Friday April 26, 2024
12:00-1:00pm, Digital Auditorium
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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…
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Examination of the Potential Health and Ecological Impacts of the Total and Bioavailable Concentrations of Harmful Metals in Some Kingston, Jamaica, Surface Soils
By Audrey Turner, Faith Jones, and Anna Velardi Faculty Mentor: Dr. Melanie Szulczewski Abstract This study investigated background levels of concerning metals in a variety of soils in and near Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Minimal soil sample collection and analysis had occurred since a 1988 island-wide geochemical survey revealed very high concentrations of total…
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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…
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Exploring the effect of caffeine on Toxoplasma gondii replication and plaque formation
By Abigail Glenn, Exotica Hall, Elizabeth Sullivan Faculty Mentor: Swati Agrawal Abstract apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with preexisting illness, toxoplasmosis can be deadly. As an intracellular parasite, T. gondii has mechanisms for motility, invasion, replication, and egress, during which calcium is a key regulator. To signal invasion, the cytosolic concentrations…
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Female NCAA Athlete Mental Health During Season
By Emma Dickson Faculty Mentor: Hanaria Qualls Abstract I hope to examine four women’s sports teams at UMW throughout their seasons and gauge their mental health. This will be impersonal enough that each person feels comfortable responding honestly. Research will take place in the course of two surveys. One survey will gauge current mental health…
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Fluid Dynamics and Constructing a Flume
By Boone Fleenor Faculty Mentor: Desmond Villalba Abstract Fluid dynamics is a physics discipline that describes the way fluids move and interact between themselves as well as their environment. To fabricate interactions and study the consequences, a controlled and isolated environment is required. A flume is an example of a controlled environment because it isolates…
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Food Banks, Why They Matter and Potential Improvements
By Jack Dragone Faculty Mentor: Kashef Majid Abstract This study attempts to explain both the environmental and community impacts of food banks and help in maximizing their effectiveness. Food banks have a direct impact on greenhouse gasses due to resources put into extra farming and the rotting of spoiled food. This means they act as…
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High-performance liquid chromatography of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in generic and NatureMade® 500 mg vitamin C tablets
By Layla Cruz Martinez, Sean McGavin, Jillian Pabalan, Amina Walcott Faculty Mentor: Sarah Smith Abstract Ascorbic acid (i.e. Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin in promoting a healthy immune system. It can be found in over-the-counter tablets, with a variety of brands to choose from. The concentrations of ascorbic acid in name-brand and generic vitamin…
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Impact of Prices and Distance on Donations to the Regional Food Bank in Fredericksburg, VA: A Study of Chain Grocery Stores
By Sydney Sherman Faculty Mentor: Kashef Majid Abstract This study investigates the influence of prices and proximity to the Regional Food Bank in Fredericksburg, VA, on the type and quantity of donations provided by surrounding grocery stores. Regional food banks are an intricate network of grocery stores, donations from people, and local farms coming together…
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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…
