The research project involves designing and building circuits for a pulsed laser and photodetector for a speed of light time of flight measurement device and developing pedagogy and curricula for 200-level experimental laboratory and 400-level senior research project physics courses. We completed project-based learning on circuit principles, Kirchhoff’s Laws, RLC circuits, Thevenin and Norton equivalence, AC signal, phasors, RC filters, oscillators, impedance, diodes, transformers, operational amplifiers, metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET), and introductory optics and optoelectronics. We performed hands-on training on analog circuits logic and components, CAD design, prototyping, and practical physics applications of analog circuits. Technical lab responsibilities include learning to design analog circuits using a CAD program; ordering the printed circuit board (PCB); testing circuits for functionality, accuracy, and precision; testing the speed of light measurement device for precision with light passing through air and other mediums; and measuring the refractive index of different mediums. Physics education responsibilities include incorporating our work into BPHYS 231 Experimental Physics Speed of Light Lab; developing a pre-lab quiz and lab manual; and providing documented guidance for students on learning objectives, instructions on use of the new speed of light device, lab extensions for BPHYS 231 final projects, and research topics for BPHYS 433 Senior Project. Due to the large scope of this project, the research will continue through Autumn 2025.

For biomass derived molecules to serve as precursors for biofuel and other related energy sources, more stable and efficient catalysts are needed. Drawing inspiration from enzymes, our group has recently shown that a bifunctional acid–base metal–organic framework (MOF) with co-localized acid and base sites outperforms a MOF with randomly dispersed acid and base sites as a catalyst for the aldol condensation of biomass-derived carbonyls. These active acid–base sites are composed of a primary amine and carboxylic acid. However, to further improve catalytic activity a templated framework with secondary amine and carboxylic acid active sites can be developed. Relative to primary amines, secondary amines should favor the formation of the key enamine intermediate and increase catalytic rates. Framework synthesis and characterization show success of incorporation of the secondary amine, and preliminary catalysis results indicate how successful this secondary amine has been. Overall, this work expands on the previous introduction of metal-organic framework catalysts as an alternative to common industrial catalysts in the biomass upcycling process by exploring the utility of a new templated secondary amine acid–base MOF. 

Orientation Patch Count (OPC) is a method of research used by biologists and paleontologists to analyze the complexity of an animal’s feeding surface while inferring their diets; diet and tooth complexity have evolved in concert with one another, which is why this method has been used on reptilian and mammalian (denticular) species. However, it has not been extensively tested on edentulous (toothless) clades. Therefore, my research examines the OPC of an edentulous species - specifically the endangered Madagascar big-headed turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) using  three CT-scanned specimens. Three primary programs were used in order to analyze the quantitative morphometricsof the species: Slicer for processing and editing CT scans from the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Lab, MeshLab for editing 3D models, and RStudio for data analysis. This research contributes to a broader study on turtle species led by paleontologist Brenlee Shipps, who will apply these findings to extinct beaked clades, specifically dicynodonts.

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.

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have driven research into efficient gas separation materials. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) is one promising solution due to their rigid, porous structures and processability, allowing them to be turned into thin films for membrane-based gas separations. My research focuses on enhancing the carbon dioxide selectivity of helicene-based PIMs through post-synthetic modification of these polymers. I have synthesized a small molecule model of the PIM to screen for amine substitution conditions and ensure the viability of post-synthetic modification on the larger helicene-based PIM. Characterization techniques, multinuclear NMR and mass spectrometry, have verified the synthesis and amination of my model system. By incorporating nucleophilic amines into PIMs, these polymers can feature enhanced binding to electrophilic carbon dioxide, thereby increasing the interactions with carbon dioxide over other mixed gases, leading to separation. In my future studies, I will extend these modifications to the helicene-base PIM, fabricate films and evaluate their properties. Surface area measurements using N₂ gas sorption methods and CO₂ absorption isotherms will quantify gas-binding affinity and separation performance.

This project seeks to investigate the viability of a multi-channel grating coupler (GC) as an approach for individual ion addressing in ion-trap architectures. A multi-channel design is desirable because it allows for one GC to be used for controllable, individual addressing of many ions. Current approaches for ion addressing include bulky optical systems or single channel GCs which both have notable shortcomings. Optical arrays employing large lens and laser systems require complex, error-sensitive setups, challenging the scalability of those systems. Single channel GCs reduce the complexity and footprint of the optical setup, but they are unsuitable for individual addressing of ions within a chain. Single channel GCs provide the ability to globally address N ions using one integrated structure, or individually address N ions using N integrated structures. Both of these solutions are not optimal as global addressing lacks the specificity required for complex quantum operations, and using one grating structure per ion entails a massive footprint for large ion chains, much larger than the chain itself. A multi-channel GC allows many ions to be individually addressed by one compact integrated structure and, with optimization, multi-channel GCs can achieve high coupling efficiencies and low insertion losses, allowing for accurate and reliable addressing of ions. To design a multi-channel GC for this purpose, we first develop an idealized analytical model by deriving the relationship between the incident angle of guided light into a grating structure and the output angle of diffracted light into free space. Using this analytical model, a conceptual design for a multi-channel GC is formulated. Finally, the GC design is optimized using finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation software. We will present the results of our idealized analytical model and results from optimization of a full FDTD simulation of our structure.

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.

Heart attack survivors experience elevated risk of subsequent events and death, as such there is a clinical need for regenerative techniques to rebuild damaged myocardium and reduce risk. Transplantation of human-induced stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) into non-human primate hearts has been shown to significantly improve contractile function after heart attack, however, transplanted hearts were also shown to be at elevated risk for developing potentially lethal arrhythmias. Researchers developed a line of hiPSC-CMs to correct this arrhythmia-promoting behavior by inducing a series of four gene edits to prevent the hiPSC-CM spontaneous beating behavior known as "automaticity", these gene edits spawned the cardiomyocyte cell line dubbed MEDUSA (Modification of Electrophysiological DNA to Understand and Suppress Arrhythmia). I have conducted an in-vitro study of the electrophysiological effects of the MEDUSA edits, knockouts of the sodium-calcium exchanger NCX1, the hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker current channel HCN4, the low voltage Calcium ion channel Cav 3.2, as well as overexpression of the potassium channel Kir 2.1. I have employed immunofluorescence microscopy to analyze sarcomere structures, used lentiviral transduction of calcium-sensitive green fluorescent protein to quantify calcium handling, and constructed engineered heart tissue casts to measure contractile force, to compare the electrical and physiological characteristics of MEDUSA CMs and their wild-type counterparts. Characterizing the MEDUSA cell line is essential for identifying issues that could compromise the cells' ability to function in grafts while uncovering its potential for use in regenerative treatments. Here I show that the MEDUSA gene edits create arrhythmia-resistant cardiomyocytes without compromising the integrity of their structure or function, supporting the development of a regenerative therapy future for the field of cardiology.

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.

Rotated orientation patch count (OPCr) is a measurement used to quantify the complexity of a 3D surface. OPCr has previously been used to analyze tooth complexity, showing a correlation between complexity and diet in lizards, crocodilians, and mammals. We applied this technique to toothless taxa, with the goal of determining if there is a correlation between the complexity of the occlusal surface of a given species of turtle and its diet category. OPCr is determined by analyzing a 3D mesh of the occlusal surface of turtle specimens, with meshes based on both photogrammetry and CT scans of turtle skulls. Photogrammetry and CT scans are fundamentally different. Photogrammetry is a 3D mesh created from a series of surface images of an object, where the lighting and shadows cast on the object potentially distort its complexity. CT scans are not subject to these errors, and are typically more consistent provided the scan is made properly. However, there is little research analyzing the impact of different scanning techniques on the surface complexity of the resulting mesh. This project is therefore a comparison of photogrammetry and CT scans: do models made from these different methods produce significantly different OPCr scores? Nineteen specimens previously digitized using photogrammetry have been CT scanned. I created 3D models from the CT scan data and analyzed their surfaces using OPCr. I then compared the OPCr values produced by the CT scan models to the photogrammetry counterpart of each specimen. We hypothesize that statistical analyses will show no significant difference between the two methods of digitizing specimens.

Building on the literature of the importance of strategy, this paper explores the relationships between wealth, strategy, and battle related deaths to find out why we may see unexpected conflict outcomes like Ukraine being able to hold back Russian offensives. This paper argues that wealthy actors often use expensive strategies, like strategic air bombing, that are ultimately ineffective at helping win a war and only cause unnecessary casualties, and that less wealthy actors are forced to be more creative with their strategies and this leads to less casualties. To do this, I analyze the relationships between data on rebel contraband (proxy for non-state actor wealth), GDP, and strategies used in war and their effect on battle related deaths. The paper will also cover the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar and Ukraine as a theoretical supplement to this data. Examining these relationships is increasingly important because wars fought in the modern era often see different sides of varying wealth using different strategies. Implementing the discoveries of this paper may give us opportunities to minimize casualties in conflicts by looking at what strategies are the least lethal at what levels of wealth.

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.

Under India's military occupation, Kashmir has become one of the world's most militarized zones, where systematic human rights violations including enforced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence have been documented. Through analyzing documentary films, visual art, and protest movements, I investigate how Kashmiri women transform individual trauma into collective political action. I focus on two key case studies: the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and documentary filmmaker Iffat Fatima's "Khoon Diy Baarav." Using ethnographic analysis of films, photographs, testimonies and protest documentation, I demonstrate how these women use memory work and creative documentation to challenge both military occupation and patriarchal structures. The APDP turns monthly protests into spaces for collective mourning while maintaining detailed records that counter official denial. My findings reveal that women's networks employ multiple strategies: preserving memories of the disappeared, creating visual evidence of state violence, building international solidarity through art and film, and establishing alternative archives that document human rights violations. This research contributes to our understanding of how marginalized groups use creative resistance to preserve collective memory and build transnational networks of solidarity under conditions of repression. The implications extend beyond Kashmir to other conflict zones, showing how women's creative activism can effectively challenge dominant narratives while creating powerful spaces for resistance and healing.

Does Universal Basic Income impact educational attainment? Theorists and prior researchers have drawn mixed conclusions on the effectiveness of UBI. While some argue that unconditional cash transfers increase personal goal seeking and human capital investment behavior, increasing educational attainment, others find that UBI negatively impacts educational attainment because it encourages individuals to neglect any investment in their human capital. Despite these arguments, prior research on this topic is extremely limited, which is why it is so important for this paper to investigate these claims. I expect UBI is associated with increased educational attainment because people could use the finances from UBI to support the additional financial and time commitment costs of education. To investigate this puzzle and test my theory, this paper uses Alaska as a case study, as it provides an opportunity to study the effects of UBI through the Permanent Fund Dividend. The Permanent Fund Dividend is a recurring annual payment given to nearly every Alaskan citizen, sourced from the State’s mineral revenue, thus presenting the best large-scale proxy of UBI available to study. This paper will estimate a counterfactual, or synthetic, Alaska without the PFD, which will allow us to infer the impact of PFD on education by comparing real educational attainments with the estimated levels.

This paper explores the significance of U.S. financial assistance to weak democracies and its impact on their political processes, particularly protest movements. In recent history, almost every nation has seen anti-state demonstrations, driven by factors such as war, elections, inflation, or social issues. Domestically, these international conflicts have sparked debate among politicians, scholars, and voters about how U.S. aid should be allocated. While U.S. aid is generally regarded as a stabilizing force that fosters economic growth and democratization, little is known about its influence on political mobilization. Protest as a concept remains underutilized as a mechanism for understanding political dynamics, especially in the context of ongoing global regime changes. This paper examines how U.S. aid shapes protest in weak and transitional democracies. It investigates two competing theories: increased aid either promotes economic stability, discouraging protests, or fosters democratization, which empowers civil society and encourages protests. Using data from transitioning democracies from 1990 to 2020, this research analyzes the frequency of anti-state protests in relation to U.S. economic and military aid allocations.

Speech technology is often evaluated under idealized conditions that privilege certain speaker profiles: native English speakers in optimal acoustic environments. This approach overlooks the reality that English, as a global lingua franca, is spoken by billions of non-native speakers. Similarly, speakers with speech disorders face potential exclusion. Accurate phonemic transcription is crucial both for analyzing speech patterns in post-stroke aphasia and Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT). We evaluate automatic phonemic transcription under realistic conditions, including varied noise levels, L2 accents, and speech variations. We find that standard models perform suboptimal under realistic conditions, and that applying vocabulary refinement and data augmentation improves error rates by 12-28 percentage points. To demonstrate the viability of our phonemic transcription models, we develop Machine Aided Pronunciation Learning via Entertainment (MAPLE). MAPLE maintains real-time performance on consumer devices, demonstrating the practical applicability of robust socioculturally-aware phonemic transcription in educational environments.

The research project involves designing and building circuits for a pulsed laser and photodetector for a speed of light time of flight measurement device and developing pedagogy and curricula for 200-level experimental laboratory and 400-level senior research project physics courses. We completed project-based learning on circuit principles, Kirchhoff’s Laws, RLC circuits, Thevenin and Norton equivalence, AC signal, phasors, RC filters, oscillators, impedance, diodes, transformers, operational amplifiers, metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET), and introductory optics and optoelectronics. We performed hands-on training on analog circuits logic and components, CAD design, prototyping, and practical physics applications of analog circuits. Technical lab responsibilities include learning to design analog circuits using a CAD program; ordering the printed circuit board (PCB); testing circuits for functionality, accuracy, and precision; testing the speed of light measurement device for precision with light passing through air and other mediums; and measuring the refractive index of different mediums. Physics education responsibilities include incorporating our work into BPHYS 231 Experimental Physics Speed of Light Lab; developing a pre-lab quiz and lab manual; and providing documented guidance for students on learning objectives, instructions on use of the new speed of light device, lab extensions for BPHYS 231 final projects, and research topics for BPHYS 433 Senior Project. Due to the large scope of this project, the research will continue through Autumn 2025.

Deuterium is the naturally occurring, heavier stable isotope of hydrogen, which comprises a known proportion of the hydrogen in seawater. As evaporated water travels inland, heavier molecules containing deuterium are rained out preferentially. The deuterium/hydrogen ratio (δ2H) in precipitation is controlled by climatic and geographic factors such as temperature, elevation, and latitude. Terrestrial plants use rainwater as their primary source of hydrogen, so this climatic and topographic marker is recorded in their compounds, which allows for their use in the sedimentary record as paleoclimate proxies. In this study I examine δ2H in n-alkanes, the hydrocarbon chains that make up leaf waxes, extracted from plants, leaf litter (duff), and soils across Washington state. Due to rainout effects influenced by the Cascade Mountains’ rain shadow, δ2H is expected to show a trend of depletion across the state. Samples were collected from sites along an east-west transect across the Cascades. I have processed these samples for isotope analysis and am now conducting literature review to compare our results with a global dataset. Preliminary results show the expected depletion of deuterium across the transect and correlation with rainwater δ2H, modeled using the Online Isotopes in Precipitation Calculator (OIPC). My goal is to assess the local trend of δ2H depletion across this gradient through comparison with existing literature, and to examine the poorly-studied pathway of isotopic signature from plant tissue into soils. I am to provide new insight into the pattern of isotopic signals preserved from live plants into soils and sedimentary rocks, and to further explore and refine the use of hydrogen isotopes in sedimentary n-alkanes as paleoclimate indicators. This research is part of a larger study on the persistence of the isotopic signal of the Cascade Mountains’ rain shadow into the rock record to potentially constrain the timing of their uplift. 

Alternative-technology (alt-tech) platforms like Telegram, Truth Social, and Rumble have emerged as self-proclaimed free speech hubs, appealing to distrust in governments and tech companies. While alt-tech platforms remain niche, they play a growing role in political communication and have contributed to real-world events, such as the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite their influence, research on these platforms remains limited compared to mainstream social media studies. This study develops a typology of five right-wing alt-tech platforms—Rumble, Truth Social, Gab, Gettr, and Telegram—analyzing their ownership structures, monetization models, and content moderation policies. By examining how these platforms’ designs and financial incentives influence content production and user behavior, the study aims to provide insights into their role in shaping online information ecosystems. Prior research has examined individual alt-tech platforms, such as Bitchute, and broader comparisons between mainstream and alt-tech platforms. However, this study offers a comparative analysis focused exclusively on alt-tech platforms, identifying patterns in governance, incentive structures, and policy enforcement. Findings from this research could inform policymakers on potential regulatory approaches, including ownership transparency, antitrust interventions, and content accountability measures. Additionally, technologists and platform developers may leverage these insights to design more transparent governance frameworks for alternative digital spaces. By addressing gaps in current social media research, this study enhances public understanding of alt-tech platforms and their growing influence in digital discourse and political communication.

HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is disproportionately high in East and Southern Africa, highlighting the urgent need for effective HIV prevention counseling for this population. Our study addresses critical gaps in HIV prevention for AGYW in Kenya, particularly regarding HIV education and engagement in prevention services, by leveraging the trusted role of nurses to support AGYW and overcome barriers related to stigma, misinformation, and interpersonal dynamics. Nurse navigators are a promising intervention within family planning clinics, though accessing contraception via pharmacies is common among AGYW in Kenya. Prior pilot studies show the feasibility and acceptability of delivering HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) within a pharmacy with PrEP-trained nurses. The purpose of this current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating nurse navigators and long-acting PrEP agents on PrEP uptake and continuation among AGYW seeking contraception at pharmacies in Kisumu, Kenya. A 2-armed non-blinded cluster randomized control trial is being conducted in Kisumu among AGYW (n=1900) seeking contraception at pharmacies. The study randomized 20 pharmacies to receive (n=10) or not receive (n=10) nurse navigators to support PrEP delivery. We anticipate that the implementation of nurse navigators and long-acting PrEP agents in pharmacy settings will significantly improve access to and engagement with HIV PrEP among HIV-negative AGYW in Kenya. Additionally, the study will qualitatively evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and client satisfaction of delivering long-acting PrEP agents within pharmacies with nurse navigators to support PrEP use. While the study is ongoing, our preliminary data illustrates positive experiences among AGYW with nurse navigators, including feelings of safety, trust, and educational improvement. This study can confirm the efficacy of nurse navigators in improving engagement in health management and education for AGYW in Kenya. Further exploration of the effectiveness of nurse navigators in service to other populations should be conducted. 

Previous studies suggest that tooth morphology (shape, size, and other features of teeth) strongly correlates with an organism’s dietary patterns, and analyzing dentition is common practice in the field of Biology. Orientation patch count rotated (OPCr), a technique used in establishing dentition-diet correlations, has recently been demonstrated as applicable to turtle triturating surfaces to understand their dietary adaptations. The aim of this study is to add to an ongoing project characterizing the relationship between diet and the cutting/grinding surface in the jaw (triturating surface) in edentulous (toothless) organisms using techniques used in traditional dental topographic analysis. Turtles are a diverse group of edentulous organisms with beaks of keratin to process their food — making them ideal for this study. Specimens of the omnivorous Forest-Hinge Back Tortoise (Kinixys erosa) were micro-computed tomographically (CT) scanned. We reconstructed the CT scans into photogrammetric 3D models using Slicer software. Then, we isolated the triturating surface using MeshLab software. Finally, we read the triturating surface into the R package molaR — resulting in OPCr values that estimate the complexity of their specimen’s triturating surface. Ideally, the OPCr values showcase extreme high triturating surface complexity, as previous research suggests tortoises (Testudinidae) have highly complex triturating surfaces compared with other clades of turtles. Our research hopes to contribute to a new technique for analyzing extinct beaked or edentulous taxa.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by a complex containing presenilin 1 or presenilin 2 (PSEN2) can result in pathological amyloid beta plaques. Recent work from the Valdmanis group found novel PSEN2 RNA isoform variants in AD. Specifically, we identified two PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms - a short (507bp) and a long (3976bp) 3'UTR. The 3'UTR harbors essential regulatory elements such as microRNA binding sites and Alu elements that control transcript maturation, stability, and abundance. Here, we sought to elucidate the functional significance of the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms. To accomplish this, we completed small RNA sequencing to identify microRNA levels in human AD and control frontal cortex brains and used TargetScan7 to map these reads to the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms. Our analysis identified 53 miRNAs with significant differential regulation in AD frontal cortex bulk homogenate and 76 miRNAs in purified synaptosomes. One miRNA, miR-34c, was significantly downregulated in both fractions. We identified five different miRNAs with significant regulation changes in AD, including miR-326, miR-346, miR-548p, miR-890, and miR-217. Of note, the long PSEN2 3'UTR had nine miRNA binding sites and two Alu elements, while the short PSEN2 3'UTR only contained one miRNA binding site. We next tested PSEN2 3'UTR isoform localization in human AD and control frontal cortex brain tissue using BaseScope in-situ hybridization. We found a marked decrease in PSEN2 expression in AD samples. To develop in vitro PSEN2 3'UTR isoform models, we designed constructs containing the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms to overexpress in either HMC3 human microglial or SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines. In vitro validation results indicated increased long PSEN2 3'UTR isoform abundance to the short isoform. Determining the functional relevance of the short and long 3'UTR of the PSEN2 transcript will further our understanding of AD pathology.

Girls in Afghanistan have been denied their rights numerous times in history, with restrictions on clothing, work, movement, education, and more. In this project, I explore the persistence of Afghan girls' fight for freedom through underground education and provide a timeline reflecting work on the underground education system. This opens the discussion on what more can be done by powerful global organizations in the context of ever decreasing rights for Afghan women brought upon the events of the Taliban takeover in 2021. My research highlights the brave and selfless Afghans who have committed themselves to empower Afghan girls through underground education by hearing their stories. The goal here is to counteract the continuous turn of limitations on Afghan women's rights that are holding back prosperity in Afghanistan. This examination of underground education and the people who make it possible paves the way for positive intervention. This research will primarily be based on qualitative data and some data visualization.

Nearly all forms of cardiac disease are characterized by cardiac fibrosis, which contributes to heart failure and arrhythmias due to the accumulation of collagen deposits. Collagen, a crucial extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, is secreted by cardiac fibroblasts—the primary cell type responsible for generating this stiff scar tissue known as fibrosis. Fibroblasts are highly plastic cells that can transition between quiescent and activated states. The Davis Lab has developed a minimally invasive intermittent injury model to cyclically stress cardiac fibroblasts in vivo, allowing for a deeper investigation into the role of cellular memory in regulating the fibrotic response. Notably, we can reduce fibrotic remodeling in this model by inhibiting p38 gene function in the activated population, thereby encouraging a shift back to a quiescent state. My work aims to determine whether the once-activated population is proliferating at the second injury stimulus as well, or if a new population of fibroblasts is proliferating with repeat injury. To address this, I am utilizing genetic lineage tracing and Click-iT EdU technology, which allows for precise biolabeling while also preserving cell morphology and integrity by integrating into the cell's DNA. I am also performing immunohistochemistry staining to detect other proteins of interest that will serve as proliferation markers as well. Based on prior findings in the Davis Lab, we hypothesize that once-activated fibroblasts will go on to activate again when exposed to repeated disease stimuli, but there will be no second wave of proliferation as there was no change in total fibroblast number. 

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO), is an autoinflammatory bone disorder that is notable by the recurrent bone lesions with potential long-term complications that include growth impairment in pediatric patients. Growth impairment can be illustrated through z-scores for weight and height. Z-scores represent how far a patient’s weight and height measurements deviate from the average for their age and sex. Z-scores below -1 and -2 could indicate the negative disturbance by CRMO or inadequate treatment. Standard second-line treatments for CRMO include bisphosphonates, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). Bisphosphonates are frequently prescribed pediatric medications for their ability to improve bone health and reduce inflammation. However, the impact of these medications – alone or in combination with DMARDs and TNFis – on growth patterns are understudied. Medication practices may demonstrate varying results on height and weight outcomes in CRMO patients. CHOIR included prospective longitudinal data from >500 patients from multiple sites across continents, which allows us to compare the effects of these treatment regimens on the change of Z-score. We expect that the proportion of patients with low Z-scores is similar across all groups before the treatments. By gathering patients based on treatment regimen, this review will compare the prevalence of lower z-scores. Understanding these correlations is vital for identifying whether certain treatments contribute to growth improvement, offering insights into optimizing care for CRMO patients.

Superatoms are (often inorganic) clusters of several to several hundred atoms in size, that mimic the chemistry of elemental atoms by exhibiting a high degree of valence electron delocalization, effectively creating a unified valence shell over the entire superatom. Our lab works with M₃(solv)_xCo₆Se₈L₆ (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Zn; solv = thf, py; L = PPh₂NTol)  clusters, leveraging the molecular nature of the Co₆Se₈ core to attach three metal “edge sites” held in place by phosphine ligands, arranged such that they serve as an interface between the exterior chemical environment and the inner superatomic core. By swapping the edge metal, we are able to modify properties of the overall metalated cluster, imparting a degree of chemical and electronic tuneability. While investigations into these compounds have shed light on their electronic structure and reactivity, applying these properties in a practical sense has been an elusive and ongoing area of study. In 2021, however, the Nuckolls lab demonstrated a mixture of Co₆Se₈(PEt₃)₆, Cr₆Te₈(PEt₃)₆, and C₆₀ that formed an isotropic crystal structure capable of up to 100-fold increased conductivity compared to crystals of Cr₆Te₈(PEt₃)₆ or Co₆Se₈(PEt₃)₆ mixed with C₆₀ alone. In this work, I am investigating the conductivity of mixtures of various M₃(solv)_xCo₆Se₈L₆ clusters via a 2-probe method. In previous work, our lab has demonstrated the occurrence of charge transfer in the solution phase between clusters metalated with Co and Cu; building off of this, I intend to determine whether such a phenomenon can be observed in the solid state, and to a degree of reversibility that facilitates improved conductivity through the mixture. The observation or lack thereof of such behavior could hold implications for the applicability of metalated clusters in future semiconductor or materials technologies.

Previous studies have found a correlation between the complexity of an animal’s teeth and its diet. However, not all vertebrates have teeth, such as turtles, which is problematic because dental topographical analysis has not been completed on toothless—or, edentulous—animals. Regardless of whether a species has teeth, we can use the measurement OPCr (orientation patch count rotated) to quantify the complexity of a surface, and subsequently use that value to analyze species’ diet. OPCr calculates the number of separately oriented patches on a 3D surface. A higher OPCr value indicates a more complex topography. To obtain OPCr values, we edited CT scans of the turtle species Malaclemys terrapin in Slicer and MeshLab, then analyzed the resulting model using the R package molaR. From this, we obtained OPCr values. However, R struggles to analyze meshes at a higher resolution, so we use various downsampling filters in MeshLab to make the models usable in R. One such filter is Quadratic Edge Collapse Decimation (QECD). The algorithm behind QECD is QSLIM, which reduces the complexity of polygonal meshes by eliminating edges based on error metrics from quadratic formulations, but still preserves the original shape as much as possible. Currently, we downsample all meshes to just 10,000 faces before reading them into R. My role in this project is to determine whether we can reliably use higher resolution scans by altering the number of faces to be slightly higher at 15,000 and slightly lower at 5,000, then examining the impact of these resolutions on OPCr values. So far, our analysis shows that importing a higher resolution mesh tends to give higher OPCr values, and a lower resolution gives a lower OPCr value.

In 2020 Seattle experienced a divide in support behind three separate movements, Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, and The Kisaan Morcha/Farmers Protest. These three movements represent a key identity of three minorities within the region, Black, Japanese and Desi-Americans. The division between the three has long-standing roots within 20th century Seattle, and is full of moments of allyship and division. Each group has dealt with White racism and division in their own ways, but it's the way these narratives have fed into the societies that effects the relationship we see today. My research will focus on three time frames of Seattle History: Early 1900's (1910-1920s), Mid 1900's (1930s - 1950s), and Late 1900s (1960s - 1990s). Each of these sections represent a different timeframe for Seattleites: Settlement and the formation of communities, Civil Rights Era, and Modern implications/results. Each section will conclude of three main subsections that creates the basis of my argument. They will be based on: discrimination in the Workplace, Social Identity, and Economic Mobility. What I will be arguing is while each community has dealt with their own levels of discrimination and set-backs, Black Seattleites have constantly dealt with the brunt of the racial actions from White Seattleites, and have reaped the least amount of benefits compared to the other two communities. 

Diet is one of the most significant contributors to an organism’s morphology, as without morphological features to acquire food the organism will cease to live. Previous studies have quantified these morphological features in toothed taxa using Rotated Orientation Patch Count (OPCr) but not in edentulous taxa. Previously, we obtained OPCr from several turtle species using photogrammetry, created 3D models with Slicer, edited them down to just the triturating surface in MeshLab, and ran statistical analysis in R. Specifically, I worked on the unique, endangered turtle species Carettochelys insculpta (n=6) using CT scans obtained from MorphoSource to add to our photogrammetry data. However, the OPCr values obtained from these meshes discarded more surface area and were significantly lower than the meshes made from photogrammetry. To increase the surface area counted in the OPCr and potentially get results more comparable to the photogrammetry meshes we experimented with decreasing the percentage of patches discarded during analysis in R from 1% to 0.1% and tried smoothing the meshes in Slicer using a factors of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7. A simple T-test was used to determine significant differences. To increase the number of available specimens and compare turtle species with different diets – durophagous and omnivorous respectively – Malaclemys terrapin specimens (n=5) were used in addition to the Carettochelys insculpta specimens. We expect to find increased surface area and higher OPCr values when increasing the percentage of patches discarded from 1% to 0.1%. We also expect that smoothing will increase the amount of surface area counted at both 1% and 0.1%. As a result of this study, we hope to create a better method for processing CT scans for morphological analysis of the triturating surfaces of turtles, and to develop a methodology for determining diet in any edentulous organism.

Previous studies have shown that the diet of an organism can provide valuable insight into a variety of characteristics including habitat, behavior, and ecological role. Analyzing dentition is one method used to determine an organism’s diet, but this becomes complicated for edentulous taxa. In this study, we investigated the dietary ecology of Caretta caretta, or the loggerhead sea turtle, through the 3D morphometrics of several CT-scanned skull specimens. We are particularly interested in studying a notable feature on the occlusal surface: the accessory triturating ridge. This structure functions as a way to process food and thus provides important insight into what kinds of nutritional sources Caretta caretta may be drawing from. To analyze and interpret the morphology of the ridge, we took a series of computed tomography (CT) scans and processed them into 3D models using Slicer. We then isolated the occlusal surface in MeshLab and used R to assess variations in morphology. This results in a rotated orientation patch count (OPCr), which we can use to analyze the complexity of the occlusal surface. This acts as a topographic map, with a higher OPCr value likely indicating an omnivorous or herbivorous diet, and a lower OPCr value predicting a carnivorous diet. Because Caretta caretta are known to be omnivorous, we expect to see a higher OPCr value, suggesting that their occlusal surface is more complex than that of other turtles. Analysis of this species contributes to our project's overarching goal of applying morphological analyses to edentulous species and can offer insights into conservation efforts for this ecologically vulnerable turtle.

Lepidosauria is a clade of reptiles including Rhyncocephalia and Squamata, constituting much of the diversity of living reptiles. Squamates include lizards and snakes, and are the most species-rich group of lepidosaurs. Rhyncocephalians were more diverse and widespread in the Mesozoic Era, but today are represented by a single living species, the tuatara of New Zealand. Lepidosaurs first evolve in the Triassic Period, making their fossil record from this interval critical to understanding the evolutionary origins this group. New lepidosaur fossil material from Petrified Forest National Park has been recovered from screenwashing sediment from the Kaye Quarry, a fossil bearing locality within the Sonsela Member of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation. Three mandibles of unknown taxonomic affinity from the Kaye Quarry have been selected for anatomical description and phylogenetic analysis. All three mandibles display labiolingually compressed, recurved teeth, along the majority of the dentary. Two dentaries display a larger conical tooth, protruding dorsally from the anterior end of the mandible. Other mandibles recovered from the Chinle Formation display similar dental anatomy, indicating these specimens belong to the clade Rhynchocephalia. There are currently no lepidosaur fossils known from the Sonsela Member of the Chinle Formation. Sectioning and computed tomography (CT) scanning will be used to create detailed three-dimensional images of the mandibles for the basis of anatomical description and phylogenetic analysis. CT scanning hosts the potential for internal morphology including tooth implantation and neurovasculature.

The synthesis and characterization of films for interaction with methane and hydrogen is a project with two motivations. 1) TiO2 as a catalyst support has been found to favorably impact the activity in water gas shift reaction, a step carried out alongside Steam Methane Reformation (SMR) in the conversion of methane to hydrogen. We aim to understand the interaction between methane and TiO2 catalyst support deposited on an alumina substrate. A thermal evaporator was used to deposit titanium thin film onto alumina substrates and post oxidized in flowing oxygen at elevated temperatures (200-250°C). We observed evidence for the post-oxidized film to behave like a dielectric and acquire a charge when placed in the path of an electron beam in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). 2) Depositing titanium onto graphite substrate to examine if there is enhancement in hydrogen incorporation into graphite due to Hydrogen Spillover Effect (HSPE).

ALAS stands for Adolescent Latinas Advancing Salud mental through Storytelling. Dedicated to empowering young Latinas, providing them with a supportive community and the tools to prioritize their mental health. Through storytelling, ALAS creates a community where these Latinas share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and actively step toward healing and self-improvement. This initiative has been piloted, and the success of the first group of participants has shown just how vital and transformative this program is. The young women who took part in ALAS not only found a sense of belonging but also gained skills that helped them navigate the hardships they faced. Many participants expressed how the program gave them confidence, validation, and a community with an understanding that they are not alone. This presentation highlights the positive impact of the ALAS programs and the potential of the culturally grounded toolset as a proactive intervention for addressing mental health in adolescent Latinas. My qualitative data analysis explores key lessons from two cases and broader data patterns, with considerations for future research. Unfortunately, there has long been a noticeable absence of research and resources dedicated to Latinas' mental health, leaving many young women without the guidance or support they need. A space designed specifically for Latinas, where our unique experiences and cultural backgrounds are understood and validated is more important now than ever. ALAS is working to fill these gaps, ensuring the next generations of Latinas have access to the tools, knowledge, and community that many never had. Mental health is a critical issue, and Latinas deserve to have their voices heard and acknowledged. ALAS is more than just a program. It’s a movement toward change, a step toward breaking the silence around mental health in our communities. Teaching them to embrace themselves and be the change they wish to see.

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.

Purpose: This study aimed to optimize the consultation strategy and timing of physicist consultation for proton prostate patients, thereby improving patient experience and resource utilization in radiation oncology department. Methods: 96 prostate patients undergoing proton therapy were surveyed after physics consult conducted at two time points: (1) prior to simulation or (2) prior to treatment. Survey responses were further divided into two groups—one responding at their first physics consult, the other responding at second consult. Anxiety levels were measured using the six-item short-form Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Anxiety scores were calculated and analyzed to compare first- versus second consult groups, as well as physics consults performed at different timing. Patient feedback on useful information during consultations was categorized using K-Means clustering into five themes. Results: Anxiety scores were comparable between first (28.60 ± 8.94) and second (29.75 ± 10.33) consultations (p = 0.59). Similarly, anxiety scores for consultations prior to simulation (30.59 ± 9.93) and prior to treatment (28.04 ± 8.83) showed no significant difference (p = 0.22). Patients identified five key information categories: (1) Radiation Types and Delivery, (2) Treatment Plan and Procedure Details, (3) Mechanism and Effects of Proton Radiation, (4) Proton Beam Generation and Therapy Pathway, and (5) Dosimetry and Risk. Conclusions: For proton prostate patients, a single physics consultation prior to treatment covering identified patient concerns maintains similar anxiety score comparable to two consultations model. Streamlining the consultation process in this manner can optimize medical physicist time without increasing patient anxiety level. This approach may serve as a framework for improving patient education and communication strategies of physics consult for proton therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint damage, frailty, and potential disability. Its progression is unpredictable, making it difficult to manage in clinical settings. A major challenge in treatment is the lack of reliable clinical indicators or biomarkers to track disease activity and predict long-term outcomes like frailty and joint damage. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has shown promise as a biomarker in other diseases, but its role in RA remains unclear. This study explores whether GDF-15 can predict disease progression, frailty, and joint damage in RA patients. To understand the role of GDF-15 in RA, we measured its levels in both RA patients and healthy individuals using ELISA, which detects specific proteins. We explored how GDF-15 levels are related to disease activity, inflammation, and joint damage. In a group of patients followed for 8 years, we investigated whether GDF-15 levels at diagnosis could predict how the disease might progress. We used various statistical tests to analyze the data. The Mann-Whitney U-test helped compare GDF-15 levels between RA patients and healthy controls, Spearman’s correlation showed the relationship between GDF-15 levels and disease activity, and logistic regression allowed us to evaluate whether GDF-15 levels at diagnosis could predict future RA development. Through this study, we (i) analyzed how GDF-15 levels are linked to disease activity and inflammation in RA, (ii) explored whether measuring GDF-15 levels early on could predict disease progression and (iii) assessed whether GDF-15 could help identify patients at higher risk of developing severe joint damage or other complications. Ultimately, this research could help rheumatologists better understand and predict how RA will progress in patients, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

This systematic literature review investigated the issue of estranged father-son relationships and how they affect male youth, with the research question: “How do boys experiencing estranged father-son relationships negotiate their self-concept, informing their future identity as caregivers?” Peer-reviewed studies from PsychInfo, PubMed, ERIC, and Social Services Abstracts were analyzed, spanning two decades of research. The search yielded over 4,000 records, with 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria following a full-text review and screening process. Guiding search terms included, ‘absent father’, ‘male youth’, ‘self-concept’, and ‘caregiving identity’. Articles were scrutinized according to conceptual variables to organize findings thematically. A qualitative synthesis conducted found that sons estranged from their biological fathers often express a strong desire to be present for their own children, experience emotional voids as a result of not being with their biological fathers, and have contact with unique social relationships—such as social fathers. This review discusses implications for male youth mental health and identity development, suggesting that estranged father-son relationships often serve as catalysts for unique caregiving identities.

Children of immigrants are uniquely situated in the United States. They share parts of both their American identity and upbringing, along with that of their parents’ and relatives’ homeland(s). Previous research has shown that because of these identities, children of immigrants are more civically engaged than any other group of young people. However, more research is needed to understand what is most effective for this population along with broader implications for these individuals. Utilizing the Youth-Parent Socialization Panel Study of 1965-1997 from the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research, I examine different civic engagement methods including civic education and community involvement and the effect on children of minority groups as opposed to their majority group counterparts. Furthermore I predict that these methods have a positive long term impact on measures of civic engagement, while also having a stronger effect on minority groups.

Neuropsychiatric disorders lead to devastating impacts on a patient’s life, affecting physical movement, cognition, and behavior. A pattern observed in patients with neurodegenerative disease includes neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which may be caused by the abnormal accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT). Tau is encoded for in the MAPT gene locus on chromosome 17, where the locus commonly interacts with an enhancer to boost transcription. However, some patients have one copy of chromosome 17 with an inversion that breaks this interaction, which is associated with lower risk of disease. This raises the question of whether the MAPT locus interacts with other enhancers that increases tau production. Thus, the goal of this project is to identify genetic variants that influence the 3D interactions between the MAPT locus and potential enhancers in patients heterozygous for the MAPT inversion associated with a lower risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. To accomplish this objective, neuronal nuclei extracted from patients are analyzed using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) to identify interactions in the MAPT gene locus. We will map a 2 Mb region of chromosome 17 centered on the inversion using FISH probes. This region is broken up into ten 200 kb spots to be individually visualized using fluorescent oligonucleotides through a fluidics system, to create a composite image of all spots. Interactions involving the MAPT locus may be identified by comparing distances between spots, in which gene segments that interact would have a shorter distance compared to segments that do not interact. This would allow us to find genetic variants associated with the chromosome 17 inversion that potentially influence MAPT gene regulation.

Nonlinear dynamics and its related stochastic phenomena described by linear partial differential equations are exceptionally useful for modeling climate processes. In particular, climate often exhibits bistability: the system under one forcing can exist in two stable states. With changing parameters and fluctuations, the state may transition through a bifurcation (tipping point) or spontaneous pre-tipping transition. One example is Snowball Earth. Earth is thought to have a bistable ice-covered and ice-free climate and once transitioned away from ice-covered. With a time dependent parameter, we expect a bistable system will eventually undergo bifurcation. Methods have been used to predict the time until tipping. However, these predictions do not include the possibility of transition prior to the bifurcation. I calculate this probability by modeling the Snowball Earth state as an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process through a saddle-node bifurcation. As the system approaches the bifurcation, we expect the variance of the OU process about the stable state to increase. While my model shows it increasing for most time towards the tipping point, there is an unexpected decrease near the end. I found this corresponds to a change in symmetry of the OU process distribution. To check the significance of this, I will compare with a numerical simulation of the Fokker-Planck equation for the OU process. I will also show a probability distribution for transition over time, by modeling the state as a continuous-time Markov chain that depends on the varying shape of the “barrier” in the potential function. Ultimately, Snowball Earth is a paradigm for the exchange between stochastic and partial differential equations that describes many systems. We can compare it with other systems to characterize similarities among them, as well as features making the climate system unique. This is also important as critical transition in Earth systems is a growing concern under climate change.

Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) have emerged as a promising tool for cardiac disease modeling and drug screening, allowing for better study of heart diseases (HDs). However, most current EHTs are composed of only a mixture of an extracellular matrix, heart muscle cells, called cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts, without a vascular element. This prevents the study of the impacts of flow and the endothelium on cardiac function, despite their important role in both development and disease progression. Endothelial cell (EC) function is essential for maintaining cardiac homeostasis through protective signaling interactions between ECs and CMs. Disruption of endothelial function through vascular stressors such as hemodynamic changes and acute inflammation can trigger EC dysfunction, dysregulating cardioprotective signaling. It is important to incorporate the endothelial and perfusion components in EHT in vitro for better disease modeling and drug testing. The Zheng lab has developed a tube-like perfusable collagen-based EHT model, where CMs are embedded in the bulk collagen matrix, and the inner lumen of the tube can be endothelialized, serving as an effective, in vitro, model of cardiac vasculature. This project controls the size of the inner tube diameter of this model utilizing structural and contractile properties of muscle cells. Through the integration of these cells, we can maintain the inner diameter under a range of flow conditions, and subsequently use the model to identify healthy and unhealthy flow conditions within the EHTs. This project establishes a perfusable EHT model that allows us to examine EC function under several flow-related changes and, in the future, assess the effect of endothelial dysfunction on cardiac function.

The necessity of criminal justice reform has grown increasingly significant as governments address the challenges of mass incarceration and its far-reaching social and economic consequences. Over the last decade, California has been spearheading reform in the United States. In compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, California passed Proposition 47 (Prop 47)—a landmark policy that reclassified certain nonviolent felony offenses as misdemeanors—to reduce the population of nonviolent offenders in the prison system. While Prop 47 successfully reduced incarceration rates and state expenditures on corrections, critics argue that it has also contributed to increased property crime, particularly retail theft, due to theft-felony threshold being increased from $400 to $950. Utilizing a difference-in-differences methodology, this study compares retail business activity in California with a synthetic control group composed of demographically and economically similar states with felony thresholds similar to California’s, pre-Prop 47. The analysis draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, incorporating crime rates, business permit activity, and economic trends. This study aims to assess whether Prop 47 led to a tangible increase in property crime and, in turn, a decline in retail business sustainability. The findings will provide empirical insights for policymakers seeking to balance criminal justice objectives with economic stability, informing on the broader implications of sentencing reforms on local economies.

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.

Pacific Oysters (Magallana gigas, previously named Crassostrea gigas) are marine bivalves that are widely cultivated in the US Pacific Northwest. A widespread range combined with high commercial interest makes the Pacific Oyster a very crucial species to study for both environmental and human health. Shellfish farms often experience major summer mortality due to multiple interacting factors that heavily impacts production and profitability. Two current key concerns are 1) the increasing severity and frequency of marine heat waves and 2) impacts of diseases (e.g., OsHV-1) that cause oyster mortality. Under current environmental stress scenarios, shellfish require capacity to withstand interacting stressors through their sophisticated innate immunity and cellular stress responses. In the face of multiple environmental stressors, it is of great interest in the aquaculture community to increase oyster stock resilience. However, it remains unclear how temperature influences survival of early life stages of oysters and whether strengthened immune system responses offer protection to thermal stress. To address this need, we conducted an immune challenge using PolyI:C (i.e., an RNA analog that mimics viral DNA to activate the oyster’s immune system) in oyster broodstock and reared their offspring until the spat stage. Oyster spat were then exposed to thermal challenges and we characterized metabolism, survival, and growth. Offspring from immune-challenged parents had higher survival under thermal stress and differences in their metabolic response to elevated temperature. This work raises additional questions about how the biological responses between thermal stress and immune response are connected and the potential to apply immune priming in oyster aquaculture. Further, it is important to understand if there are growth trade-offs associated with improved stress tolerance. Improving the general understanding of temperature affects in oysters and their interacting stressors as climate change amplifies is important and applicable to other farmed invertebrates.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affected approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older in 2024, and it is projected to rise to 13 million by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). AD is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, but sleep disruption is an often overlooked symptom that emerges early in the disease's progression. Evidence suggests that AD-related sleep disturbance may originate from dysfunction in the circadian system, particularly in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The SCN regulates sleep-wake cycles, and recent findings from de la Iglesia lab have shown that specific SCN neurons exhibit a daily rhythm of fiber expansion and retraction. This study aims to investigate how aging and AD affect SCN structural plasticity; this could help explain circadian disturbances in AD patients. I aim to identify the age at which abnormal circadian phenotypes emerge in a mouse model of AD which shows circadian disruptions. We are currently comparing activity patterns of AD mice ages 6 to 16-months old with their wild-type littermate controls using behavioral running wheel data. We hypothesize that the AD mice will exhibit a decreased mean total sleep and shorter circadian period in constant darkness. While these symptoms are common with aging in healthy mice, we expect that they will appear earlier in AD mice than in their wild-type littermates, as disrupted sleep is an early-onset symptom of AD. Future studies will assess whether these symptoms are associated with deficits in daily structural plasticity of the SCN. By elucidating the relationship between AD, SCN neuronal structure, and circadian rhythm disruptions, this research aims to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in AD patients. Understanding these processes could potentially lead to the development of targeted interventions to mitigate sleep disruptions and slow disease progression in AD patients.

Neuroendocrine bladder cancer (NEBC) is a rare and aggressive urothelial tract cancer. NEBC is characterized by high metastatic potential and poor clinical prognosis. Neuroendocrine cancers often exhibit characteristic genetic changes including loss of tumor-suppressing genes like TP53 and RB1 and amplification or activating mutations in proto-oncogenes, e.g., MYC. However, not all bladder cancers with these characteristic mutations progress to NEBC, suggesting other occult genetic or epigenetic drivers of disease progression. To investigate the clonal origins of NEBC tumor heterogeneity, our lab developed a genetically engineered mouse model by introducing orthotopic mutations observed in human tumors (TP53, RB1, and MYC) in murine bladders by lentiviral delivery of Cre recombinase. We found some of the resulting tumors had high levels of the pioneer transcription factor, FOXA2. To further explore the role of this gene in NEBC development, we conducted an overexpression experiment in which FOXA2 was expressed in mouse-derived bladder cancer cell lines. We performed RNAseq (RNA sequencing) analysis in a panel of syngeneic murine NEBC lines, including samples with FOXA2 over expression and parental controls. In the course of this work, we developed an informatics pipeline to interrogate clonal heterogeneity at the transcriptional level in genetically identical syngeneic tumor lines – a method which we termed clonal phylogenies from RNAseq (CPR) data. My role in this project involved designing and implementing a bioinformatics pipeline to analyze both single-cell and bulk RNAseq data. By integrating cross-species comparisons with computational analysis, we aim to uncover novel molecular mechanisms driving NEBC emergence. While our research is ongoing, this approach highlights a new bioinformatics method allowing deeper insights into human cancer biology.

The triturating surface of a beaked animal is the part of the beak that contacts food. Previous work has been conducted on determining a value for the complexity of beaked turtles’ triturating surface by creating a 3D mesh of it. We analyzed these meshes using  the R package molaR which then determined an OPCr (orientation patch count rotated) number that could be compared to the known diet of the turtle. My role in this study is  to examine the effect that manipulation of thresholding the skull has on the OPCr output using five different skulls from the species Malaclemys terrapin, which are known to be durophagous. Thresholding is conducted in the first half of mesh construction, when the CT scan is run through Slicer. At this step, we input both a higher and lower threshold value, as well as a standard value. A higher threshold value will lead to higher density material being excluded from the data set. The skull that is constructed in Slicer is then put into MeshLab to be further trimmed into only the triturating surface, and then it is run through molaR. We suspect that a higher threshold value will lead to a higher OPCr value than a lower thresholding value would. The implication of these results will determine what effect thresholding has on the scan, and estimate what value will be most optimal for preserving the integrity of the scan. 

Since 1950, there has been an exponential increase in the production of plastic from 2 million to 460 million metric tons produced per year. With this production also comes the exacerbated effects on climate change and health: 2.24 billion metric tons of carbon emitted annually, pollution of ecosystems, and degradation of plastics to microplastics that enter living organisms. There is a clear need to develop eco-friendly plastic alternatives. The Roumeli Research Group has previously observed the ability to form biodegradable plastics (bioplastics) from unprocessed biological matter (biomatter). More specifically, use of whole cells of microalgae spirulina can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing techniques like hot pressing. My project focuses on understanding the changes in chemical and molecular properties of spirulina that occur during the biomatter to bioplastic transition as a function of processing conditions. I fabricated hundreds of dime-sized samples by hot pressing spirulina powder in customized molds under various temperatures, pressures, and periods of time. I also characterized these samples using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to inspect the relationship between chemical bonds and spirulina morphology. I analyze these FTIR results in conjunction with creating and pressing samples of biomatter analogues to better understand spirulina’s complex structure. My efforts, along with other characterization techniques like hardness testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), will inform modifications of the processing design to obtain desired mechanical properties of the resulting spirulina bioplastic. These findings can be integrated into a machine learning model that concurrently analyzes multiple characterization results to identify trends in the data and further contribute to our understanding of structure as it relates to pressing conditions. 

Latinx individuals in rural communities face significant barriers to accessing non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain, especially Spanish-speaking populations. Many evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise programs, have not been adapted to align with the cultural values and needs of Latinx patients.  To address this gap, a multi-pronged nurse care management model is being adapted to align with the cultural norms, values, and needs of Latinx patients with chronic pain. This model integrates culturally adapted versions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the Enhance Fitness exercise program, and care coordination. Ten primarily Spanish-speaking adult participants (18+) living with chronic pain were recruited through partnerships with a community organization and a healthcare provider. Virtual community engagement sessions will be conducted from February - July 2025 using a structured framework to ensure adequate cultural adaptation. Participants will provide feedback on recruitment strategies, study materials (such as consent forms), and overall study design. Their insights will be analyzed to identify key themes in adapting the intervention for Latinx communities. Participants are compensated for their time. Preliminary findings will be presented on making healthcare interventions more culturally relevant and accessible to Spanish-speaking populations. Emerging themes are expected to include the need for culturally appropriate language, the importance of family dynamics in healthcare decisions, and the best ways to engage Latinx communities in research. By engaging directly with Latinx patients, this project aims to ensure that chronic pain treatments are not just effective but also accessible and culturally meaningful. These insights will help improve healthcare interventions for underserved populations.

Mast cells are key contributors to allergic disease including asthma, food allergies, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Therefore, understanding mast cell biology more deeply is critical for the discovery of new targets to modulate mast cell function in health and disease. The research question being addressed in the Piliponsky Lab is what proteins play a role in mast cell activation and release of mediators that contribute to allergic disease. DOCK8 deficiency is a rare, combined immunodeficiency (CID) associated with allergic diseases which led our lab to investigate the impact of DOCK8 on mast cell function. We took microscopic images of mast cells and enumerated mast cell numbers in mucosal and connective tissues using mice with mast cells deficient in DOCK8, DOCK8 mutant mice, and littermate controls. We used western blots to confirm the absence of DOCK8 protein in the mutant mice and genotyped mice with DOCK8 deficiencies. Our findings suggest that mast cell intrinsic DOCK8 deficiency can cause increased mast cell degranulation in skin and mast cell mediator release at baseline. Learning more about mast cells can help increase understanding of the mechanisms of allergic disease and inflammation, leading to more treatment options. 

Attention restoration theory (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) which has shaped our understanding of the benefits of nature, centers around the idea that certain qualities of nature innately capture our focus and encourage restoration. Based on this theory, it seems unlikely individuals would feel predominantly bored in nature. Using data from a larger study of University of Washington undergraduates' nature encounters, the goal of this research is to investigate how often individuals experience boredom in nature and to better understand the characteristics of those who may be prone to boredom. Participants who reported having spent time in nature over the past week were queried about whether they had felt bored during the experience. 101 (8%) said they “always” or “often” felt bored in nature, a contrast to 1154 (92%) who said they were “never” or “sometimes” bored. This group represents a unique subset of the data and preliminary findings show they self-reported higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety. This group also seems to have different trends regarding phone usage in nature. 64% of participants who were “often” or “always” bored reported looking at their phone for over half their time in nature, compared to only 20.3% of participants who didn’t report high levels of boredom. Additionally, 74% of participants with high levels of boredom reported using their phone for more than just checking maps, taking photos of nature and identifying plants or animals, compared with just 55% of the rest of the sample. This research has important implications for identifying what kinds of nature interaction may be more or less engaging and beneficial to the wider population, as well as understanding who may be more prone to boredom in nature.