Fizgig Pre App Launch Research

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Vincent Fenlin Geological Sciences Ricardo Longoria Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 2, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The purpose of this project was to identify the best market demographic in the South Florida area (Miami-Dade, and Broward County) for Fizgig. Fizgig a newly developed pet sitting app, is launching their app soon and we need to analyze market demographics to help aid with a successful app launch. Fizgig aims to connect certified pet sitters to pet owners with ease and affordability. Fizgig is not restricted to just cats and dogs, but all pets. Fizgig provides opportunities for those who are certified in pet sitting and want to grow there career in such disciplines. Furthermore, to analyze the capability of a successful launch we used Esri and Google Maps data of median household income, average annual pet spending, and pet sitting association data to pinpoint specific areas (hotspots) in South Florida to focus on the app launch. We concluded that Southeast Miami-Dade, Northwest Broward, and West Broward hotspots had the highest potential for pet sitting employment and app use due to highest pet expenditure in correlation to median income in there respective counties in addition to a high number of pet sitting associations within a close radius of these hotspots.

Identifying Opportunities for Urban Farming in Tarrant County

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sarah Foxx Geological Sciences Amanda Whitley Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 7, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

For our research project, we plan to use GIS remote sensing technology to locate and identify potential land plots for urban farming. The purpose of this project is to recognize and assist in the issue of food deserts in urban areas such as the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) metroplex, NYC, and Los Angeles. A food desert refers to any area with limited or no access to affordable, nutritious food. This could include a lack of access to farmers’ markets, vegetable shops, or fresh produce. This project aims to recognize and assist in the issue of food deserts in urban areas with a particular focus on the East Fort Worth/Arlington areas in Tarrant County. Several relevant datasets including high spatial resolution commercial remote sensing and other relevant spatial (such as property appraisal datasets, soil data) and non-spatial datasets, and data analysis products (such as the proximity of the areas to fresh produce/major grocery stores) will be combined in a GIS environment to identify empty plots of lands that could be used for the purposes of urban agriculture and assess their potential for food growth.

Texas Renewable Energy Potentials: A GIS-Based Analysis

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Matt Kelly Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 3, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Given the drastic rise in renewable energy investment across the US and globally, along with global sustainable development goals, it is important to develop techniques for renewable resource assessment. The study aims to identify the most suitable areas for renewable energy development in Texas by analyzing various geospatial factors that influence renewable energy production, such as terrain and land use. Resource-specific data such as surface direct normal irradiance (DNI) and wind speed and power density were used to ensure resource availability. Proximity to important infrastructure was also considered, access to infrastructure is an important economic consideration for utility-scale installation. Products generated use an integration of remote sensing data, geospatial analysis, and machine learning algorithms to develop a spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for solar and wind resources in Texas.

Spatial Analysis of the Livability of Fort Worth Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approaches

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Matt Kelly Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 2, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

This study will develop (livable) suitability index for areas within Fort Worth with respect to the availability of various amenities (walkability, parks, etc.), public transport, proximity to fresh produce and entertainment (restaurants, etc.), and other relevant services. This is important as the City of Fort Worth has some of the lowest transit scores compared to major cities across the US especially with those having similar population as Fort Worth. Several spatial analysis techniques including proximity and overlay analysis will be undertaken using tools in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online to attain the objectives of the study.

Synthetic Nanomaterials: An Environmental Twist of Fate

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brooke Newell Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 9, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

As the nature and quantity of new/novel nanomaterials continue to expand to meet industrial, medical, and domestic demands, their accidental or intentional release becomes inevitable. To this end, an evolving understanding of the interaction dynamics between nanomaterials and naturally occurring geomaterials is central to supporting continued sustainable development and use of nanomaterials. The current study explores the chemodynamics of the organic nanomaterial, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, binding to (and debinding from) ferrihydrite. Specific focus is placed on how PAMAM size and pH affects the reaction between three carboxyl-terminated PAMAMs (Gx.5-COOH) sorbing/desorbing to/from the variably-charged ferrihydrite (FFH). Since both ferrihydrite and PAMAM exhibit pH-dependent variation of speciation, it is expected that binding/debinding dynamics of differing sizes of PAMAM will vary. Investigating the quantity, rate, and dynamics of these reactions provides insight into the type of bonding occurring (physiosorption, electrostatic bonding, or hydrogen bonding) and the location of bonding (surface versus micropore spaces). The information gained from this study will help to develop a more holistic picture of the environmental fate of synthetic nanomaterials.

Analyzing the Change in Crop Yields Following Recent Drought in Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Caleb Perkey Geological Sciences Bradley Roe Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 2, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

This research will examine the change in size of local aquifers in Texas to determine how drought affects crop yield in Texas, for the aquifers scattered about Texas are the major source of irrigation for farmers in the state. This will be demonstrated by assessing conditions in the San Antonio area (as a case study) due to the severe drought that has affected the area for the past couple of months. Several spatial datasets including remote sensing datasets and results derived using different analysis tools in GIS will be utilized to demonstrate the change in aquifer size and volume during the investigated period.

The classification of three unknown meteorites from Northwest Africa

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Liam Pittenger Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Rhiannon Mayne Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 3, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

More meteorites are found in North-West Africa every year than in any other location on the earth’s surface. These meteorites are sold and will either enter a scientific collection, or that of a private collector. In the latter case, a meteorite may never be officially classified, which means that it is not recognized by the scientific community as a new meteorite find.. The meteorite classification process is led by the Meteoritical Society, who nominate meteorite researchers to serve on the Meteorite Nomenclature Committee. This committee is responsible for the peer review of all meteorite classification submissions, and to ensure the donation of a scientific repository sample. After this, an official name is assigned and the meteorite is entered into the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (MetBull). MetBull is an archive of all meteorites recognized by the Meteoritical Society and contains basic information about each meteorite; for example, its classification, the location it was found, and a brief description of the sample studied.

The Monnig Meteorite Collection at TCU contains a number of unclassified meteorite samples. In this study, we will examine three unknown meteorites and determine the meteorite type in terms of: (1) the type of body they come from, (2) the minerals and textures they contain, (3) their mineral compositions and, (4) their thermal history. This data will then be submitted to the Meteorite Nomenclature Committee for official classification.

Crafts & Conversations

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Rima Abram Interdisciplinary Erica Kaminga Interdisciplinary Allison Regan Interdisciplinary Mariana Zollinger Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Jessica Alvarez Interdisciplinary
Location: Third Floor, Table 7, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Crafts & Conversations was established to foster community among TCU students and the residents of a local retirement facility, Trinity Terrace. During monthly meetings, students and residents share their stories while collaborating on engaging craft activities, including murals, cross-stitching, snow globes, suncatchers, pillows, and upcycled terrariums. TCU students who volunteer in these monthly meetings build meaningful friendships, combat stereotypes against the elderly, and improve communication and leadership skills. In addition, each event opens with a performance by TCU music students, enabling them to cultivate their craft and share their talent. Even throughout the pandemic, Crafts & Conversations nurtured memories and connections through Zoom and masked in-person meetings. With a commitment to sustainability, this project will continue to enrich the lives of Trinity Terrace residents and provide dedicated student volunteers with opportunities to strengthen the Fort Worth community.

Pickleball With a Purpose

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Michael Delgado Interdisciplinary Philip Dodd Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Philip Dodd Interdisciplinary
Location: Basement, Table 10, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

After-school programs can be highly beneficial to elementary school students. Pickleball With a Purpose is a weekly after-school program founded by TCU students with support from the Experiential Projects to Impact the Community (EPIC) committee. This program works with a local elementary school in Crowley Independent School District (CISD). Pickleball appeals to all ages because it can be picked up relatively quickly, regardless of skill level. As part of the program, pickleball was introduced to 4th and 5th graders at Meadowcreek Elementary by teaching a two-week clinic introducing foundational paddle skills during P.E. classes. Students in the after-school program engage in clinics, drills, and games to further develop their communication skills while fostering connections with mentors from TCU. The EPIC committee's funding and our partnership with the Selkirk Growth Program have allowed us to supply the elementary school with equipment such as nets, balls, and paddles. The purpose of the Meadowcreek Pickleball Club is to provide elementary school students with a safe environment where they can grow as individuals while learning a new sport.

Healthy Food Insecurity

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): May Nguyen Biology Thien Ly Nguyen Biology
Advisor(s): Maria Martinez Nutritional Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

New Smiles Drive

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cayla Prophater Interdisciplinary Christian Cargile Interdisciplinary Aimee Garibay Interdisciplinary Emma Graham Interdisciplinary Macyn Willingham Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Heidi Conrad Interdisciplinary
Location: Second Floor, Table 1, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Even though they are completely preventable, cavities are the leading chronic childhood disease in America. The “New Smiles Drive” is a community outreach project with a mission to improve Fort Worth's oral hygiene knowledge and access to essential hygiene supplies. This project has provided dental supplies and hygiene education to the patients at the Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth. The donation of dental hygiene bags is instrumental in providing the materials necessary for quality health care. However, the donations are only half of the mission. Each donation bag includes a laminated education card containing detailed instructions on how to maintain good oral health as well as recommendations provided by Fort Worth dentists. The educational aspect of this project will leave a lasting impact on the community and teach the community essential oral hygiene care.

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Clinics

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Quinceola Reid Biology Emily Van Dyck Biology
Advisor(s): Anthony Crowder Interdisciplinary
Location: Basement, Table 7, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Swimming is a skill that is often assumed to be commonplace. However, in a study from 2017-2021, 411 children fatally drowned in Texas; 32 drownings were from Tarrant County (Texas Child Drowning Statistics). In 2019, 23 Tarrant County drowning deaths were among adults (Drowning in Tarrant County). Two community organizations, The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Coalition (FWDPC) and the YMCA Fort Worth (YMCA FW), conduct dedicated summer programs to teach children and adults in-water and classroom-based water safety strategies. This grant project supports its community partners by advertising for/providing volunteers, which enables the accommodation of more participants per clinic. In addition, this grant project provided occupational health supplies (sunscreen and sunglasses) to their community partner to mitigate the prolonged sun exposure commonly faced by their volunteers. Through this project, TCU students have engaged with these organizations, supported their objectives, and directly improved drowning statistics within the Fort Worth community.

"TCU Jeopardy Night": Changing the Narrative of Contributions by Underrepresented Groups in STEM

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Zach Rouseau Biology Grace Bobo Chemistry & Biochemistry Jack Bonnell Chemistry & Biochemistry Precious Castillo Chemistry & Biochemistry Audrey Dolt Biology Tatum Harvey Biology Lola Kouretas Chemistry & Biochemistry Christina Mantsorov Chemistry & Biochemistry Chie Nguyen Biology Kiet Nguyen Biology
Advisor(s): Kayla Green Chemistry & Biochemistry Heidi Conrad Chemistry & Biochemistry Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Throughout history, it has been perceived that significant advancements in STEM have been a result of primarily white males’ accomplishments. To help correct this misconception on our campus, TCU Chemistry Club has initiated “TCU Jeopardy Game Night”. This is an initiative where students, staff, and organizations in STEM throughout the year get exposed to and educated on the accomplishments in the history of diverse groups underrepresented in STEM with an emphasis in chemistry through an engaging and interactive mechanism. This spring term, our organization will host a Jeopardy-style game night with trivia questions over the material presented and prizes purchased with the ACS DEIR Grant. This material serves as an incentive toward the ultimate goal of educating our campus population regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for scientists who have not been acknowledged for their exceptional work.

Bags of Joy

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Maggie Tucker Interdisciplinary Molly Koca Interdisciplinary Jacqueline Leon Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Mathew Crawford Interdisciplinary
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Project Overview:
2020 we partner with Once Upon a Room. We partnered with Cook Children's Hospital to decorate rooms for children who will have an extended stay. Due to COVID-19, we could not continue with Once Upon a Room. In the 2021-2022 we created Bags of Joy and continued to partner with Cook Childrens Hospital. We provided holiday-themed goodie bags as well as welcome hygiene bags.

Background of the Community:
The community in which we are working with those under the age of 18 with poor health.
Our community partner is Anne Stankus and Megan Hodges, Child life specialist at Cook Children

Need Statement:
Our community partners have communicated to us that there is a need for hygiene and essential items for the caregivers of a patient to receive when they are admitted to the hospital, so that they have to opportunity to stay with their child durning this time of need.
Another need that has been expressed to us has been for the hosting of events, like game nights.

Project description:
We had hoped to continue to give hygiene bags and make a switch from goodie bags to hosting a game night.
This year we were to supply 36 welcome bags for Cook, host a game night, and donate 400 easter eggs for their annual easter egg hunt.

Deliverables:
As this was our first year hosting a game night at Cook children, we struggled in the begging to find games and activities that would fit into the guidelines but in the end, we were able to make it a successful event and now we have ideas on ways to improve for next year.
We continue to have good feedback from our Cook Children's coordinator.
As two of our members are graduating we will still have one member who is an active student at TCU. Molly, our non-graduating member, will take over our EPIC grant.

Numerical study of Neimark-Sacker bifurcations in a discrete two-dimensional logistic predator-prey dynamical system

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brandon Isensee Mathematics
Advisor(s): Igor Prokhorenkov Mathematics
Location: Second Floor, Table 5, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

We show that a discrete two-dimensional logistic predator-prey dynamical system with two parameters undergoes a Neimark-Sacker bifurcation under certain conditions. Our evidence includes numerical computations of orbits and bifurcation diagrams.

Probabilities on Latin Squares

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Anna Long Mathematics
Advisor(s): Drew Tomlin Mathematics
Location: First Floor, Table 5, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

A Latin square is a nxn square that contains n different symbols, often numbers, and are arranged such that each symbol appears exactly once in each row and column. In this project, we look at the probability of a random arrangement of symbols being a Latin square. I start with n number of n symbols, for example a 3x3 square will contain the numbers 1,1,1,2,2,2,3,3,3 in a random assortment. Using counting methods and statistical estimation through Python, we discover the proportion of total squares that are Latin squares.

Geodesic Nets construction using Genetic Algorithm

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Duc Toan Nguyen Mathematics
Advisor(s): Ken Richardson Mathematics
Location: Basement, Table 6, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

Geodesics are significant objects and a major topic in differential geometry. They are "straight" curves on surfaces that can locally represent the shortest path between two points. In this research, we employ the genetic algorithm, an optimization method in classical Artificial Intelligence, to construct a geodesic net on closed surfaces. A geodesic net is a network that connects multiple points with the shortest curves while ensuring that each point is ``balanced'' and stretched equally by its neighbors through those curves.

Food Sensitivity Testing in Children: A Case Study and Narrative Review

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kelly Jaimes Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Kelly Fisher Nutritional Sciences Heidi Conrad Chemistry & Biochemistry Rebecca Dority Nutritional Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 1, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Despite the significant prevalence of food intolerances in children and adolescents (2 to 18-year olds), food intolerance mechanisms and testing is severely misunderstood and under researched. A food intolerance is a non-immunological response that occurs after consuming a specific food particle causing gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The lack of understanding of food intolerances is causing too many children to unnecessarily follow unsupervised elimination diets which increases the risk of developing nutrient deficiencies. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the serious impact to the quality of life (QOL) that food intolerances have towards children and adolescents by analyzing available literature and utilizing a case study participant. Findings suggested that there must be more research done to understand food intolerance to improve the QOL in children and adolescents.

Syncytia Formation Rate for SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ava Amidei Biology Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Third Floor, Table 10, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Although there is an effective vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, the virus is still spreading and affecting millions of people worldwide. SARS-CoV-2, along with many other viruses, is able to form large, multi-nucleated cells, known as syncytia. Syncytia formation, along with syncytia death, may affect the SARS-CoV-2 course of infection. We have been able to compute the death rate of syncytia using data from a study by Vanhulle et al. (2023) that used measurements of electrical impedence to study syncytia formation in cell-cell fusion assays. The death rate of syncytia was found using mathematical modeling. This knowledge can help further our understanding of syncytia and viral disease propagation.

Surface Cleanliness of Hydrothermally Grown Zinc Oxide Microparticles for Antibacterial Usage

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Vivek Athipatla Physics & Astronomy Dustin Johnson Physics & Astronomy Yuri Strzhemechny Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Yuri Strzhemechny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Third Floor, Table 1, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are attractive candidates for application as antibacterial agents due to high biocompatibility with effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Despite this potential, applications are limited by fundamental gaps in understanding of the underlying antibacterial pathways. ZnO nanoparticles are currently more widely used in antibacterial research compared to ZnO microparticles due to the potential for internalization into bacterial cells. Microparticles are nevertheless of interest as a research platform as the increased scale allows both the nonpolar and polar facets of the ZnO crystals to be distinguished. This in turn provides a useful platform to experiment on and study surface interactions with bacteria. In addition, because of their larger size, ZnO microparticles would not internalize inside typical bacteria, allowing for more targeted investigation of other, potentially more potent, antibacterial mechanisms.

Preliminary studies indicate that hydrothermally grown ZnO microparticles exhibit comparable antibacterial activity to commercial ZnO nanoparticles further adding to their utility. The goal of this research is to validate the nature of these behaviors by investigating differences in surface cleanliness between “home-grown” microparticles which were synthesized in the lab through a bottom-up hydrothermal growth method and commercial nanoparticles. Such differences may influence cytotoxicity, skewing the results of antibacterial studies. To do so, both Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to probe the quality and cleanliness of the ZnO crystalline free surface of the microparticles and nanoparticles.

In this work we detected similarities in the vibrational modes at the surface stemming from ZnO growth precursors. These are seen to be similar across all samples investigated, however, a weak O-H bending is found in the home-grown microparticles. We demonstrate that these results justifies our low-cost hydrothermally lab-grown specimen as a suitable platform for future surface-specific antibacterial studies.

Effectiveness of antibodies in syncytia-forming viruses

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isabelle Beach Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Third Floor, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Syncytia formation is the fusion of cells by a virus to create a multinucleated cell (syncytium) that shields the virus from outer factors in the extracellular space, such as antibodies. However, this process is much more energy intensive for a virus than tunneling between cells, which also shelters the virus. Why would a virus fuse cells together rather than save energy and tunnel? In order to determine what the benefits of syncytia formation are for viruses, a mathematical model including syncytia formation and antibodies was developed to simulate viral dynamics. Characteristics like viral duration, viral titer peak, and time of peak were measured while changing parameters such as fusion rate, which allowed comparison of infections with and without syncytia formation. Mathematically modeling and analyzing these comparisons and changes helps us understand whether syncytia formation helps protect viruses from the effect of antibodies.

Erbium-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots and Their Potential For Bioimaging

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): John Brannon Physics & Astronomy Ben Spitters Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 3, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

To track drug delivery within the body, the vehicle must be biocompatible, soluble, and transparent in the human body. Being transparent in the human body means the vehicle exhibits fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) III biological transparency window (1500 – 1800 nm). These traits will respectively not oppose health defects in the subjects, will be stable within the blood and cells of the body, and be able to be found within the body through the means of infrared detectors. This is where graphene quantum dots (GQDs) come into the picture. GQDs prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method from glucosamine and ascorbic acid precursors are biocompatible and soluble in water. On their own, they do not demonstrate fluorescence in the NIR-III. To add this capability, we dope GQDs with erbium ions (Er-GQDs) as they demonstrate a fluorescence peak at 1550nm followed by excitation at 980nm laser. Fluorescence light coming from erbium ions at 1550 nm covers the NIR-III biological window, which is the last specification needed to have an eligible vehicle. In our work, we synthesized Er-GQDs at 200℃ for 8 h and 17 h in deuterium oxide. The fluorescence of erbium ions is known to be quenched by OH functional groups. The average size of Er-GQDs is growing from 3 to 5 nm after 8 h and 17 h treatment times, respectively, and exhibit fluorescence with 1550 nm emission peak in deuterium oxide. All aforementioned results make Er-GQDs a potential imaging agent for bioimaging.

SARS-CoV-2 viral rebound after Paxlovid treatment

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Aubrey Chiarelli Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 5, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

COVID-19 now has antiviral treatments to help prevent hospitalization. Paxlovid is the most prevalent and effective of these medications. Paxlovid consists of two medications taken twice daily for five days, however, there have been anecdotal reports of rebound infection after a course of Paxlovid. This project aims to use mathematical models to investigate the infection conditions that result in rebound cases. Stochastic modeling is used to simulate the time course of infections with different doses and durations of Paxlovid to determine when rebound will occur. These findings could help physicians develop more consistent treatment regimens for Paxlovid.

Graphene Quantum Dots Prove They Can Play Nice: The Biocompatibility of Graphene Quantum Dots from Different Carbon Precursors

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Abby Dorsky Physics & Astronomy Olivia Sottile Biology Alina Valimukhametova Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 1, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a frontier of research in the interdisciplinary world of biology and medicine. They have been hallmarked for their remarkable applications, from cellular imaging to drug delivery. Due to their unique physicochemical and optical properties, there is a strong desire to bring them to clinical application. However, prior to any therapeutic and bioimaging studies comprehensive analysis of GQDs cytotoxicity has to be done in vitro. In our research, we assess the biocompatibility of a variety GQDs synthesized from different carbon-based precursors in non-cancerous cells through cell viability assay. Our results show that GQDs prepared from chitosan and glucosamine demonstrate 80% cell availability at 1.2 and 2.2 mg/mL concentrations, respectively, making them the most promising candidates for further therapeutic applications among over 15 GQD candidates tested.

Analysis of viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 challenege study patients

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jonathan Feldman Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 1, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induced a global pandemic in 2020, is a serious pathogen that can cause acute respiratory distress in infected individuals. In order to garner a greater understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and attenuate its effects, researchers have aimed to estimate key viral kinetic parameters. In this study, data from a previously published challenge study on the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on young adults, including viral load, upsit score, and symptom score, was used to calibrate a system of ordinary differential equations, generating pathogenic parameters. In addition, Pearson covariance values and the Lyapunov exponents were calculated for each participant from the challenge study. For a majority of participants, the Lyapunov exponents were positive and finite, indicating chaotic behavior in vector space. Similarly, for most participants, there was a weak positive correlation between upsit/symptom scores and viral load. Future research will consist of implementing a newer system of ordinary differential equations that may be a better fit for the data