University of Mary Washington Research and Creativity Day 2024

Category: College of Arts & Sciences

  • Effect of Lithium Chloride Against NDV in BHK-21 Cells

    By Aisling Berrios Faculty Mentor: Lynn Lewis Abstract Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a severe and fatal disease to poultry, causing widespread economic losses for both industries and private farms. With the search for treatment continuing, this research project aims to uncover the antiviral properties of the antipsychotic drug, lithium chloride, for treatment against NDV…

  • Analyzing Determinants of National Hockey League Draft Selection Order

    By Logan Rowland Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shawn Humphrey Abstract Every year, the National Hockey League hosts an entry draft in which teams can select amateur players between the ages of 18 and 20 to sign into their organization. For players, being drafted at a high position is the best way to guarantee a chance to…

  • Drug Development Targeting KasA in M. tuberculosis

    By Megan Baxter Faculty Mentor: Davis Oldham Abstract Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease affecting the lungs and respiratory system caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). As one of the most dangerous lung diseases, recent studies have found existing treatments to become resistant and call for new treatments. Research involving the inhibition of KasA (β-ketoacyl…

  • Wildlife Use of Restored and Unrestored Shorelines in Belle Isle State Park

    By Elle Toia, Eren Edwards Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrew Dolby Abstract This research project, conducted from March 12, 2024, to April 21, 2024, aimed to investigate how wildlife utilize restored and unrestored shorelines at Belle Isle State Park. Eastern Virginia’s rivers face a significant erosion problem, leading to the installation of living shorelines as a…

  • Explaining Non-Compete Agreement Partisanship Among the States

    By Nickolas Remish Faculty Mentor: Brad Hansen Abstract Non-compete agreements are pervasive throughout the United States. Employers seek assurances that a disgruntled employee will not leave the firm and join a competitor. The economic theory behind non-compete agreements is complicated; the benefits usually accrue with high-skilled jobs where a firm’s investment in their worker’s abilities…

  • The application of DNAzymes on the CTG repeat expansion in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1

    By Arshpreet Brar and Delaney Humphrey Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) has variable symptoms like myotonia, skeletal muscle weakness and wasting, irregular cardiac induction, and cognitive defects. DM1 is caused due to CTG repeat expansion in the 3′ untranslated region of the Dystrophia Myotonica Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene. The…

  • Endolysins as Selective Antibacterial Agents: Insights from Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Bacillus Endolysins

    By Andrew Cooper Faculty Mentor: Dr. Swati Agrawal Abstract Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have the potential to serve as alternatives to antibiotics due to their unique lytic enzymes, known as endolysins. These enzymes can specifically target and rapidly break down bacterial cell walls, making them effective against pathogenic bacteria while reducing harm to beneficial…

  • Investigating the Effect of Exercise on BDNF Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex and CRH Levels in the Hypothalamus in Mice

    By Nathan Terrell Faculty Mentor: Dr. Waters Abstract Exercise is known to increase memory and elevate mood in both mice and humans. Two important molecules are Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). The prefrontal cortex plays a role in controlling stress. The hypothalamus is the main mediator of CRH in the brain.…

  • Time Course for Adult Onset Myotonic Dystrophy in Drosophila melanogaster

    By Ashlyn Rauch Faculty Mentor: Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy Type One (DM1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a series of CTG repeats in the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene (Lanni and Pearson 2019). Individuals diagnosed with DM1 may display CTG expansions ranging from 50-4000 repeats, whereas unaffected individuals have between 5-37…

  • Character Essentialism in High Fantasy: A Case Study of Dungeons and Dragons

    By Garrett Welch Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeff McClurken Abstract The topic I studied for the capstone experience is the issue of racial essentialism implicit in many modern high fantasy worlds and systems, with a particular focus on Dungeons and Dragons as a case study. In Dungeons and Dragons, players create a unique character and act…

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