Long-jawed orbweaving spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) as Sentinels of Mercury Contamination of the Trinity River

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tori Martinez Biology Andrew Todd Environmental Sciences Macyn Willingham Biology
Advisor(s): Matt Chumchal Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Long-jawed orbweaving spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) as Sentinels of Mercury Contamination of the Trinity River

Authors: Tori Martinez, Macyn Willingham, Christopher Allender, Morgan Capone, Matt Chumchal, Ray Drenner, Cale Perry, Robby Peterson, Iris Schmeder, Andrew Todd, Tyler Williams

Human-made sources such as coal-fired power plants and artisanal gold mines have large outputs of emissions containing inorganic mercury (IHg), resulting in an overall increase in environmental mercury (Hg) levels across the globe. IHg is not bioavailable and therefore does not normally pose a risk to organisms. However, the conversion of IHg to bioavailable methylmercury (MeHg) that takes place in an aquatic ecosystem threatens human and wildlife health, given that MeHg is a neurotoxin. To investigate this further, the amount of MeHg must be determined for specific locations given that there is a large variation in inorganic mercury deposition throughout various landscapes and ecosystems. Specifically, this project examines the bioaccumulation of MeHg in aquatic food webs and individual bodies of water, through the use of shoreline spiders as a sentinel species. If excess mercury is present within an aquatic food web, there would be a presence of mercury in emergent aquatic insects. Shoreline spiders, then, prey on the emergent aquatic insects, resulting in an accumulation of mercury within their tissue. Shoreline spiders have been proposed as sentinels of MeHg but there have been relatively few studies examining biological factors that could influence the concentration of MeHg in their tissues. The objective of this study is to determine how spider size and sex can influence MeHg concentrations in the Clear and West Fork of the Trinity River. There is existing evidence that the two forks may have varying amounts of mercury accumulation, based on a study done in 2016. This study focused on the long-jawed orb weaver (Family Tetragnathidae; Tetragnatha sp.) shoreline spider, in which over 1000 were captured from June to August 2019. We preserved spiders in 95% ethanol followed by measurement of leg length (a proxy for body size), determination of spider sex and Hg analysis. In this presentation we will discuss the relationship between spider size, sex, and ecosystem contamination levels on Hg concentration.

Fighting food waste through community composting

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ashlyn Morrill Environmental Sciences Emily LeBlanc Environmental Sciences Camilla Price Biology Gloria Serrano Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Since the 19th century, Earth’s average surface temperature has risen 2 degrees Fahrenheit due to an increase in the pollution of greenhouse gases caused by human activity. The magnitude of food waste produced in the United States contributes to climate change through the methane released by the excess food discarded in landfills. Each year, 40 percent of food in the United States is never consumed due to food loss or waste along the supply chain including growers, consumers, retailers, and restaurants (NRDC 2020; SOFA 2019). However, millions of Americans are food insecure or live in areas known as food deserts that have little access to fresh food. Recent estimates suggest 690 million people around the world went hungry in 2019 (UNICEF 2020). For food systems to operate more sustainably, we must promote food recovery processes, one of which is composting. The purpose of this research is to first quantify the amount of food waste produced and then diverted from landfills through a community composting program in Fort Worth, Texas. Our group has partnered with Roy Pope Grocery to collect composting material and deliver it to the UNT Health Science Garden, where it is weighed, processed, composted, and later used in gardening plots. Through composting, we are able to limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the air, in turn, fighting climate change and preventing its negative impacts on Earth’s ecosystem. We are analyzing four months of food waste via descriptive statistics and the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM).

Fungal induced molecular transformation of plant-derived organic matter alters carbon sequestration potential and sorption capacity

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jesse Mugisha Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 2, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Microbial interactions with plant biomass contribute significantly to the cycling of nutrients and contaminants in the environment. Primarily among these interactions is the role of fungal-induced degradation of organic matter, its regulatory effects on the carbon cycle, and pollutant transport. This study uses fungal colonization of spent coffee grounds as a model for understanding fungi-plant biomass interactions and their relationship to carbon stability and pollutant removal capacity. Results indicate that fungal-induced alterations of the plant material result in an increase in aromatic and a concomitant decrease in methyl components of the organic matter. This molecular alteration was accompanied by an increase in the carbon content of the remaining material, an increase in the carbon stability as determined by the materials R , and an increase in sorption capacity for cationic species as determined from gentian violet sorption to the materials. The results from this study could contribute additional knowledge to solving grand challenges in climate and pollution.

Spatial-temporal Analysis of Forest Cover and Carbon Capture Potential

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jesse Mugisha Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Excessive greenhouse gas emissions that result from unregulated energy exploitation contribute to climate change and air pollution. One way to restore the carbon balance within the earth’s systems is to increase carbon inputs by capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it in stable reservoirs, also known as Carbon Sequestration. Using the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to organic carbon that is relatively more stable than gaseous carbon. The ability to sequester carbon varies across different vegetation species and the environments in which they grow. Using ArcGIS tools and free-access remote sensing data, this study will survey the spatial distribution of plant biomass and their effective carbon storage capacity in a case study located in Africa. The results from this study will i) identify facilities with the most effective carbon sequestration potential ii) help conservation programs in making landscaping decisions for future urban developments.

Are all available water sources in an urban environment accessible to local bats?

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Camilla Price Environmental Sciences Izzy Acheson Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 11, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Bats provide many ecosystem services, including pest control, pollination, and seed dissemination, which are economically beneficial to humans. Yet as human populations continue to grow, leading to the increasing loss, degradation, and fragmentation of natural habitats to urban sprawl, wildlife species including bats are having to adapt to this unnatural environment. One important resource that bats must access in such environments is water. In natural landscapes, bats drink from ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and even puddles, but in human-modified areas, studies have shown that bats can drink from drainage ditches, cattle troughs, and residential swimming pools. However, it is generally assumed that these resources are not preferred and, if present, more semi-natural water sources, such as retention and ornamental ponds, would be preferentially used. But what if we are incorrectly assuming that all semi-natural water sources are readily accessible and available to bats. To explore this uncertainty, we conducted behavioral observation surveys using thermal cameras and acoustic detectors to determine whether semi-natural water sources within Fort Worth, including the retention pond on the Texas Christian University (TCU) campus, were suitable for bats. Specifically, we compared bat drinking activity at these ponds and identified pond characteristics that might deter or encourage bats to drink at them. Our study revealed that the presence of artificial lights represented a major characteristic that deterred bats. In particular, we found that only when flood lights from the TCU soccer field were turned off, bat activity was recorded at the TCU retention pond. This result confirmed that not all water sources are readily accessible and available to bats, but turning lights off when they are not needed could effectively improve water availability for bats. It is findings such as these that can inform the enrichment of urban environments for bats and, therefore, aid their conservation.

E. Coli bacteria in our local streams: A case of the Village Creek in Everman, Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Morgan Washington Environmental Sciences Aria Tirion Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences
Location: First Floor, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) classifies nearly 28% of assessed rivers and streams in Texas as impaired due to pathogenic bacteria in the water. One such stream is the Village Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River in north-central Texas. Therefore, this study in the Water and Society Lab at TCU aims to monitor Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration in the Village Creek.

In this ongoing study, we collect water quality samples weekly, incubate them for 24 hours at 35 °C, and then determine the presence or absence and total E. coli count as CFU (colony forming units) using the US EPA-approved Colilert system. E. coli over 126 CFU per 100 mL water sample indicates unsafe levels per the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the US EPA. Based on the analysis of 16 samples, the average, minimum, and maximum E. coli counts are 324.4 CFU, 15.5 CFU, and 1620 CFU, respectively. The next important step in this study is to build the statistical relationship of E. coli with different hydro-climatological variables, including streamflow, rainfall, ambient temperature, water temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. The findings of this study will help make water quality and water resources management decisions in the north-central Texas region.

Determining the Most Dangerous Streets of Fort Worth, TX Using Spatial Analysis

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): William Hart Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 10, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Fort Worth, Texas has become one of the most populated areas in the United States. With a growing influx of commuters on a daily basis, there is no doubt that there will be a large amount of car crashes in the city. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2020 there were over 15,000 car crashes while in 2021 there were over 17,000 car accidents. In 2022 alone there have been over 3000 car crashes already. Many of these car crashes are likely avoidable and finding the areas that are most susceptible to these accidents will be valuable knowledge for drivers and the city. Applying ESRI ArcGIS Pro’s spatial analysis extension to the Texas Department of Transportation's car accident the roads of Fort Worth with high crash and fatality rates will be found and mapped accordingly.

Analysis of Tornado Events in Alabama Using Geospatial Techniques: Impacts and Aggravating Factors

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

For this research project, geospatial analysis will be utilized to study tornado outbreaks in Alabama, and to analyze the impact of major tornado events at different times (1974-2020) in the specified study regions and analyze that as well. This project is significant because these tornado outbreaks resulted in many deaths and lots of devastation in the region. By studying these tornadoes closely, a better understanding of the tornado events will be developed .
The goal of the study is to compare the relationship of elevation to the severity of the tornadoes (EF Scale) as well as look into how surface modification has amplified the effect of the tornadoes to analyze results more closely. Other primary goals are to 1) map the tornado track and 2) to analyze the change in the impact of tornadoes over time, taking land surface changes, elevation, and EF values into consideration to better understand the relation between them. In terms of the time series analysis, I will look into major tornado outbreaks that affected the study sites from 1974-2020. All of this will be accomplished using ArcMap, Google Earth Engine, and possibly other programs/tools. Relevant datasets are coming from LANDSAT, Sentinel 1 and 2, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and from other possible sources.

Dendrimeric organic nanomaterials at the Fe(III)-oxide-water interface: Size effects on dynamics of binding

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Brooke Newell Geological Sciences Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 3, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

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-occuring geomaterials is central to supporting continued sustainable development and use of nanomaterials. The current study explores the chemodynamics of the organic nanomaterial, polyamidoamine (PAMAM), binding to (and debinding from) ferrihydrite. Specific focus is placed on how PAMAM size affects the quantity, kinetics and dynamics for three carboxyl-terminated PAMAMs (Gx.5-COOH) sorbing/desorbing to/from the variably-charged ferrihydrite (FFH). Early results suggest that at pH 5, the smaller PAMAM G1.5-COOH sorbed/desorb to/from FFH in similar quantities but at slower rates than G3.5-COOH. Sorption/desorption was also found to occur via 1- or 2-steps with a faster surface-mediated step being followed by a slower diffusion-mediated step and the proportion of surface-mediated: diffusion-mediated sorption/desorption increasing with PAMAM size (i.e. G1.5-COOH<G3.5-COOH). This presentation will further cover results obtained with G5.5-COOH PAMAM.

Applying Chemical Analysis Methods to Address Food Desert Problems in Fort Worth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Wilson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 9, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

"Power your school:" Working with Dallas-Fort Worth schools to identify alternative energies for their campus

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Jack Bonnell Interdisciplinary Grace Bobo Interdisciplinary Precious Castillo Interdisciplinary Traylin Cleveland Interdisciplinary Camryn Gloor Interdisciplinary Kelly Jaimes Interdisciplinary Ashlyn Laidman Interdisciplinary Christina Mantsorov Interdisciplinary Kiet Nguyen Interdisciplinary Kennedy Redmon Interdisciplinary Zach Rouseau Interdisciplinary George Weimer Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Kayla Green Chemistry & Biochemistry Jeffrey L. Coffer Chemistry & Biochemistry Heidi Conrad Chemistry & Biochemistry Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

K-12 curricula worldwide typically lack a strong emphasis on alternative energies, particularly solar and wind power. To counter this, the University of Cambridge has developed the “Power your School” initiative, a program where students learn to map their school and local area, predict where the best sites for solar panels may be on their campus, use scientific equipment accurately, record results, and make ideal recommendations based on their data. TCU Chemistry Club and the Coffer Research Lab have partnered with this initiative to help local elementary schools investigate the benefits of renewable energy, assist in calculating the financial benefits of solar panels over a span of multiple years, and most importantly - to help young students learn the basics of proper recording of scientific data. Through poster creation and its subsequent presentation, students also use design and oral communication skills to educate local officials (and beyond) into the benefits of investing in renewable energy. Methods and results of this project will be presented.

4HerHealth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kynnedy Brown Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Julie Fry Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: Basement, Table 13, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The transition from high school to college marks a significant life change and, as a result, could lead to changes in health behaviors, exercise, and stress levels. Physical activity can enhance self-confidence and collectivism, improve emotional states, decrease stress, aid in building relationships, and contributes to feelings of elation and satisfaction (Qu, 2020). Studies show lower levels of activity among college women, with Black women having greater risk of obesity than white women. (Ajibade, 2011). The effects of a lack of physical activity for college minority women pose more significant threats as they increase in age; this is especially notable with Black women, who present low activity levels compared to white and other minority women (Greaney et al., 2017).

4HerHealth aims to combat the prevalence of potential health-related risks by fostering a community that supports physical activity and wellness in minority college students’ lives. The program consists of biweekly activities that highlight various health-related activities such as TCU-instructed fitness classes, step challenges, cooking and nutrition classes, and study and stress-relieving sessions. Participants who expressed low activity levels before the program reported an increased drive to go to the gym and eat healthier. Overall, participants said the program was informative, well-rounded, and provided a safe space and community for minority women on campus.

References
Ajibade, P. B. (2011). Physical activity patterns by campus housing status among African American female college students. Journal of Black Studies, 42(4), 548–560. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934710385116
Greaney, M. L., Askew, S., Wallington, S. F., Foley, P. B., Quintiliani, L. M., & Bennett, G. G. (2017). The effect of a weight gain prevention intervention on moderate-vigorous physical activity among black women: The shape program. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0596-6
Qu, X. (2020). Empirical analysis of the influence of physical exercise on psychological stress of college students. Revista Argentina de Clinica Psicologica. https://doi.org/10.24205/03276716.2020.386

Meadowcreek Elementary Pickleball

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): AJ Khawaja Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Philip Dodd Interdisciplinary
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

After-school programs can provide a variety of opportunities for elementary school students. With support from the Experiential Projects to Impact the Community (EPIC) committee, we partnered with a local elementary school in the Crowley Independent School District (CISD) to start a pickleball program. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. The sport combines elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The sport is appealing to all ages because it is easy to play. We gauged students' interest by teaching pickleball twice a week during P.E. classes. The Meadowcreek Pickleball Club launched shortly after in January of 2022. Students meet weekly to participate in drills, games, and clinics. Funding from the EPIC grant and a partnership with the Selkirk Growth Program allowed us to supply the school with nets, balls, and paddles. The purpose of the Meadowcreek Elementary Pickleball Club is to provide a safe environment where fourth and fifth graders can build relationships, gain confidence, and learn new skills.

Junior STEM Scholars Mentoring Program (JSSMP)

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Robert Molina Biology
Advisor(s): Sophia Garcia Biology
Location: Third Floor, Table 1, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, White, Latino/a, and Black youth enter into STEM programs at their universities in virtually identical numbers. Unfortunately following the early years of admittance, this is where the previous trend takes a dramatic decline as Black and Hispanic students are more likely to switch out of this field at rates of 40% and 37%, respectively (Riegle-Crumb et al., 2019). These disparities within Black and Hispanic communities regarding retention rate in STEM can oftentimes be attributed to factors such as imposter syndrome, lack of educational resources, and a lack of guidance/mentorship during their undergraduate career– the latter being the main focal point of this study. The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact that mentoring programs have on minority high school students that are interested in pursuing a degree in the field of STEM. Pre- and Post-surveys were utilized during the 2020/2021 academic school year in order to accurately gauge the students’ confidence in the following: applying to STEM programs at their universities of interest, excelling once admitted, and the amount of support they have in doing so. Community Partners include two local high schools in the surrounding DFW metroplex where students are paired with TCU Undergraduates currently pursuing a degree in STEM. Ultimately the following research seeks to examine the effectiveness of mentoring programs in the removal of generational barriers that have historically prevented populations of first-generation, minority students from not only succeeding in institutions of higher education, but ultimately receiving a bachelor's degree within fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Crafts and Conversations

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Annemarie Thompson Interdisciplinary Rima Abram Interdisciplinary Gretel Jordan Interdisciplinary Allison Regan Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Jill Duncan Interdisciplinary
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Separated from their families, many older Americans in assisted living facilities struggle with loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, for most facilities have restricted outside visitors due to safety concerns. With the help of the Experiential Projects to Impact the Community (EPIC) Grant, which provides up to $1,500 for a Pre-Health student-led project at TCU that promotes a culture of giving and serves a demonstrated need in the Fort Worth community, a monthly meeting, centered on a craft activity, entitled “Crafts and Conversations” was established at Trinity Terrace to foster community between students at TCU and the residents of a local retirement facility. Through monthly Zoom meetings during the height of the pandemic to masked in-person gatherings at Trinity Terrace, TCU undergraduate students and residents at Trinity Terrace could talk amongst each other while constructing a craft whether that be painting Halloween pumpkins or crafting a winter holiday snow globe. By volunteering in leading these crafts, TCU students have had the chance to build meaningful relationships, improve upon their communication skills in a group dynamic, and been able to address preconceived stereotypes about the elderly. Prior to each craft, each meeting opens with a musical performance that has allowed TCU undergraduate musicians to cultivate and share their craft as well. This project has helped give residents at Trinity Terrace an outlet for social connections through crafts and conversations. Through a commitment to sustainability, “Crafts and Conversations” with Trinity Terrace will endure as a lasting legacy through a crew of committed volunteers who have grown as student leaders by strengthening the Fort Worth community and enriching the lives of the residents at Trinity Terrace.

Once Upon A Room

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Maggie Tucker Interdisciplinary Molly Koca Interdisciplinary Jacqueline Leon Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Mathew Crawford Interdisciplinary
Location: Basement, Table 1, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

The Pre-Health Peer Mentor EPIC grant program initiated our Once Upon a Room project to provide individual room decorations to patients at Cook Children. Due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted our goals by creating gift bags for patients and their families. These bags included gifts to make their stay better, from holiday bags including board games, toys, and other sensory items to welcome bags with hygiene supplies for parents. We have delivered approximately 45 bags in the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters and are set to deliver approximately 36 more in coming months. The gift bags have been a success with consistent and positive feedback from family and from Cook Children's Child Life department alike.

Group Actions on Cell Complexes

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Harrison Daniels Mathematics
Advisor(s): Ken Richardson Mathematics
Location: Second Floor, Table 4, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

In this project we examine 2-dimensional cell-complexes and group actions on those cell complexes. We determine topological invariants of the group actions on these complexes using homology, cohomology, and the Euler characteristic.

An investigation into Riemannian manifolds of positive scalar curvature

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Khoi Nguyen Mathematics
Advisor(s): Ken Richardson Mathematics
Location: Basement, Table 9, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

In the field of Riemannian geometry, the condition on the Riemannian metric so that a manifold has positive scalar curvature (PSC) is important for a number of reasons. Many famous researchers have contributed gradually to this area of geometry, and in this project, we study more about PSC metrics on such manifolds. Specifically, we refine and provide some details to the proof of Gromov and Lawson that the connected sum of 2 n-dimensional manifolds will admit a PSC metric, provided each of the manifolds has a metric with the same condition. We then derive some useful formulas related to the Riemann curvature tensor, the Ricci tensor, and the scalar curvature in many different scenarios. We compute the quantities for a manifold equipped with an orthonormal frame and its dual coframe, namely the connection one-form and the curvature two-form. Then, we observe the change in the structure functions, defined as a function that determines the Lie derivative of the orthonormal frame, under a nearly conformal change of the said frame. The aim of these calculations is that, by expressing the scalar curvature of a manifold M entirely in terms of the structure functions, we can determine a condition on the conformal factor so that when dividing the tangent bundle of M into two sub-bundles, then the scalar curvature restricted to one sub-bundle will “dominate” that of the other one so that if we know the scalar curvature of the former sub-bundle is positive, we can be assured that the scalar curvature of M as a whole is also positive.

Random Surfaces and Curves

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Hoang Long Nguyen Mathematics
Advisor(s): Ken Richardson Mathematics
Location: Second Floor, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

This research project focuses on the spreading of random curves in the differential geometry field which arises in statistical mechanics . It is known from the work of Einstein that random walks are connected to Brownian motion and diffusion. We will examine random curves that are not merely continuous but that are smooth and have prescribed bounds on curvature. We examine the distribution of a finite number of endpoints of such random curves. Using Python, we obtain 2-D histograms, graphs, and charts to research the spreading of random curves. A central goal in statistical mechanics is to describe the large-scale behavior of systems with the distribution of randomly generated data; we compare the distributions of curve endpoints to the Gaussian (normal) distribution.

Improved physiological markers of omega-3 status and compliance with omega-3 supplementation in Division I Track & Field and Cross-country athletes: a randomized control crossover trial

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Katie Couris Nutritional Sciences Daphne Thomas Biology
Advisor(s): Jada Willis Nutritional Sciences
Location: First Floor, Table 1, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Omega-3 supplementation in Division I track & field and cross-country athletes: Physiological markers of Omega-3 status, compliance, and likeability

Katie Couris1, Daphne Thomas1, Tatum Johnston1, Austin J Graybeal, PhD, CSCS2, Brooke Helms, MA, RDN, CSSD, LD3, and Jada L. Willis, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND1

1Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Science & Engineering, Texas Christian University; Fort Worth, TX
2School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg, MS
3TCU Sports Nutrition, Department of Athletics, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

ABSTRACT
Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) intake is suboptimal in student-athletes. Given this, and the newfound access to supplementation in collegiate athletes, the purpose of this study was to determine if Enhanced Recovery™ (ER) would improve FA profiles, compliance, and likeability versus a control in Division I track & field and cross-country athletes. In this randomized crossover study, 17 athletes were randomly assigned to either ER or a matched, standard control (fish-oil pills) for ~42d each with a 33-35d washout period. FA profiles were measured at baseline and every two-weeks. For omega-3 index (N3I), there were significant effects of time (p<0.001) and interaction (p=0.004). Significant increases were observed up to four-weeks and were higher for the control versus ER at weeks four (ER=7.25%±1.02; CON=7.76%±1.16) and six (ER=7.33%±1.14; CON=8.03%±1.33). There were also significant effects of time for omega-3:6 and arachidonic:eicosapentaenoic acid (p<0.001). However, after adjusting for compliance and consumption of omega-3 food sources, there were no longer significant effects of time, but an interaction effect remained for N3I and was observed for omega-3:6 (p=0.022; p=0.024, respectively) where both measures were better from four-to-six weeks during the control. Consumption of omega-3 food sources was a significant covariate for N3I and omega-3:6 (p=0.037; p=0.017, respectively). Lastly, 57.9% reported liking/being more likely to take ER and felt it was easier to consume (68.4%). As expected, both the ER and control led to improved FA levels. However, supplementation with ER led to improved likability among division I athletes which may enhance long-term omega-3 status.

Warm or Cold Dark Matter: A Love-Heat Relationship

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emilie Burnham Physics & Astronomy Alessa Ibrahim Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Mia Bovill Physics & Astronomy
Location: Basement, Table 3, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Dark Matter (DM) is hypothesized to be an exotic particle that is invisible to human observation. But thankfully, its existence is proven through its gravitational interaction with luminous matter (such as stars and galaxies), and it is responsible for the formation of the humongous structures across our universe. The leading interpretation of DM is what we call Cold Dark Matter (CDM), where the DM particles have relatively low velocities and low energies. This causes structures to form quite quickly and easily in the early universe. While CDM can explain many observed properties of the universe, it is not without its flaws (specifically on the scale of low-mass dwarf galaxies). The hypothesis of Warm Dark Matter (WDM) poses a viable solution to the shortcomings of CDM. In WDM, the DM particles are of higher energy and have higher velocities. This would cause the formation of the first gravitationally bound structures in the Universe to be delayed when compared to CDM. Using a model to approximate varying temperatures of DM, we compare the rates and characteristics of early structure formation for the current CDM hypothesis, and that of many other types/temperatures of WDM. We expect that the differences between CDM and WDM will be most apparent during the first billion years after the Big Bang, just as the first stars in the Universe ignite. These results may be indicative of the true nature of dark matter, and finally bring our understanding into the light.

Graphene Quantum Dots as Perspective Bioimaging Agents

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Olivia Fannon Physics & Astronomy Alina Valimukhametova Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are highly perspective bioimaging agents due to a plethora of advantageous properties making them superior to conventional fluorophores. Those properties include stability to photobleaching, large Stokes shifts circumventing biological autofluorescence, and a capability of functionalization for drug delivery. In this work, a variety of GQD structures are imaged via visible fluorescence microscopy in order to evaluate the optimal GQD structures for bioimaging and bioengineering in vitro.

Dynamical differences caused by differences in route of infection

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ishaan Gadiyar Physics & Astronomy Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 3, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Infections deriving from the highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus often result in severe respiratory diseases with a high mortality rate. Although rarely transmissible to humans, recent events such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have shown that a proper understanding of the life cycles of deadly viruses like H5N1 and any variables that affect its terminality are vital. One such variable could be the method of entry, and its impact on the progression of H5N1 is the focus of the study. Utilizing previous data on cynomolgus macaques subject to samples of H5N1, we study how entry via a combined intrabronchial, oral, and nasal pathway affect disease progression. We fit the data using a viral kinetics model, which allows us to estimate parameters describing the H5N1 life cycle. This allows us to better understand the life cycle of H5N1 in vivo.

Effect of cellular regeneration and viral transmission mode on viral spread

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Asher Haun Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: Second Floor, Table 1, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Everyone gets sick and illness negatively affects all aspects of life. One major cause of illness is viral infections. Some viral infections can last for weeks; others, like influenza (the flu), can resolve quickly. During infections, healthy cells can grow in order to replenish the cells that have died from the virus. Past viral models, especially those for short-lived infections like influenza, tend to ignore cellular regeneration – since many think that uncomplicated influenza resolves much faster than cells regenerate. This research accounts for cellular regeneration, using an agent-based framework, and varies the regeneration rate in order to understand how cell regeneration affects viral infections. The model used represents virus infections and spread in a two-dimensional layer of cells in order to generate graphs of virus over time for corresponding regeneration rates. We find that the effect of cell regeneration depends on the mode of transmission of the infection.

Characterization of the Photothermal Effect of Various Nanoparticles

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Gretel Jordan Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Photothermal Therapy (PTT) provides a promising new method of radiative therapy cancer, using infrared wavelengths. In my project, the ability of these materials to heat up when shone with near infrared light, or the photothermal effect, of various nanomaterials—including reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene quantum dots , and copper sulfide nanoparticles—is characterized by irradiation of the aqueous materials with near-infrared radiation.