanding KSHV’s alteration of specific metabolic pathways in latently infected endothelial cells provides novel therapeutic targets for the inhibition of latent KSHV infection and ultimately KS tumors.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized immunotherapy for blood cancers, achieving unprecedented outcomes for many patients. However, variability in treatment responses—ranging from complete remission to relapse or severe side effects—remains a critical challenge. Mathematical and computational models that have been calibrated to experimental data can help to predict treatment efficacy and inform personalized therapeutic strategies. Working with Dr. Konstantinos Mamis (UW Applied Mathematics) and Dr. Katherine Owens (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center), Rohan Pandey and Ray Chen (UW ACMS Department) employ models consisting of systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)- to simulate tumor and CAR T-cell dynamics. Though several prior mathematical models analyzing the interactions between CAR T-cells, tumor cells, and effector cells under varying treatment conditions exist, there has not been a systematic comparison of models representing competing mechanistic hypotheses against data from patients undergoing CAR T-cell treatment and/or chemotherapy. For two existing mathematical models, we explore the practical identifiability of model parameters using synthetic data and a population approach with nonlinear mixed effects implemented in Monolix. Furthermore, we calibrate the model parameters to real data from 10 patients with B-cell acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and identify the most accurate and parsimonious of the existing models. Finally, we determine and study the effect of key variables that largely influence patient responses to therapy, including those associated with sustained remission or relapse. This computational oncology work has the potential to inform strategies for optimal CAR T-cell therapy, improve patient outcomes, and further innovation in cancer treatment.

Downregulation of the mTOR complex has been shown to increase lifespan and delay development of multiple organisms, including Drosophila melanogaster. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of this complex, is undergoing FDA-approved clinical trials as a promising anti-aging drug. However the impact of genetic variation on rapamycin's response is unknown. Our study of 140+ genetically diverse Drosophila strains revealed significant variation in pupation time after rapamycin exposure, however, the underlying mechanisms of this variation remain poorly understood. Surprisingly, this sensitivity does not correlate with genetic variation in or around the mTOR gene. We therefore hypothesize that differences in phosphorylation of downstream mTOR targets may explain this variation. Currently, we are using multiple approaches to investigate how activation of downstream targets differs between highly resistant and sensitive strains. We aim to characterize the phosphoproteome of first instar Drosophila larvae from highly sensitive and resistant strains. First instar larvae were treated with rapamycin for 12 hours, followed by mass spectrometry analysis to identify phosphorylation changes in mTOR pathway targets. To validate that 12 hours of treatment induces a rapamycin response, we monitored the growth of a parallel group of larvae until 72 hours and measured their size. Sensitive DGRP strains, 348 and 517, showed a twofold reduction in length when treated with 20uM rapamycin compared to control (p-value <0.0001), while the resistant strain, 441, showed no significant decrease. Comparing the phosphoproteome of multiple resistant and sensitive lines will uncover molecular factors associated with resistance or sensitivity. Additionally, whole-larvae RNA-seq will assess the expression profile of these factors, revealing whether gene expression of tor pathway-related genes contributes to sensitivity. Understanding the mechanisms behind rapamycin resistance or sensitivity is critical for its clinical application. This project highlights the value of accounting for genetic variation in drug development, guiding future approaches for developing new drugs.

There is a crucial need for a vaccine that produces a robust immune response against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), particularly for those without access to effective treatments. We investigated the immunogenicity of a novel self-amplifying RNA (RepRNA) vaccine for HIV in non-human primates (NHPs). RepRNA vaccines encode subgenomic sequences that enable the self-amplification of additional copies of RNA, inducing strong immune responses with lower doses of RNA. The repRNA was formulated with a lipid nanocarrier called LION (HDT Bio), which protects the RNA from degradation and enables its delivery into the cell. This platform has shown success in a licensed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, suggesting it may be similarly promising as an HIV vaccine. I aim to evaluate whether the RepRNA/LION vaccine can elicit robust systemic and mucosal responses in NHPs. I hypothesized that the vaccine would increase HIV-specific T-cell responses in PBMCs and induce HIV Env-specific antibody production in nasal and rectal secretions. To investigate the immunogenicity of this vaccine, we vaccinated twelve cynomolgus macaques, divided into three groups, with HIV Env and/or HIV Gag-Env. To determine vaccine efficacy, I measured the frequency of antigen-specific T-cells in blood using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot (ELISpot) assays because activated T-cells secreting IFN-γ help eliminate infected cells. I also assessed HIV Env-specific Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in nasal and rectal secretions using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) because IgA is key in neutralizing pathogens at mucosal surfaces. My preliminary results show an increase in IFN-γ production after the first vaccination, which indicates a systemic antigen-specific T-cell response. We will continue to run assays to see if further vaccination doses can induce more robust immune responses. Results from this study indicate that the RepRNA/LION HIV vaccine may be a promising approach to induce mucosal and systemic immune responses against HIV.

Lys-R type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) are one of the largest families of bacterial transcriptional regulator proteins with over 850,000 known members.  Many of these LTTRs are enriched in our gut microbiota, whose metabolic processes affect human health outcomes. LTTRs regulate gene expression through the binding of specific ligands to their ligand binding domain. Currently, less than 500 of them have been studied which represents a severe knowledge gap that conventional methods of characterization are unable to keep up with.  We aim to create a high throughput methodology to characterize LTTRs by their corresponding ligands that regulate gene expression. We are currently developing an assay to use chimeric LTTRs, or engineered LTTRs that share the same DNA binding domain yet a variable ligand binding domain. The use of chimeric LTTRs, which will all bind to the same DNA promoter, will potentially allow dozens of LTTRs to be tested in one assay. Our work thus far has demonstrated that chimeric LTTRs can be expressed in E.coli cells and purified using affinity chromatography and magnetic bead purification. We have also demonstrated that their ligand binding domains are functional and specific via differential scanning fluorimetry, and that their DNA binding domains are functional using an electromobility shift assay using SYBR green and SYPRO ruby dyes. Future work will explore their ability to regulate gene expression when their proper ligands are introduced with a substrate-induced gene expression reporter assay. Then uncharacterized LTTR candidates to be made into chimeras will be selected via a bioinformatic sequence similarity network analysis for assay piloting. If successful, this assay has potential to elucidate new metabolic pathways of our gut microbiota allowing for better understanding of their complex relationship with the human body.

CdCr₂X₄ and ZnCr₂X₄ (X = S, Se) spinels are ferromagnetic semiconductors, with reported bandgaps between 1.3-2.5 eV. With the advent of spintronic devices, a renewed technological interest in materials with coupled magnetic and optical properties has caused a resurgence in the study of these magneto-optically active spinels. Despite prevailing interest in their magnetic structure, the semiconductor luminescence of these materials is not well studied. We have prepared these materials in-house to study the magneto-optical coupling of this bandgap transition. We are also beginning to prepare these materials as nanocrystals for the first time as a way of accessing alloyed and shelled varieties. We started by synthesizing the non-magnetic In³⁺-based analogous sulfide and selenide spinels as nanocrystals, establishing a starting point to prepare the Cr³⁺-based spinels. We then introduced Cr³⁺ ions, which occupy the In³⁺ sites, into the lattice during the solution-phase synthesis. We aim to make the pure chromium-based nanocrystal spinels, along with a concentration range of Cr³⁺ ions in the In³⁺-based lattice. Our goal is to explore the relationship between the Cr³⁺ concentration gradient and the magneto-optical properties of these materials. We have characterized the composition and optical bandgap energies of these spinels with X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. We have begun tuning the bandgap energy of the nanocrystals by preparing mixed anion alloys with different ratios of Se and S ions (i.e. CdCr₂(Se_1-xS_x)₄; ZnCr₂(Se_1-xS_x)₄) and examining the bandgap shift with photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. Future work includes utilizing magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) to probe the magnetization of the lattice emission, letting us conclude how the optical properties of the semiconductor are coupled to its magnetism.

Upon nerve injury and neurodegeneration, neuron regeneration is crucial to maintain proper function. However, this natural process happens infrequently and slowly. Neuron regeneration is known to be mediated by the activity of nerve growth factor (NGF) in neurons, which binds to two receptors: tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Previous studies have shown that engaging the receptor p75NTR activates a signaling pathway that also triggers a pain response, thus it would be ideal to have a ligand that only activates TrkA for neuron regeneration without initiating the pain response. In collaboration with the Institute for Protein Design (IPD), this study investigated an AI-designed TrkA agonist that specifically binds to and activates only the TrkA receptor. We used fibroblasts transdifferentiated into neurons as a model to study the efficiency of this TrkA agonist. Western blotting was used to study the phosphorylation of the proteins downstream of TrkA in the signaling pathway, such as pPLCγ, pAkt, and pErk, and the activity of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a calcium channel that indicates the sensitivity of a neuron. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide involved in pain perception. We found that the designed TrkA agonist generates a similar level of activation of downstream proteins as NGF while successfully preventing the expression of pain response markers. Directly injecting NGF as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases is generally not considered viable as it often induces significant pain, therefore this TrkA agonist has the potential for therapeutic use.

Less than 10% of drugs successfully transition from preclinical to clinical trials, principally due to the inability of currently used 2-dimensional models to simulate the 3-dimensional structure and function of human tissues. To develop 3D in vitro models of human vasculature for more efficacious screening of anti-atherosclerosis drugs, I created a device for constructing a perfusable tissue containing a lumen by leveraging open microfluidic patterning methods developed by our group: suspended tissue open microfluidic patterning (STOMP). The device can be used to pattern tissue with a hollow luminal structure lined with endothelial cells, which can be perfused via hollow posts the tissue is suspended between. Using surface tension-driven flow, a liquid hydrogel precursor solution flows through the open microfluidic channel and around the two hollow posts. After gelling, the tissue anchors to the post, contracts away from the sides of the microfluidic channel, and the STOMP device is removed. By adding a second STOMP device that can surround the first tissue another cell-laden hydrogel can be patterned around the first tissue, encapsulating it. To form a lumen in cardiac tissue, I will pattern the inner region with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in an enzymatically degradable polyethylene glycol hydrogel, surrounded by human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in fibrin hydrogel. Enzymatic degradation of the core region will form a cavity through which HUVECs will remodel the cavity walls, forming an endothelial lining. I will assess lining formation by adding fluorescent dextran to cell media being perfused through the device and measuring fluorescence through confocal microscopy in the surrounding region over time, allowing me to evaluate the permeability of the membrane to compare with physiological values. This model can then be used to screen treatments for atherosclerosis to study how drugs interact with cells in a 3D microenvironment. 

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), remains a significant global health concern, with increasing cases worldwide. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent infection. However, widespread use raises concerns about the possibility that doxycycline-resistant T. pallidum strains might emerge and spread. This issue is alarming since doxycycline is a second-line therapeutic for syphilis and is often used in patients with allergies to beta-lactams or when beta-lactams are unavailable due to shortages. If genetic resistance to doxycycline were to develop in T. pallidum, it could undermine the effectiveness of Doxy-PEP and further narrow the range of treatment options for syphilis. To address this concern, I developed a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay to detect potential doxycycline resistance mutations in T. pallidum. This assay analyzes the 16S rRNA gene region of T. pallidum where most likely mutations could develop based on the analysis of other resistant pathogens. The assay was optimized using three synthetic 16S rRNA gene constructs containing the resistance-associated mutations and DNA from a wild-type T. pallidum strain (Nichols) as controls. The presence of mutations in the amplified control DNA was assessed by restriction digestion with the AluI, RsaI, and SfaNI enzymes, which can selectively cut wild type and mutant sequences and reveal specific mutations. The analysis of 60 archived samples from syphilis patients collected in the US, Madagascar, Argentina, and Sri Lanka is ongoing. Results will provide data on the frequency of doxycycline resistance mutations in T. pallidum, if any are found in this selected group of specimens. Developing a rapid, cost-effective surveillance tool is essential for monitoring potential resistance and preventing treatment failures when doxycycline is used.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects patients’ movement, balance, and coordination, primarily due to the death of dopaminergic neurons. Traditionally, researchers use MPTP, a neurotoxin that destroys dopaminergic neurons, to replicate the motor symptoms of PD. However, this approach captures the later stages of the disease, making it difficult to develop early stage interventional treatment with this model. There is a long prodromal, or early, phase of PD, in which neuronal cells and circuits are changing before the neurons die and cause overt motor symptoms. A critical gap exists in our understanding of the early progression of PD due to the lack of robust primate models of this phase of the disease process. In an effort to create a prodromal phase model of PD, we made intrasnasal and intracranial injections of a pathological form of the protein alpha-synuclein (aSynPFFs) extracted from human PD patients, and used it in macaques. We quantified the motor changes in macaques using a modified version of Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), which has 14 categories that each define a movement function of interest scaled from 0 to 3 (no symptom to highly impaired). To improve the detection of the changes, we used a deep learning software called DEEPLABCUT (DLC) to track the subtle motor changes seen in the macaques after exposure to aSynPFFs. By using quantitative approaches to assess motor function before and after aSynPFFs exposure, we hope to establish a timeline of neurodegeneration associated with PD in primates. Such a model would provide an important platform to assess therapies to halt neurodegeneration associated with PD.

The Pools Lab is investigating whether reducing tau expression can decrease seizure frequency in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes neuronal cytoskeletons, but its dysregulation has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy. Tau dysregulation has been observed in epileptic brain tissue, and previous studies in genetic seizure models in mice suggest that reducing tau expression may decrease seizure susceptibility. However, this hypothesis has not been evaluated in the context of chronic TLE, which our study aims to explore using the pilocarpine rat model of TLE, which mimics chronic seizures in humans. To test this, we administered a CRISPR/Cas9 construct (AAV5-saCas9-sgTau) targeted at tau, injected unilaterally into the left hippocampus for tau knockdown. To assess knockdown efficiency, I performed western blot analysis on hippocampal tissue, comparing tau expression between the CRISPR/Cas9-tau knockdown and contralateral (control) hippocampus. This method allows for quantitative assessment of protein expression using tau-specific antibodies to detect site-specific changes. I then conducted densitometric analysis to quantify band intensities as a measure of tau levels and performed statistical comparisons, including a two-tailed t-test, to determine significant differences. Tissue collection of the CRISPR/Cas9 treated hippocampus versus the contralateral (control) hippocampus at 4 weeks post-injection showed a modest decrease in tau levels. Given tau’s estimated half-life of 23 days, we extended the timeline to 8 weeks to allow for further degradation of pre-existing tau. We predict that reducing tau expression will correlate with decreased seizure frequency, providing insight into tau’s role in epileptogenesis and seizure propagation. Given the heightened risk of neurological and cognitive impairments in epilepsy patients, this research has important implications for understanding tau’s contribution to disease progression and identifying potential therapeutic targets for chronic epilepsy.

Directly converting fibroblasts (that make up scar tissue) into skeletal or heart muscle without a pluripotent intermediate (direct skeletal muscle or cardiac reprogramming) is one of the most promising methods for regenerating lost muscle tissue, but its low efficiency in human cells remains a significant obstacle toward clinical application. In collaboration with the Institute of Protein Design, UW, we have designed several synthetic minibinders against receptor kinases which are highly specific to their cognate receptor. Utilizing these minibinders we have created a new class of designed protein, called heterofusions, that fuse two unrelated minibinders together to force the two cognate receptor kinases together in an unnatural pairing, which could elicit novel signaling responses not achievable using natural ligands. However, which heterofusions elicit novel signaling is unknown. We aim to use direct skeletal muscle and cardiac reprogramming systems, which would benefit from this novel signaling, to screen which heterofusions elicit novel signaling to increase efficiency. To do this I developed an inducible direct cardiac reprogramming system and we also used a previously established inducible direct skeletal muscle reprogramming system to be backgrounds for screening heterofusions, with efficiency determined by imaging cardiac and skeletal muscle development makers. We found a few heterofusions, including that which brings together TrkA and BMPRII (TAB2), increased the efficiency of skeletal muscle reprogramming. I found in signaling experiments using Chinese hamster ovary cells modified to express human TrkA and BMPRII that TAB2 upregulates pERK and pCREB. Interestingly, pCREB is not part of native TrkA or BMPRII signaling, meaning novel signaling is occuring. Additionally, I have shown pCREB inhibition with a small molecule impairs direct skeletal reprogramming and TAB2’s ability to increase efficiency, showing pCREB is TAB2’s mechanism of increasing efficiency. These results show heterofusions novel signaling abilities and its applications in revolutionizing regenerative therapies.

Tattooing is an ancient practice with many different significances and cultural meanings across time and space. However, there has been a lack of research on the relatively common themes of transformation and healing that emerge from the ritual of tattooing. This presentation is part of an ongoing research project investigating how tattoos are part of transformative healing processes. By conducting literature review and qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with participants who had tattoos they identified as healing, I identified three (3) frameworks of tattoos that commonly hold healing significance: 1) biomedical tattoos, (such as those used for radiology treatment), 2) paramedical tattoos, including scar camouflage and decoration (for example those after mastectomies), and 3) those that promote abstract healing, focusing on mental health and grief. This research thus shows how tattoos contribute to a transformative healing journey, and how these frameworks of tattoos differ in their symbolism and healing significance. I argue that tattoos of all types are inherently transformative, though the subjective dimensions of such transformation varied immensely. I also found that each recipient’s healing journey is personal, specific, and complex. Furthermore, the process of receiving, healing, and wearing a tattoo indexes healing cosmologies and practices, demanding self-reflection, agency over one’s body and life, undergoing physical pain, self-care, and ultimately, transformation. 

Natural growth factors like fibroblast growth factor (FGF) are essential for maintaining pluripotency in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, current limitations of native growth factors include signal instability, off-target pathway activation, and dependence of xenogenic components for production. To address these issues, we developed a synthetic protein, C6-79C, which consists of six scaffolded subunits of a de novo designed FGFR1/2c binder, mb7. While mb7 functions as an FGF pathway inhibitor, the hexameric C6-79C acts as a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) agonist, providing more isoform-specific and prolonged signaling compared to native FGF. We formulated SynGrow, replacing FGF with C6-79C in minimal E8 media, and compared its performance against commercial media. Our study focused on three objectives: (1) comparing the expression of pluripotency markers (Oct4, NANOG, SOX2, and TRA1-60) in cells grown in SynGrow versus commercial media, and (2) evaluating morphology and viability under different media change regimens (daily, every other day, or no change). iPSCs grown in SynGrow exhibited superior morphology compared to those in mTeSR (commercial media). Pluripotency markers (Oct4, NANOG, and SOX2) were expressed at similar levels in both media, with SynGrow also showing higher expression of TRA1-60 across passages, confirmed by flow cytometry. Future evaluations will assess germ layer marker expression following directed differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that synthetic protein-based media formulations, like SynGrow, can effectively replace native growth factor-based media. This approach offers stable, prolonged, and xeno-free alternatives for stem cell culture, with broad implications for improving reproducibility and safety in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. 

Sexual dimorphism, the difference in structural features between males and females, is observed in many species across vertebrates. However, even between closely related species, the differences in sexual dimorphism can be extreme. In this study, I examine the functional implications of sexual dimorphism in two mustelids, the American marten (Martes americana) and the fisher (Pekania pennanti). Martens and fishers are prime targets for comparison because despite inhabiting similar geographic ranges and consuming similar diets, fishers exhibit significant sexual dimorphism in cranial size and shape while martens do not. Thus, my goal is to assess if these characteristics exhibited by male fishers result in enhanced biting performance compared to female fishers and American martens of both sexes. My first hypothesis is that size-corrected male fisher skulls, with their more robust morphology, exhibit lower stress than female fisher skulls. In martens, I test the second hypothesis that there is no difference in stress between size-corrected male and female martens due to the lack of size and shape sexual dimorphism observed. I quantified the stress on the mandible and cranium as a proxy for biting performance. Higher stress indicates areas likely to fracture with increasing forces or continuous use, signifying lower biting performance. To model the stress caused by jaw adductor muscles, I employ finite element analysis (FEA). FEA allows me to input scans of the skulls sourced from the Burke Museum and simulate forces on the models. I then conduct t-tests on the stress of shared regions between the species and sexes. My preliminary results in fishers show males having lower cranial stress but similar mandibular stress compared to females, suggesting males and females exhibit stress in different areas of the skull when biting. This research adds to existing literature by proposing a mechanical explanation for the evolution of sexual dimorphism.