This project aims to explore the antiviral effects of Illicium Verum extract on Newcastle Disease Virus using a Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cell model. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a contagious avian paramyxovirus that causes major economic losses for poultry industries worldwide. Currently, there isn’t a specific antiviral treatment for NDV, and vaccination is heavily relied on. Even with the development of vaccines, losses still occur increasing the need for an effective treatment. Illicium verum, also known as star anise, has known antiviral effects due to a component called Shikimic Acid. Previous studies have predicted that Shikimic acid inhibits neuraminidase and hemagglutinin spikes on the virus preventing it from binding a host cell and initiating infection. To explore the antiviral effects of the extract, the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined using an MTT assay to determine a safe concentration for the cells. The virus titer required to infect 50% of the cells was determined using a TCID50 assay. Lastly, a growth assay was performed using two conditions to allow for comparison of the effects. Some cells were pretreated with extract, then infected with the virus in pre-inoculation. Other cells were infected with virus then treated with the extract in post inoculation. It was determined that there was no significant difference between pre-inoculation and post-inoculation with extract. The extract dilution that was the most effective at stopping the virus and was comparable to the control was the 10-6 dilution.

Bacteriophages are the single most abundant organism found on earth; this project looks at a specific phage, Zapner, in the subclass of Mycobacteriophages. Mycobacteriophages are a specific group of phages that infect host Mycobacterium, including bacteria such as M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis. Zapner is a mycobacteria phage, first discovered in 2013 by Zach Kramer from the University of Pittsburg, and uses M. smegmatis as its host. The Zapner genome consists of 108 genes, the majority of which are designated as no known function. This project specifically works on genes 8, 28, and 58. Gene 8 has a predicted structural function of protein coding, gene 28 has no known function, and gene 58 has a predicted function of DNA binding for protein coding. These three genes were successfully cloned using processes including PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Plasmid Assembly into pExTra, E. coli Transformation, and clone verification. Successfully cloning these three genes and creating stocks will allow for further downstream experimentation to verify the predicted functions of genes 8 and 58, as well as help determine a function for gene 28.

Public health experts have estimated antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections will create 9.4 million global deaths annually by 2050, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis a frequent cause. The CDC has reported 25.9% of US M. tuberculosis cases and 37.5% of 400,000 TB deaths in 2023 were from resistant strains. Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Dr. Graham Hatfull are isolating and studying bacterial viruses (phages) that infect Mycobacterium species with the hope of using these phages as treatment for antibiotic resistant TB strains. They have found over 23,000 phages and sequenced over 4,500.
The actinobacteriophage database has clustered phages by host and genome distinctiveness. However, cluster- exclusive gene phamily functions and conserved domains have not been extensively analyzed. I hypothesize that more similar phage genomes would have more similar virulence because closely related phages share gene phamilies. M. smegmatis phages D29, BPs, Larva, and Cornie in clusters A, F, G, and K are being analyzed for their virulence and genome relatedness. Virulence is measured with the plaque assay, ID50 assay, virulence index assay, and MTT assay. The phage genome information is researched through NCBI BLAST, the Phamerator database, the Actinobacteriophage database, and UniProt BLAST. The virulence and research data will be analyzed with independent 2-sample T-tests. The expected results are to have consistent virulence data in an order of relatedness among the four phages. If the phages’ virulence and unique gene phamily functions positively correlate with their relationship to other phages, this can help identify gene targets and create more effective phage therapy treatment.

Bacteriophages are powerful tools for studying microbial dynamics and developing novel antimicrobial strategies, yet many phage genes remain uncharacterized. This project focuses on the functional genomics of the mycobacteriophage Zapner, a Cluster A1 siphovirus, by characterizing six genes with unknown or putative functions (16, 23, 43, 48, 81, and 82) to better understand their roles in phage-host interactions using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model system. Genes were successfully amplified by PCR, yielding single, correct fragments that were purified and assembled into the pExTra plasmid backbone through isothermal assembly. Recombinant constructs were introduced into E. coli via chemical transformation, and kanamycin selection produced colonies that were verified by PCR and gel electrophoresis, confirming correct insert sizes. Verified colonies were used to inoculate cultures, from which glycerol stocks and plasmid DNA stocks were prepared for long-term preservation. Spectrophotometric analysis further confirmed DNA quality for downstream assays. Cytotoxicity assays attempted for Genes 16 and 23 did not yield interpretable outcomes. The successful cloning and verification of six Zapner genes demonstrate reliable plasmid stability and transformation efficiency, establishing a strong foundation for functional screens in M. smegmatis. Future work will focus on optimizing cytotoxicity assays, exploring homologous genes across related phages, and integrating molecular data to model how Zapner proteins manipulate bacterial physiology. Overall, this research contributes to decoding phage biology and supports the long-term goal of developing phage-based antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant mycobacterial infections.

Sporulation is an adaptation of few bacterial phyla to initiate a dormant state in response to environmental stressors. As phages are being investigated for their novel antimicrobial properties against antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, factors like sporulation induction or modification which may alter the efficacy of these strategies are of great relevance. It was hypothesized that phages encoding for sporulation-like sigma factors more efficiently induced sporulation in B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) than those that did not code for these factors and would return to a lytic cycle upon host germination. Phages annotated as encoding for polymerase sigma factors were selected and cross-streaked with Btk on sporulation-induction and typical growth media. Infected and uninfected areas were collected and viewed by phase-contrast microscopy to determine percent sporulation. Germination studies were conducted with L-alanine to determine if phages successfully integrated into Btk spores and were able to reemerge. Phages Megatron and Atlee, encoding sporulation sigma factors, are expected to have higher sporulation rates in nonsporulation-induction media compared to Azelea, not encoding a sigma factor. We did not suspect a significant difference in sporulation rates when exposed to sporulation-induction media as the media will become the driving force of sporulation. In germination trials it is first expected that OD600 will increase while the bacteria germinate then decrease when phages begin to lyse cells and continue their replicative cycle. The findings of our work will inform which phages would be the most effective when selected for phage therapy and drive understanding of phage-host dynamics.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections are a frequent cause of death, claiming 150,000 individuals in 2023 alone, and 25.9% of M. tuberculosis cases are antimicrobial resistant. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Dr. Graham Hatfull created the SEA-GENES project in 2008 to isolate and study bacterial viruses (phages) as a potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant strains. The SEA-GENES project identified over 23,000 phages and sequenced more than 4,500 phage genomes. Mycobacterium smegmatis is a sufficient model for studying and refining alternative approaches to killing M. tuberculosis.
In this study, five selected genes of the Zapner bacteriophage, 7, 57, 59, 93, and 99, will be replicated into bacterial plasmid stocks to be tested for cytotoxicity assays, defense assays, and superinfection immunity. Each gene will go through Polymerase Chain Reactions, gel electrophoreses, isothermal assembly, transformation of Escherichia Coli, clone verification, isolating the plasmid DNA, and preparing glycerol stocks for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of Mary Washington. The finished plasmid products and glycerol stocks will be verified and used for further research. I hypothesize that Zapner genes 57 and 59 are cytotoxic because of their involvement with repressor and anti-repressor activity, and I hypothesize that Zapner genes 7, 93, and 99 are nontoxic because gene 7 is a structural protein, and 93 and 99 have no known function. Exploring bacteriophage genes and their individual effects on the cell and in an integrated immune system is beneficial in giving insight into searching for phages with virulent genes to target resistant bacteria.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a viral disease that primarily affects the poultry population and is economically detrimental to poultry farming. NDV can have mild impacts on humans, causing flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, conjunctivitis. There are no treatments for NDV in humans or the avian population, resulting in an increased need for research into treatments to combat NDV. Due to the demand for less expensive treatments with fewer severe side effects, more research has been conducted on the antiviral capabilities of natural remedies. The purpose of this research project was to determine whether combining lemon and onion extracts in a treatment against NDV would be more effective than using them individually. BHK-21 cells were utilized as the population. An MTT assay was run to determine the cytotoxicity of the extracts and the NDV concentration that the cells could tolerate. BHK-21 cells were then transferred to culture flasks, infected with NDV, and treated with either lemon extract, onion extract, a combination of lemon and onion, or left untreated as the control. Cell viability was determined through hemocytometer counts at 24 hours and 72 hours post-treatment. The hypothesis was rejected, as by itself, onion proved a more effective agent against NDV than the lemon and combined treatments. These results urge further research into the use of onions to combat NDV and into other uses for lemon extract.

This research project was based around the study of the mycobacteriophage Zapner, specifically genes 13, 14, and 36, usings the SEA-GENES program. Genes 14 and 36 were predicted to have no known function while gene 13 has the known function of being a neck protein. The goal of this research is to find out the cytotoxicity of these given genes on host cells, which can help with phage therapy and drug resistance research relating to the phage Zapner. Each gene was run through a thorough and precise experimental test plan, which included PCR, DNA purification, plating, gel electrophoresis, cytotoxicity, and transformed into E.coli and later M. smegmatis. Although some cloning steps required retrial due to error or contamination, we were able to replicate gene 13 all the way to pExTra plasmid and secure purified transformed DNA. Our cytotoxicity had failed and we were not able to see the resulting characteristics. Genes 14 and 36 advanced up until colony verification PCR but did not reach plasmid assembly or expression stages within our semester of research. With our findings and preliminary work, we were not able to obtain sufficient material for our database entry. With that being said, our data can serve as great reference points and guidelines to continue research, cytotoxicity assays, and gene functions in the near future.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a highly contagious avian paramyxovirus that causes severe respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal disease in poultry. In addition to its veterinary significance, NDV is widely used to investigate viral replication, host responses, and oncolytic virus mechanisms. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an essential antioxidant, has been proposed to exert antiviral, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective effects. This study investigated whether ascorbic acid supplementation influences BHK-21 cell viability and susceptibility to NDV-induced cytotoxicity. BHK-21 cells were treated with serial dilutions of ascorbic acid (10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁶ mM) to identify non-toxic concentrations that support cell viability prior to infection. Undiluted and 10⁻¹ dilutions were cytotoxic even without virus, indicating that MTT results at these concentrations reflect ascorbic acid toxicity alone rather than combined effects of treatment and viral infection. Cells were then infected with NDV at a 10⁻⁴ dilution, previously shown to be cytotoxic without causing complete cell death, allowing us to evaluate whether ascorbic acid modifies susceptibility to viral damage. MTT assay results showed that more dilute treatments of ascorbic acid produced less cytotoxicity following infection, with the 0.1 mM (10⁻³) condition yielding the highest relative cell viability. These findings suggest that while high concentrations of ascorbic acid are intrinsically harmful to BHK-21 cells, lower doses, particularly 0.1 mM, may help preserve cell viability during NDV infection. Future experiments will measure nitric oxide release using the Griess assay to determine whether vitamin C modulates innate immune responses during NDV infection.

Previous research has demonstrated that bacteriophages have the ability to target host cells, which, as a result, can affect the host cell’s morphology, viability, diversity, and abundance (Naureen et al). Furthermore, many of the phage genes expressed in host cells may have no known functions (NKF). Thus, it is crucial to observe the effects of particular phage genes in host cells by expressing these phage genes in host cells and performing cytotoxicity assays to determine the toxicity levels of the genes. Therefore, this research study entails cloning Zapner genes 27, 31, 32, 44, 49, and 76 into Mycobacterium Smegmatis. The stated Zapner genes were successfully introduced into M. Smegmatis cells. However, these genes were not able to undergo cytotoxicity assays due to a lack of time and must proceed from clone verification. Additionally, Zapner genes 83, 100, 103, and 107, which were intended to be cloned, were not able to begin the cloning process because of limited time. In future work, the research on Zapner genes 27, 21, 32, 44, 49, 76, 83, 100, 103, and 107 will proceed, along with performing cytotoxicity assays, defense assays, and screening the Zapner genome. These future propositions will assist in identifying the functions of NKF Zapner phage genes, determining the toxicity levels of said Zapner genes, and assessing whether the phage genes assist M. smegmatis in resisting phage infection.

Yearlong patterns of increased rainfall can create ideal breeding conditions for Bluegill fish, increasing their abundance. Whereas the effects of short-term rainfall events are less known. We sampled Hazel Run stream for 10 consecutive years recording the quantity of Bluegill fish caught at each event. Short-term rainfall events allow for an influx of clean water, reducing the amount of ammonia in water allowing fish to be more active (Kinard et al. 2021). This phenomenon combined with the greater ability of fish to move inside of the water increases fish activity and allows for a higher catch rate. Our data compares the height of the Rappahannock on the day of sampling to the number of bluegills caught over the last ten years at Hazel Run. A linear regression was performed to see the correlation between these two variables. If there is a correlation between these two variables the R2 value will be closer to 1 and the p-value less than 0.05, we anticipate a positive correlation between variables. While long-term rainfall patterns in streams are studied more often and may prove to be more significant, looking at the short-term changes gives insight into Bluegill behavior and adaptation to momentary changes.

Ocular abnormalities and VI in humans are caused by mutations in the Pax6 gene, a master regulator in ocular development. The Pax6 gene is homologous to the eyeless (ey) gene in our model organism, Drosophila, and mutations will result in reduced or missing eyes. Earlier research has shown that Duloxetine, a selective serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) can restore mutated stem cells by inhibiting the MEK/ERK pathway, suggesting it can be repurposed to treat progressive vision loss. To assess changes in visual function and acuity, we analyze useful field of vision (UFOV) which is defined as the visual area where information is collected without turning the head or eye movement. A low UFOV results in poor mobility performance that requires navigation. To mimic this, we used RNAi, which is a technique that modifies gene expression, effectively silencing it. We treated flies with Duloxetine in concentrations of 20uM, 30uM, and 40uM over a period of 17 days and monitored their movement towards a visual target to assess improvement in UFOV. We saw that 40uM treated flies died after 11 days, but the other two treatment groups moved closer to the target with normal movement. To confirm that the RNAi worked on our treatment groups, we performed an RT-qPCR analysis and saw that the original RNAi expression was 30% reduced relative to the wildtype and the treatment groups recovered 10-20% of expression. This study can be used to find an effective baseline Duloxetine dosage in human trials.

Resource use and nutrient availability vary for consumers spatially and influence animal foraging behavior. This study examines whether a change in habitat, urban or forested, impacts the foraging patterns of ant populations on the University of Mary Washington (UMW) campus. The compensation hypothesis predicts that animals should target the most limiting nutrient in the environment when foraging. Using a bait-choice (cookie, jam, tuna) experiment, we measured ant population nutrient preferences in forested and field habitats on the UMW campus with data compiled from 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. Ant populations within the differing habitats could prefer different limiting resources, for example, protein in the forest due to increased competition and sugar in the field due to a lack of resources. These preferences can indicate the optimization of ant nutrient intake, allowing the species to survive even in the face of disturbances. Preliminary results indicate ant populations across habitats prefer sugar baits; however, there is a preference between the two sugar baits, cookie and jam, across the sites.

The accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain and their aid in neuronal damage can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), with a common symptom of mobility impairment. Aβ plaques are formed by Aβ proteins, which are produced and managed by the APP and BACE1 genes, respectively. Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), which has been used for other neurodegenerative diseases due to its ability to inhibit the GSK-3 enzyme, has not yet been fully looked at as a potential treatment option for AD. Using the fly line, elav-GAL/UAS-APP/UAS-BACE1, we allowed the flies to breed, then aged the offspring for two weeks to allow for sufficient progression of AD before giving a mobility test using a negative geotaxis assay and checking expression levels via RT-qPCR. They were then given either 0mM, 5mM, or 10mM of Li2CO3 treatment for two weeks before performing a second mobility test and checking expression levels. Compared to before treatment, we aim to see expression levels of the treated flies to be lower for both treatment groups, with an improved mobility score for both. If a decrease in the expression levels of APP and BACE1 is seen, this will support our hypothesis of utilizing Li2CO3 as a treatment to decrease the formation of amyloid beta plaques and improve decreased mobility. This study aims to assess the impact of Li₂CO₃ on human APP and BACE1 expression in a Drosophila model to identify alternative therapies for mobility deficits in AD patients.

Organisms that inhabit the same niche are often in competition with each other for food, habitat, and other limited resources. This competitive pressure can be increased by the introduction of a new species occupying the same niche as existing organisms. In the last decade, Central Stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) have been introduced to Hazel Run Stream, a tributary of the Rappahannock River, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This nonnative fish species resides in ponds and riffles of shallow freshwater streams, primarily eating algae from the bottom of the stream bed. Our study assessed whether or not the introduction of Central Stonerollers, as a new niche competitor, increased interspecific competition within the existing algivore guild in Hazel Run Stream. An increase in interspecific competition can negatively influence survival, which we evaluated with yearly population estimates. From 2016 to 2025, the fish community were sampled by electrofishing a section of Hazel Run Stream. A depletion model to estimate population size was completed for each year and each fish species included in the study. We then compared the algivore guild to the Central Stonerollers population estimates over time. According to our data, the presence of Central Stonerollers had no significant impact on the existing benthic algivores. Therefore, an increase in interspecific competition cannot be supported.

PDGFR and VEGFR are growth factor receptors commonly upregulated across cancer types. Overexpression of these receptors as the single gene ortholog Pvr in Drosophila melanogaster has previously induced Warburg effect-associated metabolic shifts and increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor Hif-1α (Sima in Drosophila). Since Hif-1α cannot activate transcription of hypoxia-related genes without heterodimerization partner Hif-1β (Tango in Drosophila), it was hypothesized that Pvr overexpression would upregulate Tango, similar to Sima, to induce hypoxia-related metabolic shifts. Pvr was selectively overexpressed in Drosophila by the UAS/Gal4 system with conditional expression controlled by a temperature sensitive Gal80. RNA was isolated from thoracic collections after 9 days of overexpression. Pvr, Tango, and GLUT1 expression levels were quantified using RT-qPCR to measure induction of the Warburg effect through activation of hypoxia-induced pathways and increased glucose uptake. We anticipate increased fold-change expression levels for both GLUT1 and Tango upon Pvr overexpression compared to housekeeping genes. Alternatively, Pvr overexpression may not modulate hypoxia-induced pathways by this effector or not induce increased uptake of glucose. If our hypothesis is correct, a more comprehensive insight will be gained into the downstream cascade events of PDGF- and VEGF-receptors in Drosophila, the functions of which are largely conserved in humans. These results will also indicate whether exploration of Hif-1β small molecule inhibitors for cancer patients with mutated PDGFR and VEGFR profiles is needed, as no such treatment currently exists. Identifying a more comprehensive Pvr-mediated signaling pathway will expand knowledge of a frequently mutated cascade and propose a target for novel therapeutics.

Diversity is vital to the perpetuation and fostering of the ecosystem, as it allows for resilience within a population and community. Since 2016, fish population data has been collected from Hazel Run Stream in Fredericksburg by Dr. Lamphere’s Animal Ecology classes. The original aim of the data collection was to use mark-recapture to make population estimates inside the stream. This was conducted in two sessions. In the first, the classes seined to capture initial mark species. In the second session, electrofishing was used to capture fish. We will use this data to discover how the diversity of fish species within Hazel Run has changed over the years. We will analyze the species data gathered from 2016 – 2025 electrofishing and seining mark-recapture passes to generate diversity estimations. We will generate α, β, and γ diversity estimates from these data, generate a Shannon-Weiner Index (H’), and plot species richness curves. We anticipate that there will be a small increase in the diversity of the stream over time, which could be attributed to erosion creating new channels for new species to migrate through into Hazel Run. By analyzing the diversity patterns of Hazel Run over time, we may be able to determine if it needs to be targeted for conservation efforts or requires further study.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic disease that leads to muscle degeneration through loss of the dystrophin protein. It is important to look into accessible treatments such as glycyrrhizin, an extract of licorice root, which has shown to improve muscular integrity in mice with muscular dystrophy. We used an RNAi-mediated knockdown of dystrophin to model muscular dystrophy. Dys-RNAi flies and unaffected controls were fed glycyrrhizin-treated food or standard food to determine the effect of glycyrrhizin on the muscular degeneration caused by a knockdown of dystrophin. We hypothesize that flies with an RNAi-mediated knockdown of dystrophin who are treated with glycyrrhizin will show greater muscle integrity. We will be measuring abba, a gene that supports muscle integrity, and dystrophin levels through RT-qPCR. We performed a climbing assay on each treatment group. While analysis of the climbing assay is ongoing, visually the two groups treated with 20 ug/mL of glycyrrhizin showed significantly impaired climbing ability and produced fewer offspring reaching the pupal stage of development. These preliminary results indicate that 20 ug/mL of glycyrrhizin may not be a safe and effective concentration for treatment. Despite the forementioned results, we predict that when we perform RT-qPCR, the 20 ug/mL will show the highest levels of abba expression. These results will help support whether glycyrrhizin can be used to treat muscle impairment in muscular dystrophy.

When many arthropod invertebrates are exposed to cold (<0 °C) temperatures, their bodies become sluggish until they become temporarily stunned. This behavior has been characterized as “chill-coma” and is a common, non-lethal test that can measure thermal sensitivities in test organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, studies suggest that resistance to thermal shock can evolve rapidly when selection pressures are present. While chill-coma recovery and response are well studied in model organisms like D. melanogaster and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), examinations of thermal sensitivity and evolution in the Madagascar Hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) remain relatively unexplored. The University of Mary Washington Animal Ecology class exposes a colony of G. portentosa to chill-coma conditions during the course of their lab work each year. Thus, based on the rapid evolution of arthropod invertebrates to thermal shock in laboratory and field environments, we hypothesize that the cold tolerance of G. portentosa will increase over time within this colony. We analyzed statistical data regarding the length, width, mass and chill-coma cooling times of the Mary Washington colony of G. portentosa ranging from 2016 to 2025. Our initial findings suggest no strong correlation between chill-coma time and colony year, suggesting that any selection pressure is not strong enough to produce temporal genetic differentiation. However, we did discover that smaller specimens have much greater per gram resistance to chill-coma effects than larger specimens. This is likely due to allometric changes throughout the roach lifespan.

Elimia virginica are a common freshwater snail species found along the east coast of the United States. With their prevalence, it is important to understand more about their feeding habits or preferences and how these may affect their distribution. We hypothesized that the abundance of snails is affected by what species of algae are in an area. This study observed how the density of E. virginica snails in the Rappahannock River differed in areas with varying algal composition. Twelve quadrats were placed, stratified by high or low flow and high or low shade. The snails within each quadrat were counted and then released, while two algae covered rocks were collected and taken back to the lab for processing. The algae was scraped from the surface of the rocks, and the resulting algae taxa were counted under a microscope. The average percentage of each taxa in the quadrant was calculated to assess how individual taxa affect snail distribution. The results were then run through a Spearman’s correlation test. There were no measured significant relationships between environmental factors and snail abundance. Preliminary results show Chlorophyta as the most abundant algae type, followed by Diatoms, but do not indicate a significant correlation between the algal composition and snail abundance. This may be due to the efficiency of E. virginica’s algae consumption.

Within environmental science, the health of fish populations is a critical indicator of freshwater stream quality. Stream hydrology, which is increasingly influenced by climate change and urbanization, is a major driver of ecosystem structure. Periods of drought and high flow can alter habitat availability, water quality, and food resources for aquatic life. Our research investigates how these hydrologic variations impact the fish populations of Hazel Run in Fredericksburg, VA. We analyze an electrofishing dataset from 2016 to 2025, classifying years based on precipitation data as “wet” or “dry.” We hypothesize that dry years, which concentrate pollutants and reduce habitat, will be associated with a decline in sensitive fish species, while tolerant species will show greater population stability. We performed a statistical analysis to compare trends in species count and composition between the changing hydrologic conditions. We hope to discover a clear shift in community structure, which would point to streamflow as a key driver of ecological change. Ultimately, we seek to understand how climatic and land-use pressures are integrated into stream ecosystems through hydrology, providing a local case study on the resilience of aquatic communities.

Native freshwater snails play a vital role in the ecosystem as indicator species, primary consumers, and prey for other economically and ecologically important species. Elimia virginica is a native snail to the eastern United States, with a range stretching from North Carolina to Connecticut. Very few studies have been conducted on E. virginica, and none have specifically focused on its substrate preferences. E. virginica is typically characterized as a species that prefers large smooth substrates, so we hypothesized that snails would prefer gravel regardless of the substrate they were originally found in. To learn more about the habitat preferences of E. virginica, we collected snails from the Rappahannock River and marked individuals according to the substrate in which they were found. We then set up three experimental tanks with clay, sand, and gravel to see which substrate they selected the most and if preference differed based on the substrate in which they were found. We did two trials, one with 108 snails in each tank, and one with 48 in each tank. The number of snails in each substrate was counted after 48 hours. Our results showed that E. virginica consistently selected clay over all other substrates (chi-square test, p=0.00001418). There was no significant difference in the preferences of snails depending on the substrate in which they were found. (chi-square test, p= 0.1975). This means that snails preferred clay to other tested substrates, and preference did not differ based on home substrate.

Aerobic exercise improves body weight, blood pressure, and brain function. Despite these benefits of exercise, college students often fail to maintain regular exercise routines, even though exercise could benefit their social and academic lives. In this experiment, we explore the effects of wheel-running exercise on the BDNF levels, using female mice. BDNF is a neurotransmitter that stimulates the growth of neurons and improves memory. We used three levels of exercise: unlimited, limited, and none, and hypothesized that exercise would increase BDNF and improve memory in a dose dependent manner. We used two tests of memory, the Attention Set-Shifting Task (AST), that uses a rewarding food (Cocoa Pebbles) to test ability to remember a hidden ‘treat’, and the rewarded Y-maze, which allows mice to navigate a simple maze to find a similar treat. We trained the mice to find a Cocoa Pebble in each test (carried out in consecutive weeks) in brief sessions over five days and then tested their ability to remember where the treat was hidden on day 6. We measured errors and latency to find the treat as indices of memory. After testing, we removed their brains and analyzed their pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus, using an ELISA assay for BDNF. Although we found no significant effect of exercise on memory, unlimited exercise trended toward shorter latencies to find the treat. We are completing our ELISA analyses to determine possible physiological effects of exercise on brain systems that influence memory.

The reproductive strategies of invasive Asian clam species, Corbicula fluminea, allow them to reach high densities in a shorter span of time than native mussels, which reduces the burrowing depth of native mussels by disturbing surface sediments during feeding and movement. Our study differs from other studies because it focuses on the effects of C. fluminea density on native mussel behavior rather than how C. fluminea’s sediment modification impacts native mussels. The objective of this study is to investigate the substrate burrowing depth of native Rappahannock mussels in the presence of different densities of C. fluminea. This experiment measures the burrowing depth of native mussels across three treatments. The treatments consist of three ratios (1:0, 1:1, 1:2) of native mussels to C. fluminea densities, replicated three times. The burrowing depth was taken for each live clam and mussel after three days , and recorded in centimeters. All clams and mussels utilized were collected from the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, VA. Densities were kept consistent by utilizing deceased C. fluminea. The mean burrowing depth of the 0:1 treatment (6.28 ± 0.85 cm) was significantly greater than the 1:2 treatment (2.68 ± 0.77 cm) (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.03). The mean burrowing depth of the 1:1 treatment (4.48 ± 0.79 cm) was not significantly different from other groups. Native burrowing depth was negatively affected by the 1:2 ratio group, having a much shallower mean burrowing depth than the other groups.

 Animals have finite resources and must carefully partition them into life history traits resulting in tradeoffs. Thus, energy is allocated in a hierarchical fashion. In some cases, resources are allocated to traits associated with somatic maintenance over reproduction because these traits are metabolically expensive – the metabolic investment hypothesis. Alternatively, energy might be allocated to reproduction at the cost of somatic maintenance to enhance fitness as stated by the terminal investment hypothesis. One example of somatic maintenance is an immune response, which supports the overall upkeep of the body and is metabolically expensive. We tested these hypotheses using leaf-footed cactus bugs (Narnia femorata). When no other metabolically expensive process occurs, leaf-footed bugs can partition resources that were originally being used for the growth and upkeep of hindleg weapons (i.e., autotomy) to testes size (a reproductive tradeoff). However there is limited information on how energy is partitioned when other constraining factors exist. Our aim is to examine the effects of energy allocation when another metabolically costly trait is presented (i.e., immune response). We placed late-stage juveniles into four treatments: autotomy only, autotomy/immunocompromised, immunocompromised only, and a control. We measured testes size to determine reproductive fitness. Here we discuss the possible somatic-reproductive tradeoff findings. Examining the complex nature of resource allocation will help us understand the reproductive capacity of a population and predict population dynamics.

Chemotherapy remains the only systemic treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet it achieves a pathological complete response in only 37% of patients. Patients with higher levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes respond better (48%; Denkert, 2018), highlighting the immune system’s importance in chemotherapeutic efficacy. Enhancing chemotherapy’s immunogenicity is therefore crucial for both direct tumor killing and long-term immune surveillance. This occurs through immunogenic cell death (ICD), a regulated apoptotic process that releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to activate innate immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs).We used a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model of TNBC to evaluate the immunogenicity of platin-based chemotherapies. TNBC cells were killed with oxaliplatin or cisplatin and injected into the right mammary gland of mice (n=10/group), while controls received saline. One week later, mice were rechallenged with live cancer cells in the opposite mammary gland. If chemotherapy induced ICD, immune cells would eliminate the live cells, mimicking a vaccine-like effect. Over three weeks, cisplatin-treated cells significantly delayed tumor onset, whereas oxaliplatin-treated cells showed no effect. Gene expression analysis assessed immune infiltration. Cd45 was used as a pan-immune marker and Gzmb as a cytotoxic T-cell and NK-cell marker. Although neither differed significantly between groups, Ctla4 expression was significantly higher in tumors from mice injected with cisplatin-killed cells, suggesting increased immune infiltration accompanied by T-cell inhibition. Overall, these findings identify cisplatin as more immunogenic than oxaliplatin. Future studies will test whether this effect involves type I interferon signaling and DC activation, clarifying how chemotherapies stimulate innate immunity to improve TNBC outcomes.

A material is anisotropic when its properties vary depending on the angle in which they are assessed. Ligaments and tendons are highly anisotropic due to consisting of highly aligned collagen matrices. In this project, we evaluated a predictive model for the stiffness of fibrous matrices as a function of fiber orientation. We constructed macroscopic matrices of elastic bands oriented at either 0 or 42 degrees relative to the axis of tension and recorded the force required to elongate each matrix across a range of lengths. We then compared the model’s predicted force values with both our experimental data and values derived through Krenchel’s reinforcement rule. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests showed no significant difference between predicted and observed force values (χ² = 1.796, df = 21, p ≈ 1.0) or predicted and Krenchel-derived values (χ² = 0.105, df = 21, p ≈ 1.0), indicating near perfect agreement. These findings demonstrate that fiber orientation is a strong predictor of matrix stiffness, supporting its relevance as a determinant of mechanical behavior of tendons and ligaments.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has become a major part of the analytical chemistry research area and has been used to design and fabricate flow reactors, flow cells and separators. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effect of PETG on the efficiency of two types of filaments (carbon and non-carbon based) in adsorbing the common pollutant methylene blue from water electrostatically at a pH of 2 and 8. To do this, cubes with higher surface area were 3D printed using these filaments (which contain the PETG polymer). Adsorption studies were then conducted over two days where the absorbance and the changes in masses of the cubes were recorded. While the surface coverage was higher at a pH of 8, both pH values showed a decrease in surface coverage as the number of cubes increased. This indicated that the PETG had covered the filaments and reduced their adsorption efficiency.

Adsorption processes are essential in environmental science and industry, particularly for contaminant removal. While traditional isotherm models such as Langmuir and Freundlich are widely used, they do not explicitly separate adsorbate-adsorbate and adsorbate-substrate interactions. In this work, we apply the ABC isotherm developed by Shimizu and Matubayasi to describe the adsorption of methylene blue (MB), Congo red (CR), and methyl blue (MeB) on activated carbon (AC) and to interpret the underlying interaction parameters. For MB on AC, the A parameter (-1.703×10^-9) suggests that MB-AC and MB-H₂O interactions are equivalent, while the small negative B parameter (-0.002915) indicates relatively weak repulsive interactions between MB molecules at the interface. In contrast, for CR on AC, the positive A parameter (0.03226) indicates stronger CR-AC interactions relative to CR-H₂O, and the large negative B parameter (-14.01) represents strong lateral repulsion between CR molecules at the interface. For MeB on AC, the positive A parameter (0.02519) suggests favorable MeB-AC interactions, but the large positive B parameter (84.77) indicates very strong attractive interactions between MeB molecules at the interface. These trends highlight how the ABC isotherm can distinguish between adsorbate-substrate binding strength, through A, and lateral adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, through B, providing a clearer picture than conventional isotherms alone. Ongoing work aims to further clarify the physical interpretation of these parameters and refine the model for systems dominated by repulsive or strongly cooperative interactions, thereby deepening our understanding of organic dye adsorption on carbon-based substrates.

By 2100, Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) climate modeling suggests average temperature anomalies will exceed 5°C above preindustrial levels. For poikilotherms, organisms unable to internally regulate body temperature, this may serve as a chronic stressor and modify their responses to adverse impacts to environmental contaminants. To elucidate these relationships, adult and embryonic Seminole ramshorn (Planorbella duryi) snails were exposed to sublethal cadmium concentrations under three SSP predicted temperature regimes. Freshly laid (<8hr post-deposit) P. duryi (n=7) embryonic clutches were harvested from an established adult colony, assessed for viability, and incubated at 20°C (current conditions), 23°C (SSP2), and 25°C (SSP5). Clutches were then exposed to 0, 5, 10, or 25 ug/L of cadmium (CdCl2) solution using static replacement and development stage (morula, trochophora, veliger, and hippo) identified every 48hr for 11 days. Using the same methods, adult snails (n=3) were exposed for 9 days and a 3 min locomotor video obtained every 72h and analyzed using Noldus Ethovision XT 17 for total distance traveled, velocity, acceleration, and body fill endpoints. After exposure, whole tissues (n=6) were dried, digested, and assessed using ICP-OES for cadmium bioaccumulation. While this study is ongoing, our results show that elevated cadmium exposure was linked with higher bioaccumulation and slower locomotor behavior in adults, stagnant embryonic development, and heightened sensitivity in developing individuals.

As suburban development increases, the habitat of some mammalian species is lost, which can decrease biodiversity. Some species are more adaptable to suburban development than others, however, and these species remain widely distributed within suburban areas even when their natural habitat is encroached upon. Given these varying responses to suburbanization, ongoing monitoring of wildlife can be vital. This study’s objective was to determine the distribution of mammals within the City of Fredericksburg, focusing on the area surrounding the University of Mary Washington. This distribution of mammals is thought to be impacted by both residential density and fences. To understand mammal activity in the area, we set up trail cameras in 20 locations. Cameras remained at each location for a period of 1-2 weeks. The date, time, temperature (°C) and species of each camera capture were recorded. We detected a total of 10 species of mammals, with squirrels being the most sighted and coyotes being the least sighted. Species richness did not differ significantly between fenced and unfenced yards or between on and off-campus locations. Within fenced locations, coyotes (Canis latrans) and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were not present. All other species were found in both fenced and unfenced locations. To increase our understanding of the distribution of mammals within the Fredericksburg area, it would be beneficial to collect samples from more locations, including a wider variety of lots with more diverse and complex features.

Cancer cells are known to acidify their tumor microenvironment by excessively utilizing proton pumps because of their rapid metabolism. Cancer cells rely on proton pumps to regulate inner pH levels. Thus, by inhibiting the functionality of proton pumps, apoptosis may be induced. Dexlansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication used to treat patients with gastric ulcers and heartburn. A method to evaluate the toxicity of dexlansoprazole on Jurkat T-lymphocytes (Jurkat cells) was developed using fluorescent dyes, calcein-AM (Cal-AM) and propidium iodide (PI), in order to measure the viability of the Jurkat cells. Fluorescence microscopy was utilized to identify the presence of Cal-AM and PI in the cells, determining their status as alive or dead, respectively. In addition, doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, ethanol fixation, and a solvent-only sample were used as controls to validate these methods. It was established that the methods used to evaluate the effect of dexlansoprazole on Jurkat cells were valid as the control groups provided their respective expected results. Additionally, it was determined that dexlansoprazole is toxic to Jurkat cells, as the cell population had a survival rate of 1.3 ±0.9 % when exposed to 100 µM of the drug over a 48-hour period.

Cancer has a troublesome ability to evade immune detection. Cancer cells often avoid expressing imperative antigens, allowing them to stay undiscovered and promote tumor persistence or recurrence after treatment. Investigating ways to not only induce death, but to also reduce tumor recurrence is crucial in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) research, as patients with this subtype are up to 2.6 times more likely to experience recurrence compared to patients with other breast cancers (Liedtke et al., 2008). One way to prevent tumor recurrence is by engaging the immune system, enabling it to recognize and exterminate cancer cells that would cause recurrence. This independent research will continue for two semesters, investigating whether a common pharmaceutical substance, metformin, in combination with the platinum-based chemotherapies cisplatin and oxaliplatin will induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in TNBC cells. Ultimately, this will augment antitumor immune responses. We will conduct experiments in vitro using the murine E0771 cell line to analyze ATG5 expression in RNA, Calreticulin exposure on the cell membrane, and ATP release to analyze autophagy and ICD.

Collagen dysregulation is an important pathogenic factor in disorders of dense connective tissue, yet experimental models which reproduce ligament-like collagen architecture in vitro can be inaccessible and costly. This project established a protocol for producing one-dimensional, ligament-like constructs using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts embedded in type I collagen gel. We systematically varied collagen concentration, fibroblast density, gel thickness, gelling time, media supplementation, incubation duration, and staining procedures. We produced optimal constructs using 1mg/mL collagen, 50 cells/uL, 20-minute gelling period, and five-day incubation periods with 0.2mMmM L-ascorbic acid and 0.05mM L-proline. Staining with Sirius red followed by clearing with Histo-Clear produced the most distinct visualization of collagen fibers. Under these conditions, constructs developed visible, one-dimensional collagen organization suitable for quantitative assessment of fiber alignment. This work establishes reproducible ligament-like constructs which will support future investigation into the role of mast cell-derived protease activity on collagen dysregulation in conditions of connective tissue weakness.

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) is a member of the Apocynaceae family native to eastern North America. It is a food source for over 450 insect species, including the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and the red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus), both of which have evolved to use milkweed exclusively as a host plant. As a result, A. syriaca is a crucial species for ecological research and conservation initiatives. However, guidance for cultivating milkweed indoors is highly inconsistent, particularly with respect to the duration of cold stratification necessary to achieve optimal germination success. This project investigated the impact of cold stratification duration on the germination rates of A. syriaca and applied these findings to develop an effective laboratory protocol for establishing healthy plants from seed. Three groups of 100 seeds were subjected to cold stratification treatments of 8, 4, and 2 weeks under refrigeration before being germinated under controlled conditions with alternating temperatures of 30 °C and 15 °C and a 14:10 h light:dark cycle. By assessing germination across treatments, this work contributed to the creation of a standardized approach for laboratory propagation of A. syriaca, supporting both experimental reproducibility and broader conservation goals.

Competition for resources drives milkweed beetle males to fight with their mandibles by biting and pushing one another. The force with which they use their mandibles may help males win fights. We can measure which mandible characteristics affect their ability to fight by quantifying their bite force. To do this, a circuit was built with a pressure sensor, power supply, and ammeter in series to translate a force measurement into a value of current. Utilizing a force gauge allowed for varying amounts of force from 0-3 Newtons to be applied to the sensor’s pressure sensitive area. The dataset collected after conducting several trials of current measurements at different forces was used to develop a mathematical function, using least squares fitting, that could predict the force applied on the sensor given the current. This will allow for the determination of the force a beetle applies using its mandibles from the current values measured when it bites the sensor.

Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model organism to study human disease, yet its potential as an angiogenesis model remains underexplored. This project investigates whether the fly tracheal system, which shares developmental and structural parallels with vertebrate vasculature, can provide insights into angiogenesis and its disruption in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). DM1 is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder caused by CTG repeat expansions in the DMPK gene, leading to toxic RNA gain‑of‑function and progressive muscle weakness. Because angiogenesis is critical for tissue repair and oxygen delivery, understanding how DM1 affects vascular systems may reveal mechanisms of muscle degeneration. To test this, flies expressing CTG repeats will be crossed with Esg‑Gal4, UAS‑GFP lines to generate experimental larvae and adults. Tracheal branching patterns, diameter, and morphology will be assessed through dissection, cryosectioning, and immunofluorescence imaging, with quantitative analysis performed in ImageJ. Control groups lacking CTG repeats will be compared to experimental groups to determine DM1 specific effects. It is predicted that flies carrying CTG repeats will exhibit tracheal system degradation analogous to vascular abnormalities observed in humans with DM1. Establishing Drosophila as a viable angiogenesis model would provide a cost‑effective, genetically tractable system for studying vascular pathology in neuromuscular disease. This work aims to bridge a gap in current research by linking DM1 pathology to angiogenesis, potentially offering new avenues for translational insights and therapeutic development.

Exercise has many beneficial effects on the body and brain, improving mood and alleviating anxiety and depressive responses. It also counteracts the negative effects of stress, including the induction of anxiety-like behavior. In this study, we examine how varying levels of exercise accessibility over three months influence anxiety-like behavior in female mice, before and after the stress of social isolation. We assessed anxiety using established behavioral tests, and measured physiological markers including blood corticosterone, as well as levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-1β, a proinflammatory cytokine, in the amygdala. Through these measurements, we explore how exercise accessibility may buffer against stress-induced detriments, and the role of neuroinflammation in this process. Ultimately, this work provides a framework for understanding how physical activity modulates behavioral and neuroimmune responses to stress, with broader implications for stress resilience and mental health.

Herbivorous insects commonly produce vibrations across plants to exchange information. These vibrations may be produced in a variety of social and ecological contexts including during male fights. However, little is known about the role that these vibrations play during male fights. We hypothesize that the function of these vibrations made during fights communicate the fighting propensity of the male. Thus, male responses to a playback of these signals would have negative effects on vibrotaxis, fighting, and their own vibration production. To test this hypothesis, we used red milkweed beetles, which can produce vibrations during high intensity male combat, and played back one of three vibrations to a milkweed plant where we staged male fights. Each male pair received one playback signal type: a fighting vibration, a white noise vibration, or no vibrational signal (i.e., control). We recorded when males fought, vibrated themselves, and got away from the plant entirely (i.e., dropped or flew off the plant). Our results will allow us to make inferences on the information being communicated through the substrate between males. It is possible the information being signaled predicts male-male competition, and through this experiment, we endeavor to uncover the significance of vibrations during male fights.

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) stimulates the immune system to produce an anti-tumor response, essential for immunotherapy and overall survival in cancer patients. In this work, we utilized a murine (mouse) model of breast cancer ‘BXD-BC’, which combines genetic diversity with breast cancer. BXD mouse strains are a recombinant inbred family, where the DNA sequence of each strain contains a unique mosaic of either B6 or D2 alleles. Across the BXD-BC strains, the time it took to develop a tumor (tumor latency) differed, indicating a genetic influence. RNAseq was performed and an ICD gene score was generated for tumors from each strain. The ICD score indicates the quality of immune response. The ICD score was positively correlated to tumor latency in our mouse model, suggesting that tumor latency could model immune cell evasion. Using systems genetics, the ICD-TL gene score was mapped to a putative quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 6 to determine which loci the phenotypic differences could be attributed to. This showed that variants in the QTL regulate expression of ATP6V0E2, a gene which codes for vacuolar-ATPase proton pumps. ATP6V0E2 expression was quantified in immune cells from each BXD-BC strain using RNAseq. It was concluded that high ATP6V0E2 expression in immune cells is associated with a high ICD-TL score. Regulatory transcription factor, TFEB, promotes transcription of genes involved in lysosome biosynthesis, including ATP6V0E2. The CLEAR consensus sequence used for TFEB binding is found within the QTL of D2 and B6 mice, however it occurs more frequently in D2 mice, which explains the higher ICD-TL score. Future work will explore the treatment of immune cells with a TFEB agonist to assess the effect of transcription initiation on ATP6V0E2 expression.

IMU, Prototype Experimental results from 9-Axis WitMotion IMU Ground Tests include tests with 1) Higher Velocities/Flux Scattering, 2) tests with Prototype Arduino & Electronics Control Box (ECB) 1-3U, 3) Payload Gyro Euler rotations (x,y,z). Experiment data with Angle x,y,z(°) and Magnetic field X(ʯt) are interpreted with linear acceleration g’s to develop GNC models and autonomous vehicle operations. IMU Ground tests quantify rotational gyroscope accuracy with COM, COG, and torque matrices. R&D advances Payload Prototype IMU TRL, software with sensor fusion, ground/flight experiments, & systems. Methods from previous projects include: Satellite Build and Engineering (SBE 521) Program and Payload Engineering Software (PESO522) Course was coordinated with MPU in 2025 & Software Engineering and Operations Course (FSEO) with 30+ engineers in total. R&D Study finalizes IMU ISoftware, & Ground Tests in collaboration with MPU, UMW, & partners. After payload launch & build in 2025-2026, R&D culminates GNC & Software algorithms that can be adapted to operate vehicles and systems.

In their introductory physics classes, students start by learning about the movement of objects in straight-line paths and progress to learning about objects rotating about an axis. This transition is often challenging. The goal of this project is to provide students with a simple experiment to better understand conservation of angular momentum, moment of inertia and torque. An apparatus was built for students to study these quantities. Utilizing smartphones with this apparatus, students are able to observe how changing the moment of inertia can affect angular motion.

Introduced species that are closely related to native species prompt an important question in community ecology: how do they coexist? When species share similar niches, competition can arise and lead to character displacement. This is when species in sympatric populations have altered physiology, behaviors, etc., from their original state in allopatric populations to reduce competition. Lepomis cyanellus and Lepomis auritus, two sunfish species in Virginia, both live as opportunistic generalists in streams and rivers, feeding on a wide range of prey and inhabiting a wide range of habitats. This study examines how the invasive L. cyanellus coexists with the native L. auritus by comparing allopatric populations where they live alone and sympatric populations where they live together. I collected six samples of each population type (allopatric L. cyanellus, allopatric L. auritus, and sympatric) from the Potomac, Rappahannock, and York drainages. Then I documented their morphology and diet by photographing each fish and analyzing their stomach contents. I performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to discern factors contributing to variation between populations. The morphology PCA identified two key components influencing variation: maxilla length (PC 1 = 45.3%) and breast length (PC 2 = 28.8%). The diet PCA revealed two sources for prey variation: aquatic larvae vs terrestrial insecta (PC 1 = 14%) and insecta vs fish (PC 2 = 11.4%). Species shared significant overlap in diet and morphology, regardless of population type, showing no signs of character displacement and supporting the possibility that they experience intense competition in sympatry.

Microplastic contamination is becoming an increasingly important issue, but there is still very little known about how they affect the mechanical properties of tissues. In this project, we quantified how polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics alter the viscoelastic behavior of biological tissues using rheological methods on the MCR 92 Anton Paar rheometer. The tissue optimization phase showed that only blood and cecum consistently produced reliable rheological data, and all subsequent testing focused on those tissues. Using controlled PET concentrations, we generated a standard curve that established clear, concentration-dependent shifts in tissue mechanics. In vivo exposure of mice to PET microplastics produced rheological signatures that aligned with this standard curve, confirming that the presence of microplastics measurably alters tissue behavior. Across all samples, thixotropy tests, flow curves, and amplitude/frequency sweeps demonstrated changes in viscosity, structural recovery, and overall viscoelastic profiles as microplastic concentration increased. These results show that microplastic contamination can be detected through quantifiable shifts in viscoelastic properties. Together, this work provides a framework for using rheology to assess microplastic contamination in biological tissues and opens the door to more accurate mechanical testing of this problem.

Modeling projectile motion is important because it helps us predict trajectories with varying conditions and visualize how forces like gravity, lift, and drag impact the outcomes. Though it is possible to model projectile motion using classical Newtonian methods, this produces a closed-form, simplified result that assumes no resistive forces and results in a simple parabolic trajectory. In order to construct a more realistic model with the ability to incorporate drag and lift, a numerical method is needed since no closed-form solution can be found. In this study, a closed-form solution was first coded into MATLAB as a baseline for later comparisons. The Runge-Kutta numerical method was then implemented to integrate the equations of motion. Using identical initial conditions and simplifying assumptions (i.e., no aerodynamic forces), the Runge-Kutta results were compared to the closed-form solution to confirm accuracy and identify errors in the code. Once confirmed, aerodynamic drag was added to the model, and trajectories were simulated across a range of drag coefficients. The results were then compared to the closed-from solution to examine deviations in range, flight time, and trajectory shape. Preliminary findings indicate that drag significantly reduces both horizontal range and flight duration, with the effects becoming more pronounced at higher velocities and lower launch angles. While lift was also incorporated into the code, its influence and the effects of varying angle of attack will be the focus of the following semester’s work.

Municipal waste landfills commonly generate leachates during waste decomposition, which can introduce trace metal toxicants into the surrounding environment. The King William County Old Sanitary Landfill (Permit No. 153; active 1974-1994) encompasses approximately 16 acres and is flanked by Indian Town Swamp which flows northeast through the Mattaponi tribal reservation and into the Mattaponi River. Post-closure monitoring at this site was discontinued in 2022 after ground- and surface water sampling indicated minimal metal contamination. However, possible sediment contamination remains unaddressed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the presence, concentration, and potential impacts of metals in the landfill’s vicinity. Eleven surface water samples and twelve sediment samples were collected from Indian Town Swamp. Water samples were acidified to pH < 2 using 0.600 mL HNO₃ then filtered. Sediments were oven-dried, disaggregated, and sieved to 63 µm. One g sieved sediment was digested in 20 mL aqua regia (3H₂O:3HCl:1HNO₃) for 4h at 80°C, then filtered and diluted to 100 mL. Samples were analyzed for Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results include elevated Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn (p < 0.05) in sediments near the landfill compared to reference areas. Al, Fe, Mn, and Pb in surface waters exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. Collectively, findings demonstrate the need for continued monitoring at this site and indicate risks to wildlife and human health.

Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) is a multisystemic disease that affects a variety of organ systems including the muscular, cardiac, digestive, and nervous systems. DM1 is caused by an expanded CTG repeat in the Dystrophia Myotonica Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene on chromosome 19. An unaffected DMPK gene has fewer than 35 CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region and in DM1 patients the number of CTG repeats can range from 35 to greater than 1000. The more CTG repeats present in the DMPK gene, the earlier the onset and increasing severity of the symptoms. The repeats create an expanded DMPK mRNA sequence that sequesters Muscleblind-like (MBNL-1) proteins which prevents them from carrying out their normal splicing functions, which causes the symptoms of DM1. DNAzymes (Dz) are single-stranded RNA-cleaving DNA that can target expanded repeat RNA and potentially disrupt the sequestration of proteins, alleviating pathological features of DM1. DNAzymes cleavage relies on a divalent cation, such as Mg2+, to stabilize the strand during the cleavage of the expanded repeats. Additional concentrations up to 10mM can significantly increase cleavage of expanded region by the Dz. While there are ongoing trials to relieve symptoms of DM1, there is currently no cure. DNAzymes can potentially disrupt CUG repeats and release sequestered Muscleblind-like binding proteins with additional amounts of Mg2+. In this experiment, the downstream splicing changes of Muscleblind-like proteins will be analyzed to determine the success of the Dz and Mg2+ in cleaving CUG expanded repeats.

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in many neurodegenerative diseases, and microglia are a key part of this process. Complement C3 has been linked to increased microglial activation, especially in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Because of this, my project looks at whether long-term exposure to C3 microglial cells in a more activated state. I predict that microglia treated with C3 over several weeks will show higher inflammatory signaling as measured by ILB1 levels than untreated cells. Microglial cells were cultured for eight weeks under two conditions: control media and media containing C3. The cells were split once a week to maintain healthy growth, and the media was changed weekly as well. The final media from both conditions was collected at the end of the experiment. After completing the eight-week exposure period, the final samples were frozen so they can be analyzed for total protein levels and IL-1β using a Bio-Rad Protein Assay and an ELISA kit (MilliporeSigma/Merck). The final cell pellets were also saved for possible later analysis. I expect that the C3-treated group will show higher levels of inflammatory markers compared to the control group. If this is the case, it would support the idea that prolonged exposure to C3 can keep microglia activated and contribute to chronic neuroinflammation.

One of the primary climate drivers of the central tropical Pacific (CTP) is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a naturally occurring interannual ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that impacts global rainfall and temperature patterns. However, temporally limited instrumental climate records in the CPT prohibit the evaluation of long-term climate trends, limiting our understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on this region and ENSO. Kiritimati Island (1.8°N, 157.4°W) is ideally located in the CPT and is highly sensitive to the most substantial impacts of ENSO events. Reconstructions of ENSO variability using δ18O from Porites coral skeletons collected from this region have provided snapshots of ENSO variability over the last 6,000 years. However, since centuries-long coral samples are limited in this region, most paleo-ENSO reconstructions rely on short rubble coral samples from 7 to 20 years in length. Alternatively, the giant clam, Tridacna maximum, which has a long lifespan and fast growth rate, could provide decades-long, high-resolution records of ENSO variability. We focus on two modern Tridacna maximum samples collected from Kiritimati Island to investigate their potential as paleoclimate proxies and their ability to reproduce ENSO variability. Like corals, Tridacna clams have a calcium carbonate skeleton that incorporates the geochemistry from the seawater at the time they grew. Following similar methods for Porites corals, we will analyze δ18O and Sr/Ca from slabbed Tridacna skeletons and compare them to instrumental sea surface temperature (SST) data and the published Porites coral δ18O record from Kiritimati Island. If successful, the addition of Tridacna maximum for paleo ENSO studies would greatly improve our understanding of ENSO variability through the last several centuries and millennia, providing a better understanding of the natural versus anthropogenic influence on ENSO behavior.

Physical exercise has positive effects on psychological and physical health. Symptoms of many stress related disorders are diminished by physical exercise, including social withdrawal, which is a common symptom of these disorders. While the physiological changes that mediate social withdrawal are multifactorial, oxytocin has recently received attention in this field. In multiple brain areas, oxytocin regulates social behavior, and exercise can influence its production and release. This experiment examines the effects of progressive levels of physical activity on brain oxytocin and sociability (a measure of social affinity). Our results should increase our understanding of symptoms associated with multiple pathologies and the therapeutic qualities of exercise.

Petunias do not naturally luminesce, but scientists at Light Bio inserted a set of genes from the bioluminescent mushroom, Neonothopanus nambi to allow for luminescence. This mushroom is naturally found growing on dead wood and emits light via a naturally occurring fungal bioluminescent pathway. Researchers at Light Bio took this fungal pathway and inserted four critical genes into the petunia genome. The fungal pathway is comprised of: hispidin-3-hydroxylase (H3H), fungal luciferase (Luz), caffeylpyruvate hydrolase (CPH), and hispidin synthase (HispS). They are used to convert caffeic acid into luciferin, the light-producing molecule. In order to verify the presence of these four genes in Firefly Petunia, we designed primers for each gene, extracted genomic DNA, and amplified segments of the four genes using PCR. The amplified DNA was run through gel electrophoresis to identify the presence of and sizes of DNA amplicons. In the future, we hope to find the integration site of each of these genes within the Firefly Petunia.

SEA-GENES, a Howard Hughes research initiative, is an evolution of the SEA-PHAGES project, which sequenced and annotated the genomes of many bacteriophages. SEA-GENES expands on this project to determine the functions of genes coded by specific phages. In various trials of cytotoxicity assays, we observed if any phage gene products inhibit the M. smegmatis bacteria growth. Colonies from electrocompetent cells containing target phage genes were grown, diluted, then plated on Kan10, aTc10, and aTc100 plates. Serial dilutions of the M. smegmatis electrocompetent cells were plated within a grid organization and compared to positive and negative control genes to assess cytotoxicity. Our present work has faced challenges relating to contamination and low levels of bacterial growth, but recent troubleshooting has provided additional opportunities for fine-tuning our laboratory techniques. In the spring, we will
continue to perform assays and determine the cytotoxicity of Zapner phage genes. Our future results will contribute to a larger dataset of phage genes that could potentially be studied further as tools to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Strontium-Calcium (Sr/Ca) ratios and oxygen isotopes (δ18O) act as historical climate proxies and are frequently taken from coral samples with dense skeletal structures and concentric growth bands such as Porites sp.. However, sample availability and length of Porites corals are limiting factors in climate reconstruction of the central tropical Pacific (CTP). By establishing methodologies for geochemical analysis of coral genera apart from Porites, longer and more robust records can be produced. Hydnophora microconos corals were collected from Kiritimati Island (1.8°N, 157.4°W) in the CTP. Using mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, the δ18O and Sr/Ca of the corals were used to predict sea surface temperature (SST) at time of growth and compared to satellite data from 2007-2015. Samples from the thecal wall were compared to data from the septal tissue. Through preliminary tests, it was found that the thecal wall provides more accurate and precise climate data than septal materials. The margin of variation in SST data between the thecal and septal material was greater with Sr/Ca analysis than with oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O). Sr/Ca and δ18O tests were run on multiple samples of Hydnophora m. to account for sample variation. Insignificant variation in δ18O graphical results supported the use of these corals in climate reconstruction. Sr/Ca ratios across samples were able to accurately track seasonal and El Niño event variation in sea surface temperature. Therefore, in tandem with Porites sp., these proxy corals may be used to expand CTP climate records and assist in future climate modeling.

Sr/Ca and δ18O data from coral skeletal material provide historical records of climate where instrumental records are nonexistent. In the central tropical Pacific (CTP), paleoclimate records rely on Porites sp., due to their fast growth rate, dense skeletal structure, and concentric growth bands. However, the spatial and temporal distribution of Porites corals can be a limiting factor in paleoclimate reconstruction in the CTP, a region heavily influenced by El Niño Southern Oscillation. Work with large skeletal architectural corals in the Caribbean suggests that similar types of corals in the CTP may be used as recorders of climate, providing an expanded archive of coral genera used for paleoclimate reconstruction. Dipsastraea speciosa were collected from the reef on Kiritimati Island (1.8°N, 157.4°W). The δ18O and Sr/Ca of the coral skeletal material were analyzed along the main growth axis and compared with instrumental sea surface temperature (SST). Then, we compared duplicate Sr/Ca and δ18O time series in single corals of Dipsastraea s. as well as across multiple coral colonies. We find reproducibility within two separate corals using both δ18O and Sr/Ca timeseries in Dipsastraea s. The reproducibility within the two corals and the SST data supports that Dipsastraea s. can be used as a reliable paleoclimate proxy.

The animals that humans encounter in their daily lives tend to go unnoticed and under analyzed. This study looks into the occurrence of these animals and when they make that journey into the backyards of Fredericksburg, VA. We first went around downtown Fredericksburg and gathered information on the occurrence of animals in the backyards of various homes in the form of trail camera images. We then collected images from various cameras on campus, placed in locations that would be a prime spot of travel for animals. Through analyses of the temporal patterns in the occurrence of differing species, we hope to lay a foundation for further research into urban wildlife behavior.

The eastern oyster is a commercially important shellfish species with a wide variety of predators in the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock river. Knowledge on size dependent predation will help understand the impacts different predators have on eastern oyster populations, while also assist in making educated decisions regarding fishing regulations in the Bay. In this experiment, eastern oysters were raised in predator exclusion cages located in the lower Rappahannock. Eighteen cages each with 100 oysters were designed to measure predation by small, medium, and large sized predators. Cage mortality and Growth were measured weekly, with 20 oysters from each cage marked for individual sampling.

The efficacy of the proton pump inhibitors (PPI) omeprazole, esomeprazole, and dexlansoprazole in the promotion of cell death in Jurkat T-lymphocytes (human acute T-cell leukemia) was assessed through fluorescence spectroscopy. In a 6-well plate, cells were cultured in PPI-treated medium or with the control chemotherapeutic, doxorubicin. At specified time increments over a 48-hour period, samples were removed and stained using calcein-AM to measure cell viability. Preliminary results indicate that cells cultured in 0.10 μM PPI treatment exhibited the expected proliferation by 24 hours. It was found that at 48 hours, 0.10 μM omeprazole-treated cells demonstrated a decrease in cell viability comparable with doxorubicin-treated cells. The results of additional studies investigating several concentrations of omeprazole will also be presented. Further research in determining the efficacy of other PPI drugs at inhibiting the growth of Jurkat T-lymphocytes will be examined in future studies.

The geochemistry of the coral genus Porites provides a robust proxy for reconstructing sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) in the central tropical Pacific (CTP) using oxygen isotope ratios (δ¹⁸O) and strontium-calcium ratios (Sr/Ca). Recent paleoclimate reconstructions from Kiritimati Island (1.8° N, 157.4° W) have relied on coral rubble primarily from storm deposits on ocean-facing beaches, however many older samples (3,000–6,000 yrs BP) were collected from the island interior and may have originated from lagoonal environments. This research investigates the δ¹⁸O and Sr/Ca geochemistry of a modern Porites coral collected near the mouth of the Kiritimati lagoon to assess its reliability in recording open-ocean conditions. During the mid-Holocene, higher sea levels likely increased lagoon-ocean exchange, suggesting that corals near the modern lagoon mouth may reflect the more open conditions of that period. By analyzing geochemical signals from this modern lagoonal coral, we aim to determine whether preserved SST and SSS variability are influenced by lagoonal processes or reflect open-ocean conditions. Sr/Ca and δ¹⁸O time series from the coral will be compared with in-situ SST and SSS data and published modern Porites δ¹⁸O records. This validation is essential for interpreting paleoclimate records derived from spatially unconstrained samples and refining reconstructions of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability and CTP hydroclimate shifts. The results will strengthen confidence in coral-based climate archives and inform future sampling strategies for reef environments.

The tropical Pacific is a major driver of global climate variability through the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, the impact of warming sea surface temperature (SST) and/or freshening sea surface salinity (SSS) on ENSO from anthropogenic climate change is poorly understood due to limited continuous instrumental and paleoclimate records before 1950 CE. Kiritimati Island (1.8° N, 157.4° W) lacks continuous high-resolution records from the reliable coral climate proxy Porites, even with shorter Porites coral rubble sequences. This coral rubble approach would benefit from the addition of other coral genera. Preliminary work with modern large skeletal architectural corals from Kiritimati Island, Favia and Hydnophora species as proxies is promising. Additionally, these corals are abundant in the rubble fields. Here, we test young fossil corals from the Hydnophora species found on the rubble fields of Kiritimati Island dated from the 1900’s that overlap existing paleoclimate records from this region. First, we quantify the level of diagenesis prevalent in each coral using both scanning electron microscopy imaging and X-ray diffraction. Then, we analyze each coral’s geochemistry, drilling every 1 mm along the densest skeletal feature, for oxygen isotopes (δ18O), a combined SST and SSS proxy. This research helps us expand the coral paleoclimate archive with the goal of creating a nearly continuous high-resolution climate record back to 1800 C.E. This record is critical to quantify the impact of anthropogenic climate change on this region and aiding climate models for future climate predictions under greenhouse gas forcing.

The University of Mary Washington Herbarium (MWCF) is a curated collection of preserved plant specimens. In collaboration with the Southeast Regional Network of Expertise and Collections (SERNEC), an online biodiversity repository comprised of a network of herbaria, digital specimen data has been made accessible. This online platform allows researchers, students, and the public to easily search, view, and utilize herbaria data from 233 herbaria across 14 states. An additional tool integrated into SERNEC, GeoLocate, assists in identifying and locating the geographic coordinates of collection sites for specimens. This georeference data provides important context for specimens’ collection location and habitat. Throughout the semester, a set of Alaskan plant specimens in the family Salicaceae and the genus Salix was successfully digitized and georeferenced. While georferencing these specimens was straightforward, older specimens presented challenges due to outdated, vague, or incomplete collection information. Although certain records retain a higher degree of spatial uncertainty, many specimens were able to be entered into the database and assigned informative location information. This data input and georeferencing work in SERNEC contributes to the ongoing accessibility and scientific usefulness of the MWCF Herbarium.

Electrofishing capture efficiency can vary with habitat conditions, influencing the accuracy of population assessments and species‐habitat interpretations. This project examined how local habitat characteristics such as average stream depth, width, and substrate diameter affect electrofishing catch numbers of three species in Hazel Run in Fredericksburg, Virginia: the White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) and the Satinfin Shiner (Cyprinella analostana). Previous work by Hense, Martin, and Petty (2010) demonstrated that habitat variability can strongly influence electrofishing efficiency in Central Appalachian streams, highlighting the importance of habitat-species relationships and their effect on population assessment methods. Electrofishing and habitat data collected in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022–2025 were compiled, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated in Microsoft Excel to examine relationships between catch abundance and habitat conditions. White Sucker abundance was positively correlated with stream width (r = 0.854) and negatively correlated with stream depth (r = –0.818). Satinfin Shiner abundance showed a significant negative correlation with average depth (r = –0.684), while Longnose Dace abundance was negatively correlated with stream width (r = –0.501). These species-specific responses highlight the importance of accounting for habitat variability when interpreting electrofishing data and conducting long-term population monitoring in small streams.

This research aims to determine Drosophila melanogaster’s ability to serve as a model organism for the neurological phenotypes of Myotonic Dystrophy Type I (DM1). DM1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. DM1 leads to symptoms of muscle weakness and wasting, as well as decreased volumes of white and gray matter in the brain. This study aims to determine if DM1-affected Drosophila exhibit decreased cerebral volume, which has been observed in humans. Healthy control (CTG20) and DM1-affected Drosophila (CTG480) were generated using classical genetics. Both groups were aged three weeks prior to dissection and imaging through fluorescent microscopy. It is predicted that Drosophila melanogaster affected by DM1 will have a lower volume of gray matter than healthy controls. Imaging and fly generation is ongoing to increase sample numbers for data analysis. If structural differences cannot be determined through imaging, RT-qPCR will be used to determine the level of the Irisin homolog, Iditarod, and the BDNF ortholog, DNT1, in Drosophila brain tissue. These molecules are myokines, which indicate a neuroprotective effect, as their presence has been shown to increase neuroplasticity. Following the establishment of structural differences between the DM1-affected and unaffected groups, the flies will undergo an exercise regimen on a PowerTower. This will be performed to determine exercise’s efficacy in protecting against neurodegenerative disease, as exercise induces the release of myokines. It is expected that following completion of the PowerTower regimen, exercised DM1-affected Drosophila will exhibit greater preserved gray matter volume than sedentary DM1 Drosophila.

This study evaluates trace metal loading in Chincoteague Bay, a 72.4 square mile lagoon off the coastline of Virginia and Maryland adjacent to progressively increasing urbanization. Thirty (30) surface and six (6) core sediments were used to analyze spatio-temporal trace metal distribution; dagger blade grass shrimp (Palaemon pugio), mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), and banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus) were used to assess bioaccumulation. All samples were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, Li, and Ni. Geo Accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), Pollution load index (PLI), Geographic Information System (GIS) based Hot Spot Analysis, and Pearson Correlation (PC) statistical analysis were used to identify potential pollution sources. Surface sediment data indicates metals concentrations increase near mainland agricultural and urban areas with exception to As and Cu. Pollution indices shows agricultural areas having the highest contamination values, Igeo ranging from 1.45 (Li) to -1.16 (Pb) and EF from 10.73 (Zn) to 1.76 (Pb). Sites adjacent to undeveloped areas show modest metal accumulation, implying universal trace metal loading in the Bay. Sediment core data showed contemporary enrichment near urban areas and near surface declines adjacent to agricultural areas where farmlands are progressively being abandoned. Bioaccumulation of metals was relatively high near urban areas and wallops flight facility. The results suggests that mainland agriculture and urbanization are plausible contaminant sources. eDNA results identify multiple indicator species present at all sampling sites, suggesting low ecological impact from trace metal contaminants.

This study explores the effects of physical exercise on myokines, proteins that are produced by skeletal muscle during exercise that mediate many its positive effects on health. Brain derived neurotrophic and irisin are myokines that influence multiple systems including the heart and brain, to increase performance of these organs. While the positive influence of exercise on these proteins is established, more research is needed to determine if this relationship is graded and in which tissues these proteins originate. We use novel methods to establish a progressive exercise model in mice. After 42 days of either unlimited, limited, or no access to a running wheel, we assess protein and mRNA levels of BDNF and irisin in neural and muscle tissue to assess the level and location of production of these proteins.

Typical cold dark matter (CDM) models suggest that all galaxies form within a dark matter halo, thus suggesting that lower-mass galaxies have a higher dark matter content. However, recent studies of the radial velocities of NGC-1052 DF4 and NGC-1052 DF2, two low-mass galaxies, yield results that suggest that they are dark matter deficient. In this study, we focused on NGC-1052 DF4 to study its surface brightness as an indicator to the underlying dark matter content. We obtained partially processed Hubble Space Telescope images of DF4 from the MAST archive in two different wavelengths, 606 nm and 814 nm. Next, the images were locally aligned and grouped in Afterglow for image processing. Final processing involved background correction and pixel neutralization. To obtain a measure of surface brightness, we utilized contour options within DS9. From this we observed and quantified the brightness distribution as a function of the projected azimuth.

This study investigates the spatial distribution of toxic trace metals in the Levisa Fork and its primary tributaries across Buchanan County, VA, and Pike County, KY; regions with extensive coal mining histories. Coal mining is known to mobilize trace metals into surrounding waterways. Trace metals have been associated with adverse health outcomes and thus should be monitored where exposure is possible. To assess trace metal exposure, we analyzed 31 sediment grab samples, 2 sediment cores, 33 surface water samples, and 1 groundwater sample using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for As, Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. 5 Environmental DNA samples were also collected to evaluate aquatic biodiversity. Results indicate widespread anthropogenic enrichment in all elements, ranging from enrichment factors of 1.85 to 48.37. As, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ni, and Zn were particularly enriched with highest sediment enrichment found at downstream river bends and near the urban center. Manganese in surface water was strongly correlated with proximity to slurry impoundments. Groundwater sampling indicated concerning levels of As (5.44ppb), Mn (1,319.23ppb), and Pb (11.31ppb); which suggests increased risk for residents using well water. Many sites showed Ecological Risk Factors above 40 for As and Pb, indicating moderate ecological risk; several exceeded 80, indicating considerable risk in relation to these elements. EDNA suggests potential habitat fragmentation of sensitive species and species of conservation concern. These findings suggest the anthropogenic redistribution of trace metals may be contributing to an increased public and environmental health risk.

Bacteriophages have many genes with unknown functions, and the SEA-GENES program works to explore these genes using cloning and expression testing. In this project, I focused on Zapner genes 19, 61, and 63 to see if they could be successfully amplified, cloned into the pExTra plasmid, and prepared for cytotoxicity testing in Mycobacterium smegmatis. These genes are uncharacterized, so confirming their cloning is the first important step before looking at how they might affect bacterial growth. To begin, I ran diagnostic PCR for all three genes. Each gene showed strong and clear bands, which confirmed that the primers and conditions worked and that the DNA templates were good. After that, I moved into the cloning steps, including colony screening and verification PCR. Gene 19 moved through these steps successfully, and the verification gel showed the expected band, confirming that the construct was correct. However, genes 61 and 63 did not behave the same way. Even though they amplified well in the diagnostic stage, they repeatedly failed during the reverification PCR. The gels for these genes showed weak, unclear, or missing bands, which stopped the cloning process from moving forward. Nanodrop readings for my plasmid DNA showed that most samples had good concentrations, although a few had slightly lower purity, which may have contributed to the inconsistent PCR results. Because genes 61 and 63 never passed verification, I could not run the cytotoxicity assay. Overall, my project successfully confirmed gene 19 and identified where genes 61 and 63 ran into technical problems during cloning

Bacteriophages are abundant bacterial viruses, yet many genes they encode remain uncharacterized, especially small non-structural genes grouped into phamilies. Mycobacteriophages, which infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, serve as a strong model for functional studies because this fast-growing, non-pathogenic host is closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Previous research has shown that about 23% of expressed phage genes negatively affect host growth or morphology, suggesting that cytotoxicity screening can uncover new mechanisms by which phage proteins disrupt essential bacterial processes. The mycobacteriophage Zapner, classified in subcluster F2, encodes several hypothetical genes with unknown functions. This project focused on Zapner Genes 11 and 108 to investigate whether their expression interferes with M. smegmatis viability and to gain insight into their potential conserved roles. PCR amplification of each gene was performed using Q5 High-Fidelity Master Mix with gene-specific primers designed for pExTra overlap. Products were verified on an agarose gel, purified, and quantified before NEBuilder HiFi assembly into linearized pExTra for inducible expression. Recombinant constructs were transformed into E. coli NEB 5-alpha F′Iq, and kanamycin-resistant colonies were screened by diagnostic PCR. Confirmed clones were expanded for plasmid purification and downstream transformation into M. smegmatis. Zapner Genes 11 and 108 were successfully cloned and validated in the pExTra system, enabling controlled expression in M. smegmatis. Future studies will apply tetracycline induction, colony patching, growth curves, CFU assays, and microscopy to assess cytotoxic or morphological effects. Any observed toxicity will guide further investigation into targeted host pathways and functional relationships across related phamilies.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type One, or DM1, is a multisystemic spliceopathy caused by a trinucleotide (CTG) repeat expansion in the gene DMPK that is characterized primarily by low muscle tone. Another common symptom of DM1 is insulin resistance due to aberrant splicing of the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle, which can often develop into Type II Diabetes. While the cause and features of DM1 are known, there is no known cure and very few effective treatments. If muscle growth is facilitated, some of the symptoms of DM1 may be alleviated. One suggested method by which to induce muscle growth is via myostatin which both presents as a biomarker for and regulates muscle growth by preventing Akt phosphorylation. In Drosophila melanogaster, the homolog of myostatin is a protein called myoglianin, coded by the myo gene. Our lab uses a Drosophila DM1 model that expresses expanded CUG repeats in RNA using the Gal4/UAS system. We plan to modulate the expression of myo by RNAi knockdown in Drosophila with and without the expanded repeats. The goal of my project is to determine whether knockdown of myo will rescue muscle function and insulin sensitivity in DM1 through increased phosphorylation of Akt. 

This environmental justice project examined possible correlations between soil quality and socioeconomic factors in the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Soil was sampled from 1-2 sites randomly selected within each of the 20 census blocks in the city limits of Fredericksburg, Virginia, according to the 2020 US Census. A composite soil sample from 0-10 cm deep was collected from public property, or occasionally a yard with owner’s permission. We then analyzed the total and bioavailable concentrations of a suite of metals along with multiple soil factors (pH, texture, organic matter content, phosphatase activity) to be compared with socioeconomic data collected from the 2020 US Census Database. Preliminary findings indicate that there may be correlations between soil and socioeconomic factors. Lower levels of education were correlated with higher soil concentrations of both total lead and zinc. Higher percentages of white residents were inversely correlated with total concentrations of lead, zinc, and manganese. Higher bioavailable lead concentrations were correlated with higher populations on public assistance. Further samples and analyses are ongoing after finding these correlations.