Category: Poster Presentation
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Reconstructing ENSO and Climate Variability at the 4,200 yr B.P. abrupt climate event from central Tropical Pacific Corals
By Avery Duncan Faculty Mentor: Pamela Grothe Abstract The shift from the mid-to-late Holocene 4 thousand years ago (4 kyBP) is marked by major hydroclimate anomalies and megadroughts leading to ancient civilization collapses. Currently, the cause of this major climate disruption is unclear, although more evidence supports an underlying role of the tropical Pacific, some…
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An Analysis of The Eastern Oyster and its Impact on Community Biodiversity
By Aidan Shell Faculty Mentor: Bradley Lamphere Abstract An Analysis of The Eastern Oyster and its Impact on Community Biodiversity The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has played a crucial role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem since the 19th century. The species offers a range of services for both humans and other aquatic organisms from habitat…
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The Impact of Exposure to Blue Light on Anxiety and Cortisol Levels in Mice
By Madison DeWitt Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Extended exposure to artificial blue light, such as the light from computer screens, can disrupt the sleep cycle, perhaps by disrupting daily cycles of the hormone cortisol; both of these effects can diminish behavioral and somatic health. This experiment investigated how blue light affects cortisol levels,…
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Assessing the potential interactions between climate change and trace metal toxicity in the embryonic Seminole ramshorn snail (Planorbella duryi)
By Joseph Gasink Faculty Mentor: Tyler Frankel Abstract Based on projected modeling, increases in surface water temperatures due to climate change will pose a host of new challenges for poikilothermic aquatic organisms. Additionally, little is known about how this added stressor will interact with the impacts of known environmental contaminants. As such, this study was…
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Race to the Bottom: How Western Corporations Exploit Cheap Foreign Labor and its Effects
By Jakob Robinette Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kinsley Abstract This thesis is concerned with addressing the impacts of foreign direct investment in poor Southeast Asian countries to cut costs that major fashion labels and technology firms can then pass on to the consumer and increase shareholder returns. This “race to the bottom” concept is seen across…
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Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator and Moderator in the Relationship Between Emotional Maltreatment and Flourishing
By Cate Kelly, Sarah Ballif, Rob Oehler, Skyler Revutin, Ann Marie Camp Faculty Mentor: Dr. Miriam Liss Abstract Childhood emotional maltreatment is related to negative psychological outcomes in adulthood, including psychopathology and decreased levels of flourishing. This study aims to investigate psychological flexibility, which involves the ability to overcome negative emotions to accomplish valued goals,…
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In silico Characterization of the Bacillus Bacteriophage Jabberwock Proteome
By Max, Rachel, Adis Faculty Mentor: Dr. Agrawal Abstract Bacillus Bacteriophage Jabberwock, isolated from a soil sample, presents a promising candidate for phage therapy applications against pathogenic members of the species like Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. We performed a bioinformatic analysis of genes 1-10, 51-60 and 61-70 of the Jabberwock genome to predict encoded…
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Influences on adolescent substance use and attitudes towards the D.A.R.E. prevention program
By Erin Caine Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Johnson-Young Abstract Numerous studies indicate high adolescent alcohol, legal drug, and illegal drug use, which can be detrimental to their health and well-being. D.A.R.E., a school-based prevention education program in many K-12 schools throughout the country, hopes to educate students on the harms of drug and alcohol use and…
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The presence, concentration, and potential ecological impacts of trace metal contaminants in the James River near a coal ash repository (New Canton, VA)
By Summer Orledge Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tyler Frankel Abstract Industrial coal combustion residuals (CCRs) are rich in trace metals that infiltrate surface waters via accidental spills, authorized discharges, and leaching from lined or unlined impoundments. Several of these have been shown to act as neurotoxins, hepatotoxins, and/or carcinogens in a variety of vertebrate species. Existing…
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Exploring Synergistic Phage-Antibiotic Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacillus Pathogens
By Stephen Combs, Rebecca Cherian, Natalie Fox Faculty Mentor: Swati Agrawal Abstract EXPLORING SYNERGISTIC PHAGE-ANTIBIOTIC COMBINATION THERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN BACILLUS PATHOGENS. Michael Combs, Rebecca Cherian, & Natalie Fox University of Mary Washington. The increased use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which has become a leading…
